BMW Club Oxford Section Report for May 2016
Thank you Wendy for filling in last month’s report whilst I was away. Being away also meant I missed the ride to the Toddington Railway Centre but the ride leader, Geoff Clough sent in a report:-
“There were around 25 bikes on the ride out on 10 April from Oxford Services to Toddington, the home of the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway. The day proved to be sunny and dry but followed several rainy days. The route chosen had a mixture of A, B and unclassified roads and started by following the A40 to Burford then joined the B4425 towards Cirencester. This former A road was well surfaced and has lots of open flowing bends as it winds across the Cotswolds through Bibury to Cirencester. Having skirted Cirencester (and sadly lost one member in the process), the route joined an unclassified road (probably the old Fosse Way) northwards. The roads were certainly all tarmac when the recce run was carried out, but the previous days of downpour had left mud and gravel on some parts of the roads, which provided slightly more of a challenge than had been expected. Nevertheless, the sun shone brilliantly and most of those on the ride out enjoyed the selection of roads along the Cotswold ridge. There were wide ranging views from the ridge before dropping down to the main road just before Toddington. The Flag and Whistle cafe at the GWR centre provided suitable refreshments and some even spent time on the railway travelling to Cheltenham and back. The return ride for some being via Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford to home”.
Thank you Geoff, a fine variety of roads and surfaces and only one member lost. I have since heard that this chap took a wrong turning in Cirencester and ended up in Swindon where he gave up and went home. Geoff’s reputation for losing people is growing though!
On the 16th April some members chose to ride to the AGM at Kegworth with Dave & Rosemary Hicks as leader. When the riders met up they found that the “ride” leader was in a Kia Picanto, which they prudently chose in preference to riding in the forecast snow. They all made it but the riders had an awful journey with at least two heavy snow showers to contend with. Hardy souls these Oxford Section members but the car proved the better option. It would seem that the AGM was a lively affair with Oxford Section’s Ian Dobie being elected as a Vice President. Congratulations to Ian, we look forward to Ian’s decisive input to the future proceedings of the Club.
On the 23rd April Bahnstormer Maidenhead organised a special Touring Day, which the Oxford Section supported. To get the day off to a good start for Oxford Section members a special breakfast had been organised at the pub social location of the Dashwood Arms, Piddington. Wayne, Tina and the chef produced a superb range of breakfasts at very reasonable prices to refuel those about to set out on the run. Tim Bolderston led the group on such an interesting route to Maidenhead that the drop off system was worked to the extreme. Speaking to those who arrived at Bahnstormer elicited the comment that they hadn’t realised there were such interesting roads and views in this otherwise heavily congested part of England. Well done to Tim in working out a route that proved such a pleasure to ride.
There were lots of visitors to the Bahnstormer event and they could find out about touring from Nigel Richardson of Motorrad Tours or equipment from Touratech as well as being able to get BMW equipment at a discount from the dealer. It was slightly disconcerting to see a GS laid on its side by the entrance but this was a demonstration bike showing off Touratech gadgets to protect the machine plus all those “extras” we all know we need. The Oxford Section stand had lots of interested visitors and welcome to those who joined up on the day. More food in the form of burgers and bacon was expertly produced by the Bahnstormer staff along with a never ending stream of coffee and tea; an excellent day out.
The 12th June will be a ride out to the Armament Museum on Portsdown Hill led by Stuart Giles. A fascinating place to visit and thoroughly recommended. The following evening on the 13th June there is going to be a Bike Night at the Dashwood Arms, Piddington with music, lots of food and of course lots of bikes wit the section stand and club members in attendance. Make an evening of it and come along.
As we get the summer riding underway, there are also events where help would be appreciated. For example, volunteers are still required to help at the ACU National Road Rally on the 2nd & 3rd July where the section will be peopling a check point at Carterton; names to Andy Lawson please on 01993 212561 or harvest.moon@ntlworld.com as soon as possible.
The huge Cassington Bike night on the 27th June relies on volunteers to assist with the running of the event and the Oxford Section has in the past been very supportive. We will have the Section gazebo at the event but we need names of those who can pop along and do an hour or so to help please to Kevin Burrows at middlejays@sky.com . Nothing onerous and you get to see some great bikes and a free soft drink and burger for your efforts.
The bike nights follow in quick succession with Ludgershall on the 4th July and West Hagbourne on the 12th July; all with the club stand in a prominent position so come along and say hello.
By the time you read this we will be heading for midsummer; doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun!
John L Broad
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