BMW Club Oxford Section Report for April 2015
Easter; a time of listening to the sounds of lawnmowers and hammering do it yourself enthusiasts or maybe to get the bikes out and get away for a while. Getting away being the subject of the last of the indoor meetings at Uffington village hall on the 8th March when Richard Millington enticed a very full house of around 68 people, with many riding in, to his presentation on “The World of BMW”. There were so many that the refreshment team were working at full stretch right up to the time of the talk; our thanks go to all the workers supplying and distributing the food and drink led by David Hicks.
Richard started by explaining that “The World of BMW” doesn’t really exist but is a brand that BMW set up in 2000. The brand includes Simon Pavey’s off road school, BMW Rider Training with Ian Biederman in Royston and Richard Millington running the Motorrad Tour Company. They arrange tours around Europe and the World but also have a contract with Ride Magazine and will be running six tours under the Ride brand this year. As Richard pointed out, all the journeys can be done solo but riders join the tours for the social fun during and after each day.
Richard’s presentation was divided up into his top 10 touring tips and, as he pointed out, people may agree or disagree with some of them but they all make you think and he is of course speaking from extensive experience. I know we could have listened to his stories for a lot longer but with such a good riding day and the time limit on the hall hire, we had to stop. For me, his descriptions of the lack of forethought and planning of one US rider he called ‘Chuck’ was both hilarious and showed just what could go wrong. We certainly enjoyed that afternoon and must thank Richard, and his partner Karen, for taking the time to talk to us. I must also thank Phil Carter for arranging the talk as well.
Bob Mack has been out in Portugal and is always willing to try a new bike but I suspect the one he sent a photograph of may not be much use except he wouldn’t be caught speeding on that!
The first natter night at the new location of the Waggon & Horses at Southmoor proved very good and thanks must go to both Geoff Clough for arranging this and to the staff who made us all so welcome.
Over the weekend of the 20th to the 22nd of March the (in)famous Rob & Marion Allin, ably assisted by Geoff Clough, Bournemouth Hotel event took place. Unlike last year, this year proved to have blue skies every day. A short ride on the Saturday to the Swanage steam railway that runs from Poole Quay to Corfe Castle proved too much of a draw to the railway buffs on the trip to miss. Great fun and superb views from the large windows of the Pullman carriage were enjoyed by everyone. There seemed to be a new punishment for those who might infringe the rules of the road at Corfe Castle with one member trying it for size; I think its been tried before and they call them ‘Stocks’. Brian Garforth described something strange on the Oxford Section website saying “The usual joyous occasion was endorsed by two overseas members that had swum ashore in time to demonstrate their traditional warrior skills. They each wore the keshō-mawashi as part of the ring entry ceremony!” Other members suggested this might be the new motorcycle protective clothing about to be marketed by BMW?! An excellent range of photographs taken by Brian can be seen on the Oxford Section website. Many thanks to Rob, Marion and Geoff for organising this enjoyable event and to Brian Garforth for the super photographs he took.
The first of the seasons ride outs will also be to the seaside at Mudeford on the 12th April led by Terry Barrett and we all hope for similar good weather on the day. This will be followed by another seaside trip but this time to the west at Weston-Super-Mare led by Phil Carter on the 10th May.
I hope those who enjoy camping have booked their places for the Lechlade Camping weekend organised by Dave Hawkins for the 29th to the 31st May; please book directly with the campsite. Dave will be leading a run on the Saturday to another ‘interesting location’, which others who may not be camping can join in with by meeting at the site.
As the weather warms up and the days get longer many will be venturing out on their bikes for the first time this year. Please remember that your skills will be a little rusty and take a little more time to get them back. As my Mother used to say it is better to be late in this world than early in the next!
Ride safely out there.
John L Broad
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