BMW Club Oxford Section Report for September 2016
As the summer fades into autumn, with a bit of luck, we can look forward to some nice cool sunny days that are ideal for riding bikes without getting too hot. The section has been lucky with the weather recently though and especially for the annual BBQ down at Savernake Forest on the 7th August, which was a great success. A record turnout of around 85 people and some 35 bikes took over a large part of the available site. Thanks go to the team who arrived early enough to bag the site and to set up gazebos, a trio of Barbecues, the flags and banners and of course a bit of parking space. Special thanks must go to David & Rosemary Shanks for getting the main ingredients and of course being chief cooks and bottle washers. Dave Hawkins needs a special mention as he really gets to the site early enough to start the set up and, essentially, get the tea urn ready. Many of the members have to be thanked for adding to the delicious food by bringing all those extra food goodies that just have to be indulged in to make the dishes extra special. Our South African friends always surprise us with some special meats and sausages native to their homeland that allow members to experience food from other parts of the world. Someone mentioned crocodile meat, but I think they were joking, weren’t they?
A relatively large group of members took part in the ride organised by Tim Bolderston from Newbury to the site. It was very unfortunate that an accident occurred to one of the rider’s en-route but we wish David a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him on a future ride out.
The following weekend was also good weather and the team, led again by Rosemary & David Hicks, were up at the crack of dawn with Martin Skennerton providing transport to set up the Club Section stand at the Brackley Festival of Motorcycling on the 14th August. Whilst there are lots of things to see at this event it is a long day for the team on the stand and it was good to see many members as they stopped by for a chat.
Some the usual attendees of the stand were missing as they were on a MSL Tour, or as they put it, “Five go Massif in France”. They also had excellent weather with a good selection of roads and interesting places to see that included the Millau viaduct and the site of the D Day landings on the way back. You can read all about their experiences in the report on the Oxford Section website at http://www.thebmwcluboxford.com/ complete with stunning photographs.
Many thanks to all those who sent me contact details to attend the special ‘Biker Down Workshop’ to be run by Oxford Fire & Rescue Service on the 10th November. Of necessity, due to space requirements for the practical parts of the evening, there are only 12 places available although I have stretched this to 14. There is a possibility for another workshop and I have started a reserve list if people wish to send me their names.
The ‘Short Notice Rides’ (SNR) have been proving very popular with members disappearing to all parts of the country with a few days notice taking advantage of the weather windows. Make sure you check out the facebook page if these appeal to you.
One more structured ride is planned with Dave Shanks planning to lead us to the National Motorcycle Museum on the 9th October.
Whilst most of the pub social locations are proving to be in the right place with the right service from the landlords, there have been a few issues at a couple of places. Keep an eye out for messages as these are being resolved for the future and there might be a few new locations. Dare I mention it but most of the Pub Social locations have even set their special “Christmas” dinner dates and we just await the menus to select the feasts in so many places. Even more food and good company to look forward to!
The annual Skittles Challenge between the Oxford Section and the Western Section is planned for the 23rd October at the Wellesley Arms, Sutton Benger, SN15 5RD. This is where we need those with good hand eye coordination; OK, anyone who can throw in the right direction, to volunteer for the fantastic Oxford Team. If you fancy supporting the Oxford section, let me know as soon as possible please. Bangers and chips will be available as usual but the pub needs to know numbers.
As the nights draw in the regular Sunday rides are replaced with the indoor social events and the first one will be on the 13th November. This will be a social gathering with some light refreshments; oh, and it is the AGM as well. I’ll be standing down with Dave Tomlinson taking over my duties as Social Secretary. I’ve enjoyed my stint and will still stay on the committee to help out where I can. The diary for next year is filling up with loads of interesting places to go and things to do and you should see a copy of this very soon. This Section works so well because everyone wants to get involved and help out where they can, this is so refreshing compared to some clubs I know. Let us keep it this way and the Section will have a great future.
John L Broad
