The BMW Club Journal September 2016 – Oxford Section Report

BMW Club Oxford Section Report for August 2016

With the year rapidly going past we are reminded that ‘time waits for no man’ and maybe this is true for the ride out on the 10th July, ably led by Dick Robinson to Abberley Clock Tower, his first as leader of a run. Dick reported that there were “18 people on 13 bikes headed towards Evesham on the A44 with a ‘landing’ at the Wayside Tea Room just over an hour later for bacon butties. Continuing towards Abberley, the eagle-eyed were able to see the clock tower from several miles distance as it can be seen from six counties. Tony, our guide, took us right up to the bell chamber and parapet with wonderful views – passing several rooms on the way. He demonstrated the clock winding mechanism and answered all our questions with enthusiasm”. The success can be summed by one attendee as “many thanks to Dick and Jane for an excellent ride out today, fabulous route, cracking pace and no one lost, enjoyed the tour of the tower as well. Cracking day”. Dick also thanked Geoff Clough for assisting and being tail ender.

2-The Clock Tower hi res

Some things seem better if time slows down a bit and that might be said of the excellent run to the Morgan Car factory on the 18th July. Morgan Cars have a history of manufacturing in the good old traditional ways although not all has stood still as the Aero 8 shows. In fact they are right up to date with the latest version of their three wheeler that is electrically powered but that was hidden away. Rob Allin made the arrangements and 33 members rode to Malvern with Geoff Clough again being tail end. I know some members were tempted by the cars but it seems that all they got were small pieces of genuine Morgan Ash, suitably stamped with the logo.

The Section had stands at two more bike gatherings in July, the first on the evening of the 12th at West Hagbourne, again organised by Rob Allin and the second at the Calne Bike Day arranged by John Russ. At West Hagbourne, Rob was seen standing in the middle of the road waving his arms about as usual to try to entice all the owners of BMW bikes to pull onto the area by the club stand even if they didn’t want to. David & Rosemary set up their gazebo as the focus for the Section, which proved to be useful later in the evening when it rained rather heavily.

Over at Calne, John Russ had set up a gazebo and the club banners in our usual place to make an excellent presentation with member’s bikes attracting visitors. Phil Carter organised a short, short notice ride (SNR) from the Sun Inn to the Calne event by wandering round Wiltshire for a bit. All those who went on the ride did enjoy it though and so thank you Phil. They do have some very tasty home made cakes for sale at Calne as many members can testify.

The pub socials are being well attended and proving to be friendly places to meet up with old and new friends. If you haven’t been, pop along and enjoy the company.

Our esteemed President is going to lead us on a ride up on the downs on the 11th September that he tells me will visit places people never knew existed; sounds intriguing.

Other members will be off to Europe and even to Norfolk where I understand there are lots of steam railway museums to see.

For those who have never been to the Kop Hill Climb, near Princess Risborough, you’ve been missing a treat. Frank Butler will be leading a ride out from the ‘H’ Café on the 18th September and I recommend this as a good day out.

Looking further ahead we have the regular Skittles Challenge where this year the Oxford Section will attempt to extract defeat from the jaws of victory again. If you fancy supporting the section, let me know as soon as possible please.

Even further ahead in November, Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue have offered us another special “Biker Down Workshop” evening for BMW Club members on the 10th November at the Slade Fire Station, Headington. If you are interested in attending please let me have your names ASAP as there are only 12 places available.

When it stops raining, this time of the year can be really good, make the most of it as, remember ‘time waits for no man’!

John L Broad

 


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Author: bobmack70