It has been an “interesting” year, with government guidance coming thick and fast and everyone has worked tirelessly to maximise the opportunities for members to ride their motorcycles. Unfortunately, we are once again in lockdown; however this time it’s with a “light at the end of the Tunnel” and at least 2 vaccines beginning to be rolled out….
2021 Calendar
This has been completed and includes a substantial increase in rideouts on Sundays and mid-week using Meetup®. The trifold calendar is being printed now and will be coming through your letterboxes very soon. As always, our Social Secretary, Dave Tomlinson, would be interested in your feedback on the new Calendar or indeed ideas for the next one in 2022.
Social Evenings
These remain cancelled in person until at least March but are a much-loved part of the calendar. Unfortunately, a number of venues have changed so please check carefully for your local event.
Two of the pub locations shown in the Calendar last year are no longer available:
- Dashwood Arms, Piddington, HP14 3BH
- The Cherry Tree, 33 High Street, Steventon OX13 6RZ
But now we have found three new locations which we hope you will be able to enjoy once COVID restrictions are relaxed:
- The Golden Cross, Wycombe Rd, Saunderton, High Wycombe HP14 4HU
- The Vine, 11 Abingdon Road, Cumnor, Oxfordshire OX2 9QN
- White Hart, Gable Cross, Swindon, SN3 4JD
While Pub Socials have been cancelled for the time being we are holding virtual Zoom Socials instead. The next Zoom Social will be on the topic of motorcycle related videos available on the internet and how to find them. Later Zoom Socials will have a number of speakers based on the theme of travel on the 19th January, 23rd February and the 23rd March, replacing our normal Uffington Programme.
Indoor meetings in Uffington
We have been unable to hold our normal indoor meetings over the 2020 / 21 winter season in the hall in Uffington because of the COVID restrictions. However, as mentioned above, the speakers have agreed to give the talks scheduled for the indoor meetings at the Zoom Socials instead.
Ride Outs & Meetup rides
Unfortunately, in the light of government guidance and restrictions, all rideouts have been cancelled for the next few months until April 2021. We will be keeping the restrictions under constant review as they change, in order to resume rideouts as soon as any relaxations permit.
Social Hub
The Social Hub is a small group of 5 members who have graciously stepped forward to help with developing new social initiatives and the 2022 calendar; our next meeting is on the 9th October
Ideas under consideration are skills-based courses. We have contacted RoSPA and TVAM to see if these could be run locally; examples would be slow speed riding, Sat Nav tutorials for members, and a skid pan event at Thruxton.
BMW Club riders’ group (Oxford Meetup® Rides) in support of TVAA
Over 60 members have signed up to Meetup and in these COVID times this has been the only way of enforcing the government guidance and allowing rides to take place. These OMRs have been enjoyed by members and non-members alike, with ride reports on the club website – see the links below for joining information: –
Sign up: https://secure.meetup.com/register
Join The Group: https://www.meetup.com/BMW-Club-Oxford-Motorcycle-Riders
Details of the first OMR last year: https://www.meetup.com/BMW-Club-Oxford-Motorcycle-Riders/events/268149009/
More Info: https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002860732-How-do-I-sign-up-for-a-Meetup-account-
Acknowledgement
My thanks to all those volunteers leading ride outs, BBQ’s, catering, organising trips. The list appears endless, but your efforts are greatly appreciated, and I look forward to working with you again in 2021.
Safe riding in 2021
Dave Tomlinson
Social Secretary
