Bideford Classic Motorcycle Show 2nd March 2025

A bright, frosty start to the day saw six of us riding to the show at the Bideford Pannier Market.  As soon as Cliff had thawed out his frost-bitten fingers the bikes were lined up by our stand and it was time for coffee and a bacon roll before the doors opened to the public at eleven.  We were a bit short-handed as several of our team were unable to make it due to unforeseen circumstances.  Despite that, we fielded a nice, diverse line-up of machines which drew plenty of interest from the crowd.  It was good see that the show was well attended and it became quite busy around lunchtime.  Finally, our efforts were rewarded as we were delighted to see our newcomer, Bruce, receive a prize for second best in show with his immaculate Norton 650 SS.  A big thank you to everyone for your support and taking part in the show.

Calendar 2025

Ok guys, Xmas is over and it’s time to look at enjoying the runs and meets for 2025 so here is our published calendar of events and meets for the year, enjoy!.

Autumn Codiwomple 031124

 

So here we are already at the final run of the year!, not to worry as 11 riders turned up at ‘The Quay cafe’ in Braunton to get ready for Andy’s famous coast run to the Hunters Inn. On my arrival, Andy was sitting at an outside table puffing the rain clouds away, ( successfully), and after we had all assembled, ( on a very varied collection of bikes ) ,he briefed us before he led us out across the marshes with John and Andy marshalling at the rear.

Now this is not a run which can be undertaken in the tourist season as we would not have had such easy passage through Croyde, Georgeham, Wollacombe, Combe Martin before arriving safely at the Hunters Inn. There were of course interesting views of beaches and valleys on the way.

After a good meal, Andy lead us back to Blackmoor Gate where members travelling south, left the run to head to South Molton and on to home.

Thanks to Andy for the weather and the route, and to John and Ian for bringing up the rear, I have to say that car drivers were quite kind to us today I thought. Now we have a planning meeting in 2 weeks, if anyone would like to lead a run in 2025 please tell John or any committee member before the meeting.

Dartmoor discovery run 15/09/24

 

Due to holidays, bereavement and other reasons just 7 riders and 1 pillion arrived at Whiddon Down services for Ian’s Dartmoor discovery run. Ian had arranged good weather and gave a pre run talk to make us aware that due to the fact that Dartmoor has few roads, some of the run would be on lanes, also as we were few in number, he suggested that we did not operate the usual drop off system and simply look in our mirrors, stopping if we lost sight of the next rider.

During our run today we crossed onto and off the moor on many lanes as warned and in several locations, seeing towns, a reservoir and visitor centres on route also swerving to avoid sheep, cattle and ponies, we even almost came to a stop whilst a squirrel ran down the road ahead of us. Lunch was taken in Princetown at the Fox Tor restaurant and a stop was made in Moretonhampstead.

Thanks to Ian for the route and congratulations to the riders for passing the ‘lanes’ test.

Next meet will be on the 26th at the Lymington Arms in Wembworthy from 1830.

Next run will be on the 20th October from Jonesey’s cafe at Winkleigh.

Cancellation

 Due to the heavy rain over the past few days and the promise of the same for tomorrow, the unanimous decision has been taken to cancel the three tors run scheduled for tomorrow the 8th of September.

There is the Bideford bike show taking place tomorrow for anyone ‘up North’ who would like an alternative.

Change of dates note

 Please be aware of a change to the Ruby run now to be held on October 20th , same venue and time.

Our AGM will be on Thursday 17th October, and planning meeting on Thursday 21st November, both to be held at the Coaching house South Molton.

An invitation is extended to all section members to attend the AGM, a poor attendance is usually seen but it is your club and it would be great if more members made the effort.

If you are willing to lead a run next year, please advise one of our secretaries or any committee member, you know what is involved, it’s not difficult and we would love to see new leaders and routes, come on don’t be shy!.

Next run is Ian’s Dartmoor discovery 15th September at Whiddon down services.

110824 Pete’s magical mystery tour

 

Pete’s first bit of magic for the day was to fix the weather for his run, so a dozen guys set off from the Riverside caravan park in great weather, for the run to a pick up in Tiverton. Here was where I joined the guys for the trip to Dunkeswell aerodrome. Pete claimed to be unsure of the route but he led us perfectly through Halberton, Willand, Uffculme, Craddock, Culmstock and Hemyock to arrive at Dunkeswell, then to Tubby’s cafe for a bite to eat.

After a bit of lunch, we all moved across to the main buildings to see the action of parachutists and wing walkers and aircraft coming and going. We then moved over to enter the small but well stocked museum and information centre where we learnt that the aerodrome housed USN Liberators who went out in search of U boats which they seem to have sunk a number of.

The return journey to Tiverton was a reverse of the morning route, after Tiverton, the few remaining riders returned to South Molton via Witheridge.

Thanks to Pete and to the two back markers, now the next meet is 22nd August at the Stags Head Filleigh starting at 1830, then looking ahead we have Tony’s Three Tors run from Torrington common at the earlier start of 0900.