Devon section calendar 2023

 

Sad news

 Saturday saw the funeral of another of our long serving members, the third such in the last two months, this time it was John Trible, his funeral was at the Church of all Saints in Bradford and it was clear that he was much loved and admired as the Church was packed. Mike, Ian, Graham, Michael and others rode their bikes as outriders to the hearse and were much appreciated. Keith and I drove to the Church and Brian and others also travelled. Members will remember from conversations with John that he was a famous scramble rider, a farmer, a pilot ( he had his own aircraft in a hanger at the farm ), as well as being a strong club run supporter.

The previous Saturday had been the funeral of a long serving member of our section, Bill Rowcliffe, Bill took on the treasurer roll in 1986 and stayed in that roll until 2009. He was very keen on pre tele motorbikes and looked forward to the girder fork runs. Tony, Keith and Brian made it to Bills funeral, some others of us being laid low for bugs and illness, Tony I understand travelled on his bike to the funeral though no official bike support was requested, well done Tony.

Films will be shown on Thursday at the club night, so come along.

Next run 2nd November

 

Autumn run 091022

 

12 riders set off from their homes and met up at Jonsey’s cafe at Winkleigh for the sections Autumn run, it had been organised by Cliff but due to family commitments he was unable to lead us on the day so good old Chris stepped in and did a grand job. It was interesting to see a few other motorcycle clubs meeting at Jonesey’s at the same time, seems this is becoming a popular venue.

We set off with Chris in the lead and yours truly bringing up the rear and on time. Chris lead us through Winkleigh where we turned off toward Hatherleigh. There then followed an excellent ride around west Devon. Interestingly, we passed through a few villages which were ‘Sampford’ something, so I looked up the meaning to find it means ‘Sandy Ford’.

Lunch was taken at the Union Inn in Stibb Cross and after lunch, two of our riders made for home being close by, the remainding 9 of us set off arriving at Torrington common for the end of the ride, very enjoyable.

Now our next run is on the 2nd of November and be warned, this is a mid week run, a Wednesday in fact. Thanks to Cliff for the route and to Chris for leading.

news

 Sadly I must report that Bill Rowcliffe, a long serving member and indeed former treasurer of our section for around 30 years, has passed away, he was one of the very earliest members of our section who owned and rode many early girder fork bikes and was very keen that the section ran at least one girder fork only run every year. Bill’s funeral will be on November 5th at 1100 in Nomansland chapel, there is not an organised bike following of the coffin and parking is a bit tight.

3 Tors report

 

Thanks to Andy for the photos and write up in my absence due to Covid.

3 Tors run 250922

 Tony has a hankering to revisit this old Devon section run on the 25th Sep starting at Torrington common at 0830, the difference this time is that I don’t think we will be trekking to the top of each Tor!, come along if you are free and fancy it.

 

End of summer run 110922

 

The weather was promised to be dry all day for this our end of summer run, and as Ian was organising and leading this run, we all knew we would have a good trip around Dartmoor. 8 riders arrived at the Whiddon down services for todays run and after a briefing, we set off on time with Ian in the lead and yours truly at the rear. Since there were only 8 of us, we decided not to use the drop off method which is our norm but would keep an eye out in our mirrors for the next man.

Ian lead us toward Mortonhampstead then on to Bovey Tracy where we set off on to the moor. We saw Haytor and Buckland where Ian slowed us to see the Church clock which has an unusual dial having letters instead of figures spelling out the words ‘my dear Mother’, we also saw the last cottage to be built on the moor, then on passing Holne and a reservoir which I think was Venford before arriving at Princeton for lunch at the old Police station cafe.

The afternoon was extended a bit as the weather was so good on the way back to Whiddon down where we ended the run. Thanks to Ian for an excellent days riding, now do come to the AGM on Thursday as we have some serious work to do.

Davidstow War Museum Run

Seven riders braved the heat and traffic for a very enjoyable ride to the Cornish War Museum at Deavidstow. The traffic was not as bad as anticipated and we cracked along at a good pace, although  the Bude turn off was rather busy. The lunch stop at Otterham Station Cafe was adequate for our needs plus we were able to all sit together.  

The military museum proved well worth a visit and on a cooler day would have entertained us longer as we only saw a small section. Perhaps another visit next year. 

Thanks go to Pete for organising and leading the run and for the photos which show the bikes parked at the museum.

 

 Next run is the End of Summer run on Sept 11th which starts at Widdon Down Services.

Our Evening meet for August 22nd has been moved to th King Arms Winkleigh.

Fish and chips due Wednesday 27th July

 Chris has drawn my attention to a change in the Welcome fryers hours of business, it seems that they do no longer open on a Wednesday so our fish and chip meet will have to be cancelled unfortunately. 

Evening meet and club night w/c 180722

 A busy week for the Devon section began with a warm evening meet at The Anchor Inn at Exebridge. Due to various commitments, sickness and Nick having a puncture only 5 miles short of the Anchor, we were but few, however, a new member, Simon, attended and told us about his 1928 Zenith 172cc two stroke which he is running in at the moment, he even brought literature about it, we hope to see this unusual bike at a future event.

Thursdays club night was listed as 'members 10 minute talk ''my bikes''. Cliff kicked off with tales of Hondas past and so we progressed around the table with some of those present telling their own stories, this was all very interesting and produced information which we all learnt from. It was agreed that these 10 minute talks could continue next month for those who were away due to sickness and those who needed to better prepare their notes.

Now we have our AGM on September 15th and we have a few adjustments we need help with, Chris has been our secretary for 10 years and has been very good in the role, however, he would like someone else to take over, so we do need someone to come forward, also, I have now been Chairman twice and would like someone to take on this role so please come to the AGM and see if you can help out, as you know, a section cannot run without a secretary or Chairman.

 Our next run is on August 14th where we meet at the Atlantic village, ( now called Affinity Devon shopping outlet ), for a run to the Davidstow war museum. I hope you are making use of your bikes and getting used to new ones acquired and we will see a good turn out on the 14th.

On such a fine day weatherwise it was a bit disappointing to only have 7 riders start what turned out to be a very goods days motorcycling.

Starting at Jonesey's cafe Winkleigh, Ian led us south to North Tawton where we turned right and on to Sandford Courtney then left to reach Okehampton. Whilst stopped at the fuel station above Okehampton Gordon began to feel unwell and decided to return home. I contacted him after the run when he said he was feeling much better. Down to 6 we pressed on towards Lewdown before left through Chillaton and Gunnislake to the lunch stop at Kitt Hill where, being a Sunday, the usual gathering of  motorcyclists was was in full swing.

After lunch Ian took us back via Launceston and Halwill Junction to the finish at Winkleigh. 

This Run was quite a long one and made all the more enjoyable for taking us to places that we have not been before. Thanks to Ian for planning and leading a grand day out. 

vening meet Chittlehampton 200622

 

13 people rode to the Bell Inn at Chittlehampton Monday evening in excellent weather, to have a meet up and chinwag. We who arrived early, were treated to the view of a horse pulling a cart with a number of people on board. Ian, our newest member, was there enjoying the sunshine, welcome to the section mate. Tony arrived on a very nice BSA Thunderbolt and announced that he has also purchased an MV, WOW!.

These evening meets allow people with smaller engined machines to ride to the meet without any concern of having to ‘keep up’, also a chance to test your bike after some work prior to joining an organised run.

Last Thursdays club night saw the running of a film which covered the 

Latter years of the BSA, Triumph and Norton empire, we have all seen 

Evidence of this period but this particular film was very interesting to say the least.

Now our next run is 10th July from Jonesy’s cafe at Winkleigh which will be lead by Ian who always gives us an interesting ride, hope to see you there folks.

Venue change 200622

 It has been necessary to change the venue for the evening meet on the 20th which will now be at the Bell Inn at Chittlehampton, also the club night this week on the 16th will NOT be skittles again it will be a film on British classic motorcycles. Hope to see you there folks.

Ray's memorial run 120622

 

10 riders, one pillion and 3 well wishers met at Morrisons in Tiverton for this memorial run for Ray who was a stalwart of the Devon section almost since it's inception, fulfilling the role of secretary for over 30 years. we were pleased that Ray's son Graham could come along, riding with his wife Liz, down from Swindon especially.

I explained that this run would be in 3 parts, the first I would lead to a lunch stop at Whiddon down services then Graham would lead us to where Ray's ashes were scattered, there we would have a toast and a

reminisce. a third part would be that we would go back to the waterside cafe at Bow for a coffee if anyone wished.

I lead out on time at 1100, with Ian and Andy agreeing to do back marker duties, in what promised to be a good weather day. The route was out of Tiverton on the Witheridge road before turning off to Thelbridge and on to Black Dog. From there, the route was through Morchard Bishop to Morchard road where I had warned to take care crossing the A377. A trip through Down St Mary lead us to another tricky junction out on to the A3072 where I had to ask the marker to see people out. A left turn in Bow took us on to Spreyton then on to Whiddon Down, on arrival we found that Andy was missing and it was found that his clutch cable had parted so he was awaiting recovery, ( he has let me know that he arrived back OK though the big lorry that arrived did expect a TR6 car not a TR6 motorbike!.

After lunch at the Hog and Hedge, Graham lead us to Moretonhampstead and up on to Mardon Down where we all parked up and had a wee tot of Ray's favourite as a toast supplied by Graham and Liz cheers!.

From Mardon Down, Graham and Liz left us to make their long way back whilst we made for Bow dropping off North Devon guys on the way. Once at Bow, we remaining three had a grand cup of coffee and appreciated another great day, riding our bikes in good company.

Thanks to all who helped to make this a memorable event and commiserations to Andy and to those section members who would have been on the run were it not for illness. It was nice to see Bill Rowciffe, ( Ray's cousin ), at the start to see us off .

Next ride out is June 20th an evening meet at the Exeter Inn Chittlehamholt but do keep an eye on this blog for any changes, next run is July 10th from Jonseys cafe at Winkleigh, please attend as Ian is leading and always gives us a great run.

Club night 190522

 

The photo shows us enjoying burgers and refreshing ale after five games of skittles. The staggering news is that Andy was the best player of the night emulating his wife Louise who won that trophy at the last session, but Andy won it in a different way!, he only played one game, ( work that one out folks !, Chris's team were the team winners at the night.

Much enjoyable chit chat went on at the table whilst eating our burgers where the whole world was put right, why don't they listen to us guys?.

Many thanks to Chris for setting it all up and well done to those who turned up, I only wish we could attract more people to the club nights. It was a shame that the weather stopped our evening meet at Chulmleigh on Thursday, let's hope that the next evening ride on the 20th June is a better weather scenario.

Now our next ride is the 12th of June, it is a much delayed run to remember our long serving Devon section stalwart Ray Rowcliffe, it is hoped that his son Graham will come down from Swindon to join us, we meet at the Morrisons car park on Kennedy way in Tiverton, lunch will likely be in Mortonhampstead which was Ray's home for his early years, I have yet to finalise the route but Graham has promissed to take over after lunch for a while to pass take us past where Ray lies at rest.

Scrumpy run 080422

 

11 riders turned up in excellent weather at the Cook Island Inn at Mullacott cross for this our annual Scrumpy run. The run was to have been lead by our esteemed secretary Chris but as he is suffering the remaining effects of covid, it fell upon the capable hands of Andy to take over. Two new riders were evident, one a learner, but she proved quite capable throughout all the twists and turns that faced us during the day and should have no trouble taking her test next week, good luck gal!. 

The run set off at 1100 after a briefing from Andy with a warning of loose gravel around Combe Martin. All went well until one of our new riders on a hybrid machine, locked up its back wheel brake, he insisted he could sort it and would meet us at the Blue Ball which he did. After a very good meal at the pub where Andy decided on a vegetarian burger but when the waiter came he found himself saying 'steak and ale pie please!' ( I think he needed the meat for the afternoon run!). 

The afternoon run passed pleasantly enough with variations between main road and grass up the middle lanes to arrive back at Quince Honey farm to finish.

Many thanks again to Andy and to Nick who 'volunteered' to cover the back marker duties with me. Now, the next trip out is on the 18th at the Red Lion in Chumleigh from 1800 then the following evening is club night for burgers and skittles.

Evening run 200422

 

The Castle Inn at Landkey proved to be a great choice for an evening meet for a natter, the weather was excellent and sitting in the beer garden was an added bonus. People rode all sorts of distances to get there, some only riding a few yards whilst it was nearly 30 miles for myself. We began to arrive around 1815 and people stayed as long as they were able bearing in mind that some of these elderly bikes don't have very good lights. There would have been more than the 10 present had Andy's Triumph not required fettling first and then his mate on a Harley lost drive due to a broken drive belt, ( Andy tells me he had been rude about Triumphs before this happened )!.

Now Chris tells me that he has been in touch with the Welcome Fryer re our fish and chip night on the 30th of this month, it seems they only do take away on a Saturday but would open the restaurant for us if there were enough numbers, so please contact Chris or myself if you definitely would attend and in what numbers..

Our next run is May 8th starting from Mullacott cross at the usual time, this is our famous Scrumpy run ( sorry no scrumpy is involved! ), see you there.

Spring run 10/04/22

 

13 riders were involved today with this our first run of 2022, it was Nick that put his hand up to organise and lead from ‘the Quay cafe’ in Braunton, ( I’m sure I warned him never to volunteer! ). The weather was cold to start but dry with the sun showing itself during the day. It was nice to see new riders to us and a couple we have not seen for a while, also Maurice on his first ride out since his heart procedure and Andy arriving on his Sunbeam to see us off after his arm op, ( unfortunately he had to bump start his bike but I checked later in the day and he was ok ). Nick lead us out dead on 11am with Chris and I doing duty at the rear, at a good steady pace past Saunton, Croyde, Georgeham and on to Woolacombe, Ilfracombe to our lunch stop at Blackmoor Gate at the Old Station Restaurant. 

We saw that the roads were fairly busy and the beaches and coasts were well filled, there were thankfully no breakdowns though tie wraps came into use on a Triumph and Nick picked up his partner in Lee Bay.

After a great Buffett meal, we set off again to South Molton, Bishops Tawton and finally Barnstaple.

Many thanks to Nick who did very well on his first lead, now there will be a meet in Landkey on the 20th at ‘the Castle’ and it’s club night on the 21st where we will learn about our clubs finances.

Club night 170322

 

Apologies all for the time it took to write this club night up, it was down to a number of factors not least that since apples' latest software update, I don't seem to be able to transfer photos to my pc without posting around the world first!.

Excellent evening was enjoyed by those of us who were present culminating in Chris' quiz of 25 questions which our team won earning us a packet of non fattening choccy bars!. Reminisces of bikes we have got rid of but now wish we hadn't amongst the chat.

Now guys our first run of the year is on the 10th April known as the April fools run, so be a fool and come and support us, see you there!. Thanks to Chris for the quiz, I know how he likes to see us squirm!.

Good news

 Maurice has rung today asking me to share with you the news that he has heard from the DVLA to say he may start driving and riding again, he thanks everyone for their sympathy since losing his license and will now come on runs when suitable.

Hidden valley photo's

 Andy has sent some photos from the recent Hidden valley meet, he says more bikes would be welcome

next time.