When can we ride again?.

 I thought I would just have a catch up on the situation as I understand it today folks. I had been waiting for Boris to announce his way forward at the end of February and had hoped that the spring run could take place in one form or another, but as you will know, that is out of the question as is the run in May, so we are now looking to June to recommence our section runs.

The committee have not produced a calendar for 2021 yet for obvious reasons, but I would like to appeal to section members to work out a route on paper now so that when we can move forward, we would have a few members willing to lead us over the hills and dales.

I have kept in touch with Chris who is doing a great job with the notes etc: and am trying to get around to ringing as many members that I have numbers for, in the mean time keep your bikes fettled, use them to fetch a pint of milk or medicines etc when the weather allows and watch this space when I hope we can have better news.

Happy Christmas Devon section

 'twas the night before Christmas at the motorcycle store.

The sales clerks were gone; they'd locked up the door.

Back in service, the tools were hung with great care,

The floors had been swept, the workbenches bare.

Sales had been brisk, filling staff with elation

As they headed down south for their winter vacation.

The new shiny sportbikes had all been sold out,

And all that was left was an Indian Scout,

A Norton Commando, a Rudge Multi too,

And a black BMW R32,

A Vincent, a Matchless, and Velocette,

And a drippy old Brough that wouldn't start on a bet.

"This stinks," said the Norton. "We're just as fine

As those Japanese bikes the kids buy all the time."

"You're right," said the Vincent as he grew agitated.

"All I need is to get my back tire inflated,

Then I could compete with the best of `em yet."

"Me, too! I'm still fast," cried the old Velocette.

"If someone was handy, somebody smart,

They'd know how to fix us and get us to start."

And so while they grumbled and whined and complained,

They didn't notice a visitor came.

He was dressed all in leather, black head to toe,

And his helmet had reflective stickers that brightly glowed.

His beard was snow-white. It reached to his chest.

How he got in the door was anyone's guess.

He looked them all over. "Merry Christmas!" he said.

"Are you fellows available to pull my big sled?"

"Who, us?" laughed the Matchless. "We're rusty and old.

Nobody wants us, that's why we're not sold.

Kids want electric, not our old kickstarts.

These young punks think we're just bikes for old farts."

"My Lucas headlight hasn't worked well in years,"

Said the Rudge. "And my gearbox is missing some gears.

I'd be much obliged if you'd look at my choke.

And the earthing brush in my magneto is broke."

"My mix is too rich, I think," said the Beemer.

"Does anyone know how to set the carb leaner?"

Then Santa said, "Hey, stop the whining, you guys.

You're legends and history in many men's eyes.

So what if you're rusty and don't look brand new?

Hypermotards and `Busas wouldn't be here without you."

Then the vintage bikes lights started glowing with pride.

And the Norton Commando said, "Let's take a ride!"

"I'm ready, let's go, come on!" said the Brough.

"Let's get it in gear and show `em our stuff."

They took to the road, their pipes roared like thunder.

And Santa sat back in his sled, filled with wonder.

And he said as he watched them race into the night,

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a safe ride."

Future of Devon Section

 The Section now has a new Chairman. Gordon has taken over as acting Chairman after Dermot's resignation.

This will last until we are able to hold the next AGM. At which time the positions of Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer all become vacant. In the event that we are unable to fill these posts the Section will close.

I am sure that you would all like to thank Dermot for the good work he has done on your behalf as Chairman.

October and November Runs

 After managing a Run in August and September we now find ourselves having to comply with the Governments rule of six. This means that we cannot proceed with the planned Runs for October and November since we have no idea how many will attend. Pub lunches are also difficult or impossible to arrange and a picnic in October and November is an unlikely prospect. 😢

There is however, no reason stop small groups of members arranging their own runs provided they number less than six. 😊 Such runs will not come under the VMCC banner but that is not important.

Should the situation change, which I doubt will happen, new information will be posted here.

   

End of summer run 130920

 Whilst Steve and I rode to the start of this event in great weather, I could not go further due to a recent back injury, so Ian has supplied this write up of his run :

We had an attendance of 9 potential riders but thereon it became that of a diminishing numbers ride. Two retuned home at the start (sorry for you Gordon), one decided not to follow the planned route, another broke down, another got fed up waiting for the back marker (Chris). After 40 minutes wait we then lost Chris, went back to look for him but no luck. The remaining three proceeded to the intended lunch stop and met up with Chris. The four of us then continued but another went home on the way back to the finish at Torrington, where the remaining three of us enjoyed a well deserved ice cream and then dispersed for home. After all this it was a lovely ride backed up with brilliant sunshine.

This ride may well be the last this year due to the new regulations which came in to play the next day, the committee will hopefully meet and sort out a programme for next year which will see us back to something like normal, watch this space.

End of Summer Run

 According to my phone the weather is set fair for next Sundays 'End of Summer Run'.

Ian has sent me the proposed route, which as previously published, will now start at Widdon Down Service Station. The route will be similar to last years and finish at Torrington Common. Total distance about 66 miles.

There will be no Pub lunch-stop so you will need to bring a packed lunch. 

Covid-19 has not gone away so please observe social distancing rules and bring a face mask.

Evening run 260820

 After much discussion, cancellation and the like, an opportunity for an evening run appeared to be clear on the Wednesday 26th, so Chris put a note on this blog and we all did some ringing around which resulted in 8 of us arriving at the Kings Arms in Winkleigh for the meet.

I must admit that the opportunity for a ride out after the Covid troubles and the weather was very much enjoyed by myself and the other members who ventured out, Dermot took full advantage so that he arrived after a magical mystery tour of Devon!.

Naturally whilst some care was taken by our riders, I must say that the remainder of people visiting the pub seemed quite laid back about the social distancing, the pub was quite crowded and judging by the number of people entering whilst we were outside must have pretty well filled the pub.

All the worlds important matters were discussed at the table and it turned out we all pretty much had the same views so why can't the powers that be see this?, ah well at least we got it all off our chests!.

Keep an eye on the blog folks, but at the time of going to the press, the run on the 13th September is on, meet at the services Whiddon Down services usual time.