Sunday, 26 May 2013

Rays ramble May 22nd 2013

A dozen riders turned out on this mid week Ray's ramble which started out in good weather for a change at the Exeter Inn near Cove. After a nice cuppa, Ray led us through some lovely Devon lanes and minor roads for 42 miles before arriving at the cabin in time for our usual Wednesday meet. We operated the usual marshalling roles and all went well, thanks Ray for the route and for all riders who turned out.

Scrumpy run May 12th 2013

Brian on old faithful
Brian on his lovely Triumph

 The Scrumpy run this year was once again limited by the weather, 32 riders braved all and set off on this prestigious run of the year. Graham had to return on the back of a truck when his primary chain parted and, after an excellent meal at the Blue Ball inn, nearly half the riders decided to go home early
John Morey wins again
Corner coming up chaps
Rodney and Carol sample the Scrumpy
for a warm up and dry out. Ray didn't make it to the start when he suffered a puncture just short of South Molton, despite assistance form Pete and Cyril, it couldn't be repaired so they made for home on pick up. The Mayor apologised for the weather and promised better next year, she selected Lee Plain's bike for her choice, John Moray on his Scott collected oldest bike and rider, Barry Lowe's Harley was the riders choice, and Rodney Hann chose John Boyd's Rudge as guest. An excellent buffet snack was laid on by the council which the few remaining riders tried their best to do justice too. A big thank you to the committee for the route, setting up and marshalling all day, a lot of work goes into making this run happen lets hope next year sends us better weather

Mick speechmaking
The chair takes the turn
If I keep my helmet on, I wont get wet






The early birds parked up

Wednesday, 17 April 2013

April fools run 2013

15 riders braved the weather and arrived at Bradworthy square last Sunday for the April fools run, here we were met by a number of interested people weilding cameras and wishing us well. The bus shelter in the square came in handy until we all trooped into the coffee shop which Chris had used fluttering eyes on the owner to open for us ( she opened anyway ). there was one failure at the start and nearly another when Rays Ariel declared that it was not going any further in the rain!, however, after a push, Ray was away. The route took us back to Holsworthy then we headed towards Launceston, the rain was gradually less and we were pleased for this. We were then taken on through North Tamerton,
Polson, Lifton and Tinhay before turning off to Chillaton and on to Tavistock, here unfortunately, Tony's Scott decided it had had enough and just stopped. Tony and I spent some time going through all the checks and adjustments before the fault was found, although a temporary fix was found it did not last and I had to leave Tony calling for pick up.
After an excellent lunch at the Dartmoor Inn, the run continued through Two Bridges and Chagford ,where the rain came on again, before coming to the end of the run at Whiddon down services.
Thanks to Chris for the route which was a cracking ride, to the back marshals and everyone for marking junctions correctly.
The Dartmoor Inn

Mike has a nice flask of tea

once a police bike, now a marshals bike

nice early Triumph

Wednesday, 10 April 2013

April run reminder

Hope to see you all at Bradworthy square on Sunday 14th April for the April fools run, Chris has been out to work out a good route so come along, lunch will be taken at the Dartmoor inn. There are approx 45 miles in the morning and 20 in the afternoon, meanwhile have a look at some photo's and a little write up from Matt covering his run last Sunday down to Kitt hill.

A decent Sunday was promised at last, and as it coincided with the monthly ride in to the cafe at Kitt hill in darkest Cornwall, twas to good to miss. Cold, though and so the newly fitted heated grips on the Guzzi made the choice an easy one. Set off down the Exe valley, still with the hint of frost on the road, but it got warmer by Tiverton, then through to Crediton and across Dartmoor, down to Tavistock. Got to the cafe around 11.00. Small number but very high quality!, ( the bikes not the riders ). Bumped into Ian on one of his early BMW's but too cold for hanging about, so after a welcome cup of tea and a light breakfast, was
off again, up through Launceston, then Bude and back along the Atlantic highway for a late lunch. 170 miles in all and very enjoyable too.

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

Spring run March 10th 2013

All the disabled together!.
Old enough to smoke

Matt leads us away




No breakfast but Mike still waves

It was a cold but dry start
to the first run of the 2013
season, this was Matts
route which he called
Malodorous Mattie's
Moorland March Meander morning. 16 bikes turned up at the start with 14 signing on for the run. Unfortunately, we have to apologise to all riders and particularly our Cornish friends as the cabin was not open that day so no hot breakfast to start. The run took us through some trying lanes which were a bit muddy as you would expect for this time of year. We rode through East Anstey, Dulverton, Morebath and Bampton before arriving for a very nice lunch at the Anchor in Exebridge.
No-one had any problems and although it stayed dry, everyone was glad of a warm up at the stop. The decision was taken to end the run at the lunch stop and I think this was right as it was after all Mothers day and cold. Thanks to Matt for the excellent route and to the back markers, see you next month April 14th at Bradworthy for the April fools run.
This is what we do on Mothers day

Tail end marshals on the case

Wednesday, 9 January 2013

2013 Events

Hi Folks, It has been pointed out to me by the hawkeyed and all-round superhero "Clatters"
that the "evening meet" on June 17th is to be held at the Exeter Inn at Chittlehamholt and not as published, Chittlehampton. Sorry for any confusion caused by this error.

Tuesday, 4 December 2012

Annual section dinner

 
 Here are just a few photos of members attending a very good and
successful section annual dinner at the Tiverton Hotel on the 1st Dec.,
the meal was excellent as was the service and a great time was had by
all, having a room all to ourselves made the speech's and presentations
much more enjoyable. Thanks must go to Chris for organising the event,
to Ray for his input and to Matt for the trophy organisation, also to all
the committee members for their work.
Prizes awarded were:
Jeans Trophy: Brian Cordey,  VMCC Post war cup:  Keith Cleeve
Les Soper Tankard:  Chris Wood,  Thelbridge Trophy: Brian Cordey
Reed Motors Tankard:  Graham Saunders
Woodman Family Shield:  Gordon Clatworthy
Piston Broke award:  Gordon Clatworthy

Prizes previously awarded:
Ron Ley memorial Trophy:  Barry
Scrumpy Run Shield:  Dave Barkshire.   Bridge Garage Cup:  Tony Petherick
Ron Chugg Cup:  John Morey.  Ilfracombe Shield:  Mike Dixon.

The committee agreed this year to hold this dinner in the middle of the day so that everyone could travel to and from in the light, I think this idea was appreciated. Nice to see Mervyn and Pam who travelled up from Cornwall to be with us, thanks once again to all who attended, the organisers and the Hotel.