Relay rally 4th May 2014

Guard dog at Bickleigh

A busy Kitt hill

A refreshing cuppa

Jack at Abbotsham

An ex police bike lead all day

my gang at Bickleigh

Merv checks out the riders

Pretty well everybody just loves to be out and about on the relay
rally judging by the number of bikes I saw on my journey today
and the number checking in at our two sites, Bickleigh and
Abbotsham, course the weather helped a lot as it was a grand day,
dry roads, some sunshine, clear views and just the right amount
of cool air. We managed over 160 miles but I was told of a 150cc
Gilera which had covered 250 miles!, a very old Wolf was seen up north and down south, unforunately I don't have a picture of it though I thought I had taken one. I'm told I have to list where we went today as a member of my gang just followed enjoying the view, so our trip started at Tiverton, then
we checked in at Bickleigh to make sure Keith had everything under control, to keep himself in order he brought Di and to keep the visitors in order he brought his dog!.
We then flashed through Exeter before climbing up over Longdown to Moretonhampstead, then it was on to Two bridges and Tavistock to arrive at Kitt hill. Here they were kept very busy with a large number of riders transiting through. Our route then was on to Launceston and up the Bude road as far as Red post, here we had a spot of lunch. After another chinwag with old friends, we took off to the A39 up to give Chris and Mike something to do!. Here I made a terrible mistake!, I promised to stop on the common at Torrington if there was time, course by now we were running a bit late so I sailed past the ice cream van!, will my followers ever forget or forgive me?. After Torrington, I led the gang through Winkleigh, Copplestone and Crediton to drop down once again at Bickleigh so that Brian and Steve could check in here.
Once again I have to say that today was very much enjoyed by all I came across, my thanks go to Chris and Mike who manned Abbotsham and to Keith and Di who manned Bickleigh, also to Cyril who made the signs up, don't forget the Scrumpy run next week, please can committee members, and anyone else who can help, be at the site by 0900 to set up. See you there.

April 19th fish and chips

17 people attended the fish and chips evening at 'The welcome fryer' in South Molton on Saturday 19th, it was good to see such a number come and to see wives and family too, we don't have many occasions when wives and families can come with us so that was nice and the venue does do a very good meal. 3 members came on their motorcycles even though it was quite chilly after the sun had gone down. As I said in the previous post, don't for get the relay rally on the 4th May and the Scrumpy run on the 11th, Chris advised us that the North Devon railway has an event also on the 11th which you could poodle along to after the Scrumpy if you had a mind, apparently there is free entry with an old motorcycle.

April 17th club night

Aprils club night was the much looked forward to observation evening put on by Keith and Cyril, photo's from previous runs were put up for a short while and questions asked after they had been taken down, this led to many groans and chuckles when we realised we had remembered almost everything except what was asked!. Ray and I ended up with the most points so won the Easter bunny chocs which were passed around for all to enjoy. It was unfortunate that only 10 people were able to attend, it's a lot of work for Keith and Cyril to prepare and we are very grateful. Rod Hann was on hand to give us the latest update on the AGM which he promised he would do, thanks Rod and Carol.
Next run will be the relay rally on May 4th so lets see you out and about getting your cards stamped.

More April Fools

Here are some more photos of the April Fools run that have been submitted by Mike Curtis.

April fools run 2014

Ready for the off

some of the bikes at start

in sunshine today

this Ariel has been some miles already

 What a glorious day for a really good rideout, nearly 30 bikes rolled in for the April fools run 2014, some from as far as Cornwall and Taunton. After a good coffee we were off on a superb route lead by Chris who organised todays trip. Through Holsworthy and then head off to skirt round the back of Launceston, a few miss turns and darting off for fuel around Tavistock but we soon safely arrived for an excellent meal at Bettys near Sourton. After lunch we went back to tank up at the Shell garage before setting off to Winkleigh and finally Eggesford. Ray found out today that the handle on the back of his Matchless that he thought was for lifting it on to it's stand, is in fact a connection for a petrol tanker!!. All in all a cracking day out which I'm sure everyone enjoyed, thanks Chris for the route, Mike who did tail end with me and to Matt for the photo's. Now don't forget it's the fish 'n chips run this Saturday at South Molton, bring the family let's see if we can involve the family a bit in our lovely hobby, see you there folks.

Italians stick together

A.G.M 20th March 2014

21 members attended the A.G.M. on Thursday 20th March 2014, we were pleased to welcome our Area rep Rodney Hann and his wife Carol. Gordon welcomed everyone and Chris read the minutes of the last A.G.M. There being no matters arising, the meeting moved on to the Chairman's and treasurer's reports before the Chairman stood down and Rodney led the nominations and election for the Chairman for the next year, this turned out to be Gordon who then led the meeting through nominations and elections for the roles of Secretary, Treasurer and members of the Committee. The new Committee are: Chairman - Gordon, Secretary - Chris, Treasurer - Keith, also Ray, Mike, Rod, Cyril and Matt. Under A.O.B. Rod gave us a 'latest' on the situation at Allen house leading up to their A.G.M. then other AOB items touched on safety on club runs and suitability of narrow lanes, gravel and pot holes, the committee will discuss this further at their next meeting. Members were invited to come forward before September this year if they would like to organise a club run so that it can be agreed before the paperwork for next years runs are sent by Chris to Allen house. It just remains for me to thank the members who attended the A.G.M., it's your section so I encourage you to be involved at whatever level you are comfortable with.
Next run starts at Bradworthy square on Sunday April 13th, it's the April fools run so polish the bikes and I'll see you there.

SRING RUN

On a gloriously fine day, 36 assorted makes of British and European vintage motorcycles gathered at D&S Supplies of Winkleigh for the Spring Run.A new route of some 60 miles, organised by John Trible and Mike Curtis, took us through some of Devons finest countryside and on some testing road surfaces. Some of the views were outstanding, particularly on the approach to Hatherleigh and those over Dartmoor.
The sight, in villages such as Monkokehampton, Sheepwash, Petrockstowe and Black Torrington.of so many bikes brought some people to their doorsteps to see the machines go by and give us a wave.
The day was not however, perfect for everyone. An incident occurred on Dartmoor when Mike from Cornwall stepped backwards from the roadside into the path of Tony and was knocked to the ground. I am pleased to say that only pride was injured.
Ray meanwhile, suffered a dropped exhaust valve and required the services of the AA breakdown truck to get him home.
Thanks to John and Mike for a fine day out, and to Mike again for the photos.

otos.