Evening run 220419

10 bikes and one car turned up on Easter Monday for this evening meet at the Black Cock pub Molland, another well looked forward too event. The weather was very good and 4 of our members were able to sit outside to put the world to rights whilst the rest of us were inside enjoying the bar area which was very welcoming, I'm sure we will come again , in fact I asked about stopping there for lunch on a run day and this she was very keen for.
Nice to see that Andy had made it on his Harley following his problems on the last run just b`e`fore we came to Exford, it seems he had an oil problem which he hopes is now cured.
Next meet will be the Scrumpy run on May 12th from Mullacott cross, see you there folks.

Ray explains why he's not post op.

nice weather for an April evening

and from t'other end

no they weren't sent out

Dermot and crew choose the fresh air

Fish and Chips 200419

19 Devon section members and their families turned out on Easter Saturday for this favourite meet on the calendar, the usual high level of chatter and problem solving, ( don't mention Brexit !), proves how successful these meets are. It was good to see Stan and Rosemary again and to know that he is still intent on fixing up his Bullet to ride again.
Thanks of course once again to the Welcome Fryer who always turn out good fish and chips, ( and wine, Exmoor ale etc: ).
Next meets are on the 22nd at The Black Cock Molland for 7pm and May 12th for the Scrumpy run.

Keith is wondering what to have

catch up natter

we take up all of one side of the room

April fool run 140419

11 riders arrived at the Rest and be Thankful at Wheddon cross for this years April fools run on a cold but dry morning. This run was organised and led by Keith who advised that the morning run would be on mainly A class roads but this afternoon would be more challenging. After a very welcome hot cuppa, we were led off with myself and Ian at the rear. A sharp turn off the Minehead road led us up on the way to Taunton where we progressed for some way, dodging cyclists, before we were led through some lovely valleys on to the main A39 to turn off through Watchet and Blue Anchor, here it was a shame to the Blue Anchor Inn all boarded up due to cliff erosion as many a run years ago, lunch was taken there. The run then passed through Carhampton and Dunster to arrive back at the Rest and be Thankful for a great carvery lunch.
Ian decided that his Norton racer was not really suited to the afternoon lanes so he made his way home. Dermot realised that he had picked up a puncture so with Cyril setting off to prepare for him to repair Dermot's puncture on arrival, he also set off so then there were 8. The afternoon run was indeed challenging, once through Horner we climbed up on to the top via many precarious dips and climbs but when only a few miles from Exford, Andy realised the noise coming from his Harley couldn't be ignored any longer so he elected to make his way home, then there were 7.
The run finally arrived back at the R and nd be T, for dispersal, many thanks to Keith for an excellent run and to Ian for agreeing to do back marker duties with me. Now don't forget club night this Thursday and fish and chips this Saturday which is still on despite it being Easter Saturday, next run is April 22nd for an evening meet at the Black Cock Molland for 7pm.
Sorry my photos will not upload at the moment, will try later as I know you will want to see a picture of a flat tyre!.

no they aren't all in the loo!.

lunch time chat.

who's going home now?.

safely back to the RABT.

we are always made welcome here.

AGM 210319

Once again there were only 3 non committee members at this years AGM, last years minutes were read and agreed, Dermot gave his address and Richard outlined our current financial position. There being no offers before the AGM to take over as Chairman, Dermot was re-elected to the post. Chris was also re-elected when no one else came forward so was duly re-elected to the post of secretary. Richard advised that he would not be free to continue in the post of treasurer as he was mostly living elsewhere in the country at the moment, no one came forward to fulfill this role so Keith very kindly agreed to step in but for one year only. Mike, our stalwart sign on man, announced vis Chris that he would have to stand down due to his wife's health, it was agreed that signing on would be carried out by the run organiser and the list of people would be kept to work out trophies at the year end, the remainder of the committee were reelected into post.
Some discussions took place regarding the signing on fee but it was decided that the system would remain as is for audit reasons.

Spring run 100319

Unfortunately, due to the weather, this run for me was a washout, I had driven the route with Ray as it was his run and had produced the run sheets etc the Monday before the 10th. I was advised that due to sickness and other commitments, a number of regular riders would not be available and the weather forecast for the day was not at all encouraging as it would be raining and very windy.
I set off from Tivvy at 0950 and elected to ride to South Molton via Rackenford, however, after only a few miles I was abruptly brought to a halt by a large fallen tree which was right across the road so nothing could pass, at this point I noticed a motorcycle in the hedge ahead and a rucksack in the road. I had a quick look around but saw no one around so after a while I turned around and headed back through Tiverton and out on the Bampton road to try to get through that way. The road was so littered with branches and debris that I pulled over and tried to ring Ray, ( who had gone by car ), to see if anyone had made it to South Molton but there was no reply so I set off again. a few miles further on, a huge branch appeared from nowhere in front of me and almost had me off so I tried ringing again, but once again no reply. I assumed that there was a good chance that no one would be at the start so again headed back to Tiverton wondering if the link road might be worth trying, however it was 1045 when I came back through Bolham so realising |I would be very late I went on home with a very dirty bike.
As it was, Ray ( with Margaret driving ), was able to lead 5 riders to Uplowman for lunch at the Redwoods Inn where, after lunch, the run ended. I hope we shall have better weather for the April fools run on April 14th.

Important section news

We are only 2 weeks away from our 2019 AGM and have received some very significant news which if we cannot surmount may make it very difficult for the section to survive, CAN YOU HELP US OUT PLEASE?.
Richard, our treasurer for the past two years, has informed us that due to his supporting family members in another part of the country, he cannot continue in this role from the AGM. In addition, Mike, our signing on stalwart, has reluctantly to withdraw from this role as his wife is very poorly. The role of treasurer is  of course vital  to the continuance of our section so if there is anyone reading this appeal who feels he may be able to fill this role, please let Dermot or Chris know as soon as possible.
In any event, could I ask as many Devon section members as possible to attend the Town Arms South Molton on March 21st for our AGM to show support for the continuance of the section and bring any offers or ideas to help with this big problem, Thank you.

Fish n chips 060119

what did you have for Christmas then?.

What?, not another motorbike!.

orders please, sorry no turkey.

everyone listens to Dermot in full swing.

27 Devon section members and families attended our first meet of 2019 which was the ever popular fish and chips at the Welcome fryer in South Molton. The venue had opened especially for us and did us proud, there was a full menu with some having salad and at least one vegetarian curry, but most having fish and chips to dispel the taste of turkey.
Good to see Richard there and our newest members, the fryer does not normally open on a Sunday but they did so just for us.
A range of talking points were discussed with even the standard slipping at the top of the table when stories about enemas were relayed, ( fortunately after the food had been eaten! ).
It was clear that families had a lot of contact over the Christmas period which is as it should be of course.
Some concerns were raised about the Christmas dinner venue, this will be explored at the next committee meeting, if you have any strong views on the subject, please talk it over with a committee member and it will be raised.
Now our first run this year is on March 10th from the Corn Dolly, it will not be a long run due to the time of year, Ray is in charge but he will rope me in to help and probably lead so see you there folks.