Roadhog june 2015 by Peter Roberts

H.O.G. 速 Chapter 6655

Official Newsletter of the Great Western Chapter

June 2015

Between the Covers

CONTENTS Features 9 - Stalking The Stones 13 - L of a Learning Curve

Regulars 2 - Between the Covers 3 - Director’s Cut 5 - Secretary’s Update 6 - From the Front 8 - Cocker’s Bits 11 - Cangen Cymraeg 11 - Ladies of Harley 12 - Charity Update 16 - Pete & Duncan’s Pump Stop 18 - At a Glance

Hi All and welcome to the June edition of RoadHOG. Before I start I’d like to send my best wishes to Andrea Payne and hope that her continued recovery is swift and trouble free, now that she is out of the woods. You had us worried there for a moment. So what’s in this month’s offering? In addition to submissions from your Committee, covering all things Chapter, we have articles from Dave Stockford and Mandy Crook. Congratulations to both - to Dave for leading his first rideout and to Mandy for passing her bike test and then taking on a ride to Scotland and back. Very gutsy.

www.greatwesternhog.co.uk

Me n Neats have recently returned from the USA where we had a fantastic time riding some of the best roads that the Eastern States have to offer, with friends from the Chapter. Peter’s article near the end of this edition gives a good précis of this trip. If you ever get the opportunity to ride any of these roads then take it. We’re now into the riding and rally season with our very own Hogs in the Hayfields just around the corner. Hopefully I’ll see you there. Mark Cockwell Editor Email: macockwell@yahoo.com Mobile: 07900 496711 (Note: Views expressed in the articles are not necessarily the views of the Editor)

Director’s Cut Hi All,

her test was to Scotland! Did you really mean to do that, or did you just get lost!

We’re now in June, with the best three months of the year for riding ahead of us, so get out there and enjoy it while you can. You’ve got the other nine months of the year to do those tedious jobs around the house! Now that the rally season is in full swing it was sad to hear that the Big Brum Bash had to be cancelled due to poor ticket sales. I guess the reason could be a combination of things. People preferring to leave their ticket purchase until the last minute, after checking the seaweed, and the vast amount of rallies, which are now available. So, in a way, there is too much of a choice. I can sympathise with Jason Garey, Director of Birmingham Chapter, knowing how much effort has already gone into preparing our own Hogs in the Hayfields rally. It must be a nightmare for the Chapters who stump up a lot of money in advance, hoping ticket sales will come to fruition. Big is not always beautiful. Anyway, I cannot miss this lead in to remind all of our GWC members to buy your HITH tickets now, it’s only 1 WEEK AWAY! Straight after the rally is Christof’s ‘Bucket List Tour’, which I’m sure will take us through some stunning scenery. For me it will be a chance to revisit the Grossglockner mountain pass that I had the pleasure of going to many years ago with my work. Why work, you may ask? Well, it was to test car brakes. Not me driving or as a passenger, but a job for the test engineers to tear down the pass and see if they could

I believe Mandy will be writing a RoadHOG article of her bike test experience, to inspire other fellow GWC Chapter ladies and to “share the spark” in LOH speak. The Worldwide ride is coming around again, so if you’re planning to take part, make a note for the 27th & 28th of June.

get the brakes to fade. That’s why I didn’t fancy being a passenger! I can assure you the front brake discs were bright cherry red at the bottom of the descent. That’s why it’s a good idea to use engine braking!

It’s now been 18 months that we’ve been supporting both Keynsham & Chepstow Mencap branches, so knowing how long it takes to select the next charity, your Committee discussed the pros and cons of whether to stick or twist for staying another year with Mencap. We decided to stick. I’ve finally finished watching SOA, do you want to know the ending!

For full details of all our events, please visit the website as this is It’s great to hear that Andrea Payne being frequently updated as events is making steady progress and, at firm up and, if you find anything the time of writing, she has just been missing, please remind us, we’re allowed home. only human! Greg, I hope you got on with cleaning the house, tidying up the garden Barry “Bazzzzer” Aggett and restocking the freezer mate! Director Our meeting nights continue to be Email: baznjac@gmail.com very well attended, so thanks to all Home: 01291 620371 that turn up and especially to Sonja Mobile: 07907 351650 “Singer” Beddow for sewing on patches for charity again at the last Cross Hands Hotel meeting. Congratulations to Mandy Crook for passing her bike test. Talk about being confident, - Mandy’s first major rideout after

Secretary’s Update Hi Everyone! I’m writing this suffering from jet-lag since returning to the UK yesterday, after spending 12 out of the last 15 days riding pillion on a rented Street Glide through 7 states in the USA. The mileage we covered each day varied between 295 miles and 66 miles. My lasting memories of our fabulous trip will be of sharing it with great companions, seeing Morris dancing, clog dancing, visiting the Pentagon, hearing music, being asked if I was from France, endlessly twisting roads, the scent of honeysuckle and seeing millions of trees!

This is a very short report as I missed the May Club night at the Cross Hands when Barney was presented with his Road Captain’s patch. As the May Committee meeting will be held on May 30th, the usual Committee round-up will have to wait until the July edition of RoadHOG. Although Peter collected our new CVO Street Glide, just before we left for our trip, we were so busy getting ready, that I have yet to have a ride on it! No doubt that will soon be rectified! I would like to welcome two new

members to our Chapter: Mark and Linda Peters from Frome. Please look at the Members Section on our website if you want to check out our GWC merchandise. I have both large and small eagle patches and GWC rockers, Wings and Bridges patches and pins, H.O.G.® pins and pin grips, as well as a selection of micro fleeces. GWC sweatshirt hoodies and polo shirts are also available to order. See you at our Hogs in the Hayfields Rally! Ride safe Yvonne Secretary Email: yvonne.s.roberts@gmail.com Home: 01225 751017

From the Front Hi All,

Ride team complete the final recce. The details appear later in this article Welcome to the mid-year instalment and they are also posted on the webof all things riding. site’s members section. Once again, June already, can you believe it? So, we were blessed with fine weather, with a happy heart, and care-free atti- albeit a bit windy. tude, it’s time for my ramblings to By the time of reading this, our rally commence. will almost be upon us. So, if you Firstly, the weekend weather has haven’t got a ticket, now is the time. been pretty damn good over the last The ride out is a good one with lots to month. Consequently, this has seen see. As a taster, we will take in some the “Riders Saturday Crew” get quite fantastic scenery with tree lined roads a few miles under our belts. Great which close in around the rider and Britain has been our oyster. We have act as tunnels. There are the open cast off the winter shackles and ridexpanses of Salisbury Plain, quaint den to such exotic places as Winner- towns and villages nestled into the ish, Salisbury Plain and Bradford on hills. There is the multitude of locks at Avon to name but a few. Caen Hill to be seen. Outstanding stone work and thatched roofs everyOne such trip saw us visit the newly where, not to forget the fantastic panopened H-D Dealership near Readoramic views across Wiltshire as we ing. The day started with meeting at descend down into Lacock. the snack van on the A46 near the M4/J18 Bath turn off. A great place to The countryside is in full bloom right rendezvous apart from yours truly now, don’t miss out. Enjoy what this never factored in the Hooray Henry, part of the country has to offer. champagne swilling, and 4 wheel Well then, I think that’s enough of my drive brigade attending Badminton ramblings for this month. I guess that Horse Trials. I couldn’t believe how it just leaves the forthcoming rides to much traffic was in the area for 09.00 promote. a.m. Still, we fought our way through to the snack van and then proceeded HITH 8 Rally Ride Out to be the entertainment for the pass- Saturday 20th June 2015 – Big Al & ing Snooty Nose crowd. Obviously Team they had never seen nine leather “Wandering Wiltshire” clad, hairy arsed Harley riders, all eating at the side of the road. Oh, it was so common, tea in plastic cups.

in the sights and sounds of wonderful historic Wiltshire. So why not make the effort to get up out of bed and join us for a scenic ride that will blow out the previous night’s exertions. Guaranteed to set you up for a few ciders on your return to the rally site. The plan is to meet up in the main car park at the front of the rugby club for 10.00 a.m. Please be fuelled up and ready to depart at 10.30 a.m. There is a Sainsbury’s local, just a mile or so away from the site. Ask if you need directions. On leaving Cleve RFC we will head through the villages of Pucklechurch and Wick via the countryside’s back roads. We will then make our way past Bath and onto the historic town of Bradford on Avon which was established in the Roman Times. From here we move on and eventually we will pass the White Horse at Warminster. At this point a short 10 minute break is planned in the services. On leaving, the ride will make its way over Salisbury Plain, which has been, and still is the training ground of the British Army since Napoleonic times. It has been in use since 1898 for those who can remember that far back ..... he sniggers!

Anyway, back to Lind H-D at Reading. I must say they threw a pretty good opening day celebration. Bands, loads of bikes and a rather splendid free Hog Roast. At which point, I say some of our group made sure they didn’t go hungry. There were also a number of other chapters in attendance and, as normal, it turned out to be an opportunity for a natter. All in Please note that the Rally Ride Out Onwards to West Lavington and then all, a splendid day out was had and a is only open to those individuals we will take an approximate 45 micouple of hundred miles were attending the HITH8 rally. nute break at Caen Hill Locks. There clocked. This year Dave “LBD” Roberts has (Continued on page 7) The following week saw the Rally planned a fantastic ride that will take

are 29 locks in total designed by John Rennie. At the site is a small cafe where you can obtain light refreshments. It is a busy place, so there should be a few sights to see. Following our stop, the ride will make its way back past Lacock, which is known as the birthplace of photography by Henry Fox Talbot. We will then pick up the A420, by passing Chippenham, and making our way back across country to the rally site. This is classed as a Level A ride of approximately 80/90 miles. Sunday 19th July 2015 – Steph Pocock and Team “Heritage to Heritage”

favourite The Fosseway, through Ci- There is the opportunity for fuel for rencester and Tetbury to finish at The any that need it in South Molton. Cross Hands, Old Sodbury. Once we get to Great Torrington we The ride is classed as Level B of ap- pick up the A386 to Bideford and then proximately 150 miles. follow the A39 to the West Country Inn, where we will be the option to Sunday 23rd August 2015 – Blahave a Sunday lunch carvery. key, Barney, Wide, Hard & Stocky Our return journey is down the A39 “Bideford or Bust” with a stop for fuel near Barnstaple and then onto the A361. We turn off at North Molton and follow the road to Withypool. Then we are onto the B3224 to Exford, then Wheddon Cross for fuel and a stop for coffee at the “Rest and Be Thankful Inn”.

Hello the mighty GWC. I'm Phil “Blakey” Blake and I’m leading my first ride for the Great Western on Sunday 23rd August. We are actually not going to Bideford but through it to The West Country Inn near Clovelly. My cunning plan is to meet at Gordano services at 09.00 a.m. Please be fuelled up ready for a 09.30 a.m. departure. Dave Pocock will lead us on a ride to The Heritage Motor Museum at Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Starting off we get straight on the M5 and go down to J23 Bridgwater and go through Bridgwater. We then head towards Enmore to Bishops Lydeard, Facilities there include a cafe, the we then pick up the B3227 at Norton museum and a Land Rover experiFitzwarren and follow it all the way to ence ride. Details are on the website www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk Great Torrington. Here we will stop on the way at a cafe called the The plan is to meet at The Cross Northgate Inn near South Molton for Hands, Old Sodbury at 09.00 a.m. coffee. with full tanks and empty bladders. Please be ready to depart at 09.30 Ride Guide a.m. The ride will take us on the A46 through Stroud and skirting around Cheltenham to join the B4362 in the direction of Sudeley Castle, a haunt of the rich beautiful and famous.

We continue on the B3224 till we get to the A358 and into Taunton. We go round the back of Taunton and pick up the A38 and ride to the Services at North Petherton at J24 of the M5 where the ride will finish. For those with small fuel tanks there are 3 possible fill up stops South Molton, A39 near Barnstaple and Wheddon Cross. Any queries give me a call (Phil Blake) or text on 07909 846095. The ride will be classed as Level C of approximately 210 miles. For last minute updates, please keep a check on the website for changes.

Alan “Big Al” Stokes Assistant Director & Head Road Captain

Please see below some guidance details of the rides: Level A - Short and easy below 100 miles round trip. Level B - Fine for average riders but may be a bit longer. Level C - Can include some complex sections but mainly a longer duration.

Some, or possibly all, of the ride team do not fit those criteria, so we will be taking a comfort break at the Flag and Whistle Cafe at Toddington. The ride will continue along the A4362 towards Stratford on Avon and turn off for Gaydon. The return journey will be via bikers

Cocker’s Bits Hi Y’all!! I’ve just returned from a great trip to the USA passing through Virginia, North and South Carolina and many more states with some great company on some fantastic famous riding routes, such as ‘The Tail of the Dragon’. I’ve purchased more t-shirts, which I said I wouldn’t do, but I’m sure I have some older ones that I can donate to Steph for the Mencap shop. So I feel that I’m performing a good deed in to the bargain.

(yes we do actually rehearse!) and we now have details of the rally ride out on the Saturday which takes in the beautiful and historic Wiltshire countryside. Remember you need to have purchased a rally ticket to come on this ride out. Calne Bike Weekend Sat 25th July

Would you be interested in a short group ride from Riders to the outskirts But back down to earth now and the daily routine of normal life has set in. of Calne on the Saturday? The ride will take you to the outskirts of Calne I‘ve not got a lot of new stuff to write where it officially ends so you’ll need about so I’ll update you on the new bit to sort your own parking. Once there first and then just keep a summary of you can do your own thing, stay for activities and events you should alas long or as short as you like. Camp/ ready know about and hopefully have stay overnight or just soak up the atin your calendar. mosphere and take a leisurely ride home at your own pace. Contact me New addition……….. if you want to be included and I’ll Black Mountains Chapter Rally – keep you posted. Dragon Fever Official GWC going to SOFER 31st July to 2nd August 14th to 16th August As Baz has now purchased tickets for this rally he has kindly offered to lead This has now been adopted as an a GWC group ride over to the rally on official GWC activity. An organised ride will be arranged for the Friday to the first day, meeting at Chepstow and then riding down together. Make arrive en masse at the Hickstead site, sure you purchase your own rally tick- where the official activity will finish (i.e. you make your own arrangeets, accommodation, etc. from the ments for the homeward journey). BMC website. I’m now collecting names of those Meeting time is still to be arranged. GWC members who want to ride over together so I can advise the Road If you are thinking you’d like to ride Captains how many will be in the across as a group can you let me group. Please contact me ASAP if know please so we know numbers? you want to join the ride. Meeting And what you should already be time/place still to be advised. very aware of………. Please do not wait to purchase your HITH Rally own SOFER rally tickets and accom19th to 21st June modation (camping included) as tickOur very own rally. I’ve heard lots of ets will not be sold on the gate. members saying “they must get round Bristol Bike Show to purchasing their tickets” so come th on guys get to it or you get a nagging 15 August Come along and join us at this local from me. Take the easy option and (but world renowned!) annual event in buy your tickets now. Arrangements th are well in hand with the Friday night the centre of Bristol on Saturday 15 . Show/park your bike in front of the entertainment coming along nicely, GWC marquee but if you have time bands arranged, Gurzels rehearsals

constraints just come along and join us. There’s numerous biking related stalls and stands and plenty of pubs and restaurants so lots to do. GWC Christmas Party 5th December Only 9 tickets left at time of writing so get yours now! £10 deposit per person secures a place. Bank Acct Name: Great Western Chapter Bank Account No: 41343203 Sort Code: 40-14-06 Reference: Xmas Party The invite is currently open to GWC members only until the end of September, after which any remaining spaces will be made available to members’ guests. Welsh Castle Poker Run 13th September This is a joint Charity and Activity event to raise money for our adopted charity Mencap. It will include various things you love so there will be a riding taking in a number of stops at Welsh castles, a poker run and food. We will all eventually meet up at the same watering hole for food and drink. A fun day for a very worthy cause. Anita “Cockers” Cockwell Activities Officer Email: accockwell@yahoo.com Mobile: 07841 617477

“Stalking the Stones”

by Dave Stockford

I was extremely flattered that my first ride out as a Road Marshal would be a ride that I planned and led and also thoroughly enjoyed.

Ride timings, off we set on the second part of the ride to our refreshment break. We tried the café at the bottom of BrassKnocker Hill only to find that the service was slower than It all started in January when Nige a slow thing on a slow day. The (our team Road Captain) asked for washing up girl was washing cups ideas from the team about what we individually and bringing them out to could do for our April ride out. Several the front one at a time. Bad omen. A emails were exchanged and I was quick discussion was had and off to a surprised to hear that my idea had lovely Farm Shop near Beckington. been voted to be the next ride. I had No contest, Farm Shop it is – they chosen this route because I love visithave a dishwasher! ing mysterious Stone Circles and thought I would love to share that The third part of the ride would be via passion. Trowbridge and Devizes passing Caen Hill Locks, the Longest lock I had no idea what went into planning system in the UK. Then on to our seca ride so turning up to the first ride ond stop at Avebury where we intenddiscussion and test ride I was not preed a two hour stop over to see the pared to be asked “So what route did Stone circle. I happened to chat to a you have in mind Dave?” My initial tour guide during lunch and arranged thoughts were quickly discussed over a walking tour of the stones for all the a cup of coffee (ambitious as they visiting Chapter members. Hippies were). First Lesson; keep it simple. It duly organised and lunch eaten we became obvious very quickly that we discussed whether going to Stonewould not get all the major stones henge was feasible. This was ruled circles in one “A” class ride. This was out as being too ambitious. Back to because the distances and the time it Lesson one. would take to do the full ambitious ride was not possible in a one day The final leg of the Ride was deliberride. ated and we came to the conclusion that the final destination would be our So off we set on the first leg of the Chapter meeting place at the Cross ride from Gordano Services to StanHands. The route would take in Brinkton Drew via the Chew Valley where I worth (the longest village in the UK), live. Lesson Two; Christof rode at the Royal Wootton Basset, Malmesbury pace the group would ride in order to and Sherston. This would give the get the timing about right. I learnt very ride some nice scenery and quintesquickly that any times should be dousential Cotswold villages to travel bled and then add half again! I was through. Off we set on the final leg astounded at how long it took. On following Phil Blake this time. The arrival at Stanton Drew we checked timings were perfect. This is where I out the parking and discussed how to volunteered to lead the ride and this park the bikes. Taking note of the was kindly accepted. sloped surface and small area. So, the ride was now planned but it Stop one, the Stone Circle at Stanton needed refining. The following week Drew is not very well known but it is Christof and I rode the route again to the second largest standing stone check drop points for the second man circle with a Henge (circular bank and and confirm timings. The following ditch surrounding the stones). There week I rode the ride again on my is a lovely pub there, The Druid’s own, to cement the route and drop Arms if anybody fancies a visit. points in my own mind. This was folAfter a quick stop to simulate the lowed by a further ride with Nige to

confirm he was happy with the plan. All the time I was getting guidance and advice from the team about drops and how to lead. The day arrived and fantastically 40 bikes turned out. I really wasn’t expecting that many and we had to have a quick impromptu discussion to make sure that we could get everyone into the car park at Stanton Drew. Now who is taking names of attendees? I legged it into the services shop and bought paper and pen for a staggering £5! Lesson four; Make sure you have pen and paper in your saddle bags. Names of everyone were recorded for the Chapter records. My first ride meant that it would also be my first briefing. So nervously I stumbled my way through the ride brief and prepared to set off in the lead. It is a major buzz to see that many bikes following YOU! All the planning and preparation paid off and the ride went without a hitch. A really great day. The biggest thing I learnt is that there is a massive amount of planning and personal time put into organising and executing the monthly ride outs by the Chapter teams. From the route planning to all the smaller things like where is everyone going to park. Taking into account petrol stops and comfort breaks. Thinking about the level of rider skills and above all trying to make the ride interesting and engaging to a wide variety of riders and pillions. Respect to all who do this and a huge thank you to the Road Marshals and Team Captain for helping me make this great day out. If anybody would like to do this route on their own let me know and I’ll send you the route map.

[Photos on following page]

“Stalking The Stones”

Cangen Cymraeg Another month, another bout of head scratching, another bout of dribbles. First and most importantly my wife Andrea (when you read this article) would have been discharged from hospital to recuperate at home with the assistance of antibiotics/warfarin. Her strength needs to improve and I’m having to give her lessons on how to iron while holding a Zimmer. So our lives are starting to have some normality after 2 months in the darkness. From both of us really, really big thanks for all the support from Great Western Chapter members, from Black Mountains and also Bridgwater Chapters during Andrea’s confinement, because it has been a great tonic for her to read the cards, have the visits and your best wishes. As regards any future motorcycling holidays Andrea has decided her pillion days could be over so I will be riding solo (yippeeee!). I don’t know how I’ll manage. The last couple of weeks I haven’t done much Chapter riding but I did join Big Al and the boys to ride down to Swansea H-D to celebrate their 2nd anniversary and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. So much so that the following week I joined up with Chiv and his cohorts and rode to the opening of the new H-D Dealership at Reading, another great day. During this time I decided to have the new Daymaker lights fitted to my Electraglide Ultra and boy what a difference. The breadth of light at night is extraordinary and during the daytime is a real safety issue. (Nice plug Dunc?).

CBT, well done all round. Bazzer mentioned that there was 1 place left on the Go East tour but to date I know that this has been taken up by Wayne Honey. Our own Hogs In The Hayfield Rally will shortly be with us and to date 90 tickets have been sold of which only 46 (out of 260) are GWC members. Come on you lot a terrific amount of energy is spent organising this rally so please buy your tickets early not at the last minute. The long range weather forecast is superb. There is a packed agenda, on the Friday GWC entertains as does the Skimmity Hitchers. On the Saturday a rideout for Rally participants only, a barbecue, ride-in show, football match, egg roulette, our own Gurzels, and a rock covers band, the Dogs and Demons. If you want to help on the Thursday before, all the gazebos have to be erected so come along. Also help is needed on the gate and LOH hospitality tent. Please contact Andy Kendall (Safety Officer) and Jane Scott. For those of you who are staying at the Premier Inn free transport is provided possibly in a Rolls Royce (how good is that) by our own Gerry

Holmes that well known wit, raconteur, lorry driver and pilot. What a rally, should be a good one, don’t you dare miss it. Bazzer also mentioned that Neil Prescott and Paul (Barney) Evans had successfully completed the HOG Road Captains course. Forthcoming rideouts were mentioned as was the LOH walk up PenyFan. It was decided by Committee that our support for Mencap will be extended another year and Steph/Committee will be pleased if any members have other charities they know of we could support. The raffle raised £36 thanks Sian and I was the recipient of the breakfast voucher (thanks Liz). That’s about it so see you when I see you. Greg “Greggo” Payne Cangen Cymraeg Rep.

Ladies of Harley Hi Ladies,

there is still time to buy your ticket, it’s not too late. If you were at last Hope you are all well and hopefully by month’s club night Winkie made a now enjoying some sunshine! point of reminding us that we all need Last month Queenie and myself to support our rally. drove down to visit Andrea in the CarFor the Hospitality Tent, if I haven’t diff Heath Hospital. I've never seen got your name on the rota and you th The Cangen meeting on the 13 May such a large hospital, but once we want to help, send me a txt. Also a attracted 26 members on such a found reception we were put in the reminder that we need cakes or bispleasant night. right direction for the ward. Andrea cuits to go with the tea and coffee was pleased to see us and we wished Bazzer started the proceedings by all donations are much appreciated. her well and updated her on the gospassing on GWC best wishes for AnAll money from tea tent donations this sip. She is eager to get home once drea’s recovery. year will go to support our local brain she is strong enough. tumour charity, dress code will be He also mentioned that Bob Davies Well, our busiest month of the year is bandana's which if you didn't get one and Mandy Crook had passed the full finally here, yes you’ve guessed it our motorcycle test and that Jo Kromrei (Continued on page 12) Hogs in the Hayfields Rally and yes and Janet Locke had passed the

at our GWC birthday party will be on sale at the rally. Gurzels Of course that’s a show not to be missed. A lot of time, worry and effort goes into this.

You now have £155 to pay (twin room sharing) OR £200 to pay if single supplement

If you decide to pay early then, as Just come along and enjoy. normal, put your LOH reference on a Now Ladies, some of you may know BACS/cheque payment for Peter plus send me an email so I can update my I’m not going be around for a few spreadsheet. Yes it’s a long time off months from July as Stu and myself have decided to ride out to Rhodes to but soon comes around, lol. visit my Brother. We plan to be back LOH Charity Sponsored Walk late September, so I have put a reOf course I won’t be around for this minder below for the event but I will be thinking of you all Chester Weekend Your balance for our girls weekend is due by ** Monday 19th October ** You have paid £45 deposit

Well, that’s about it from me. If you need to contact me whilst I’m away can you please do so by email Take Care All Jane xx Ladies of Harley Any question, queries ….. Email: janescott61@hotmail.co.uk Mobile: 07894 086626

and I’m sure there will be pics on Facebook!! Plus Sian has volunteered to write an article for the mag. Of course I will put some money in the charity pot and toast you all. Good Luck Girls You Can Do It.

Charity Update Welcome to this month’s charity news! they are brand new and have their tags (H&S). Up and coming Activities Do bring your donation along to me in July 25th Hoggin’ the Shop the usual way. Last year this was very successful 8th August - LOH Sponsored Walk raising a couple of hundred pounds. So we are going to do it again this We have 12 ladies signed up so far year! and will be closing the signing up at the end of June so if you want to join On Saturday 25th July Barney and I in please let me know as soon as poswill be taking the bike and parking up sible. outside the Chepstow Mencap shop in Bulwark, Chepstow and entertaining I will circulate sponsor forms after the the public with loud rock music, enJune club nights so you can get your couraging them to buy Harley-branded family and friends to give generously! I items from the shop and having a gen- will take charge of the form for our eral chat. It would be great if we could members. get around 5 or 6 bikes this year – we 13th September - The Charity Poker can’t really fit anymore in the space Run available without creating a problem. So again, if you are not going to Calne Please pop this date in your diary and await further details nearer the time. Bike Show and have no other plans, please let me know if you can join us. Printer Cartridge Recycling Also I will need your Harley-branded This has proved to be very disappoint(H-D only – no GWC branded items) ing so I am now stopping doing this so items again please so we can fill the thanks to you all for donating but shop and have another great day of please find an alternative way to dissales – t-shirts, tops, jackets, teddies, pose of your printer cartridges from belts, pants, socks you name it we’ll now on. take it. Unfortunately I cannot take Postage stamps however I am still anything electrical or helmets unless collecting please.

Knitting for Christmas All the details are in the members area so please do pick up you knitting, crochet or sewing needles and make something fab that we can give to Mencap to use for their raffles, sell in the shop, etc. If anyone needs any help or wool let me know and I’m sure between us we can sort something out. Don’t Dump – Donate! … those unwanted items!! Take care, Ride Safe

Stephanie Charity Coordinator Email: stephanieann.evans@talktalk.net Mobile: 07983 259752

of a Learning Curve

by Mandy Crook

or Baptism by Fire on a

During a Saturday visit to Riders Steve said I should try and sit on a Street Bob and, with the assistance of Jason 7th October 2014, my birthday - ‘Ping’ Browne, I agreed. I wasn’t comfortable, goes my email. Happy birthday Mandy, not being able to reach the ground, so Steve has brought you a CBT course. Jason dashed up stairs and returned Wow I thought, this dream might actuwith a low reach seat. Although more ally happen. comfortable I am wearing normal ankle The voucher was printed off and put boots with a heal and my normal riding on the notice board for future referboots are flat. I asked Steve what is ence as it had to be used by the end of the point of this and Steve replied that February 2015. Early December I reit’s yours; you just have to sign the V5, membered the voucher, so we had to WHAT I asked? So after 5 minutes of hurry and book it or I would lose the silence it finally sank in and again Steoffer. A phone call to ‘Riding in Action’ ve had organised this and, although I in Swindon, to make sure they have a was grateful, it seems he is pushing bike that’s suitable for a female with me and taking too much control withshort legs, and the CBT was booked out my input. So we agreed that movfor Friday 9th January 2015. ing forward we will organise things together and now I own a Street Bob th Friday 9 , we woke to see that it that I can’t ride and Riders had agreed wasn’t raining - (phew) I thought. What to keep it until I have passed my test. I didn’t realise though, was that it was blowing a gale and very cold. It was The following weekend we went to OK,m as the first part of the CBT is Swindon to make sure they had a bike inside in the warm, and it would warm that I could sit on and touch the floor up by the time we go on road. The before we went ahead and booked the classroom part ended all too soon and next parts of the test. When we arrived there were 3 of us, all girls; 2 of us we met the boss of Riding in Action, doing it on geared bikes and the other Steve. He was most accommodating on a scooter. This was to be my first and took us over to their storage area time riding a motorcycle with gears where they had a lowered 650 Kawaand, during the slow riding in the car saki. I had my ankle boots on with a park, I fell off twice; the second time I heal and on tip toes I could reach the broke the gear lever. £10.00 lighter, I floor. Healed riding boots were the way continued, determined to get the CBT forward so some were identified and as there is no failing the CBT but if I purchased. can’t do it on the geared bike I would I booked direct access Mod 1 and Mod be forced to do it on the scooter or buy 2 for mid-April with training taking extra days. place over the Easter weekend. Things So through gritted teeth I persisted were starting to fall into place and we with the bike and finally got the hang of bought a 125cc for me to start practicthe gears and brakes and gained my ing on and improve my experience. CBT certificate. Steve came to pick me With the theory and hazard awareness up and we celebrated with deserts at a tests passed (92% and 83%) and a new ice cream parlour in Swindon on little practice on the 125 I arrived fresh the way home. Later that evening I and a little nervous for my Mod 1 trainreceived another email ‘your motorcying on Good Friday with my new riding cle theory test/hazard awareness’ is boots. We started to do the manoeubooked for Saturday 14th March. Steve vres in the car park, clutch control, had booked this. I’ve never sat a theofigure of 8 and slalom. It then came to ry test for a licence before and a bit of light that I can ride the bike OK. Howpanic sets in. ever the new boots were no good as During February I constantly practiced the heal is over the pegs and the gear both tests on my iPad and I was happy lever is too far away to change gear, with my progress. so I can only ride in first gear! Then we Sportster

came to the next problem: when I stopped and lent the bike onto my right leg my left foot couldn’t reach the stand and this was only going one way, the weight of the bike falling with me on it! After much deliberation Steve (the boss) suggested I learn on my Street Bob and he will insure the bike so that I can ride it under his supervision, the remainder of the day was postponed and delayed to the following Saturday and Sunday. The following week saw us collect the bike from Riders and brought to Swindon where I work and I can get used to it by trying to ride it around our yard at work. During the next 3 days I managed to ride the bike 40 yards at the most and having pushed the bike backwards 4ft I needed a 10 minute rest as it is so heavy. Things aren’t going as well as I hoped and Saturday came and hubby took the bike to the school. It was agreed that Steve (the Boss) would ride the bike to the DSA and I would follow on a 125 bike, we had 2hrs booked to learn Mod 1. Mod 1 consists of the following manoeuvres: 1 - Walk the bike backwards in a U from 1 bay to another. This took me about 15 minutes to do and I was absolutely knackered! 2 & 3 - slalom, weave between 5 cones and then complete 2 figure of 8’s around 2 other cones. Slalom ok but I couldn’t visualise the figure of 8 and the instructor had to walk in front of me for several circuits before I was ok with it. 4 - Uturn between 2 lines 7.5m apart. I struggled with this on the Street Bob but did manage a couple of clear attempts. 5 - cornering with controlled stop in a box of 4 cones, this was ok and I managed this every time ok. 6 cornering with emergency stop, when you exit the corner you have to be riding at a minimum speed of 33 mph, again I managed this several times ok. 7 - cornering with avoidance, again I managed this but hit a few of the cones on a couple of occasions, then (Continued on page 14)

the test is finished. Although it’s not timed you are expected to complete all these manoeuvres in 15 minutes and it takes me that to do the first one and I need a 10 minute rest after that! With our time up I decided to ride back to the training school. Hubby was there waiting for me and I was on cloud 9! Although my back and shoulders were aching, we headed home in need of a massage. We returned on Sunday and today’s instructor was Nick as Steve had a rare day off. We headed over to the DSA for more practice as my test is in 2 days. There were 4 of us there to practice and this meant I wasn’t going to get very long in the arena, so things didn’t go to plan and I failed to complete a full circuit. An instructor from Cheltenham said that I am wasting my time attempting the test on my bike and suggested I give his Sportster a go. I managed a couple of circuits but my confidence had gone along with the time we had at the DSA. I rode back to the school and it was suggested we cancel Tuesday’s test and have more practise. I was absolutely deflated, knackered and tired. The test was rebooked for Tuesday 21st April and on the Monday hubby made a call to Jason at Riders to discuss changing the bike to a Sportster Super Low and that Monday, after work, we headed down to Bristol to check it out and a deal was done. The following Friday we swapped the bikes and took it to the school ready for Sunday’s lesson. We had an hour booked at the DSA at 8:30 am and although the Sportster is 50kgs lighter, the manual handling is still a struggle but I managed it quicker and without a large rest period after! The U-turns were easier but I hit more cones on the cornering exercises than before. We noticed that the little extensions on the pegs were causing 2 inches of extra width and this was enough to hit the cones, so new mini foot boards were bought and fitted. The remainder of the day I spent out on the road with Steve (the boss) gaining confidence and experience - a good day all-round.

to the DSA, here goes. I rode into the arena and parked in the bay, Manual manoeuvre walk the bike in U backwards, I got the bike off the stand and I couldn’t move it, damn it’s in gear, I tried and tried to get it into neutral but it woundn’t go. After several attempts I got neutral and started the manoeuvre, pushed it back into the bay and the examiner asked if I would like a lie down? LOL. Slalom and figure of 8 done and onto the U-turn. I moved off and nicked the left hand line damn! Did he notice, I asked myself? Onto the cornering exercises and emergency stop. During the emergency stop, as I pulled on the front brake, my glove had sort of jammed the throttle and the revs stayed at 2000 rpm and I noticed the examiner jumped to one side in case I hit him. However, it was a controlled stop so all good, and the end result was a PASS with one minor fault for clipping the white line (he did notice)! I felt proud as 2 other instructors, from other training schools, congratulated me for passing on a Harley. We spent the remainder of the day practicing for Mod 2, that’s booked for Thursday the following week. I had booked a full day Mod 2 training on Tuesday before the test and, other than a few instances of a few lifesavers missed, it all went well. The Mod 2 test was booked for 12:32 pm so we got to the training school at 11.00 am to warm up the riding skills, and ride over to the DSA in plenty of time. I was miked up and all working OK, so out to the bike for maintenance questions all answered correctly. Then it was out onto the road: it is 36 mins of riding, including a hill start, pulling out from behind a parked car and independent riding. The end result was a PASS! WHOOP WHOOP.

Mod 1 test is booked for 10:30am and we had to be at the school for 9am. We had a gentle ride around and over

We quickly insured the bike and rode home to celebrate. The following day we had decided to travel to Scotland to visit our friends, stopping overnight in Gretna Green. The weather was warm and we departed at 10.00 am. We had planned lots of stops but little did I realise the effect of the wind and having to hold on to the handle bars for grim death. We arrived at our first stop 63 miles down and still 217 miles to go. My wrists were aching already; a quick stop for coffee and wee, we set of up the M5 in Friday traffic. We approached the M6 and, as usual, the traffic was backing up, I was about to get my first experience of filtering. I was a little nervous but Steve took the lead and opened up a gap for me and we reached our second stop on the M6. I was relieved to get off the bike as, not only were my wrists aching, but my neck had also started to ache. We’re 131 miles down and, after a little rest, a coffee and a wee, we’re off to our next stop. I noticed the motorway signs saying accident with long delays ahead which meant we arrived at the 3rd stop approximately 45 mins behind schedule although there was no rush to get to Gretna. A drink, a wee, fuel the bikes and we were off to the last stop. The next leg saw us travel through the more picturesque part of the journey although slightly windier. It felt like my head was in a washing machine on spin cycle, and causing more discomfort to my neck and wrists. The 4th and final stop was at Tebay and it was nice to know we only had 45 miles to go. A nice cup of coffee and a piece of cake, another wee and we set off again. The wind was still quite strong and we headed onward to our first overnight stop at our hotel, Greens of Gretna, the location of our silver wedding in June last year. We arrived at 6.00 pm and were surprised to see a massive transformation to the hotel. It was in the process of a take-over last year when we were there and they had turned a tired hotel into a modern one with segregated areas in the reception area. We checked in and went to our (Continued on page 15)

room, with drinks in hand. I was over the moon to find a Jacuzzi in the room, and I spent the next 30 minutes relaxing in the bath. We had a nice evening meal, a few more drinks and retired to our room for a nice relaxing massage.

down, and we retired to bed with the horrible thought of what laid ahead of us in the morning for our homeward journey.

left Stafford services and headed towards Birmingham. The traffic was heavy but we kept moving all the time and, as the M5 approached, I had a slight grin on my face knowing what I We woke to find the rain had eased a had been through this weekend, espelittle so we had breakfast and decided cially the conditions we had left in this to load the bikes and head off home. morning and I thought it had been a As we left the hotel the temperature massive achievement. The grin didn’t had dropped to 6⁰C and the rain had last long; as we passed the M42 the increased and the idea of the 400+ skies turned dark, black in fact and we miles ahead of us was not a nice hit some heavy drizzle. The drizzle thought. We had decided to take the soon turned into very torrential rain longer route up to Glasgow then south and we were down to 50 mph, and at on the M74 but, as the weather was times 40 mph, due to the poor visibility not getting any better, we made a stop and very windy conditions. We got to at the first services. our final stop - we were only stopping The plan to ride home in one day was for fuel, but the rain was still torrential. going to prove a massive challenge for I contemplated going in for a coffee but me. As we left the services, with the thought if I did I wouldn’t want to get weather not improving, and heading back on the bike. south on the M74, my wrists were We left the services and my emotions starting to ache already. With the wind were running high, with wrist ache, getting stronger my neck was getting neck ache and no sign of the rain letquite sore. There were some desolate ting up, we left the M5 and onto the places along the M74 and it seemed A417. Slowly the clouds started to like the elements were against me for break and it was brightening up again. my first road trip. We headed along the A417 and onto With another stop out of the way we the A419 still cloudy but not rainThe next morning we woke to clear passed Carlisle and noticed there were ing ,thankfully, and home was nearly in skies and a little wind, We had breakbreaks in the clouds ahead of us. As sight. Steve asked if I’d prefer to ride fast, checked out and headed up to the we approached the brighter clouds you to the M4 then home or turn down the Blacksmiths where we had renewed could feel the temperature rising and spine road and go cross-country which our vows and had a wander round. as we approached Tebay services the is about 10 minutes quicker. Without Nothing had changed and no wedsun was shining. answering I put my left hand indicator dings going on so we had a cup of tea on and we headed down the spine The further south we got the warmer it and headed off to Prestwick. We road. chose to ride the A-roads cross coun- was getting and with more sun than cloud. The miles started to pass quite The end was definitely now in sight. try, a route that took us along nice quickly and we soon arrived at our roads, winding sweeping bends and We arrived home at 7:45 pm, exactly lunch stop. Fed and watered off we through tiny villages. We were in no 10 hours after leaving Prestwick. I had went, heading south, with the traffic rush and took a few opportunities to ridden 416 miles today and 807 miles stop and take in the country side scen- getting busier. By the time we apin total in the 3 days we had been proached Manchester there were a ery and a fuel stop at what must have away. couple of hold ups and I had to put my been one of the most expensive garOnce I had removed my riding clothes traffic weaving skills back into practice. ages in Scotland! and had a warm cup of coffee inside This part of the trip was another proud As we approached Stoke on Trent the me I reflected on the last 3 days. “Was moment for me because I have never heavens opened, it poured down for 5 it enjoyable?” I asked myself, - absomins and visibility was less than 100 been one for handling bends on the lutely! However, at times, I could have back of Steve and, I have to say, I re- yds and, although it wasn’t too cold, parked the bike on the hard shoulder my visor started to mist up. We battled and hitched a lift home. ally enjoyed the route. We arrived in Prestwick and checked into the hotel. on to our penultimate stop and with a All in all the last 2 weeks had been a We only had a shower in the room this mile to the services the sun shone, whirlwind with the 2 tests and the trip, time so, after a rest and a shower, we and gave us a chance to dry off a little. and one hell of a learning curve and With clear skies ahead things were changed and headed out for some baptism by fire! looking up for our final remaining 2 refreshments. That evening we were legs of the trip. meeting our friends who live in Prestwick for a meal and a catch up. During How wrong we could have been! We the evening the rain started to pour

fabulous ride, done quite speedily with the benefit of not having luggage or a passenger. The Diamondback is really just a diversionary circuit off the Parkway for a bit of fun riding or doing it in sports cars (a group of BMW Z4 owners were on the road, the same time as ourselves).

Pete & Duncan’s Pump Stop Well, the 12 of us have just got back from our riding tour of North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina, taking in some amazing roads and scenery along the way. Aside from a day in Charlottesville with a visit to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States, and 2 full days in Washington, including a tour of The Pentagon, the tour was all about riding. So, continuing with my “Great USA Bike Routes”, does anything qualify from our tour? You bet it does, starting with The Skyline Drive (part of the Shenandoah National Park). This runs for 105 miles and rises to elevations of around 4,000 feet and offers many scenic pull-offs with stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont uplands. No commercial vehicles are permitted, the speed limit is 35 mph and the riding easy. At Waynesboro, the Skyline Drive ends, but seamlessly merges into the Blue Ridge Parkway running for 469 miles all the way down to the Indian Nation at Cherokee, NC. Once again, commercial vehicles are prohibited on the Parkway and the speed limit is 45 mph, but most go a bit faster, including us. You have to be careful though, as cops are on the look-out for speeders! While the Skyline Drive is mostly gentle ascents and descents, the Parkway is much more varied with regions of plateau, ridges,

Highlands and Pisgah (National Forest in the Appalachian mountains). Far and away the most spectacular of these is the Highlands region, which indeed resembles Scottish mountains (though much higher) or parts of Switzerland. Indeed, some of the twistiest riding is around Little Switzerland.

We (Boys only) rode the Diamondback (NC 226A) at the end of a 150 mile day. It is considered by many to be the best mountain road in North Carolina and it is loaded with over 200, almost 360 degree switchbacks and tightly-linked S-bends, dropping 2,100 feet with gradients of up to 20%. The road surface is in great condition, which it certainly needs to be, considering the riding demands.

After coming off the Blue Ridge Parkway, our destination, via some challenging, winding, narrow mountain roads, was Deals Gap, Tennessee for our overnight stay. The next morning, nice and early, we were straight up a steep ascent onto the Tail of the Dragon

The Dragon (US 129) is both worldfamous and notorious, with 318 bends in just 11 miles! Over the years, there have been numerous crashes (25 fatalities since 1995) involving bikes, sports cars and, until their recent banning, commercial trucks. The day prior to our ride, the Dragon was closed for hours after a sports car came off on a bend, hit a tree and was engulfed in a fireball. Fortunately, the driver escaped serious injury. In theory, the speed limit on the Dragon is 30 mph, but it is universally flouted, by a substantial margin, despite the presence of enthusiastic law enforcement. Being nice and early in the day, all was pretty quiet on that front. The previous evening we had experienced a torrential thunder storm, going on for hours. Fortunately, our day dawned dry but slightly misty. The road was damp but with a lot of debris on the margins. We were the first bikes of the day onto the Dragon and we all smiled cheerily (gritted teeth?) as we whizzed past the professional

I thought the Diamondback was a

(Continued on page 17)

over a mile high from the plateau.

photographers tucked off road into some of the tight bends.

Before we did the Dragon, I got talking with a lady rider early on the Blue Ridge Parkway. She told me that she had ridden the Dragon 18 times, but much preferred the Diamondback for the buzz! I’m inclined to agree, but maybe for a different reason. The diamondback drops very sharply and there are great views – if you dare take your eyes off the road. The Tail of the Dragon, on the other hand, is heavily forested, with really no views and, in the misty gloom, felt a bit claustrophobic

While it has a fair number of twisties, it also has many fine long sweeping curves with magnificent vistas and overlooks.

The Cherohala Skyway ends at the rather down-at-heel town of Robbinsville, NC. We stayed out of town at the brilliant 2 Wheel Inn, complete with individual motorcycle garages! Robbinsville was the start of our last great route, the Moonshiner 28, which winds its way south-eastward through Franklin and Highlands North Carolina before turning southward into Georgia and South Carolina ending at the sleepy town of Walhalla.

The speed limit on US 28 is mostly 55mph, so there is plenty of opportunity for exhilarating riding on the up and down twisties. There are also wide sweeping bends and the scenery is unsurpassed. Mountains views, waterfalls and secluded lakes appear around nearly every corner. So, here we have six great varied rides: The Skyline Drive, The Blue Ridge Parkway, The Diamondback, Tail of the Dragon, The Cherohala Skyway and the Moonshiner 28 – Phew! Which is supreme? It’s hard to compare and, in my opinion, the very best experience is to do them all. We flew into Charlotte, NC and rented our bikes from Charlotte H-D and did a huge loop (around 2,000) miles over 2 weeks. If you fancy doing this trip in the future and want some help with planning, just ask – happy to help you have a blast . On that note, over to Duncan:

Now that the season is well under way, I thought I would put even more pressure on the team and do a bit of decorating; actually, a lot of decorating, in fact the whole shop! For those of you who have not been in recently Why is it called the “Moonshiner”? It’s we have decided to paint the whole of because in times past, this road was the Harley section a new colour with used by the moonshiners (distilling great results and customer feed-back. their hooch by the moon) being purOne thing we have noticed is that, sued by revenue officers! while moving old signage, we have created a blank wall that needs a new sign. So, how about some suggesHaving said that, it is a truly great ride tions. We are looking for a new sign and absolutely not one to be attemptor symbol to fill the space by the ed by inexperienced riders. stairs on the left as you walk in. Send After leaving the Dragon, the road your ideas to Helen at enquirsedately runs alongside the river to ies@ridersmotorcycles.com and if we Dragon Harley-Davidson (mandatory pick your idea you will win a t-shirt, so stop). The aim then, is to join the get your thinking caps on and have a freeway for a short while before Tellichance to have your idea on the wall co Plains (another dealership) and at the home of The Great Western the ascent onto the 43 miles long, Chapter. Cherohala Skyway Scenic Drive, Safe Riding which was opened in 1996 at a cost of 100 million dollars. Peter and Duncan@riders This is a gorgeous ride, ascending to

At a Glance - GWC Activities Calendar Contact Anita Cockwell if you have any other events you would like to see listed. Tel: 01761 471385 or mobile: 07841 617477 or e-mail: accockwell@yahoo.com For further details on any event listed visit “What’s On” on the GWC website. Date

Event

Organiser

Details

9th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury

10th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

St Mary’s Hotel, Pencoed

19th-21st

Activity

Tony James

GWC ‘Hogs in the Hayfields 8’ Rally

20th

Rally Rideout

Big Al & team

“Wandering Wiltshire” [ Rally ticket holders only ]

27th-11th July

Activity

Christof and Greg

GWC European ‘Bucket List’ Tour

8th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

St Mary’s Hotel, Pencoed

12th

Rideout

Greg Payne & team

TBA

14th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury

19th

Rideout

Steph Pocock & team

“Heritage to Heritage”

25th

Activity

Cockers

Calne Bike Weekend (Sat only)

31st

Activity

Cockers/Baz

BMC Dragon Fever Rally

8th

LOH/Charity

Steph/Jane

LOH Walk Up a Big Mountain in Wales

11th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury

12th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

St Mary’s Hotel, Pencoed

14th -16th

Activity

Cockers

SOFER Rally

15th

Activity

Cockers

Bristol Bike Show

Rideout

Blakey, Barney, Wide, Hard and Stocky

“Bideford or Bust”

June

July

August

23rd September 3rd-6th

Activity

Peter & Yvonne

‘Go East Re-mastered’ Tour

9th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

St Mary’s Hotel, Pencoed

13th

Charity/Activity

Steph/Cockers

Charity Poker Run

15th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury

27th

Rideout

Andy RKK & team

“Another Dam Good Ride Around The Elan Valley”

3rd

Activity

Cockers

Ride to the Wall

11th

Rideout

Greg Payne &team

TBA

13th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury

14th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

St Mary’s Hotel, Pencoed

16th-18th

Activity

Baz, Peter & Chris

Boys Only Weekend

25th

Rideout

Steph Pocock & team

TBA

October

November 10th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury

11th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

St Mary’s Hotel, Pencoed

13th-15th

LOH

Jane Scott

LOH Chester Weekend

22nd

Rideout

Big Al & team

TBA

5th

Activity

Cockers

GWC Xmas Party

6th

Rideout

Nige Garnett

TBA

8th

AGM

Baz Aggett

Cross Hands Hotel, Old Sodbury

9th

Club Night

Baz Aggett

St Mary’s Hotel, Pencoed

December

Committee Contacts Sponsoring Dealer Duncan White 0117 9588777 Director Barry Aggett 07907 351650 Asst Director / Treasurer Peter Roberts 07540 164157 Asst Director / Head Road Captain Alan Stokes 07766 237242 Secretary Yvonne Roberts 01225 751017 Webmaster Chris Harding 07801 562011 Activities Officer Anita Cockwell 01761 471385 Safety Officer Andy Kendall 07905 397474 Editor Mark Cockwell 07900 496711 Photographer / Historian Tony Yendle 07787 551612 Ladies of Harley Jane Scott 07894 086626 Charity Coordinator Stephanie Evans 07983 259752 Cangen Cymraeg Rep. Greg Payne 07976 913004 Rally Co-ordinator Tony James 07940 895921

Road Captains Barry Aggett Phil Blake Mike Brake Paul Evans Nigel Garnett Paul Groom Chris Harding Ian Johnson Andy Kendall Andy (RKK) Kendall Greg Payne Dave Pocock Steph Pocock Neil Prescott Dave Roberts Mike Sage Jane Scott Stu Scott Alan Stokes Tony Yendle

Road Marshals Steve Crook Darlow Lloyd Gareth Jones Dave Stockford Keith Swarbrick