NEWS @ NENE
Summer 2014
Nene V alley Chapter
Chapter No. 9946
Director Martin Dickinson ‘So Bad’ MartinPDickinson@aol.com 07740 871983
Assistant Director Dave Burridge ‘Brumbo’ brumbo@brumbo.com 07768 166490
Secretary Maria Lapsley Maria.lapsley@ntlworld.com 07984 122581
Treasurer John Nicholas johnnickretuired@gmail.com 07808 648575
Editor Chris Lapsley ‘Slow Hand’ nenevalleyeditor@ btinternet.com 07709 205571
Webmaster ‘Road King' Scot Haynes roadkingscot@o2.co.uk 07970 421716
Safety Officer ‘The Reverand’ Steve Harris steve@harris 1509.freeserve.co.uk 07779 877131
Activities Officer Dave Burridge ‘Brumbo’ brumbo@brumbo.com 07768 166490
Head Road Captain Mike ‘Mikey’ Ivers mike@maivers7.freesere.co.uk 07950 947681
Merchandising Officers Mike & Jacqui Wakelin mike-groundhog@hotmail.co.uk 07989 975444
Ladies of Harley Officer Jan Harter’ janharter@btinternet.com 07913 071242
Historian Vacant Position
Photographer Vacant Position
DIRECTORS DRIBBLE
Summer 2014
Over the last couple of months, although I have not been able to ride, I have where possible turned up to Jacks Hill to see everyone off. The number of people attending the rides, as well as the overnight trips has been a pleasure to watch. It doesn't seem right watching you all ride off into the distance whilst I get back on the car. At the time of writing this I am still unable to ride but by the time it goes to press I will have had a couple of rides, as long as the bike is back, which I have just had a call to say it will be. Once again there seems to have been some ventures over the water, with members heading down to Barcelona and then on to Orval, and a few doing the European rally in Croatia. I also know there were a few heading straight to Orval. Let's help Chris out and put pen to paper and share your experiences with other members. It great to hear other people experiences and it also wets the appetite for those thinking about planning a trip into Europe. So far I have got Belgium planned on 1st October to meet up with a couple of hundred Belgium riders then St Tropez next May, which has had a good take up. Setting up the Club run award in 2004 I never imagined that there would be members that would get to the 300 point mark. Along with Tal we now have Chris Ringer who has achieved the prestigious landmark, well done Chris.
Don't forget our rally next month. If you haven't already got your tickets time is running out. I would ask you all, if possible to support the rally as there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to make the weekend the success it has always been. Hopefully I will now be in a position to ride alongside some on you in the coming months, so until then stay safe and enjoy this great riding weather.
As I'm sure some of you out are aware we have had a Martin problem with the website but hopefully by the time you read this the problem will have been resolved. I know Scott has been working on it but the problem and issues are far bigger than expected. At the moment I am not sure whether we will need a total rebuild, which if so could be fairly costly. Every year at the AGM the opportunity arises for members to put themselves forward for positions on the committee. The committee at present has been together for a number of years and it is always good to inject new ideas. If there is anyone who is interested in ANY of the roles on the committee could they please let either myself or Maria Lapsley know.
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Summer 2014
Editor’s View Point Anybody know any companies looking for a full time motorcycle tour planner & guide – I’m your man. 37 Years of working in the power & electrical engineering business will come to an end in a couple of months time. That aside the riding year is going great – and in one more month � ……. well more about that in September. In the past few weeks we have had the Cream Tea Ride, the Vulcan Bomber Ride, the Weston Cider Ride, Salcey Forest Ride and the Solstice Ride – all in great weather conditions. The only fly in the ointment was the cancellation of Rickie’s Breakfast ride due to heavy rain. This issue captures some these events article and or photographs. The weather got so hot on the Solstice ride that when it came to filtering through a traffic jam some bikes were cutting out or very close to it any way. Hope you got yours sorted Paul. Groups have also been further afield to St Tropez, Croatia, Spain/Belgium etc. I’m looking forward to some good articles from these adventures. Alan Lee has been sending me regular photos of him, Marilyn, Panda, Mike & Bronwen Sharpe plotting their progress down to Croatia. I include one for now but Alan will be providing a more detail review of this trip for the next issue. After a very pleasant ride into Hereford on Pasty’s Cider ride we finished at the fuel station in Chipping Norton. After a chat and farewells I turned round to my bike and noticed how slick my rear tyre had suddenly become. On closer inspection there was a large cut / flap of rubber and regular splits all around the central portion of the tyre following what was left of the tread. Luckily it was a dry day but I still had about 40 miles to go to get home. This I managed without drama so it was straight on the phone next day to get Vixen booked in for a replacement and photographs send to the dealership because I had only done 2000 miles. The tyre had been fitted in February and normally I would get about 10,000 out of a rear. The upshot was that although clearly the tyre was defect in some way, Harley do not warrant tyres as they have no knowledge of how the bike has been ridden, the tyre pressures used etc. etc. However, Robin Hood had seen even worse before, one where the tyre had delayered
(still Harley would not take responsibility) but as a good will gesture they supplied a new tyre at cost and fitted it for free. Together with my 35k service, new front disc, rear brakes, fluid etc. it turned out to be an expensive weekend ! Any one wondered what has happened to our past road captain Owl. Well I have it on good authority that since giving up work he has become a member of the cloth !! Here’s a little teaser for you – what model, year & owner ? Don’t forget, there is no emag in July and as I am away during August � there will be no mag that month either. September’s printed mag will be bumper issue, all those oversea’s rally articles and in particular details of what happened out rally (which unfortunately Madam Sec. & I will not be able to attend) Until next time ride safe and ENJOY Summer. Cheers
Chris Lapsley, “Slow Hand” Editor Last date for contributions to the September printed Edition : SAT 23rd August 2014 email :- nenevalleyeditor@btinternet.com or phone me on 07709 205571 or 01455 450463
Nene Valley HOG Chapter (Editor) PO Box 9277 LEICESTER LE9 OBT
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Ladies of Harley Officer
Summer 2014
You will be reading this after our AGM so I hope that a) you came and b) you enjoyed the evening. So, here we are in July. This month I am keeping my fingers firmly crossed for dry weather.
The “Have a go at Archery” day is Saturday, July 26th. Many people expressed an interest when I first proposed the idea and I have a list of those people. We are limited to a maximum of 40 people so those already on my list will be given first priority but I would appreciate confirmation by second week of July that you are still interested. Anyone else who is interested please let me know and I will ascertain if there is space. Please keep your eye on the website for any last minute news. Bob the Bus has kindly volunteered to lead us to the venue in Edlesborough with Mike Sharp and Mike Wakelin tailing. We will be meeting up at Jack’s in Towcester to depart from there at 10 o’clock. The ride is about 30 miles heading south down the A5, around the Leighton Buzzard ring road and then turning right off that on to the A4146 which leads to Edlesborough, passing through the villages of Billington and Northall first. Sparrow Hall Farm is on the right as you enter Edlesborough from this direction and Silver Arrow Archery’s range is at the end of the drive. Starting at 11.00 will have a couple of hours of shooting, with coaching, ending with a fun competition. We will then ride down to the Travellers Rest about a mile away, for some lunch. The cost for this event is £10 per head (not including lunch) which I will collect at the start of the ride, or if anyone prefers to meet us there, before the start of the action.
People on the list: � Richard Smith � Pete and Hazel � Peter Scriven � Dave and Maggie Allen � Mike Sharp � Chris and Julie R � Kiwi and Mrs Kiwi � Steve and Di H. � Gerald and Mira � Mal Haynes � Anne and Colin B � Jackie and Mike W � Chris and Maria � Gary and Paula � Paul and Sue W � Rickie Ann � Shani and Chris � Jacqui Gray � Dave Bowen � Bob Rhoades � Dave and Carol R � Jason Higgins � Babs and Billy � Oh, and me! That makes 38 so there is room for a couple more people as things stand at the moment. So, as I said, fingers crossed for dry weather as this will be very difficult to rearrange owing to commitments that the archery clubs have during the summer months. Take care. Jan
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Mikey’s Natter Another busy few weeks. It's been great to see the variety of events over the last few weeks. We have visited the Vulcan Bomber at Wellesbourne, been to the Malvern’s for a great ride, the Ace, Salcey Forest and had our Solstice weekend. We have also had members all over Europe at various rallies and travels to Spain. Quite a lot went to St Tropez, Croatia and Orval and closer to home a number went to the Iron Horse Rally at its new location (with good reports, one for the bag next year I think) and some poor souls went to the Big Brum Wet bash and got pi**** on!!!
Summer 2014 which looks great fun. This will be a great networking event and a chance to
meet with an American Chapter who wish to meet with us. We have the Newport Carnival on the 6th and we have been asked to lead in as a Chapter. Then on the 13th By the time you read this we will have also been to the July we have Groundhog taking us to some Gorges, then on Wootton Beavers Ride where the kids just love to see and sit the 19th we may have Rickie’s breakfast ride, more info to on the bikes and ask us follow, and on the 20th Mike Sharp is leading his Secret lots of questions, and our Island Ride out. We also have the Have a Go Archery Ride, June trip to the Ace Café the Peak District ride and the Ace... ALL in July. If that's not a Harley Night great plan for us all, I am not sure what is.....I know people have said it before, but talking to new members recently who You will have seen in last have been members of other chapters, they say we do more month’s Natter that I in a month than most chapters do in a year and July is such a borrowed Tal’s bike, due great example of this, so let's to mine needing see lots of us out and about. some shocks etc. Well Becks bike was first reserve for a ride but it was I might miss a couple of these as being serviced and there was a challenge, sooooo.. I I may go on an impromptu road borrowed one of Nutty's bikes for the Wellesbourne trip to Switzerland, more to ride... Cheers guys. A very worthwhile vodka donation follow, as I am riding with an ex gave me the loan of the XR1200 sporty, mmmm I need bike surveillance rider and there an every day runner. This is a good thing with Harley are always Mikey’s moments. Insurance as it lets us ride other Harleys fully I am also pleased to say that we comprehensive. are as always on top of our points and pins, I have always got We have seen quite a lot of people out and about and keen the record with me at club night so if you have any questions to rack up their points on the club run award. Which reminds please let me know. Also, if you are off to some obscure rally me, some of you will have seen on the web site that Chris that's not part of our normal calendar then please let me Ringer has also hit his 300 points Club Run Award. Well done know. Chris, we have not been As well as being busy thinking about rides etc., I am also able to celebrate with him personally getting excited about our trip to California, it's yet as he is always out, the coming around so fast. Whenever we go on a road trip Becky chapter is certainly at its always keeps a diary and has promised to do this for this trip best when it rides. But we so hopefully there will be lots of great memories and stories will do when he stops for to share when we are back and also advice for future trips. just a minute. Now our very We have other chapter members on big road trip on Route own Captain Pugwash has 66 so ride safe ( I hope your fellow Geordie doesn’t get lost) racked up a 275 total. Lastly we have missed Martin out with us since his operation, We only had to cancel one event over the last few weeks or but he's back this month...I can’t promise any dodgy fields sir! so, which was Rickie’s breakfast ride, which was a good call as Well until next time, have fun and ride safe. the weather was pants, but it will be rescheduled in July so watch this space. The chapter’s at its best when it rides, rallies and parties. We have got one heck of a lot to look forward to in July. On 5th we have the Independence Day ride to Sulgrave Manor
Mikey HRC
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RCs & Rides
Spring 2013
Chris Fawcett ‘Jedi’ Email : chris@chris57.plus.com 07964 775677 Mike Sharp mt.sharp@btinternet.com 07748 913326
Becky Ivers ‘Becks’ becky@reivers7.freeserve.co.uk 07901 716385
Andrew ‘Pasty’ Pugsley aafr43@yahoo.co.uk 07971 903581
Neil ‘The Ambassador’ Harrison njharrison47@gmail.com 07810 870167
Rickie Anne Gee Email : molly.g224@btinternet.com
07969 809662
Head Road Captain Mike ‘Mikey’ Ivers
Bob ‘The Bus’ Rhoades hdvrod@btinternet.com 07817 700958
mike@maivers7.freesere.co.uk
07950 947681
Chris Lapsley ‘Slow Hand’ c.lapsley@ntlworld.com 07709 205571
Mick Gray ‘Badger’ badgermick@virginmedia.com 07946 299447
Chris Ringer
Mike Waklein – ‘Groundhog’ mikewakelin@fsmail.net 07989 975444
cringer@virginmedia.com
07897 729749
Join us in a short ride to Sulgrave Manor to celebrate American Independence Day, we will also be meeting an American Chapter who are looking forward to meeting the local chapter from the Sulgrave area that’s us!!! This is a insert from their website.. In our centenary year we are going to make our independence day celebrations bigger than ever so save the date now. The battle reenactment group are already booked and preparations are under way for our AngloAmerican day of fun. All American Barbecue, Harley Davidsons, Cheer Leaders, Live Music, Childrens' Activities, Exhibition of Native American Artifacts, New George Washington Exhibition, The Battle with live Musket Fire and as much Mississippi Mud Pie as you can eat. Some activities carry an additional charge but you can still come along and have a lovely day without the need to spend any more than your entrance £3.50 adults, £1.50 children, £10 Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) Contact Us: Email: enquiries@sulgravemanor.org.uk Tel: 01295 760 205 So get out those American flags, it sounds like a great event.
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Secret Island Ride
The Secret Island Ride Sunday 20th July 2014 Leaving Jacks at 09:30am For those that don’t know the Secret Island at Waltham Abbey is steeped in military history, it’s more commonly known as the Royal Gunpowder Mills. Yes this is the place where the explosive stuff was made! The oldest group of buildings on site, Walton’s House, the mixing house and saltpetre melting house were constructed soon after the government’s purchase of the works in the 1787. Walton’s House was named after the last private owner of the works. Despite its domestic appearance it seems to have been constructed as a purposebuilt office building. Various additions were made to the original two storied structure. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, it was used as an office. It now houses the Archive and Study Centre. The mixing house was where the gunpowder ingredients sulphur, saltpetre and charcoal were mixed ready for the lengthy process of incorporation. The building alongside it was for a melting house where saltpetre was melted for use in gunpowder manufacture. From the 1780s it was prepared concentrated and crystallised in a refinery whose remains lie beneath the junction of Highbridge Street and Beaulieu Drive. Cordite propelled the millions of shells fired by the British Army during World War I. Vast quantities were needed and in 1914 the national product jumped from 3,600 to 16,000 tons. The Royal Gunpowder Mills entrance building (H7), situated on the Great Hoppit, was built in 1904. It was a ‘cordite drying stove’. Steam pipes ran through the whole building to supply the heat to dry the cordite. The earth traverses which surround the building were built to contain the blast in the event of an accidental explosion. But there’s also loads of stuff to do whilst you are there :
Summer 2014
1) Test Range where you can try your hand at launching, catapulting, shooting and firing a variety of air and water rockets, rocket cars, cannons, and air soft rifles. Explore the history of technology through time with a series of your own test range trials. 2) The Rocket Vault from tank busters to rocket motors used to launch satellites into space – see some of the secret rockets worked on at Waltham Abbey in our brand new exhibit. 3) The Armoury is a comprehensive collection of small arms and militaria recently acquired, catalogued and redesigned by The Royal Gunpowder Mills And much more !! There’s a café on site for a spot of sustenance. Our ride leaves Jacks Hill at 09:30am and heads straight down the A5 with a second pickup at the Esso garage just before the M1 at junction 9 at about 10:15am. The route then takes us across country past Redbourne, St Albans, Hatfield and Hertford there is a 15 minute fuel stop (about 62 miles) at the junction of the A414 and the A10 where we head south towards London on the A10. Just past Cheshunt we turn left towards Waltham Abbey arriving around 11:30am. There is of course an entrance fee to the Secret Island, they start taking group bookings once we get over 20 people so please let me know on the website if you’re coming. When I get an idea of numbers I’ll try to negotiate a group rate but current full adult price is £9.50 per adult. The return route will start at 3:30pm and will be all motorway M25, M1 and the ride will officially finish at the Milton Keynes Junction 14 exit which should be no later than 5:00pm. If you want to know more try visiting the Royal Gunpowder Mills website http://www.royalgunpowdermills.com Mike Sharp leading, Becky & Mikey tailing
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NV Gallery – Cream Tea
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Summer 2014
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Come Ride the Dragon II
Summer 2014
After the preplanning, the preriding, visiting hotel and lunch than planned. The stops, and arranging menus; April 25th was fast approaching. Boys did shut the place The only thing left was the weather – not much preplanning just for us – so a few possible there !! keen walkers had to sit and wait outside in the Then bang – the unexpected happened and Maria was taken drizzle until we ill while we were on a long weekend break in Berlin and well I decided to leave. think you all know the story, but it was then touch and go as to how long she would be in hospital and how quickly she would recover. The day before departure and it was clear Maria would not be able to ride up to the lakes, however, with a few walking wounded going by car there were options. Maria decided to leave it as long as possible to see how she felt and with Ange and Di travelling up to the hotel on the Friday evening and back on the Sunday morning – this turned out to be the best solution. This meant for the first time I was going to lead a long ride We were further delayed due to some foreign driver without my copilot managing to plonk his car upside down on top of a dry stone and general goffer. wall – don’t ask – couldn’t work out how he did it!! On the other hand, the bike would not Arrived at the hotel to find our walking wounded already in include the usual the bar or having spent the afternoon chilling in the pool and clutter of 6 pairs of spa – so as soon as I could get my riding togs off I went and shoes, optional night did the same. wear depending on weather, mood, The hotel are great at looking after us. Menus had been cold/warm – and no sorted and no one else was in the hotel. We had all 30 rooms straighteners, or and no other groups were using the other smaller function curling tongs etc etc. room. (not like 2 years ago when the Masons were in !). Good food, plenty of beer (although the Wainwrights didn’t Friday morning and the forecast was for rain moving north last long !!) and everyone was heading upstairs – some for and time wise it looked likely we would stay ahead of it. Although a bit damp at Jack’s everyone’s spirit was high and rampant sex (Gary & Paula) others just knackered. Meanwhile me, Pasty and the Rev had to carry out a lone all were eager for the long weekend riding. Riding north it midnight vigil waiting for the girls to arrive. was foggy and cool. By the time we headed west into Yorkshire and round the bottom of the Dales the rain had Saturday morning – light rain – but the forecast was for sun caught us up. We were lucky though as it never really got by 10:00. After a mutiny the night before the Saturday ride heavy. start time was put back to 09:30 (light weights) – but that did Lunch stop was allow more time for a full Cumbrian breakfast (superb with ‘the boys’ at a real biker café – sausages & black pud, supported by the full works). Had to ‘Dusty Bluebells’. do a quick reccie for a new fuel fill up spot as road works had Actually they had closed my start road and access to the filling station. tried to man up a Anyway, by the time I was back the sun was trying to break bit by renaming it through and everyone was getting ready. As happened 2 years ago, Mike & Jackie Wakelin disappeared only to Stride Wood reappear as a dragon & maiden in distress !! they looked after the great – especially as they rode the first half of the day in surround costume – head gear and all. Brilliant. Lakeland must have woodlands of wondered what the hell was going on. Bolton Abbey. It was all very …well quaint – coloured tea pots, nice sarnnies, pasties etc. but lunch took a bit longer
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Come Ride the Dragon II
Summer 2014
“are we there yet” or similar was a very regular question at every stop. Sunday morning and this time the start time stayed at 09:00 as we had a long way to cover. Again, after good brekkie, check out the hotel, say good bye to Madam Sec. the sun was out. A detailed preride briefing was intended to do away with the “are we there yet”. We headed off out of Kendal toward the Yorkshire Dales and Wensleydale in particular. The road out of Kendal and over to Sedburgh and beyond is great – twisty, scenic, narrow etc. and at that time in the morning – empty – apart from Sheep ! The only problem was the cloud After a stop at Asda (sorry Mikey – no Morrisons around that came down and although it stayed dry – the temperature part of town) it was down a little bolt hole of a road to avoid dropped considerably. Anyway, after a coffee stop at Aysgarth Falls and onto the east side of the Dales it did warm the road works and off we went : up again. Back way into Windermere (great twisty road), on to and over the Kirkstone Pass (epic ride), down to Ullswater – with The route from here was to go further east to Selby then a coffee stop on the steamer pier at Glenridding. On up and down through North Lincolnshire and a quieter country run over to Keswick and down through Borrowdale, up and over (as opposed to the motorway) down to Retford and the edge Honister Pass (avoiding a cycling event using the same pass) of Sherwood Forest, into Leicestershire, round Leicester and the ride finished at LFE Services on the M1. The sun came along the side of out for most of this leg and it was only getting close to Buttermere and Crummock Water, Leicester that the clouds came over. then round and A big thanks to all those who took part and made the over Whinlater weekend a great one. Also thanks to Becky, Mikey, Jedi, Pass and back Groundhog, Bob the Bus & Mr Ambassador for tailing duties down to Keswick over the long weekend. again for lunch stop. To be honest, I was absolutely shattered when I got home Quick chat with the Sunday evening and that first beer went down a treat. I was also lucky in that the moment Vixen was put in the garage, it Road Burners MC who were on a ride from their rally site in chucked it down with Maryport, then the afternoon route took us down past Thirlmere, Grasmere, Rydal Water to Ambleside. From here hail for about 15 mins. Hope all it was over to Hawkshead and up Hawkshead Hill and down along the ‘Quiet’ side of Coniston water. Finally a run back others with further to go didn’t get too around to our start point, fuel and back to hotel for more wet. Until the beer & food. next one……. The sun stayed out Slow Hand for most of the day and not a drop of rain !! brill. Even though I done a preride briefing, it was a bit like being out with the kids –
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Oh – the Joy of Biking ! A Trip to The Netherlands The adventure started the previous weekend in a twelve mile traffic jam into sunny (in fact swelteringly hot) Wales. Whilst filtering through the traffic (bad planning by Slow Hand) into the country where sheep can only hope to be slaughtered for food my bike started to falter and give me the jitters. People with far more know how than me come up with, bad fuel, loose wires, broken throg sprockets, etc, etc. Unfortunately it was not until the following Wednesday I could not get upto NVT to have a diagnosis; which inevitably turned out to be bad and presumably expensive; however to add to this we were booked onto the 23.15 ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland. The sensor that was needed was in Newmarket. I left home at 2.50 pm. Left Black Bear at 16.05 on the return journey and arrived through the rush hour to NVT at 18.05 whence Dave proceeded to take fifteen minutes to fit the new bit in the correct place. Assured that all was well I set off home to pick up luggage and wife. We left home at 7.30 and chased all the way, surprisingly past Newmarket, to Harwich having quickly showered packed and eaten nothing since breakfast. We arrived in plenty of time so why we were panicking I do not know; got on board found our cabin and then went for a meal and a small bottle of red. Our long weekend break had started.
Summer 2014
dealership in Alkmaar, some forty five kilometres away. He turns up in full racing leathers on a Suzuki 650 something. I warn him that he will have to slow down a bit for me and my pillion to which he agrees. We go off along some beautiful coastal road seeing the seaside towns missing the cyclists (just on more than one occasion) and every now and then he stopped to allow us to catch up. On one stretch of road he takes the opportunity to jump in between vehicles on a regular basis, I have to do the same as I have absolutely no idea where we were geographically. I note the police bike race past us and joke that he is after Mikey (no not that one). There they are stopped a little way up the road so I pull in fifty yards past to wait. In behind me pulls up a VW van and out steps the politest policeman you could never want to meet. He explains to me about not overtaking on solid white lines and I retort by saying you can do this in England, Blah, Blah, Blah, pants on fire. That did not work, even saying that the police bike had overtaken me so I thought it was OK. Even Mikey pleading that I was only following him did not save me from a 237 euro fine – the maritime museum at this point looked very attractive. The dealership was like all of them lots of used bikes, new sportsters and merchandise, nothing exciting; did not even get a free coffee. Sunday night saw us reversing the sea journey and arriving back in jolly old blighty have covered just over 500 miles. Got to add here that the boats and cabins were really comfortable and user friendly and luckily the North Sea was not unlike Caldecote lake on a calm day. I will not go on about the food and German beer we found but needless to say back on salads and green tea for a while.
Six thirty on Thursday saw us disembark into a long stream of lorries and stupid English people driving over the middle of the road, but, worse of all roadworks. This meant that my carefully planned route was thrown completely into disarray Paul and Sue Whiting as the roads I wanted were closed and no diversion signs. An hour of going around in towns where I could not find a sign for the direction I wanted the Bluetooth was getting very hot. Eventually heading on the right road in the right direction I calmed down only to find us having a lovely ride around in Amsterdam; certainly not in the original plan. This did not dissuade us although I did refer to Holland as something alike John Nicholas asked me to write this after a recent problem with my bike. (I thought those of you with modern Harley’s to a toilet with nasty bits in, aloud. might appreciate the heads up – John N) Not to be defeated we carried on and did make it to our friends place in Den Helder. This turned out to be a pleasant I resigned from my job at the end of May, and found myself with a little time on my hands. Inevitably I got out and about town where all ages ride old fashioned bicycles as the landscape is so flat. What very nice people the Dutch are and on the bike given the sunny weather and decided to bimble they did not mention too often about our football team; not down to Oxford Harley for a shufti and to order a couple of spare parts. that I care a wooden clog.
TSSM’s – a cautionary tale by Jon Page
On the Saturday a friend of the family, young chap mad on cars and bikes, came around. He decided to change our plans of going to the maritime museum to taking us to the HD
John and I with a couple of mates are booked on our European tour in early July, so it was good to get a few miles in and reacquaint myself with the joys of filtering down the A34, which was rammed even for a June Friday. The bike was
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Oh – the Joy of Biking ! behaving nicely after a couple of minor technical issues fixed as ever by Dave and Jules at Northants V Twin. I had a pair of Kuryakyn spots mounted on the front bar (which look brilliant) but the bike kept popping fuses – turned out it was a crimped cable, now mended. I pitched up at the Oxford dealership and had a good natter with the folks there, got the bits I needed (a couple of spare blade fuses and windshield bushes) and pushed off round Oxford via Witney and Bicester. Then the speedo stopped. Not a flicker. I pulled up a junction and the engine stopped. Indicated to turn, restarted the engine, and carried on – as did the indicator – no selfcancel. Nightmare. This happened again whenever I had to stop, even blipping the throttle made little or no difference. I got home safely and as you might imagine rang Northants V Twin. The lovely Jules answered the phone. “Jules, me bike’s bust!” “Don’t worry Jon, I’ll get Doctor Dave for you”. Dave gets on and I describe the symptoms. “It’s your TSSM.” “What the chuffing Norah is a TSSM?” “It’s the Harley security module and we can’t fix it, it needs specialist software and is bloody expensive”. At this point I can see my European trip go down the toilet. It’s less than two weeks away, it’s a Friday evening, and it’s a techie gremlin. I ring Oxford Harley. Service bookings are backed up for weeks and the service manager is on holiday that afternoon, so noone can help me. I ring Black Bear and speak to someone who knows what a TSSM is. “Get the bike to me, will have a diagnosis in 15 minutes, but these TSSM’s are rare and on a two to three week lead time.” Panic. The bike is not safe to ride so I call Dave again and ask if he can trailer my bike to Black Bear on Monday morning. “No problem Jon, I’m at a wedding tomorrow but text me anyway and we’ll get it across for you.” I live thirty five miles south of Stenson Street so this is no small favour!
Summer 2014
I ring John and say I’m now a doubtful for the trip. This is the point in my cautionary tale where those of you who know Harleys and TSSM’s will knowingly chuckle and wag your beards. I went onto the forums. I typed in “TSSM problems” and all sorts of stuff came back. This is the link that saved my bacon: http://www.hdforums.com/forum/dynaglide models/659844tssmtrouble.html This is what it said: “We tend to overlook the FOB. If you’re on the road somewhere and that battery takes a ****, you better hope some kind of a store is around that has a battery. The same goes if you're away from home and you lose that FOB, your trip is done!” And here, just for fun, is a picture of the TSSM. Note the key fob! Incidentally, TSSM stands for turn signal security module.
Inside each key fob is a CR2032 lithium battery. They cost £0.78p from Tesco or £3.00 for a party pack. The CR2032 in my fob conked out while I was enjoying the sunshine. I changed both batteries and got back on the bike for a short test run. Surprise, surprise – speedo good, engine good, indicators good. Suddenly everything works! I ring John. The trip is back on, the rideout to Wales on Saturday is back on. I describe the fix. John asks that I write it up as a cautionary tale. The moral of the story – keep CR2032 batteries with you as spares and before a big trip make damn sure both fobs have fresh batteries in them. Or bad things might happen.
Jon Page
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Vulcan Bomber Ride
Summer 2014
cockpit and having various explanations given us of its A beautiful Sunday morning and a warm ride down to Jacks Hill. 7.30 in the morning and no thermals, no thick clothing & history, stories and how they preserve the aircraft. Avro Vulcan B.Mk2 XM655 was third from last of the Vulcan no water proofs. bombers produced for the Royal Air Force, being delivered in late 1964, and was part of the UK's nuclear deterrent force throughout the 1960s and 1970s. It is now owned by Wellesbourne Airfield, and is looked after by 655 Maintenance and Preservation Society (655MaPS) which is a volunteer organisation of Vulcan enthusiasts. XM655 is one of the few Vulcans remaining in ground running condition, the only one with the most powerful of the engine variants (Bristol Olympus 301s) and 655MaPS aim to keep it running for as long as possible. The aircraft systems are powered up and exercised regularly, engine ground runs are carried out several times every year, and a "Fast Taxi" event is carried out every summer to show off the aircraft and raise funds to support its preservation. XM655 is maintained by a small team of skilled and dedicated volunteers, many of whom are exRAF, (some even exVForce personnel and one of whom actually worked on XM655 in service), who give up their Saturdays to preserving XM655.
Jedi had planned an early start so we could ride over to Wellesbourne Airfield in plenty of time as it was l ocals open day to the airfield & on site museum. However, Jedi had arranged for us to see the Avro Vulcan Bomber XM655 and the preservation society people would be on hand to show us over the bomber and explain its history. After an hours ride through the countryside we parked up in the airfield. Unfortunately, the open day meant it was busier than usual so we would not be able to get the bikes or some bikes parked up in front of the Vulcan for photos. After being put in small groups to go off with the preservation people we spent a couple of hours climbing up into the
The Vulcan has a particular interest to me as my Dad worked for Hawker Siddeley / British Aerospace at Bitteswell (now Magna Park on the A5). As a kid, when they flew in for maintenance (or the Red Arrows etc.) or out after refit, my Dad would let me know the time so I could cycle up the A5 and watch from outside the airfield fence, as the crew usually did a little display for the workers before heading off. Saying this on the day, it turns out Mike Wakelin’s Dad did exactly the same. When my Dad was alive his shed was full of aircraft rivets, bolts and all sorts of stuff from the planes – including a V Bomber fibreglass nose cone as a large flower pot. Turns out Mike’s Dad had the same stuff. Small world. The term V bomber was used for the Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft during the 1950s and 1960s that comprised the United Kingdom's strategic nuclear strike force known officially as the Vforce or Bomber Command Main Force. The bombers, whose names all started with the letter "V" and which were known collectively as the Vclass, were the Vickers Valiant (first flew 1951, entered service 1955), Avro Vulcan (first flew 1952, in service 1956) and Handley Page Victor (first flew 1952, in service 1958). The VBomber force reached its peak in June 1964, with 50 Valiants, 70 Vulcans and 39 Victors in service.
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Vulcan Bomber Ride
Summer 2014
For long range operations, tanker variants of each were developed. When it became clear that Soviet missiles could successfully bring down high flying aircraft, the V bomber force changed to lowlevel attack methods. As a result the Valiants were removed from service after problems with fatigue in their wings became apparent; a planned low level variant of the Valiant did not progress beyond the prototype. The V bombers were to carry the GAM87 Skybolt, an airlaunched ballistic missile, to update their strike potential as new innovations in the Cold War made their early style of operation less viable; however Skybolt was cancelled by the US and the Royal Navy became Britain's main provider of the nuclear deterrent, using UGM27 Polaris intercontinental ballistic missiles from nuclear submarines in the 1970s. While the V bombers no longer held precedence in Britain's nuclear strategic planning, superseded by aircraft such as the SEPECAT Jaguar and Panavia Tornado, which carried smaller tactical nuclear weapons, the Avro Vulcan would be perhaps best remembered for its conventional long range bombing raids during the 1982 Falklands War. The Valiants had been used during the Suez Crisis as conventional bombers. Victors had been deployed to the Malay Archipelago as a deterrent during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation but were not used in missions. Usage of all V bombers as weapons platfor ms, nuclear or conventional, ended in 1982. After we had all squeezed into the cockpit 4 at a time – (the crew of 5 had no space to move around on a 16,000 mile flight say to bomb Port Stanley – apart from laying down on the bomb aimers window in the bottom) it was off for lunch at the pub a few miles down the road and a relax out in the garden. On the way we passed through Loxley. In the reign of Henry II and Richard I, a knight named Robert Fitz Odo lived in Loxley, Warwickshire. A 1665 drawing of Robin Hood’s grave resembles a grave in Loxley. There is no evidence that Fitz Odo was ever an outlaw and no evidence that the Loxley grave is his, but this is just one of the possibilities for the real Robin Hood…… anyway.. Thanks Jedi, a nice chilled ride out in great company – finished off sitting in the sun at home with a large cold one! Slow Hand
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St Tropez Euro Festival For those of you who haven’t been to this rally here’s a little taster of what it’s like for those that have been here’s a reminder of what it’s like. In total 13 members went to the 2014 rally, we went in small bunches this year going all sorts of different routes, my group Bob Rhoades, Paul Whiting, his mate Goff (on a protype Harley Boxer) and me went down via Orleans and the Millau bridge and back via Route Napolean, started Saturday arrived Monday mid Afternooon. Chris Ringer after his ride to the Cider Rally and Henley Cream Tea ride started a couple of days later avoided all motorways, took back roads that don’t even show on the map and arrived on Wednesday evening. Clive and Tracey Rayner set off early, arrived before all of us… just to make sure they had enough time to cook the Nene Valley BBQ on Wednesday evening. Mike Fletcher and Jane Nash rode down through Switzerland just to visit a restaurant at the top of the Schilthorn..romantic!! John and Jackie Nafzger started two days earlier than us had a four day break in the Dordoigne …. Chill out riding. Colin & Sue Barnard went down via Annency ….. it was a bit wet I understand. Jim Thom just rode down and back on his own… that Lone Rider patch says it all. Just goes to show that bikers are an adventurous prepared to go in any direction to get to a party. The rally itself is held on the largest mobile home site La Prairies de la Mer, which is right on the beach in Port Grimaud. Our group had two mobile homes between us, very comfortable with all mod cons, even air conditioning. When we arrived on Monday our first job was to stock up with supplies from the onsite shop. Then we walked around the site to get our bearings, although it didn’t start for three days already the rally was starting to take shape, the sound stage was up on the beach, HD dealer trade tents were up along the beach front, the Harley bar opened up just as we walked by…. Had to stop for swift liquid intake. The trader area at the back of the site was starting fill up. Monday
Summer 2014
evening we went into Port Grimaud for a drink at Heskeths bar and meal at an Italian restaurant. Tuesday dawned bright sunshine, a little breeze and a snow storm of floating tree seeds. Today we headed off to St Tropez proper, an interesting ride with a six mile filter into the centre of the town, apparently this is normal every day. After parking up we all wandered along the harbour front to the Irish bar for a Guinness or two. By 2 o clock we had soaked up enough atmosphere, taken a few photos then rode back to our site for an afternoon siesta. This evening we found the Guinness Mecca of Port Grimaud Monroes, great beer and super food, this was to become our regular nightly watering hole. Happy Hour from 7:30 – 8:30 meant a few pints could be bought at less than £3 per pint led to a very happy evening. Wednesday it was off on a ride to Monaco. Paul’s nephew, Jason, lives there and we planned to meet him for lunch. An hour and halfs’ ride got us there about 1ish, we had a hell of a job finding parking spaces but eventually we found a whole bank of empty motorbike parking slots under a bridge. Paul phoned Jason to let him know we had arrived and to come and meet us. Whilst the call was going on a bloke and his son came over to explain that the reason the large number of parking slots were available was that at 2pm the local tow away truck came round to pick up the bikes, take them to the local pound that charged 140 euros to get them back as this night the Monaco football team were playing a match and we had parked in restricted match day parking slots. Jason arrived and saved the day by finding us free parking right down on the harbour. As is normal though Bobs V Rod didn’t like it by the harbour, bike immobiliser dislikes wifi, but we manage to sort it out by pushing under a tunnel which obscured the wifi signals and hey presto bike started. Well what good organisation to be in Monaco on this day because it was the build up to the Historic Grand Prix taking place on Friday, so Jason guided us down to the circuit and we wandered freely around the pits admiring some of the famous grand prix cars, there were Aston Martins, Allards, Ferraris, BRM’s, John Player Specials, Marlborough Mclaren’s and Maserati’s what a great sight these all made all along the harbour in Monaco. After a good wander about is was back to the bikes and back to Port Grimaud. John, & Jackie, Mike & Jane, and Colin & Sue had arrived. Tonight we had all been invited to Clive and Tracey’s Nene Valley BBQ. Chris Ringer arrived just as the BBQ started
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St Tropez Euro Festival , James Thom turned up as well. Clive and Tracey surpassed themselves this year with roast Pork and roast Beef, as well as the normal BBQ, and for desert Tarte du Pommes ….alright Apple Tart …..we were all stuffed by the end. Thursday the start day of the rally, first all off to registration to get armbands, then first full check out of the trader area. After the arduous shopping trip it was decided that a little beach side bar time was required so we found a super table with mixed sun and shade right on the edge of the sand and settled down beer and rose wine for chilled session of people watching, and general blokes banter. By 1:30 it was pizza time …. Five big ones tomato, cheese, herbs, fried egg in the middle and chips sil vous plait …. More beer and wine. At 3:30ish it was time for more trader visits, I bought 4 tee shirts on a deal won a prize. I had to fish in a paddling pool for a duck with a hook on its head, much as I tried the hook just wouldn’t catch the duck as I was trying to impress the young lady in the bikini who was manning the fishing site, in the end Paul helped by putting the hook though the ring on the top of the duck whilst I distracted the young ladies attention. I won three posters …. Two will be available as raffle prizes at our rally in August. I’m keeping the signed one to put up in my garage!!! After a short rest following our exhausting day we headed for Monroes for Happy Hour, this was the night when after the first couple of pints before 8:00 it seemed the rest of the chapter arrived and proceeded to order rounds of Guinness during the happy hour, at 8:25 the barmaid still had 27 pints of Guinness to pour and we all had at least 4 pints each lined up on the table. After finishing the drink and eating another great meal we all headed off to the beach for the Aerosmith tribute band, what a super band very tight, and very realistic. Friday is Custom Show day in the village of Grimaud, so we all headed of planning to arrive at the village early enough to get good parking….. wishful thinking! We eventually got parked down a side road but with an uphill walk back to show area itself. The show is held in the town square and there were some very good bikes to see. We heard later that the best
Summer 2014
Sporster (see photo) was won by Sam Wood, the bike had been partly prepared by Dave Barringer at Northants V Twin …… small world! We had a nice little NV lunch at a local patisserie baguettes, quiches and raspberry tarts. Back to the site for a few drinks and a siesta before heading off to Monroes for another night of Guinness and evening meal before heading back to the beach to watch Bonnie Tyler ….. very old skool. Saturday was a mixed day of a little ride to the local dealership… about 20 miles each way, lunch in St Maxime on the way back, trader area visits, buying the odd item this time, and an afternoon of rest to get our bodies ready for the evening bash, whilst progressively emptying the fridge of most of the food and drink. Our evenings were now set out off to Monroes for a few Guinness’s and evening meal then off to the beach to watch the nights band, tonight was Eric Burdon and the Animals. This bought back lots of memories of festivals and smokey night clubs in the late sixties and early seventies. Eric sang his classics finishing with House of the Rising Sun…… not quite as good as I remember him but still who cares he’s a real blues singer. After the show it was into the Harley bar for a bit of shaking to the Bogus Brothers, wishing those that were leaving on Sunday a safe trip back and finishing off with a few early hours beers then bed. Sunday this was the day when the site emptied, the trader area stands were mostly gone or well down the route of going, the sound stage was in the process of being dismantled. This was bike cleaning day before setting off home on the Monday morning, completely emptying the fridge of food …. John & Jackie were staying until Wednesday so in the evening we gave them the remainder of our supplies. Evening was again at Monroes, low Guinness intake tonight as riding in the morning our last meal in Monroes was a bit quieter than the previous few but still enjoyed as much as usual. Monday morning we set of at 8:00am and headed for the Route Napolean and home our Euro Festival was over. This is not the complete story of all the laughter, the fun, the riding at the rally as a lot of it was done in a bit of a blur. But there is no doubt this is one of the best rallies on the European calendar, always the first, always in early May…… So get on your bike and come with us next year!!!!! Book your interest with Martin now so we can get the best deal on accommodation as soon as the rally dates are announced. Mike ‘Sharpie’ Shape
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St Tropez Euro Festival
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Summer 2014
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Humour Corner
Summer 2014
Shane says, 'I feel great, too. You don't have a hangover?' TRAINS Phil says, 'No that jet fuel is great stuff no hangover, nothing. We Alex Salmond's colleagues decided it would be a worthy gesture to ought to do this more often..' name a railway locomotive after him. So an official went to the ' Yeah, well there's just one thing.' National Railway Museum at York, to investigate the possibilities. 'What's that?' "There are a number of locomotives at the NRM without names" a 'Have you farted yet?' consultant told the official, “but they are mostly freight locomotives." 'No.' "Oh dear, a freight locomotive is not very fitting for a party leader," 'Well, DON’T 'cause I'm in New Zealand ' said Sir Humphrey. "How about that big green one, over there?" he said, pointing to the 'Flying Scotsman'. "That one has already got a name" said the consultant. "It's called I Like this one !! 'Flying Scotsman'." “Couldn't we rename it?" asked the official. "I suppose for Alex Salmond it might be considered," said the consultant. "That's excellent", said the official, "So that's settled then...let's look at renaming the 'Flying Scotsman'. How much will it cost? Remember we can't spend too much, given the expenses scandal!" "Well", said the consultant, "Why don't we just paint out the 'F'." JET FUEL Shane and Phil were a couple of drinking buddies who worked as aircraft engineers in Melbourne, Australia. One day the airport was fogged in and they were stuck in the hangar with nothing to do. Phil said, 'Man, I wish we had something to drink!' Shane says, 'Me too. Y'know, I've heard you can drink jet fuel and get a buzz. You wanna try it?' A Dog Named DICK ! So they pour themselves a couple of glasses of high octane booze and get completely smashed. The next morning Phil wakes up and is surprised at how good he feels. In fact he feels GREAT! NO hangover! NO bad side effects. Nothing! Then the phone rings. It's Shane. Shane says, 'Hey, how do you feel this morning?' (check out his back !) Phil says, 'I feel great, how about you?'
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Date
Event
Location
Information
July 2014 Fri 4 th Sat 5th Sun 6 th 3rd – 6th July Wed 9th Sun 13th Sun 20th Sat 26th Sat 5th Thurs 31st
Nene Valley AGM Night American Airforce Ride Carnival Ride Wake the Lakes Club Night Ride the Gorge Secret Island Ride Haveago Archery High Peak Passes Harley Davidson Night
Towcester Rugby Club Sulgrave Manor Newport Pagnell Kendal RFC Towcester Rugby Club Cheddar It’s a Secret …….. ! Edlesborough North Derbyshire Ace Café London
‘So Bad’ Leading – in this magazine ‘Becks’ Leading – Leaving Jacks 11:00 Check Out Red Rose HOG website From 7.30pm ‘Groundhog’ Leading – Details to follow ‘Sharpie’ Leading – Leaving Jacks Hill 09:00 details in this issue Bob the Bus Leading – Leaving Jacks Hill 10:00 – details inside ‘Slow Hand’ Leading – Leaving Jacks Hill 09:00 Check website for confirmation and details
Sun 3 rd Ice Cream Ride Wed 6th Classic on the Common Sun 10th Seaside Ride Wed 13th Club Night 15th – 17th August NV Rally 22nd – 25th August Thunder in the Glens Thurs 28th Harley Davidson Night Sun 31st Dads Army Ride
Lincolnshire Croxley Green TBA Towcester Rugby Club Towcester RFC Aviemore Ace Café London Thetford
Sun 7 th Wed 10th 12th‐14th Sept Sat 13th Sun 21st Thurs 25th Sun 28th
Chilli Ride Club Night Circus Maximus Rally Disco Boat Ride Ring of Fire Ride Harley Davidson Night Food Stop Café Ride
Waddesdon Manor Towcester Rugby Club Chester River Thames TBD Ace Café London Bridgenorth
‘The Ambassador’ Leading – Details to follow From 7.30pm Check out Deva Legion H.O.G Chapter website for details ‘Bob the Bus’ Leading – Details to follow ‘The Ambassador’ Leading – Details to follow Check website for confirmation and details ‘Groundhog’ leading – Details to follow
Sat 4th Wed 8th Sun 12th Sun 19th Thurs 25th
RTTW 7 and The Return Club Night Brightona Hoggin the Bridge Harley Davidson Night
October 2014 National Memorial Arboretum Towcester Rugby Club Brighton TBD Ace Café London
‘Mikey/Slow Hand’ – Details to follow From 7.30pm ‘Bob the Bus’ Leading – Details to follow Check website for confirmation and details
Sat 1st Wed 12th Sun 9 th
Halloween Ride (Provisional) Club Night Remembrance & Baps
Forest of Dean Towcester Rugby Club Bletchley
Wed 10th
Club Night
Towcester Rugby Club
August 2014 ‘Bob the Bus’ Leading – Details to follow ‘Sharpie’ Leading – Details to follow. Afternoon ride ‘Panda’ leading – Details to follow From 7.30pm Details to follow Check out Dunedin HOG website Check website for confirmation and details ‘Mikey’ leading – Details to follow
September 2014
November 2014 ‘Groundhog’ leading – Details to follow From 7.30pm ‘The Ambassador’ Leading – Details to follow
December 2014 From 7.30pm
Disclaimer: The Editor accepts no responsibility for the views and comments expressed in this publication. All views and comments contained are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Nene Valley H.O.G®, Harley Davidson®, their agents, or authorised dealers. All H.O.G.® Logos and marks are used under licence in accordance with article X of the current H.O.G.® Annual Charter for H.O.G.® Chapters.