Magazine of the Thames Valley HOG Chapter
Hello and welcome to spring and your March magazine. Apparently it‟s now officially Spring! If you go by the calendar then it started on March 1st, otherwise, it‟s today if you go by the Spring Equinox. Either way, it‟s about time the weather improved and started acting like it! I‟m sure everyone would like some more sunshine - there‟s never enough sun it seems.
Well I suppose I‟d better get this bit over and done with first... I expect that many of you will know that myself and Spencer are to depart Thames Valley Chapter. For various reasons, we have both sold our Harley‟s and moved on to a different type of motorbike. I guess that one or two of the Harley stalwarts may not approve of our Japanese models, but this is just something that we have needed to do and what suits us at this time. The decision to sell on my own part was not something I had actually been thinking about. It was not kept hidden for a period of time, but it was more something that came about quickly, resulting in a swift, but considered choice. Spencer, however, was not happy with his Nightster. As reported in last month‟s magazine, there were a few ongoing problems and it was a real headache for him.
Not being the sort of person to have much patience(!), once something doesn‟t go to plan, then there is only one solution - it has to go! The Nightster was given enough chances (more than he‟d give most things) and in the end, the only decision was to sell and move on. So why not another Harley? Well as you should know by now, my husband has had 4 Harleys in two and a half years and I think he‟s pretty much exhausted both his tolerance levels and his wallet! It may be a different story had he not felt pressured into selling his first Sporty to trade up to a big twin. He loved that first Harley, it was reliable, looked superb and great fun to ride. It was hoped the Nightster might be its nearest replacement, but just a few months in and unreliability issues have taken their toll.
After a few days of lengthy discussions and trading opinions, we both came to the conclusion that, at this time, we need to move away from Harley Davidson. The frightening cost of parts, maintenance and upgrades, plus the annual HOG subs, family membership to TV Chapter and all the other associated things with the Harley lifestyle, meant that was no longer viable for us. I too have other reasons for changing away to a different bike altogether - not least the fact I have been struggling to manage the weight of the bike - yes, even a lowly Sportster! So here we are, no more Harleys. Of course there will be a big gap in our lives for a while without the Chapter with its rideouts and social side. We‟ve been privileged to have made some great friends and been on some truly memorable rides. It‟s not to say we won‟t have another Harley again, which means we‟ll no doubt be back. But for the time being, it‟s time to move on. New Editor Of course, leaving the Chapter when the membership renewals come around means that the position of magazine editor has become available. If there is anyone out there that is able to take over then please come forward. I am here until the end of April so I can provide plenty of assistance during the transition. My successor is welcome to have all my files and templates to get started, or if preferred start from fresh and make it a whole new look. Please don‟t think that what you have here is what must be followed every month, it is entirely what the editor wants to make of it. And it goes without saying, the committee are on hand to provide as much assistance as possible. This is a golden opportunity for someone to really be a part of the Chapter and relish the chance to make a real and much needed contribution. Please see Don or Pat if you can help out.
In this month’s mag Take a look at the general news & info pages to see all the things that are coming up as well as updates on other activities of interest. If you look at the calendar on the centre pages then I‟m sure you‟ll agree that it‟s shaping up to be a busy season. If we‟ve not been completely alienated for having Jap bikes by then (lol), perhaps Spencer & I will see you at some of the non-Harley events and shows during the summer. If you saw February‟s mag then you‟ll know there was a brief round-up of this season‟s Chapter rallies - part one. The second part is included this month. Mike Joiner has been kind enough to put some words and photos together of his trip to South Africa and Africa Bike Week. Turn to page 21 to read his account. If anyone else has stories or pieces they‟d like included then please let me know. As I‟ve always said, you don‟t need to be good at writing or that good with a computer, just let me or a member of the committee know you have something and we‟ll go from there.
Nick West is currently in the process of gathering as much information as he can to form a log of the Chapter history. If you have anything in the form of articles, press releases, news, event write-ups and photos, please forward them to Nick. He also needs all the hi-res pictures anyone might have on file for any rideouts or club activities from as far back as anyone can find. If you think you can help Nick out with whatever you might have then please email historian@thamesvalleyhog.com or call 07775 696024, or alternatively see him on club nights.
Welcome to the March edition of Tales from the Riverbank. The start of the riding season and of the good weather I hope is only weeks away, the glide is under its cover in the garage, cleaned and ready but still needs its first MOT. I really must get on and take it in! The Saturday socials are being very well attended; just a week or so back, around 14 of us had lunch at The Star in Waltham St Lawrence near Maidenhead. The Star is a small country pub just outside Maidenhead with good parking and a large garden backing on to open fields. The food menu had a variety of cuisine and various meals from the blackboards hung in the bar, a real good Saturday lunch venue, well done Sue.
Chapter Editor By now many of will have heard that Sadie & Spencer have both sold their Harleyâ€&#x;s and Sadie, our Editor, will be stepping down from the position, which is going to leave such a large gap to fill on the committee.
The magazine Sadie has produced over the last year is the best we have had for many years and she will be a hard act to follow. Sadie has offered to carry on with the magazine for the next two editions (this one and April) to allow us time to look for a new editor. Our magazine is a big part of the life style at Thames Valley and has always been looked on by other chapters as one of the best. The challenge we have is to find a new editor who can carry on the great work that Sadie started last year and put their mark on our magazine. If you like a challenge and have a flare for design and print, and you fancy working with a great team of people then please talk to Pat or myself for more information. While I have your attention about committee recruiting I am still looking for an activities officer and membership officer to fill spaces on the committee this year, we really do need your help to keep our club running and the success as it has become.
Memberships Our club membership fees for 2013 are due at the end of April and for the fifth year running we are able to keep the cost down to renew your membership. Single membership £25 Family Membership £30: 2 Adults + 2 Minors under 16 This may not be the same next year as the cost of running our Chapter is becoming more expensive each year. We have made a few changes to the pricing structure of guests coming to club nights that are no longer members, but are welcome to join us... Non Chapter members but who are members of Hog: £3 per club night Non Chapter and Non HOG members: £5 per club night Single/Family members guests: £3 per club night
SOFER 2013 This year‟s rally is probably going to be one of the best rallies in the country, as it is our 10 year anniversary and the budgets for the bands on Friday and Saturday have been increased to enable Andy England of Hogsback to look for some pretty special music for the weekend. The team at SOFER are working at making this a rally to remember with many additional attractions and events. The LOH ride will be on Friday afternoon at 4:00pm and the theme this year is “Liberty Bells”, contact Sue Brown to book your places. The Demo fleet will be on site from Harley Davidson this year with the most up to date range of bikes. I now have our allocation of SOFER tickets which are available tonight at £30 each.
2013 HOG Mileage Challenge The 2013 Mileage Chapter Challenge starts on March 30th and will run through to October 30th. Lee has sent out via e-mail this year‟s registration forms which I would like everybody to complete and hand in to me ASAP. This year we can gain extra miles by attending HOG Rallies, Chapter challenge flags are being flown at the Cider Rally, SOFER, Fenlanders Rally, Thunder in the Glens & Blazing saddles (TBC). We need photos taken of 5 chapter members in a group with the Challenge flag and their club badges showing to collect another 5000 miles...
… each member over 5 will collect us an additional 1000 miles per person to a maximum of 10. The photos need to be handed in to me to be submitted at the end of the year.
Thames Valley Mileage Challenge Again in 2013 our own TV mileage challenge will take place alongside the HOG Chapter Challenge, with a little extra thrown in for all our members to take part including pillions. Nick will be telling you all about the Fun for Miles program tonight. Prizes for the lady rider with the highest mileage, the Gent rider with the highest mileage and the member turning in the lowest mileage will be presented at our December club night. Registration forms are available at club night or from myself by e-mail. The first of our Poker Runs is at The New Leathern Bottle in Warfield, Berks on the 10th April, it‟s a chance to meet up for a spot of dinner and a beer with friends and collect your first card towards your hand of Poker – remember, you do not have to play poker to come to a poker run. The first of our official ride outs takes place April 7th which is the Blow-Out the Cob Webs ride to Mudeford. This year‟s toy run to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford is on April 14th, it‟s a time for all of our members to turn up at Sportsable to support our ride to The John Radcliffe to visit the children in hospital and take toys and games for Easter. We are meeting up with Oxford and Cheltenham for this event and will ride en masse from the Oxford dealership to the hospital, which is normally escorted by the Police riders. A big turn out from Thames Valley would be great this year. At Aprils club night we are holding a “bring and buy sale” for a chance to move on some of those items in boxes in your garages and store cupboards. Please label your items with your name, sale price and a contact phone number. I‟m looking forward to the Cider Rally and the start of a great year that we have planned already, the icing on the cake for 2013 would be to hear we have a new dealership opening in our 15th anniversary year, here‟s wishing. Have fun and enjoy your weekend away ladies… Ride safe and have fun!
Don Wibberley
What a great night out the Asian Fusion was. I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to find this gastronomic gem… 22 members enjoyed umpteen trips to the food bar to fill their bellies of eastern cuisine. Well done to Dave Knight for overcoming his aversion to Indian food and managing to find something innocuous to fill his tummy. Think we all enjoyed it so much that it has to be at least an annual event!
Saturday Socials Not sure why I always seem to write about food and drink but… The Saturday Social at The Star Inn at White Waltham was well attended. It was also good to see Nick’s nephew Jordan enjoying his chips prior to going to watch Reading v Aston Villa (Reading lost). The weather must be getting better because in addition to Jon, who always braves the weather, we had three other Harleys in the car park, namely Sue’s anniversary, Bernie’s V-Rod and Linda and Micks Heritage.
Here’s how Linda reported on the event...”although it had been wet the previous couple of days, 4 bikes arrived at the pub and with 18 people, we all sat down to very good food at reasonable prices. “There were many choices not only on the menu, but on the specials board as well. It was a shame they did not take credit cards which was a shock to some, but they are changing landlords and this will be rectified soon. “ As the next Saturday Social was scheduled for 13th April, but occurs between the Poker Night and the Jake Spicer Memorial Run, I have changed it to 27th April.
Who can come up with the best caption for this picture? Just for fun, email in your suggestions or pop them into the Suggestion Box at Club Night. The best ones will be shared in the next issue of the Club Mag.
The reason for running the social events was to keep people in touch over the winter months when not much was happening, so from now until the summer it may not always be possible to run on the 2nd Saturday of every month. I would really welcome a suggestion for a place to meet up too. If you don’t come because the venue isn’t near you then please let me know where would be good to meet up. I live near West Wycombe and to avoid too many events over this way I rely on your knowledge of places around the Thames Valley. All ideas are welcome, whether it be for a Saturday lunch time venue or for other types of activity… the suggestion box is feeling a bit lonely at the moment Twelve ladies are eagerly awaiting their forthcoming weekend break and censored photos and reports will be available next month. Ride Safe!
Sue LOH rep ladiesofharley @thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
Sunday 24th March If anyone wants to cheer up a poorly child this Easter then make your way to the HCafe in Berinsfield for their annual Easter Egg run. Hundreds of bikers traditionally gather together the weekend before Easter and ride to the JR Hospital in Oxford to deliver eggs to the kids. The ride is expected to depart H-Cafe at around 10.30am. Get there early if you want to have breakfast as it will be busy! Dates for 2013 (and Magazine deadlines) April 18th May 16th June 20th July 18th August 15th September 11th October 17th November 21st December 19th The venue for the first Poker Run has been booked. Weâ€&#x;ll be heading to the New Leathern Bottle, Jealotts Hill, Warfield, Nr Bracknell, RG42 6ET. Join us from 6.30pm and start collecting your Poker hand
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Please send your magazine contributions to editor@ thamesvalleyhog.org.uk. Donâ€&#x;t forget to check the website and forum for all the up-to-date information on rideouts and activities.
Sunday April 14th Departing Oxford HD at 11am to ride to John Radcliffe Hospital to deliver toys to the kids. Meet at SportsAble first to ride to Oxford. Times will be confirmed nearer the date. Bring a toy for the children.
Sunday 7th April Join us for what has traditionally always been our first „official‟ ride of the new season. It‟s also a good chance to brush up on your group riding skills after what often seems like such a long winter break.
Monday 1st April The H-Cafe Bike Nights return in April and the chapter will be taking a ride to the first of the season. The event is Oxfordshire‟s biggest bike night with the cafe open for food plus hundreds of bikes of all make and model turning up. The plan is to meet up at SportsAble from 7pm for a 7.15 depart and ride to the cafe for a couple of hours socialising and enjoying the other bikes. Come along if you can.
The ride will be from SportsAble down to Mudeford on the coast. Hopefully it will be a nice, sunny day like it was last year. All the times and details will be confirmed in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on the website for updates.
28th - 30th June We‟re planning a charity ride this year to help us raise funds for SportsAble, something in the form of an Iron Butt Ride. The idea is that each rider collects a minimum of £100 in sponsorship, then the ride would be to complete a minimum of 1000 miles in 2 days, starting from Guildford H-D and visiting Maidstone, Norwich, Edinburgh, Plymouth and returning to Guildford. Participants get certificate and patch to commemorate the ride. Don W is currently collecting your ideas and names of anyone interested. 5th - 7th July There is still some hotel accommodation available for Hog on the Humber this summer. Room rates are £110 for two nights B&B, meaning that for two people it works out at £27.50pppn. There is also loads of space in the camping grounds and the organisers have agreed good rates for food in the marquee. Or there is an Al-a-carte restaurant in the hotel. Preregistered tickets cost £20. Bridge crossing is £10 and include a pin. Visit www.avhog.co.uk or call Sandra on 0797 382 0181 for booking and info.
April 20th We‟ve booked in the calendar a Wheelchair Push to raise money for SportsAble. It will be held in Windsor - all the details to follow. We need your help, so please come along if you can.
29th & 30th June - Billing Aquadrome, Northamptonshire Thames Valley Chapter have been offered a free stand for this event, which includes 5 free passes and camping behind the stand. Additional members and passes will be entitled to reduced rate entry. Anyone interested contact Don W.
All photos will then be voted on by the public and the winner will receive a professional photoshoot at the show with the Active Promo Girls & 2 free weekend tickets to the show including camping. The Facebook page will also be kept up to date with all the show information.
The Aim of the show is to kick back and enjoy the weekend in a relaxed atmosphere with trade stands, club displays, main arena displays, competitions with trophies to be won and evening live band entertainment. The show has gained a lot of interest this year with Sycamore Harley Davidson booked in plus an amazing live band line-up with Dave Evans - the original AC/DC lead singer, headlining. Dave will be joined by Wrathchild, Fifteen English Pounds and lots more. The show is also holding a photo competition on their Facebook page - all you need to do is 'Like' the page on Facebook www.facebook.com/BillingBikerBash, upload a photo of your bike by the 31st May.
April Club Night We‟re bringing you the chance to have a clearout of all those Harley bits and pieces, spare parts and items you no longer need. There‟ll be a big Harley/Motorcycle related „Bring & Buy Sale‟ at the April club night. Time to rummage through the garage and see if you‟ve got something that someone else wants!
Route 66 is almost 2,500 miles and runs two-thirds of the way across America and passes through desert, mountain and canyon.
Proposal 2 Groups 1 group rides east to west (Tour A) 1 group rides west to east (Tour B)
Riding through the mid-west of the USA, taking in a huge variety of terrain, landscapes and cultures.
Group size = approx 10 bikes each way
Stops at The Grand Canyon and Las Vegas! The whole idea for this ride is to make it as inclusive as possible. So that EVERYONE in the club has a chance to come. It is not within everyone's annual budget but perhaps having over 2 years to save will help make it possible.
Support vehicle and driver. carries luggage and helps in the event of breakdown 14-15 days each way to include Grand Canyon visit and overnight in Las Vegas Tour A will leave Chicago in early August and will follow Route 66 all the way to Santa Monica in California. Tour B will leave Santa Monica in mid August (after Tour A has finished) and will follow Route 66 back to Chicago.
The vision is that all club members and t truly epic Thames Va
Highlights include... Chain of Rocks Bridge nr St Louis Cadillac Ranch The Painted Desert The Petrified Forest Grand Canyon Las Vegas World Famous Roys Cafe Renowned Bagdad Cafe Meteor Crater Cost Estimate Rider - ÂŁ3800 when sharing room Pillion - ÂŁ1100 when sharing room Price includes bike rental c/w all insurances, hotel accommodation and support vehicle / driver. Flights, fuel and meals extra. It may be possible to set up a payment plan through Colin (Treasurer) to enable long term savings Contact Nick West at historian@thamesvalleyhog.com or call Nick on 07775 696024
l places will be taken by that the ride will be a Valley event!
MARCH
APRIL cont.
Ladies of Harley Weekend Away Bognor Regis Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th
Windsor Wheelchair Push Details TBC Saturday 20th
Easter Egg Bike Run Depart H-Cafe at 10.30am to deliver Easter Eggs to John Radcliffe Hospital Sunday 24th
Harley Night Ace Cafe, 6pm Thursday 25th
Harley Night Ace Cafe, 6pm Thursday 28th
APRIL H-Cafe 1st of the season Bike Night SportsAble - H-Cafe. 7.15pm depart Monday 1st Dust off the Cobwebs SportsAble - Mudeford. Times TBC Sunday 7th Prescott Bike Festival & Hill Climb Gotherington, Cheltenham, Glos www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk Sunday 7th Poker Run (1) The New Leathern Bottle, Jealotts Hill, Warfield, RG42 6ET, from 6.30pm Wednesday 10th Jake Spicer Memorial Ride Ride from SportsAble with rolling pick-up at H-Cafe. Times TBC. Sunday 14th Chapter Club Night SportsAble 7.30pm - 10pm Thursday 18th
MAY Cider Rally Friday 3rd - Monday 6th Iron Horse Rally Woodhall Spa, Lincs Friday 10th - Monday 13th Chapter Club Night SportsAble 7.30pm - 10pm Thursday 16th Ride to Wales Meet Chieveley Services. Details TBC Sunday 19th Poker Run (2) Venue TBC Wednesday 22nd The Big Brum Bash West Mids Ski Centre, Warwickshire www.bigbrumbash.co.uk Friday 24th - Monday 27th Ride to Southsea Meet A33 Services (off M4 J11) Details TBC Sunday 26th Ireland Bike Fest Killarney, Ireland Friday 31st - Monday 3rd (June)
Events, rideouts and activities Details correct at time of going to print. Check the website for updates and amendments www.thamesvalleyhog.org.uk
JUNE cont.
JUNE cont.
Holyport Fayre Gazebo & Barbecue, all day Saturday 1st
Adams Farm Rideout Cotswolds. Details TBC Sunday 23rd
Reading MAG Lion Rally Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Friday 7th - Sunday 9th
Harley World Ride Event Sunday 23rd & Monday 24th
Circus Maximus XI Deva Legion Friday 7th - Sunday 9th The Gathering Drymsynie, Scotland Friday 7th - Monday 10th Poker Run (3) Venue TBC Wednesday 12th Beaulieu Custom Motorbike Show Beaulieu, Hampshire Saturday 15th - Sunday 16th Chapter 15th Anniversary Party at SportsAble Saturday 15th Chapter Club Night SportsAble 7.30pm - 10pm Thursday 20th Lads Weekend Away / HOGS in the Hayfields Cleve Rugby Club, Bristol Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd
Cassington Bike Night Oxford HD event Monday 24th Harley Night Ace Cafe, 6pm Thursday 27th Iron Butt Ride 3 days, lots of miles! Details TBA Friday 28th - Sunday 30th Back to the Peaks Miraj Hotel, Ashbourne, Derbyshire Friday 28th - Sunday 30th LoH Rideout with Oxford Chapter Sunday 30th
JULY Wake the Lakes Kendal RUFC, Lake District Thursday 4th - Sunday 7th Hog on the Humber Hallmark Hotel, Ferriby High Rd, Hull Friday 5th - Sunday 7th Poker Run (4) Venue TBC Wednesday 10th
Following the success of last year, the Rally of the Rutland Chapter will again be at the Fox & Hounds Pub, which is run by two Chapter members. Situated about a mile north of Rutland Water, the area provides for some beautiful, scenic rideouts.
Restricted numbers event with camping only (no motorhomes or caravans). Tickets are £20 which includes on-site camping. There‟s the usual live bands, disco, custom show, stalls, bar and catering. Booking is open until 5th July by application form at www.rutlandchapter.co.uk
This year will be the 21st annual East of England Rally, once again held at Fakenham Racecourse. The event includes a street party, rideout, tattoo parlour, trader village and plenty of live music throughout the weekend. Tickets cost £30 advance or £35 on the gate and include camping on certified site with modern facilities and restaurant. Free pin is included with all advance-purchase tickets. Details are at www.fenlandershog.com
Much of this rally is still in the planning, but you can be sure that this year, the 10th anniversary of SOFER, it will be bigger and better than ever! Thames Valley are part of the Rally Committee and have already started the organising. If you plan on going to any rally this year, then it has to be this one!
Expect the trader village to be packed with great things for you to browse and buy. The demo rides will return this year with the 2013 models, plus the spectacular fireworks display on the Saturday night. Not forgetting all the rideouts and the Chapter Challenge, if the ground allows it this year.
There will, of course, be the Treasure Hunt to keep you amused, plus lots of live bands and music throughout the weekend.
Tickets are on sale now at £30 each, and include camping and rally pack. See Don to get yours now.
As with any Irish event, you can expect this one to be just as lively and enjoyable, with lots of entertainment throughout the weekend. The rideouts are a good opportunity to explore parts of Northern Ireland and enjoy the scenery it has to offer. The Rugby Club provides some great facilities with decent food and all day/late bar. Worthy of a visit if you fancy a change from Sofer.
Booking for this is pre-30th May at the rate of £25 per person, which includes camping, pin, programme, patch and t-shirt. Price is £30 after that date. Campervans and caravans are only permitted by special arrangement with the Chapter Director. No parking on the campsite, including bikes. Hotels are available nearby. Visit www.provincewidehog.com for all the booking details
Essex Chapter are pulling out all the stops to make this, their 22nd Anniversary Rally, the best one yet. This year they‟ll have Friday and Saturday rideouts, plus various meeting points to ride to the rally venue As well as the usual trade village, ride in show, bar & catering and live music/DJ, they will have some extra fun and games such as loud pipes competition and loudest shirt competition. Andy Harris Custom Cycles and Black Bear H-D with on-site mechanic will also feature as well as a falconry display. Tickets cost £25 in advance which include pin and camping. £30 on the gate, no pin.
All the details and booking form can be found at www.essexchapter.com
This rally is a great opportunity to visit the legendary Donington Park Race Circuit and enjoy a parade lap around the track itself. There will be lots of trade stalls and Saturday rideout, live music, catering & bar. There‟s plenty of free camping around the circuit grounds as well as lots of local hotels and B&Bs to choose from.
Tickets bought before 18th July cost £25 and include free rally pin. After that date the price is £30 and no pin. Both prices include free camping. T-shirts can also be ordered before 18th July at £12.50 each. Electric hook up is also available for an extra charge. All the rally details and booking form can be found at www.sherwoodchapter.co.uk/rally
This is a small event with limited tickets, but Nene Valley Chapter promise a proper „old school‟ party! This year the theme is St Trinian‟s Girls & Boys and they‟ve got plenty of fun and games planned. There‟ll be the usual trade stands and catering outlets as well as live music throughout the weekend. Tickets are priced at £20, including camping. A rally pin will be included with tickets bought before 30th June. There is limited space for campers and caravans but awnings are not permitted (due to space). Take a look at www.nenevalleyhog.co.uk for all the details.
It might be a long trek up to Aviemore, but anyone that has been to TITG always says what a fantastic rally this is - one to rival SOFER! Based at the MacDonald Highland Resort, it is a whole complex of camping, hotels, restaurants and entertainments. The resort itself is situated in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and boasts some fantastic views and riding roads. This year Thames Valley Chapter are taking an organised trip and planning has already begun. There will be overnight stops on the way there and on the way back, which Don W is currently booking. Anyone going to the rally will need to purchase their rally tickets and accommodation asap. Advanced purchase tickets cost £35, which include pin, t-shirt and camping. It‟s £40 on the gate, with no rally pack. Full details and booking can be found at www.dunedinhog.com
New for 2013 we’re launching our very own Frequent Rider Programme, which is designed to encourage attendance at club rideouts and recognise both riders and pillions for regularly supporting our rides. All you have to do is register, which costs £1 per person for the whole year and start attending qualifying rides (see below). QUALIFYING RIDES All official club ride-outs qualify so long as they are in the ride schedule and advertised either in the club magazine or on the club ride calendar. Entrants can only be credited with the ride-out if they have ridden a motorcycle (thus excluding driving by car to the destination).
QUALIFYING RIDERS/ PASSENGERS Riders qualify by reaching the destination of an official club rideout on a roadworthy and road legal motorcycle (this can be their own, someone else’s, or a rental / loan motorcycle). Passengers qualify by reaching the destination of an official club rideout as a pillion on any road legal bike, regardless of who the main rider is and whether they are in the scheme. RECORDING YOUR RIDES Participants in the scheme can obtain a record card which they must present for signature by the leading Road Captain on arrival at the rideout destination. For safety reasons, it is preferable to do any admin of the scheme AFTER the ride-out has arrived at its destination. This means that the leading Road Captain is not bothered by administration tasks and hence free to put all of his/her concentration into ride safety before departure. REGISTRATION / CARDS There is a £1 annual registration charge to participants. If any participants fill the first card they can request subsequent cards free in the same year. REWARDS There will be presentations at the end of the year for winning riders and passengers. Prizes will be awarded once all qualifying rides have been completed and winners selected.
This is the story of Mike’s trip to South Africa with a visit to Africa Bike Week thrown in for good measure. Dieter... “Mike are you coming to Africa Bike week? Mike… “No, can‟t get to Durban until the Friday so no bike!!” Dieter.. “Mike, why can‟t you give me a problem I can‟t solve…!!!” Kerching… Bike delivered to Umshlanga … So trip was on. Richard rode from Cape Town to meet at Durban Airport and ride back after the Rally at Margate. So... arrived Nolangeni Lodge in Margate. Out for Wildebeest Steak plus a „few‟ JD‟s and ready for the Rally next day.
aturday... woke early for a great breakfast then on to the Rally… Warm, sunny heat… Arrived at the Rally to lotsa bikes - very buzzy with a great atmosphere… must be that sun! Riders in shorts and all in good spirits. I have to say there were some amazing bikes with great paint jobs. They had good music with an amazing stage any top band would love to play on. Met some friends that I‟ve met before in SA, so a good gathering. There were no taxis available, so Richard & I caught the local Tut Tut transport, which was an adventure in itself - we fancied a few JD‟s that evening… say no more!!!
Sunday…. Big Parade Day and loadsa bikes. That day we decided to ride to Oribi Gorge. We rode some good scenic roads, but had to be wary of potholes on the back roads. Oribi Gorge had some very steep drops on the left side but it was very scenic and enjoyable. We also met couple from Liverpool whilst out on the trip.
We had wanted to visit the swing bridge and Leopards Leap, but unfortunately gravel roads blocked our way… shame, but hey, great excuse to return! After that we headed to Port Shepstowe before our return along the coastal route… very nice. Rode back to the Rally to a great evening of rock bands and great atmosphere... Africa Rocks!
Monday… Our return adventure begins… Richard‟s cousin gave us a route to return to Cape Town. The riding was fantastic with amazing views to Kokstad, very different from the riding I‟ve done before in South Africa. Then on to Matatiele with great open spaces, mountain views and sweeping roads. We were going to stop at Mount Fletcher but instead decided that Maclear may be a better choice!! So we pressed on another 60km. It could have been one of those 10km to far moments – the sun was setting and shining in our eyes so we ended up riding pretty much blind along the mountain pass. We were very pleased to find refuge at Declan‟s B&B, where we witnessed the most awesome African sunset, had beer given to us and the loan of the wife‟s Merc to go to town for Ostrich steak… a perfect end to a great day!!!
Tuesday‌ woke to an awesome sunrise and set off great ride through the Transkie, again having to be wary of potholes as well as the sheep and bullocks that just roam free. Again there were amazing views and riding. We thought there might have been rain which would have made pothole avoiding interesting, but we were spared. After lunch in Queenstown we had a good blatt and made good progress, so decided to press on to Craddock. We rode through an amazing pass just as the sun was setting. A guy took us to a local B&B which looked a bit grim so I walked up the road and found a great one in an old colonial building. Charles took pity on us weary travellers and bought us beer on a tray... very civilised
Wednesday… After great hospitality again, we pressed on to Uniondale… my notes say…”Awesome Harley Riding”. Close riding at speed alongside mountains with fantastic views around each corner, NO POTHOLES and generally relaxed riding. Lunch stop was at Graaf Reinet before we pressed on with long straight riding, but not boring as there was always something different and NO CARS for miles!!! A pleasure beyond belief. I kept thinking those poor buggers in Oxon & Wagons doing this route while we‟re blatting at 120km+. We arrived at our destination early and to the smell of Spaghetti Bolognese – perfect. Uniondale is a typical SA town with wide streets - allowing the wagon trains to turn. It‟s also very sleepy and peaceful.
Thursday... Karoo Saloon here we come! We picked up the well-known Route 62 which we‟ve done before. Strangely I felt very at home on it, but travelling the opposite way - suppose it‟s a name recognition thing? Anyway, it was a great ride again with views, plus we had great blatt from Outdshoorn to Calitzdorp. We stopped at Ronnies Sex Shop café, which plays on its name somewhat since it was a crap sandwich!!! There we met couple from 1066 chapter. The clouds looked a bit threatening so we decided not to go down the Tradouw Pass and instead opted for Karoo Saloon which seemed much more inviting – a very whacky place that‟s got great character, plus Richard knows John who cooked us a great traditional SA meal. A great place to stay.
Friday…First call - Tradouw Pass. Truly spectacular and a very nice start to the day. Then back onto Route 62 and a good ride through Montague with stunning scenery. Lunch was at the bikers café in Robertson. As we were approaching Cape Town, our first real thought the heavens would open… and they did. It was very dark and wet after we had been so lucky, since it was late in season there. We both decided (without speaking) that the tunnel under the mountain was the only option to get to Cape Town. We were greeted with blue skies and sun – warm and dry, heaven again!
We had a quick trip to Dieters Viper Lounge to say hi and thanks before heading to Richard‟s apartment in Houte Bay for a well earned beer, rest and sleep after a great trip. The next few days were just spent riding locally and visiting friends and catching up. Again we were blessed with sunshine. Couldn‟t help thinking of everyone back in the UK as we heard the weather was so bad - glad I made the decision to go to.
Again, it was a great trip, made by the people in SA with their hospitality and of course their country. If you ever fancy a good rally then South Africa Bike Week is every April... Maybe I‟ll see you there! A big thank you goes to Bev & Herbert at Nolangeni Lodge, Declan at Declans B&B, Charles & Rika at Alder House B&B, John at Karoo Saloon and Dieter at Viper Lounge for again saving the day with the bike. Thanks of course go to my Sat Nav, Richard, a great trip buddy! South Africa is a great place to ride and so far has never disappointed. Long may it stay that way… Mike (M1)
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