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Edge 44 / Bike Safe TalkI have had conformation from Hampshire Constabulary's finest that they would be all to pleased to come and give The Club a talk on the Edge 44 / Bike safe scheme.
The scheme is not about pulling you for small number plates, loud cans or even speed to a degree, but about razing your awareness while riding, offering advice as to road positioning etc and generally aiming to make you more self aware on the road. Often the result of this is that you will become a quicker rider. The Talk will outline the principles of the scheme and what is involved. This is not advanced rider training but advice and pointers following and during a period of observed riding. They are realists and are fully aware that motorcyclists do not stick to the National Speed limit and therefore there is no point in basing the advice on unrealistic riding practices. I have yet to meet anyone who has actually done the scheme who has stated that they got no benefit from it.
Now if they are willing to put themselves out (don't forget they do this on a voluntary basis) then the least we can do is respond with a good turn out. It is planned that this talk will be held in June on one of our Tuesday Night Meets. So that's either the 5th or the 19th of June. The venue will be Rob Willsher's with an adjournment to the Windhover Manor for a sherbet afterwards.
What I would appreciate is an Emailed response as to who would prefer which date in an attempt to allow as many as possible to attend. If both are convenient to you, please say so. Likewise, if a particular date is inconvenient please say why and I will try and accommodate as many as possible.
So come on, make the effort, I'm sure you will find it worthwhile.
Ali Please Read ThisHi all
The next ride out is planned for April Fool's day. Now I know that could be tempting providence somewhat but as the following two weekends involve ride outs to Race Meets and knowing that they are not everyone's cup of tea, I though I ought to squeeze this one in.
OK, lets be positive, the weather is going to be cracking and in the event that we have a similar turn out to that for the trip to The Hunters Moon (I never counted but have been told there were about 40 bikes) I need to make sure that the pub that we stop at for food / drink / powder nose etc can cope with the numbers.
I am not asking for a definite commitment, but if you are considering coming, can you let me know by return of Email. If you have biking friends who wish to come they are all welcome but an idea of numbers would be appreciated.
This is currently a Mystery Tour, even I don't know where we are going, but it will be in the form of a relaxed Ride Out. Everyone welcome, pillions, kids, just leave your troubles behind and enjoy the day. Route Maps will be provided along with a mobile number for Emergencies. You ride at your own pace. There will be places along the route to regroup. If you want to crack on for a blast, feel free and go on ahead, but whatever comes or goes, you will not be expected to ride at a pace you are not comfortable with. This and other Ride Outs are all about everyone having fun. Please bear in mind what is fun for you, might not be the case for others so just treat each other with courtesy.
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Can I just remind everyone that when riding in a large group, the bikes that have to travel the fastest are invariably those towards the rear of the ride. It would be nice if the less experienced and those who just want a relaxed ride can start off towards the front of the group following the ride leader, and the more experienced and speed demons amongst you can ride at the rear until the Ride is on the move and settled. This is also applicable when travelling through Towns etc. I will endeavour to arrange a permanent back marker so that no one gets left behind. Everyone should be aware of who is immediately behind them and if they disappear unexpectedly, stop and find out why. You will not get left behind and once the ride leader becomes aware, someone will come back to look for you. Those of you that have Bike to Bike Radios please bring them. For those that don't but are interested in acquiring one, I am endeavouring to negotiate a rate for basic radios and head sets. let me know if you are interested. For those who may be considering a full intercom system, several of us have them and would be happy to discuss their merits and pitfalls with you (such as nagging pillion passengers - I suppose I'm for it now). I can certainly get a discount for us on the Starcom Systems and most probably the Autocom systems.
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If you happen to take pictures on any of our Ride Outs, I would appreciate copies either by Email or to my mobile, which I can place on our Web Site. If you know names of those in the Pics it would be useful. Certain pics are printed off and placed on The Club Notice Board at Rob Willshers. I can add suitable captions if the situation warrants it, keep them clean though.
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A lot of you were aware of the impending merger of Rob Willsher Motorcycles and Crescent. Although we are "The Club" and not bike specific, we have an affinity to Rob Willsher Motorcycles who have and will continue to support The Club. The merger has now taken place and our position has not changed at all. We will continue to have that affinity with Rob Willsher Motorcycles and now Crescent, who I am reliably informed are very much behind us. This should be a bonus for The Club as we grow from strength to strength.
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Now I am fully aware that I keep banging on about this being our club and that the idea is that members should all be involved in the running of it but I cannot stress this enough. I think most of us would agree that what we want from a biking club is to get out and ride our bikes, leaving politics, disputes and clashes of personalities to those who get a kick out of it. I am also fully aware that it is quite a daunting prospect to organise a Ride out or other event involving people you hardly know. I am in no different a position than the rest of you and the only person entitled to extract the michael from you at present for a cock up is me because I am the only person to organise an event and cock it up (LOL) . So please do not be shy about this, step forward with your ideas and volunteer your services. As much as I would like to, I cannot go on every trip and if you leave all the decisions as to what we are doing to me, you will soon be bored. I am quite happy to assist, print out your route maps, circulate the details etc but come on, step forward and give it a go. The world is our Oyster, weekends away, barbeques anything that is in any way connected with biking, we'll give it a go.
When setting this club up and having experienced them in previous clubs, both biking and non biking, I wanted to avoid the involvement of a committee. At the same time, this was not going to be my club or Rob Willsher's Club, but a club for all those who wanted to take part. Membership fee's were a no, no for various reasons. It just needed to be a facility to bring like minded people together in the pursuit of something we all have in common. I consider myself a coordinator and nothing more. To that end I would appreciate a few volunteers to take up an identical role, who could have access to editing the Web Space and assist with coordinating the running of the Club.
Unfortunately, for a good chunk of May I have to go and play on the mountain roads in the Pyrenees, something I am not looking forward to (much!!!) so I will not be able to coordinate Ride Outs etc over that period. Tony Saunders has volunteered to organise the Ride out to Burton Bradstock on the 13th May, provided he has fully recovered from his nasty coming together with a car last week and his bike is back on the road. If not, then I am sure some one will step in and that The Ride Out will be on regardless. The weather will be picking up and over the last few years, May has been one of the best months of the year for biking. So I really need people to step forward with ideas and offer to organise activities over that period.
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Suggestions for the future
BSB are racing at Silverstone on Sunday 29th April 2007. I can't make that one so if anyone would like to organise a Ride Out to the event, step forward.
Due to recent surgery and the forthcoming chore in the Pyrenees (did I mention I was going there?) I have not managed to arrange any Track Days this year as of yet. Rest assured that will be rectified come June. If anyone wants to do a Track Day, let me know. We can organise them as a club event. I may be able to negotiate a discount as a club and we can sort out transport and accommodation where necessary. In the same vein, if you are up for it and have spare capacity to transport a bike, let me know. I have room for an additional bike but it is normally taken advantage of by one of our members. If he isn't going, there's space for one. If there are enough, we could hire transport and split the cost. If you haven't done one, you should, at least do one during your time on bikes and it doesn't matter what you ride. If you want to know more about the realities of taking part, collar me for a natter. A word of warning though, they can become addictive.
Barbeques - with the advent of the modern disposable barbeque, we can easily do a Ride out for a barbeque somewhere, Just not to Box Hill (It's a long story!!! see me or Tiny if you really want to know.)
Summer Barbeque - I'm quite happy to host it, the more bikes the merrier. (I'll teach the neighbours to enter in to a boundary dispute with us and try an nick our land LOL).
Camping / B&B / Hotel weekend away. Wales, Cornwall anywhere.
Ride outs to any of the Bike Shows, Santa Pod Drag Strip, Run What yer brung ect.....
Talk by the Edge44 / Bike Safe Team - In hand, awaiting for the organiser to recover from injury (not bike related I hasten to add).
Christmas Toy Run - it would be nice for us to arrange our own so ideas for local deserving causes welcome.
Road Trial / Treasure Hunt - for those that have ever done a Road Trial, done right, these are a real hoot. I am intending arranging one for the summer but to make them interesting, they take a bit of forward planning and research. If there are one or two out there who would like to give me a hand planning this I would be obliged. It isn't difficult or time consuming, contact me and I'll let you know what it involves.
It would be nice to pick a deserving local charity, possibly one that is particularly poignant with a member and see if we can raise some funds while enjoying our biking. This can be particularly rewarding in itself. We are fortunate to have the attention of Tony Long who besides being a biker himself, writes motorcycling columns for various publications, including the Echo. He has already assisted putting The Club on the map and I'm sure will be only to pleased to publicise any charity fundraising we are doing.
Now that's my mind gone a blank. See, I did say if you left it up to me you will soon get bored. Seriously though, we can do anything we want. Life is to short so lets get stuck in. I don't want to arrive at The Pearly Gates sedately with a well preserved body but to skid in broadside, totally worn out proclaiming WOW, what a ride, keeping to the speed limits on the way of course.
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"The Club" T-shirts
The Club T-shirts are available, designer (me) and this years must have item. These are a good quality T-shirt with all detail done in flock rather than iron on transfers that end up on the bottom of the iron. I have had these T-shirts before, they do not shrink or twist and wash very well. They are available in Mens small to real fat b*****d sizes and Ladies cut 10 to 20 (and I will keep the information confidential). They are £16.00 each which is cost. I carry a limited stock but can order with a 2 week delivery time. Children's sizes are also available
medium age 5/6
large age 7/8
XL age 9/10
XXL age 11 /12
These sizes are quoted by the supplier based on past experience and an average child for that age group.
These are £12.50 each
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Please give some serious thought to the matters I have raised and if you would like to offer your services in any aspect of The Club then let me know. I know I keep saying it but we will only get out of the club what we are prepared to put in. On top of that, if you organise a day out, you get a pat on the back and a real good feeling having organised a successful activity (or so I'm told that's what you get. I'll confirm that when I get one right).
Ride safe and hope to see a lot of you next Sunday.
Ali
(PS; If it's wet it will be held in the village hall).
March News LetterHi All Today (18/03/07) was the ride out to The Pioneer Run. There were about 8 bikes and we started off very well. I know we were all present at the West Meon Hut but by Petersfield we had lost one. We waited for some time but it had not turned up so someone went to look for him with no luck. By this time it was raining with sleet and Helen told me that she was turning back due to the elements. We set off but in the space of 300 yards only one rider was with me. By the time we had turned around and returned there was no sign of anyone. I could only assume that everyone either decided to turn back or followed a bike in error. (The SOC Rider on the Corona GSXR at Petersfield Services denied seeing anyone.) As there were now only two of us we decided to knock the ride on the head and I headed back along the A272 towards Winchester where I passed Phil Daruvalla going back towards Petersfield. I have since discovered that the remainder of the group followed an interloper by mistake (thanks for that Brian LOL) and did infact make it to Cowfold. Oh if only I had known I could have avoided having to take the mother in law out to lunch. Tony Saunders was the missing rider and he rang me at home as soon as he got in. It transpires that shortly after turning on to the A272 from the West Meon Hut and just after the Police Motor Cyclist had passed us going in the opposite direction, Tony was side swiped by a car travelling towards Winchester which strayed on to his side of the road. This car failed to stop. Tony managed to keep control of his bike and stop. His foot had taken one hell of a knock (thank goodness he had decent boots on) and the rear brake assembly and foot peg of his bike had been torn off. He is OK but bruised. We all wish him a speedy recovery and hope the bike gets sorted soon. The Moral here is be aware of riders around you and if one disappears unexpectedly, stop and go back. The ride will become aware and come and look for you. Unfortunately on this occasion Tony waited for 10 minutes but was in pain and quite rightly decided to go home so our searching rider just missed him. If any members have bike to bike Radio's, Please bring them along. I have that facility and it would be useful if one rider with a radio remained at the rear of the ride. Unless otherwise notified we will operate on channel 7 sub channel 3. We have to look after each other so it is most important that we remain aware of who is where in the ride in relation to yourself. Another Lesson learned and hopefully we won’t make that mistake again.
The next Tuesday Night meeting is This Tuesday, 20th March 2007, at The Windhover Manor PH, Bursledon at 7pm. This meeting is purely a social get together and as the motorcycling season is just kicking off, an ideal opportunity to discuss what we want to do in the coming months. Please try and make the effort to attend as it's your input that will make this club successful.
There is a Ride Out planned for next Saturday, 24th March 2007. Meet at Rob Willsher's at 1130 am (earlier if you wish) for coffee etc and set off for Wickham square at 1200. A Marshalled ride out is occurring from Wickham Square, leaving at 1245 hrs, and is in the form of the annual Easter Egg Run in aid of The Mary Rose School (www.maryroseschool.info/pages/home/index.php) and it would be appreciated if participants in the run brought along an Easter Egg or make a suitable donation at the school. Free Refreshments are laid on at the school. Please make the effort to support this worthy cause and show a good presence of The Club. I will not be able to take part as I will be working at Willsher's that day but I will be on hand to dish out the free Tea and Coffee when you arrive. I have some one pencilled in to take charge of the ride but his bike is in for some investigative work this week and if it's bad news won’t be able to do it. If there is anyone who would like to put themselves forward, please let me know.
Unless any bolts from the blue hit me, or anyone comes up with another suggestion, the next planned ride out is on Monday April 9th to the first round of the BSB at Brands Hatch followed by Round 2 on Sunday April 15th at Thruxton. Don't forget to get your tickets Online to save money at http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/ for Brands Hatch & http://www.barc.net/ for Thruxton. Information about BSB can be found on the official BSB site at http://www.britishsuperbikes.com/. If you haven't been before, it is an experience to savour.
If you have any ideas for Ride Outs etc let me know and we'll arrange them. Don't be shy, get involved.
Hope to see you on Tuesday Night.
Ali
WSB Silverstone Sunday 27th May 2007If you are interested in a ride out to WSB at Silverstoneon Sunday 27th May 2007 then please Email theclubatrobwillsher@tiscali.co.uk
WSB Brands Hatch Sunday 5th August 2007If you are interested in a ride out to WSB at Brands Hatch on Sunday 5th August 2007 then please Email theclubatrobwillsher@tiscali.co.uk
MotoGP Donnington Park 24th June 2007If you are interested in a Ride Out to the MotoGP round at Donnington Park on Sunday 24th June 2007 then please Email theclubatrobwillsher@tiscali.co.uk to express that interest.
Ticket prices;
PURCHASE IN ADVANCE
PURCHASE ON-THE-DAY
ADDITIONS TO GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET
http://www.donington-park.co.uk/tickets/default.asp?event=070624 BSB Silverstone Sunday 29th April 2007The Club already has ride outs to the BSB rounds at Brands Hatch on Monday 9th April 2007 and Thruxton on Sunday 15th April 2007.
Unfortunately this year the BSB organisers have scheduled 3 of the 4 rounds of BSB at our "local tracks" in the same month.
If you are interested in attending the round at Silverstone on Sunday 29th April 2007 then please Email theclubatrobwillsher@tiscali.co.uk to express your interest.
A reminder that purchasing tickets Online at http://www.silverstone.co.uk/html/ra_bsb.php will cost £25 against £30.00 on the day. These are somewhat dearer than other rounds of BSB. Bikefest UK 2007Paul Mathews has suggested that a ride out to the above event could be arranged by The Club. Click on the above link to find out all about it. It takes place on Saturday 26th May 2007.
Advanced tickets are £10.00. Tickets on the gate are £15.00.
If you would like to ride out to this event then please register your interest by Emailing
AcknowledgementRob Willsher Motorcycles have very kindly allowed "The Club" to be based at their premises. In addition they provide assistance in various ways to "The Club" such as letting us use their facilities, providing free Tea and Coffee and assisting in setting "The Club" up from the outset.
They do not benefit from the information you provide to “The Club” such as personal details, Email addresses etc. This information is only used to keep you informed of club related activities.
“The Club’s” thanks are given to the Staff at Rob Willsher’s, particularly Tom and Stewart, for all the help and support they have given and will continue to give to us all. Future events"The Club" is all about having fun without getting bogged down with Committees and Politics. Everyone is encouraged to take an active part. If there is a ride out, event or activity that you would like to arrange then don’t be shy, Email me with the details and it will be published. If you leave all the events and ride outs up to me you will soon get bored
Volunteers are also needed to help keep things ticking over on a daily basis, so if you can spare a little time, please step forward.
Ali Guidelines for Ride OutsA "SYSTEM" to control Ride Outs takes practice and experience to work. This may be something for the future when The Club becomes more established and practiced in group riding but it is not something The Club intends to introduce at this time.
However, if we follow these simple guidelines we shouldn't go far wrong.
1. If you are unfamiliar with the route or area the ride out will be passing through then please ensure you have requested the mobile telephone number of the person leading the ride that day. If route maps are provided, please take one.
2. When the ride first sets off, let the ride out leader move off and then follow in an orderly manner. Please be mindful that less experienced riders will be present and that they can be intimidated by a thoughtless action. By letting the Ride out Leader go first, everyone should know who is leading.
3. Once the ride out is underway and settled, feel free to go on ahead if you wish. Comfort breaks will be made along the route so that the ride out can regroup.
4. If you see a Ride Member pull over unexpectedly, stop and ascertain if all is well and / or make your way to the front of the ride and alert the ride leader.
5. If you decide to take a different route, go elsewhere or even return home during the ride, be mindful of who is following you and make it clear what your intentions are.
6. Please be courteous to other ride out members. Some will have little experience of riding in a large group and can be easily intimidated by a thoughtless action.
&. The aim of the ride outs is for everyone to have fun.
Ride out Monday 28th May 2007 Sparkford Haynes Museum Mini Madness Day.Ride Out Monday 28th May 2007 Meet at the Rob Willsher’s 1000 AM (Setting off at 1030 AM prompt) Riding out to the Sparkford Haynes Car and Motorcycle museum. http://www.haynesmotormuseum.com/museum/events.html Admission prices Standard rate Adults - £7.50 Children - £4.00 Senior Citizen - £6.50 Disabled - £6.50 Group Rate (10+) Adults - £5.50 Children - £2.50 Senior Citizen - £4.50 Disabled - £4.50 Family Tickets 1 Adult + 1 Child - £9.50 2 Adults + 3 Child - £22 Entry to the museum is not obligatory and there is a good café outside. Riders of all abilities welcome. Club meeting Tuesday 15th May 2007Meet at The Windhover Manor PH, Bursledon 7pm. Ride out Sunday 13th May 2007 Burton BradstockRide Out Sunday 13th May 2007 Meet at the Rob Willsher’s 0900 AM (Setting off at 0930 AM prompt) Riding out to Burton Bradstock near Bridport on the South Coast Café on the seafront for refreshments. Riders of all abilities welcome.
Club meeting Tuesday 1st May 2007Meet at The Windhover Manor PH, Bursledon. 7pm Club Meeting Tuesday 17th April 2007Meet at The Windhover Manor PH, Bursledon. 7pm Ride out Sunday 15th April 2007 BSB Thruxton
Ride Out Sunday 15th April 2007 Meet at Rob Willsher’s 0700 am (Leaving at 0730 am prompt)
BSB Racing at Thruxton
Get your tickets Online at http://www.barc.net/acatalog/Online_Catalog_Sat___Sun_14th___15th_April__Superbikes_etc__33.html and save some money.
Riders of all abilities welcome.
Ride out BSB Brands Hatch Monday 9th April 2007
Ride Out Monday 9th April 2007 Meet on the roundabout under the A3 /A272 at Petersfield at 0600 am (Leaving at 0615 am prompt) BSB Racing at Brands Hatch. Get your tickets Online at http://www.motorsportvision.co.uk/brands-hatch/events/event-details.asp?ProductID=2440 And save some money. Unfortunately this involves Motorway travel so No Learners sorry.
Club meeting 3rd April 2007Social evening meet at the Windhover Manor PH 7pm. The Club T Shirts are now available.The Club T Shirts are now available. A picture is in the photo gallery. The large motif at the bottom of the front of the Tshirt is a blow up of what is displayed on the breast and does not appear on the T shirt like that. The cost is £16.00 each, they come in both mens and ladies and most sizes can be obtained.
Please see Ali if you want one. |
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. There are also going to be times when I am not available and “The Club” will need to keep ticking along. This is not my club or Rob Willsher Motorcycle’s club, it is our club. The more we put in to it, the more we will get out of it. |
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