April News Letter.

Hi All

Already we are half way through April and thanks to Global Warming the biking season is well under way. We have enjoyed some cracking ride outs over the last few weeks, Bury Hill, Brands Hatch and Thruxton and there is more to follow.

Dates for the diary:

1^st May – Poole Quay, meeting at Rownhams Services West. Leaving at 7pm prompt.

13^th May - Burton Bradstock on the coast. Meeting at Rob Willsher’s at 9am, leaving at 9:30 prompt.

15^th May – Bike Maintenance talk at Rob Willshers 7pm, Pub afterwards.

28^th May – Sparkford Haynes Motor Museum for the Mini Madness Day. Meeting at Rob Willsher’s at 10 am leaving 10:30 prompt.

5^th June – Talk by HCC Bike Safe / Edge 44 and the Hampshire Police Motorcycle Dept who run the courses ( This is a must for anyone who seriously wants to improve their riding skills) Meeting at Rob Willsher’s at 7pm, Pub afterwards.

Also in June, Paul Mathews is arranging a Ride Out to the GSXR day at the Ace Café and Jeff Cooper a mystery ride out. These will be on Sundays, dates TBA. There will also be a ride out on Tuesday June 19^th.

If you have any suggestions for Club activities, let me know, but keep them clean. If you are prepared to organise something, even better.

We will be trying to raise some money for charity throughout the year and this years charity will be the Wessex Cancer Appeal because it has some significance for a member who I will not name at this time but I’m sure if anyone wants to talk about it, he won’t be shy.

You will have noticed the photo albums appearing on the web site. I have also circulated links to Nero where an On Line presentation can be viewed. There are links to these presentations under the Photo Album section. If you would like a copy of the presentation or any of the photographs please do not order them from Nero. Besides being bl**dy expensive, I intend to provide copies to those that want them for a small donation to our chosen charity (a minimum of £1.50 per presentation or as much above that as you like). In addition, any one who has taken any unusual or amusing pictures at any of our activities please let me have them. I intend to do a longer presentation of The Clubs Biking Year at the end of the year and sell these for charity.

On that vein, if anyone has any ideas as to how we can raise money for charity please let me have them, whether it be a good old raffle (please take any opportunity to blag raffle prizes when a chance presents itself) to something more creative.

Provided I can find the time I plan to organise a Road trial / Treasure Hunt followed by some sort of Bar-B-Q with a small charge for participants, monies going to the charity. Again, anyone who can source a Trophy and charcoal fodder for the barbeque at a reasonable rate or even buck –shee, let me know.

Finding the time is the problem. Sorting the admin out and trying to make as many meets as possible is very time consuming and I am still after two or three mugs, I mean volunteers, who can assist with this. Don’t be shy, step forward before you get press ganged.

Now I am going to mention that word, “Christmas”. Don’t all groan, I know it’s a long way off but it’s surprising how quickly it comes around? It would be a good idea if we can organise our own Toy Run at Christmas with a view to making it an annual event. But in order to have a Toy Run, unless we are keeping the toys for ourselves, we need to have a worth cause to benefit from it. So I am looking for suggestions as to who we should choose and I would appreciate everyone’s input on this. The most popular choices will be put to a Pole amongst the members.

Finally Club T-Shirts. They are selling well and I am putting in regular orders. If you want one Email me with your size and I will reserve it for you. If it has to be ordered there is about a two week turn around. I would appreciate money up front for orders as it comes out of my pocket at the moment, although in fairness they are nearly self sufficient.

They are available in

Ladies T’s -  Sizes 10 – 20                    £16.00

Mens T’s – Sizes Small – XXXL         £16.00

Childrens;

Medium 5 – 6 yrs

Large 7 – 8 yrs

XLarge 9 – 10 yrs

XXLarge 11 – 12 years                         £12.50

(sizes as quoted by the manufacturer)

I can vouch for the quality of these T’s as can those that have already bought them. I have had some for 2 years, they do not shrink or twist and keep their colour well. I order them in black but other colours are available but will need to be ordered.

Safe Riding, get the suggestions rolling in and don’t be afraid to offer your services! They will be much appreciated by all.

Ali

PS

I will be away on holiday from May 11^th to May 23^rd inclusive (did I mention I was taking the bike to the Pyrenees LOL) but activities have been arranged during that period. Please give those that have volunteered your full support by turning out for these dates. It’s what The Club should be all about.