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The BMW Club
JOURNAL
£2.00
October 2005
2
BMW Club Journal • October 2005
HONORARY EDITORIAL TEAM
Please send all letters to Paul Nadin,
Mutual Aid to Owen Vaughan, features
Dave Bertram. All other correspondence
or queries should be sent to the Editor.
EDITOR: CHRIS FLEMING, 58 Janes Lane, Burgess Hill, West Sussex. RH15 0QR. Tel/Fax:
01444 245367. e-mail: [email protected]
SECTION NEWS & ‘COMPASS’: Please send to
the Editor at present.
FEATURES EDITOR : DAVE BERTRAM “Kimberley”, 4 Southcrest, West Hunsbury, Northampton, NN4 9UD. Tel/fax 01604 479749. e-mail:
[email protected]
TORQUE REACTION: PAUL NADIN, 49, Berkshire Drive, Congleton, Cheshire. CW12 1SB.
e-mail: [email protected]
MUTUAL AID & SMALL BUSINESS ADS: OWEN
VAUGHAN, 16 South Meadows, Pembroke,
Pembs. SA71 4EW. Tel 01646 683188. e-mail:
[email protected]
DIARY OF EVENTS: GORDON CATCHPOLE,
Avenida de las Especias 58, Pinar de
Campoverde, 03190 Pilar de la Horadada,
Alicante, Spain. Tel/fax: (0034) 966762893. email: [email protected]
COMMERCIAL DISPLAY ADS: ROB PEARCE,
16 Forestfield, Horsham, RH13 6DZ. Tel/fax
01403
754912.
e-mail:
[email protected]
TECHNICAL OFFICER: MIKE FISHWICK, Sirgon,
24250
Daglan,
France.
e-mail:
[email protected]
100,000 MILE AWARDS: BOB HARRISON, 251
Preston Road, Coppull. PR7 5DS. Tel: 01257
793209 e-mail:[email protected]
And grateful thanks to: Tony Wood for assistance with proof reading and sub-editing.
DISCLAIMER
The BMW Club Journal accepts for publication articles and letters written
in good faith; however, the views expressed in articles and letters which are
published are not necessarily those of the editor of the Journal or those of
the BMW Club or its officers or members.
The information, including advice and suggested modifications published
in the The BMW Club Journal has not been approved, tested or otherwise
checked by The BMW Club Journal or the BMW Club. Before acting on
information, advice or suggested modifications published in The BMW
Club Journal you should always obtain technical advice, and if appropriate
have a professional motor-cycle engineer carry out the work for you.
The BMW Club Journal and the BMW Club cannot accept liability for any
loss, damage or claims occurring as a result of any modifications or work
or other action carried out on the advice or based on the suggestions given
in any article or letter published in The BMW Club Journal and (save for
death or personal injury arising from The BMW Club Journal’s negligence)
all such liability is hereby excluded.
The BMW Club Journal is published for and on behalf of the B.M.W.
Motorcycle Club Ltd.
The BMW Motorcycle Club Ltd, the BMW Club Journal, It’s Editor and
Officers accept no liability in respect of loss or damage occasioned directly
or indirectly as a result of the publication of any advertisement in The BMW
Club Journal or Web site
For problems regarding distribution of the
Journal please first contact your Section
Secretary. Should there still be a problem then
contact the membership secretary. Their details
are listed on page 6.
The Journal
2005
The Official BMW Club
within the UK and
Republic of Ireland
Affiliated to BMW Club Europa e.V
www.bmwclub.org.uk
General Enquiries: 0800 0854045
FREEPOST THE BMW CLUB
The BMW Club is the Trading name of The B.M.W.
Motorcycle Club Ltd Registered in England, Registration
number 4261129 whose Registered Office: Charter Court,
Midland Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 5GE
All Rights Reserved
CONTENTS
Editorial Ramblings.............................. 4
National and Section Officers............. 6
President’s Platform............................ 7
Torque Reaction.................................. 8
Diary of Events................................... 39
Around the Compass.......................... 43
Events not Organised by BMW Club... 43
The Caption Competition...................... 59
Where We Meet.................................. 60
Section News..................................... 61
Social and Register Secretaries......... 61
Mutual Aid........................................... 74
Small Business Ads ........................... 80
This month’s features :
Piligrim’s Progress .............................. 20
A Beginner’s Guide ............................ 44
Spike Speaks ...................................... 48
Russia and North Cape ...................... 50
The Armadillo Mudguard .................... 58
This Month’s Cover Photo is from Graham
Parker; and shows an R1100RT up in the
high Pyrenees just over the pass into
Andorra
3
The Classic at Stafford
Editorial
Freewheeling
I
TS BEEN ALMOST six months since you
kindly allowed me to become the Editor
and apart from a few minor mishaps and
misadventures, my forgetting the occasional
letter or article - and an extended tour of
Europe ! - along the way, I’ve enjoyed the
experience. And as you’ve probably noticed,
since inheriting the mantle I’ve been
experimenting with the Journal’s layout and
appearance to see what - if anything produced a response from our readers. I’ve
been surprised at how phlegmatic and
tolerant you appear to be because apart from
a few impassioned pleas to make the
typesize bigger, I haven’t received much in
the way of comments or feedback about how
you feel about the Journal.
So please don’t be backwards about coming
forwards with any ideas, suggestions,
comments or feedback that you have in
regard to improving the Journal As you can
read in this months Presidents Platform, at
the national level our President has set up a
working party that is reviewing the club’s
“image and communications”and which will
report to the NCM.
Apart from continuing to work to improve the
overall quality of the Journal and to ensure
that it keeps our members informed and
amused, I would also like to ensure that it is
a “good read” each month, with something
in there for everyone. If possible I’d also like
to start making the transition from it being a
Club Journal to becoming more of a Club
Magazine with a broader range of features
and motorcyle-related articles.
Wishful thinking ?
4
The 12th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics will
be heldon 15-16 October 2005 at the Stafford
County Showground
Confirmed to be at the show, is three-times
British Superbike Champion Niall Mackenzie.
Niall will be appearing on the Mortons stand
through out the weekend, entertaining his
fans with tales from his heyday on racing
bikes and other exciting, motorcycle-related
stories. Niall will also be on hand throughout
the weekend to answer questions and to sign
autographs.
It is the 50th anniversary of the creation of the
Yamaha motorcycle this year and, to
commemorate this, a few Yamahas will be
showcased on the Mortons stand. Since the
creation in 1954 of the YA1, known by the
Japanese as ‘Akatombo’ or ‘Red Dragonfly’,
Yamaha have created some of the best
racers. They also solved one of the greatest
problems with the two-stroke engine, which
was the need to mix the oil with the petrol
when refuelling. It was a major technical feat
when they introduced the autolube system. It
was basically an oil tank that fed lubricant to
a pump, which then delivered oil to the big
ends, main bearings and cylinder barrels.
Bonhams will be hosting their usual
motorcycle and motorcycle-related items
auction on the Sunday of the event. An
interesting item that is expected to fetch a lot
of interest is a Wolf 2.5hp Model B veteran.
The Wolf was originally built in
Wolverhampton in 1914 and was sold to a
blacksmith in the village of Haddenham,
where it stayed until 1955, when it was sold.
The second owner almost instantly sold the
bike when the restoration on the motorcycle
was completed. The current owner
purchased it in its completed state and
regularly attended the Banbury Run on a
handful of occasions before taking it off the
road in 1964. The VMCC register of machines
(Third Edition) lists 12 Wolfs in total from
1910-1936, only one of which is the 2.5 hp
JAP-engined model, which is estimated to
make £2500-£3000.
The show gates open at 9am, closing at 5pm
on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost £8.50
for adults, £6 for OAPs and £2 for under-15s.
There are advance tickets available at a
saving on our ticket hotline, 01507 529300,
or
you
can
book
online
at
www.classicbikeshows.com
Bike Of The Year 2005
The BMW K1200 R has been voted
‘Motorcycle of the Year’ by the top US
publication, Motorcyclist just two months after
the bike’s official launch.
The Editors of Motorcyclist magazine
agonised over a shortlist of twelve different
models from Italy and Japan, before finally
concluding which bike had had the most
profound impact on motorcycling in 2005.
Equipped with the same powerful fourcylinder engine as BMW’s K1200 S superbike
and combined with outstanding innovations
such as the BMW Duolever suspension and
optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment,
press reports all over the world have regarded
the 163 bhp K1200 R as a leader in its class.
Now, the naked roadster has been rewarded
with
its
first
prestigious
award.
”Give BMW credit for doing what the
Japanese wouldn’t or couldn’t do: bolt
serious horsepower into a big, comfortable
naked bike. This German interpretation
leaves its contemporaries looking relatively
underdressed when it comes to
technological accoutrements,”
said
Motorcyclist
magazine.
The magazine added: “After re-inventing the
heart and soul of its motorcycle line-up in
little more than a year, BMW clearly isn’t afraid
of thinking outside the box. In fact, we’re pretty
sure it scrapped the box entirely.”
As well as securing the ultimate honour, BMW
Motorrad’s top-selling R1200 GS and R1200
RT also won the awards for Best Adventure
and Best Touring Bike respectively. Currently
the fourth best-selling bike overall in the UK,
BMW’s R1200 GS is no stranger to success.
Last year it was awarded a Gold accolade in
the Industrial Design Society of America’s
International Design Excellence Awards, as
well as winning the Best Trailie award at the
UK’s prestigious Motor Cycle News Awards.
Launched at the beginning of 2005, BMW’s
new generation R1200 RT has gone on to
top the touring sales charts thanks to its
outstanding ride comfort and ‘active touring’
capabilities. Motorcyclist said: “It balanced
the comfort and accoutrements that make
1,000 mile days possible with unexpectedly
athletic handling. There’s a heated seat,
electronically adjustable suspension and
even a sensor that checks the oil while you
ride. What more could the dedicated
motorcycle touring enthusiast conceivably
want?”
New Career ?
Paul at MotoBins has reminded me that the
company are on the lookout for BMWexperienced employees. If interested, please
get in touch with him on 01775 680580.
Editorial Thought For The Month :
Cover photo candidates are best submitted
in PORTRAIT mode .....
5
National Officers & Section Secretaries
HONORARY NATIONAL OFFICERS
PRESIDENT: TONY MOORES, 54 Lingmoor Drive
Manor Park, BURNLEY, BB12 8UY. Tel/Fax: 01282
421628. e-mail: [email protected]
SECRETARY:STEVE SHEPLEY, Donavourd Farmhouse, Pitlochry, Scotland PH16 5JS Tel/fax:
01796
472551.
e-mail:
[email protected]
TREASURER: DEREK JOHNSON, 32 Eason Drive,
Radley Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 3YD Tel:
01235 532622. Fax: 01235 539689
ASSISTANT TREASURER: BRIAN CULVER, 39
Moat, Farm Close, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5DJ
tel:
01303
226188,
e-mail:
[email protected]
SOCIAL SECRETARY: GARTH FORBES, 9
Conyngham Road, NORTHAMPTON, NN3 9TA. email: [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: DICK BOYD,
Stewart Place, Garmouth IV32 7LX. Tel: 01343
870389, Fax: 01343 870591. e-mail:
[email protected]
POST/5 TOOL HIRE SECRETARY: MIKE
DELACOE, 4 Charwelton Road, Preston Capes,
Daventry. NN11 3TA. 01327 360945.
PRE/5 TOOL HIRE SEC: PETER DUNN, 101Station Road, Thatcham, Berks.RG19 4QH Tel: 07941
REGALIA SECRETARY: JEAN COX, 22
Combermere, Thornbury, Bristol. BS35 2ET.
01454 415358. e-mail: [email protected]
VINTAGE & CLASSIC REGISTER SECRETARY:
MALCOLM McNAIR, 27 Syon Gardens, Newport
Pagnell, Bucks, MK16 0JU Tel: 01908 216623 email: [email protected]
SPORTING REGISTER SECRETARY: ROBERT
BENSLEY, Oak Tree Farm, Heath Road, Banham
NR16 2HS. Tel: 01953 888415 (+fax) e-mail:
[email protected]
SIDECAR REGISTER SECRETARY: VACANT
ASSOC. SECRETARY FOR AMERICA: BRUCE
PRESTON, 0208 979 1555 e-mail:
[email protected].
WEBMASTER: GREG SMITH, e-mail:
[email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENTS: BRUCE PRESTON, 0208 979
1555 e-mail: [email protected].
CYNTHIA MILTON, not available at present
TONY CARTMELL, 28 Houseman Place, Blackpool. FY4 5AE Tel: 01253 768421. Email:
[email protected]
HONORARY SECTION SECRETARIES
East Anglia: CLIFF BATLEY, 46 Nemans Rd., Sudbury,
Suffolk, CO10 1UA. Tel: 01787 373919. e-mail:
[email protected]
Irish: JAMES CONNOLLY, Landenstown, Sallins,
Kildare,
Ireland. Tel: 0035345868638. e-mail:
[email protected]
London: NICK FRY, 4 Newbury Close, Chancellors
Road, STEVENAGE,Herts. SG1 4TE. Tel: 01438 749
Mercia: RAY SMITH, 1,Parsons Close, Church Gresley,
Derbyshire. DE11 9NQ. Tel: 01283 551915.
e-mail:
[email protected]
Midland: DALE MARCHANT, 19 Maplebeck Avenue,
Medenvale, Notts. NG20 9JQ. Tel: 01623 847907. email:[email protected]
North East: ANN WRAY, Hoge Veluwe, 19 Greenhills
Byers Green, Spennymoor, Co. Durham. DL16 7QJ.
Tel:
01388
605764
e-mail:
[email protected]
Northern: BERNARD J. TAGG, 349 Tag Lane, Ingol,
Preston. PR2.3XA. tEL: Tel: 01772.466205 E-MAIL:
Email: [email protected]
Oxford: PETER MAPES, 54 Corbett Road, Carterton,
Oxon. OX18 3LE Tel: 01993 212800 e-mail:
[email protected]
Scottish: JASON GOODWILL, 3 Upper Burnside Court,
Thurso, Caithness. KW14 7XT. Tel: 01847893935.
South East: BRIAN SHEARS, 100 Park Avenue,
Northfleet DA11 8DL. Tel. & Fax: 01474 566142. email: [email protected]
Southern: GREG SMITH, 2 Claudius Gardens,
Chandlers Ford, Hants. SO53 2NY. 02380 251146. email: [email protected]
South West: LESLIE MADGE. Glenthorne, Cheriton
Bishop, Exeter EX6 6JA Tel: 01647 24523
Ulster: BOB BARKER, 88 Browns Bay Rd.,
Islandmagee, Larne, Co., Antrim. BT40 3RX. Tel: 02893
Western: RON ELMSLIE, 8 Cleeve Lawns, Downend,
Bristol. BS16 6HJ. Tel no: 0117 9569209 e-mail:
[email protected]
Yorkshire: CAREL LINDLEY, 244 Shadwell Lane,
Leeds. LS17 8AQ. Tel: 0113 266 6766. e-mail:
[email protected]
HQ Register: TONY PAINTER, 101 Gillards, Bishops
Hull, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5HJ. Tel: 01823253897.
Fax: 08700514267. e-mail: [email protected]
DELEGATES to other ORGANISATIONS
BMF: MIKE FISHWICK, DAVE FOX-SPENCER, DEREK
JOHNSON, JEFF DYMOND, DES WHITE, ROD WILTSHIRE and DAVE BERTRAM
BMW Club Europa: PETER DUNN
FBHVC: M McNAIR
DVLA: M McNAIR
Please restrict any calls or enquiries to these Club officials to between the hours of
10 am and 10 pm, and let the Editor know if any of these details need amendment
6
President’s
Platform
T
HERE ARE PERIODS in my life these days
when the big club ‘sponge’ absorbs any
spare time I might have with various club
related meetings and commitments. During early
August a meeting with BMW Motorrad GB resulted
in the offer once again to supply the club with
bikes to display at the October NEC bike show.
This is a great help to organiser Mike Warrilow and
allows us to showcase the latest (and past)
hardware. Promotional ideas were discussed and
healthy sales figures were confirmed. With four
new models in the pipeline to appeal to both the
existing client base and a new generation of
owners the future for BMW seems assured.
With the future of our club in mind
I then chaired a ‘Media’ meeting
with our Editor Chris, Web Master
Greg, and Ads Manager Rob. The
intention is to co-ordinate the
club’s image and explores
opportunities to expand member
services. If this is achievable we
can make the club more attractive
to join and belong to. The new
club web site is taking shape and
owners can now join on line.
Technology can help us become
more efficient and I will be holding
a President’s meeting during late
September to discuss this and
other outstanding club matters.
Next on the list was, with delegate Peter Dunn, a
meeting with the club Europa board and other
European club representatives in an ongoing
attempt to resolve outstanding matters. Although
the issues are still divisive a healthy exchange of
views allowed for a fuller understanding of the
problems faced by the attendees. Phew!! Where’s
me bike!
On a warm summer’s afternoon, the northern
section meeting at the picturesque Ribble Valley
village of Chipping gave me the reason to ‘switch
off.’ The parking area around the village hall was
full of assorted BMs; the owners meanwhile had
filled the church hall to enjoy a complimentary lunch
of Lancashire hot pot. I’ve mentioned the food /
bike combination before and it works! Later, fed
and watered, they returned to the bikes to ‘kick
tyres.’ The number of new GS and RT models
parked confirmed the sales trends currently being
experienced by BMW, and once again the growing
percentage of bikes fitted with GPS magic maps
were apparent.
Another biking pleasure slotted into my schedule
was to ride to the BM distribution centre in Thorne
to collect a K1200S to evaluate for a short period.
Just had time for a day out on the bike between
commitments prior to riding to Kelso, but more of
this in a future journal.
I have previously mentioned my affinity with the
borders region of the UK and this unspoilt area
proved a good choice of venue for our one national
event of 2005. Any uncertainty I had relating to the
term ‘Border Raiders’ was
dispelled on Saturday evening
when having ordered and paid
for my dinner the N East posse
led by Ann Wray proceeded to
acquire my meal and eat it! The
changing venues for events
encourages members to explore
differing regions and some were
using the event to have an
extended break, others just
enjoyed the hospitality of Kelso
or even competed in the on site
Lowland
Games!
These
consisted of Highland Games but
in reverse? If it helps
comprehension this resulted in
Helen Beer winning the strongest women award
and Robert Bensley the weakest man. (Sorry Rob)
Our busy General Secretary Steve (Mr Motivator)
Shepley somehow found the time with the Scottish
section committee to organise a cracking event
that attracted a good turnout, decent weather,
entertainment, and a Saturday evening knees up.
Steve just managed to complete the raffle on Sunday
evening before his voice gave out. In the excitement
I missed my chance to publicly thank Steve for his
efforts, so THANKS STEVE.
Safe riding.
Tony Moores
7
Torque
Reaction
October 5th is the
deadline for the November
Journal. Send letters or
e-mails to Paul Nadin,
details on page 3.
Ode to the Woolly Bits
A few months ago there was a rather long
discussion in the Journal about improving comfort
on motorcycles. The consensus was to steal a
sheep, skin it, eat the meat and use the woolly skin
to sit on. A wonderful idea!
I have been reading a book called ‘Freewheel’
which was written in Stalag 1VB in 1944. It states:
“An American idea that really works is to fit a
sheepskin, and although it gets wet it is warm and
cosy to the posterior”.
What goes around comes around!
Tom Elliott. Drumnadrochit.
Well Done, Carol Nash
I have just returned from an annual bike tour to
France, only this year it was a bit bike and mostly
car!
On day one I travelled from Le Havre towards La
Rochelle via Le Mans and Angers. When I pulled
off the motorway at Angers to refuel I heard and
felt an ominous noise from the clutch/gearbox/shaft
area of my 1990 K100LT. I refuelled and carried
on, wondering if it was something I had done
differently from normal. At a lunch stop it happened
again and I was now seriously worried. At
motorway speeds the bike performed perfectly
but the noise became more frequent on
deceleration.
I reached my campsite near Ste Hermine and
decided to call my insurers, Carol Nash, saying
that I was concerned but that the bike was not
immobile. Carol Nash said they would get someone
to call at my campsite and take the bike to the
nearest BMW dealer. On day two Carol Nash
phoned me to say the bike needed some work
done on the clutch but it could not be repaired
before September and they proposed to bring the
bike back to the UK. They then said that I would be
provided with a car so that I could continue my
holiday and they took over all of the arranging and
paying for taxis and the car.
8
I used a car from Europcar in La Roche sur Yon
and dropped it at Le Havre at the end of my French
leg. I had mentioned the need to get back to West
Gloucestershire from Portsmouth and they again
made all the arrangements with a taxi from the
port and another Europcar hire that has just been
collected from home.
Carol Nash averted a real disaster and
demonstrated their professionalism by the way
they kept me informed and made the arrangements.
I have nothing but praise for them and have written
to say so with the following letter. I have no
connections with Carol Nash except as a very
satisfied client.
‘I would be very grateful if you would pass on my
thanks and congratulations to the European
Breakdown team for the excellent manner in which
they coped with my recent breakdown in France.
The team worked hard to keep my holiday on track
and all of the arrangements that were made to this
end were professionally and sympathetically
handled. The last remaining item is the bike being
returned to the UK (expected date 9th August) and
I have confidence that it will happen as suggested.
I feel the company should be recognised for its
excellent service. It has been (in a perverse way)
a pleasure to deal with you!’
Peter Cobby. Gloucester. (Very relieved to have
been helped so much!)
Shipping a BMW Overseas
As increasingly regular visitors to Australia now
that our son lives there, we are starting to feel the
need to keep a bike out there, to make the most of
the fine roads and weather. But a limited budget
would probably limit us to something Japanese,
quite probably with suspect reliability or handling.
Since we already have an elderly and little used
R100RT here as a second bike, we wondered
whether a better solution might be to ship it out to
Brisbane.
If any members have any experience of either air
freighting or shipping motorcycles, we would be
very grateful for any advice on who best to
approach, the likely costs, and what regulatory
hurdles would need to be surmounted.
We
are
on
01233-624115,
email
[email protected], and would
much appreciate hearing from anyone with
experience of doing this.
Rob & Liz Turner. South East Section.
A Word of Warning: Be Careful
Just a little piece of information regarding a hot
spot on the Continent for bike stealing, particularly
BMWs, due to a very recent experience.
It’s at the Holland, Belgian and German border. Mine
was stolen in Maastricht, parked in a public place
with disc lock, chain lock and steering lock. Both
locks were punched out and the bike disappeared
into the unknown (rumour has it that it’s Poland).
The local police are aware of the problem, it is the
work of professionals and the police reckon that it
takes seconds for a bike to be stolen.
A French rider also lost his bike in Maastricht and
he was only away for three minutes but only with
his steering lock activated.
Fortunately my registration documents were not
on the bike and the local police will not give an
incident form without one, but my passport and
driving licence were, along with many other pieces
of biking gear which caused a problem as you can
imagine.
Lesson learned - do not leave your bike
unattended, carry your driving licence, passport
etc. with you. It’s a hassle, but it’s a bigger hassle
to get back home.
modern vehicles, which are basically computers
on wheels, start switching off functions to reduce
battery drain when left for an extended period. My
old Land Rover, which hasn’t any electronics, will
stand for many months without use and then start
on the button.
I also had a lot of trouble with the normal flasher
function on an ex police R80/7 fitted with hazard
flashers. I eventually traced it to a faulty relay
which, when tested with a normal meter, was
showing no fault. If I remember it was one with an
internal diode or similar, which probably caused all
the trouble.
Derek J Spooner. Worcester.
Thanks to BMW GB
En route to the recent BMW Bikerfest at Garmisch
Partenkirchen my BMW navigator sat.nav. ingested
some water through a faulty screen seal in a
torrential downpour and ceased to function.
At Garmisch I met a chap called Howard Godolphin
on the BMW GB stand and he offered to have the
Dave Lewis. Kettering.
More on Electrical Leakage
Referring to the letter by Roy Townsend (August
Journal), BMW electrical circuits and components
include many diodes, transistors and similar
semiconductors, all of which ‘leak’ current to some
degree or other if there is a voltage across them.
I wonder whether Roy’s modifications have
electrically isolated some of these and thus
reduced the discharge from the battery when
standing idle. I have read that some of the more
9
unit repaired free of charge even though it was
outside the two year BMW warranty period.
On return to the UK I took the Navigator to Ocean
Plymouth, my local BMW dealer and Bill StaceyNorris liaised with Howard and in due course they
decided to replace it with a brand new Navigator II
satellite navigation system complete with all the
cables and brackets necessary to fit it to my bike.
On the same trip my wife’s BMW jacket started
letting water in. This too was replaced under
warranty, even though it was nearly two years
old. In a world where poor service is commonplace
and letters of complaint the norm, I would like to
award top marks to BMW GB in general and
Howard Godolphin in particular, with a special
mention for Ocean Plymouth and Bill Stacey-Norris
who followed up Howard’s promise in person.
Thanks again to all those involved.
Les Carr. Cornwall.
Contra Steer
Well it’s reared its (steering) head again.
Experience, observation and, of course, Physics
prove it........try this.....
Find a quiet straight road or airfield, settle at about
35-45 mph, light touch on the handlebars (as if
you’re riding no handed - it helps if you have a
throttle friction screw).
When settled, PUSH with left hand, or PULL with
right......which way do you go ....? (Answers on a
postcard)
Then you can reverse the procedure if not
convinced.
If you want to argue ............... you’ve not tried it.
R.Kermode. Yorkshire Section.
Tweak that bar?
I was interested to see Martin Stimson’s request
for an ‘expert’ to explain what he called Contra
Steering. Well, before I comment, firstly I am not
expert and although I have been riding 47 years
(Hell! I’m getting old!)I am recently returned to regular
biking and having to re-build fluency. Things I once
did instinctively I’m now relearning from others
more skilled and by practice.
However I offer the following for him to consider
— and am most willing to be corrected by whoever
IS an expert!
10
Martin, take a bicycle wheel, hold the spindle
horizontal with both hands out in front of you such
that the wheel is vertical and pointing away from
your chest. Get a pal to spin it top away from you
(just as if it were your motorbike front wheel.)
Now, while it’s spinning, sharply push your LEFT
hand horizontally away from you. WHAT HAPPENS?
——-The wheel tilts smartly to the LEFT
Conversely, if you push your RIGHT hand
forwards, the wheel tilts smartly to the RIGHT.
I believe this is an effect of any gyro called
PRECESSION.
Now relate this to your bike. Your front wheel is
that gyro, with loads more rotating mass and inertia
than the light bicycle wheel, so if you push the
LEFT bar smartly forward the bike should whip
over to the LEFT. And of course the converse,
push RIGHT, lean RIGHT.
Robin Wale, an excellent rider, who is an IAM
instructor/observer made the point extremely clear
saying to me. “Imagine you suddenly see a concrete
block in the road. - You want to go left of it? Jab
the left bar hard forwards and you’ll leap to the
left.” (And of course force yourself not to look at
it, but look past or at the gap you’re going for.)
I take no responsibility but try it tentatively on a
clear straight road. Believe me it works.
A smart forward push on the bar at the side to
which you wish to turn will immediately whip the
bike into a lean in that direction to set you up for a
corner. You, the lump on the top, then follow it to
keep the heel needed for the bend.
Needless to say it works harder at speed and is
negligible at a walking pace since the extent of the
effect depends on the rotational speed of the front
wheel.
I believe it’s called “Counter steering” and I’m sure
if we go back through the Journals we will find
yards of words about it over the years.
Thinking back to my trail riding days, the times I got
spat off the thing were almost always right at the
slowish speed where it was questionable whether
you tried to hold the bike upright and steered into
the bend or whether you used precession, initially
pushed out of the bend to lean the bike over - and
I chose the wrong one!
Finally coming back. Precession; imagine the Harrier
aircraft hovering. It is a prime case where you
DON’T want precession. The thrust holding it up
there is from four downward facing nozzles but
its attitude is controlled by downward facing air
jets at the wingtips, nose and tail. Inside the thing
is the huge rotating mass of the engine (like a
massive gyro), so if the pilot, say, dips the nose of
the aircraft by using the air jets, the aircraft should
spin violently around it’s vertical axis.
IT WOULD DO EXCEPT the engine is built with two
spools, that’s two shafts each with compressor
at one end and turbine at the other, running coaxially
one inside the other. The clever bit is that these
run counter-rotating and are designed such that
the combination of mass and revs of one rotating
right handed exactly counterbalances the mass
and revs of the other rotating left handed. Result?
- no gyro, no precession and a happy bunny in the
cockpit.
So Martin, instead of a running argument with him
suggest your policeman friend tries the “Push to
test” and see what he thinks. - Let him do it on his
own bike!! Like it or not we have a ‘gyro’ - the front
wheel may as well use it?
Ride safe
Ted Devey. SW Section.
Counter Steering
With regard to the item by Martin Stimson in the
September issue of the Journal, and his request
for an explanation for what he called contra
steering, actually counter steering, may I offer my
explanation.
Firstly, counter steering is not a phenomenon, it is
the result of the application of a force to a rotating
body, in this case, a motorcycle wheel.
Secondly, counter steering results from something
known as gyroscopic precession, and here goes
an explanation.
Imagine a gyroscope toy, go and buy one to check
this out. A gyroscope is basically a spinning disc.
Set the rotor spinning, and try to move the toy
quickly. It doesn’t want to move quickly because
the spinning rotor has a rotational inertia.
Now set the gyroscope on a surface with the axle
horizontal, and the rotor spinning in a vertical plane.
This is now a representation of your bike’s front
wheel.
Now the fun bit...
With the rotor spinning in the direction of your front
wheel, in front of you, gently push the right hand
axle end in a horizontal direction away from
yourself. You will see the rotor tip over to the right,
at right angles to the direction of the applied force
rather than turn to the left. This is known as
gyroscopic precession.
Now let’s go to the bike. You are travelling forward,
therefore the front wheel is rotating. Very gently
pull the left hand handlebar towards yourself. Not
a lot, just a touch will do, and you will feel the bike
lean to the right, that is, the application of a force
to turn the rotating wheel to the left makes the bike
bank to the right. This force is powerful, and
instantaneous.
In fact, counter steering is how bikes turn anyway.
To make a left turn, we think we push down on the
left handlebar, but geometry applies a left hand
horizontal pushing force to the axle of the rotating
wheel, i.e. tries to pivot it to the right, and
gyroscopic precession makes the wheel tip to the
left. This is a fundamental part of bike steering,
11
and anybody who argues otherwise should spend
35 years in design engineering as I
have.
more like a reference, instead of a shorthand
notebook? Isn’t informing the membership one of
The Journal’s basic goals?
I trust this explains things without all those funny
formulae things, (which can be provided on
request).
Safe biking.
Apart from the year card (and who knows how
many people misplace theirs in January?), there is
precious little space for social secs to print such
information (section news usually covers reports
of last months runs, etc.,and special forthcoming
events), and also, by making section news the
sole source of real information, this will be forcing
everyone who has a passing interest in the
activities of other sections, to read every section
news to find out about any interesting events, and
although that may be a good thing if it happened, I
don’t think it will.
Keith Williams. Western Section.
BMW Nav 2 Mounted on an R1200 ST
Having just taken delivery of my much anticipated
R1200ST I found that the method to mount the BMW
Sat Nav 2 unit entailed cutting away part of the
tank section, which is not a good thing to do due to
the cost of buying a new tank cover and repainting
it, should you sell the bike without the GPS in the
future.
Mike Bines of www.sportouring.com came up with
a simple economical RAM bracket
which fits on the handlebars and puts the GPS just
in your periphery view, which is the best place.
Mike even returns telephone calls! No connection
just a pleased customer.
I just thought that I ought to pass this on to other
R1200ST owners before they start cutting up the
tank section! I have enclosed a picture to show.
Steve Alsop. Sheffield.
A Plea for More Information
Whilst I wish our new editor every success, and
understand that it’s a mammoth job, I must take
issue with you Chris on the comment about keeping
the diary of events as brief as possible.
I personally don’t know anyone who tears out the
centre section, and in fact, it was the first I’d heard
of the idea when I read it in the Journal, but I
digress.
Information is the key to success (can’t remember
who said it but I agree) and in my opinion a major
factor for non participation in some section events
is that not enough information is available - and
here we are trying to include less! This applies
particularly to start and pick-up point exact
locations, and more about where the run is going.
Why is it so important that the diary of events be
kept so small? Why can’t it be made larger and
12
I often glance through the diary to see if a
neighbouring section is going anywhere interesting
on the coming weekend, and am similarly often
dismayed that there is either no contact information,
or few details of what the destination is actually
about, so I often don’t go...and I’m a regular!, so
what chance does that give us of attracting
newcomers to weekend events?
Trying to get new faces to participate is a major
battle, and I think that we should be persuading
social secs to include much more information to
enable someone to make an informed decision on
whether or not they wish to take part. Many will
simply not phone an organiser to ask questions,
because often they don’t really know what
questions to ask, or may be embarrassed about
saying no thank you if it’s not what they thought it
would be.
If we don’t make it interesting, no-one will turn out.
Give people enough information that they don’t need
to phone and ask somebody.
Martin Ellis - Midland Section.
( Thanks Martin. If I published in full the meticulous
multi-start point, multi rendezvous and multi-location
details received from some sections in their diary
events, other entries from other sections would
have to be truncated in order to fit. The Section
News areas of the Journal are where you should
find section news and updates, I think? Ed. )
I thought it was just me
During the beautiful summer of 2003 I was fortunate
enough to be teaching a 6 week computer
programming class for a company in Erding which
is about 30 miles from Munich. Rode my 1150GS
Adventure down and had a blast, travelling around
some of the most beautiful roads at weekends,
great scenery, and friendly people. Shame I had to
work on the weekdays.
One weekend was taken up with the annual biker
party, which I was really looking forward to. But,
like the editor, I was seriously under whelmed by
the event. It’s always great to walk around the
bike park and see some of the seriously trick bikes
and the stalls were interesting, particularly some
of the very strange Touratech gizmos. Apart from
that there didn’t really seem to be a lot going on.
I was planning to travel back late in the evening
but arrived on site at 10am and left at 2pm. It was
a pleasant 4 hours but I certainly wouldn’t ride
from the UK specifically for it. The back roads
returning to my hotel were fantastic though!
Paul Stuyvesant. Wootton Bassett.
A ‘Non-Event’ at Kelso?
As a new member of the BMW Club I was very
excited that the NATIONAL RALLY was being held
in Scotland. This was a bonus as normally they
are held in the south of England, so yesterday I got
on the R75/6 and drove the 65 miles to Kelso
expecting to see bikes lined up, trade stands, an
expert’s corner, and, in view of being a new
member, a Club Regalia stall where I could see and
feel the goods.
What did I find? Very Little!!
The shed contained a few bits and pieces like
cigarette lighters and toys, a junk trophy table,
some simple accessories and not much else. In
fact five minutes and I was outside again. There
was no memento of attending the rally apart from
a piece of printed paper.
At other clubs days we have rebuilt engines, fixed
gearboxes, had painting lessons and much more.
I wanted some information on the tracking of my
bike as it wants to drift to the right and although
some members had heard of this could not really
help much so nothing was done. Everyone I spoke
to felt the same, if you were not staying overnight,
it was chat for an hour and go back home. I met a
gentleman who had driven 633 miles to be there
and he agreed it was a poor show with a capitol P
and he was heading on to Inverness. A true
enthusiast. The bike owners were great with some
lovely bikes, but as regards an organised rally,
total rubbish. If this is the best the BMW Club can
do in a great setting I shall not be at another rally.
Yours, very disappointed,
Alan Hay. Scottish Section.
In Praise of Gents Various
A quick line to thank the two gents and their pillions
who helped extricate my R80G/S from where I had
stopped just short of a deep rut created by the
4x4 boys near Peak Forest in Derbyshire. I couldn’t
go forward as the cylinders would have been firmly
wedged, and I had no shovel. The two gents kindly
dragged me back up the lane to terra firma;
fortunately I had got it out of the worst of the mud.
One was on a K; he said he had an1150GS at
home. I’m not sure if he is a member, if so, Thanks
again! The camaraderie amongst riders is
wonderful!
On a separate note, F&B Tyres of Wheelock (M6,
J17) did an excellent job in advising me of the best
compromise tyres, and fitted these. All very efficient
13
and friendly, and at the keenest of prices. Support
him, he advertises in the Northern Section calendar.
Usual disclaimers apply.
You might enjoy the attached, taken by Matthew
and Anne Anderson on the Rally of Discovery
(Wales) earlier this year!
Nick Dulk. Northern Section.
Holiday House Swap Register
In 2000 my wife and I decided to take our son and
daughter’s advice and visit New Zealand. They
had both spent some time there a few years earlier
during their “Round the World with a Back-Pack”
trips, and both told us it was a “must” place for us
to visit.
I did a bit of research into various ways of
organising a motor cycling holiday there, but soon
discovered that to take my own machine would
not be economical, and the cost of renting a decent
touring machine would be twice as bad!
After a couple of phone calls to BMW club officers
here in the UK, I was given the contact details of
the editor of the New Zealand Club magazine (the
Register), who agreed to put a “Holiday Swap”
advert in the magazine there, complete with a nice
eye catching logo.
I sat back and waited, but nothing happened for a
couple of months. Then through the letter box
dropped a copy of the NZ register containing my
advert, and within a week I had an e-mail from a
chap in Dunedin, saying he wanted to spend about
6 months in Europe with his wife, researching their
family history here, and then touring as many
countries as time would allow. A couple of phone
calls between us followed, and he explained he
would only need to borrow my K100 until he had
fixed himself up with a camper van and had given
it a good service in my garage, then they would be
away on tour!
I explained that my wife and I just wanted a touring
bike to use for a few weeks, and a base for our
holiday in New Zealand. We both agreed it was
going to happen, and just three months later I went
to Heathrow at 4.30am to meet William and Yvonne
from their 26 hour flight! Not much fun for me, but
much worse for them, as they both slept for 24
hours when they crashed into bed a couple hours
later, at our house near Bath.
After a week of local sight-seeing with them, we
got down to hunting for a camper van. After a
14
couple of wasted trips, we went to Cardiff and
saw what was to become their home for five
months, a well used VW camper, which needed a
new exhaust system, clutch, and a service.
When the work was complete (a DIY job by William
in my garage), our new friends waved us goodbye
and headed off into the unknown. They kept in
regular contact by phone, post card and e-mail,
and next appeared at our place early in December,
with a host of wonderful tales to tell, and pictures
to show us. They sold the VW in London after a
couple of days of hanging around haggling, and
off they went back to their homeland. Now it was
our turn!
We flew to New Zealand the following February,
and were met at the airport in Christchurch as
arranged. After a few days to get used to being up
side down, we ventured off on day trips initially,
then decided to “give it a go”, and spend a couple
of weeks seeing the whole of the South Island on
Williams K1100. We had a wonderful holiday there,
were given the best hospitality we could have
wished for.
During our tour, we met about 20 members of the
British “AJS & Matchless Owners Club”, who had
shipped all their bikes out months previously for a
tour of the Islands. (I was a member of that club at
the time, and owned a 1954 Matchless G9).
I even did a bungee jump from the Kawaru Bridge,
and have the video and underpants to prove it! “It’s
all part of growing up” I said to the wife. “But you
are 59” she replied! Hmmm.
When our stay in NZ was over, we finished the
holiday off with 10 days in Australia, staying in
Sydney, Ayers Rock and Perth, then home.
Now to the point of this letter. My wife, who is half
Irish, declared recently that although she has
visited Ireland a number of times, she has never
been to the South or West of the Island. “Well, let’s
go then” I replied, and memories of our successful
house swap in NZ immediately came to mind.
So, if there is anyone from that region of the
Emerald Isle who might be interested in arranging
a holiday house swap for a week or two during
2006, please contact me on 01761- 418141. I can
offer a detached 2 bedroom bungalow with all
modern facilities and a garage, in a village 7 miles
from Bath.
I assume there is no register of club members
interested in this sort of holiday, so what about
starting one? Before you suggest it, yes, I would
give it a go if no one else wanted to!
(Available from StarCom (Tecstar UK) in the UK or from me if you live in Ireland).
Graham Clulee. Western Section.
On your Radio Menu - select Radio - CD - Aux select Aux and the GPS Audio will be heard through
the on-board speaker system (via the radio).
Another View on Kelso
Me & my mate Dennis have just got back from this
years national rally at Kelso and what a cracker it
was, the weather was good [didn’t rain] and we
found it a great place to go out to visit local sites
like Holy Island & Bamborough Castle all not far
away.
The food was good and very reasonably priced,
the washrooms were cleaned very regularly and
the whole event was FREE. What more could you
want? It beat Beaulieu hands down
Well done lads.
Steve Lynn. Yorkshire section.
Somerton Meeting
I would like to thank Tony Judd, Martin Eavis and
The Couple from Poole, for turning up at the Globe
Inn, Somerton on Bank Holiday Sunday.
I had some family business to attend to so please
accept my apologies for not being there.
Connect GPS 12V from BMW 12V ACC Socket on
left-hand fairing. This will not interfere with the
new Can Bus Wiring.
NB - MOST IMPORTANT; GPS Unit must be switched
ON before turning on bike ignition, otherwise the
Can Bus Start-up procedure will not detect a
requirement to apply 12V to the BMW ACC Socket.
(b) If you DO NOT have an ‘on board’ radio or
Intercom system on the bike:StarCom supply a single ear-piece headset Part
No: SH-008 (cost Stg. £15.00 + Postage) which
will plug directly into the BMW GPS and velcros
into your helmet (very simple - works a treat!)
(c) If you have a StarCom/Autocom Intercom system
on your bike
Both of these suppliers have GPS Interface Lead
available to connect your BMW GPS to their
Intercoms.
Tony McDonald. Irish Section.
Riding in France
Tony Martin. Western Section
Installing Navigator II GPS to the new R1200RT
(or Garmin 2610 GPS series etc)
In reply to Nigel Hirst (September Journal), I would
suggest the following:(a) If you have an ‘on board’ radio on the R1200RT.
You need to purchase from your local Motorrad
Dealer the following BMW Part (which is actually a
BMW car part). This ‘piggy-backs’ to the rear radio
connector.
Aux Connector - BMW Part No: B65.12.0.153.501
- cost is approx Euro 48.00 (can also be used to
connect your MP3 or Mini-Disc Player to bike).
The Mount for the Navigator II, BMW Part No is:
7160 7687 853 (suits all 1100/1150 with Cast
Handlebars) Cost is approx Euro 50.00.
You will also require StarCom CAB35 GPS Isolating
Lead to connect to GPS and Aux input of radio.
(Cost is approx Stg. £25.00 + Postage)
Further to Peter Taylor’s observations on the Millau
viaduct, as he says it is well worth a visit and has
a very good information centre on the road under
it.
French riders also ‘stick a leg out’ to say “thanks”
to the car drivers who pull to the right to let us
pass - very important as we don’t want to lose
this generally friendly privilege.
My wife and I spend most of the summer in France
- quite close to Cahors in the Lot valley (retired
and very lucky) and on reading Phil and Bob’s story
I thought it might be helpful if there could be some
way of helping our fellow riders who late in the
day find obtaining accommodation difficult. I think I
remember that (about 1975) there used to be an
International BMW booklet of telephone numbers
of Club Members - name, phone number and area,
inclusion was only on a voluntary basis - around
Europe that Members could call for help/advice.
We are NOT a B & B - it’s our French home and
sometimes we have a full house, but if fellow
members do have a real problem when in our vicinity
15
marketing packs certainly indicates that this is the
case and I recollect that BMW GB has financed
club stands at shows in the past and no doubt
continues to provide other support also.
Why then can we not have a regular forum in the
Journal where members can submit general
questions to BMW GB, with the company providing
a response through the same column a month or
so later?
Already from time to time, we see questions raised
in Torque Reaction to which a response from BMW
would clearly make very interesting reading.
Whilst BMW’s existing market research obviously
continues to pay dividends with increasing sales,
I still feel that the company is missing a wonderful
opportunity to extend its relationship with a group
of consumers (some 6500 of us!) who are all
enthusiasts of the BMW brand.
we would be happy to try to help for a night. There
is even a reasonable restaurant across the road.
Our number is 05 65 21 37 69.
Mike Pitt. South Western Section.
Left Hand Panniers for the 1150 GS
In response to Martin Stimson’s question about the
existence of a full-sized, left-hand ‘standard’
pannier for the 1150 GS, I can confirm that the
answer is ‘yes’.
Last year I bought a Givi frame (not the Wingrack
system) and two E36 boxes for my 1150 GS
Adventure from Hein Gericke and they’ve
performed perfectly (the boxes and Gert Heinrich).
A check through a Givi catalogue should provide
the required part number. I hope this helps.
Jim Dourneen. South-West Section.
Closer Liaison with BMW?
Am I correct in assuming that the BMW Club maintain
a close amicable relationship with BMW GB? The
President’s Platform (September) comment re
16
I for one would certainly feel more inclined to give
BMW some motorcycle sales business if I felt I had
the opportunity to contribute to the company’s
market research and product development. Rest
assured, I do not naively expect BMW to listen to
my lone voice, but surely a forum column in the
magazine of “The only official BMW-recognised
independent BMW motorcycle club in the British
Isles and Republic of Ireland”, has got to be as
good for BMW as it would be for us.
Consider for instance, a common message coming
through with regard to a reliability issue on a
particular component/BMW model. Such feedback,
submitted via a single forum of BMW enthusiasts,
would be invaluable and could result in much faster
recognition of a possible problem than if reported
solely through dealer feedback.
Alternatively, it would be interesting to ask and
learn BMW’s reasoning behind the introduction of
design features such as, say, servo-assisted
brakes and multiplexed wiring, and for BMW to
have visibility of the consumer view of such
features.
Having read Dave Bertram’s informative article ’25
years of the GS’, I would ask why it is that after 25
years of development, can I still not purchase a
light-weight, affordable, economical to run,
replacement for my ageing motorcycles?
I would expand on this question as follows. I wish
to buy a new BMW motorcycle that is suitable for
occasional off-road use, e.g. the annual Stella
Alpina rally and safari. I would expect (surely not
unreasonably, given over 2 decades of
development) this motorcycle to at least equal, but
ideally surpass, basic specifications and
performance features of my existing 1970s
motorcycles. Unfortunately, for the time being at
least, I remain disappointed.
Take weight for instance (no, not mine!) - to my
mind a very important aspect of any motorcycle,
but particularly so on one designed for even
occasional off-road use. Dave’s article tells us that
the first generation GS weighed 167Kg (even as
dry weight, was it really this low?). Some 24 years
later, the R1200GS weighs in at 225Kg.
Now call me a weak old git (I am not, being still on
the juvenile side of 50!) but 225Kg is one heck of a
weight to pick up if it falls over, particularly on
rough ground. Yes, I know that the HP2 weighs a
mere 175Kg (still more than the original GS!) but
with a price tag of over £11000 ……. well, I refer
back to my requirement for an “affordable”
motorcycle.
And then there’s fuel economy. Again, surely an
important issue on any motorcycle designed for
long distance work. The fuel economy that car
manufacturers (including BMW) are achieving
these days should put motorcycle manufacturers
to shame.
In the pursuit of a light-weight economical machine,
I recently took a test ride on the F650GS. The
dealer assured me that it will return 50 – 60mpg. I
should bl…dy well hope it will! My old R80/7 does
that and exhibits nothing like the level of vibration
of the F650GS - even my 12-year-old on the back
complained about it!
And (talking about vibration!) taking my 1972
Triumph 650 Tiger to this year’s Stella Alpina rally,
the average fuel consumption was 88.9mpg. No, I
am not a slow rider! When I slowed down the fuel
consumption dropped to 100.8mpg! And this from
an ageing motorcycle that owes nothing to
Computer Aided Design and Manufacture.
Come on BMW; don’t just sit there, how about a
regular contribution in our Journal and perhaps
even a comment on the above? And fellow club
members please don’t be too scathing of my views
in your response!
Bob Lane. South East Section.
Millau Viaduct/GPS
I got back from holiday in France on BH Monday
evening and took a few hours to unpack before
ripping open the September 2005 Journal.
Imagine my surprise to see a letter from Peter Taylor
headed “The Viaduct at Millau”. I had ridden over it
on the Saturday before as I made my way back
from Fitou to Blighty.
Except unlike Peter, I chose the day that the
weather broke and a combination of low cloud
and hissing rain from Narbonne to Issoire made it
almost impossible to see anything of the Viaduct,
not even the top it could be seen through the gloom!
Looks like I’ll have to go again.
On another subject that has been occupying some
column inches, GPS, I took my newly acquired
Garmin Quest along, and Doris as she became to
be known as did us proud. A bit of trial an error
fiddling with mapping settings proved that a GPS
was indeed an excellent replacement for paper
maps, although I made sure I had a Michelin
Languedoc Roussillon map with me just in case.
17
Doris took us over some of the smallest and
narrowest roads imaginable and until I turned off
the “unpaved” setting would have had us ankle
deep in gravel. Okay for the GS, but not with
luggage and pillion and no crash bars.
The argument that it doesn’t have a large memory
for maps is one that concerned me at first but my
budget didn’t stretch to the BMW options, but in the
end I was able to copy most of France that I was
liable to need into the memory before going.
After a few mishaps where using a “via” in a few
routes led us to some less than salubrious parts
of Perpignan, I simply planned A to B routes. More
practice needed. But at the end of the day I would
recommend the Quest as a viable motorcycle GPS.
And lastly, if anyone is looking for a good hotel in
the Auvergne, then I can recommend the Hotel de
la Paix in St Nectaire. We picked it from the Logis
de France book at random and it turned out to be
an inspired choice; comfortable, with a good bar
and restaurant. The Dutch owners are very nice
and welcoming. Telephone +33 4.73.88.49.07 or
email [email protected].
Paul Devall. Kent.
Battery problems with the R1150R
Having just replaced the battery on my R1150 R,
why oh why has BMW left the easy option of
getting at the battery under the seat (as on older
models) in favour of putting it under the fuel tank?
It was quite a task removing the side panels and
fuel lines in order to take off the tank.
For assistance in the future for trickle charging I
have connected two wires to the negative and
positive terminals with insulating tape on the ends
until required, which will save lifting the tank to get
at the battery every time. I hope that this is a useful
tip for other R1150 R owners.
J.L.Sealey. Somerset.
Getting Outa Town
In the September issue, “Phil and Bob” wrote about
the difficulty sometimes one experiences in getting
out of strange towns while on tour - “Four times
round and round the same part of the town to find
our route”.
18
While wandering solo around various part of
Europe last summer I came up with a very good
technique for overcoming this problem that I’d like
to share with you (this is especially for those with
a more minimalist approach to travelling – those of
you who buy the latest GPS system every season
can skip on).
Ok, so you’re in the centre of largish town
somewhere and you want to head for - let’s call it
X - but you haven’t a clue of a street route to get
onto the main road network. Here’s what you do.
Start cruising around the centre of the town until
you spot a lone and local biker who looks like he
hasn’t much to do and is just killing time. The perfect
candidate will be off the bike, leaning on the seat,
helmet in hand, smoking a cigarette, and watching
the world go by.
Pull up, looking lost and helpless. Try to pronounce
the name of X and point to it on the map (I’m not so
minimalist that I won’t have a map - I do bring one
that will cover most of Western Europe and will
have the names of most towns). At first he’ll start
to give you detailed directions in the native tongue,
usually accompanied with enthusiastic
gesticulations. You just shrug your shoulders,
looking even more confused, helpless and lost “me no comrehendo”! Eventually the penny will
inevitably drop - he’ll thrown on the helmet, jump
on the bike and gesture you follow him. I found it
works nine times out of ten and on most days I
enjoyed an escort outa town.
Tom Daly. Co. Cork.
Wanted. An Isle of Man Bunfight
I have just read the letter from Harvey Garton
(September Journal) about the international
assembly on the I.O.M.
I wondered what had happened to the BMW I.O.M
bun fight – I used to hinder Gerry Davis when he
ran it? I was an official as well at the races.
I’ve booked for the 2007 centenary and would be
happy to give a hand to disorganize the event –
this includes going to Leinster and tying up Gerry
Davis so he can’t show up!
I may have some space in the car for a few bodies
– watch this space.
Dave Shead. Bournemouth.
19
PILGRIMS PROGRESS
NTRO: - WHEREVER BIKERS meet, be it
Club. Pub or Home, the question invariably
arises “Where shall we go this weekend?”
Depending on the locality of the group, it will
obviously vary and such places as the NEC,
Brands Hatch, Dover Castle, Weston-SuperMare, Box Hill etc are all popular places but
to find something a little more interesting
presents a more challenging task. It was
during a period of reflection about the
probability that this would be my last such
trip — and I wanted it to be special — that I
came across the “LEGEND OF ST JAMES”,
and this was special.
I
visit.
Précis of the Legend of St James
S
Not for us the classic trappings of pilgrims,
the shapeless long robe and belt, the wide
brimmed hat to keep off the suns rays, the
water gourd and the stout staff to defend
Considering the length of the journeys these
pilgrims undertook, over rough roads and
tracks, the severity of the weather (blazing
heat in the summer and freezing winds and
cold in the winter) health problems, danger
to life and limb from bandits and wild
animals, this was no mean task but a
formidable physical feat and penance.
Resulting from this Monasteries, Churches
and Hospitals were built along the route(s)
to give shelter to these travellers. Compostela
is the Capital of the region and boasts its
own university and is a booming business
centre for North West Spain and well worth a
Journeys end. St James Santiago
T JAMES (The Great) was one of the
twelve Apostles and his life is well
documented and detailed, so the following
is a précis of that. Following his return from
Spain to Jerusalem, where he was sent to
bring Christianity to the Spanish, Herod
beheaded him in 44 AD. It was not until early
in the 9th Century that a body was discovered
and authenticated as that of St. James at
“Campus Sella” a Roman Camp now known
as Compostela. Visions and miracles were
claimed by those who visited and prayed at
his grave and from across Europe, pilgrims,
in ever increasing numbers, made their way
to this site to pray. The 11th and 12th centuries
were the ‘heyday’ of pilgrimages and the “Way
of St JAMES” or Camino was a popular one.
He is the Patron Saint of Spain.
20
“Pilgrims Progress 2003” is not therefore, a
re-hash of John Bunyan’s classic tales of
Pilgrims across the land in the Middle Ages,
nor is it of Chaucerian Pilgrims whose bawdy
behaviour and saucy stories are well
chronicled, but a recollection of events, places
and persons en route to Santiago de
Composteta in North West Spain. And why
do pilgrims do it? On a wall in Spain, en route,
is inscribed a poem - “The force that drives
me, the force that draws me I am unable to
explain, only HE above knows.”
oneself against man
and beast and, of
course, a pair of good
boots. Probably the
only item we had in
common, but we did
have fully serviced
motorcycles, fuelled
and prepared, with
n e c e s s a r y
documentation and
with medical and
breakdown backup.
However I must
confess that when I
first
became
interested in the history
of the “Way of St
James” - or Camino
as it is called - I thought
what a wonderful way
to finish my motor
cycling days! But, how could I sell this to my
wife??? Was this not just an extended dayout with the boys? I need not have worried.
After a few hesitant attempts at explaining
the history, spiritual, educational, cultural and
artistic values to be obtained she quietly said,
“If you want to go - then you must go.” I
couldn’t believe it. I went out immediately and
bought her a Mars bar. Actually my wife went
to stay with one of my sons who now lives
halfway up the Midi Pyrenees and on whom
we called on our return journey.
O
UR GROUP of four consisted of Capt
Pilot Bill (marvellous) Lowe RAF, “Star
Wars, Galaxy International” Ret’d. (Yamaha
Diversion 900) who with his travel industry
background, proved to be an outstanding
negotiator and haggler. As he once remarked
“It’s not that I’m mean (perish the thought)
but I like value for money”. Then there was
Tony “The Whistler” Simmons, a Para-medic,
(Honda NVT 650) who fortunately was not
called upon to execute any of his professional
skills, whistled non-stop except when eating
and whose favourite expression was ‘Och
Aye.’ Tony comes from an Italian family, born
and educated here, with ambition to be a
Scot. This lad, a member elect of the group,
will go far. Well he went to Spain and back
without injury. GRAHAM our third member,
(HONDA 600) speaks Spanish fluently, has
Atop mountain Pass. French/Spanish border
property in Spain and was to lead our activities
once in Spain. His presence would be
invaluable and, considering the qualities of
the group, I thought we were well equipped
for almost anything. However as that canny
Scot Rabble Burns said “The best laid plans
of mice and men …
Graham unfortunately had to drop out at the
last minute, due to health problems. Lastly,
the OAP who won’t lie down (BMW K75 RT)
but keeps harping on about the days when
he rode a Vincent!!! Happy days, with no
congestion charges, cameras or traffic
wardens, and petrol was £1 for five gallons.
It is also on record that he was “done” for
speeding three times in one month, which
probably accounts for his “persecution
complex” regarding police.
P
LANNING BEGAN in February when the
motorcycling press was studied for “Best
offers” to and from Europe and maps were
poured over to discover the most interesting
and attractive motor cycling routes, stopovers etc. It is interesting to note that the MCN
published details of prices by P&0 to Europe,
but when telephoned regarding them, denied
all knowledge of such fares. A letter to the
Editor of MCN outlining this problem
produced no reply, and taking the bike by the
bars, rode to P&0 at Portsmouth. A most
21
helpful gentleman, Bill Nicholson, spent
considerable time and effort trying to find an
elusive offer - and finally did, £124.64 for a
fifteen-day return, Portsmouth - Le Havre. On
the other hand Bill excelled himself by
negotiating a fare for himself (travel industry)
whereby they just about paid HIM to travel
with THEM. This was to be Newhaven Dieppe. We had a ‘discussion meeting’ to
outline the main theme of the programme,
when all had the opportunity to contribute their
views and routes, times, places, together with
skeletal maps were available for open
debate. This was invaluable and gave the
opportunity of meeting those who hadn’t met
before and putting a face to a name.
The Day Cometh!!
T
HE EXCITEMENT of a new adventure is
always guaranteed to get the blood
moving. The last night’s packing and
checking of the checklist. Up at 0400 (nothing
to an ex-serviceman) breakfast and awaiting
Tony for ride to Portsmouth. It was dark
outside, blustery and threatening rain. On the
dot - a good omen - the sound of his Twin
Honda 650cc. “Glad to see your time-keeping
is good” said I. “Och Aye” he replied before
breaking into a whistle. “You had better stop
that whistling or you’ll waken the birds” Too
late!! Good-bye to my wife and the dog and
off we set. With a strong South West wind
coming up the channel it was inevitable that
we get caught in the squally weather - and
we did. However, driving with some caution
with fully laden bikes and adverse weather
conditions, we welcomed the dawn and
arrived in Portsmouth around 0630 hours. It
was cold and uninviting with a lot of space
and few vehicles. We waited in the cold.
Eventually we were waved on, up the ramps
and on to the car deck. Riding up these ramps
— which may be diesel coated and bearing
in mind the experiences of more seasoned
riders - always fills me with dread and the
car deck is much the same. So with feet
astride I gingerly made it, testing the deck
with my feet before getting off the bike. Relief!
Bikes strapped down let’s find the second
breakfast and catch up on missed sleep. As
is routine - it seems - any ship/plane/bus I’m
on is late, and of course it puts everything
else back. Arrived Le Havre at 1435 local time
and were almost last off.
We filled up with cheaper petrol and to avoid
the motorways took the scenic route out of
Le Havre, i.e. I GOT LOST!!! If anyone wants a
detailed description of the wharfs and back
streets of Le Havre let me know, but this was
balanced by the fact that we were stopped by
two English ladies looking at a map (on the
wrong page) trying to find P&0 Ferries and
on the verge of going on the motorway to Paris.
Well we sorted them out, now for ourselves.
Due to the difference in embarkation between
Bill and ourselves we had agreed to meet at
BERNAY, a converging point South of Dieppe
and Le Havre on the N138, at 1500 hours. As
many of you will know it is characteristic of
French signposting, that coming up to
junctions, signs pointing right or Left when
viewed head-on, do not mean that, but mean
straight on. Even worse, particularly on they’d’
type roads, destinations signposted ‘BACK
THERE!’ disappear altogether from the
signposts further ‘up’ the road and you are
left without direction. On one occasion, when
this happened in the middle of rural
countryside, we asked the only human in
sight for directions to the next provincial town,
approximately 15 miles away, only to be
greeted with the French for ‘dinnae ken pas’.
We tossed up for which of the three forks we
should take - and got lucky.
W
E MADE IT, but were almost an hour
late arriving at the rendezvous. We
didn’t have to look far. There he was, bike
parked in the main street where we could
see it, entertaining a charming group of young
22
ladies and barely looking at us as we arrived.
With apologies for being late we exchanged
tales, had some refreshment, and we were
off. An uneventful run to Le Man where our
chief negotiator found an excellent hotel with
B and B for £15. A good meal at a local
restaurant had us in good spirits (very cheap)
and ready for a good nights sleep.
After breakfast the following morning, we
were on the road (N138) and raring to go by
0830. We felt we had to make up a little time
and targeted south of Bordeaux for our
overnight stop. Heavy congestion of lorries,
some driving convoy style of up to eight headto-tail, made overtaking a hazard, and they
appeared to have adopted a policy of ‘might
is right’ and so got no argument from me.
Southwards through busy Tours and Poitiers,
on the N10 had us looking for a lunch spot,
and the adopted signal of hand to mouth,
mimicking a drink, induced Bill to turn off at
the first village. Regretfully I have lost its name
but it was extremely pretty and located on the
banks of a small river, on the Pilgrim trail,
and with an archaic bridge spanning the river
and a medieval turreted house at one end.
We met our first Pilgrims coming down from
the hills and what a cheery lot they were, all
smiling, waving and chatting to everyone. We
were all looking for a sheltered spot, out of
the hot sun, on the riverbank where we would
have our lunch. We found our spot and after
lunch Bill decided he would go for a paddle
to cool his feet, in spite of my comments
regarding water pollution. Standing knee
deep in water, cleaning his plate, ‘he gave a
good demonstration of a Yukon miner
‘panning for gold,’ until I reminded him that
the only gold hereabouts was the gold in my
teeth. Almost immediately after he came out
of the water, and was standing on the bank,
we saw a water snake, about three feet long
swimming up the river and followed by two
smaller snakes. All thoughts Tony and myself
had of paddling were abandoned
immediately! Ugh!!! I said to Bill “I wonder
what attracted them here?”
By late afternoon we were on the outskirts of
Bordeaux, the traffic dense, the roundabouts
many - and to us confusing. However we
eventually found our exit and were soon back
Cairn Col Bentartea at junction of Pilgrim
route and Napole route
in the countryside and riding in the evening
sunshine, with almost no traffic, was very
pleasant and as we rode into the pilgrim
village of Belin-Beliet, tired but happy with our
progress, we found that we had stopped
outside what turned out to be a most
welcoming B and B with spacious grounds
and a truly beautiful house. An evening meal,
a few beers and a walkabout had us ready
for a good night’s sleep and we were well
pleased with our progress.
Belin
O
H WHAT A beautiful morning! Sun up,
sweet smell of flowers from the garden
below and feeling refreshed with that “We’re
on our holidays feeling”. Wash, shave and
prepare for breakfast. The years of Service
life and habits are deeply ingrained, as are
the memories. Awoke Tony with “Breakfast in
15 minutes”. I knew he was awake as soon
23
as he started whistling, so I went downstairs
following the lovely smell of fresh baked
bread and croissants. This was a beautiful
old house with extensive gardens and into
which I could have settled quite happily. But,
other things to do. After ‘bonjour’ to my host, I
was shown into the dining room. Such
splendour and the food was good and plenty
of it. Tony arrived, still whistling, so I directed
his attention to the breakfast and birdseed,
on the window ledge. Breakfast over, bags
packed, ready to move out. Petrol required
for Tony’s Honda. Why do they make such
silly little tanks for these bikes? Regrettably,
French garages rarely open before 0900
hours and, as it was now only 0825 hours,
we did not fancy hanging about. Driving south
on the A10 with wonderful weather and little
traffic, through heavily wooded countryside,
was really enjoyable and we found a petrol
station that was open. Tanked up and turned
off the main road to a ‘B’ type through the
“Landes” of Gascoigne. We now owned this
route, i.e. there was no one else on it. Long
straights, bendy corners and with gently
sloping hills - what more could you want?
The tree-lined roads reminded me of the
Roman Legionnaires marching across
Europe during the days of the Roman Empire.
The roads were made straight and tree-lined,
to give shade to the marching soldiers but
there is no evidence to substantiate the claim
that those trees were planted, so that the dogs
had somewhere to lift their legs.
Into the provincial town of Mont-de-Marsan. A
town built on a hill with narrow streets and it
was bursting at the seams. It was ‘Market
Day’ Oh no!! And we had to ride through the
middle of it all, whilst doing everything
possible to avoid contact with the locals. It
proved almost impossible. Old widows
dressed in black from head to toe, constantly
demonstrating a wish to depart this life, would
step out immediately in front of you without
even looking and the combination of people,
animals and vehicles of all sorts determined
to go their way made progress extremely
difficult. I was ‘blessed’ by one “Merry Widow”
with a long loaf of French bread over my head,
with a tirade of abuse, for getting too close to
her. I couldn’t understand what she said, but
I got the message. In addition to this we had
to observe traffic lights, roundabouts, and
those French signposts, seeking our way out
of this absolute chaos, and all crowded into
about 500 yards. Not surprisingly - I lost
Tony!!! Stopping at a junction heading out of
this chaos, I pondered on what to do. This
was not on the agenda and although each
member knew the day’s route and
destination, no provision had been made for
this. But the sun shines on the righteous and
in my mirror there he was - some way back fighting his way through the melee. That
whistling canary on a motorcycle was still
smiling! He said, “I stopped to let a lady pass”.
What a gentleman.
O
NWARDS AND SOUTHWARDS, heading
into the sun on those lovely deserted
back roads. No police or cameras, just enjoy
the pleasures of motorcycling in rural France,
with almost no traffic and at peace with the
world. Through ORTHEZ and we now started
climbing. Still on the ‘B’ type roads to the
village of NAVAREEN, in the foothills of the
Pyrenees, where we had arranged to meet
Bill Lowe at 1200 hours. Anyone late fined 10
EUROS! We arrived at 1130 hours and sat
on a bench, overlooking the bridge leading
into the village and where we had parked our
motorcycles. We were welcomed by a local
villager of an indeterminate age, i.e. he was
older than me. He explained no cafes, pubs
or hotels. Bill arrived at 1150 hours (doing
me out of 10 EUROS) whereupon we had a
picnic lunch, Bill’s tea and biscuits, our rolls/
meat and a bun for all + fresh fruit. What a
feast and in such beautiful surroundings with
such good company.
The previous evening Bill had left us just
24
south of Bordeaux, to
have dinner and a
reunion with an old
friend, and so I asked
him how his evening
went. “I went over 100
miles to their address
and couldn’t find it” To
précis this conversation
there are two small
towns of the same name
in this part of France and
Bill had ridden over 100
miles to the wrong one,
when in fact, he need
only have ridden 6. “The
man who didn’t come to
dinner!!!” We did try not
to laugh, but even he
saw the funny side of it
— eventually.
Onwards, up and down and round the hills
and bends, beautiful countryside and again
almost no traffic, into the lovely small town of
St Jean-Pied-de-Port. This small town is a
popular starting point for non-Spanish
pilgrims and was, even at this time of year
crowded with visitors. The local police, riding
off-road Hondas, gave us a friendly wave so
I thought it better not to ask too closely about
their dress. No gloves, open necked shirts
and one in shorts and shoes. Cafes, bars
and restaurants lined the main street and
the cost of food and wine was unbelievably
low. We found a taverna to our liking and
sitting eating and drinking in the shade
offered by this tree-lined road, watched the
world go by. It was extremely pleasant and
restful. We did, for a moment, think about you
poor guys back home but found it too
stressful, so we had another little drink and
then another. As Bill had exercised his usual
negotiating skills we found ourselves in a
comfortable hotel with special parking for the
bikes. After settling in, a tour of the town and
shops, a really good meal, and sitting by the
roadside with convivial company and a bottle
or two of local wine, watching the world go by,
I thought this retirement life is to be
recommended. Soldier-on, your day will
come.
Alternative transport at the Pym
St Jean: Sunday
T
HE ROUTE from St Jean up and over the
Pyrenees to Spain is ‘B’ type, narrowish
with twists and turns all the way up the
mountains. We were now in Basque country,
with two languages and a separate
belligerent political movement. There are two
routes from St Jean to Ronscesvalles in
Spain. The route Napoleon and the one we
took (as most pilgrims do) the D933 in France
and N135 in Spain. Yes, it gets even more
confusing later on. Bill leading, clearly
enjoying himself on a truly beautiful day
amidst the most spectacular scenery we had
come across so far. It didn’t seem long before
coming to a Spanish petrol station (I didn’t
realise we had crossed the border) we
discovered that petrol was even cheaper. It’s
only when you visit these countries that you
realise how much tax we pay for that
commodity. I trust we all remember this next
polling time.
On again, we eventually reached the top of
the pass, marked by a cairn and a small
chapel. The height here is 1337m, the Col
Bentartea. We stopped to admire the
spectacular views and observed many of the
peaks on the French side. Chatting to fellow
motorcyclists was “Rule of the Road” and
both informative and pleasurable. Out came
Bill’s flask of tea/coffee, while Tony and I
provided the chicken, rolls and fruit. The
25
company and views a bonus, somewhat
interrupted by some Charlie whistling to the
birds (no madam —not you) Ah well! What
can’t be cured must be endured!!! Refreshed
and on the bikes, this time riding downhill,
and with loose gravel on the bends, we rode
with caution passing through villages with
locals having Sunday lunch with their families
and thoroughly enjoying it judging by the
waves we got. It was now hotting up and we
were beginning to feel the effects of the sun.
I
NTO PAMPLONA where we saw a huge sign
telling us it was 30°C. No bull! (Well we didn’t
see any). It may have been Bill’s pilot training
but we did a circuit of Pamplona looking for
the way through and out. The N111 to Estella
and is it possible we went through RED lights
twice?? I must have been mistaken. To be
honest, we just couldn’t find signposts. Heat
and frustration, caused mainly by a heavy
concentration of multiple buses and lorries, all
emitting noxious gasses, in the City centre.
Half hidden road signs and confusing traffic
lights caused all sorts of problems. That doyen
of I.A.M. principles, Bill, took me to task later
26
for overtaking buses and lorries, and lane
switching trying to get through the traffic. I’m
sure he had a point, but I can still remember
my instructor saying, “If there is a chance for
a safe overtake — TAKE IT! Eventually a young
lad, via the spoken word and lots of signs
and gestures pointed us in the right direction
and we were out of this confusion. We were
glad to go.
Onward and through PUENTE LA REINA, well
known on the Pilgrim route with its 12th
Century church built by the Knights Templar,
and into Estella, a small but beautiful town,
with a fortified church associated with the
Pilgrim trail. In late afternoon we found
ourselves outside a ‘Refuge’ for genuine
pilgrims. Set amongst highballed houses
and cobbled streets, our welcome was most
friendly but no accommodation for bikers. Our
friendly pilgrims and one old man suggested
we go down the narrow cobbled streets for
100 metres, turn sharp left over the bridge
spanning the river and said that almost all
houses on the other side catered for B&B, so
we had a wide choice. We followed his
instructions and waved our thanks and goodbyes.
R
IDING THE COBBLED PAVEMENTS was
a bit tricky with our laden bikes. We came
to the bridge, at right angles to the cobbled
road and guarded by three stout metal posts
set in concrete. The bridge was walled and
cobbled and about 6 yards wide with a
centrepiece of paved flagstones polished by
the feet of thousands of Pilgrims down
through the ages. It angled at about 25° up to
an apex, then straight down and through
another 3 metal posts. I looked at this with
some foreboding. Where was Bill? Up and
over? Well he must be. Chicken - I thought!
I got through the metal posts all right, gunned
it to the top, shut off the throttle, but was 2 feet
short of the apex and standing on the pegs
could see Bill on the other side examining
his bike. More gas, the engine responded
but the rear wheel spun on the polished
flagstones — and I was GOING
BACKWARDS at an increasing speed. The
front brake was not holding. (Don’t panic,
don’t panic shouted Corporal Jones). Split
second decision on what to do?? I put the
bike down -with a crash -and continued going
backwards with the bike trying to land on top
of me. Stopped at last. Now well and truly
grounded but fortunately no damage to self
or bike. The crash bar and right-hand side
pannier had taken the fall well and, apart from
bruising to my ankle, and damage to my ego,
I was still in one piece. The humiliation of
being helped up by an ageing Spaniard and
a charming young lady asking if was all right
made me feel a complete idiot. (Yes - I know!)
look. Bill was hard put to ‘do a deal’ with this
lady but eventually he got it sorted out. The
bikes were placed ‘Y’ shaped in the Plaza
with Bill’s ships anchor locking the three of
them together. Somewhat later relaxing in the
Plaza, with a beer, watching the Mamas
watching their daughters strut their stuff
before the boys was quite a laugh and we
needed one after our debacle.
A lovely meal in a garden restaurant saw
Sussex’s answer to Don Juan ‘still at it’
attempting to entice our attractive waitress to
do the Flamenco on our tabletop. No - she
was not going to do it for any amount of
‘Maxima Euros’ whilst Tony had offered to
whistle. Last to leave, we trudged out at the
end of an eventful day, tired but still laughing,
little realising what was in store.
D
URING THE NIGHT an almighty electrical
storm awoke everyone. The building
shook and the lightening flashed while the
heavens above orchestrated the wildest of
sound and the rain was monsoon like in
downpour. Shades of Wagner’s “The ride of
the Valkyries”. Tony, a church choir member
and a devout Christian, started to sing softly
‘NEARER MY GOD TO THEE’ and I thought
maybe he’s got something there. As bad a
storm as I can remember but, like all good
things, it came to an end.
Up in the morning and down to check our
bikes. Trouble! Times two. Sitting there
waiting (0655 hours) were two very angry
policemen in a car. They had had a busy night
and were not too friendly. There was no
mistaking the message - “Get these bikes out
of there.” Rushing upstairs to collect the keys
With help from Tony and some others I
retreated back down. When we had gathered
again, via a more suitable route, we
discovered it had been a real ‘Bridge of Sighs’.
Bill had got up and over but damaged his
panniers trying to get through the metal posts.
Tony had fallen on the polished cobbles - I
think he was laughing at me, so all in all not
a very creditable performance, and the
memory of which is embedded in my mind.
We did (Bill) find a hotel next to a large Plaza
whereupon a “Madame La Farge” (she of the
revolution 1789) welcomed us with a grim
27
very good - in fact when we came across the
old roads it made you realise just how good
they are. Pilgrims were frequently seen striding
along, either alone or in groups of all sizes. At
a petrol station we came across 3 Germans
from Munich who, every year, travelled a
section of the Camino hoping, eventually, to
complete the whole journey, albeit over the
years, by adding up their sections. They had
travelled by train, with their cycles in the van,
disembarked and then cycled. This was their
HOLIDAY. One looked enviously at the BMW
but sniffed at the others.
On the Pilgrim trail South east France
of Bill’s anchor I alerted the others to what
could have been a nasty incident but with
plenty experience of grovelling at the
necessary and appropriate times, especially
abroad, the police calmed down. I thought at
one point that they were going to impound
the bikes. Apparently no motorcycles in the
Plaza and I never argue with the police
(nowadays). Good-bye Estella and the Bridge
of Sighs, you certainly made an impact on
me and my bike, which I shall never forget.
Estella: - Morning
C
OLD, WET, WINDY and overcast. Where
had the sun and the high temperatures
gone? We had been warned that the weather
in this part of Spain could be wet and
changeable - just like Manchester - on a good
day. On and amongst the hills and into
LOGRONO. Strange but we had little trouble
going through this town. Perhaps we were
getting better at reading the signs. The ‘NEW’
roads, courtesy of membership of the E.U. are
28
Burgas came and went without event, although
the rain continued. By 1600 hours we all felt
‘enough is enough’ and turned off the main
N120 to the village of OSORNO. Like a
deserted Wild West town on a bank holiday
with not a Texas rangers in sight, nor
Tumbleweed blowing in the wind. But - what
was that? A saloon bar? No, but a café that
was open. In we went and, having sat down
in our bedraggled wet clothes, surveyed this
hive of non-activity. The place was empty save
for two girls at the far end of the bar. Bill made
his move. “Bona Sera senoritas” “Yes, what
do you want” came the brusque reply. One of
the girls had worked in London for 3 years,
and her English was more than acceptable
while her knowledge of local establishments
was invaluable.
After a pleasant exchange of small talk, where
upon Bill introduced me as his father - sorry,
Grandfather - having his last fling, I reminded
Bill, “Yes, my wayward son, but don’t forget
it’s your wife’s birthday tomorrow” Touché!!!
After a hot drink and some more of Bill’s witty
dialogue, this lady took us outside and,
bidding us to follow, drove to the hotel. Such
courtesy was greatly appreciated by all. Bill
booked us in and after a shower and change
of clothing we had a look around now that the
rain had eased. A walk round the village in
the evening, looking for the restaurant was
like looking for Eldorado, but we did find
another. Well, almost a restaurant, empty, a
bit depressing to look at, but the only one. In
we went. A ‘Manuel’ type waiter arrived. We
ordered drinks, studied the menu, which was
a waste of time as everything we ordered was
‘OFF’ (and so were we).
Osorno
U
P EARLYISH (0645). Bill, who had
decided that he had had enough of my
Scottish humour, and couldn’t take it
anymore, would be leaving us to join the N61
heading for Santander. This was a great pity
as we had just about got used to his ways
(the characteristics and business acumen
of one north of the border). Raconteur, in fact,
if truth be told, he was the man who taught
Sheherezad how to extend her life, in the story
of the Arabian Nights, by telling the Caliph
(her husband) a different tantalising story
each night, and so lived to tell another tale.
Always good for a laugh and story, a talented
rider, a helper in time of need, a negotiator
par excellence, certainly not a pretty face but
a most interesting and jovial companion. And
so it was, with rain threatening, overcast and
dull, but with our good wishes, he set off for
Santander (he wanted to be early to negotiate
a special deal) and a sail home.
After Bill’s departure (0730 hours) we packed
for the road at a leisurely pace and, seeking a
petrol station, were out of luck. Well, there was
one’ down the road’. Now where have I heard
that before? It was now bitterly COLD - yes in
Spain - with a strong wind blowing. The road
was totally deserted and the terrain flat and
almost featureless. Just a road, disappearing
into the far horizon, with not a soul in sight. To
conserve petrol we rode at 40 mph for mile
after mile, steadily getting colder with each
passing mile. After approximately one hour we
stopped to take stock. Moving the tank from
side to side - yes, still some left. On again.
Fifteen minutes later - a town, Sahagun. We
were directed to a petrol station and filled up.
Just for the record, 44 miles since the fuel
gauge light came on. Now that’s a decent
reserve. Honda — please note.
W
OULD YOU BELIEVE IT, next door to
the petrol station was a PILGRIM’S
REFUGE! We were in like a shot (two shots).
Hot drinks, hot food and a warm lounge.
Lovely! When questioned re the weather and
the cold the locals agreed it was very cold but
not unusual. Where had all the sunshine gone?
Thoroughly warmed up and once more out into
29
the cold. In the distance the snow covered
mountain peaks glistened in the weak and
distant sunshine. That gave us some hope
for improvement in the weather and the
promise of more scenic surroundings.
Through LEON, ASTORGA, and on to
PONFERRADA. At last the sun had broken
through and two weary and cold Charlie’s
had a welcome lunch break. We sat thawing
out in the warm sunshine and enjoying the
local brew and delicacies. It’s amazing what
an improvement in the weather can do for
your morale. We realised that we could, with
an effort, make Santiago that night. “Let’s go
for it” was our decision.
On to LUGO where very poor signposting
gave us real trouble. From the main road to a
narrow winding one in the hills, leading
through villages, farms and solitary
dwellings. We came upon a man and
woman, in peasant garb, driving two oxen and
taking up most of the narrow road. They
showed little sign of moving over. Past
experience with cattle cost me a new
windscreen and I was not prepared to take on
two big oxen, neither of whom spoke English.
With little grace the man herded his oxen in
and, with a stock whip, waved us through. We
acknowledged his courtesy with “Muchos
gratias”. A tea break and fill up, past LUGO
and we could almost smell Santiago. Good
roads, wide sweeping bends in the mountain
ranges allowed us to make good progress and
from our high viewpoint, we eventually saw
Santiago in the distance. What a boost! We
arrived in time to join the rush hour traffic at
h800 hours. We were not taking any risks with
traffic having travelled all this way so,
scrutinising every sign post, we made our way
to towards the centre. Actually you could see
the Cathedral from some distance away so all
you had to do was go for it.
F
ORTUNE FAVOURS the righteous!
Stopping to survey our surroundings, we
spotted a hotel just across the street and
went in to seek accommodation and
nourishment. Having learnt a thing or two from
our departed negotiator, we agreed a deal
‘totales’ i.e. bed and breakfast for 20 Euros.
An evening meal —three courses -, which
was so great ‘en masse’, I could not finish it
cost 11 Euros. The accommodation was
excellent and we were well pleased. A long
day (284 miles), the weather now sunny and
warm, and sitting in quiet contemplation
sipping our drinks, we felt we had ‘arrived’
and, tomorrow a day of rest, we could enjoy
being pilgrims, see the sights and bask in
the sun and beauty of this great medieval
city. We slept the sleep of the just!
Two days of rest and recuperation allowed
us to enjoy the City, declared a World Heritage
Site by UNESCO. Situated on a hill, the city
was built over the centuries around the
Cathedral and became a melting pot for
different cultures, Christians, Muslims, and
Jews, all of whom have all left their mark on
this City. It is almost enclosed by the river Sar
and its tributaries. Around the Cathedral itself
the multiplicity of shops, cafes, restaurants,
bakeries, Uncle Tom Cobly and all means
that one can buy almost anything, with trade
being actively encouraged by pretty girls
handing out sweetmeats and gifts. Tony, with
a smile and whistle for anyone, engaged in
conversation with one pretty girl and was
30
immediately assailed by another three. I was
tempted to leave him. He extracted himself
eventually, having bought four presents.
should return there to hear the concluding part
of his lecture. We could have spent more time
there with pleasure - perhaps some other time.
During a photo session in the Cathedral
plaza in the evening, Tony was physically
seized by a young lady pilgrim, overflowing
with joy at having arrived, and who had all the
trappings plus one, i.e. she carried two staffs
instead of one. She wanted him to photograph
her against the entrance steps, to record her
momentous journey. She had walked all the
way from Austria, on her own, in twenty-five
days -she claimed. I think the S.A.S. boys
would be proud to do that.
After a leisurely breakfast we packed, paid up
and left Santiago, wishing we had more time
to spend in the city. We had completed the
outward leg of the journey without any major
mishaps, and now for the return leg. To provide
interest we would return by a different route,
hugging the coastline as much as possible and
the coastal road where possible, so headed
North to Betanos, East on the A6, north on
the E70 and stopped for lunch at Bibadeo. A
good morning’s run, and descending from
mountain roads with their panoramic views,
twists and turns, was quite tricky. The views
were spectacular making concentration on the
bends difficult, but with drops of hundreds of
feet below, the possibility of an accident was
such that concentration on the bends, not the
views, was a MUST!
Conversations, with other pilgrims, in the
Plaza, was always most pleasant, interesting
and informative. We met a Professor of
English from the University wearing his
distinctive medieval dress and who was
explaining the history of the University and
Cathedral with authority and great interest to
us, when he was taken over by another group
of tourists. Perhaps they paid more, or
perhaps I could persuade my wife that I
A quick raid on the local supermarket, guarded
by a Pyrenean mountain dog (massive) and a
31
outside, we recognised this as a good omen,
and went inside for a drink - and a chat with
the barman. This produced an introduction
to a man whose son could put us up for the
night.
What luck!
G
Chihuahua (nasty little thing) provided the
lunch ingredients and, sitting on a bench in
the beautiful public gardens, with their superb
display of flowers and shrubs, was a joy.
Watching people scurrying about their
business, made one feel “What is the hurry,
this is too good to miss.” The town clock struck
two, reminding us that time was indeed
passing and we reluctantly left this sleepy little
town to bask in the afternoon sunshine.
Onwards along the coast road, with its many
little villages and coves all alluringly inviting
the visitors to ‘stay awhile.’ Another day
perhaps.
Leaving the coast road we rode around Oviedo
and on to the 634. Santander was now
displayed on the road signs and we targeted
that for a night stop. We had always tried to
stay overnight in the villages (economy) as
they invariably offered better value and were
more interesting and family orientated. Just
past Santander we pulled off the main road
at the first village we came to, Solares.
Seeing a pub with the sign “LE ROUTIERS”
32
ESTURING “FOLLOW ME” was the order
- and we did. “Not far” he said. Well
chasing this man in a half truck on narrow
back roads, up and down hills and full of
twists, at the end of a long and tiring day, was
not conducive to relaxed driving. Always
remembering my instructors advise about
blind bends — and what you may/may not
expect around the corner, I was almost driven
into a ditch by some crazy lunatic driving a
farm truck like a rally driver making up lost
time and taking up most of the road. I just got
past. Tony, some distance behind me, had
an encounter of a close kind —and was forced
to adopt his off-road skills to avoid an
accident. Neither of us had even mentioned
Gibraltar (think about it). Eventually we arrived
at this isolated farmhouse, guarded by a
massive Rottweiler — just looking at us, but
fortunately it was locked in its own metal
cage. The house was immaculately clean
and newly built and the young couple utterly
charming and welcoming. Tea, coffee,
biscuits, chocolate cake, bread and fruit. We
had hit the jackpot. Regretfully, no dinner, so
we stoked up on everything else. We had an
early night.
Breakfast at 0700 hours with fresh coffee,
tea, fruit juices, rolls and everything else plus.
And all for 15 Euros each. I have the address,
and incidentally, the dog is as gentle as a
lamb and very friendly. Tony in the lead,
weather excellent and heading East at 0740
hours. For Tony, first time in the lead and
whether it was too much fruit juice or
birdseed, he was off like a scalded cat into
the morning sun. I had never seen him ’go’
like that but, judging by the volume of his
petrol tank, it wouldn’t last long. The A8
became motorway going round Bilbao and the
whole area smells of petroleum products and
is very busy. Roundabouts galore and my
mistake had us heading for the scenic road to
the coast. Flagging down a motorcyclist he
instantly re-directed us to the San Sebastian
motorway. These Spanish motorways are
incredibly cheap - some are FREE to
motorcyclists, others vary between 1 & 2 Euros
per section. We began to use these for
bypassing the large towns.
finding his house on our own would have been
difficult. The Scottish Six Day Trials have roads
similar to those we rode on, twists, hair-pin
bends, gravel all over the place and no wider
than a cars width.
Around San Sebastian, on to and into Bayonne
where we had lunch. Bayonne at lunchtime is
very busy with plenty of traffic and requesting
directions from a scooterist who had stopped
at the traffic lights, provided an immediate
response. This attractive young lady shot off,
arm in the air, indicating, “Follow me” and
carved her way through the traffic like the
proverbial knife through butter. Keeping up
was no easy task, but as you cannot get
thirteen into twelve, you cannot get a fully
laden, pannier loaded, BMW through the
spaces she managed. She was clearly
enjoying herself and keeping her in sight was
difficult. Once we reached the N117 we wanted
she waved us through and smiled and we
reciprocated our thanks. Wonderful people
these scooterists.
Sitting having a meal with family and friends
amid the scenic beauty and tranquillity of
these mountains, watching the sun go down
in glorious colour, Mother Nature displayed
her charms in the fading light. I was at peace
with the world, until, from the deep recesses
of a nearby toilet some insombulant bird
could be heard whistling, albeit it not too well,
“The Last Rose of Summer.” I decided there
and then to cancel my subscription to the
RSPCB, and went looking for a shotgun.
ONWARDS AND INTO PAU where I lost my
whistling friend amongst the busy traffic. Ah
well! He knows the route and will catch up (?)
Off on the back roads into the hills, up and
round with almost no traffic, the occasional
village and the sun still shining. Into Lourdes,
one of the great spiritual centres off the World
and the road leading to the Grotto absolutely
crowded- as usual. Threading carefully
through the crowds (in this town pedestrians
have the total right of way) and into the Grotto
area. Time now 1515 hours. Parked up we
watched the world go by. The way in was
crowded and all moving at walking pace so
my whistling friend would be easy to spot.
Sure enough there he was - 1630 - still smiling
and letting all go before him. “Where have
you been?” I asked. “Had to fill up at Pau” he
replied. Bloody Hondas!
From Lourdes the last leg of the day to meet
my son at Cazeres (on the Tolouse road, just
off the main N117), as a telephone call had
arranged. It is surprising how rural it is off the
main roads in this part of France, with little
traffic and few people. We made it into the
square in Cazeres where my son awaited us.
I was grateful for this as he lives (now) in the
back of beyond halfway up the Pyrenees and
The Last Leg
T
WO DAYS OF RELAXATION with family
and friends, amongst this wonderful
Pyrenean countryside, visiting local markets
and beauty spots did wonders for an ageing
body, whilst eating, drinking and sleeping
were the antidotes to tiredness. Now that two
thirds of the journey was complete, I could
almost smell THE CHANNEL calling and we
started to prepare for the final leg — HOME.
Leaving my son’s mountain retreat - all fed,
watered and packed - at 0900 hours we
carefully rode down the mountain roads until
we joined the main A64, going around
Toulouse. At a supermarket we tanked up
before joining the A62 - A20 and a tea stop at
Cahors. Where do all these trucks come from
- and go? Of particular interest are the super
lay-bys frequented by truck drivers. If you see
a ‘gaggle of trucks’ parked on a lay-by it will
be a good one i.e. usually scenic, clean
toilets, refreshments and spacious seating.
The drivers themselves are friendly and
helpful with advice and tips about where to
stop.
We pulled into one such place for lunch at
Brive and, sitting in the sunshine with a truck
driver, enjoying our lunch, were approached
by a motorcyclist asking if he could join us.
“Certainly” we replied. And what a tale of woe
he told us. He had ridden down through
France the day before, and stopping for a
meal in a restaurant, left his bike locked
33
outside. But he had left his tank bag ‘in situ’
on the bike and, of course, when he returned
it had gone! Passport, camera, driving
licence, insurance documents, gloves etc.
Other than offer sympathy, what can one do?
But we can all learn from this sorry tale. He
had reported his loss to the police, who had
given him emergency documents to clear
customs, police check etc. but the moral is
obvious. The truck driver instantly gave him a
pair of gloves (spare) - FREE. Such
comradeship in times of adversity is
wonderful to behold.
On and heading for Limoges, taking the
motorway around this city. We found a good
way of paying at the tollbooths. Tony, who has
a tank bag (mine) fitted to his bike, with a
pocket in it and in which he kept his money,
would pay for two meaning that only one
person had to de-glove and search for 1 or 2
Euros and, at the end of the day, we balanced
out tickets, meals, hotels etc. It saved time
and worked out in practice. Rounding
Limoges we took the N147 for Poitiers but
had an overnight stop at Bellac. A good hotel,
a very good dinner with wine, for less than 30
Euros each.
Breakfast at 0700 hours, we were ready for
the road by 0800 hours and, leaving the hotel
by the rear entrance, I rode for no more than
10 yards (metres) before being confronted
with lights and horns. I was going the wrong
way in a one-way street. Tony smiled
indulgently. He had spotted my mistake on
leaving the hotel and had stopped. But these
were very polite French people and allowed
me to do an ‘About Turn’. I acknowledged my
34
thanks. S.O.B. (silly old b*gg*r).
G
OING NORTH on the N147, by-passing
Poitiers on the N749, which proved to be
a quiet rural road with little traffic and fewer
petrol stations, but very scenic. Joined the
main A10 then the motorway round Tours (we
had this off beautifully by now) and rejoined
the A10 heading for Chartres, arriving there
in mid-afternoon. I think Chartres Cathedral
is one of the most photogenic places I have
ever seen, and its stained glass windows
are probably the finest in the world. Its twinspires can be seen for miles. I have, on
various occasions, tried to photograph it but
without success. This time I was determined
to do it! So much for plans! We entered the
city and kept moving towards the cathedral
when, barring our way, was a solid line of
police. The City centre was ‘out of bounds’
due to a political protest demonstration.
For anyone who has not seen a French
political protest - you’re lucky. It is best
described as a huge mass of people,
sometimes violent, making the most
unpleasant noise (a cacophony). There were
mums pushing baby buggies, men pushing
oil drums and beating hell out of them with
hammers, all this accompanied by
loudspeakers, trumpets, bugles and
anything else that would make a noise, and
with someone leading a repetitive chorus of
donkeys braying “Out, out, out or whatever”.
This mass of people slowly passed under the
watchful eye of the gendarmerie. Well, it was
a lovely day for it, in the sunshine and,
although I didn’t get my photograph of the
Cathedral, I did catch the protesters on film
without being physically harmed. I must say I
thought the police were very tolerant and
benign throughout the Demo and the
motorcyclists all gave us a wave and a smile.
Leaving Chartres the weather changed for
the worst. Darkening clouds and very strong
winds changed to a heavy deluge of hail and
rain whilst the winds upped a gear. We
pressed on but the weather continued to
worsen. Clearly we were at the centre of a
storm. With flat countryside and not a building
or wood in sight, we were also being
harangued by lorries trying to skim the paint
of our bikes, and the bow-wave of blast as
they passed, made it suicidal to go on.
Reducing speed from around 70mph to
40mph gave no relief and getting home in
one piece became more important than
arriving on time in pieces. We stopped,
soaking wet and standing in the open being
blasted by the elements. Oh! For a cup of
Bill’s tea! After what seemed like hours, the
hail and rain lessened and even the wind
abated. In and around Dreux where Tony
spotted a Formula 1 Hotel (recommended
as good value) and we booked in like a pair
of drowned rats. Showered and changed we
were now hungry. Emergency rations i.e. Tony
had spotted that ubiquitous sign that said
“Mc Donalds.” Well, when you are really
hungry you’ll eat almost anything. Early to bed.
First down for breakfast (help yourself— and
I did) and looking outside, I was pleased to
see the weather had improved but strong,
blustery winds still prevailed. On to Eureux
where a welcoming coffee house made us
very welcome. As we were well on schedule
we had time to go for a walk and look around
this pleasant town.
Next stop Lisieux, where a quaint looking
house in medieval style (London 1066)
served a most delicious lunch, with drinks,
for 14 Euros. (Yes, I have the address). This
world is full of surprises and on leaving the
restaurant Tony went to pay a quick visit to St.
Teresa’s house saying he would be no more
than 10 minutes. Well, I didn’t believe him at
the time but so what? As I waited for him a
huge street cleaning machine came along
so I though it politic to move. I did. When it
came back, some fifteen minutes later, the
driver and I got chatting in a mixture of pidgin
English\French with plenty of arm waving and
hand signs. He recognised my Scottish
accent and promptly told me that his
grandmother hailed from Ayrshire in west
Scotland! I congratulated him. Tony arrived
some 10 minutes later explaining that he had
been demonstrating, to a group of French
schoolboys, how to pick up a motorcycle on
a cambered bend. He was still smiling and
said, “Not to worry, och aye!” but the whistle
had gone.
L
AST LEG TO LE HAVRE. Weather now
excellent and, with plenty of time in hand,
we found the road that I couldn’t find on the
outward trip. We crossed over two
magnificent bridges with stunning views over
the surrounding landscape - but I wouldn’t
care to cross them in adverse weather
conditions.
Riding into Le Havre gave a feeling of joy.
We’re back. Now to find a place to stay, which
we did, and filled the tanks ready for
tomorrows off. Apart from a seaport Le Havre
is a lovely town with many fine open spaces
and green park areas. I found many
interesting places to photograph, and one
particular street, which had restaurants all
next to each other, with menus and prices,
displayed outside. It couldn’t be easier — just
take your pick.
The Angleterre Hotel (two star) was the most
expensive we had come across - but what
the hell - we’ll be home tomorrow. We had a
pleasant stroll in the evening, followed by a
meal and some of the liquid stuff. Alas I didn’t
sleep well (no — it wasn’t Tony’s whistling)
but expectation for tomorrow. For you young
people, at my time of life (Autumn) you don’t
need as much sleep.
Up at 0600 hours, breakfast at 0700 hours
and then we rode to the docks. By this time
the street orderlies were out, the pavements
had been swept and hosed down and the
public gardens cleaned and flower beds
watered. Can you ever see this happening in
this Country? Into the dock area where a
group of ‘off-road’ bikers and their equipment
vans were gathered, waiting for riders coming
35
off the ferry. They were on their way to some
big event.
T
HE FERRY DOCKED and, shortly after, a
great
number
of
motorcyclists
disembarked and parked up waiting for the
others. This was a group ride (not the offroaders) and I estimated that there must have
been at least 50 of them.
(Which raises the point — why can’t we do
something like this? Ah, you’re awake! Well,
we are reported to be a PROGRESSIVE
group, then lets prove it. There must be lots
(not loads) of people who would join in —
say the ‘MAY RALLY’ — or call it what you will.
For example Portsmouth/St Malo (beautiful
place) via Mont St Michael, - Caen — Pegasus
bridge — Bayeaux — Calais. This could be
comfortably done in a week and need not
cost a fortune. Only a first outline, but could
be tailored to suit members needs. That
brilliant negotiator, Bill Lowe, could be utilised
to gain maximum economy in fares. So - to
the management - what about it? Don’t tell
me you have problems. Problems are merely
obstacles to be overcome so, don’t go to sleep
on me. I await your response but, at my age,
time is of the essence!!!)
Eventually we were waved on board and
settled down to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
We were now just filling in time. We had a
very smooth crossing but, with me on board,
we docked 15 minutes late. Will this never
end? To make matters worse we, the bikers,
were directed to an alternative exit, but, after
driving a few hundred yards, were halted by a
red traffic light. This was now getting really
annoying as we saw all the cars joining the
main road while we were stuck there. After a
fully timed five-minutes, I got off my bike and,
seeing a somewhat embarrassed official,
asked “How long do you intend keeping us
here?” “I’m sorry,” he said “but the lights have
a fault.” After another timed 5 minutes I asked
the same question but just then the lights
changed! It was lovely to be back in the U.K.
knowing that with the advent of time, and the
number of vehicles increasing daily, things
can only get worse.
To my companions Bill and Tony, a great
thank you for your company and indulgence
in putting up with me. Not many people can!
To my wife, who puts up with me most of the
time, my grateful appreciation for sorting out
my notes and amendments and doing all the
typing, there is another Mars bar coming up.
Finally Marie Jose De Arriba who supplied
vital research material on Santiago.
For the record, Tony and I clocked up 2519
miles in fifteen days and no bike missed a
beat.
P.S. Bikes are for riding, not posing, so forget
about “Box Hill” and, in the words of Norman
Tebbit (who’s he?) “Get on your bike”.
Tomorrow may be too late.
36
37
38
Diary of Events - October 05
These activities have been arranged as agent for and on behalf of The BMW Club
S.East
OCTOBER
Southern
Western
1-2 Scottish
2
E.Anglia
Irish
Midland
S.East
Western
Yorkshire
3 Scottish
Scottish
4
Mercia
Midland
Ulster
5
Western
N.East
Northern
Glencoe Camping Weekend.
Steve 01975 564199.
The Crossways Inn, Scole,
Norfolk, 12 00
Leinster area BBQ sponsored by
BMW Motorrad – email:
[email protected]
0872378136.
A5 Rangers Cycle Club House,
Towcester Snacks 12 -3pm
Coastal Capers. Depart 10am
Godstone Duck Pond. Just off
M25 Jct 6. (John Smith 01322
342320).
Mendips Meander. 11:30hrs.
Burrington Coombe Garden
Centre café. B134 just south of
junction with A368 near
Churchill. Ride after lunch.
Arthur Withey 01117977 8295.
12 Noon - The Village Hall
Cracoe on the B6265 between
Skipton and Grassington
Monday Natter Night at the
Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, 19.30
Monday Natter Night at
Gairdener’s Arms, , 232 Paisley
Road, , Glasgow, G11. 19.30
Four Counties Inn, No Mans
Heath 7:30pm
The Fox at Ropsley Evening pub
meet 7.30pm
Section AGM - Corr’s Corner
8.00 pm
New Inn, Claines, Worcs. 19:30.
Belmont Community Centre,
7.30 p.m. Section AGM followed
by Natter, Niggles and Nosh.
9:30am Midweek Run meet
Tesco Car park, Clayton by-pass,
Congleton, Paul Nadin 01260
279443.
6
Oxford
7
Southern
Northern
8
Southern
9
E.Anglia
E.Anglia
Irish
London
Mercia
Midland
Northern
Oxford
S.West
Scottish
Western
Yorkshire
10 Yorkshire
Section AGM at ‘Riano’s’,
Maidstone. 8.15pm.
Station Cafe, Alton. “Old Gits
Run”.
Natter Night at The Codrington
Arms, Codrington at 7.30pm
Brian Harrison. 01594 530264.
Natter night, George & Dragon,
Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm.
The Spread Eagle.
8pm The Briars Hall Hotel, Vera
Hunt, 01257 464429.
Clay Pigeon Shoot. Meet
Newlands Corner. Richard Evans
Tel. 01372 378196 Booking
essential.
The Chequers, Wimbotsham,
Norfolk, 12 00
Section AGM, Fornham St
Martin, Village Hall, 11 00
Leinster– Sunday Run 10.30 am
– A McDonald (01) 2865471
Section AGM, 2:00 pm at
Newgate Street Village Hall
Section AGM. National
Memorial Arboretum 10:00 tea/
coffee, 11:00 start
Greetham Community Centre.
A.G.M Coffee and biscuits at
10am. Hot snacks at 1pm.
Gilbert Thomas 01572 812734
2pm Section AGM at Hale Barns.
Indoor meeting, Uffington
village hall, 2.00pm.
1030 hrs. Ride Over Exmoor To
Lynton. Meet at Safeway/
Morrisons Car Park, Kennedy
Way Tiverton. Lunch stop in
Lynton before returning to
Tiverton via Lynmouth,
Porlock, Simonsbath and
Wheddon Cross. Chris or Sylv
Crocker. Tel. 01884 252759
Section AGM and lunch, Log
Cabin, Kirkmichael, 12.30.
Section AGM. Brockweir
Meeting. 14:00 hrs.
12 noon - White Swan Blyth
8pm Triton Inn Brantingham
North Humberside
39
11
12
13
London
Oxford
Southern
Mercia
Mercia
Midland
14 S.East
14- Midland
16 E.Anglia
Irish
London
N.East
S.East
Western
Yorkshire
18 Midland
Midland
Northern
19 N.East
S.East
20
Mercia
Midland
Southern
40
The Old Guinea, Ridge, 8:00 pm
Natter night, Waggon and Horses,
Southmoor 7.30 pm
Phoenix/Saddlers Arms.
Bull & Swan Inn, Diseworth 7:30
Cross & Bowling Green, Branson
Cross 7:30pm
Green Dragon at Oxton. Evening
pub meet 7.30pm
The Green Man, Ringmer. 8pm.
North York’s Moors Hotel
Weekend. Go back in time to the
era WWII. Bill Rodgers for
details 01526 834480 Early
booking is essential only a limited
number of hotel vacancies.
The Shoulder of Mutton, A1124
Fordham, Essex, 12:00
Limerick Meet at Texaco Station
beside Parkway 11.00 am - Peter
Deevy 087 2570855
The ever popular Cotswolds Run,
09:30 am from the Services A41
Hemel Hempstead bypass
West to Weardale. Depart 10.00
a.m. Wynyard Services on A19/
A689. Mike Rowe, 01429
279821.
Dave’s Day Out. Depart 10.30am
Little Chef A20 Charing. (Dave
Deacon 01580 892375).
Cotswold Motor Museum.
Bourton-on –the-Water. Meet
10:00hrs in Northleach Centre
car park. Brian Harrison 01594
530264
12 Noon Yorkshire Section
AGM Conservative Club
Gildersome
Park Hall Tavern, Mansfield
Woodhouse Evening pub meet
7.30pm
The Queens Arms at Orlingbury.
Evening pub meet 7.30pm
7:30pm The Creek, Peel, Isle of
Man
The Waggon Inn, nr. Ponteland.
Informal Club Meet at 7.30 p.m.
Guest Speaker at ‘Riano’s’,
Maidstone. 8pm.
The Bull & Butcher, Corley
Moor 7:30pm
Kings Head Tealby Evening pub
meet 7.30pm
True Lovers Knot.
21
Northern
22
Irish
23
Mercia
Northern
Oxford
S.East
S.West
Scottish
Southern
Ulster
Western
24
25
London
Oxford
Southern
Yorkshire
26 E.Anglia
Mercia
Mercia
27 Mercia
N.East
Northern
S.East
8pm The Glory, Alan Stretton,
01706 656606.
AGM In Grand Hotel, Moate, Co.
Westmeath. Dinner and B&B
available for those who want to
stay overnight.
Repton 12:00.
9:30am Lunch at the
Auchencastle Hotel, Beatock,
Meet at Burton Services M6. Bill
Smithson 01539 736454
Skittle Match v Western Section.
12 noon Stirrup Cup Pub, Bisley,
nr Stroud.
The Bull, East Farleigh. 12 noon.
1400 hrs. Section AGM. The
Village Hall, Cheriton Bishop, Nr.
Exeter. Followed by a
presentation from Global Rider
and journalist Sam Manicom.
Sunday Bar Lunch at the
Hopeville Social Club, Harlaw
Road, Inverurie. 12.30
Section AGM, Rake Village Hall
Greg Smith Tel. 02380 251146
to help Eve with the food.
Ride and Meet for Lunch Saltwater Brig, Kircubbin 12.30
pm for 1.00 pm
Skittle Match v Oxford Section.
12 noon Stirrup Cup Pub, Bisley,
nr Stroud. Skittles and
refreshments after lunch.. Brian
Harrison 01594 530264
Ace Cafe, 8:00 pm
Natter night, Dog & Partridge,
Riseley, nr Reading 8.00pm.
Fishers Pond/Saddlers Arms.
8pm ‘ Conservative Club
Gildersome
The Compasses, Littley Green,
Essex, 19 00
The Chetwynd Arms, Brocton
7:30pm
Heath 12:00 noon
Whipping Stocks, Nr Knutsford
7:30pm
Jackson’s Wharf at Hartlepool
Historic Quays. Informal Club
Meet at 7.30 p.m.
8pm The Whipping Stocks, Mal
Wagstaff, 0161 747 4443.
The Wagon & Horses, Charing.
8pm.
28-31 Irish
30 S.East
Scottish
Southern
Western
N.W. Donegal Hotel Weekend in
Ardara. (Halloween Fancy Dress
Theme) Jim O’Connell 0862805974.
Traditional Autumn Leaves Run.
Depart 10.30am Little Chef A20
Charing. (Kevin Goldfinch
01304 840223)
Sunday Bar Lunch at the Crook
Inn, North of Moffat on A701.
12.30
Breakfast run to Devizes
Safeways.
Lunch/Pub Meet. The Globe
Inn, Somerton 12 Noon. Tony
Martin 01458 274932.
NOVEMBER
S.West
Yorkshire
7
Scottish
Scottish
8
London
Oxford
9
Southern
Mercia
10
Mercia
Midland
1
Mercia
Midland
2
Ulster
Western
N.East
S.East
Southern
Western
3
Oxford
4
Southern
Northern
4-6 S.West
6
E.Anglia
Midland
S.East
Heath 7:30pm.
The Fox at Ropsley Evening pub
meet 7.30pm.
Club Meeting Corr’s Corner 8.00
New Inn, Claines Worcs. 19:30.
Belmont Community Centre,
7.30 p.m. Natter Night and Top
Box Sale with Pizzas.
Club Night at ‘Riano’s’,
Maidstone. 8pm.
Station Cafe, Alton. “Old Gits
Run”.12:00.
Natter Night at The Codrington
Arms, Codrington at 7.30pm
Brian Harrison. 01594 530264.
Natter night, George & Dragon,
Erlestoke, Wilts 7.00pm.
The Spread Eagle. 20:00.
8pm The Briars Hall Hotel, Vera
Hunt, 01257 464429.
Hippo Rally. Hidden Valley Nr.
Ilfracombe. See Around The
Compass
The Crossways Inn, Scole,
Norfolk, 12 00
A5 Rangers cycle clubhouse,
Towcester. Sunday meet with hot
snacks 12pm - 3pm Contact to
be notified in journal
Optional Winter Warmer Run.
(See November Journal for details
11
13
S.East
E.Anglia
London
Midland
Northern
Oxford
S.East
S.West
Scottish
Western
Yorkshire
14 Yorkshire
15 Midland
Midland
Northern
or phone Brian Shears 01474
566142).
1200 hrs. Pub Meet. Jamaica
Inn, Bolventor CANCELLED
12 noon The Village Hall Cracoe
on the B6265 between Skipton
and Grassington.
Monday Natter Night at the
Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, 19.30.
Monday Natter Night at
Gairdener’s Arms, , 232 Paisley
Road, , Glasgow, G11. 19.30.
The Old Guinea, Ridge, 8:00 pm
Natter night, Waggon and Horses,
Southmoor 7.30 pm.
Phoenix/Saddlers Arms. 20:00.
Bull & Swan Inn, Diseworth
7:30pm
Cross & Bowling Green, Branson
Cross 7:30pm
Green Dragon at Oxton. Evening
pub meet 7.30pm
The Green Man, Ringmer. 8pm.
The Chequers, Wimbotsham,
Norfolk, 12 00
Ride-out to Brighton, 10:00 am
from Godstone Duck Pond.
Greetham Community Centre.
Sunday meet with hot snacks.
1pm. Gilbert on 01572 812734
2pm Section Gathering at Hale
Barns.
Section AGM, Uffington village
hall, 2.00pm.
Winter Frolics. Depart 10.30am
from lay-by on A20 at Jct with
M26. (Dave Streeter 0208 462
4461).
1400 hrs. White Night Ride
Presentation by Rose Cecil on
her recent ride across the top of
Russia. Jamaica Inn, Bolventor.
Don’t miss it.
Sunday Bar Lunch at the Log
Cabin Hotel, Kirkmichael. 12.30.
Brockweir Meeting. 14:00 hrs.
12 Noon White Swan Blyth.
8pm Triton Inn Brantingham
North Humberside.
The Queens Arms at
Orlingbury.Pub meet 7.30pm
Park Hall Tavern, Mansfield
Woodhouse. Pub meet 7.30 pm
7:30pm The Creek, Peel, Isle of
Man
41
16 N.East
S.East
17 Mercia
Midland
Southern
18 Northern
18-19 Western
20 E.Anglia
Ulster
22 Oxford
Southern
23 Mercia
24
Mercia
N.East
Northern
S.East
25-27 Northern
26 Scottish
Southern
27 S.East
42
The Waggon Inn, nr. Ponteland
Informal Club Meet at 7.30 p.m.
Club Night at ‘Riano’s’,
Maidstone. 8pm.
The Bull & Butcher, Corley
Moor 7:30pm
Kings Head Tealby Pub meet
7.30pm
The Spread Eagle/True Lovers
Knot. 20:00.
8pm The Glory, Alan Stretton,
01706 656606.
Hotel Weekend-The Giltar Hotel.
The Esplanade Tenby,
Pembrokeshire. Fri/Sat night
B&B £60 per person. £10 PP
Deposit required to Brian
Harrison 01594 530264.
Cheques payable to BMW CLUB.
End of Year Gathering, The
Shoulder of Mutton, A1124
Fordham, Essex, 12 00
Ride and Meet for Lunch Halfway House, Dromore 12.30
pm for 1.00 pm
Natter night, Dog & Partridge,
Riseley, nr Reading 8.00pm.
Phoenix/ Saddlers Arms 20.00
The Chetwynd Arms, Brocton
7:30pm
Whipping Stocks, Nr Knutsford
7:30pm
Jackson’s Wharf at Hartlepool
Historic QuaysInformal Club
Meet at 7.30 p.m.
8pm The Whipping Stocks, Mal
Wagstaff, 0161 747 4443.
The Wagon & Horses, Charing.
8pm.
Swallow Falls Camping and Hotel
Weekend Rhys Jones 01286
881076.
St Andrew’s Night Dinner.
Bookings to Steve on 01975
564199
The Christmas bash at the
Grange in Midhurst 19.30 hrs.
The cost will be £10 per person
to include a buffet and a free
raffle. Book with Nigel Page
01730 817782 or David
Williamson 01428 751756. See
section news for details
The Bull, East Farleigh. 12 noon.
S.West
Scottish
Scottish
Western
28 London
Northern
29
Yorkshire
30
E.Anglia
Mercia
1200 hrs. Pub Meet. Wisley
Down, Hallworthy. On A395
Twixt Launceston & Camelford.
Sunday Bar Lunch at the
Hopeville Social Club, Harlaw
Road, Inverurie. 12.30.
Sunday Bar Lunch at the Crook
Inn, North of Moffat on A701.
12.30.
Lunch/Pub Meet. The Globe
Inn, Somerton 12 Noon. Tony
Martin 01458 274932.
Ace Cafe, 8:00 pm
7.30pm The Harraby Inn, John
Bell, 01228 535173.
8pm Conservative Club
Gildersome.
The Compasses, Littley Green,
Essex, 19 00
Heath 12:00 noon
In the run-up to our seasonal festivities this
year, once again in order to save space in the
Diary listings it would be helpful if the full
details of your parties, dinner-dances,
ceilidhs or good old fashined knees-ups
were provided in your Section News reports !
Please remember entries are only
accepted for inclusion in the ‘Diary’ and
‘Around the Compass’ from either your
Section secretary or from your Section
Social secretary. This is to ensure that
the Club abides by the rules which
provide our insurance cover. Any other
events should be sent to the Editor for
inclusion in ‘Events not organised by the
BMW Club’
AROUND THE COMPASS
These activities have been arranged as agent for and on behalf of The BMW Club
J u n e 11 t h
to 14th Hotel
Week-End in
Cumbria
Ride outs
23-26 Sept Thatch Rally - Irish Section. Surfers Cove Holiday Homes, Bundoran, Co. Donegal.
3 nights sc accomodation, dinner Sat. night. Irish
stew and Irish coffee on arrival plus complimentary polo shirt all for E110 or Stg£80 pp. Details/
bookings Claire [email protected] or phone 00353
(0)71 9170887. Beautiful scenery and great “craic”
guaranteed!
30 Sept-2 Oct, GLENCOE CAMPING WEEKEND,
Scottish Section. Still a firm favourite. Steve 01796
472551
25-27 November Swallow Falls Hotel, camping &
youth hostel weekend; near Betws Y Coed. Book
direct with the hotel on 01690 710796 or online
[email protected] (Club contactRhys
Jones
01286
881076
or
[email protected])
What the well-dressed BMW enduro rider is
wearing this year - the new helmet and jacket,
that is. Bluetooth and heating are not - as yet ! optional extras, I’m told ....
Events not organised by the BMW Club
The BMW club provides the following events for your information and has no responsibility for
these events or the accuracy of this information
6th – 12th October The Moto Piston Rally in
Santander, Spain is being held. A great deal of
interest in this event is being shown by Vintage
and Classic Register Members. If you are considering attending send two SAE’s to the UK representative, Adrian Trim, PO BOX 167, East Winch,
King’s Lynn, Norfolk. PE32 1NF or talk to him on
01553 630007. General details will be sent out in
one envelope and hotel booking forms in the
other. You may also talk to the Vintage Secretary
(01908 216623) about the details. Please note
this Rally is strictly for pre-1979 machines
OCTOBER 8th - Day trip sightseeing to Brugge
including brewery visit. Early morning Shuttle and
meet-ups and ride to Brugge. No badges, no t-
shirts, just day out riding the bike with like minded
people. More details from Paul Devall on 01303
237549
(eves
before
9pm)
or
[email protected] or http://
www.devall.me.uk/BMW_Pages/
moto_block3.htm
27 October to 6 November International Motorcycle and Scooter Show 2005, NEC Birmingham. National Exhibition Centre
4th.-6th. November. Hippo Rally at Hidden Valley Campsite on the A361 just outside Ilfracombe.
£9.50 for 2 nights camping. Food Available on
site. Just turn up no need to book. Contact Dave
Little 01404 861285 or Keith Hackett 01803
527760.
43
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO EUROPEAN
HOTELS by Mike Fishwick
A
FTER MORE THAN forty years of
touring around Europe I remain
addicted to France and Germany, not
just for their weather, castles, scenery and
technical museums, but also for the good
value to be found in their hotels, their food,
and the warm reception one always receives.
Heather and I have stayed in a variety of hotels
over the years, some of which were
expensive, others less so, and some cheap,
but all represented value for money. The
current exchange rate relative to the Euro
means that Europe has become quite
reasonable for us, but as with everything costs
steadily increase. As a general guide,
however, a good two-star hotel need cost no
more than £30 per night for a double room.
Only a few of the very cheapest hotels do not
provide an en suite bathroom. Some hotels,
such as the Marmotte chain in north-east
44
France, charge only £20 for an en suite room,
making campsite fees for two people seem
poor value. A good three-star establishment
in Germany seldom costs more than £40 per
night, and often less.
Many hotels of the old DDR area of Germany
have increased their prices without providing
much improvement in facilities, but in most
cases the forbidding rooms of the old
Worker’s Paradise have given way to modern
Euro-standard zimmers with TV and en suite
bathrooms. It is a worthwhile experience,
however, to stay in such as the Waldhaus
Colditz to sample the style of the old Eastern
Bloc. Their sumptuous dining room and
excellent menu belie the basic rooms above,
with linoleum floors and showers along the
corridor! Prices in Germany are pretty
uniform, and in the old Western area all
accommodation is of a high standard.
France is filled by small hotels of charm and
character (usually both!) where you will find
wonderful food, good wines, and friendly
people. Standards can vary rather more than
in Germany, but the sheer number of hotels
means that there is something for every taste.
Breakfasts are usually charged in addition to
the room, at around £3 per person. Some
hotels are described as ‘Hotel garni’ which
means that they do not provide meals, but
most provide breakfast.
M
ANY PEOPLE are over-concerned with
being able to book their hotels in
advance, but in the event of breakdown or
other delay this can be a problem. I usually
only pre-book for the first evening, or special
hotel/date combinations.
It is usually possible to travel throughout
Europe without advance booking - except in
tourist areas. All one really needs to do is
begin thinking seriously about a hotel by about
5 pm, and head for the centre of any
convenient village or small town. You will
usually find accommodation within walking
distance of the inevitable church.
exterior, even if it looks like something from
WW1 . . . it probably is, but you will usually
find a genuine welcome within, and good food
at realistic prices. Most German villages
feature at least one gasthaus or hotel where
you will find a warm welcome. Most will
feature cold beer, immaculate rooms, and
en suite bathrooms, with an overdose of oak
and marble!
Those who feel a need to book in advance
may find it easier when travelling in France to
use the website of chains such as Marmotte,
Premiere Classe, or Ibis. Such chains do
not however have a monopoly on modern
communications, and many small hotels use
internet resources via the RESA hotel booking
system (http://www.hotelswitch.com). These
allow one to select hotels in a particular area,
then to view the exterior, rooms, and often the
menu too, before booking with a small credit
card deposit. A similar system exists in the
Logis de France organisation of small hotels,
which are always a safe choice.
Don’t be afraid to ask – in most cases people
will be only too happy to direct you to the
nearest hotel, or one hotel will direct you to
the nearest place with vacancies – hospitality
is the rule! Sometimes they will even escort
you in their car.
Do not expect everyone to speak English, as
in France and Germany this gift is mainly
confined to the younger generation who have
learnt it as a second language at school. On
a recent nine-week tour, Heather and I met
only five people who spoke English, not
counting the ubiquitous Dutch! Do not
however be afraid to try your fractured French
or German, as this, coupled with an accent
from ‘Allo Allo’ and little sign language, or
maybe a sketch, will usually work miracles.
Buy a basic phrase book, and concentrate
on the ‘Numbers,’ ‘Hotel’ and ‘Menu’
sections.
W
HEN IN FRANCE always find one of the
many small hotels for which that country
is justly famous. Do not be put off by the
‘Frogfood’ as Mike calls it
45
In Germany the village gasthofs/hotels are
usually family-owned from ages past, but
many now have web sites which can be found
by links from the web site of the nearest town.
In general, chains of hotels in Germany are
more expensive and confined to the areas
around cities. A good example of these is the
Ringhotel chain. They are, however,
considerably cheaper than similar
establishments in the UK.
If booking in advance, always email, write or
fax – don’t totally rely on phone calls, and
always send a confirmation. In many cases
no reply will be sent, unless they are full. A
almost foolproof method is to write asking
for prices, then send a second letter
confirming your requirement, and giving the
names of all members of your party. If you
will require an evening meal, say so in the
letter, and, if you plan to arrive late in the day
– after 6 pm. – tell the hotel. The Germans,
incidentally, are just as bad as the French
when it comes to replying to your letters.
Forget the stories of Teutonic thoroughness
– it is a rumour spread by the Germans!
Many British travellers extol the ‘virtues’ of the
french Formule 1 hotel chain, but I advise the
discerning tourist to avoid them like le plague!
Virtually all their hotels are sited adjacent to
autoroute exits or out-of-town industrial
estates, so providing plenty of noise
throughout the night. Most of them do not
have restaurants, leaving one to pay
exorbitant fees for taxis, drive into town to dine
sans vin, or subject your insides to the
mercies of the inevitably close Macdonalds.
The prices of Formule 1 are admittedly low,
46
at around £15 per night for a room, but this
does not usually provide en suite toilet and
shower facilities. If you prefer not to share
these with garlic-sodden french white van
men etc it is preferable to pay £20 at Première
Classe or Marmotte, or occasionally even £30
at Ibis.
In neither France nor Germany will your plate
contain vegetables as we know them,
although they may be found in sauces or
used by good French chefs for decorative
purposes as part of a nouvelle cuisine
presentation!
T
HE FRENCH have a reputation for simple
breakfasts – le petit dejeuner – but the
basic croissants, jam, bread, butter and
coffee are sometimes augmented by cereals,
fruit, and a variety of bread and savouries.
The inexpensive Hotel Marmotte at Laon, for
example offers a breakfast buffet of some
variety. In general, the better class of
restaurant, the more basic are the breakfasts!
Evening meals – le dinêr – are usually taken
from a choice of fixed-price menus, the
middle price (about £12) often offering the
best value and choice. The more basic
establishments often do not offer a choice at
all – le plat du jour – which is usually excellent.
Avoid eating a la carte, unless you like
spending money. Always go for the cheapest
wine available (le vin du maison) and do not
be afraid to try the most evil-looking cheeses!
Always avoid the temptation to try le steak, as
this is usually very rare, very tough, and
invariably cold horsemeat. The French
reserve this as a punishment for the insular
Brits and Americans! Lamb (agneau) or pork
(porc) are usually very good, as are chicken
(poulet) and duck (canard). Generally
speaking, don’t worry about what you are
eating - just enjoy it!
T
HE GERMANS are fond of large
breakfasts (fruhstück) which can often
include soft rolls, ham, cheeses, salami,
boiled eggs, pumpernickel, and cereal. This
is washed down with hot chocolate or coffee
– perhaps the best coffee in the world.
Breakfast is the bargain of the day, and will
keep you going until the evening meal (die
abendessen) but if you need a light lunch, try
a strammer max (ham and egg over melted
cheese on toast) or gulaschsuppe (spicy
gulash soup).
German food
Main meals are often based on pig, and vary
from the basic to the highly imaginative, but
are always delicious. Others may be based
upon trout – fellen, salmon – lachs, chicken
– hanchen, or veal – kalb. Always try the
schnitzels, in Weiner, Jaeger, and Zegeuner
styles. As one can imagine, obesity is a way
of life!
Do not underestimate the Teutonic cuisine,
however, for many German hotels, such as
the Moselblick at Piesport, for example, offer
a stunning range of dishes which would be
the envy of many a French restaurant.
German wine is always excellent, while their
red varieties are outstanding but almost
unknown in this country. Their beer is of
course excellent, as one would expect from
a nation who have never deviated from ‘real
ale.’
Parking at most hotels is generally outside,
but theft and vandalism has not assumed
the epidemic proportions which are common
here. Take great care, however, when close
to the old Eastern Bloc countries such as
Poland and the Czech Republic, as theft from
– and of – cars such as BMWs is becoming a
real problem, particularly in cities.
while the Germans are slowly coming to grips
with it. Even in this post-Deutschmark era
however, some German hotels do not accept
die plastik. For this reason it can save
problems if you have a bundle of Euros on
you, or confirm that credit cards are accepted
before you leave. Most village banks have
cash dispensers, but remember to make a
note of your credit card’s particular PIN which
is necessary to obtain cash outside the UK.
In general, don’t be afraid to walk into any
hotel and ask for a room, dinner, or even just
breakfast. Forget about the old claims that
the French hate the English, or that the
Germans are rude, for you will find that they
will do their best to please you.
(If you would like floppy disc with a list of the
hotels we have used in recent years, please
contact the SW Section Regalia Officer on
01726-812471)
When it comes to paying, forget about
Travellers’ Cheques and the like, which are
seldom accepted in Europe unless one visits
a bank. The French use a lot of le plastique
and will usually accept Mastercard or Visa,
47
Spike Speaks about his
“TOUGH TORQUER”
W
HEN LAST I SPOKE mention was
made of my latest acquisition, my
fourth Beemer, a 1986 monoshock
R80RT. After our trip to Morocco it was
apparent that 790cc was inadequate for
relaxed two up touring, the motor was working
too hard, acceleration was snail-like, fuel
consumption was in the low 40s. Time to
make some changes. I was once asked in
an interview what I considered to be my ideal
motorbike, a machine capable of transporting
me over great distances in relative comfort
and at a reasonably high speed. A fuel
capacity or consumption which would ensure
non stop travel for 250 miles or four hours,
mechanically simple and reliable, good
headlight for sustained night-time travel, and
enough torque to keep gear changing to a
minimum. In other words what most serious
touring biker wants. I had never considered
a fairing, both the 60/6 and R100 had been
naked yet able to sustain 90 plus on
European motorways without too much
discomfort thanks to a backrest which eased
pressure on the arms, however the RTs faring
was a revelation.
In my opinion the post 85 monoshocks
successfully encapsulated all the
refinements that BMW had gradually
incorporated into the airheads since 1973 –
better handling thanks to a stiffer frame and
improved front and rear suspension, quieter
mechanics and an exhaust note which at the
time of its launch sounded like a Honda 250
Super Dream. Not surprisingly the restrictive
exhaust and reduced compression ratio had
choked off much of the earlier bikes power.
Time to transform this baby into something
more appropriate to my needs with the help
of my trusty mechanic.
M
UCH HAS BEEN written in past journals
about ideal (dream) bikes, heres my own
applied solution.
Replace the barrels and pistons with a
1000cc kit, lightweight pistons with 9.5:1
compression. Balance pistons, rods, crank
and flywheel.
Twin plug and gas flow heads, increase inlet
valve size from 42 to 44mm. Add Dyna coils
and modify advance/retard to alter advance
curve. 324 degree camshaft for more
midrange torque.
Replace 32mm carbs with 40s, re-jet main
to 150, 2.46 needle jet with needle in next to
weakest position.
Replace 37/11 bevel with 33/11, and
substitute 6% higher fifth gear for the original.
Fit Progressive front fork springs and uprate
rear unit with an Ikon or Hagon.
Replace halogen headlight bulb with H.I.D
unit (expensive but worth it), and move pilot
bulb from the “eyebrow” to inside headlight
(20w halogen)
Replace rear and brake light bulbs with an
LED panel (not LED bulbs which are
useless). Do the same with the indicators
and instrument bulbs. Fit a dry cell battery
and high output voltage regulator. Add a
second front disc and fit a Comfort seat. Now,
turn the ignition key and …… Ride.
The results are impressive, on the dyno
power at the back wheel measured 62bhp
equivalent to around 70 at the crank – what
the older twins were quoted at -, torque
showed a very impressive 58ft lbs. The bike
48
pulls like a train (well, relatively)
from 2500 to 5000 rpm, just
where its needed. The engine is
smoother than any air/oil head
Ive ridden, fuel consumption in
the 80-90 mph range averages
55mpg. At a constant 70 its
sipping a gallon every 65 miles
– I trust these figures because
the Speedos been adjusted for
accuracy Top speed? I havent
been on an autobahn or
racetrack to try, but from the dyno
figures and the engines general
response I would expect 120, but
its academic because my real
world riding doesnt get to that
speed. The handling and
On the outside just another RT but inside a bit special
braking is now just right for that
sort of travelling. The H.I.D
headlight is superb; because this version is still make my project cheaper than buying a
a direct replacement for the H4 bulb the full mid 90s RT Oil head trading off only a 10hp
benefits are felt on main beam as well as advantage and better brakes and handling,
dip. The LED rear light is now brighter than the pluses would include simplicity, weight
the previous rear and brake bulbs combined, and fuel economy. Food for thought for those
touch the brake and tailgaters behind retreat members who have complained about the
complexity and weight of the later models.
in fear.
T
OTAL COST of the makeover was just over
£2000 including parts, labour, and
purchase cost of the bike, and after
subtracting income from the sale of surplus
parts. So for the price of a late 80s 100RT Ive
got a bike more powerful, and economical,
superior handling and lighting and smoother.
So am I satisfied with the transformation, is
there anything else that be done to further
improve “tough torquer”? Ditch the standard
silencers and collector box and gain maybe
another five bhp, but the trade off would be
more noise and I do like the sound of the
standard set-up. I tried a K andN filter, drilled
some holes in the air box and fitted a larger
main jet but the slight gain was right at the
top of the rev range where its not needed.
With the lighting changes theres an overall
saving of up to 60% consumption meaning
less strain on the alternator which has always
been one of the airheads shortcomings
though there is a 400 watt alternator available
and even an improved rotor and diode board.
A 1070 big bore conversion is available
claiming 10 more hp, the cost of which would
In my first piece (June issue) I was
contemplating buying my fifth Beemer, always
being open minded and in the interest of
research I took out a R1200RT for an
extended evaluation. Not being one of those
hung up about the design I concentrated on
the bikes practicalities. Having previously
tested both the 1100 and 1150RTs the
comparison was based on these models.
Pluses: more power and torque, handling,
braking, fuel range, computerised data. Less
heavy.
Minuses: less wind protection, unnecessary
sixth gear, rear view mirror still showing too
much handlebar.
S
O WILL I buy it? For the price of a new
one with the required extras Wendy and I
could spend a year travelling the world and that
includes the cost of a suitable second hand bike.
With a significant birthday coming up in three
years and with only the resources for one of the
two options, the choice is becoming obvious the
more I stare at the wall map.
49
Russia and North Cape
I
HAVE AN old school friend, writes Nina
Plumbe, called Fiona or Sokolov, as she
prefers to be known, who I had not heard
of for 20 years. Last year some of us had a
school reunion and the result was that I
learned of Sokolov’s email address and got
in touch. She was now living in St Petersburg
and had a house to the north of town and a
flat in St Petersburg. What a good destination
for a trip on the motorbike. My partner, Clive,
had a dream to see the North Cape of Norway
and the midnight sun, so what better than to
go round the Baltic and fulfil both our
ambitions. Thus in late May we set off on a
trip that we thought would take four weeks
and be about 5000 miles. The only thing we
booked was the ferry home from Bergen to
Newcastle. We had also had to get a visa for
Russia and make sure we had our
registration documents with us.
50
And so begins another motorcycle trip. Horrid
damp, foggy. Cold weather and I am waiting
in a petrol station just above Dover for Clive.
He went to see his son near Windsor while I
saw my children in London. He arrives, we
get petrol, and down the hill we go to get our
ferry. It’s delayed. Various number of
reasons... the French and two broken berths,
technical problems, the wind etc. We finally
get to our booked Formula 1 in Calais by
11.45pm French time. Great start but ‘we
made it’.’
Clive rides an Adventurer with big aluminium
panniers and I have an R850R Classic. We
met going round the world with Nick Sanders
and have now done quite a few trips including
a month wandering round Morocco. Clive
likes to lead and I have given up wishing to
be in front. I like to have a map though so that
I can help when we get lost!! We had a GPS
with us for the first time. The only time on this
trip we found it useful was in St Petersburg, a
town that has no street signs, road numbers
or anything to do with finding your way out of
it. I like taking photos and now have a custom
made bracket on the bike for taking photos
on the move...those photos you wished you
had taken. We don’t listen to music, instead
preferring our thoughts. It’s always so busy
before going away that the peace and quiet
of riding the bike is a real bonus. We do have
an intercom system but we find it is not that
reliable and on this trip it failed us one day
out of Calais.
W
E SET off from Calais and headed for
Berlin and the first wish, which was to
see Checkpoint Charlie. We camped by a
lake, which had a fair number of bullfrogs in
it. They kept us awake till the dawn chorus
took over!! It was hot, over 30c and Berlin was
sweltering in our leather jackets. We had not
reckoned on a German heat wave and had
clothes more suited to 15c!!
Nina near Glitterheim in the Jotunheim
the valley’ under the lovely hardwood trees of
the dark forest that the road runs through.
First notice wooden houses. Wanted
registration documents on border otherwise
fine. Immediate impressions...lots of
grassland, no fences, wooden houses,
single tethered animals (hobbled horses
and cows tied by horns) scarcely dotting the
grassland, man cultivating small field with a
The heat is getting to the bikes and us. The
traffic is jammed and Clive hates filtering...he
has metal panniers... Its 35c on my
temperature gauge, which I have strapped to
my windshield strut. See and photo the
Brandenburg gate (unimpressive due to traffic
and roadworks) and now all we want is
shade and a nice cafe. Wander slowly but
police stop us because I did not precisely
follow the double arrow lane markings on
the road!
The heat wave lasted well into Poland and
we had a very nice evening camping in Torun,
a lovely old town by the Wistula river. We had
noticed lots of car transporters from Poland,
Lithuania, Latvia and Kyrgyzstan as we had
travelled east, carrying second hand cars
from the west.
Soon we were crossing Lithuania and then
Latvia. Pleasant wooded countryside. We
chose secondary roads as being more
pleasant with less traffic and more to see.
Set off 9.30am. Wonderful newly surfaced
road to the border between Poland and
Lithuania on secondary road. Lots of ‘Lily of
Nina’s
51
wooden buildings/houses surrounded by
huge tracts of farmland being farmed by large
businesses I guess. Little old ladies in
traditional dress sitting on doorsteps or
tending the holding. They mostly have
electricity, whose pylons run all over the
countryside. They like the colour yellow. Many
wild lilac bushes as there were in Poland
too. Weather cooler today, perfect for biking,
until the afternoon when, as we near Latvia, it
starts to rain a bit and gets colder. Cross
Lithuania in about 6 hrs easily (about 220
miles) and enter Latvia.
T
North Cape of Norway
horse, small areas of cereals, strip farming,
lady milking single cow in the middle of
countryside, lady hand hoeing a field beside
a modern generating station. But an air of
prosperity as roads good or being improved,
new houses being built etc. We stop for a
drink in a modern cafe with old fashion
wooden hut containing the loos!
The modern is rubbing shoulders with the
new. Tiny smallholdings subsist in old
HE WEATHER WORSENED and got quite
cold as we travelled north now. But it did
not rain too much and we made good
progress through Estonia to Russia. Stopped
near the Russian border ready for the border
crossing in the morning. My friend, Sokolov,
had been kept up to date with our progress
and it was decided, by us, that we were quite
capable of map reading our way to her house
north of St Petersburg. All in all it should have
been about 120 miles. 9am start, border
crossed by 10am with no problems, and we
could expect to arrive by lunchtime. By 6pm
we were still riding round in circles!! It had
taken us ages to fight our way through ST
Petersburg with no road signs. Even north of
the town it was still confusing with names in
Cyrillic script. Sokolov was beginning to
wonder where on earth we were. In the end
we got to within a mile of her place and gave
up and phoned!
We had two-days sight seeing. Sokolov drove
us around and was a mine of information.
She has lived there for about 10 years now,
speaks fluent Russian, had built a house and
could tell us all about the changes since the
fall of communism. We only saw a small
corner of Russia but we had no problems
and I would like to go back to travel some
more. Petrol is really cheap but hotels are
expensive.
The long day light hours meant that we had
had some very late nights with Sokolov.
Hence we made a late start off at about 11am.
We were heading for Finland and the border
crossing at Vyartsilya. It meant just following
the A129. It was raining! It stopped for a while
but remained damp with wet roads. Forested!
52
Wooden houses. Bumpy road that finally
deteriorated to dirt after Priozersk. Wet dirt...it
was quite good to start with but had an
increasing number of rather wet bits. I took it
steady but with 50 more miles ahead to the
next town it was a daunting prospect.
However it was Clive who came a cropper for
some reason. He is more confident than I
and more capable and his bike is better
suited. I came round a bend and there he
was! He was okay, bruised, covered in wet
sand. His helmet was damaged. His pannier
had come off and the lock broken. Damaged
crash bar and broken cylinder protector.
However, and luckily, the dirt came to an end
shortly after and in pouring rain we carried
on to Sortavala. Passed by 3 American
cyclists bicycling to Murmansk! They were not
so young and looked exhausted in the rain
and the wet dirt road cannot have been easy.
Arriving in Sortavala, we burst into a cafe in
all our wet clothes, where amazingly we
found a Moroccan who lived in Finland and
who spoke English (and Arabic). He led us to
a hotel. We were wet and dirty.
One of the ‘Rushing Rivers‘ in Norway
And so into Finland and the euro zone and
expense! Finland is neat and tidy and has
miles and miles of similar terrain. Expensive
hotels (we are fair weather campers) and
petrol much the same price as here. However
we were getting really quite far north now and
that was an exciting thought.
W
E ARE NEARLY 66 degrees latitude
north! Forest still growing strongly
though. Good road gently curving with many
short straights. Occasionally see a Finnish
person striding along with two ski sticks as
though out touring on skis. Came to the
conclusion that they could not cope without
their skis and had to pretend they were skiing!
Old people walk around with 2 ski sticks too.
We see some reindeer and one Elk that Clive
cleverly spotted. We reach Lappland and I
wonder where it is that Santa Claus ‘hangs
out’, little knowing that we are heading right
for the spot! Temp falls to 8c; it drizzles from
time to time and I wonder if I am going to be
warm enough at the North Cape in 2 days
time. I have my heated handle bar grips on
and my heated waistcoat now. We are riding
along these empty roads doing about
70mph. I notice one or two strange
birds...must look them up. We stop about
every hour for a drink (cup of tea). Without
further ado we arrive in Rovaniemi and
straight away find a fine hotel...makes up for
last night! Then discover Santa Claus is 6km
further north on the Arctic Circle. We will check
it out tomorrow! Realise we are a long way
north and wonder how far north Anchorage
is.’
53
54
W
E CHECKED out Santa, crossed the
Artic Circle, and carried on north. On
one road I was running out of petrol. No
problem really as Clive’s bike had plenty in
his big tank, which we could transfer
(somehow!). The most I have done on my
reserve light has been 40 miles. Going very
steadily and expecting it to run out at any
moment, it did 60 miles on the reserve and I
made a petrol station! I had done 238 miles
on one tankful (17litres). Not bad for a fully
loaded 850R.
Snow begins to feature and we see
increasing amounts lying on the countryside.
There are very few major mountains in
Finland.
S
O FAR WE have not seen a single English
bike. Now we begin to see some bikes
heading south but they are Germans or Dutch,
no Brits.
After 16 days travelling from England we reach
Olderfjord in Norway. It is 84 miles short of
the North Cape of Norway and our final goal
of this trip. We are feeling a long way north
and at nearly 71degrees north we are!
‘Still cloudy weather and still 10c. Off to the
Nord Kapp. 84 miles to go. Dress up for the
weather as we have for the last few days. I
bought an extra fleece in Finland and so my
layers are; 2 long sleeved fleece tops, my
heated waistcoat (done up but not switched
on), waterproof jacket and finally my heavy
leather jacket. On legs have my leather jeans
with some cordura trousers on top. It takes
time to get dressed!
On the way we see reindeer dotted
everywhere just like sheep in Scotland. Trees
die out about 20 kms north of here
(Olderfjord). Very scenic as the road follows
the sea. More and more bits of snow beside
the road. Amazing tunnel that connects the
Nord Kapp. Costs 68 kroner for one motorbike
one-way and plunges downward under the
sea to 212 metres below sea level.
N
ORD KAPP is bleak and cold, 5c for us
today. The centre costs 190 kroner per
person, a rip off price. Naturally everything
else is as expensive. Shame. Still the major
55
A Russian house near St Petersburg
goal of motor biking here has been achieved
and we take all relevant photos.
up. They had ridden up Norway and were
going to retrace their way back down. We met
up with them now and then on the way down
Norway and finally caught the same ferry to
Newcastle.
Several bikes are making their way there as
we leave. No Brits on bikes seen yet.
Go into Honningsvag on the way back. It was
rebuilt in original style after the war. Huge
cruise ship in the harbour and all the people
on board being bussed up to the Nord Kapp!
We make our way back to our hut for a second
night in Olderfjord. Saw a large eagle, golden
or sea, some puffins, eider duck, and other
seabirds and lots of baby reindeer! Stay up
till midnight and take photos on the beach of
the partially hidden midnight sun. It is
perfectly light.’
Still no British but we met two Irish bikers on
1150GS’s, Deklan and Sean, on their way
The biking down Norway, especially north of
Boda, is very, very scenic.
We go past Kafjord where the Tirpitz was sunk
as it hid from the allies during the war. A few
reindeer are seen. There has been more
snow this year than lately and it has been a
cold summer so far. We notice lots of people
fishing and find out later that someone has
sabotaged a fish farm and thousands of
farmed salmon are on the loose! Catches of
11 salmon have been had. We did notice
children fishing too!
W
Catherine the Great’s Palace at Pushkin
56
E LUNCHED by a lovely rushing river
little knowing what was round the
corner. It was warm and very pleasant.
Dressed for 23c we had had some cool
moments in the morning going through some
of Norway’s tunnels. If they are not concrete
lined they are very cold. A long tunnel means
Clive and bike on A129 in Russia
...cold. But you come out of the entrance and
get a nice warm feeling from the outside air.
Worth the cold??
After lunch we set off again, past a couple of
reindeer and then round the corner of the
climbing road on to a snowfield. Snow was
lying at 400+ metres and we went up to 700m
on the Saltjellet. Right at the top was where
the road goes through the Arctic Circle. All
snow covered, the temp had dropped by 10c;
couldn’t wait to get back down to sea level!
and went through more tunnels.
Gradually, it took us 12 days, we headed down
Norway. Crossed the Jotunheim and tried to
go up a little road to Glitterheim (Norway’s
highest mountain) but the weather was not
with us and as the dirt road climbed it was
becoming more and more foggy so we gave
up. We were not going to see anything. More
dense fog later as we climbed another pass
between two-metre high snow banks, on our
way down to Voss. More amazing tunnels as
we headed into Bergen the next day and the
ferry for England.
In England the next afternoon....
T
HROUGH THE TYNE TUNNEL and its
raining....thunderstorm. Into waterproofs
and swelter because its warm. It buckets
down with hailstones as well. We go for a
couple of hours before outrunning the storms
as we head southeast. Quick stop and on
before rain catches us up. Its warm! 5.5hrs
from Newcastle with one stop. Miles 250. An
eventful end in these heavy downpours! Made
it. Total 5,580 miles.
In
the Club
afternoon
BMW
Journalwe• climbed
Octobermore
2005 passes
57
3F’s and the Armadillo
mudguard
by Dave Broadbent
As a young engineering student I was often
regaled with what must be one of the oldest
design adages namely; Form Follows
Function, or “the 3 F’s.”
“That’s why a colander has holes and a
saucepan does not boy – geddit?”
In other words, the shape of an object is
dictated by its function. The only exception to
this rule being anything remotely to do with
fashion of course, where the more ludicrous
and impractical the idea, the better it sells.
A pretty good example of the 3F’s is of course
our beloved GS motorcycle range. No
concession to aesthetics, just superbly
functional. Apart from the mudguards.
Where the designer was on the day they
covered the 3F’s at motorcycle design school,
I have no idea. Probably off with all his other
designer buddies, because nobody in the
industry seems to know what a motorcycle
mudguard is for these days. So it’s up to the
aftermarket accessory people to step in and
make a few bob. We have the Hugger. A
wonderful device which should have come
with the bike in the first place. For the front
end however, all we have is the “Fender
Extender.”
drag becomes less of an issue. Amazingly,
Manufacturers place various heat
exchangers in this very area. Shot blasted oil
cooler anybody? BMW have not gone quite
that far, but are still guilty of leaving exposed
a very obvious engine with only an indifferent
coating of cheap lacquer for protection. I clean
my own bike, and my own boots for that
matter, and I’d like them protected please. I
also worried about that perpetual line of mud
and cow plat up the middle of the engine,
flung there by the front wheel accompanied
no doubt by several hundred weight of stone
chippings off our wonderful roads. Drag
factors – forget it – try depreciation factors!
So I have invented a new mudguard for my
beloved GS and have called it the Armadillo
mudguard, for hopefully obvious reasons.
See photo (Patent pending). My engine
remains free of any road debris and its
resultant stone chips after 15k miles, and
my boots stay reasonably clean and dry. I don’t
happen to think it looks out of place either,
but I guess that’s a matter of taste.
In closing, what can I say but, “this is the road
to Arm-a-dillo….” And long live the 3F’s!
In my dictionary, a fender is something to
protect a ship from coming into contact with
another hard object, but we will leave that
debate for another day. The important point
here is that the motorcycle accessory variants
simply aren’t big enough! So what’s the world
coming to when even an extended front
mudguard is not up to the job?
I wonder if somebody is concerned about
drag coefficients, or worrying aerodynamic
effects at high speed? Both of these are
feasible, but in my case of no interest at all.
In any case, the front wheel is generally
closely followed by a large motorcycle, so
58
The Caption Competition
Win a £10 or a £5 Moto-Bins Voucher
Write your own caption for this photograph. A
selection of the best will be printed in the October
Journal. The prizes each month for the funniest
- and PRINTABLE ! - caption will be
First : £10 Moto-Bins Gift Voucher
and
Runner-Up : £5 Moto-Bins Gift
Voucher
Entries must be submitted to the Editor (post only
- no phoned efforts) will only be accepted from
BMW Club Members, so please don’t forget
your name, address & membership
number when sending your entry.
Honourable mentions :
“I told them this new magnetic tank bag was far
too strong, but they wouldn’t listen to me”
Brian Holmes (Cumbria)
“Well, Mrs Ponsonby, I’m afraid I’m going to have
to fail you on your emergency stop ...”
Anon by request
The Evel Kneivel attempt by the local joyriders
proved to be a miserable failure
Bob Old (Kidderminster)
Winner :
“Kev - Bev’s just run over your bike !”
Fred Wakefield (Northampton)
“That will teach him mot to stick two fingers up
at me when I’m on my mobile ... !”
Brian Morgan ( again )
Runner-Up :
“Oh dear, Ethel, I think I might have damaged that
nice shrub !”
Thanks to all & please keep them coming !
Brian Morgan (Swansea)
59
Where we meet
EAST ANGLIA: The Cossways, Scole Norfolk.
12:00, 1st Sunday ; The Chequers, Wimbotsham,
Norfolk,12.00 2nd Sunday; The Shoulder of
Mutton, Fordham, Essex. A1124. 12:00, 3rd
Sunday; The Compasses, Littley Green, Essex.
19:00. Last Wednesday.
IRISH: Dublin Meetings, 2nd Weds, Strawberry
Hall, Chapelizod, Dublin 15. 8.00pm. Jim
Sweeney (01) 6270613 (H) 6280969 (W).
Limerick Meeting, 2nd Tues 21.00, Woodfield
House Hotel, Ennis Rd, Limerick. Peter Deevy
087 2570855. North West meeting , 2nd Sunday
11.00am Coffey’s Cafe, Carrick-on-Shannon. Jim
O’Connell 071-9182464. South East Meetings,
Last Sunday of every month 11.00am Martin
Doyle at 053-41167
LONDON: The Old Guinea, Ridge (about 1 mile
West of M25 / A1 interchange at South Mimms)
20:00 second Tuesday. The Ace Café, North
Circular Road, Stonebridge, London, at 20:00 4th
Monday.
MERCIA: Four Counties Inn, No Mans Heath.
19.30 1st Tues and 12 noon last Wed.; Cross &
Bowling Green, Branson Cross, on A435 at
junction B4101. Adj Q8 petrol station. 19.30 2nd.
Thurs.; The Bull & Butcher, Corley Moor, B4102
from Meriden towards Fillongley, right before
Motorway bridge, 3 miles on left, 19.30 3rd Thurs;
The Chetwynd Arms, A34 Brocton Nr. Stafford,
19.30 4th Wed; Bull & Swan, Diseworth, Off A453
Nr East Midlands Airport 2 nd Wed. 19.30.;
Whipping Stocks, A50 Peover, Nr. Knutsford –
19.30 4th. Thurs. (with Northern Section)
MIDLAND: Fox at Ropsley, on A52 halfway btwn
Grantham and A15,19:30, 1st Tues; Green
Dragon, Blind Lane, Oxton. , 19:30, 2nd Thurs:
Queens Arms Orlingbury, btwn Kettering &
Wellingborough, 19:30, 3rd Tues: The Park Hall,
Tavern Park Hall Road, Mansfield Woodhouse,
Mansfield, Notts, Just of the A60. 19:30, 3rd Tues:
The Kings Head Tealby, 19.30, 3rd Thursday;
Community Centre, Greetham, on B668 nr
Oakham, Leics, 13:30, occ Suns; The A5
Rangers Cyclist Club, 101, Watling St, Towcester,
entry by Islington Rd, NN12 6AU. 12:00, Oct to
March.
NORTH EAST: Belmont Community Centre,
Sunderland Road, Gilesgate, nr Durham.19.30.
1st Wed: The Waggon Inn, on A696, 3m NW of
Ponteland, 19.30. 3rd Wed: Jackson’s Wharf Pub,
Jackson’s Landing, Hartlepool Historic Quays,
19.30. Thursday following 4th Wed.
NORTHERN: The Briars Hall Hotel on A5209 near
Burscough, Lancs, 20.00 1st Fri.; All Saints
Church Hall, Hale Barns, A538, 14:00, 2nd Sun;
The Glory, Loveclough, nr Rawtenstall, A682,
19:30, 3rd Fri; Harraby Inn, Carlisle, A6, 2 miles
60
west of M6 J42, 19.30, last Monday; The
Whipping Stocks, south Knutsford, A50, 20.00,
4th Thurs.
OXFORD: George & Dragon, Erlestoke, Wilts
7.00pm, 1st Thursday; Waggon and Horses at
Southmoor off the A420, 19:30, 2nd Tues; Dog
& Partridge, Riseley (off end of Swallowfield
by-pass [A33]) 19:30, 4th Tues; Village Hall,
Uffington, Oxfordshire, 14:00 occ. Suns
SCOTTISH: Meldrums Hotel, Ceres, Fife, 19:30,
1st Mon; Gairdeners’ Arms, 232 Paisley Road,
Glasgow, 19:00, 1st Mon; The Log Cabin Hotel,
Kirkmichael, Perthshire, 12:30, 2nd Sun; Crook
Inn, A701 north of Moffat, 12:30, last Sunday;
Hopeville Social Club, Harlaw Road, Inverurie.
12.30, 4th Sun.
SOUTHERN: The Phoenix Inn, Twyford, Hants,
on the B3335 1 mile south of M3, J11, 20:00 alt
Tues; The Saddlers Arms, Send Marsh, Nr.
Ripley. 20.00 alt. Tues; The Spread Eagle,
Farnham Road, West Liss, Hants. North of
Petersfield off A3 on B3006, alt Thurs;The True
Lovers Knot at Tarrant Keyneston, Dorset, 3
miles east of Blandford on the B3082 Wimborne
Road, 20.00. 3rd Thursday
SOUTH EAST: Riano’s, A26, Maidstone, 20:00,
1st/3rd Wed; The Green Man, Lewes Road
(B2192), Ringmer, East Sussex, 20:00 2nd Fri;
The Bull, East Farleigh, 12:00, 4th Sun; ‘The
Wagon & Horses’, Charing, 20:00, last thursday.
SOUTH WEST: Jamaica Inn: At Bolventor, off
A30 east of Bodmin. (Signed from A30); The
Globe: Exit M5 J27 to A361 for Barnstaple and
first left to Samford Peverell. All meets 1200 as
per calendar of events. Good Knight Inn,
Cheriton Bishop: off A30 between Exeter and
Okehampton as per diary of events.
ULSTER: Corr’s Corner, Glengormley, Co Antrim,
20:00 1st Tues; Wed. Evening Runs, Corr’s
Corner, 19:00 April, May, Sept, 19:30 June - Aug;
Sunday Morning Runs.
Sandyknowes
Roundabout (unless specified), 10:30, most
Suns, (July - Oct).
WESTERN: New Inn, Claines, Worcester, 19:30
1st Tuesday; Mackenzie Hall, Brockweir, Near
Tintern 14.00 2nd Sunday; The Globe Inn,
Somerton 12.00 Sundays as detailed in the
Programme.
YORKSHIRE: Cracoe Village Hall on B6265
between Skipton and Kilnsey Crag, 12:00, 1st
Sun; The Triton Inn, Brantingham, N Humberside,
20:00, 2nd Mon; White Swan Blyth, 12:00, 2nd
Sun; The Coservative club, Town Street
Gildersome, 20:00, last Tues of the month.
Please send all changes to
Where We Meet to the
Editor
Section & Register News
East Anglia
Sue Bullimore
October is a quiet month for events so this
months report is going to short and sweet.
The big event this month will be the AGM on
October 9th at Fornham St Martin village Hall,
11.00am. This is the place to make your
views heard and also to say if you’re not happy
with what the section officers are doing or
not doing. Please came along and support
your section. Please send your nominations
to the Secretary you never know there could
be some vacancies on the committee.
There is one other event I should remind you
of, the section end of year gathering which
also will be the Christmas meet at the
Shoulder of Mutton, Sunday 20th November
at 12 noon
See you all at the AGM : Take care !
Irish Section
Jan Browne
Before you know it, its Halloween, I was listening
to a conversation last week among a few members
as to what costume they will be able to carry in
their panniers for the Hotel weekend in Adrare,
Social and Register Secretaries
Club Europa eV: Peter Dunn,
101Station Road, Thatcham, Berks. RG19 4QH.
Tel: 07941 075165. e-mail: [email protected]
East Anglia: Sue Bullimore,
5 St Wendreds Way, Exning, Newmarket.
Suffolk. CB8 7HJ. Tel: 01638 578461. Mobile
07780973050
Irish: Claire Mullen,
11
Knocknarea
Villas,
Sligo.
Tel:
00353719170887, e-mail: [email protected]
London: Mick Miles,
Shepherd’s Ley, Lamb Lane, Redbourn, St
Albans. AL3 7BS. Tel: 015 8279 3188.
Mercia: John Greene,
“Charnwood”, Francis Green Lane, Penkridge,
Staffordshire. ST19 5HE. Tel: 01785 714474.
Midland: Rob Harvey,
33 Rochester Court, Bourne, Lincolnshire. PE10
9TW. Tel: 01778 393187. e-mail:
[email protected]
Northern: Geoff Thompson,
44 Bamford Road, Heywood, Lancashire. OL10
4TA.
Tel:
01706
629206.
e-mail:
[email protected]
North East: Tony Seed,
3 Friarswood Close, Yarm, Stockton on Tees.
TS15 9JG. Tel: 01642 785880. e-mail:
[email protected]
Oxford: John Hillier,
27 Stephens Close, Mortimer, Reading. RG7
3TX. Tel: 01189 332152.
Scottish: Steve Shepley,
Donavourd Farmhouse, Pitlochry. PH16 5JS.
Tel: 01796 472551. e-mail:
[email protected]
Southern: Nigel Page,
6 Eversleigh Court, High Path, Easebourne,
Midhurst, W. Sussex. GU29 9BP. Tel: 01730
South East: John Smith,
12 Castleton Avenue, Barnehurst, Kent. DA7
6QU. Tel: 01322 342320.
South West: Keith Hackett,
41 Primley Park, Paignton, Devon. Tel: 01803
Ulster: Michael Sweeney,
34 Edward Street, Downpatrick, Co Down, Nr.
Ireland. BT306JD. Tel: 028 44 615692.
Western: Brian Harrison,
Poolfield Court Cottage, Hewelsfield, Lydney,
Glos. GL15 6UJ/ . Tel: 01594 530264/
Yorkshire: vacant at present
For contact details for the Associate Sec for
America, and secretaries for the Sidecar,
Sporting and Vintage & Classic Registers
see under National Officers at the front of this
Journal.
61
which is on the Halloween Bank Holiday. So just
because the nights are getting shorter there is no
excuse not to have fun. If you are interested in
Ardrare, give Claire a call.
The Camping and Hotel weekend in Boyle/
Roscommon on the banks of Lough Arrow, was
fantastic, sixty members and about twelve
members of different clubs arrived. Some camping,
some staying in the hotel, which Jim O’Connell had
got a very good deal, and others just passing by to
say hello, many have holiday homes nearby, and
just staying for dinner. The weather was just great
with the sun splitting the stones as they say. A
“Luke Kelly Tribute” was the entertainment for the
Friday evening, he was very good both looking
and sounding like the man himself, but was he
loud, its not often you hear your own ear drums
banging together. Saturday night after dinner which
was optional there was music again, enough to
say our era, with a few members shaking their
bits, its sad what drink can do. Congratulations
went to Kieran Gallagher who celebrated his fiftieth
birthday with a Pink Ballerina Mouse cake. The view
from the hotel of the Lough is wonderful but just a
little disconcerting when while gazing at the water
you turn on tap and the same water seems to be
flowing into the sink complete with fish (alright I
exaggerate that bit) fortunately it cleared after a
while. I would like to apologise to anyone who had
been intending to bring children to the campsite, as
of this season the owners had decided to make it
an Adult Only site, but did not think to tell anyone at
the time of booking, Tom Mellot turned up with his
family and the Hotel owner told him to pitch in the
field which he did and apparently had a much better
time for free. Lets hope a group of swingers read
“Adult Only” as something quite different, should
be fun. It was great to see Don Kay up and about
again. Hi “T.J. and Caroline.
Any one who has photo’s or an interesting story
about their holidays or runs they have taken part in
or just a plain adventure please give Pat Mansfield
a call even if you don’t think your writing is up to
much, but it is a good story, his is, so he will help
edit it for you.
I am sure you would all like to congratulate Andy
Deane and Deidre O’Donnell on the marriage on
10th August in Castlemartyr, Co. Cork
62
The AGM this year is on the 22nd October 2005 in
The Grand Hotel Moate Co. Meath registration 11am
start meeting 12 am.
London Section
Graham Marshall
Two events to report on in August the first was
Jim Burrows “Run to the South” I was unable to
make this trip as I taking part in the BMW ring course
at the Nurburgring . I have been told that five bikes
went on an excellent run through the lanes and
villages of Sussex were on arrival at The George
Inn at Eartham, they were joined by a friendly dog
that decided to cock its leg all over Gordons boots.
The second event was the run to The company
shed on Mersea Island in Essex eleven bikes were
led by Dave Ensor on a picturesque run through
the Essex countryside.On arrival at the shed only
four of us managed to get a table and eat a seafood
platter, the rest of the group adjourned to the pub
over the road.
Looking ahead to October on the 9th we
have the Section A.G.M this is at 2.00pm in Newgate
Street village hall, please could you all try to be
there as a new commitee will be voted in and the
future direction of the section discussed.On the
16th we have The Cotswold run Mick Miles will
again be leading this run through the Oxfordshire
and Gloucestershire countryside for lunch.Looking
further ahead the Christmas dinner will be at The
Royal Chase Hotel in Enfield on Sat 3rd December,
please book early to avoid disappointment Thats
all for now I am off to Scotland for a week touring
on the KLT.
Safe riding.
Mercia Section
John Greene
The date for the AGM in last month’s Journal is
incorrect (I hasten to add that this is probably my
fault and is certainly not the editors nor his team)
the details of the AGM are as follows:Sunday 9th October at The National Memorial
Arboretum, Alrewas. Coffee/tea will be available
Thanks to Brian Cooper for his run to Leeds
Armoury when ten bikes turned out for a very
enjoyable day. Coffee stop was in Holmfirth with
an interesting ride up through the Peak District.
Thanks also to Reg (aka Chris Reedman) for the
run to Foxton locks which I unfortunately had to
miss.
from 10:00 and the meeting will start at 11:00 (as in
the Mercia Calendar).
The venue is near Alrewas which is on the A38
south of Burton, if approaching on the A38 from
the North take the slip road signed Alrewas and
take the first exit (turn left) from the island at the
top of the slip road, at the next island take the first
exit and the arboretum is on the left just past a
sharp bend. Small brown tourist signs indicate
the route.
Please make the effort to come along, meet friends
in the section and support your committee and
officers. The section needs a new social secretary
and a new treasurer so can we have some
volunteers. Nominations for officers should be
sent to Ray Smith (the secretary) with a proposer
and seconder, it would help if nominations were
received well in advance of the meeting. If you
want to see the section continue to flourish then
please get yourself nominated, none of these jobs
is particularly arduous nor time consuming but we
do need someone to take them on. Anyone with
new ideas on how the section should run are
particularly welcome, now is the time to ask not
what your section can do for you but what you
can do for your section (with apologies for the
misquotation).
I’ve just had a phone call from Derek Sheldon who
would like to thank all of you for your support and
help during his protracted problems with his foot.
Unfortunately Derek was left with little choice but
to have the foot amputated and is now looking
forward to a new lease of life with a carbon fibre
one complete with titanium toe sliders!
Bookings are now being taken for the section
Christmas party which will be at The Appleby Inn
on Saturday 3rd December. Please get your menu
choices and payments back to me by the end of
this month (end of October). Details are circulating
at natter nights with the booking forms also
available on-line so please book early. Overnight
accommodation is available at The Appleby but you
need to book that with the hotel.
Midland Section
Rob H
As you no doubt noticed the jottings were missing
from last month. The editor assures me this was
an oversight and it won’t happen again. Hopefully
this month we will get a double helping. Perhaps
he didn’t like the early mention of Christmas so I
won’t mention it this month. Got the sprouts on the
boil yet?
As to the notice last month re the section AGM,
please ignore the date for submission of items,
etc. If there is anything you wish discussing, etc.
then either let Dale Marchant or myself know before
the actual AGM begins.
Also please let me have any researched proposals
for next years calendar by then.
So what of past events.
Sam Souter has sent me a write up for the Fort
William trip.
Fort William 16th - 19th July
Our Small band of 5 bikes merrily set of only to be
hit by typical Scottish weather of pouring rain, we
turned quite a few heads when we stopped at
Jedbrough for lunch leaving pools of water
wherever we stood. Anyway we couldn’t get any
wetter (so we thought) so after a lovely lunch we
set off once again into the rain to our hotel where
we met up with Barry and Hazel who had joined
63
us from the Yorkshire section.
The following day we all set off under blue sky’s
to Oban where we then split into two groups with
some staying for some retail therapy whilst the
rest took the twisty route to Invarrery Jail where
we were thrown in the slammer. In the evening
we all met up again for a hearty meal and plenty of
wine.
On Saturday we took a trip out to the point of
Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point on the main
land but unfortunately all we could see was mist
and drizzle so decided to take a ferry over to
Toblamorey (Better known to Toddlers as
Ballamory!), where we indulged ourselves in the
local chocolate shop.
We had a great time the hotel was lovely and we
just missed the floods in Yorkshire on the way
home.
Thanks to Sam for her efforts in organising this
weekend.
On the 6th of August a large group made their way
to Ireland where I believe a good time was had.
Gilbert has promised me a write up to include in a
future issue.
On the 21st there was the ride to the Raptor Centre
near to Huntingdon. The turn out was a bit
disappointing, there were several members either
new to the club or taking the opportunity to partake
of a first rideout. It is a fascinating place with the
opportunity to learn about our birds of prey and to
join in some of the demonstrations. To have one of
these birds fly to you and take food from your
hand is quite an experience.
A few words from Richard about the day and his
ride to Huntingdon which wasn’t without incident.
Six left Donnington, 1 bike broke down within a
few miles; suspect carburettor problems.
The “main” event was near Collyweston where
poor old Nick Fearn from Selston Nott’s had a tumble.
Bike in front of him braked on gravel but stayed
upright, but Nick braked on the same piece of gravel
but wasn’t so lucky.
to all my party for their help. Nick attended A/E at
his local hospital a badly sprained wrist seemed to
have been the only bodily damage.
Unfortunately it was Nicks FIRST run out having
only passed his test some 3 months ago. Hope
everything is ok Nick and this hasn’t put you off
riding with us.
So to the future. The Sunday meets are upon us
again. I still have not been informed as to who is
organising the Towcester meet. If someone out
there knows perhaps they could let me know.
I know I said I wasn’t going to mention Christmas
again, but Sally and Graham Clulley are taking
bookings for the Greetham Dinner so if you want a
place at this popular event get in there soon.
So folks that’s all for now. Over to you Mr Editor.
( zzzz... pardon ???? Ed )
Nick’s 3 year old F650F sustained damage to the
front forks smashed and lots of fork oil on road,
various panels and panniers became scratched/
damaged; and a few aching limbs; many thanks go
64
Northern Section
Geoff Thompson
You may recall my muse at the end of
last month’s news where I dreamt of erecting our
tent at the National Rally in warm sunshine; well it
wasn’t quite like that! Overall we were very lucky
with the weather and Karen and I, along with a
good number of Section Members enjoyed a very
friendly and relaxed Rally at Kelso. Unfortunately,
Peter McCombie had a bit of a mishap on the
Saturday whilst taking part in a ride out and was
injured in a collision with a car. Fortunately he is in
good spirits and is expected to be fit again in 5 to 6
weeks although sadly his bike is probably written
off.
This month’s Hale Barns meeting on 8th
of October will be the AGM and I hope that many of
you will come along and have your say on how
the Section is run. I shall not be there as I have
work commitments in the Isle of Man but I do intend
to stand as Social Secretary for another year and
I hope those present will vote me in again. Apart
from our regular natter nights there are only two
other Section events for this month. On the 5th I
shall be leading Paul Nadin’s final mid week run
and on the 23rd Bill Smithson has arranged a ride
to the Auchencastle Hotel at Beatock for lunch,
leaving Burton Services at 9:30am.
District National Park. On some of the ‘roads’ you
could get by without touching the banks of bracken
on either side with your panniers. After a bacon
‘buttie’ stop at a very busy Devil’s Bridge, Derek
Irving led the group through the back lanes to the
Northern Section meet at Chipping. A free lunch
was laid on for everyone attending and my estimate
was a turnout of around 100 people. Finally we
hear about Mike Gibson’s Mid-week Run: The group
left Devil’s Bridge for a scenic ride over Hartside
and an obligatory stop for ‘Brunch’. We continued
to Barnard Castle via Alston (and its cobbles) before
returning to Kirkby Stephen and a look at Potter
Brothers collection of old motorcycles.
It’s good to hear that a monthly meeting is
now taking place on the 3rd Tuesday of each month
on the Isle of Man at the Creek in Peel.
Finally a reminder that you shouldn’t have
put the tent away yet as Rhys Jones has arranged
another Swallow Falls Hotel, camping & youth
hostel weekend, near Betws Y Coed over the 2527 Nov. Hope to see you there!
North East
Tony Seed
Bill has kindly reported on 3 runs which
took place over the last few weeks: The first was
Phil’s Sticky Bun Run: 20 bikes, riders and pillions,
left The Little Chef near Garstang for a run through
the Forest of Bowland and then via Settle to the
coffee stop at Horton-in-Ribblesdale. The next leg
took us to the lunch stop at The Kearton Hotel,
Thwaite. The run continued through Buttertubs
Pass, Hawes and Ingleton where some of us left
for our various destinations home and
consequently missing out on the ‘sticky buns’. As
runs and days out go, they don’t get any better
than this, was a comment made by one rider.
Thanks! Phil and Linda.
The Section AGM is on October 5th at Belmont at
7.30 pm. Please come to the meeting to have your
say, and to participate in the election of the
Committee for the coming year. The participation of
as many members as possible is important, so that
their views are represented, and for the support
of the Committee who have to keep the Section
running for the year – not nearly so difficult when
they know there is a wide spectrum of support.
And we will be looking for run leaders for next
year to fill the spaces; the runs put on by many
members this year, such as Pete’s and Jack’s this
month, provide much of the enjoyment that the Club
is for – riding out and meeting friends; they’re not
difficult to do, and are not critiqued!! If you’re
interested have a chat with any Committee member.
Next up its John Bell’s Breakfast Run:
We left Burton Services at 7.00am on a run which
took us through Lindale, Grange-over-Sands and
Cark. Surprisingly, there were a lot of cars and
vans out and about on their way to a huge car
boot on the airfield. These were soon left behind
however as we made our way through the Lake
Mike Rowe is taking us West on the 16th October at
10 am, from Wynyard Services. It’s the last
arranged run of the year, except for a post
Christmas refresher; so let’s have a good turn out
for the trip up Weardale.
65
Looking forward a bit, the Annual Dinner will be
held at Bowburn Hall Hotel on Saturday 4 th
February; a date for the diary. Ann has arranged a
carvery type main course this time. The rooms will
be £55 double and £45 single – please quote the
BMW function when booking. More on this later.
We will have a photo competition as normal at the
Dinner; BUT – we need the entries by the end of
the year, so selection and printing from the “digis”
need to be arranged for then!
And should you leave Ann or any of us a message
on the phone, please make sure it is loud and clear,
the return contact details in particular.
Enjoy the autumn colours.
Oxford Section
John Hillier
On the 14th August Ian Dobie led an ride out, which
passed many historic sights such as the Avebury
stone circle, the White horse at Uffington and ended
at the section barbeque which this year was held
at my house in Mortimer. The barbeque was well
attended with over forty people there, everybody
seemed to be having a good time even me as all I
had to was talk to people and I did not even cook
an sausage. I took people on guided tours of the
railway room, Diane Chapple even got to run my
trains and this was a first as Graham has not let
her run his on his layout. After having the barbeque
in my little garden many other people have offered
to host barbeques for the section so for the next
couple of years the barbeques are already
pencilled in, also next year’s diary of events is
basically sorted. My neighbours were very kind in
letting me have parking space for all the bikes,
they were amazed to see so many bikes in the
close.
The BMW club national rally in Kelso, hosted by
Scottish section, was very good.
Our section was quite well represented with eight
members there. The Scottish Borders is super
motorcycling country, on Monday when I came
home I took the A68 over Carter Bar, in fine weather
simply superb, no wonder the A68 has so many
speed cameras.
66
This month will be the first indoor meeting at
Uffington, at 2.00pm on the 9th October, I hope to
have a speaker from the Air ambulance.
Don’t forget that we are playing the Western section
at skittles at the Stirrup Cup at Bisley near Stroud,
meeting at 12 noon.
Next month we will be having our AGM, the date is
the 13th November and the time is 2.00pm
There will be Christmas dinners organised on the
pub nights at both the George and Dragon at
Erlestoke and The Waggon and Horses at
Southmoor, the dates are the 1st and the 13th
December contact Alan Roberts for Erlestoke
(07866 055207) or Geoff Clough for Southmoor
(01865 820874) to book.
Scottish Section
South East Section
Steve Shepley
Brian Shears
Dick Boyd’s camping weekend came two days
after I moved house but, as I had moved closer to
him (can’t bear to be parted!) and I had borrowed
his bike trailer, wifie and I went along for the
Saturday night bash. The dozen campers seemed
to be enjoying themselves and the meal in the pub
certainly lived up to standard. Our collective thanks
to Dick, and especially Kate, for letting us use their
back garden again.
August events started with the ‘West Kent
International Rally’, which is primarily a vintage bike
event. The South East Section has supported the
rally for a number of years by taking along a mixture
of old and new bikes for display and by having a
good old chin-wag with the many keen visitors. It
is a very casual event but nonetheless very
enjoyable. Our thanks go to John Smith and Norman
Devonshire for arranging our participation and to
our members for supporting the event.
But the big event in August was the National Rally
at Kelso. As I write this the tiredness and
exhaustion continue to linger but it was worth it as
I didn’t get one single complaint (The President tried
but I told him that I don’t do complaints on free
rallies) and saw lots of smiling faces. The caterers
were excellent, the site team magnificent and my
band of willing helpers were marvellous. My thanks
to everyone who made it possible and to 400+ folk
who came along; it was lovely to see you again
and make some new friends.
The Glen Coe camping weekend at the Invercoe
Campsite in Ballachulish is at the end of September/
beginning of October so you may just get this
before you set off. Always a popular event with
rides, walks and coffees in cafes. No guarantees
about the weather but historically it has been dry;
cold but dry.
And then on 9 October we have the AGM. The
Diary had this on 16th but the Log Cabin have a
wedding on that weekend and couldn’t take us.
So, 12:30 at the Log Cabin, Kirkmichael for
complimentary lunch prior to the AGM. I have said
that I am standing down as your Social Secretary
so if you think/know you can do a better job then
now is your chance. If you want to know what is
involved then give me a call.
The last event of the year is the St Andrew’s Night
dinner. Again at the Log Cabin, 26 November is the
closest date we can get. Book your meal and room
with Dick Boyd on 01343 870389. Details were in
last month’s News but just to remind you, the meal
is £10 each and B&B is £15.
Our second Section Summer BBQ, on the 13th, could
have been a disaster as far as the weather was
concerned. Fortunately for us our host, Bill Laing,
was looking after a large marquee for his daughter
and she most kindly allowed us to use it. After a
great deal of huffing and puffing by Bill, his son
and daughter plus ‘Billy Muggins’ we produced a
superb erection on the back lawn. It was to prove
a godsend, for the heavens opened the next day
on the evening of the BBQ. The ‘Bogs Dollacks
Trio’ set up shop at one end and over fifty members
managed to find seats in the marquee to enjoy a
sumptuous feast. The meat, fish dishes and other
tit-bits were once again most ably cooked by
Graham Ashmore. My beloved cooked a vegetable
chilli, which went down well and was still
producing fearsome afterburn the following day!
Bill Haller made the pasta and rice dishes whilst
Jane Laing, assisted by Margaret, dealt with the
onerous task of supermarket shopping. As ever,
our little crew of superb helpers made light of all
the irksome tasks! All sorts of gateaux,
cheesecakes, Pavlova a la Jane, strawberries and
cream rounded off a ‘belly-bursting’ epic. The high
point of the evening came when local diva,
‘Luscious Lily Laing’, joined the trio for an awesome
rendering of Lily Marlene, which blew my hearing
aid apart at the seams! The evening’s
entertainment (I use the words loosely) concluded
with a good old ‘Gang-Show’ style sing along. It
was a very enjoyable evening, made more so by
all of the lovely people who came along regardless
of the weather, not knowing that the marquee was
there. Our grateful thanks go to them, to the helpers,
to Bill and Jane Laing for providing a superb venue
and to Laura for the use of the marquee.
67
The Section’s 30th Birthday party, on the 17th, was
attended by nearly sixty members. A very nice
buffet was provided by the ‘Riano’s’ chef and it
soon came under attack by Section members, some
of whom are known to be professional eaters! It
was nice to see everyone enjoying themselves,
which is something we seem to be particularly
good at in this Section. Thank you all for your
support.
In the previous Journal I said that there would be a
report this month on Mike Foxwell’s run to Boughton
on Water. Having had a quick chat with Mike I can
only tell you that the route worked out well and
members had several options for doing their own
thing once they reached their destination.
Everyone enjoyed the day and the company. Which
is, after all, what it is all about. Our thanks go to
Mike for organising the run.
Please let me have any ideas for runs and or a
willingness to organise one at the AGM on the 5th
October please. Also, don’t forget that we have a
Guest Speaker at ‘Riano’s’ on the 19th October.
Finally, please book with Margaret (01474 566142)
if you would like to come to the Christmas Lunch,
at the Poultwood Golf Centre, on the 11th December
at 12 noon. Early booking is advisable.
Take care and keep it upright.
South West Section
Les Madge
Despite a damp start on the Friday, 31 people in 19
tents turned up at the Slimbridge camping weekend
on 5-7th. August. Many of the group visited the
68
wild fowl centre while others walked along the
canal and found suitable hostelries for
refreshments. Congratulations go to Paul Brown
on becoming a Grandfather over the weekend.
Congratulations also go to Brian and Linda Ryder
not only for buying a new R850R but also for
surviving the camping weekend. Hope to see you
all there again next year. Keith
Two reports follow, Helen Beer first. Can’t send
you a full report as I didn’t get to Cornwall (had
some scones to make) but nearly 40 came here
for tea. We sat in glorious sunshine in the garden
and devoured a mountain of rolls and sarnies
before starting on the cakes and scones…. Then
several of us went down the beach ( a few even
tried the water) and the last ones left at 2200! Yup
– a good time was had by all. There was a lovely
buzz and chatter throughout the event – lots of
holiday talk as well as the usual bike comparisons.
Daisy was much admired too!Keith Hackett. On
the 14 August the sun was shining , the birds were
singing and the chefs were cheffing , Twelve early
birds managed to get up in time for brunch at Devas
in Par once again a full English breakfast with
gallons of tea and coffee and plenty of good
banter.After stuffing our faces 6 bikes followed
uncle Ted up the A30 and onto Budleigh Salterton
where Helen had prepared enough sandwiches
and cakes to feed the five thousand..Fortunately
about 40 hungry people turned up to help move the
mountain of food. Later in the evening the coast
guard reported strange objects floating in the sea
– it turned out that some of the group had decided
to go swimming.Thanks to both Deva and Helen
and of course Nobby and John for putting on a
great spread.
10 Southwest section Members made the journey
north for the BMW Club National Rally at Kelso. If a
long distance award had been awarded I feel sure
that Tom Atkinson would have been the worthy
winner. St. Ives in Cornwall to Kelso for the
weekend, now that’s what a BMW Motorcycle is
built for. Thanks to Steve Shepley, Dick Boyd and
their team of helpers from the Scottish Section for
all their time and effort organising this event.
The forthcoming ride across Exmoor with Chris &
Sylv Crocker will be your last opportunity this year
to enjoy a section ride out, so be there. .
Conformation from Rose Cecil has now been
received. Rose will be giving a presentation on
her ‘White Night Ride’. Rose who completed this
trip across Russia back in June this year, travelled
with six other riders all BMW GS Adventurer
mounted. Other team members included official
around the world record holder Kevin Sanders,
Lord Fairfax, a prince and an Olympic gold medal
holder. To fit in with her busy schedule, Rose will
be with us on Sunday the 13th. November at The
Jamaica Inn. for a 2 pm. start. The meeting printed
in your diary for the 6th. November has been
cancelled.
This year our Christmas Party will be held on
Sunday 3rd December at The Globe Sampford
Peverell. Although the detail has yet to be agreed,
the cost is likely to be less than at anytime during
the last 5 years. No disco or live entertainment is
envisaged, so you will be able to talk to your friends.
For further information and provisional booking
contact a committee member after 5th. October.
LAST CHANCE MEET. WALTZING MATILDA HERE
WE COME. HELEN & DAVE ARE HOLDING A
FAREWELL GET TOGETHER AT ST. AUDRIES BAY
ON SATURDAY 22nd OCTOBER. EVERYONE
WELCOME. OVERNIGHT ACCOMODATION
AVAILABLE IF REQUIRED. Contact Dave or Helen
01984 667500
Deva Donno has decided to resign as Section
Regalia Officer. Deva has held this post for many
years and we thank her for her commitment to it.
As well as the extra revenue generated for section
funds Deva has made many a worthy contribution
at committee meetings and to the club as a whole.
Nominations for this post and others may be
accepted on the day, so see you at the AGM on the
23rd. October at 2 pm Safe riding.
Southern Section
David Williamson
Still no word from the old gits, I assume they still
meet, perhaps they do but nobody remembers. Is
there anybody out there?
On 7 August Colin Young met us at the Seven Stars,
and led us by nowhere in particular to his house. I
am just grateful there are no gated roads in
Hampshire! Following coffee and biscuits, the
section never moves unless it is fed, 7 of us set
out on a walk and had a picnic overlooking
Frensham pond in glorious sunshine. As you are
aware the Southern Section has certain standards
and during the walk the group formed the opinion
that Colin needed sprucing up. So once we had
returned to Colin’s house and had been suitably
refuelled Myfanwy cut Colin’s hair with a pair of
kitchen scissors. She found the comments offered
by the audience very helpful, apparently. Colin
looks much smarter and after 2 weeks you can
hardly see the stitches. See what you miss!
69
The 14 August saw 21 members accompany
Myfanwy and I to the St Regis Pulp Mill situated on
the Welsh side of the Severn Bridge. Here we
were taken on a tour of the mill, which converts
4,500 tonnes of hardwood timber per week into
the cardboard that is used as the corrugated filling
(fluting) in the walls of cardboard boxes. So next
time you unpack a computer or a white good the
chances are that the fluting in the walls of the box
came from this mill. Following the visit we were
given a hearty lunch (you see our reputation for
eating is spreading) before the ride home. Many
thanks to Mike Henderson for taking us around the
mill and for providing lunch.
November
The Christmas bash takes place on 26 Nov at The
Grange in Midhurst and starts at 19.30 hrs. The
event will be like a barn dance but we will learn
some simple jive movements instead. The cost will
be £10 per person and this will include a buffet
and a free raffle. Please book with Nigel Page
01730 817782 or David Williamson 01428 751756.
The proposed talk on the 13 November has been
cancelled but there will be a series of talks in the
New Year on 22 Jan, 26 Feb and 26 March all at
Rake Village Hall.
Ulster Section
Michael Sweeney
Fifteen people joined the Saturday night fun at
Popham Airfield on 21 August and most camped
and enjoyed the vintage show on the Sunday. A
simple event close to home but great fun.
At the other extreme about 20 members from the
Southern Section made it up to Kelso in the Scottish
borders for the national rally. Many thanks to Greg
and Eve for providing the support vehicle and
transporting so many essentials. We all had a great
time and the section dominated the dance floor
during the Scottish dancing. That’s not to say we
excelled at this art and I fear we provided much
amusement, but hey, we enjoyed it. We were
incredibly fortunate with the weather as the
forecast was dire, although it was very windy
throughout. One notable event was that Colin
Young was first to leave for home, must be that
racy haircut. Many thanks to the Scottish section
for all their hard work.
October
I am afraid that the walk on the 2 October has been
cancelled.
However, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting on
Saturday 8 Oct. Meet Newlands Corner at 09.30,
but please book in advance with Richard Evans
Tel 01372 378196.
The Section AGM takes place at Rake Village Hall
on 23 Oct at 11.00 so start thinking what you want
in the calendar for 2006. There has been little or
no activity this year so get ready to step forward.
Eve Smith 02380 251146 has kindly volunteered to
organise a buffet lunch and will appreciate your
help so please give her a ring.
Meet at Safeways Devizes 11.00 for breakfast on
30 Oct.
70
Well, Corr’s Corner was packed to the rafters on
Tuesday 6th last for the Section’s September
meeting. The fine weather had lured a lot of people
out to the meeting on their motor bicycles and there
was much gossiping and kicking of tyres outside
in the mild late summer air before the meeting got
under way.
We received reports about a couple of successful
runs which members had taken part in since we
last met.
Jack Weir’s Sunday Run had a very good turnout
with fourteen bikes turning out to gallop over a
variety of country roads and having a good lunch
together.
Norman and a chum went to the National Rally at
Kelso. They reported that the facilities were very
good and that they enjoyed a couple of runs to
both Edinburgh and Northumberland.
Tommy then read out a letter which he had received,
as Chairman of the Section, from Jim Hill the
Manager of Charles Hurst BMW Motorrad, in
response to the customer feedback reported in
these pages last month. There is not room in these
pages to reproduce the full text of the letter but in
the interests of fairness and balance his main
points were, as follows.
Jim detailed the amount and variety of work which
passes through the CH Motorrad workshops every
year and said that while an odd mistake may
inevitably be made, that their customer service is
above the national average.
Vintage & Classic Register
Malcolm Mc Nair
He also dealt with the report of the customer who
we heard had been charged over £800 for a clutch
replacement by pointing out that the cost of the job
was actually £765 and that the invoice was not
simply for the clutch but for other work also.
Jim mentioned that he was offended by the
suggestion that any of his staff might need
retraining and that all CH Motorrad staff undergo
BMW’s in-house training on an ongoing basis.
Jim concluded by stressing that he or his staff
cannot rectify any problems that they are not made
aware of and that he felt that he and his staff
were approachable enough and that he was
disappointed to learn that some customers felt
otherwise.
When Tommy had read the letter there followed a
vigorous and robust discussion about the
complaints which had been made and it wasn’t all
bad news. For example, the individual who last
month told us about the problems with his R1200ST
wished it to be made known that this issue was
ultimately resolved to his satisfaction. And I can
report that Jim very quickly and graciously resolved
my little problem once he actually knew about it.
Others however, who had not attended last
months meeting, now described problems and
difficulties which they had experienced with the
service and many took the view that a lack of
competition in Norn Iron had perhaps led to a little
complacency. In the interests of maintaining sweet
and harmonious relations with CH Motorrad these
comments are not listed here but will I am sure be
available in the club minutes for those interested.
It was suggested at the meeting that Jim or one of
his staff may wish to address the membership
some Tuesday evening and the consensus seemed
to be that this would be a very good idea.
Section members also enjoyed a thoroughly
professional presentation by Richard Herron on
the strengths and weaknesses of various GPS
systems as applied to motorcycles. His website
address was detailed in these pages a couple of
months ago and is well worth a visit if you’re
considering buying or using GPS.
71
Vintage & Classic Register
Malcom McNair
Well, sorry about last months report for the Journal
but it disappeared into the ether! A bit late to report
now but the VMCC Founder’s Day gathering in July
was, un-characteristically, a complete washout.
Torrential rain, from mid morning on, tested the new
Register gazebo and limited the numbers of
members who attended. Nevertheless those that
did brave the rain kept the Club flag flying up until
mid afternoon when most called time and rode
home.
My request last month for someone to take over
the Classic Motorcycle Show next April has been
answered by Mike Fishwick the Club’s Technical
Officer. Mike, who has nine successful NEC shows
under his belt, has volunteered to organize things
so any communications relating to the show should
be sent to him at Sirgon, 24250 Daglan, France. or
e-mail [email protected]
Three other members have kindly offered their
services so things are looking good for next April.
I will however be compiling a provisional list of
those who would like to exhibit next year so please
give me a call.
Most members will be aware that the Register is
affiliated to the Federation of British Historic Vehicle
Clubs, an organisation that looks after the interests
of owners of older vehicles. This organisation is
essential with all the rubbish coming out of Brussels.
It is now down to you all to participate in a survey
questionnaire that will give our lobbyists the data
that is required to fight against any future EU plans
to jeopardise our freedom on the road, and I’m not
just talking about machines over 25 years old,
younger ones are in the firing line.
An A4 size questionnaire is available from me just
send an SAE (A5 will be okay) email or telephone.
Unfortunately photocopies are not acceptable, as
the forms will be read by automated equipment
that will not function if there is any distortion due to
copying. All information will be treated in confidence
and no personal data will be disclosed.
The completed questionnaire will need to be
returned to the FBHVC by the end of the year.
I do urge you to participate and you do not have to
be a member of the Register to participate. It’s in
every ones interest. Thanks
72
I was recently put in contact with a company that
produces personalized T-shirts, and I have
subsequently, had the opportunity to see a sample
of their work. The quality of their T-shirts is excellent
and the same applies to the reproduction of the
digital image and text they apply. Any image can be
reproduced up to a size of 330mm x 270mm. Price
is a reasonable £10.00 so if you fancy something
different, possibly to advertise the Register in your
own way contact Andy Dickinson on 0044 – 1287
– 644582 or 0044 – 7968 – 470398. The name of
the company is Box of Fireworks and their e-mail
[email protected]
Your copy of ‘The Vintage & Classic News’ (15/
2005) should be with this issue of the Journal but
if not please give me a call, with your membership
number to hand, and I’ll send a copy out.
Western Section
Brian Harrison
We had a good turnout for our carvery lunch at the
Anchor Hotel in Tintern - we will have to arrange
a repeat next year.
Meetings at the Codrington Arms on the first
Wednesday are attracting a few more members
so do your best to come and join in.
Arthurs visit to the Army Flying Museum was very
successful. We had the best weather and about
20 people. All of pensionable age, according to
Arthur, who arranged a reduced price for us all.
The museum is very interesting and has a good
cafe to round things off. It was nice to see a few
new faces aswell as a good variety of bikes.
I am not sure what happened to last months report
but had problems getting it e-mailed and posted it
instead. It may have missed the deadline as a result!!
Colin Ross ran his Drovers Roads run, again on a
super day. We all met, as planned, at the Elan Visitor
Centre and undertook his ride around the welsh
drovers roads in fair style. The low level of water
in the reservoirs makes you realise just how dry
things have been this summer.
Thanks Colin for a great day out and to all who
came and took part.
Please make sure you keep 9th October free to
take part in the section AGM. We need all the help
members can give to fill next years section
programme. Unfortunately Marion and I will be on
our way back from Portugal the same day so will
not be able to speak to people. So, if you have
some ideas for rides or visits, please give details
to a committee member or ring me after 10th
October.
Yorkshire Section
Biker Chick
I missed deadline for September journal as it was
brought forward, which I was not made aware of.
First a report from Mike Dorking on Yorkshire Section
Camping at Naburn Lock; Twenty-four campers
turned up for our first camping weekend at Naburn
Lock near York. This wasn’t bad when the weather
forecast was for rain, thunder and hailstones. {
Actually the weather was glorious sunshine} It
was encouraging to see members from East Anglia
and the Midland sections. New member Andy from
Withernsea was made welcome and we look
forward to seeing him at future events. John and
Pat looked in to say hello, and Dennis who had
ridden up from Portsmouth after a holiday in France.
On the Saturday most of us were too far back in
the queue to get on the river bus into York so we
caught the bus as the stop is outside the campsite.
It only takes about ten minutes into York centre.
Five of us went to the National Railway Museum,
which, if you are interested in railways is a must,
being free it really appealed to the Yorkshire
contingent. Others did their own thing but all
enjoyed themselves in the City. Certainly everyone
had a smile on their faces on the return trip. I reckon
the landlord of the pub in Naburn would also be
smiling, as his weekend takings ill have been given
a boost
It is noticeable the members attending these
weekend camps form a small but enthusiastic
minority within the club. It’s a pity that more don’t
try it. Are we getting to old, affluent or otherwise
entertained to be bothered? Thanks to Mike for the
event. It would be great if everyone who put on an
event let the scribe have a short report, it’s not
always possible for her to get to every event.
The Bunkhouse weekend was such a success
it’s booked again for next year with another day
added on to make it even better. Thanks to Pete for
doing the event and the write up in the Journal.
The section Christmas Dinner is now confirmed at
The Rising Sun,Whitwood, Castleford. Junction 31
off M62 towards Castleford. deposit of £5 p.p.
Please send your Cheques to Dennis (his address
is in Diary) or Dave Milne,at 132 Sandgate Drive,
Kippax,Leeds. LS25 7QR and please put the names
of attendees on the back. There is accommodation
nearby at Premier Travel Inn also The Bridge Inn
Tele 01977 55049 for more info you can call Dave
or Doreen Milne on 01132 860604, Dave has offered
to act as Social Secretary for the present. This is
going to be a good do this year so make the effort
and you won’t be disappointed. With our AGM
coming up soon if you are going to do an event in
2006 please can you have the details ready
preferably with a choice of dates. As you can
appreciate we do have to get the Diary ready for
printing as early as we can so that it can go out
with your renewals to save costs on postage. .
Safe and Happy Riding.
Regarding our AGM on 16th October at 12 noon
at the Conservative Club in Gilmersome,here
is a list of jobs, which need to be done by section
members:
Secretary ; Membership Processor; Section
Rep.(who will become a director of BMW club ltd
for term of office) Social secretary; Diary of
Events(layout & printing); Diary of Events
(advertising & collecting their payments); Diary of
Events (updating Journal); Section news for
Journal; Treasurer; Minute recorder; Regalia; Web
master & up dater; Events Co-ordinator i.e.
Christmas Dinner and other Venues. Some of these
posts to not have to be Committee positions. Is
anyone willing to help? There are 13 posts listed
here, 3 of us are doing them at present.
Dennis Crompton – Section Treasurer. .
73
Mutual Aid
Mutual Aid Adverts are to enable BMW Club Members to buy or sell motorcycles or related items that they
own. The service is free but subject to the rules below and excludes trade advertisers.
1. Note adverts are NOT accepted over the phone send them by post
to the Mutual Aid Officer: Owen Vaughan, 16 South Meadows,
Pembroke,
Pembs.
SA71
4E,
or
by
e-mail:
[email protected] (Please remember to include
your full postal address). Phone queries only between 10:00 – 20:00
please, to 01646 683188. .
2. All adverts should be readable and punctuated. Please TYPE,
PRINT or e-mail clearly using a standard font. Fancy script might
look pretty but is hard for us to read!
3. The maximum length is 50 words, excluding your phone number
and name. If you wish to use more than 50 words your option is to
pay for the advert at 20p a word for the WHOLE advert. Payment
with advert before submission. Note one advert/month per section.
At the editor’s discretion adverts can be edited where deemed
necessary due to space.
4. In your advert, include your forename and one phone number.
Extra phone numbers, times to call, e-mail addresses, web sites etc
will be excluded.
5. You must include your name, full address, Section and
membership number; these will not be published but we will check
membership.
MOTORCYCLES FOR SALE
F650GS May 2002, 6,600 miles. H/grips, BMW
topbox & expandable panniers, super cond, £3350.
Ken Tel 01642 314759 (Cleveland)
F650ST 2001, ‘Y’ reg, 21,900 miles, Black. Ex cond,
FBMWSH, h/grips, h/guards. Available Isle of Wight
or Hereford £2790 Richard Tel 01983 247436. (Isle
of Wight)
K75RT 1991, ‘H’ reg, 16,000 miles, Blue. ABS,
panniers, comfort seat, T&T. Good standard bike
£2100 Pete Tel 295253207 (Oxon)
K100 1985 16,000 miles, Silver. Original parts, non
BMW full fairing, panniers, stereo, spots, RT bars,
agent maintaned, oiled & covered. £800 ono.
Kenneth Tel 07791 997039
K100LT 1991, 95,000 miles, Red. Professionally
resprayed, ABS, BMW panniers, 42 ltr top box,
Irish reg. Euro 3995 ono Kevin Tel 065 6868829
(Eire)
K100RS 1986 ‘D’ reg, 20,000 miles, Silver. MOT to
08/06. Hepco & Becker top box & panniers. K100
bars fitted, originals inc. Good tyres, recently
service by BMW dealer. £1300 Neil Tel 01525
261288 (Bucks)
K100RS 1987 ‘D’ reg, 14,500, miles, Pale metallic
blue. BMW top box & panniers, VGC & ready to
ride, £1850 ono Andy. Tel 01295 269718 (Bucks)
(Non Mbr)
74
6. Mutual Aid Adverts are accepted for a one-month insertion only.
Any subsequent submissions are the responsibility of the
advertiser.
7. Please note the copy deadline in the Journal and understand
which edition it applies to before querying why your advert hasn’t
appeared two weeks after you sent it! Please do not leave it to the
copy date until you send your advert as we are very busy then: It’s
First Come, First Served at closing time!
8. The BMW Club cannot be held responsible for the quality or
availability of items or goods or for any arrangements for delivery
or payment.
9. Adverts from non - club members may be accepted in special
circumstances. For information, please contact the Mutual Aid
Officer.
Business Advertisement (Disclosure) Order 1977
Any advertiser who places an advertisement concerning the sale of
goods being sold in the course of business shall clearly indicate this
fact. This applies whether the advertiser is acting on their own behalf
or for another party. If you have reason to believe that you have been
misled as to the status of any advertiser, please inform your local Trading
Standards Department and the Editor immediately. The fine for
breaches of this order is up to £1,000.
NOTE NOVEMBER JOURNAL
COPY DEADLINE IS 1ST
OCTOBER
K100RS SE 8V 1990 ‘G’ reg, 39,000 mls, Blue/
White. ABS, s/s hoses, Koni shock. Fuel & temp
gauges, panniers, new tyres, Datatag, MOT 08/
06. £2000 ono. Tony Tel 01482 856749 (Yorks)
K100RS 16v 1990 ‘G’ reg, 57,000 miles, Astral blue.
Colour coded panniers & top box, very good tyres,
maintained by Mick Barr last 6 years, VGC £2000
ono Terry Tel 01572 755292 (Rutland)
K1100LT 1992, 88,000 miles. No MOT/Tax, runs &
rides well. Reasonable offers. Brian Tel 07951
318105 (Notts)
K1100LT 1994, ‘M’ reg, 50,000 Miles, Arctic Blue.
Corbin seat, Autocom & radio, panniers, topbox &
tank bags. Lots of Kit if req’d. Jpegs available.
£3200 ono Tony Tel 01749 830521 (Somerset)
K1100RS, 1993 ‘L’reg, 27.000 miles, Blue. Panniers,
long T&T, FSH, virtually one owner from new, ex
cond, £2800 John Tel 01280 823111 (Bucks)
K1200GT 2002 ‘52’ reg, 40,000 miles Grey/green.
ABS, htd/package, colour coordinated panniers &
inner bags. Givi 46 top box, FBMWSH, cruise
control, electric screen, tank bag, circumstances
force change of bike, swap for good cond R90S/
K1 with cash difference or sell £6250 ono. Peter
Tel 01202 480074 (Dorset)
K1200RS 1998 ‘V’ reg, 22,000 miles, TVR
pearlescent green/blue/gold. FBMWSH, T&T, BMW
luggage,Givi top box plus starcom system. Move
to Cyprus forces reluctant sale £5500, without
cherished number plate. Eric Tel 01438 222671
K1200RS 18,000 miles. Mint cond, T&T, FBMWSH,
ABS, h/grips, panniers & s/s bolts. £4500 ono Tel
01382 54260 (Scotland)
R60 1959, Black. Ex original cond, a fine example
of this beautiful engineered bike. New silencers &
handle bar indicators, single seat. £4250 Patsy 00
353 4293 28206 (Eire)
R60/6 1975. Tidy reliable bike, recent exhaust, good
tyres, T&T, Boyer ignition, points etc. inc if
preferred. £900 ono Paul Tel 01785 246635 (Staffs)
R60/7 1978, 88,000, Blue. S/s exhausts, recent
clutch, 750cc conversion, 600 barrels, heads
supplied, pannier frames, new battery, good tyres,
8 months tax, MOT, £1050 Dave Tel 01425 475756
(Hamps)
R651981 3,000 miles, Metallic Blue. One owner,
MOT 02/06, Tax 09/06, twin discs, crash bars,
fork gaiters, new battery, BMW tool & First Aid kits.
Immac showroom cond. £2250 Bryan Tel 01332
701524 (Derbys)
R65 1979 20,000 miles, Red. 2 owners, Tax 10/05,
MOT 07/06. BMW screen, panniers, new rear tyre,
£1600. Brian Tel 01792 850809 (S. Wales)
R75/5 1973, 59,000 miles. Showroom cond, BMW
panniers, s/s fittings, Taxed, MOT 07/06, complete
with brand new hydraulic work bench £2950 Tom
Tel 01352 810478 (N. Wales)
R75/6 1976, Black with gold pin-striping. Total rebuild 2,000 miles ago. All documents, bills & photos
available. Lots s/s with some sensible mods built
in, see Journal Nov. 2002 An appreciating classic.
£2600 ono Peter Tel 01758 613401. (N. Wales)
R75/6 1977 61,323 miles. Ex police, gd cond,
Bereavement sale only £900 Marian Tel 01303
813213 (Kent)
R80 1991 ‘H’ reg, 45,000 miles, Purple. Gd cond,
BMW cruiser screen, panniers, volt meter & clock.
£1400 ono Ray Tel 01772 432785 (Lancs)
R80/7 1978, Black. MOT 07/06 s/s exhaust, Konis,
recent overhaul for unleaded petrol. £1500 Brian
Tel 01792 850809 (S. Wales)
R80/7 1978 ‘S’ reg, 46,750 miles, Metalic blue. Mot
07/06. New s/s exhaust, Koni Dialaride, Boyer
Branson ignition, progressive fork springs plus
seal, head race & wheel bearings. Crash bars,
new seat & original Powder coated frame. Very
clean & tidy bike £1750 ono Peter Tel 01261 861572
(Scotland)
R80/7 1980, 48,000 miles, Bronco Brown, S/s
exhausts, many s/s bits, BMW panniers. £1300
ono, return from holiday 1st Oct. Jim Tel 01821
640215 (Scotland)
R80GS Paralever 1991, 50,000 miles, Red. FSH,
engine just rebuilt (pistons, barrels & bottom-end).
Gas flowed & twin plugged by Andrew Sexton, s/
s downpipes & Y-piece. £2500 Paul. Tel 01522
889079 (Lincs)
R80RS 1982, 22,000 miles. Red/Black. Genuine
factory RS with original immac paintwork. Never
crashed or repaired. S/s exhausts, new high
screen. Full BMW luggage, unleaded conversion.
Must be seen to be appreciated. First to see will
buy, £2300 Mike Tel 01384 345176 (West Mids)
R80RT 1992 ‘K’ reg, 33,000 miles, Purple. MOT 10/
06, panniers, Givi rack, Comfort seat, Surefoot side
stand. Bagstar tank cover, garaged, ex.cond. £1895
ovno. Terry Tel 01227 362254 (Kent)
R80RT 1994, 32,200 miles, Met Turquoise. Ex orig
cond, panniers, tank bag, recent new front & rear
tyres. MOT 06/06, Tax 03/06 £2500 ono Dave Tel
01756 701430 (Yorks)
R90S 1975, 89,000 miles, Black/silver. Owned for
23 years, VGC, neighbour’s shed fire melted my
bike. Maintained for 20 years by Andrew Sexton
to his usual high standard. Call for further details.
Paul Tel 07910 192844
R100RS Motorsport 1978 38,000 miles. Panniers,
T&T, much tlc spent, gd cond & bike, £2750 Keith
Tel 019467 25152 (Cumbria)
R100RS 1979 ‘T’ reg Complete, partially dismantled,
an unfinished restoration project. Originally gold
resprayed silver grey. Engine untouched, bike ran
well before I decided to rebuild it. Offers, buyer
collects. Martin Tel 07976 763 833. (London)
R100RS 1983 ‘Y’ reg, 17,800 miles, Silver with
red/white striping. Colour matched pannier cases,
fork brace, new silencers, pads & BMW battery.
Koni adjustable rear dampers, recent Metzeler
tyres, full original tool kit, high & low screens, T&T,
superb cond, reluctant sale £2950 ono. Paul Tel
01653 690465. (Yorks)
R100RT ‘Y’ reg, Smoke Red. VGC, present owner
20 yrs, FSH, T&T, all original equipment, cylmer
manual & spares. Reluctant sale due to health
reasons. £1100 Jack Tel 01179 572985 (Bristol)
R100RT 1984, Maroon / Black. 1 careful owner
from new. Complete with all BMW luggage etc.
Bereavement sale. £1400 ono Adrian Tel 0117 979
8244 (Glos)
R100S 1977, 50,000 miles, Red. T&T, Krauser
Panniers, lots of s/s parts, new battery, front and
rear tyres, gd cond. my bike for last 14 years.
£1800 inc, Altberg size 11 Boots, new Caberg crash
helmet & assorted tools. Mark Tel 07730 696123
(Ches)
75
R100T/RS 1981, 57,000 miles, White with Red/Blue
pin stripes. Totally refurbished, immac cond, T&T.
S/s fasteners & exhaust, engine bars, panniers,
tool kit. Engine set up by Scriminger Engine
Developments. £2300 ono Mick Tel 01652 661224
(Lincs)
R850R, 1995, 23,600 miles, Mystic Red, VGC, long
T&T, new tyres, £2300 ono Ian Tel 01782 372544
(Staffs)
R850R 1996 ‘N’ reg, 19,750 miles. Luggage, screen
MOT 06/06 Maurice Tel 01737 353030 (Surrey)
R850R 1998, 17,000 miles, Blue. Panniers, top box,
s/s fasteners & hoses, BMW screen, h/grips. h/
bar & foot wind deflectors, front/rear mudflaps, &
other extras, ex cond, MOT 07/06, Tax 01/06 £3500
no offers Tel 01254 888250 (Lancs)
R850R 1999, ‘T’ reg, 17,000 miles, Mystic Red.
BMWSH, BMW screen, h/grips, cyl/guards, Givi
top box, beautiful orig cond £3400 Frank Tel 01293
889126 (Sussex)
R850R 1999, 16,500 miles, Dark Grey. Screen,
panniers, recent new tyres, cruise control lever,
MOT 04/06, VGC £3500 or might trade against F650
or R80RT. Rab Tel 02890 662948(N. Ireland)
R850R Classic, Oct. 2001, 18,000 miles. Panniers,
h/grips, h/guards. Garaged & used mainly for
touring by mature owner. £3995 Brian Tel 01473
405974 (Suffolk)
R850R 2003, 5,000 miles, Titan Silver. Absolutely
mint. BMW panniers, rear Givi top box & rack, h/
grips, 12v socket, Vario screen, FBMWSH,
warrantee to 02/06.
Medical treatment forces regretful sale, sensible
offers Jeff Tel 01858 434663 (Leics)
R1100GS 1994, 10,600 miles, Red. ABS, panniers,
tank bag, h/guards £3850 Mike Tel 01935 423088
(Somerset)
R1100GS 1999 ‘T’ reg, 41,000 miles, Yellow/Black.
ABS, full BMW luggage, standard & Remus
exhausts, h/grips, garaged, T&T, £3400 Brian Tel
01245 226131 (Essex)
R1100RS SE 1998 ‘R’ reg 41,000 miles Red/Silver.
Supreme sports/tourer, ABS, h/grips, panniers, top
box. MOT 03/06, Tax 05/06, FSH, serviced 03/05.
VGC A cracking good ride. £3495 ono Keith Tel.
01202 478913 (Dorset)
R1100RS 1999, 12,000 miles, Black. One owner,
ABS, h/grips, panniers, top box, Baglux tank cover
& bag, comfort & original seats, ex cond. £4950
Alex Tel 01534 879200 (Chan Isles)
R1100RT 1996 47,000 miles, Sienna Red. New
wheels & panniers, top box, h/grips, 2 owners,
FBMWSH, VGC. Reg Nbr H10 MWB £3200 ono.
Brian Tel 01604 458280 (Northants)
76
R1100S Boxer Cup 03 reg 12,160 miles. FBMWSH,
Datatool system 3 alarm & immobiliser, h/grips high,
low screens, carbon hugger immac cond £6350
ono Kevin Tel 01924 368413 (Yorks).
R1100S 1999 ‘T’ reg, 40,000 miles, Red. FBMWSH,
with many extras, call to learn full details. £3250
Mike Tel 01707 872588 (Herts)
R1150GS 2001 ‘Y’ reg, 26,000 miles, Silver. ABS,
h/grips, panniers, spotlights, FSH, datatagged, T&T,
garaged £6000 Steve Tel 01663 734452 (Derbys)
R1150GS 2002. 21,000 miles, Mandarin. Not immac,
but VGC. Crash bars, h/grips, Datatag, £5995 inc
VAT Mick Tel 01453 883027 (Glos)
R1150R BMW Tank bag c/w rain cover as new
£70. BMW h/guards slightly scratched on RH £20.
Z-Technik 6mm lexan polycarbonate tall clear w/
shield, Double Bubble unscratched ex cond, brilliant
protection £100. All plus p&p. Nick Tel 0161 4361440
(Manchester).
R1150RS 2004 ’54’ reg, 800 miles, Titan Silver, Still
under warranty, overdrive, h/grips, cyl/guards.
Carefully run in by mature owner £6500 Frank Tel
01293 889126 (Sussex)
R1150RT 2001 ‘51’ reg, 8,000 miles, Metallic Blue.
FBMWSH, full luggage, back rest, cyl/protectors,
fender extenda, Ultrasealed new tyres, as new
cond, would consider part ex WHY. £6995 Ray Tel
01772 432785 (Lancs)
R1150RT 2001 “Y” reg 30,000 miles, Metallic Blue.
Ex cond, one owner, baglux tank harness, h/grips,
cyl/protectors, BMW top box. FBMWSH, BMW
assistance to03/06. Full autocom pro system.
Wunderlicht temp gauge, new tyres. £6595. Eric
Tel 01659 50091 (Scotland)
R1150RT 2002, ‘52’ reg, 17,500mls, Titan Silver.
Ex cond, FSH, BMW panniers & top box, all mono
keyed. Cyl/guards, h/grips, Meta alarm/immobiliser,
Datatagged, Sheepskin seat covers, dual horns,
garaged, £6600 Andy Tel 01772 455512 (Lancs).
R1150RT Sept 2004, ‘54’ reg, 5,100 miles, Titan
grey. Twin spark, h/grips, cyl/guards, mono key
top box, panniers with inners & tank bag,
Ultrasealed tyres, standard & tall screens,
garaged, immac cond. Balance of 2 year warranty.
£8500 Larry Tel 01772 750657 (Lancs)
R1150RT Sept 2004, 2,750 miles, Silver. Supplied
by clarkes. GPS mount, ABS, h/grips, panniers.
Owned by geriatric that is sticking to one bike.
£8250 ono. Rob 01239 654109 (S.Wales)
R1200GS 54 reg, 1year old, 6,000 miles, Red.
Immac cond, BMW expanding panniers & top box,
alloy wheels, h/grips, alarm/immobiliser, hugger,
Autocom Pro7 & Arai helmets if wanted. Always
garaged. £8450 David Tel 01480 466298 (Cambs)
Ducati Pantah SL 600 1981, 43,000 miles.Owned
last 5 years, engine rebuild at 41,000 miles. Full
original condition with genuine 2 into 2 Conti
exhausts. Much time & money spent to keep as an
exciting machine to be ridden. MOT 08/06, Tax 01/
06. £2150ono Mike Tel 07979 701598 (Kent)
Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic FLHTC
1987 69,000 miles. FSH & gd cond £4400 Frank Tel
01842 810289 (Norfolk)
HONDA SILVERWING 600 twin super scooter,
4,700 miles, Blue. Honda guarantee/recovery to
09/06, tyres ultrasealed, large topbox, ex cond.
Throughly versatile machine. £4400 ono Ricky Tel
01933 624257 (Northants)
Honda XL600LM 1986, 26,000 miles, Blue/white.
New clutch & Metzeler Tourance tyres, & battery.
Renthal bar & grips, electric & kickstart, Sola alarm
fitted, one year T&T, great reliable bike £795 Paul
Tel 01822 854793 (Devon)
KTM 400LC4 2000 ‘X’ reg, 2,500 miles, Orange/
Silver. Same owner last 3 years, indicators
removed for green laning, otherwise standard
MOT’d Feb 06, ex cond, electric start. Quality
reliable thumper £1995 ono Andrew Tel 01233
851112 (Kent)
Piaggio X9 500 Supersooter. Mar 02, 6,500 miles,
Black. FSH, t&T 03/06, top box h/grips, VGC £2250
Keith Tel 07813 876212 (Essex)
Suzuki GSXR750SRAD 1996, Avge miles, T&T 04/
06. Many new parts recently inc. new chain &
sprockets, Dunlop D207 tyres & service. Goodridge
braided hoses. Baglux tank cover & bags otherwise
standard & unmodified. Bargain £1995 Steve Tel
01765 650374 (Yorks)
Triumph Bonneville July 2004, 1800 miles, Black.
As new. Triumph loud pipes, tank knee pads. £3599
firm Nelson Tel 01242 243311 (Glos)
Velocette LE Mk3 1966. Gd cond, historic tax
07/06, MOT 07/06. Big box of spares, spare engine,
manuals £785 the lot may consider splitting. Tony
Tel 01793 829303 (Wilts)
Velocette Valiant, circa 1963, 192cc shaft driven,
horzontally opposed twin, partially rebuilt most
parts included £600 Peter Tel 0121 602 4477 (W.
Mids)
Aerostich Roadcrafter suit (rare as Hen’s
Teeth). Size L. in slate/light grey. Gd cond, just
reproofed with Nikwax £295. Goldstar leather m/c
boots, police issue, size 10, comfortable, ex cond,
need resoling £50. Paul 01686 640919 (Salop)
BITS & BOBS
AUTOCOM PRO Mk1 intercom with bike power
supply unit, rider’ & pillion headsets & 2 extension
leads £150. Or supplied with 58/59 & 52/53 BMW
System 4 black helmets with headsets fitted for
£340 complete. All in ex cond Steve Tel 07968
143979 (Sheffield)
B-SQUARE jacket w/proof, removable liner, CE
armour on shoulders/elbows & back padded.
Adjustable straps on waist/cuffs/arms. Size L/42".
As new £35.
SWIFT SPEED trousers, w/proof, detachable lining,
CE Approved knee armour,
Zipped bottom with Velcro cover, adjustable
waistband. Size L/36-38". As new £20. Keith Tel.
01202 478913 (Dorset)
BMW Journals Feb 84 – Feb 95 & Nov 00 – Dec
04, missing May 87 & Apr 91. Best offer will be
donated to Naomi House Children’s Hospice, Sutton
Scotney. Buyer collects or plus p&p. Tony Tel
07775 681821 (Berks)
BMW K75S gasket set, still boxed £20 Kevin Tel
01777 700036 (Notts)
BMW R80/R100 Tall screen 21" as new £30, !9"
screen £20. R1100/1150RT top box, new, £100.
Riders’ seat new £100, Givi tall screen, D241ST,
new, £50 Brian Tel 01604 458280 (Northants)
BMW R1100GS spares, shock absorbers, front
& rear, geniune low miles £275. Givi pannier set &
frames, 40 ltr top box with b/rest, one journey only
£285. Touratech h/bar risers £15. Gary Tel 0115
9655287 (Notts)
BMW R1100RS pannier inner bags, never actually
used, £30 for both. Steve Tel 07968 143979
(Sheffield)
BMW R1150GS Corbin front seat black leather
waterproof excellent comfort as new £200. Andy
Tel 00353 86 2525662 (Eire)
BMW R1200GS top box, black/Silver. Adjustable
height with backrest. “months old, cost £400 new,
£300. Kevin Tel 01777 700036 (Notts)
BMW Multi-Vario Tankbag c/w raincover ,to fit
R100/R80GS, PD & R, new,still in bmw packaging
£100 New Oxford Barrier clain lock,1.5m long,
heavy duty links, new,half price £25 Bryan Tel
01782 393398 (Staffs)
BMW Trousers. Grey leather Boxer Cup, size
52, 32"/34" as new £175. Savanna 2 size 54, 34"
Grey /Black, gd cond. Knee & hip armour. Only
worn few times. £100. Tel. Dave 01855 821350
(Scotland)
BMW Voyage Jacket, size 44 – 46, black. As new
& never worn. Cost £285, bargain £150 plus p&p.
Patsy Tel 00 353 42 93 28206 (Eire)
Breaking for spares BMW K1. All parts available,
large & small. Pannier conversion & sports rack
Geoff Tel 07980 123765 (Staffs)
F650 Higher Screen, fits 94/97 (front indicators in
fairing) Funduro, new, as sold by dealers, tinted,
77
80mm higher flip screen £40. Mal Tel 0161 7474443
(Manchester)
F650ST Panniers & tank bag. New in Jan 2004,
covered 3,000 miles. Ex cond. Available Isle of
Wight or Hereford £290. Richard Tel 01983 247436.
(Isle of Wight)
For F650 up to 2000 approx. Pair of Givi panniers
36litres & frames, spare keys VGC £145. Pair of
BMW city cases & frames, spare keys. Bike
remains fairly narrow when fitted. Mint cond £125
Steve Tel 01765 650374 (Yorks)
Halcyon Mark 9 Super Jet Goggles. Laminated
split glass lenses. Brown padded mask. Nose
bridge adjustment. Unused in box with instructions.
£20 Ray Tel 0121 2580230 (B’ham).
IOTA waterproof sallopetts, quilted lining, keep
very warm & dry, grey, 40 inch adjustable waist,
virtually unworn £25. Chris Tel 01308 897879
(Dorset)
K1100LT fairing, blue, complete, all brackets,
panels, mirrors etc. £475, best offer secures.
K1100LT Multivario tank bag, gd cond £60. K75/
K100 origional shock, 1 year, 4000 miles old, half
price £90 Mick. Tel 01524 382143. (Lancs)
K1200GT/RS, BMW specific accessories, Tank
rucksack & fittings, Heated low seat, 770-800mm.
Lockable luggage grid extension. Topbox, 31 litre,
fitted lockable luggage grid. Pyramid black hugger.
All ex cond, further information or sensible offers
to Jim Tel 01270 811989 (Ches)
K1200RS 2002 model, right hand faring panel in
blue £100. Belly pan £40. Fairing nose £40. Nigel
Tel 0161 705 1821 (Lancs)
Lazer Dualsound exhaust system, for R1100GS,
complete with chip as new, £250 Gary Tel 0115
9655287 (Notts)
Madison Jacket, never worn. Marked size 50,
actual size 40. BMW goretex Jacket, new. Marked
size 52, actual size 42. £60 each Geoff Tel 07980
123765 (Staffs)
R65 Spares. Most parts available & priced at
approximatly half independent dealer prices &
postage, to shift the bike. Buyer collects or plus
p&p. For more details Gary Tel 01394 448563
(Suffolk)
R80GS special one piece rack/pannier
frames,complete with krauser K1 panniers £200,
ring for full details bryan Tel 01782 393398 (Staffs)
R80/100 RT fairing complete as removed from my
bike. Top section in red & mint cond. £160. Genuine
BMW screen kit for basic R80 mono £25. K100
tank cover £20. Ray Tel 01633 854737 (S. Wales)
R100S starter cover with original badges £20.
R100RT w/shop manual £5. BMW airhead parts
manual £8. BMW System 3 helmet, black 58 – 59
£40 Glen Tel 01661 831504 (Nbr’land)
78
R1100/1150RS Blue Baglux tank cover, VGC £30.
Light green Baglux tank bag, £30 Keith Tel 01672
851609 (Wilts)
R1100RT rear Ohlins shock £300. Comfort seat
£50. Top box & backrest £125. Wunderlich
performance chip £100. 2 sets front pads £20.
Nigel Tel 0161 705 1821 (Lancs)
R1100RT/RS komfi seats cost £400 accept £100.
Baglux tank cover, black £35. Pannier inner bags
335. BMW System 4 helmet, black size 58 – 59
£110. Givi mounting plate E191 £25 Glen Tel 01661
831504 (Nbr’land)
R1200GS Parts. Topbox with backrest & mounting
bracket, little use, gd cond £160. Carbon Fibre
Hugger perfect cond, fitted only three weeks £90.
Les Tel 01327 351817 (Northants)
Remus Grand Prix race can for R850/1100R £75.
Haynes & Clymer manuals for R80/100 £10. Both
plus p&p Frank Tel 01842 810289 (Norfolk)
Standard fork springs off R80RT mono £10. 32/
10 mono bevel box with matching 1.186
speedometer £125. All plus p&p Dave Tel 01423
884741 (Yorks)
System 4 helmet, 52/53 £30. BMW Maverick 2
piece suit in grey denim, size 12/14 petite, full
internal protection. As new £150, sell both for
£165. Steve 07968 143 979 (Sheffield)
Top Box & Tank Bag for R1100RT. Both New.
Half price. John Tel 01432 340241 (Herefs)
WANTED
W CD Rom for parts diagrams & part numbers for
a 1990 K1 Santi Tel 01843 721730 (Surrey)
Comfort seat for 1997 K1100LT. Club Journals
for recently joined member Graham Tel 01422
360702 (Yorks)
Early R80GS for project. Complete bike and runner
preferred. Cosmetics less important Jeff Tel 07850
717245 (Devon)
For R65LS pannier racks, preferably chrome with
the rear parcel rack if poss. Richard Tel 07802
341739 (Bucks)
For R80G/S 1981-87, front brake m/cyl, petrol cap,
surefoot s/stand, bra to protect exhaust. Also any
other bits for rebuild, will consider complete bike,
wreck or basket case. G/S & travel related literature
also wanted Nick Tel 07904 505496
Goretex inserts for Savanna 2 suit, BMW sizes,
trouser 29 or 60, jacket 58 or 118. Mike Tel 01477
537255
Krauser, old style pannier key Nbr 514 or copy,
expenses paid. Surefoot side stand, either
kynematic or other. Norman Tel 01902 895749 (W.
Mids)
Low mileage post 1990 R100/RS/RT. Must be
first class cond. Terry Tel 01639 637964 (S. Wales)
Low seat in Black for R1150RT. Must be in gd
cond. James 00 35 364 44802 (Eire)
Original rear shock shrouds wanted for /5 or 6/
Tom Daly. 00 353 029 60338 (Eire)
R80/100GS PD bash plate Ivor Tel 0151 428 5429
(L’pool)
R100RT, late model, not red or green please, any
condition considered. David Tel 01480 393262
(Cambs)
R1100/1150GS ideally with low mileage & luggage
but anything considered. Steve Tel 01765 650374
(Yorks)
Surefoot sidestand for 1984 R100RT.
Panniers,locks & keys to fit standard pannier
frames. Tel 01254 888250 (Lancs)
2 round rocker covers for 1993 R80 Ivor Tel
0151 428 5429 (L’pool)
2V boxer parts. Pair of round rocker covers.
Post 85 headlight. Keihan s/s ‘H’ piece to replace
collector box for post 85 twins Dave Tel 01423
884741 (Yorks)
Garth Forbes has asked me to remind
everyone that he will be standing down as
the National Social Secretary so we really
should start thinking about his replacement.
If you are interested and want to find out more
about what’s involved, please contact him :
Garth Forbes
9 Conyngham Road
Nothampton NN3 9TA
[email protected]
79
SMALL BUSINESS ADVERTS
Small Business adverts are available to any individual or business. For rates and terms please
contact: Owen Vaughan - 16 South Meadows, Pembroke, Pembs. SA71 4EW.
Phone: 01646 683188. Email: [email protected]
4 STAR B&B in MACHYNLLETH.Luxurious
bungalow,stunning Mid-Wales scenery. Hearty
breakfasts,traffic-free roads.Lock-up garage.
01654 702562 www.dyfiguest.co.uk
4 STAR B&B IN WONDERFUL PERTHSHIRE.
Luxury en-suite accommodation in tranquil
Balnaguard 5 miles south of Pitlochry. Sensational
breakfasts, spectacular views, £25 pppn. Lockable
garage for m/cycles. Ann Croft Tel: 01796 482627.
e-mail: [email protected].
Website:
www.balbeagan.com
AE AVENTURES BASED NEAR TO SPA in a quiet
village providing B&B and half board, secure
garaging, recommended touring in the Ardennes
and Eiffel and escorted Nurburgring experience.
Motorcycling adventure only 3 1/2 hours from
Calais,
that’s
a
bit
special.
See
www.aeaventures.com or phone /fax Neil or Ann
on 0032 80398788
ALMERIA VELEZ RUBIO. Farmhouse B&B 15 Euro
PPPN. Also self contained apartment sleeps 2/3,
own private courtyard, pool, BBQ 150 Euros per
week. A92N 3km, Granada 1 ˚ hours, beach 40
mins. Secure parking. Phone Pat or Chris Payne 00
34 690152979
AN CALA GUEST HOUSE, Grantown-on-Spey. AA
5 Diamonds. Ideal base for Highlands. Kingsize
doubles, magnificient 4 poster. All rooms en-suite.
On site parking, also garage. £25-£30pp b&b.
01479 873293 www.ancala.info
AUSTRIA (Southern) – Summer/ Winter Sports.
Self Catering fully equipped flats (Sleep 2-5).
Superb touring roads & mountain passes. Close
Italy/ Slovenia. Excellent amenities. Secure Parking.
Cyril/ Liz Cannard (Bikers). Tel/Fax: 0043 4769
26415. E-mail: [email protected]
B&B / SELF CATERING near French Pyrenees.
Tel. 0033 56194 1045. www.goodierpyrenees.com
B&B CALVADOS / NORMANDY. Destination
Normandy or en-route stop? Great meals, secure
garage/drying, ideal UK ferries. Details http://
perso.wanadoo.fr/bandbjanville/ or phone / fax +33
(0)231391037
B&B Edinburgh, secure garage parking, colour
tv, tea & coffee, 15 minutes from city centre £30
pppn Tel 0131 669 3570 or 07931 718584
BED & BREAKFAST, YORKSHIRE DALES,
Greenhills in Leyburn. Comfortable en-suite rooms
80
with colour TV, tea & coffee. B&B from £25.00pppn.
Lock-up garage available. Tel: 01969 623859, Email: [email protected], web-site:
www.greenhillsleyburn.co.uk.
BED AND BREAKFAST, MOFFAT, SOUTHERN
SCOTLAND, B & B, garage parking, wonderful
biking area. One mile from M74 J15 on Edinburgh
scenic route. Why not break your long journey
here or spend a few days riding the local roads,
enjoying the hills and bends. Club member. Chris
01683220378see www.buchanguesthouse.co.uk
BRITTANY - TOP QUALITY MOBILE HOMES on
coastal 4 star site in this tranquil region. ideal for
family holidays or Section rallies (as Westenr
Section June 04). great biking are with masses to
do and see. Big savings on ferry costs.
www.benodetbreaks.com or call Steve Jackson
on 01543 473089
DORDOGNE - Self catering gites with pools, biker
friendly. B&B sometimes available. See
www.lescasaniers.com or Tel (UK) 0871 7174249
DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY, South West Scotland
- 2 cosy wee s/c cottages each sleeps 2 in twin
beds. Quiet location adjacent our home. 4 miles
from Wigtown, 22 miles from Stranraer ferry
terminal. Beautiful scenery and great biking roads.
Shopping service on request. Short Breaks
available. Sorry No smoking/pets. Tel: 01671
830422 mail: [email protected]
www.duddingstonelodge.co.uk
FRANCE - CHARENTE MARITIME REGION,House
sleeping 4/6 people on outskirts of riverside
Village,five minutes to bars,restaurants,shops etc.
30 minutes to the Atlantic Coast/Royan/La Rochelle/
Cognac. Only 4 hours from St Malo, surrounded by
quiet biking Roads,lockable Garage. English house
keeper, private enclosed garden.Please contact
Lee or Viv on Phone/Fax 01526 345866 /Email
[email protected] or Mob 07947439630
FRANCE - HONFLEUR, NORMANDY. Delightful 17th
Century Cottage in quiet area. 4mins walk from the
picturesque ancient port. Popular with bikers. 23hrs from Calais, 20mins from LeHavre. 2 double
bedrooms, lounge/diner, new fitted kitchen,
shower room. Central heating. TV/DVD/Radio/CD,
fridge, microwave, washing machine. Tastefully
decorated. Beautiful views. Sleeps 6/7 people.
Available all year.
Telephone Brian Ashley 0033 231 643526. Email:
boudincottage @hotmail.com
FRANCE – LOIRE ATLANTIQUE REGION,
Farmhouse, tranquil location, close to
Chateaubriant, Le Mans an hour away, surrounded
by miles of quiet motorbiking roads. B&B plus 2
gites, sleeping 8 and 4. Evening meals available,
swimming pool. Mature owner active motorcyclist.
Phone (00 33) 2 40 97 08 44, e-mail [email protected] Website www.la-janais.com
FRANCE WELCOME TO THE LIMOUSIN REGION.
1 bed cottage sleeps 4 or spacious barn. Country
based, great biking roads. BMW member, 1150GS
owner. Clive & Lesley Gibson. Tel 00 33 555
637032
FRENCH ALPS - ST. GERVAIS. Beautiful 4th floor
south facing apartment in luxury residence with
lift. Superb mountain views. 2mins walk from
telecabin. Gorgeous environment, paradise for
skiers/walkers. 2 double bedrooms, lounge/diner,
shower room, fully equipped kitchen area. Fridge,
washing machine, dish washer, cooker, TV.
Balcony, garage, ski locker. Sleeps 6 people.
Telephone: Brian Ashley 0033 231 643526. Email:
[email protected]
GERMANY, BRITISH B&B,17th century
house,rooms ensuite. Ideal for Rhein, Mossel valley
Nurburgring, Mohn Dam, Cologne. Drying and
Laundry facilities, well stocked bar,Bar food.Email
[email protected] www.vinecottage.de Tel
00492742911728
GERMANY, BEAUTIFUL HARZ MOUNTAINS. 10
bedrooms
all
en-suite.
Huge
bar,
conference room, restaurant. 2 underground
garages, drying room, fantastic roads, scenery &
architecture. Friendly biker hosts that make you
feel part of the family. Inexpensive, warm & cosy.
[email protected]
www.hotel-harmoniebadgrund.org.uk Tel 0049
5327 869860
LAKE DISTRICT B&B IN BOWNESS-ONWINDERMERE. Panoramic views of Bowness and
lake. En-suite. Covered/lock-up parking. Leisure
facilities. 015394 88658 Web: http://
www.abovethebay.co.uk
LAKE DISTRICT. Peaceful 17th century barn in
lake shore hamlet - just for two! Log fire. C.H.
Garden. Secure indoor bike space. Non-smoking.
Breaks available. Tel 01229 885643 or
www.townyeatbarn.co.uk
LOIRE ATLANTIQUE FRANCE, small friendly B &
B quiet country location,meals available.Tel Dave
& Norma Harrison 00 33 2 40 07 06 71 e mail
[email protected] Web site http://
perso.wanadoo.fr/bandbcouetoux/
LUXURY HOLIDAY BUNGALOW in Lake District
National Park. Comfort for 4 plus garage. Ideally
located for walking, motorcycling, and exploring
the many scenic byeways of this picturesque
area. Available April to November. Member owned.
Tel 01695 422210
NORTH PORTUGAL- MINHO VALLEY.Penedes
Nation Park and Galicia.Interested?. We offer
farmhouse self catering and luxury B&B both with
pools. Come and sample the real Portugal see our
Website. www.portugal-holidayvilla.co.uk. Tel
Maggie on 00351-251648107 or Mobile 00351912860707
PORTUGAL – Explore Central Portugal all year
round. Spectacular mountain roads and trails.
Luxury lakeside villa with use of BMW F650GS
Dakars. Guided tours and trail rides, riders with
own bikes, self catering, half board, b&b and family
rates available. Tel: 00351 235 296452
www.thrustforthmotorcycleholidays.com E mail:
[email protected]
SCOTLAND - TAIN- SELF-CATERING 18th century
cottage, sleeps 4, off street parking, situated in
the old part of Tain, 2 mins Pub/ Hotels, Railway
and Bus station, Good base for touring the
Highlands, details & price contact 01862 832797
e.mail info@ arabella travel.co.uk
SW FRANCE, DORDOGNE, GITES , B&B. 20kms
S. Bergerac, comfortable gîtes sleeping 4 or 7,
plus en suite B&B in the farmhouse, with pool.
Safe and lockable motorcycle storage.
www.frenchoasisholidays.com Call Gordon &
Jane Tel: 0033 553 233394
SOUTHERN FRANCE, NR BEZIERS B&B AND
APARTMENT (dinner optional) - ideal touring base
close to Mountains and Mediterranean. Superb
roads, spectacular scenery, researched routes
and garage parking - Biker Paradise, nickysinclair@
wanadoo.fr / www.thestonehouse-caux.com
Contact Nicky on 00 33 467 093820
SWITZERLAND GRINDELWALD, in the heart of
the alps. Small hotel with new rooms en-suite.
Extraordinary view to the mountains. Restaurant
and Bar. Save bike parking. Hotel Alpenblick, CH3818 Grindelwald; www. Alpenblick .info Tel 00
41 (0)33 853 11 05
WHITBY ROSEWOOD – Quiet B&B, 4 diamonds.
Silver award. Large double ensuite rooms, bath &
showers, hospitality trays & fridges. Residents
own lounge with coal fire, TV & video. Tea and
sandwiches on arrival £25 pppn. Open all the year
round Tel 01947 820534
LYNBROOK INSURANCE for Special Member’s
Schemes including Classic and Modern motorcycle
insurance (all makes) - plus Travel and Overseas
Breakdown arrangements. TEL 0845 130 4662
81
GOING OUT FOR A RIDE THIS WEEKEND? Need
an accurate weather forecast ? Then check out
the free 5 day forecast from Weather Commerce
Ltd. For National, European and Regional 14 day
forecasts log on to www.weathercommerce.net
Director Chris Blowes is a member of the BMW
Club and is happy to take consultation calls from
fellow members
SHEEPSKIN m/cycle seat covers, custom made.
01604
714103
or
www.easirider.com/
motorbike_sheepskin.htm
BMW seat specialist, 20 years experience
comprehensive service, SAE for information.
www.motorcycleseatworks.co.uk. 366 to 370
Woodside Road, Wyke, Bradford. BD12 8HT. Damon
Tel 01274 604672
Pannier Inners R80/100/1100/1150RT/RS/GS/
850GS. Standard £60 Extended lid width £66 pair.
K75/100/1100/1200RS Standard £60 pair. 35 litre
top case £26, K1200LT three piece set £95. Three
piece to fit Adventurer Aluminium £89. R1200GS
expandable £75 pair and £99.50 three pieceBlack/
Royal Blue piping all incl P&P. Send cheque to Mane
Event, 8 Cornhill Road, Davyhulme, Manchester
M41 5TJ, Telephone 0161 747 3939
www.maneevent.org.uk
STAINLESS STEEL FASTENERS for boxers and K
series. Please state year and model. SAE for list
please. K. Shaw Engineering, 19 Orchard Close,
Gt Hale Sleaford, Lincs NG34 9JB. Tel/Fax 01529
469047.
email
[email protected]
CLASSIC BMW MOTORCYCLE TOURS throuugh
South Africa’s Highlands and Winelands, contact
0845 280 0085 or email [email protected],
full details at WWW.RideSA.com
ANDY METCALFE Motorcycles (formerly “Just
Beemers”). Independent BMW specialist.
Restoration, Servicing, Repairs Tel 01642 475600
Moblie 07773 217591
B.E.M.W. For competitive prices on: Restorations,
repairs & spares. Spares for vintage/classic BMW’s
from 1935. CJ750, copies of 1938 BMW R71, FROM
£2,650. Some new 1957 models in stock, LH/RH
sidecars plus OHV machines available. Machine
tools for the small/home workshop, including
Chester MultiFunction lathe/mill/drill. Parts made to
pattern or drawing. S.A.E. for specification and
services or visit our website. 2 Forman Street,
Derby DE1 1JQ. Phone/fax 01332 298523. Eves &
w/ends 01332 824334, www.bemw.co.uk
CENTRAL LONDON BMW SPECIALISTS - All
models to date 2v, 4v, BMW diagnostic equipment,
ex dealer Tech, 30 years exp.Servicing, repairs,
insurance work.Tyres, spares from stock. 5 star
workshop, full facilities.BMW authorised
82
supplier.Bikes bought/sold, see Biketrader web
page.Jap & German, 102 Druid St, London SE1
2HQ
Tel
0207
237
2299,
Email
[email protected]
CRAY ENGINEERING. BMW road and race
performance specialist. Tuning packages to suit
your requirements. Fully equipped workshop.
Engineering, servicing, repairs and rebuilds. New
and used spares. Tyres fitted and balanced while
you wait. Phone/ fax Jim Cray 01795 431444
Sittingbourne, Kent.
EURO CLASSICS. A small family firm dedicated to
servicing, repairs and renovation of BMW’s. We
build bikes to order (GS a speciality). Insurance
work carried out. Supply and fitting of tyres. New
& second hand parts. Exchange drive shafts, Varta
batteries. BMW’s for sale. or sell your BMW at no
cost to you. Please phone Phil or Dinah on 01604
591222 or www.euroclassics.co.uk.
MAINLY BOXERS AND BRICKS in SCOTLAND.
Professional motorcycle servicing and repair at
realistic rates Telephone Jim Downie 01505
850341 or 07973 326928 Near Neilston G78
MICK BARR, INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALIST.
Trained BMW Technician over 25 years. Offers
quality Service & Repairs, At My Home Workshop,
In Scraptoft, LEICESTER (Just off A47). Any Work
undertaken on all R, K. & 4v Series. Gearbox a
Speciality, Bevel drive Repairs, Insurance estimates
& Repairs, Twin Spark Head Machining. Restorations
on all Models from R51/3. Tel Mick or Glenyse on
01162 419316, FAX 01162 921840.
NORTH OXFORDSHIRE, WARWICKSHIRE,
GLOUCESTERSHIRE BORDER. BMW Quality
service, repairs, restoration and special tuning
work, on all models. Collection and delivery
arranged. ANDREW SEXTON MOTORCYCLES Tel
01608 730111
SERVICING, REPAIRS, SPARES: Boxer & K
servicing; Breakdown & crash repairs; Pickup and
delivery service, weekend work, loan bike
available; BMW’s always being broken; Only BM’s
worked on. Tel: Neil on 0208 546 2600 (S.W.
London)
THE BOXER MAN – THE INDEPENDENT BMW
SPECIALIST. Full Service, Repair & Restoration
facilities for R and K Series machines. Mobile
service available within an 80 mile radius of
LEICESTER. Call Phil on 0116 2668913 or 07860
588076, www.boxerman.co.uk
83
84

journal - BMW Club Journal Archives - bmw

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