Golden Wing - 2006 Autumn

Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:54

AUTUMN 2006 1

Autumn 2006, Volume 44 No. 3

Editor / DesignerTim Lee

[email protected]

HOConsumer EditorMark Clargo

[email protected]

Diary Co-ordinatorAndy Stryczko

[email protected]

Advertising Co-ordinatorErica Gassor

[email protected]

Thanks to all contributors

All feedback regarding the content and delivery of Golden Wing should be addressed to The Editor at the

address below or e-mailed to: [email protected].

Golden WingHonda Owners Club (GB)

Units 1B & 5BKemps Quay Industrial Park

Quayside RoadSouthampton

SO18 1ADTel/Fax: 023 8022 6045

Web Page: www.hoc.org.uk

Winter IssueCopy Date 1st December 2006

Published by end of December 2006

Printing & Distribution by:LPC Printing Ltd

Hardley Industrial EstateHythe,Southampton

Tel: 023 8084 6334

© Honda Owners Club (GB) 2006

We believe the contents of Golden Wing to

be correct at the time of publication. The

Honda Owners Club (GB) cannot be held

responsible for any errors, omissions, or

for subsequent changes to details given in

this publication or for the consequence of

any reliance on the information.

The views expressed in this publication

are not necessarily those of the Honda

Owners Club (GB) or the Executive

Committee

ARTICLES

Dibble Rattle’s On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Editor Says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Kicking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

The View Over the Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Membership Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Caption Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Barry’s Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Classic Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Down Your Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Reports from: Bedfordshire, Cambridge, Gloucestershire,

Eastern, Northants & MK, Northumbria, North London,

Oxford, Solent, West London, West Yorkshire, Wilts,

Varadero

Testing Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Flight of Fancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

New Discount Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Racing Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Brooklands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Soapbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

HOConsumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Shop@HOC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68

Members Free Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70

Members Discounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72

PLACES TO GO & THINGS TO DO

HOC AGM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Devon & Somerset Camping Weekend .17

Diary Dates centre pages

FRONT COVER

The front cover of this issue shows Nigel Taylor from

Oxford Branch putting the X11 through its paces.

Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:54 Page 1

MY BIG APOLOGYTo the members in the Norfolk AreaI said in the last edition that I was

organising some sort of meeting in thesummer to try and kick start a branch in yourarea. I am sorry but it just has not happenedas yet. On a positive note, I have had somekeen interest from a couple of you whoagree something needs to be done, and theproject is not forgotten. However, it maynow be an autumn set up ready for nextspring.

WE HAD A SUMMERAnd what a scorcher it was, especially in

July. I never thought that in this country Iwould ever have to say it was too hot forkitting up and getting out on a bike. I didhowever have to say exactly that at workwhere basic kit is far too insulated for use insuch extremes. So, I resorted to airconditioned cars instead. Now if we couldjust persuade them that woolly trousers andbig hats are not good in the heat then itwould almost be a pleasure to work duringthe summer.

I got along to the Birmingham chill outcamp which was in a superb location andprobably the nearest event of its kind therehas been to my home in all the years I havebeen in biking. Nice one team, and if it isthere again next year I probably will be too.

Brooklands was another great show,and the turn out all the better for seeingsome new faces from around the club.Another scorcher of a day saw VFR’sdominating the display as featured bike,with some very tasty restorations amongstthe CB’s and other species. Next year it isunlikely we will be at Brooklands, as it istime to have a different region for the show,and to allow others from the HOC world toattend. Any volunteers?

A few weeks ago one of the Northantslads was taken off his bike and had to beconveyed to accident and emergency. Thetask was completed in a smooth andefficient manner by the Air Ambulance. Asyou are not necessarily all aware thesemachines are run mostly on volunteers andthey beg and borrow for resources. Theycost thousands each day they are airborne,

but without them I know of several folks whowould not be with us today. So in gratitudefor the service provided to Northants manDan, his missus and the crew at the TenO’clock put together a bank holiday BBQ,bike show and auction. With the aid ofdonations from many companies andindividuals there was a huge selection ofbiking and non biking stuff for the auction.People baked cakes and pies to sell and theBBQ ran out of food having been constantlybusy for 3 hours. Over 100 bikes andscooters attended and probably twice asmany people. The net result is that £2000was raised on the day. That is at leastanother day for the life of the ambulance atfull tilt. Well done and thanks everyone

COMMUNICATION IS AWONDERFUL THING!

Whilst I appreciate that some of you arenot on the internet, it has become more andmore apparent over the past year that manyof you are. Golden Wing is the onlycommunication that is set to get to everymember and is only out quarterly. So by thetime you get it you are reading history orlong term future plans. Also, weoccasionally get offers that are at shortnotice, and it would be good to be able topass this information on to you. So, asuggestion was made to set up an emailpost site. To do this anyone wanting to getthe news fast would have to simply send inan email with name and membershipnumber to central point. The address basewould be used to then send out those offersthat relate to things the HOC deemedappropriate.

This would be a wholly HOC run thing sonot a Spam site and of benefit to all. So canI ask that if you are interested you send anemail to [email protected] and I willget things started. Any email from the HOCshould have HOC in the subject bar whensent out so you know from where it came.

REMINDERS

Direct Debits are here and the first ofyou have set up accounts with the HOC welldone can more of you do the same.

CCCCHHAAIIRRMMAANNHHAAIIRRMMAANN DDDDIIBBBBLLEEIIBBBBLLEE RRRRAATTTTLLEEAATTTTLLEE ’’’’SSSS OOOONNNN!!!!from Andy “Dibble” Young - Club Chairman

2 AUTUMN 2006


PresidentTrevor Thompson

Vice PresidentsDave Barton,Tony Eldridge,Graham Gull

ChairmanAndy ‘Dibble’ Young

1 Severn Way, Kettering,Northants. NN16 9H

�� 01536 412086 � [email protected]

General SecretaryMark Clargo

9 Hendred WayAbingdon Oxon OX14 2AN


Membership SecretaryGraham Gull

61 Vicarage RoadWare SG12 7BE

� [email protected]

Public Relations OfficeRoy Edwards

3 Pollards Close, Melton Mowbray. LE13 1UY�� 01664 569212 � [email protected]

Saddle Sore Shield Co-ordinatorStephen Davenport


Display Materials Co-ordinatorChris Wright

16 Auckland RoadMexborough S64 0AN


Regalia Co-ordinatorJustin Goddard,

19 Linkfield Avenue,Mountsorrel, Leicester, LE12 7DH

�� 0116 230 3277 � [email protected]

TreasurerDebbie Millard20 Tilden Close

High Halden, Ashford, Kent TN26 3LR�� 01233 850114 � [email protected]

WebmasterAndy (Stritchy) Stryczko� [email protected]

BMF Liaison OfficerJim Peel-Cross

15 Hill View Caravan ParkOare, Marlborough SN8 4JF�� 01672 564680

Classic SecretaryDave Barton

53 Northlands Road, TottonSouthampton. S040 3HA

EEEE ’’’’SSSS OOOONNNN!!!!

AUTUMN 2006 3

The HOC website is probably the mostup to date of its kind on the internet and Iwant you all to visit www.hoc.org.uk at leastonce and get into the members area andhave a loo at the stuff on there. Better stilljoin in.

AGMThis will be on Sunday the 22nd of

October at the Honda training institute,Poyle. This is just down the road from theHonda HQ in Slough. There is a map on thewebsite and it is easily reached just off theM25. We are aiming at 11.00 formal meetingstart and business will be kept as brief aspossible as there is the chance we can havea Honda technician available for Q&Asession, as well as tours of the institute forthose interested. Honda are providingrefreshments and for this we say thanks inadvance. However to be fair to them I wouldask that if you are coming you couldendeavour as soon as possible to let usknow, so we can give them some ideas ofnumbers to cater for.

OTHER NEWS

We are always looking for benefits forthe club and Erica Gassor at Oxford hasbeen doing splendid work on this front as willbe evidenced by the advertising in thisGolden Wing.

Belatedly we can add to that CotswoldOutdoor Ltd who stock a range of camping,walking and outdoor pursuit equipment ofquality and style. They are offering all clubmembers up to 25% discount depending onsize of purchase, more normally 15% foraverage buys. Our account number whichyou will need to know is H2127 andmembership card is required. Look for themon www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

THE NATIONAL RALLY

With the greatest respect for our editorhere, I do not think GW will be with everyonebefore the National Rally but I am taking thisopportunity to say thanks to those whoorganised it as I am sure it will have been agood one. I hope also to have met a fewmore of you readers and that we can all lookforward to great times ahead.

Ride on but most of all ride safe

Dibble


4 AUTUMN 2006

Honda Owners ClubANNUAL

GENERAL MEETINGI hereby give notice that the 2006 Annual General Meeting of the Honda

Owners Club (GB) will be held on Sunday 22nd October 2006 at

TThhee HHoonnddaa TTrraaiinniinngg IInnssttiittuuttee

BBllaacckktthhoorrnnee PPooiinntt

22 BBllaacckktthhoorrnnee RRdd,, SSlloouugghh,,

SSLL33 00DDAA

Commencing at 11.00 a.m.

All nominations for the Committee posts or Resolutions to be considered

must be made in writing to the General Secretary

Nominations for Committee positions must include a proposer and seconder.

Andy “Dibble” YoungHonda Owners Club (GB) Chairman


AUTUMN 2006 5

EEEEDDIITTOORRDDIITTOORR SSSSAAYYSSAAYYSS ........Well I did it didn’t I, I tempted fate by

telling everyone in the last issue that the

engineer had proclaimed the subsidence in

my house was a “once in a lifetime event”.

Less than a month after the repairs had

been completed, we noticed further cracks

and sticking of doors, and so back came the

various engineers and surveyors. The net

result was that the front of the house is now

supported on umpteen twelve foot metal

poles which have been drilled into the

ground and concreted to the foundations,

but more of that in future issues.

The one thing which did make me giggle

was the snobbery between builders. A

specialist firm was appointed to install the

piles, preceded the day before by a couple

of ground workers from another firm to

“prepare the site”.

Over yet another cup of tea I asked why

it needed a team from a separate company

to dig the holes, and was informed “Oh,

they are specialists, royalty don’t dig their

own holes!”

Once again, my thanks go to all those

who have sent in contributions and have

helped make this another bumper issue.

Sometimes space precludes getting

everything in and sometimes articles have

to be held over to another issue, but please

don’t let that stop you sending them.

A couple of members have queried why

I include letters or articles which are

obviously not the view of the Executive, the

Management Committee or for that matter

the majority of the membership, and I

thought it perhaps useful to confirm the

“editorial position” on such matters.

If a letter or article is received, unless it

is likely to get the club into hot water legally,

it will be printed. If replies are received, they

too will be printed, although we do reserve

the right to call a halt to yo yo

correspondence which has gone on for long

enough. If I or any other officer of the club

does not comment on an issue, please do

not take it as an indication that we agree, or

disagree with

the content.

And lastly, if

you do have

issues with

anything that

is written,

please don’t

be afraid to

write in;

G o l d e n

Wing is your

magazine,

produced for

and by the members.

As this tends to be the last bit of the

magazine to be put together, it does give

me chance to say thank you and well done

to Graham and all those from Bedfordshire

for a superb National Rally, we all had a

great time. Just remind me to sit further

away from the comedian next time!

To finish, I hope to see as many of you

as possible at the AGM on the 22nd. As has

already been said, we are the guests of

Honda this year at their state of the art

training facility near Slough, and it would be

really great if we could have a good turnout

to enjoy their hospitality.

Keep it tidy!

Tim


6 AUTUMN 2006

OH PETER!

I write in response to Pete Broad’s “OhBarry” letter in the last issue.

“What do I know about biking”! Evidentlyby your response and hidden attitude “sodall”.

It’s funny that in Europe on touringholidays you see loads of “Rockets” withplates from al over Europe! Opinions onlycount if they are just that, “your own”because we all have them and to get alongwe take on board others opinions andanalyse them.

I bet Nick Sanders (Journey BeyondReasons) is kicking himself for not going ona proper tourer; he would have done it in halfthe time.

Dave ClarkMember No. 29050

P.S. If the editor has nothing about bikesto say, well!!

As you say Dave, everyone is entitled totheir opinion and I am more than happy toprint opposing views in Golden Wing.

As far as not having anything to say isconcerned, I would certainly not hold myselfout as an authority on the best type of bikefor any particular use. Both Peter and Barryhave far more biking experience than I, andif anyone is interested, they can probablygauge my opinion from the fact I ride aFireblade!

On a wider note, the best place fordiscussing opinions is in the members forumon the website, where, when I have time, Icertainly do join in with the discussions.

Simply log on to the website atwww.hoc.org.uk and follow the links toregister. Ed

NICE ONE PETER!

Dear EdAnother excellent piece of value from

Golden Wing! We decided this summer to try one of the

places listed in the Accommodation sectionof the magazine and spent a week inNormandy at Pete and Rusty Broad's place.

Having taken the kids and the car(horrors! - especially when we found somefantastic roads for bikes), we booked theircottage for a week and set off from Englandin pouring rain.

We had a horrible journey down - it wasthe 5.00 am ferry (never good to get me outof bed that early!), a very choppy crossing, athunderstorm at Calais, and a cloudburst atAbbeville (there are occasionally timeswhen it's good to be in a car - this was one!).

We had to stop in Rouen to shopbecause Darren had forgotten a jacket andwas fed up of being rained on whenever westopped.

However, the weather improved as wetravelled south and we discoveredLongueve in glorious sunshine and a veryfriendly welcome.

There were four other people stayingthere when we arrived - and they were therefor a couple of days. Then on theWednesday, another two couples turned up.This resulted in some late night sessions inthe bar or the patio area with copiousamounts of wine and beer and extremelygood conversation. I can't remember whenI last laughed so much. Although none ofthe other visitors were HOC members, theywere all bikers and really good company.

Pete and Rusty's place has a couple ofcaravans and tents as well as the cottage,and the facilities include the bar, cooker,hob, fridge, sinks, wash room, toilet (alwaysa bonus in France!), and a rather ferociouscat!

KKKKIICCKKIINNGGIICCKKIINNGG BBBBAACCKKAACCKK ................Something to Say - Say it here


AUTUMN 2006 7

We had a great time and can wellrecommend it - but you could check it outyourselves at www.peteandrusty.com.

Next time, we're going to take the bikeand leave the kids at home!!

Debbie MillardMember No. 13559

Debbie, you are not the first to say whatfine hosts Pete and Rusty are, and I am gladyou enjoyed your stay. Ed

IN RESPONSE TO MR GOODWIN

Dear Editor,We were sorry to read about Mr.

Goodwin’s disappointment with the activitiesof the MANHOC branch (yes, it was ourbranch he was referring to).

Unfortunately, we are all individuals andwith individualism it is impossible to pleaseor cater for everybody’s needs all of the time.

For all those who read our reports on ourmany and varied ride outs, you would beable to see that they are well attended andthoroughly enjoyed by all the memberswhich participate. Our club nights aresimilarly enjoyed by all who attend.

There are always two sides to everystory – our recollection of the events do differfrom Mr Goodwin’s – but we respect his rightto put his views in writing.

We do regret that a new member of theHOC did not find what they were looking forbut trust in the future they will find what theyare seeking.

Regards

All at

Manchester Honda Owners Club

JIMMY’S (PRIDE AND) JOY

Brooklands, this is the day Jimmy hasbeen preparing for in his quest to win a firstplace in "The Pride of Ownership"competition, having got third place last year.

Well, we arrived nice and early, settledthe bike and "trailer" then put up the brollyand table and chairs, "comfort". That's whatI call doing things in style.

As we watched the bikes all coming inand lining up for inspection, the sun cameout and it got very hot! As we were sittingwaiting, we met many friends and also madeanother new friend as we always seem to doat the HOC meets. That is what our club is allabout; hi! Mickey from East Midlands, yes Imean you.

Well all our waiting was worthwhileJimmy won 2nd place in his group for 1991--2000 and Mickey Maw won 1st in his groupof 2001—2006, well done both of you. That'stwo happy riders going home today.

I must also say I was sorry that for allSteve and his members hard workorganising the day, there were not so manythere as last year. Anyway, well done to youall.

Betty


8 AUTUMN 2006

FJR COMPETITOR?

Dear TimI have just received the Summer copy of

“Golden Wing”, I always look forward toreading the mag and I would like to say thatthis issue is even better than usual. Thankyou to all involved for the hard work thatgoes into producing it.

I live in France and am fairly heavilycommitted at the moment so am not aparticipant club events etc. Nevertheless Ienjoy hearing about the activities of othermore active members and it retains atenuous link with the UK biking scene.

The renewal of the club association withHonda UK must I am sure be mutuallybeneficial and it perhaps gives me theopportunity for a gripe. I am not obsessiveabout brands but I have owned moreHonda’s than any other brand since my firstBenly Super Sport way back. My last bikewas a pre V-Tec VFR 800 which I regretgetting rid of. It was a super bike if less thanreliable in it’s early days. A combination ofadvancing years, an old wrist injury and theneed for more long distance comfort led to adecision to change.

What to buy? I owned an ST1100 for awhile. Too heavy for me and an engine thatwas more suited to a car – no adrenalinerush acceleration. The new Pan sufferedmany recalls and problems and was tooexpensive and it is still very heavy.Varadero? Not my cup of tea. Deauville?Not enough power and the luggage was toosmall. Good commuter but not for me. TheCBF900 was a possibility but it lacks fittedluggage and weather protection. As a resultI am now one of the 1% non Honda owningclub members. I bought an FJR 1300. Notmuch heavier than my VFR800, fittedluggage and shaft drive + prodigiousacceleration.

In retrospect, much as I like the FJR, Iwish now I had tried modifying the ridingposition of the VFR and fitted FJR luggageas I have seen done on another Honda. Idon’t like the ugly metalwork of aftermarketluggage.

So please Honda, a performance tourerwith a sit up riding position, adjustable

screen, shaft drive, fitted luggage, lowweight and a reasonable price, i.e. FJRcompetitive. For me the pre V-Tec VFRwould make a good starting point. Ampleoomph, compact and not too heavy. Justneeds a better fairing/screen, shaft driveand fitted luggage. Make one and I will befirst in the queue. Am I alone?

Not much to report from France, I lostmost of last year due to a bout of ill health.This year I have been to the Milleau Viaduct– spectacular, and Lourdes. No I’m notreligious but it was an interesting place tovisit.

Thanks again for the mag.

Regards

Keith Howlett Member No. 25048 (France)

Thanks for your kind words Keith, and itwill be interesting to see if anyone elseagrees with you.

Thank you also for the picture ofLourdes. Like you, I am not religious, but Ialways find religious architecturefascinating.


10 AUTUMN 2006

CLUB FUNDS

I'm a little concerned about the HOCfunds at the moment. That's not to say orimply that there has been any "shinanikins",or miss dealings, not at all, I know thepeople handling the club funds are doing agrand and thankless job. No my concern isthe lack of incoming funds.

I read the monthly mail out the other dayand the request by Dibble asking for therecruiting new members to bring in morefunds. Yep, I can see this as beingessential, but what about the lapsemembers or the members who have someform of complaint or grievance. The people,who haven't bothered to air their views andhave taken action by not renewing theirmembership, maybe we should be lookingto re-recruit these as well!

Anyone who's been involved with BritishStandards or ISO will know that it isimportant to pursue customer feedback inorder to help continuous improvement ofyou organisation. This feedback alsohighlights problem areas (possibly at grassroots level) that may need urgentlyaddressing in order to maintain or better thelocal branches. A point to note is my localbranch and how membership hasdiminished from when I first joined - arethere any issues that require addressing?I'm not saying there are but do we reallyknow without feedback? We only find outwhen the last man is standing!

With regard to lapse members, theintroduction of Direct Debit is certainly goingto be a "bonus" (for want of a better phrase)and we must thank Graham for his tirelesspursuit of this but maybe we as a club (evenat local branch level), should send outreminders to the members who have left theclub for whatever reason. Perhaps 2reminders at most would do it, just to showthat we do care about lapse members aspeople and not just for selfish club reasonsof getting hold of their money! Highlightingthe DD might mean the lapse membersgladly re-join, who knows?

I know what some will say, 'Why shouldwe chase people up when they are clearlynot bothered', well going back to my point

about feedback, they may not be botheredbecause we appear to be "Not bothered".Local branches or even the National clubmay have issues that are not suited to theindividuals who have left. We should be, asa club looking for improvements to moveforward and any comments by theseindividuals should be taken on board and ifvalid take any action but by the same pointif not valid disregard, but at least listen!

Remember word of mouth is a fantastictool, Get a great bike and you're happy tospread the word. You get a bag of crap froma bad dealer and you'll tell everyone andtheir uncle, these then take notice and willavoid that dealer - but worse, they'll telleveryone else!

My final comment is this, in no way mustanyone in the club take what I have said asany form of complaint about any aspect ofthe club or individual. My comments aremeant in all honesty and with great affectionfor the club as a whole. I love biking, I loveall the aspects of being part of a bike clubboth Nationally and locally, I just want theclub to move onwards, improve wherenecessary, but above all survive for thesake of bikers everywhere, (IncludingSuzuki Burgman riders).

What ever happens, remember this,

Keep Smilin'(No one knows why your smiling and it

drives 'em crazy)

Kev LudlamMember No. 25014

Thanks for your letter Kev, yourcomments succinctly summarise thefeelings of many of us. The difficulty wehave is that we do try and find out whypeople leave, usually without success. Tothe best of my belief, Graham asks forfeedback when he sends out final renewalreminders to lapsed members, and I knowthat a number of branches do follow up onmembers who no longer attend. However,there is always more we could be doing,and therefore, if anyone has any ideas wewill be very pleased to hear them. Likewiseif any members are reading this who arethinking of leaving, please, tell us why. Ed


AUTUMN 2006 11

NOISE IN FRANCE?

Dear Tim,We are reliably informed that the French

authorities are clamping down on noisymotorcyles among other things.

We are told campsite etc are turningaway noisy Bikes, because they could beliable. The last thing we need here. Thinkbig "V" twins are the major problem.

Regards

Pete BroadMember No: 21281 (France)

P.S. Whilst writing I thought you mightlike the following photo, which is suggestedas being suitable for a streetfighter.

Thanks Pete, it could also be said to besuitable for a few of our members, who willof course remain nameless! Ed

Kicking BackKicking BackLetters for the next issue

need to arrive by

1st December 2006

E-mail to [email protected]

or post to:

Golden Wing,

Units 1B & 5B

Kemps Quay Industrial Park

Southampton.

SO18 1AD

CCCCHHHHAAAANNNNGGGGEEEE OOOOFFFFAAAADDDDDDDDRRRREEEESSSSSSSS

PPPPlllleeeeaaaasssseeee sssseeeennnnddddcccchhhhaaaannnnggggeeee ooooffff aaaaddddddddrrrreeeessssssss

ddddeeeettttaaaaiiii llllssss ttttoooo tttthhhheeee MMMMeeeemmmmbbbbeeeerrrrsssshhhhiiiippppSSSSeeeeccccrrrreeeettttaaaarrrryyyy,,,,

nnnnooootttt ttttoooo GGGGoooollllddddeeeennnn WWWWiiiinnnngggg....

TTTThhhhaaaannnnkkkkssss .... .... .... ....EEEEDDDD


12 AUTUMN 2006

General Secretary - Mark Clargo

TTTTHHEEHHEE VVVVIIEEWWIIEEWW OOOOVVEERRVVEERR TTHHEETTHHEE BBBBAARRSSAARRSS !!........!!........

Firstly, I

need to

apologise to

Tim for

being late

with this

piece for

t h e

magazine,

but I’ve

been so

b u s y

lately, at

h o m e

and at work, that I

completely forgotten the deadline!

It wouldn’t be so bad if I had been busy

because of biking commitments,

unfortunately that’s not been the case. In

fact I’ve hardly ridden the ‘Storm this

summer. And when I did have some free

time, late August, it was cold and wet (fair-

weather-biker I hear you all say, well I’ve

done my stint of riding all seasons, clocking

over 50,000 miles on my last bike, a

CBR600F).

Anyway, let me tell you about my friend

who has just turned the grand young age of

fifty. He’s been a biker since his teens, met

his wife-to-be as a biker, got to know me as

a biker when he moved next door, both our

children have grown up with biker dads, and

most of this time he has owned a beloved

Suzuki T500. I have tried persuading him to

join the HOC in the past, but not only is he

not the “club-type” he has never owned a

Honda; Kwakers and Suzi’s, but never the

big ‘H’! So what do you give an aged biker

for his big day? Well my friend opted for a

tattoo. Not any ol’ tattoo mind, no, not of a

flying eagle, or a heart with “I Love Mum”

written in a ribbon, or the Goth type patterns

that seem to be all the rage at the moment,

or the traditional snake slithering down a

dagger – oh no! None of them would do, not

for his special occasion, and the fact that it’s

his first tattoo ever.

For this special event, once he had

found a suitable tattoo artist with the

expertise that would carry out his desire, my

friend endured two and a half hours of pain

and discomfort, without a cuppa all that time

(a mean feat for my friend, I can tell you),

and not daring to move just in case he

jogged the man with the needle.; So, what

was the design of his desire I hear you ask?

The beloved T500 of course, emblazoned

across the width of his arm, forever, to take

to his grave. Mainly because the actual bike

would not have fitted in the coffin with him!

Well done Paul, you’re a braver man than

me Gunkar Dynn! (Maybe I could have a

small red Honda wing on my arm – or

maybe not!)

Well summer is nearly over (or probably

will be by the time you read this), so make

the most of it.

Mark


AUTUMN 2006 13

MMMMEEMMBBEERRSSHHIIPPEEMMBBEERRSSHHIIPP MMMMAATTTTEERRSSAATTTTEERRSS ............

NIKOLAY VYGLAZOVFollowing on from the note last

month, Nikolay Vyglazov of London,

did manage to ride to Moscow and back

in July on his CBR 600. What he didn’t

tell me at the time was that he had only

passed his test 6 weeks before he left!

As I write this he is riding to Brussels for

a long weekend; he is certainly getting

around!

.

MOVING?Don’t forget if you move, let me

know, and no other club official, as I

keep the address files up to date, (You

can write or send an email). We get

several copies of each magazine

returned by Royal Mail each issue so

don’t let it be YOU who we lose contact

with.

DIRECT DEBITAs you will notice when you receive

your membership renewal next, we

have now managed to establish a direct

debit system for membership. Not only

will this save the club a lot of money in

printing, postage and administration, it

will make it much less hassle for

members.

Please consider making use of this

facility, as it has taken literaly years of

negotiation with the bank to get it set

up.

Gone will be the days of writing a

cheque, finding and envelope, buying a

stamp and taking it to the post box; you

will simply receive your new

membership card through the post each

year shortly after your renewal date.

CHANGE OF E-MAILTo contact me by email, please

continue to use the

[email protected] address.

However, for those who have other

addresses in their records, please note

that these have now changed. My

personal email address is now

[email protected]

Graham Gull

Membership Secretary

Graham Gull

61 Vicarage Road

Ware SG12 7BE

� [email protected]

Do you provide products or

services for bikers?

Have you thought about an

advert in Golden Wing?

For details of all advertising

options and costs, please

contact

Erica Gassor

[email protected]


If anyone is in possession of pictures which they feel will make a suitable CaptionCompetition, then please send them in to:

Golden Wing, Units 1B & 5B, Kemps Quay Industrial Estate, Quayside Road, Southampton. SO18 1AD

or e-mail me at [email protected](If sending pictures by e-mail, please send at 300 dpi or greater)

Not quite so many entries this time, although quite a few wereon the “fragrance” theme such as “Is that Eau d’ Castrol you arewearing darling” and “Mmmmm, is that Evening in Paris I smell orafternoon in Huddersfield?

To claim your prize, please contact Justin Goddard the RegaliaCo-ordinator using the datails on page 3. If you email him,remember to state your size and preferred colour.

1st Prize: An HOC Club Sweatshirt to:

Colin Bentham (29328) with -

“Mavis says; Can she have her curtains back ?”

2nd Prize: An HOC Club Polo Shirt to:

Stephen Collingwood with -“Psss the guy over there says you look like Magnum gone wrong”

3rd Prize: An HOC Club T Shirt to:

Amanda Barnard with - “You told me you were going to wear the black one tonight!!"

Now try this one; Same Rules - Same Prizes

CAPTION COMPETITIONCAPTION COMPETITION

My thanks to Stritchyfor send this photo of Kentaken on their branchholiday to the Auvergne

Email entries to [email protected]


VINE COTTAGEVine Cottage is situated in the beautiful Seig

Valley in the Westerwald National Park. The areais quiet and relaxing and in the words of oneguest, idyllic; but it offers the biker a myriad ofchoices. From the High Westerwald with itssweeping roads giving panoramic views of thesurrounding countryside with rides to theCathedral "Stadts " of Montabaur & Limburg,taking in the little known valleys of the Lahn andWeid. Then there is the winding steep valley ofthe Mosel with its castles vineyards and ancientquaint towns. One of which is Cochem, a majormeeting point for Bikers through out the summermonths.

Of course not to be forgotten is the majesticRhein with its fairy tale castles a boat trip fromKoblenz is probably a must.

Then there is the Nurburgring either test yourskill with a blast around the circuit, check out themuseum, or just chill out and watch. The run tothe "Ring" can be linked with the medieval walledtown of Linz a ferry

crossing of the Rhein then up the Ahr Valley,one of Germany 's red wine producing areas.

The Dambusters Run" takes in the dams onthe Mohnesee, Sorpesee and the Biggersee. Thescene of the fabled allied bombing raid during the

second World War, a great day out, with, option nof a boat trip around the Biggersee.

If you fancy a day off the bike then Cologneis the day out for you, an easy train journey intoCologne centre. Cologne has much to offer, itstwin spired Cathedral dating from the 13 centuryis a must. Then there is –the Botanical Gardens,Zoo, boat trips on the Rhein and of course Kolschthe local beer. There are over thirty differentbrews served directly from the barrel, it is a beerconnoisseurs heaven.

Vine Cottage is run by a Brit , Bob Brown exRugby, Warwickshire. The "Cottage " is a 17thcentury Tudor style house that has beencompletely modernized and all rooms haveshower and toilet . The "Cottage" has that countryhouse feel from days of old, but has the modernintrusions of TV and a cosy well stocked bar.Evening meals are available on request andEnglish breakfast comes as standard. Guests arewelcome to use the gardens and the south facingsun terrace; German summers are usually hot soa BBQ may be the evening meal option.

Vine Cottage is an ideal spot to base yourselfto see the friendly face of Germany. Withbeautiful roads, scenery good food and beer theWesterwald is a bikers Paradise. The cost for adouble room including English Breakfast is 50euro a single is 35 euro. A 5% discount will begiven for stays over 5 days.


16 AUTUMN 2006

SET ASIDE?

In reply to a member of the HOC-GB

Forum who recently remarked "I can’t

understand people having bikes and not

riding them!"

Perhaps it is because it is not yet your

time to understand?

Yet you have probably already put aside

a number of things, without actually

discarding them.

Perhaps you have physically left them

behind without relinquishing ownership.

Most parents with adult children are the

keepers of such things. Footballs, cricket

bats, dolls, SCUBA gear, sailboards, chess

sets, bikes, tents, rucksacks, etc, etc,

occupy the lofts, cupboards, sheds and

cellars of many a parents home. Things put

aside, but not discarded.

Any marina worker will tell you that some

70% of the yatchs and motor cruisers never

leave the marina and another 10% are only

used on 3 or 4 weekends a year. With only

10% being in regular use. If people can put

aside boats costing some £2,500.00 a year

in fees, is it any surprise that people can put

aside motorcycles and still pay the £18.00 a

year just to belong to the ‘Club’.

People generally put aside things in the

hope that they may return to them later.

Many things are never returned to because

with the passing of time, it is no longer

physically possible or socially appropriate.

Some things are put aside with the thought

"I will pass it on to my son/daughter".

But virtually all things put aside,

eventually cease to be part of ones memory

- you just forget you have them.

Every year, marinas and boatyards

throughout the country have to trace the

owners of boats that to all intense and

purposes have been abandoned. There are

tens of thousands of houses standing empty

in the UK, many will have just been put

aside and forgotten!

I have a sheath knife that belonged to

my grandfather as a Boy Scout leader, it

was used by my father as a Boy Scout, it

was worn and used by me as a Boy Scout,

my son used it as a Boy Scout. It is still very

sharp and in good condition but my none of

my grandsons will ever wear it even though

they may well become Boy Scouts - they

would be arrested for carrying a dangerous

weapon! It has become a socially

inappropriate item! It will probably end up on

a skip!

My son and his family are between

houses and needed to rent a property for

perhaps six months.

Then knew of a property that had been

unoccupied for at least two years. The part

time gardener was keeping the 4 acres of

garden and swimming pool maintained, but

he had not seen the owners for two years.

On approaching the owners representative,

my daughter in law was told "yes, it really is

one of my parents holiday homes, but as

they are both in their 90’s, they have not

used it for at least five years, but they often

talk about it." "We have never thought about

letting it, in fact we have not thought about it

at all for a couple of years, but if you are

interested, we could meet up at the house

and talk about it".

The house is just outside Uckfield,

Sussex and with its large covered swimming

pool and double garage with

accommodation and other outbuilding, all

set in a very nice 4 acres of gardens is worth

about £650,000.00 and the owners had not

visited it or really thought about it for a

couple of years! But they had continued to

pay the rates, utilities, gardener and pool

maintenance.


Putting aside a motorcycle is no big

thing.

There are tens of thousands of

motorcycles in the UK that have been put

aside. Some will eventually sold off as part

of a deceased estate. Some will be

rediscovered, recommissioned and then put

aside again.

Other will be rediscovered,

recommissioned and yet another born again

biker will take to the road. To a road that will

probably eventually lead him to his local

bike dealer and a new bike. If he has any

sense, he will take whatever miserly figure

the dealer offers him for his bike - even if it

is just a breakers value. The alternative is

for it to be returned to the back of the

garage, just to take up space until it too is

eventually sold off as part of the owners

estate - or put in a skip as part of the house

clearance.

Some of these bikes that have been put

aside will belong to members of the HOC-

GB. Their HOC-GB membership is like the

bike standing in the back of the garage. The

pair of them go together - they are just nice

to have - part of their hopes. We should stop

worrying about - how to get them involved

and active within the HOC-GB. We should

just make sure that when they do return to

the fold, they are made welcome.

Putting aside was probably gradual and

no big deal. Getting back into the saddle is

sudden and is a big deal. They are not

learners, but their bike experience is dated.

They know how and their intervening years

in cars, has kept them well aquatinted with

traffic conditions but their confidence on a

bike needs building up.

A born again biker is a triumph of hope.

They may never put that SCUBA gear on

again, or get on that sailboard, but once on

that bike, the road opens up and they can

again ‘ride the dream’.

Treat them with respect and take joy in

their triumph of hope. They are brothers,

returned from the wilderness!

Barry Tinson


18 AUTUMN 2006

Last year we road tested the CB350F

and CB400F and we have always said that

here in the UK we have a large amount of

affection for the little Four. So I thought that

it would be nice to collect a fair number of

these machines and take them for a ride

down country lanes, so that owners and

riders could enjoy the tranquility of the

Hampshire countryside to relax and enjoy

riding within a group of Honda CB400F’s.

Sunday 14th May and seven riders with

400 Fours arrive at the M27 Services on a

perfect day. To our knowledge this is the first

time that a ride out just for the 400Four has

been arranged, so it was good to enjoy

company of the other riders on the ride. Also

the more mature owners had owned the

machines for a good number of years as

every machine entered was at least thirty

years old; in fact John Hancock has owned

his CB400F from new. The CB400Four

produced 37 bhp @ 9,500 rpm and with its

sporty four into one exhaust it gained an

“Impish little rascal image”. It will buzz you

down the twisty country lanes and it will

come back with a smile on its face and

yours proving that they are fun to ride. I

know that this is why this machine has

always had a cult following simply because

they are fun.

CB400F

1975 - 1978


AUTUMN 2006 19

Since 1975 Honda Japan have always

made a Four hundred Four to cover the

home market and as the years have

progressed the machine has matured into a

lightweight machine with far more

performance and handling making it even

more in the “Cafe Racer” image. I invited

Pam Irving on her three year old CB400F2

“Super Four” to join us. Pam is of the height

that she cannot ride larger machines with a

higher or wider seat and none of the

manufacturers cater for these riders. This

“Super Four” is a 16 Valve, Double

Overhead Cam, “Vetec” Engine with the

performance that will out run some larger

machines. So I think that we should still be

importing the “Baby Four” and us more

mature riders ( OK Older) will tell you that

you don’t need larger machines to enjoy

your motorcycling. Spare parts for these

original models are now becoming harder to

obtain which is making the CB400F even

more collectable and it is nice to see that

here in the UK riders still appreciate the

“Turbine Smooth” little CB400F and owning

part of “Honda History”.

While organizing this event I had the

owners of other Honda models from the

same period contact me and ask if they

could join us for the run? The answer I am

afraid was no, as I wanted to keep the run

just for the CB400F. However, next year on

the 2nd Sunday of May 2007 I am to

organize the same run for “All Honda Single

Overhead Cam Fours manufactured up to

and including 1978. So if you own a

S.O.H.C. Honda Four then make a date and

join us for an amble down the country lanes

of Hampshire

Pam on her CB400F2


20 AUTUMN 2006

DDDDOOWWNNOOWWNN YYYYOOUURROOUURR WWWWAAYYAAYYReports from the Branches

Once again its time to do a piece for the

“wing” and once again I’m late! (Sorry Tim).

Personally I blame the HOC calendar.

Along with other Beds branch members,

we’ve managed to do a couple more rallies

this year. As a result the time has just flown

by, with something seeming to be happening

every week. As a branch, we have had

people at the Wiltshire, Solent, East

Midlands, Oxford and Birmingham rallies,

plus the East midlands Poker run the other

week. In addition to our own rally, that’s a lot

of weekends away and not one a

disappointment! Our thanks to all those who

take the trouble to host a rally, we know how

much time and effort it takes!

We were pleased to see so many visitors

for the Sunday lunch run in July, hosted at

our regular meeting place, The Chequers at

Streatley. It took a while to get all the

dinners, but hey, there were 35 odd and it

was worth waiting for! Northampton and

North London came over and Erica even

rode up from Oxford! We look forward to

next year’s event.

By the time you read this you’ll know

whether or not I’ve been lynched for c*cking

up the National Rally! Have I thought of

everything? Will the site deliver what they’ve

promised? Will the act go down with flu on

the night? What if the stylus falls off the DJ’s

record player? What else could go wrong?

All questions that fade into insignificance

with each passing beer! Hopefully you’ll all

still be talking to me afterwards.

As the summer draws to a close we turn

our thoughts to what to do in the winter

months. As not everybody rides all year we

need to keep their interest until the spring.

Sounds like party time to me! We have a few

social events planned and there is always

room for more! Hopefully I’ll see you at a

party, somewhere near you over the winter.

Finally many thanks to Grantham Honda

recently for taking a small group of us out on

their extensive demo fleet for an afternoon.

We managed to demo 3 bikes each in the

time available. Unfortunately the WAGS

insisted we leave the credit cards at home

which was a bit of a bugger! My attempts to

swap my missus and two camels for a two

tone silver Blackbird fell on deaf ears.

Maybe next time………

I’m off to do the lottery. Don’t forget,

black side down.

Graham

BEDFORDSHIRESecretary: Graham Seymour - 01438 357398


22 AUTUMN 2006

For our branch, we have had a busier

year than normal, which is great.

On the 29th May we had a trip to the

Lancaster Aviation Museum at East Kirby

which was led by John Young. A very good

turnout for this trip. We were very lucky with

the weather as it only rained on us when we

were at the museum and we managed to

dodge the rain on the way back. A fish &

chip supper was on the cards on the way

back at Bourne.

At the beginning of June we had the club

trip to Normandy. Six bikes met at

Portsmouth on the Friday night to board the

Ferry. A few beers and an overnight ferry

later we disembarked at Caen and traveled

the short distance to Pegasus Bridge. It

wasn’t long before Lyn & Graham joined us

from their home in Brittany. As it was during

the week of the D-Day anniversary there

were a great deal of WW2 displays,

memorials, etc. Roger H. has a wealth of

knowledge of the region and we visited a

great deal of the fascinating sites and

museums of Normandy. I never realized that

there were so many Jeeps and WW2

vehicles still on the road.

On the Tuesday three people had to go

back (work commitments) and on

Wednesday we parted company with Lyn &

Graham and blasted up the coast for the

weekend rendezvous with the riders coming

over to Le Touquet for a long weekend.

We went out for a meal on the Friday

night (which passed far too quickly) and on

Saturday morning we rode sedately around

the French countryside. Which was

completely different to the way I rode when

I realized that we were going to be late for

the Ferry at Dunkurque?

In July the club had a long weekend in

Derbyshire where the weather was

unbearably hot. Snake Pass was obviously

a must visit.

Also in July was the Flying Proms at

Duxford. Although this year it was slightly

disappointing with only six club members

attending. The weather was very iffy but we

still enjoyed ourselves, though.

August once again sees the WSB

alternative BBQ being held at Roger and

Sue’s place. We had even more to play with

this year as Roger had borrowed a quad

and Jim and Debra brought along their off-

road Jeep. There was an even bigger

turnout this year as over thirty people

showed. There were the usual cuts and

bruises again (one of them being Ian, so no

surprise there) but we all had a brilliant time,

thanks to our host and hostess.

We also had a soggy trip to Foxton

Locks. If you have never been, it is a

fascinating piece of engineering. I can

thoroughly recommend it.

This year is our branch’s 10th

anniversary (hell, where has the time gone)

so to celebrate this we are going to the

dogs. Those that know us probably think

that anyway, but we are actually going to

Peterborough dog track and we have written

to people who are not current members to

see if we can get them to come along to

catch up with what is going on and who

knows, maybe get them interested enough

to rejoin the club.

Safe Riding,

Bill

CAMBRIDGESecretary: Bill Brown - 01480 382295


Devon and Somerset H.O.C. Weekend

Trelawne Manor Holiday Park,

Looe, Cornwall

4th, 5th, 6th 7th, May 2007

BOOKING FORM

Name: ____________________

Address: ____________________

____________________

____________________

Price £100 for a caravan that sleeps up to 6

Please make cheques payable to:John Fowler Holidays

Send to : Pat Jennings, John Fowler Holidays

Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 8PF

No later than February 28th 2007

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU


24 AUTUMN 2006

This is a bit last minute, so apologies forthe briefness of the content. Well we reallyare having a funny year. One minute, lots ofpeople are e-mailing, but not turning up atmeetings or ride outs. Then other times lotsturn up out of the blue. There really is norhyme or reason to it.

Both Diane Barnet and I are both gettinga bit disillusioned. We need moreparticipation from those who are in HOC butdo not want to participate. At the momentmore people seem to turn up who are notmembers than are! I personally am goingthrough the IAM training so a lot of my spareriding time is spent with my observer. We didnot realise at the time, but our meeting nightclash with the local IAM meeting nights andquiet a few of the old HOC Gloucestermembers have actually joined them. I will beattending a meeting in the near future butDiane and I are finding it hard to keep

motivated for the HOC.We will need to meet soon and select a

meeting place and will keep membersadvised through the website. We will also bechanging the meeting night. Please, if thereare any members who could help share theresponsibility of decisions and planning,then please put your hand up and comealong to offer any amount of involvement orat least support. It does not have to be toomuch but any would at least make it seemall worthwhile.

Keep you all posted.

Ian NiePS Decided to return meeting of

Gloucester Branch to the Twigworth Armsfrom October for the winter months.Meetings to be on the first Wednesday ofeach month from 8pm

Secretary: Ian Nie - 01453 752098GLOUCESTER

Could you get a ‘Wyder’ choice? TheWyder Group have just opened a newHonda dealership located on Kerfoot Street,just off Winwick Road in Warrington (Tel0845 241 3080 – see web sitewww.wyderhonda.co.uk).

Open 7 days a week (until 6pm onweekdays), alongside the full range ofHonda bikes, Wyder Honda also offer awide range of used bikes, a large range ofclothing, accessories, parts and anexperienced Service Department. WithHonda factory trained mechanics, an up tothe minute workshop, MOT facilities and theoffer of a courtesy bike whilst yours is beingattended to. Wyder Honda can offer anexcellent service at competitive prices.

The Wyder Group started off as a small

building business but has now grown into alarge organisation offering commercial anddomestic construction, a range ofmotorcycle shops around the area, includingWyder Honda in Preston, and even a barand restaurant in Preston called “TangoJoe’s” with a tex-mex feel!

You may also have seen one of theirstaff recently test riding a Honda bikearound the Warrington Wolves Stadium,giving their mascot ‘Wolfy, the ride of his lifeon the back of the bike!

Pop in and see the guys at WyderHonda, look at their range of Rev IT,Alpinestar and Scott Leathers, their Shoeiand KBC helmets and much more, chat totheir technical staff and be assured of awarm Honda welcome.

THE WYDER GROUP OPEN A NEW

HONDA DEALERSHIP IN WARRINGTON


26 AUTUMN 2006

Eastern members have been

out and about on their bikes,

enjoying the hot weather in June

and July.

In June Dek, Ken and Joyce

spent an enjoyable week camping

in Luxembourg. This was Dek’s

first time abroad on a bike and I

think he’s caught the touring bug.

On Sunday 9th July Ken &

Joyce, Mick, Dek, Dan and

Graham enjoyed excellent

weather on a run out to

Flamborough Head.

At Mick’s insistence, the

branch run on the 23rd July was to the

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Show at

Lotherton Hall. This show is a reflection of

the increasing interest in Japanese bikes of

the 70’s and even the 80’s.

Sunday 6th August saw Tony, Ken,

Joyce, Dek, June, Danny, Sue, Graham &

Sue on a run out to Skegness. Tony even

braved a dip in the sea! I haven’t seen Tony

since; I hope he’s ok?

Ken & Dek have spent a few weekends

repairing Graham’s bikes. The CBX 1000 is

now actually running; I’ve seen video

evidence to prove it!

Eastern members continue to attend the

ever-popular Lincolnshire Bike Nights.

Good weather produced an excellent

attendance at this year’s Barton Bike Night.

Very poor weather affected the attendance

at the Big Bike Fest, organised by Wolds

Bikers at the Brayford Pool Lincoln.

However, it’s an excellent location for a bike

show and I hope the event becomes a

fixture in future years.

Welcome to our new members, Tony,

Martin, Laurie, Mick & Janet.

Regards

John

Secretary: John Hewson - 01469 560306EASTERN

Ken, Mick, Dek, Dan & Graham

Taking a break


AUTUMN 2006 27

Tony takes a dip

That looks cold Tony?Dan & Mick

At a Skeggy pub!

Who’s idea was it to

park on the beach?!!

The odd couple on the ferry


28 AUTUMN 2006

There is a saying that out of bad comes

a little good, and so it has been proven here

at the Northants & M.K branch following a

pretty nasty accident involving a couple of

our members. They were out enjoying a

Saturday afternoon ride when a car pulled

across them, as they do, and poor ‘ole Dan

was brought off his lovely two month old

new Gold Wing. Ruth got caught up in the

mess as well and dropped Dan’s faithful old

CB750. There was a lot of damage to both

machines, and Ruth was badly “duffed up”.

Dan took the worst of the fall and ended up

with a broken leg and numerous other

injuries leaving him needing an airlift to

Coventry Hospital. Before I continue I will let

you know that Ruth is perfectly O.K, and that

Dan is making rapid progress, now only

using one crutch and looking forward to

being pillioned over to France for a

weekends drinking mid October.

Here’s where the good now comes from

the bad, because it events like that which go

to remind myself and lots of other people

what being a member of the H.O.C can be

about. Within a short time of the accident,

and a couple of phone calls, branch

members had got to the scene, trailers in

hand to retrieve the bikes once the police

had done their bit, and offers of help and

support poured in to Dan’s wife Sue.

At the next branch meeting it was

decided to try and pay our debt of gratitude

to the people that helped Dan the best at his

time of need; the Worcestershire &

Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

A brief round of brain storming and the

idea was hatched of holding a BBQ and

Charity auction on the August bank holiday,

with all monies taking being donated to the

Air ambulance fund. So, like a hurricane,

flyers were printed and passed around the

counties bike

groups, local

firms were

asked to

donate items

for the auction,

and many

i n d i v i d u a l s

came up with

donations of

items and cash

to help swell

the fund. Some

of the branch

ladies did a

cake bake to

sell at the BBQ

as well.

NORTHANTS & M.KSecretary: Brian Dunn - 01604 404706


AUTUMN 2006 29

So, the day arrived with the

weather holding fine. The event took

place at the our pub, the “10 o’clock” in

Little Harrowden, where our landlord

kindly donated all the food and BBQ

equipment for the cause. We were

supported by a fantastic turnout of local

bikers and members from other

branche,s and also a delegation and

promo helicopter from the air

Ambulance. We are more than chuffed to

say that we managed to raise ?2000 on the

afternoon for this worthy cause, so we would

just like to say a massive thanks to all those

people and local firms that gave freely of

their time and donations, there were too

many to list here. A bigger vote of thanks to

those that gave the donations that helped

raise the most money at the auction,

particularly our old friends of the branch and

the H.O.C, Rusty and Pete Broad over in

Normandy, who donated a weeks holiday for

six at their Gite. Also, a huge vote of thanks

to Dave Cooper Racing in Kettering, a true

Honda specialist, who donated a full bike

service. Both these donations raised well

over a hundred pounds each, cheers folk.

So you see there is the proof that some

clouds do have silver linings, especially,

when all said and done, it could have been

a hell of a lot worse.

Onwards then to a brief summary of

what else has been happening. As reported

last issue, we had the weekend down to

Weymouth for the Brewer nuptials and

I have to say that we had a brilliant

time. Everything went well on the day

for Chris and Andy, well done, and

one of the best receptions I’ve ever

been to. A great atmosphere and both

brilliant and unusual entertainment,

and Stritchy got his face sunburnt,

now there’s a first.

A few of us went down to Brooklands for

the Honda day, a great show of machines

both old and new and an interesting trawl

through the exhibitions that brought back a

few memories of my youth.

And forward, we have already booked

and filled the accommodation for next years

branch holiday in May. Twenty two branch

members took up the available places within

a week of the arranging, and because we

knew it would be popular we had to make it

on a first come first served basis, so sorry to

those that have missed out this time,

perhaps we should be looking to hire a

village the next time.

That’s it for now peeps, we’re off to hand

over a large cheque to the Air Ambulance

guys. Thanks again to all that made it

worthwhile, but please, don’t do it again

Dan………

Cheersmedears

Bri


30 AUTUMN 2006

NORTHUMBRIASecretary: Graeme Burrough - 07050 158 381

For the second year the Northumbria

Branch had a stand at the Show.

The event is organised by Durham

Police to promote Bike awareness and

safety. Sited at the Police Headquarters just

outside of Durham City. The expected

10,000 visitors where rewarded with a

glorious sunny day filled with indoor and

outdoor attractions for all the family for a

modest £1 entry fee.

A major part of the day is the variety of

local bike clubs, as well as HOC

Northumbria there were Pan and Gold Wing

clubs with classic, vintage and street

fighters to name just a few, all trying to grab

the public’s attention and express their

passion for bikes.

Due to the space that had been allotted

to HOC it was decided to exhibit 5 bikes a

VFR400 which attracted a lot of attention

and a couple of enquires to purchase. A Pan

ST1300 belonging to our Secretary, also

had its share of admirers, and this allowed

him the opportunity to discuss with them the

clubs tour of Switzerland earlier this year

and our forth coming tour of Austria in

October

The other thee bikes a 1977 Honda 750,

a 900 Hornet and a VFR 800 were all well

scrutinised by past, current or maybe future

owners.

We will have to wait and see if the

thousands of leaflets handed out by the

eight members manning the stand during

the day results in new membership.

I am sure this year’s event was better

than last, and next years will be even better

learning to promote the club in a

professional way.

George Petrie


AUTUMN 2006 31

Hello from North London.

We have now settled in at ‘The Kings

Oak’, with several new faces joining us at

our weekly meetings. Of course we have

been enjoying the sweltering weather, really

too hot for biking, but there have been some

spectacular sunsets to watch over the

common on club nights.

On 18th June, eight of us went on a day

trip to France, leaving on an early shuttle

including John on his CBF600. He had only

passed his test 3 weeks before, so this

really was a baptism of fire! Mick had

devised a route taking in some really quiet

country lanes, across country, stopping for

lunch in Hesdin. At Albert, where there was

sort of classic car rally closing most of the

streets in the town centre, we were looking

for petrol, and asked a couple of locals who

looked as though they might know. They

thought that there might be one, two or three

kilometres out of the town. Anyway, we left

them and went 100 metres down a side

street, and there was a garage which was

open on the corner!

Ninety years ago, in July 1916, began

the Battle of The Somme, where the British

Army sustained hundreds of thousands of

casualties during one of the fiercest

engagements of the First World War. There

are many cemeteries in the area, and we

visited the Lutyens memorial at Thiepval,

where the names of over 77,000 men, who

fell in the area and have no known grave are

inscribed on the monument. A late snack

was taken in Peronne, and we headed back

via Arras and the Autoroute to Calais. It was

a very enjoyable day, if a little too warm, but

plans are already in hand for next years’ trip.

On the weekend of 1st/2nd July, it was

the ACU National Road Rally and 5 of us set

off from Harlow for the all night ride, ending

at the National Motorcycle Museum on the

Sunday morning. Everything went well

during the day. I had to leave the rally on the

Saturday night, because of the club

committee meeting on the Sunday.

Unfortunately during the night, Steve relied

on has GPS and instead of going straight

down the A515 from Buxton via Ashbourne

to Darley Moor, managed to go through a

farmyard, waking up a lot of sheep and a

ford, at which Mick unfortunately came off

and everything got soaked! Anyway, despite

all the troubles, the Rally was completed OK

and an award gained.

Nikolay came along to one of the

summer meetings to announce that he had

got to Moscow and back successfully, taking

only 3 days each way from to and from

Calais.

We had a run through the leafy

Hertfordshire lanes to meet up with

Northants and Beds for the Sunday lunch at

Streatley.

Coming up on September 10th is the

annual Essex Air Ambulance run from

Basildon to Harwich, always popular, with

thousands of bikes heading along the A12.

Our meeting on October 19th will be the

branch AGM, for which this is the formal

notice, and later that month it will be NEC

time again followed by Christmas.

Do come along and see us on any

Thursday

Ride safe,

Graham Gull

Contact, Tony Quigley 020 8556 5988 NORTH LONDON


32 AUTUMN 2006

What a summer, excellent

weather and lots to do – in fact

not quite sure how we fitted it all

in!

The Oxford Rally was great

fun with a ‘thunderous’ ride out

from which a group of wet,

bedraggled riders returned! But

undaunted they dried out (well

sort of) and enjoyed an excellent

BBQ in the evening (rain had

stopped) and were then

entertained by a very talented

guitarist in the lovely warm, dry

pub – apart from the beer being

wet! Thanks to all those who put

in such effort to make it a success. The main

prize in the raffle was a flight over Oxford in

a light aircraft and I am delighted to say our

hardworking Pro’s Betty and Jimmy won it

and had a great time – rumour is that next

year we may be to get something different

but equally exciting as a prize!

Ride outs varied from an interesting trip

to the Air Museum at Middle Wallop, the

HOC Brooklands Day to a trip to

Lacock/Fowlers Bristol. Lots of activities

with an excellent Canal Trip as our summer

‘do’ (why are the ‘loos’ so tall and the

cubicles so small on barges!) and various

events at our meetings. The Treasure Hunt

proved fun for those hardy souls who took

part – ok ok perhaps some of the clues

weren’t that clear! ‘First on the Scene’ Bike

medic gave a fascinating insight into their

work and the wonders of a fully equipped

Pan, and Forte Oils (who

donated our Rally raffle prize)

also gave an interesting

presentation on their offerings.

With more events and ride

out’s - and planning for our

Christmas do - we are not yet

admitting that the biking

season is over! So here’s

looking forward to a happy,

hectic next few months at the

Oxford Branch!

Cheers all

Erica

Secretary: Erica Gassor - 07799 49 2235

OXFORD


34 AUTUMN 2006

Life continues apace at Solent with much

that has been enjoyed in the last few

months, and much to look forward to in the

future.

Most recently a good few of us attended

the National Rally in Tenby, and what a good

job Graham and his team from Bedfordshire

did in organising it. Unfortunately, for

reasons which are still a “sore point” at

home, I travelled up in the car with the

family. Those who went on their bikes set of

an hour earlier and arrived three hours later,

making me all the more jealous thinking of

the route they had taken. My jealousy was

not quelled any when I saw the planned

route for the ride outs on the Saturday and

Sunday, especially as the weather on the

Saturday looked to be ideal. On the up side,

there were enough of us there to take the

trophy for the branch with the most

members attending, and we didn’t even

have to count the “half” due to be born in

December.

Elsewhere we have had a number of ride

outs, with members attending the Honda

Open Day at Brooklands, and rides to

various rounds of the BSB.

We would all like to congratulate Sue

and Alan Stamp on their silver wedding

anniversary, and wish them all happiness for

the next twenty five years.

Also, very worthy of congratulations is

Solent member Samuel Davis, grandson of

Pete & Deirdre Mills. Within six months of

turning seventeen, Sam, who rides a

CBF250, has successful gained both his full

motorcycle and car license, and has passed

the Institute of Advanced Motorists

motorcycle test. The I.A.M think that Sam

may well be the youngest person ever to

achieve this feat, and are currently checking

their records. Well done Sam.

The next big event on our calendar is our

bonfire and firework party at Pam & Dave’s,

and our mid-week runs to “somewhere nice”

are still in operation for the time being.

Well that’s it for now. By the next issue I

hope to report that the newest addition to my

family, which the hospital are 95% certain is

another boy, has made it safe and well into

this world.

Keep it tidy

Tim

SOLENTSecretary -Tim Lee 023 8025 2113

Branch Secretaries:

The deadline for the next Golden Wing is;

1s1st December 2006t December 2006

These pages are your advertising space, to let

members who are local to you know the real

benefits of active membership. Tell them what is

happening in your area


AUTUMN 2006 35

WEST LONDONSecretary: Steve Hill - 020 8291 5263

Yes, Steve and Maureen did get married

on the Isle Of Man – as witnessed by Trevor

from Birmingham and Chris and Ritchie

from West London. At a recent get together

at Lorrie and Eileen’s we presented Steve

and Maureen with £75 worth of Marks and

Spencer’s vouchers as a belated wedding

present. Congratulations you two.

We continue to meet at The Admiral

Hawke as they seem to quite enjoy having

us there. A few weeks ago we enjoyed their

annual free barbeque for regulars – food

always goes down well with us!!

As you know Steve and a select band

from West London were responsible for

organising the 2nd Pride of Ownership

thingie at Brooklands. This went well and we

had a decent number of bikes entering all

classes. (A separate report appears

elsewhere) Steve and co have decided not

to go for a 3rd year at Brooklands as they

feel that a change of venue and organisers

will keep the event ‘fresh’ – Pete Goodger

has come up with one suggestion for a

venue – anyone else with any suggestions

should contact the HOC Secretary or come

along to the National AGM.

I am sad to say that Lorrie and Eileen

(respectively our Treasurer and Lottery

Organiser) have decided to buy a home in

Spain where they will spend the colder

months – only returning to this country when

the weather improves. Many of you will

have met them at rallies and HOC events as

they have been active supporters for many

years and will know that they are a gem of a

couple – always willing to help and

extremely pleasant company. We will miss

you during the winter months – but we look

forward to your return for the summers.

Good luck and have fun!!

Plans for the future include attending the

Rockers Reunion, a Trip to Alice Holt Forest

for a spot of Climbing/shooting/archery, our

own AGM, fireworks party and Christmas

Party. Please check out our website

http://www.west-london-hoc.ik.com/ for up

to date info.

Any members in our area please do

come down and see us – we’re always glad

to welcome new

members.

Last but by no means

least – we send our best

wishes to Pam from

West London who is

currently recovering from

a broken leg and is

currently being held

together by nuts and

bolts. Get well soon.

Jude


36 AUTUMN 2006

WEST YORKSHIRESecretary: Big Steve 01274 772970

Hi to All,

It’s been a while since I did a report for

the West Yorkshire branch. I have to admit I

have forgot to do it, and with holidays and

stuff just don’t seem to have got round to it.

The meetings down at the railway are going

great with new faces turning up every month

“welcome to them”. With the

weather we’ve been

sat outside and

everyone seems

to have a good

night.

I wish I could

say the same for the

weather on run day

but we’ve had some

bad Sundays when

runs have been

arranged. So, the runs

aren’t going to well but

hopefully we’ll get a few in before winter sets

in.

The web site is going well with over 6200

hits since I put it on the Net….. If you can’t

get down to a meeting, have a look there, as

any information on runs will be put on there

first.

Talking about the meetings, the landlord

has said he will put food on if more than

eight turn up, so please, if you’re coming

down, drop me an e-mail or call me to let me

know and I’ll get it put on.

My bike “CB1000” is 10 this year and still

going strong. Anybody who knows me will

know that hauling me around is no mean

feat…. The Photos shows Me and Maria at

Wrose Show in the procession, and a few of

us at the Railway at the Monthly Meet.

The wife “Maria” has a very nice CB400

Super Four and it’s looking great, if you

would like to see more go to

www.cb1000.co.uk and click the CB400 SF

link to see the bike.

Next March/April will be bike test time so

she’s swotting up for the theory and getting

all the tips from me and others for the riding,

so good luck to Maria and im sure she’ll do

very well and we’ll have another bike on the

runs in the future.

Dave and Brian went

to Cadwell on a track

day, go to the photos

page on the web site

for some nice shots…

Well I think that’s it

for now, I will try to do

the reports from now

on and hope

anybody reading this

in West Yorkshire

will come down to

the meetings for a chat and

a pint. So that’s it from me and see ya all

soon

Big Steve


AUTUMN 2006 41


42 AUTUMN 2006

Ever heard the express ‘baptism of fire’?

Well I had – but I didn’t really know what it

meant until I held my first meeting this

August as the new Wiltshire HOC branch

secretary!

What did I do to deserve this stress/ -

well, I just turned up at a WHOC Thursday

night meeting, for the very first time (in July)

to find out what the club did and whether I

wanted to join!

What I didn’t know, as I tried to decide

where to park my Deauville (& don’t say Dull

Ville!) behind the Bruce Arms, is that is was

the dreaded AGM !!

What I also didn’t know is that it was to

be so poorly attended by the existing

members that the clubs continued existence

was in jeopardy – after some 13 years with

‘Big Jim Peel-Cross’ at the helm.

The exceedingly warm welcome that Big

Jim gave me (actually in the car park!)

should have sounded alarm bells in my

head, but like the ‘sucker for punishment’

that I am, I could not resist piling ‘into the

breech’ to help Big Jim out.

But I’m not alone – as our new lady

Treasurer, Claire Robins (a newcomer like

me) has also picked up the baton from the

departing joint treasures – thanks to Claire

for bravely taking on this responsibility.

So after filling in the membership

application form there and then, I found

myself quickly proposed and seconded as

the new branch secretary – because I

admitted that I had advanced to joined up

writing and was willing to attend national

HOC meetings quarterly!

So what do I do now???

Well it’s pretty natural I think to firstly

query why WHOC attendance has become

so poor. We have 31 members (other than

the committee) listed, yet often meetings or

Ride Outs could attract only 3 or 4 of them!

Was it the pub? Was it the Ride Out

destinations? Was it Cookey’s after shave??

So logically my first task was to send out

a members questionnaire and the initial

replies seem to indicate that our meetings

needed more ‘structure’ as opposed to

turning up for just a drink & chat, then go

home – and having recently attended one of

Oxford Branches’ talks (by a paramedic), I

thought that their format was perfect for

copying! (Thanks Erica)

So taking my lead from Erica, I’m now

trying to compile a 2007 draft programme of

interesting talks & venues plus a draft list of

Ride-Out destinations which members can

vote on, to select the most popular for all

concerned!

So come on out of the shadows you

Wiltshire boys & girls – vote for what would

interest YOU, finish work early, book that

baby-sitter and let’s begin to see you on the

3rd Thursday night of each month down at

the Bruce Arms (in deepest Wiltshire!) or at

our Ride-Outs on the 1st Sunday of each

month - we don’t even stop for the winter!

Theo

WILTSHIRESecretary: John Theobald 01793 853701


AUTUMN 2006 43

VARADEROSecretary: Philip Ramsay

What a summer…I feel that I’ve had

more outfit changes than Mr Benn. One day

its Saharan conditions at 36 degrees, and I

am struggling to avoid commuting in shorts

and T-shirt like some of the crazy’s I see in

S London. Next day I’m dodging hailstones,

with the best that German protective attire

can assemble. What will September bring -

we are only a week from VUK2 and I track

the weather channel daily - once committed

that will be it. I wonder how many of us

found this a dilemma over the summer as

we left Blighty and ascended the

thermometer to warmer climes shedding not

just rubber.

Despite the individuals making a lot of

personal voyages over the summer months

I have a number of gatherings to recall with

a significant Celtic feel to proceeding. The

Norn Iron boys have been very busy, and

made able representation along with the

Speeding Stag to VIM in Sicily. Forlornly

Barry our very own VIM veteran neglected

his first and could not attend. Now I don’t

have much to report on VIM itself but they

say that a picture paints a thousand words –

get a load of this.

Back to England shire and just to say

that unluckily Harv’s Stag Hunt had to be

cancelled as the big fellow had a full platter

at the time. We can’t knock him as he has

probably led the greatest number runs of the

whole group – so maybe next year eh mate.

The West Country still needs to be

conquered.

In June – and I could describe Stone

wolf’s trip as ill fated, unfortunate or even a

failure – but I won’t. Why? Well as a glass-

half-full-man I take my hat off to the young

buck. Announced as a big list on the forum,

eventually there were a few abandons. But

did that deter the lad – no way Jose. Maybe

they ran over a black cat, broke a mirror or

mislaid his rabbit foot. Dub Scottie got taken

out by an American tourist a week before

and Tad blew a tyre on departure, and even

old Stone wolf himself clipped a bollard

leaving a petrol station and took a peg off

just at the start, he was still undeterred. As

run organiser and leader he obviously felt

obligated to receive the ‘’masses’’ on Friday

night so he got on a bus… yes a bus from

Dublin to Adrara – a fair skip. After a game

of hide and seek around the many hotels

and pubs of Ardara he

eventually met up with

the Hondapaneuros.

Saturday morn and

joined by the SH’s and

Biffo, Stone wolf as pillion

the group of three Varas

left for Portnoo

Taking in Dungloe,

Gweedore then more

Dungloe some turbulent

weather in Dunlewy, a bit

of Letterkenny and all in

the shadow of Mt Errigal.

Plenty tea was drunk by

all – it’s the law in these

parts - go on, go on, go

on. cont......


44 AUTUMN 2006

Now the first of two reports from Loud

pedal – July and 6 bikers 4 Varas, 1 KTM,

and GS for good measure ridden by the

motley crew of Ginger, Dwarf, David C, Biffo

and Mr GS, all determined to get at one with

water - you can check this out for yourself at

the link below.

The run started Comber Square at 9am

to Quoile, Strangford, Ardglass, and Trella.

Breakfast in Newcastle, and yes you could

see the mountains; a felicitous Ulster Fry for

all.

The GS rider cried off at this stage as we

were resolute to find the ford and take a dip.

Then to Kilkeel and up into the mountains,

shim past Spelga Dam, onto Hilltown. Now

the first of two reports from Loud pedal –

July and 6 bikers 4 Varas, 1 KTM, and GS

for good measure ridden by the motley crew

of Ginger, Dwarf, David C, Biffo and Mr GS,

all determined to get at one with water - you

can check this out for yourself at the link

below.

The run started Comber Square at 9am

to Quoile, Strangford, Ardglass, and Trella.

Breakfast in Newcastle, and yes you could

see the mountains; a felicitous Ulster Fry for

all.

The GS rider cried off at this stage as we

were resolute to find the ford and take a dip.

Then to Kilkeel and up into the mountains,

shim past Spelga Dam, onto Hilltown. Biffo

observed at a distance claiming that he had

mislaid his water wings, while big DC on his

KTM seemed positively nautical, as he

parted the waves like a cross channel ferry.

Being a bit proud of the new Vara LP kept to

the shallow end. Proof here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M-

KVsalWF4

Just north of Newry, Dwarf dropped out

of radar, and after a wee search found him

nursing a puncture – nothing that a can of

Holt's tyre weld couldn’t hold together.

Cracker day!

Red’s Oop North Run in July and here’s

Prodded Dog’s view from the back. Tagging

on with Rik and Sharon, some memorable

moments were passing Harv, BB and

Combat Tony on the A1 as they sat in

a service station. They had decided to

trailer the bikes up behind one of

Harv’s vans. Jessie’s the lot of them I

say. I offered a friendly wave as they

appeared to be taking a rest break. At

next stop I got a message from Harv

informing me that they had actually

broken down! Allegedly the starter

motor on the van was kaput – and the

moral of the story there is obvious!

Poor Tony, the Speeding Stag, lasted only an

hour before reshaping a dry stone wall on

the run up to Hawes cafe. Shaken, not

stirred we duly bundled him off to the pub to

await recovery. As the van was proving

unreliable, Harv and BB decided to push off

on Sunday morning whilst patrons were

available should extra assistance be

required to give them a push – which it was.

After two attempts to bump start the bloody

thing I asked Ian to turn the ignition on!

That’s why it’s called the oops north run.

Outta here.

Like a couple of Pan book-ends Honey

monster and Red sandwiched the Varas,

HM of course with now trade mark girlie

pillion for company. On the run over the

moors above Whitby HM slipped into auto

pilot and in spite of me undoubtedly marking

a left turn went sailing passed with that daft

grin on his chops – you know the one. A

great day out however and to end it all, as

we plunged down off the moors clashed with

a real tractor procession…and I don’t mean

the ones from Milwaukee. These were the

real deal, Massey Ferguson, David Fords

etc. I love rural England me.

This is the way Danny Boy should be sung.


AUTUMN 2006 45

Second from Loud pedal - Wet weekend

in August.

Well this one got kicked about a good bit

on the forum even before it got off the

ground. Even then any plans seemed to go

astray at a very early stage. Eventually it

was decided that the run would be a two

nighter Fri 25th and Sat 26th camping in

Castle Archdale Co. Fermanagh. The early

list of runners included Gingerchin, Dwarf,

Bazz, and me. Also expected from across

the water were Happychappy and the

Mystery Pillion.

Even the weather conspired against us,

a forecast giving rain early on Fri, clearing in

the afternoon and a sunny Sat went very

wrong when the promised rain only arrived

an hour before the agreed RV. So, instead of

waiting for Happy etc at the ferry terminal we

were sheltering under the outdoor awning of

a Tex-Mex café in Wearing St. Ginger chin

then rang Happy asking if the HSS had

docked only to discover that the said Happy

was on the slow ferry and was due to dock

at 6.40 instead of 4.50. More

rearranging which included a

compromise to McDonalds

instead of the fine gourmet supper

planned just after tent erection.

Happy finally rolled of the ferry

to a steady downpour and we

urgently made progress along the

West Link and down the M1,

wishfully expecting that the further

west travelled the healthier the

weather could get. How wrong can

you be – NI rain clouds can travel

at Vara speeds? Arriving in Castle Archdale

with around 20mins of daylight to spare to

setup camp, we toured a sodden site and

found a handsome plot just outside the

boundary. As we were settling down to our

second or maybe third beer – who counts

anyway - under a makeshift awning courtesy

of Dwarf, the camp Gestapo arrived. With

the observational skills of a hawk he

informed us that we were outside the site

boundary and that we would duly have to

move in the morning – this was met with a

collective ‘’whatever”. So with the

conspiracy of the weather, added drama of

the journey and the generosity of spirit

exuding from our humourless host -

common sense evaded us. The short

version is that the dreaded drink took over

and all got – well you know what rhythms

with mist.

In the morning a further plan was

hatched. The intention was spend a day in

Donegal then return to Castle Archdale, but

as we had to move tents we thought

relocation relocation. We had arranged an

RV with Biffo in Donegal Town at noon,

however owing to tending hangovers and

more inclement weather we started late.

Ginger chin, Happy, Mystery Pillion and I left

Castle Archdale late morn while Dwarf and

Bazz decided to take their throbbing heads

homeward for some sympathy - doubtful.

Finally we met Biffo at 1.00 and with the sun

on our faces for the first time we drank a

coffee in the Diamond Square – and all was

well again.

From here Biffo took the lead out on the

N56 through the fishing port of Killybegs and

on to our first stop at the Slieve League

Cliffs. You know that these are the highest in

Europe!

http://www.fionasplace.net/slieveleaguec

liffsdonegal.html

cont.......

So can you see Iceland from here,

don’t be daft man.


46 AUTUMN 2006

The ride up to the viewpoint is an

experience in itself supplemented by the

superior cliffs. Tainted only by low cloud

cover the tops blend with the sky. Still

heading west along awesome costal roads

we stopped at the Historical Irish village of

Glencolumkille for tea and scones. Check it

out at

http://www.malinbeghostel.btinternet.co.

uk/

history.htm

From here we shed our waterproofs, and

rode over the mountains into Ardara where

we found a very friendly hostel for 15 Euros

– easy competition to the £10 robbed from

us the night before to pitch a tent in

Fermanagh – even if it was off the boundary.

Once we got the bikes unpacked Biffo said

the Nancy’s was a must do for a Guinness

http://www.ireland-guide.com/

establishment/nancys.3337.html

Well when in Rome. Biffo had to depart,

so the remaining four had a great night with

a meal in the local Hotel and some the Irish

music in the next door bar.

In the morning we had a proper

breakfast in the hostel, toast, juice, real

coffee, cereals etc. We set off around 9.30

sticking to the coast through Rossbeg and

Portnoo the scenery here is breath taking.

Every corner you round one is faced with a

new vista. I think it’s the same every where

in Donegal. The roads leave quite a lot to be

desired but they keep the speed low so as

you can appreciate the views. After a shot up

the N56 to Dunglow which is the main road

in Donegal we cut back into the side roads.

The R259 & R257 take you round the Roses

and Bloody Foreland. This is also

outstanding scenery however poor planning

controls have allowed the area to be spoiled

by over development mostly of the holiday

home type. A stop at a local garage showed

that cars from Northern Ireland and Dublin

far out numbered the locals. Once back onto

the N56 we headed north to Dunfanaghy

then on to Letterkenny. Next stop Lifford.

After fuelling bikes and ourselves it was off

on the final leg back to the ferry.

The route from here is one of the best

kept secrets in the North, From Strabane to

Draperstown over Owenreagh Hill and the

Glenelly Valley. Best run at a brisk pace as

we wanted Happy to catch the ferry. The last

20 odd miles or so was on the M2 again in a

downpour, it had been dry up until here.

Needless to say Happy and the Mystery

Pillion arrived at the HSS with enough time

for farewells and best wishes.

In two weeks we will meet again for the

ride to VUK and no doubt still beaming. An

excellent weekend was had by all, some of

the best scenery in Ireland with a little history

and culture thrown in. Ireland North and

South will never disappoint. And remember -

the rain stops when it gets to your skin – so

no worries!

Well that’s all for now. Sorry couldn’t tell

you more and I didn’t tell you about the boys

playing around in the mud at the Geraint

Jones Enduro School…maybe next time.

Got to go and pack for VUK2…now what to

wear?

Phil

Andy and Andy

The Nancy Boys


AUTUMN 2006 47

VARADERO XL1000V

ROAD TEST IMPRESSIONS

BY HARRY SHAW

Secretary of the Blue Knights

England V Chapter Harry Shaw recently

loaned one of Hunts Motorcycles

weekend test ride Varadero XL1000V’s.

These are his impressions.

I’m lucky sometimes. There’s no doubt

about that. I love bikes, and for the last

couple of years I’ve had two. In fact, I’ve

usually had two, greedy boy that I am!

Currently, one is the king of motorcycles,

the FJR 1300 (Can we use the word

Yamaha here?). It’s a body-building brute

with fine muscle definition all over its shiny

skin, the ultimate motorcycling six pack bike.

There are few better ways of crushing the

continent. Not as big as the Pan European

it will still carry its rider over hundreds of

miles a day in comfort.

The other is a Honda, of course, A 650

Transalp, known affectionately in the family

as my Pizza delivery bike, because it has a

huge top box and luggage set. Brilliant in

traffic or touring A and B roads, it’s

competent on motorways. Hour after hour

though, when you can use an FJR?

Hummm…..

The Transalp is brilliant riding the

national park roads and crowded inner

cities, so what more do I need? Will it be

possible for me to survive with just one

bike? What if the Transalp had just a little

more grunt, maybe a bigger engine, to crush

those long continental roads? I knew I

shouldn’t have gone to Hunts…

A twin, that has that trail and road look,

sits all shiny in the middle of the showroom,

the 1000cc Varadero. A BIG bike! Walk

around it and its all there, a stonking V twin

lump in a high and handsome frame. It has

great luggage capacity with the optional

extra luggage set, despite the sexy under-

seat exhausts, and this is a dealer who

understands that I, for one, won’t spend

thousands on a bike without a proper test

ride. “Take it for the weekend” I was told, so

I did.

The seat is high, hard and wide, but I’m

tall enough and I can get my feet down. I

understand there is a seat-lowering kit for

the shorter rider. Wide bars make in town

handling easy, maybe because the tyres

show no sign of knobbles, and that high

seating position means negotiating the gaps

is a doddle. I begin to like this bike a lot as I

work through Manchester, to find

somewhere interesting. Then we get out of

town along the M60. A crucial test this,

because you can’t crush the continent

without spending many hours on motorways

and their mainland equivalents. Without a

larger screen it’s not as comfortable as the

big tourer, yet the bike has two enormous

advantages over its lesser sibling. Despite

being a twin between 75 and 90 the motor is

as smooth as silk. This is where tourers live

in the real world, much faster and your

licence disappears as quickly as the bike is

travelling.

cont......


48 AUTUMN 2006

The second advantage comes from

1000ccs. Grunt comes with cubes. You may

have to use the gearbox more than a Pan or

FJR because you’re riding a twin, but there

is loads of drive to be found in the midrange,

which makes opening the throttle a joy. Don’t

yank it, open it steadily and feel the bike

hurtle forwards on a surge of torque, at your

command. Oh joy!

Riding this bike was rewarding, and

there were more surprises to come. Despite

the ‘spindly’ trailie legs there doesn’t seem

to be the usual ‘throw you over the forks’

dive when you haul the twin disks on. The

front end set-up isn’t a sports bike, but it’s no

soggy mess either, bringing your speed

down without trauma. I felt very happy in the

lashing rain which just had to appear

because I was enjoying myself, leaving me

ploughing through standing water on this

bike. That made me more relaxed, and I

rode better as a result. This is a truly

confidence inspiring bike.

Throw the bike into a corner and once

again it becomes apparent that it’s not an off

road bike, despite its leggy looks. After the

first few bends I was flicking her from side to

side with abandon. She felt safe and secure,

and the lack of dive compared with many of

these trail style bikes tempts you to try for

more.

Colour schemes are

a subjective thing, and I,

personally, think it looks

better in a sophisticated

single colour but there is

no doubt that the tri

colour scheme is

reminiscent of one of

Honda’s cult bikes, the

Africa Twin, and that’s

not a bad thing at all.

She’s tall and shapely in

my view, with foxy eyes.

So, we love riding

‘Vera’, enjoying the

thumping feel of the

engine and the

confidence she builds,

but my hip joints are old and the seat is hard.

It may be that, like a BMW or Mercedes, the

hardness actually makes the seat more

comfortable for most people over long

distances, but it needs to be considered if

you are thinking of long journeys. I don’t

think you’ll be over concerned, because it’s

wide and fairly flat, but ride the bike to make

sure it suits you. Remember though, you

might be travelling faster than you think on

that wonderful big twin. When I tested it I

was, but that’s another story.

Harry ShawSecretary

Blue Knights England V Chapter

www.blueknightsuk.info

For more information and to arrange a

test ride on the Varadero call

Hunts Motorcycles on

0161-432 1303 or visit

www.huntsmotorcycles.co.uk


50 AUTUMN 2006

OUR FLIGHT AUGUST 2006

At our Oxford rally the first prize in the

raffle was a flight in Bob Beresford’s light

aircraft which Jimmy won so off we go.

Tuesday the 8th August and the morning

arrived bright and sunny. Knowing the hold

ups on the M40, we decided to go on the

bike. Good choice there was so much traffic,

especially when we got near the Marlow exit

where there is a lot of road works going on.

Having got through that lot we arrived at

Denham Aerodrome where Bob was waiting

for us. I thought I would get a break but no

it was straight of the bike and round to the

plane.

I was a bit apprehensive when I saw

how small it was. Once Bob had shown us

round and explained the running of the

plane I was feeling much better. I think it

was Bob’s talk that calmed me.

Ok, the next step was getting in the

plane and having short legs, Bob and

Jimmy had to give me a push up. Bob then

stowed me in the back seat where I found it

to be most comfortable, I think I am going to

like it.

Having got Jimmy and himself settled in

we were given earphones to put on so we

could understand all that was going on. It

was great we could hear Bob talking and

getting instructions from the Flight controller

Well here we go, off to the runway it

looked like we were going on grass, very

bumpy, but all at once a concrete runway

appeared and as I turned to look out I found

that we were already in the air and I did not

even know.

We’re up! Oh boy this is great! Bob said

it was just like being in a car and he was

right.

He took us all round the Thames Valley

area where he pointed out lots of places, we

could see Didcot power station, Henley,

Marlow, High Wycombe and lots more.

Jimmy was busy using his video camera

and I had the camera as well. I found the

flight to be exhilarating it felt wonderful, I

want to go again if I get the

chance.

It was over all too soon.

We would like to say a very big

thank you to Bob for his

generosity it was great

Betty & Jimmy


52 AUTUMN 2006

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Unit 18, Smith Green Depot,

Stoney Lane, Galgate,

Lancaster LA2 0PX

Tel: 01524 751999

Website:

http://www.junction-33.com

10% discount on all dyno work and

bigger discounts on performance

parts

CONSUMABULBS

High Bank, 14 Marlpit Lane,

Redditch B97 5AN

Tel No: 0800 634 9830

Website: www.consumabulbs.com

10% discount to members

WWW.BIKESPAREFINDER.CO.UK

Website:

www.bikesparefinder.co.uk

We are a new service which allows

people to reach hundreds of

breakers with their part request

almost instantly for free.

HONDA OF BOURNEMOUTH

5b Leyland Road, Poole,

Dorset BH12 5HB.

Tel: 01202 541220

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

www.hondaofbournemouth.co.uk

10% discount in person or refund

of shipping costs

(UK Mainland only)

for online orders.

Please quote your membership

number and

Discount Code: 270706

TYRESONLINE.NET

Unit 14 Mainstream Way,

Saltley, Birmingham

B7 4SN

Tel No. 0845 260 1600

Website:

www.tyresonline.net

Discount to members.

Quote code TCB0022


AUTUMN 2006 53

LEBARI BED & BREAKFAST

48 rue Jules Ferry,

43250 Ste Florine,

France.

Tel No: 00 33 (0) 47 35 44 781

Website: www.lebaribb.com

Spectacular Bed & Breakfast

situated in the small town of

Ste Florine, central to the stunning

Auvergne region of France.

Offering comfortable accomosation

with ensuite facilities.

10% discount on room rates with a

valid membership Card.

QUILL EXHAUSTS

Unit 18, Golborne Enterprise Park,

Kidglove Road, Golborne,

Warrington WA3 3DP

Tel No. 01942 721 744

Website: www.quillexhausts.com

10% discount on Quill Performance

Exhausts for members.

Always quote HOC2006

COTSWOLD OUTDOOR LTD

Website:

www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

Up to 25% Discount to members

MAISON TAUPE B&B

Peter and Barbara Russell,

Maison Taupe,

Les Tuilières, 87150,

Oradour-sur-Vayres,

France.

Tel No: 00 33 5 55 78 66 45

Email: [email protected]

Website:

www.maisontaupe.com

10% discount on daily rates

(min 2 nights)

or the 7th night free

for a booking for 7 nights or more,

(accommodation only)

On production of a valid

membership card.

A Bed & Breakfast for bikers by

bikers with bikers in mind

Businessess which offer a

discount to members can be

listed free of charge in the

Members Discount section of

Golden Wing. In addition, if you

have a web site, we will provide a

free link from the HOC website

www.hoc.org.uk.

Please contact Erica Gassor,

Advertising Co-ordinator on the

details shown on page 1.


54 AUTUMN 2006

ALL CHANGE!

What a difference a few races make!

Why do those who were surging ahead at

one stage suddenly find their machines are

not quite performing as well – or is it the

riders? An intriguing situation which makes

the championship so exciting, and keeps

the fans attending the meetings or glued to

the TV coverage!

There are obviously many factors that

affect the results, tyres, weather, set up,

fitness of the riders but the differences in

performances and results throughout the

season is drastic – it is a fascinating world of

challenge and change and so entertaining.

With Lavilla now showing some of his

early season form and Haslam just ahead in

the championship, Kiyonari (Honda) has a

tough task ahead in third place, I would not

place a bet on who will hold the BSB title for

2006!

Again, in the GP’s, Rossi’s Yamaha

performance problems has left the

championship wide open with Haydon

(Honda) leading but Pedrossa (Honda),

Rossi and Melandri (Honda) still in

contention.

The 250’s, which so often has equally

good racing, currently has an interesting

chase to the championship with only a few

points separating Lorenzo and Dovizioso

(Honda), whilst it is only Bautista in the

125’s who looks like he has something of a

comfortable lead.

Perhaps, if I was a betting person, I

would risk a bet on Bautista and also one on

the WSB’s with Bayliss having a fairly good

lead over the battling Haga and Toseland

(Honda).

I do however think that the best bet is to

just enjoy the cut and thrust of the racing,

keep cheering our Honda guys and

congratulate the winners at the end of the

season after what will be some well fought

battles!

Regrettably the close of the season is

approaching far too quickly, with rumours of

moves and changes in riders and teams

running rife – who will end up where next

year? Another interesting topic of

conversation and one on which I would

definitely never bet as there is no such thing

as certainty where large organisations and

money is concerned.

The Stiggette


56 AUTUMN 2006

BBBBRROOOOKKLLAANNDDSSRROOOOKKLLAANNDDSSReport From the HOC Open Day

After a rather chilly week Steve and his

merry crew (Maureen, Lorrie, Eileen, and

Malcolm) were glad that Sunday was bright

and amazingly warm and dry!! Especially as

they all turned up to set up the show at

about 8.30am.

By midday there were a good number of

bikes and people and a relaxed buzz

around the Brooklands clubhouse. Most

classes had a respectable number of

entrants and there were some unusual and

in some cases unique bikes on show.

My personal favourites were;

• the mini sidecar outfit – based

around a 50cc engine and built by

Carl Webb’s dad. Carl’s son looked

quite at home on it! I do have a

contact number if anyone has any

questions that they would like to ask

about it.

• The yellow ‘spider’mini chop – for

sale at only £995!!!

• The Gold wing with the ‘landing

gear’ – first one I’ve seen anyway.

Kits are apparently available from

the jolly old USofA.

The judging of the concourse was

judged by Graham Gull, Tony Eldridge and

Dave Barton and prizes presented by Trevor

Thompson with some assistance from

Dibble.

I’m sure that we would all like to thank

Steve and Maureen and their solid crew of

helpers for organising this event over the

last 5 years. Steve was assisted with this

year’s event by Stan & Nathan from Honda

UK – who kept him going with little gifts of

sweets, ice cream and water.

Steve would like to thank the West

London Crew, Stan, Nathan,Helen and

Lindsey from Honda UK and Donna from

Brooklands for all their help. He has enjoyed

organising the last 5 events but feels that it

is time to move on.

Steve worked really hard to make the

event a success – but has now decided that

it should be held somewhere different in

order to provide a fresh venue and fresh

ideas. He was a little disappointed that this

year’s event attracted fewer bikes than last

year (about 140 bikes) but seemed to be

happy that most people were enjoying

themselves.

So – suggestions for next year?????

Jude


AUTUMN 2006 57

RESULTS

CLASS A PRE 1980

1st Glen Warby - CBX1000A2nd Alan Rutterford - CB750/4

3rd Colin Nicholls - CB92

CLASS B 1981 – 1990

1st K.Dare - XBR5002nd Dave Ferns - CBX1000A

3rd Bill Sutton - CB350

CLASS C 1991 – 2000

1st Steve Bevall - VFR7502nd Jim McCulloch - ST1100 Pan Euro

3rd T.Law C90

CLASS D 2001 – 2006

1st Micky Maw - ST1300 Pan Euro2nd Metal Mickey - CB600/F4

3rd G.Peckham - CBF1000

CLASS E - VFR750

1st Peter Casling - VFR750FL2nd D.Hicks - VFR750K3rd E.Baker - VFR FT

CB400F “RICHARD EDELSTEIN” TROPY

1st Jeff Appleyard2nd Flood

3rd Bill Casling

CLASS G - GOLDWING SOLO

1st Clive Perrior - GL10002nd M.G.Wilson - 1500

3rd Mr & Mrs Gardner - GL1000

CLASS H - GOLD WING OUTFIT

1st Tiffany Noy

Brooklands is the

ideal location to hold a

classic event like this,

and I will admit that

although the number

of visitors were down

from last year. The

number of entries to

the Pride Competition

was more than

doubled, proving that

a large number of you

do show a great deal

of pride in your

machine. So full credit where credit is due

and I was amazed by some of thje

machines on display.

1978 CBX1000A (Glen Warly), 1972

CB750K1 ( Alan Butterford) and 1961 CB92

(Colin Nicholls)

When you see machines like these, time

just seems to stand still as they all look as

good or better than new. Also, all three

machines were ridden to the event which to

my mind makes riding them with pride

rather special.

It was nice to see Trev Thompson, Tony

Eldridge, Graham Gull and Andy Dibble take

the control of presenting the awards and

Tony bringing two machines for display. In

fact Tony’s 1966 CB450 looked brand new,

complete with it’s Craven panniers ready for

the 1966 I.O.M TT.

On the day it was a great event so many

thanks to everyone who helped and I now

look forward to next year when we can all

show off the HOC and take pride in what we

are doing.

Dave BartonClassic Secretary


58 AUTUMN 2006

OFF ROAD!

"Encouraged by the feedback received

from my last report, I've decided to put pen

to paper (well, fingers to keyboard at

least...) for your enjoyment..

A small group attended the Geraint

Jones - "Yamaha off road

experience/enduro school" near Llanidloes

in mid Wales. The group consisted of a

variety of talent from reasonably regular off-

road riders through to complete off-road

novices. Geraint is a 10 times British

champion enduro rider and it seems the

whole Jones family are very talented riders!

I guess having a hundred or so acres of the

Hafren forest at the end of the garden helps

with practice.

The day started off with a power

breakfast of bacon and eggs before

admiring the lashing rain and travelling up to

the farm at Old Hall. We then met the other

attendees (making a total of around 12 + 3

instructors). Everyone got kitted up with all

the equipment supplied (in all sorts of sizes

and shapes). A riders briefing followed with

a description of the day ahead and an

introduction to the range of bikes available.

The bikes range from sedate 125's through

a couple of models of 250 - one slightly

more beginner friendly than the other - and

on to the 450 monster. All the bikes supplied

by Yamaha.

The day also caters for riders that want

to bring their own bikes which a couple in

the group did.

Off we go!!

The chief instructor for the day was

Dylan Jones (who is currently competing in

the World enduro championship) with John

following up at the rear. After a trail ride

across the farm, we arrived at the Hafren

forest. A fantastic place for dirt bikers. Not

open to the public on motorised vehicles,

the forest is accessible to the Jones family

only but is occasionally opened up to the

Hafren dirt bike club and hence the enduro

riding public, courtesy of the forestry

commission that own the land.

Some interesting easy trails led us to the

Sweet Lamb motor complex. A gravel

quarry, regularly used for car rallies and

often the base of the Hafren trail bike rally.

This was to be the venue for the next couple

of hours. A track is laid out encompassing

rocks, jumps, berms, gravel, braking and

acceleration bumps, table tops etc. After a

few laps following Dylan to get the hang of

the layout, we're left to our own devices for

a few laps whilst the instructors watch

everyone...


AUTUMN 2006 59

After a few laps we were called in and

given some instruction on body positioning.

Another few laps, followed by some

instruction on cornering techniques and so

on. There were a few amusing crashes in

this time but nobody hurt and only one

motorcycle bent following a failed attempt at

a Travis Pastrana style double backflip.

After what feels like 10 minutes but is in

fact 2 hours, we're off for lunch at the farm

(provided). Don't forget to give Fred the

grumpy hound a bit of your sandwich!!

The afternoon see's us separated into

two groups for the trail ride to the next

training ground. The more adventurous

(stupid?) group going via a faster, more

technical route. Once we meet up again, we

do loops of a whooped out, bermed up

forestry loop - excellent fun, crashing

though huge puddles. Then another trail

ride etc.

A fantastic day out where you can really

let rip safely and spend hours trying to "fill

in" all your mates with water and mud - and

if you time it just right, the slurry from the pit

by the entrance to the farm...

Do it. You won't be disappointed. and

don't worry about the weather - the colder

and wetter, the more memorable it is.

Visit

http://www.yamaha-offroad-experience.co.uk/

for more information or to book!

Whats next?

I've just returned from pit crewing for

four friends at the annual Dawn to Dusk 12

hour enduro where we had two finishers just

outside the top 10. "Team Brat Pack" also

has entries in for the next three Welsh

rallies (Cambrian, Hafren, Dyfi) - two of

these being two day events. If you enjoy

these write up's - please let me know - you

can email me via my website

http://nothing.org.uk/

and if you're feeling flush and want to

hear more, click on the "sponsor" button and

donate something towards my entry in the

2007 Africa Enduro event in aid of Riders for

Health!

Cheers,

Mark HVaradero Forum


60 AUTUMN 2006

THE NEW MOTORCYCLE

YEARBOOK 1The Definitive Annual Guide to all

New Motorcycles Worldwide

Author – Simon de Burton

Once again Alistair Layzell of Layzell

Public Relations called me and asked if we

would like to review a copy of this, the

second Definitive Annual Guide to all New

Motorcycles Worldwide.

Once again the book is crammed with

colour photographs depicting the major new

models to have been released this year. The

book quickly informs that despite its title, it

doesn’t actually contain every new model to

be released, having decided to overlook the

myriad of lightweight copycat designs

coming out or China and India, and

concentrating on their view of the top 100,

and the book is better for it.

Again, the quality of the book was

evident, being the same height but wider

than A4 and having 272 pages, about 100

less than last year. However, the reduction

in content has not reduced the appeal,

although the section on “Key Designers”

which I found most interesting last year

seems to have been the most culled.

Once again this book is as much about

the photographs as it is about the text, with

a good many of the photographs have been

provided by the manufacturers, explaining

both the excellent quality, and in some

cases, the feeling of familiarity. As with The

New Motorcycle Yearbook 1, if you are one

of those who stroll around the NEC show

collecting carrier bags full of brochures, then

this book is certainly for you.

The layout is similar to last year with

Simon’s knowledgeable analysis being of

just the right length to be informative without

being dull. With the key data again limited to

margin notes I was reminded long ago of

days in the playground playing Top Trumps,

and the book has you flicking between

pages comparing which is best.

In addition to the space given to each

bike, there are chapters devoted to “Trends,

Highlights and Predictions”, “Advances in

Engineering”, and “Key Designers” along

with a “Glossary”.

Simon writes with a concise style honed

by his years as a motorcycle journalist, and

is both easy to understand and digestible.

However, I found the new section entitled

“Motorcycling: Grab it While You Can” a little

negative. Whilst Simon points out the

warning signs that are there for us all to see,

I found his assessment somewhat fatalistic,

and would not agree that the end of

motorcycling will come, however far off this

may be.

The fact that the book has been written

rather than compiled is a strength, and

transforms what could so easily be a

reference source into an interesting read.

Perhaps the greatest accolade I can pay

the book is that whilst in the past I have

distributed books to other members to read,

this one is staying firmly on the shelf in my

downstairs loo for those wonderful moments

of enforced solitude!

The New Motorcycle Yearbook 2: The

Definitive Annual Guide to All New

Motorcycles Worldwide, by Simon de

Burton is available from publisher Merrell on

01235 465500 on the 16th October 2006

priced at £24.95 in hardback.

Tim Lee


AUTUMN 2006 61

MMMM....CCCC.... IIII

A range of motorcycle fact sheets are now available online at the Motor Cycle

Industry's website www.mcia.co.uk .

The industry has a strong commitment to providing accurate and up-to date

information to many stakeholders including the riding and non-riding public, the media,

government, educators and other relevant associations.

The MCI annually receives hundreds of enquiries on diverse topics from

straightforward statistical requests to more complicated explanations on legislation.

Based on the most common requirements the team has produced a selection of fact

sheets that will be regularly updated.

Initially, the topics covered are; How to get a licence, safety, clothing, women, young

people, congestion, theft and general motorcycling facts and figures. Coming soon will

be files on mini-bikes, scooters and 'born again' riders.

Craig Carey-Clinch, MCI's Director of Public Affairs said, "The fact sheets are the

ideal resource for people who need comprehensive sources of data and research.

Journalists, the public, teachers, road safety workers and other members of the industry

can access them free from the website www.mcia.co.uk "

The direct link to the website is

http://www.mcia.co.uk/S%5FPublic/scontent.asp?sc=X2

For more information or photos please contact Samantha at the MCI Press Office on

Tel: 02476 250809 Mobile: 07769 681166, email [email protected] . or MCI

Director of Public Affairs Craig Carey-Clinch: 07979 757484 or [email protected]

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sseerrvviiccee tthhrroouugghh HHOOCCoonnssuummeerr..

PPlleeaassee sseenndd yyoouurr pprreessss rreelleeaassee aanndd pphhoottoo ttoo::

MMaarrkk CCllaarrggoo,, HHOOCCoonnssuummeerr -- GGoollddeenn WWiinngg,,

99 HHeennddrreedd WWaayy,, AAbbiinnggddoonn,, OOxxoonn OOXX1144 22RRNN

or e-mail it to [email protected]

HHOOCCHHOOCCOONNSSUUMMEERROONNSSUUMMEERRCompiled by Mark Clargo - HOConsumer Editor


62 AUTUMN 2006

SUPER-BIKES: RIDING CHALLENGE

Today Black Bean announces the latest addition to its rapidly expanding product

portfolio, Super-Bikes: Riding Challenge from the acclaimed creators of the Superbike

series. The team behind Superbike are back and bringing with them the most realistic

and in depth riding simulation to the PS2 and PC.

Super-bikes has it all, with cutting edge physics, total control over rider movement

and immersive gameplay that puts you right in the seat of some of the most powerful

bikes on the planet. Super-bikes has something to offer all racing fans! Intense rivalries

and superior AI make the game both challenging and rewarding while the graphics,

animation and sheer attention to detail make Super-bikes a visual feast!

“The experience presented in Super-bikes is so close to the real thing that you can

almost smell the tarmac… Most people only dream of riding a superbike now the chance

will be available to all!” said Marco Minoli of Black Bean. “It is very exciting to be working

with a team who have such a pedigree in motorcycle games and it was clear from a very

early stage that Super-bikes was something different and incredibly special”

Milestone who developed the original Superbikes titles in the late 1990’s have been

working hard to create a game that challenges at all levels. With a huge level of

customisation to allow riders of all levels a chance to feel that overwhelming sense of

achievement as they cross the line in first

position!

To date Superbike is still considered

the best riding simulation ever created.

Super-bikes: Riding Challenge is

coming to PC’s and PlayStation 2’s soon!

For further information

Livio Cantagallo

tel: +39 0332 874 329

[email protected]

David Halse

Tel: +44 1372 822 842

[email protected]

BBBBLLLLAAAACCCCKKKK BBBBEEEEAAAANNNN


AUTUMN 2006 63

FIRST OF THE NEW AMAL TT CARBURETTER RANGELAUNCHED BY BURLEN

Genuine, new AMAL TT carburetters (the famous variants of the throttle- slide bike

carbs originally known by the phrase ‘the carburetters of records and successes’), are

back in production. Salisbury based Burlen Fuel Systems are now manufacturing the

classic TT bike carburetters in addition to the Monobloc 376 and 389 series, and the Pre-

Monobloc 276 series recently introduced.

The first of the range of TT carbs to become available have a bore size of 1 3/16”

with a flange mount directly suitable for the bikes listed below. Burlen are also able to

adapt it for many other bikes with similar mounting requirements. Other bore sizes will

be available when tooling and product development are completed. A hybrid float bowl

as pictured will soon be available or alternatively, a remote float bowl can be supplied.

These units are manufactured in line with the company’s policy of scrupulously

maintaining the original spec except where new materials or manufacturing techniques

allow improvements to be made. Burlen are now the world’s sole manufacturer of an

extensive range of AMAL motorcycle carburetters and spares. The reborn carbs are

produced from the original drawings and new tooling and are faithful reproductions of the

original product.

Price - £375 including Vat (price does not include float bowl

Marketing Director Mark Burnett said “with the start of manufacturing of the TT series

we can now supply almost the full

range of the original AMAL carbs -

which we are happy to build to

customer requirements - and

availability of the attendant spares is

also assured.” Burlen Fuel Systems

are the leading British classic fuel

systems manufacturer in the world

and, as well as the AMAL product,

manufacture the legendary SU

variable venturi classic car

carburetters.


Mark Burnett,

Burlen Fuel Systems Ltd,

Castle Road, Salisbury,

Wiltshire SP1 3SA.

Tel: 01722 412500,

email [email protected]

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64 AUTUMN 2006

1000TH RIDESAFE BACKSAFE MEMBER ANNOUNCEDRIDESAFE BACKSAFE HAILED AS SUCCESS BY DEDICATED

BIKER

The Ridesafe Backsafe campaign team – part of the Lancashire Partnership for

Road Safety - has announced that it has topped 1000 members since it was launched

just four months ago. Bikers across the North West have signed up at

www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk to join the campaign for safer bikes on our roads.

Mr Michael Shields of Hurn Grove, Chorley was the lucky 1000th new member and

was awarded two free tickets to the British Superbikes Championship Round 9 at Oulton

Park last Sunday (23rd July). Mr Shields – a keen biker for 40 years – registered on the

‘biker’ site after hearing about the campaign at Rivington Bike Meet.

Said Mr Shields: “I wanted to have a look at the website to see what was there.

Modern bikes are so much more powerful now and I think people do need to glean as

much information and experience as possible to stay safe. I had a few crashes when I

was younger, for example taking bends too fast and setting off too early at traffic lights.

I think the website is very user friendly and has some useful information and advice.”

The Ridesafe Backsafe initiative, championed by Lancashire’s own Super Biker John

McGuiness, provides North West bikers with an informal and friendly environment where

they can pick up safety tips and give the benefit of their experience to other, less

experienced riders. Mr Shields was the special guest of the Ridesafe Backsafe team at

Oulton Park and said: “It was a great day and the Ridesafe Backsafe team laid on great

weather! It was good to meet a local legend like John – TT record holder and

Superstocks rider from Morecambe.”


Lancashire Partnership for

Road Safety Project Team

Chris Gradwell on

Tel: 07816 527497

or

Linda Sanderson

Tel 01772 531940

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AUTUMN 2006 65

TURN YOUR PHONE INTO A SATELLITE NAVIGATION SYSTEMAT YOUR LOCAL ORANGE SHOP

Wayfinder DriveLine the ultimate travel companion provides Bluetooth satellite

navigation that connects to a user’s phone providing voice guided, turn by turn

navigation. Phone Trainers are on hand in Orange shops across the UK to guide

consumers through the simple 4-step Wayfinder download process.

Customers can now get satellite navigation on theirmobile phone for a pound a week

and benefit from the Wayfinder driveLine service which provides users with

• Over 750, 000 UK points of interest

• The most up-to-date information – all UK maps and points of interests updated

every two weeks

• Access to global maps and street level maps in North America and Europe

• Access to future software updates

• In addition to voice guided navigation from the phone

• Options to purchase speed camera location and live traffic information (time

traffic information? Live traffic information?)

Speed Camera Locations

Over 11, 000 speed camera locations, including fixed, mobile (including free standing

and speed traps), traffic light and temporary cameras are updated daily with a

guaranteed 99.9% accuracy of their location. The service is provided to Wayfinder from

Cyclops an authorised supplier of this data who survey all camera sites to confirm their

accuracy.

Wayfinder Driveline is available from Orange shops priced xxx. Customers are then

charged a £1.00 per week subscription fee, exclusive of data costs.

Traffic Information

Live Traffic information is provided in association with Trafficmaster enabling users

to avoid traffic congestion on UK motorways, and trunk roads.

The Launch of Wayfinder driveline reflects the changing needs of the market place

and offers a flexible and cost effective solution to users looking to purchase navigation

services for one month or a lifetime of services from all 292 Orange stores in the UK.

Magnus Nilsson, CEO of Wayfinder comments: “We are forever looking at ways to

develop within an evolving market place. With this in mind, our decision to sell through

Orange stores offers the perfect partnership to bring navigation and travel accessories

direct to the shop floor”.


Parm Evans, Tricia Taylor or Kay Phelps at The PR Department

[email protected] or [email protected] or

Telephone: 01932 789524

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66 AUTUMN 2006

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AUTUMN 2006 67

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68 AUTUMN 2006

NYLON WALLET

£4.70

NECK-TECTOR

£7.40

CAP - £7.40

SWEAT SHIRT

£16.90

KEY RING

£2.50

MACHINE BADGE

£2.50

LAPEL BADGE

£2.50

WOOLLY

HAT

£8.90

POLO SHIRTS £14T SHIRTS £10.00 FLEECES £POA


AUTUMN 2006 69

Baseball Caps100% cotton cap with Club logoColours: ROYAL BLUE/RED/BLACKSize: one size fits allCost: £7.40Sweat ShirtPolyester cotton sweatshirt Colours: ROYAL BLUE/NAVY/RED/BLACKSizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLCost: £16.90WalletBlack nylon wallet of good quality to keep notes, coinsCredit cards, and all those precious things.Cost: £4.70FleecesNavy, Black, Forest Green and Red in sizes small to2X LargeCost POAPolo ShirtsHeavier weight polyester cotton, of excellent quality.Colours: ROYAL BLUE/NAVY/RED/BLACK/FOREST GREENSizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLCost: £14

Neck-tectorsKeep out the chill with one of our Neck-tectorsColours: BLACKSize: one size fits all.Cost: £7.40Woolly HatsWoolly hat to keep your head warm.Colours: BLACK & RED onlyCost: £8.90 T-ShirtsCotton T-Shirt with embroidered logo on left BreastColours: BLACK/RED/NAVYSize: S, M, L, XL, XXLCost: £10Machine BadgeCost: £2.50Key RingCost: £2.50Lapel BadgeCost: £ 2.50

Hello every one, just letting you know that I have a few ideas and need a little bit of feedback from the members.

How many people would be interested in a limited run of roll neck tops? I need a provisionalnumber to get a price. Any one interested needs to contact me with an e-mail address or atelephone number. This is so I can let you know the price.

We are also considering doing a range of children’s T-Shirts for family membership’s.We are also looking at ladies fitted T-Shirts and ladies vest tops, I would also like some

feed back on this too.

Please make sure you specify size and colour required clearly. State your membershipnumber, no number, no goods!! Enclose a cheque or postal order made payable to HondaOwners Club GB - but no cash please. Postage and packaging is included in the cost of theitems ordered. Orders accepted subject size, colour, availability. Please make sure youinclude a contact number.

We will do our best to make sure you get your order quickly and efficiently. However someitems may be delayed - you will be informed if this is the case. Item delays will usually occurduring busy periods of the year when we have a high number of orders and low stock e.g justafter the NEC show and near Christmas. Please get your orders in early for Christmas as thistime of year is also a busy time for me.

I work for myself and have limited time to place and chase orders as my own businessmust take priority. Thanks.

Send your orders to:Justin Goddard,

19 Linkfield Avenue, Mountsorrel, Leicester, LE12 7DH�� 0116 230 3277 � [email protected]


70 AUTUMN 2006

MMMMEEMMBBEERRSSEEMMBBEERRSS FFFFRREEEERREEEE AAAADDSSDDSSAdverts must be received by the 1st December for inclusion in the Winter IssueWrite to: Golden Wing, Unit 1B & 5B, Kemps Quay Industrial Park, Quayside Road, Southampton SO18 1BZ

FOR SALE

VF400FD 1986

10,300 miles from new

Nice condition

Family owned for the last nine

years in which it has covered

only 825 miles.

Summer use only

Oil & Filter changed annually

New tyres, chain & pads

Very unusual V4 machine

Not many left

01606 863070£700

[email protected]

Keith Gilby (27585)Reading

VFR750 FT, 1996 N reg

Blue, 21700 miles,

immaculate condition,

Givi rear rack & Baglux tank

cover, Quill T4 road legal

exhaust + original

tail pipe, data tag,

Bridgestone 014's

I'm only the 2nd owner & I've

had bike since 1998.

Family & work

commitments force sale.

£2,200

01235 530884 or

07921 472098

Andy (21571)

Oxfordshire

HONDA CBR 600 F

July 2000 W

12 months MOT

18,400 miles

Data Tool alarm

Good condition

New tyres 1,000 miles ago

£2,600

01189 618240

[email protected]

Geoff Grenter (28215)Reading


AUTUMN 2006 71

ADS CAN BE POSTED FREE ON THE CLUB WEBSITE AT

www.hoc.org.uk/forum.html

ADVERTISING

IN MEMBERS FREE ADS

MEMBERS

free all sections

must state membership

number

OTHERS

FOR SALE (BIKES):

£15 1st insertion-

subsequent free

(includes free

membership)

OTHER CATEGORIES:

£3 per insertion

CBR250 2005

Black

Low mileage

Taxed April 07

Oxford heated grips

Fabbri Spitfire screen

Givi Mono Rack & box

£2,700

01903 715541

Sue

West Sussex

NUMBER PLATES

CBR1100XX-Y 2000MODEL

Givi Wingrack for Panniers andTop Box £20

Baglux Tank Cover (Blue)£25 Baglux Tank Bag (Blue) Alpha

expands to 30 litre £25 Very comfy Gel Seat for the long

in the leg £50 Headlight cover to protect your

£350 lens (yellow) £3Avon Azaro 120/60 ZR17 Front

Tyre (part worn), £10 Outbound Rucksack 100ltr

capacity used once £5 All in one Waterproofs Multi

colour, Size Medium £5 Black Leather Jacket Med £10 Black Leather Jacket Small £10

Spada Ladies Textile JacketSmall (black / purple) £15

Moto Line 2pc Leather Suit32"waist, 40"chest (black/ purple)

£30 Ladies size 10 Hudson Leather

Jeans (as new) £10 Clymer service/maintain manual

for VF750F & VF1000F £4 56 x Performance Bikes from Jul

93 to Feb 98 £offer ???

Tel: 01635 847787 or07875 549282

[email protected]

Don Heaver (26238)Thatcham, Berks.

HONDA CB 250 1974

Gold

Scruffy and in need of some

work.

Lots of spares

£100

01223 276280Chris Starling (29601)

Cambridge

ACCESSORIES

A 1500 F

On Retention

Ideal For Goldwing 1500

This registration number is

English and always has

been.

I have since purchased a

1800 Goldwing so its not

the same any more.

£400

Tel: (0034) 952 893 599

Please call and we will

call you back

Bill Allen (29687)Spain


Golden Wing - 2006 Autumn

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