Golden Wing - Summer 2013

Magazine of the honda owners Club (gb)

summer 2013 Volume 51 no.2

2 golden wing SUMMER 2013

Summer 2013, Volume 51 No. 2

Editor / DesignerAndy Stryczko

[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 sent to The Editor at the address below or e-mailed to:

[email protected].

Golden WingHonda Owners Club (GB)

38 Bower StreetBedford MK40 3RE

Web Page: www.hoc.org.uk/goldenwing

Summer IssueCopy date 20th August 2013

Published October 2013 (fingers crossed)

Printing & Distribution by:Swan Print,

Shuttleworth Road, Bedford MK41 0EP

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.... so there!

RegulaRs4 Dibble Rattle’s On7 Membership Matters 8 HOC Shop9 Rona’s Regalia13 iHOC16 Honda News21 Kicking Back26 Legalities with John Measures29 Racing Report42 BMF Report44 MAG Report108 HOConsumer

© Honda Owners Club (GB) 2013

FronT CovEr: Plum and Angie on the Wiltshire Rally Saturday ride with Dibble following on behind

Contents summer 2013

MeMBeRs INFORMaTION116 Dealer Discounts118 Specialist Discounts123 Branch Contacts


14

18

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3SUMMER 2013 golden wing

FeaTuRes10 Trevor Thompson11 Dave Barton24 Owners view of the CB1100

PlaCes TO gO & THINgs TO DO6 Club AGM34 2013 National Rally51 HOC Christmas Party68 Gloucestershire Camping Weekend89 Reading Cock & Bull Rally90 Reading Rally Booking Form113 Diary


eveNT RePORTs14 Ride Free Show22 Long Weekend in Scotland25 Manchester Bike Show30 Oxford Rally32 BMF Show36 Solent Rally46 The not so Long Way Round52 OurfirsttriptotheTT...66 Down Your Way

Bedfordshire, Bristol, Cambridge, Chester, Dorste, East Midlands, Eastern, Gloucestershire, Kent, Manchester, Norfolk, North Downs, North London, Northants & MK, Nottingham, Oxford, Reading, Scotland, Solent, South Wales, Three Shires, West London, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, Wiltshire

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79 92 107

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Chairman Dibble Rattle’s On!Fond Farewell’s

It is with great sadness that I again have to start by bidding fond farewell to well known and liked members of the HOC. In fact two top blokes have passed away this year leaving the club with big footprints to fill on our Executive side.

Firstly in March we gave a real bikers farewell to our President Trevor Thompson who finally succumbed to the cancer he had been fighting for several years now. We gathered at his home and escorted his motorcycle hearse to the service. A fitting goodbye to a real biker.

Trevor had served as Chairman of the club for 17 years from the 70’s to the 90’s which to say the least was a turbulent time for the club. He was always there to help where he could and supported the current committee to the hilt.

A lifelong biker and Honda rider for many years, fan of the TT races on the IoM which he attended regularly with Dave Ayesthorpe and their wives Brenda and Jenny.

Always willing to muck in and assist Trevor was seen at the NEC most years on our stand and at Classic shows over the years. He was not averse to getting his hands dirty either. As can be seen here when a tyre needed fixing.

Many will remember the tea drinking man with grey/white hair and beard. So the pictures below will strike a chord with you.

On May 23rd our Classic Secretary and Vice President Dave Barton passed away in hospital after again being struck down with the long term problems dating from his accident of some years ago and the subsequent blood poisoning, gout etc. Unfortunately there were further complications and Dave’s heart simply gave up the fight.

Dave had been a member seemingly forever of the HOC actually joining in the mid 60’s. He was well known for his passion about Honda’s particularly the classic models which he rode to the very end. He became General Secretary in late ’73 into ’74 a position he held for some years and again with others helped the HOC survive troubled times and out the other side.


Andy ‘Dibble’ Young Chairman

Club Phone NumberThe number to use, or give out, for the Club is

07982 419285

With his passion being classic machinery it was only right that he wrote articles for Classic Mechanics and Motorcycle magazines with some great expertise. He then became the HOC Classic Secretary writing about, advising upon and providing dating certificates for the older Hondas. His contribution and services will be greatly missed.

It can be said of both these men that if you cut them in half across the middle they would have had Honda Owners Club in a circle around like a stick of rock. Both likewise long term Honda bike riders who loved their machines and their club.

May they both rest in peace and their families remember the gentlemen bikers that we will be noted in the club’s history.

Happier NewsThe BMF show took place in May with the

HOC downsizing it’s display this year and being a part of the ‘Club Village’. It was a great success as far as those manning the stand were concerned. I cooked and served breakfast to all (and they survived) on both days, the weather despite poor forecast remained fair to good all weekend and we had a good display of bikes across the spectrum of the HOC from Monkey bike to SP1 and Fireblade.

We welcome the new members who joined at the show and it was good to see some old faces visiting the stand as well. There were some faces on the bikes as well which drew much attention.

This event normally costs the club around £2 -2.5K this year the cost will be more like £200 yet we still received a great deal of interest and footfall over the two day show. So as stated at the AGM we have worked hard using our own resources to save the club money for future investment and promotion.

Other NewsFollowing on from my last article my first

house hunting trip was a bit of a disaster. Due to heavy snow in Normandy we spent 25 hours on a return trip ferry not even being able to set foot in France. Apparently between 1and 2 foot of snow fell in one night effectively closing France for the day when we were arriving.

Since then however we have made the trip again and after viewing four properties shortlisted from months of trawling estate agent sites we have entered into buying our farmhouse in the top end of the Western Loire region where it joins with Normandy and Brittany. The process should complete in July and we will then be starting on the completion of renovations already started by the current owners. There may well be need of some of your services for those not averse to busmen’s holidays.

That’s about it for this time busy times coming up with more rallies and days out. Overseas holidays and of course house renovating. Hopefully see many of you out and about.

“Ride on but most of all, ride safe”


Vice PresidentsTony Eldridge, Graham Gull

ChairmanAndy ‘Dibble’ Young

1 Severn Way, Kettering, Northants NN16 9HN( 07982 419285 . [email protected]

General SecretaryGraham Seymour

6 Kestrel Road, Flitwick, Beds MK45 1RB( 01525 633169 / 07973 428772

. [email protected]

Membership SecretaryGraham Gull

61 Vicarage Road, Ware SG12 7BE. [email protected]

TreasurerRuth Stryczko,

38 Bower Street, Bedford MK40 3RE. [email protected]

Regalia Co-ordinatorRona Bell

90 Wepre Lane, Connah’s Quay, Flintshire CH5 4JU( 07909 830236

. [email protected]

Classic SecretaryChris Ward

16 Daleside Road, Epsom KT19 9SR ( 07827 393237 . [email protected]

Display Material Co-ordinatorStephen Davenport

( 07968 810435 . [email protected]

Advertising ManagerErica Gassor

( 07799 492 235 . [email protected]

Saddle Sore Shield Co-ordinatorStephen Davenport

( 07968 810435 . [email protected]

BMF Liaison OfficerJim Peel-Cross

11 The Green, Wilcot, Pewsey, Wilts. SN9 5NN( 01672 563450 . [email protected]

Accident Legal AdvisorJohn Measures

( 0116 288 2227 or 07442 011 690. [email protected]

FREE, no obligation, legal advice if you have had an accident, give him a call

Honda Owners Club

AnnuAl GenerAl MeetinGI hereby give notice that the 2013 Annual General Meeting of the Honda Owners

Club (GB) will be held on Sunday 20th October 2013 in thePremier Suite, national Motorcycle Museum,

Coventry road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0eJCommencing at 11am

Tea, coffee and breakfast rolls will be available between 10 and 11am. There is a very good restaurant in the museum or you can bring your own lunch for after the AGM.

All nominations for committee posts, or resolutions to be considered, must be made in writing to the General Secretary at least 30 days before the AGM.

Nominations for committee positions must include a proposer and seconder - all of whom must be fully paid up members of the HOC at the time of the AGM.

Andy YoungHonda Owners Club (GB) Chairman


WelCOMeWelcome to all new members who have

joined the club recently, including those at the BMF Show and other shows which the club has attended during the Spring. I hope you enjoy your membership of the club and I know that some of you have already attended branch meetings and received a warm welcome.

If the unseasonal weather ever ends, I hope that you will be able to get out with some of the many runs, rallies etc. being organised. Don’t forget they are for your benefit, so get out there and have some fun!

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). Don’t let it be YOU who we lose contact with. So far I have had 3 Spring magazines returned by Royal Mail with no forwarding address, so don’t let it be YOU who we lose contact with.

suBsCRIPTION RaTesAs you know, at our AGM last year,

increased rates were approved, so the rate is now £22 for Single membership and £27 for Joint. These rates were considered as extremely good value seeing what is available to you as an HOC member, a first class magazine and all the various activities which are organized for your benefit.

DIReCT DeBITDon’t forget that it makes life so much

simpler to sign up for Direct Debit, so you needn’t worry about letting your membership lapse. All you need to do is return the renewal form when you receive it with your bank details and we will do the rest.

With the subscription rate increase, I am in the process of advising all members who currently pay by Direct Debit, confirmation of the amount you will pay at your next renewal.

Membership Matters

Graham Gull Membership Secretary

ReNeWINg YOuR suBsCRIPTIONWith the higher postal prices, when you

receive a renewal reminder, don’t forget that you can also renew your subscriptions using PayPal. Just go to our Website and follow the simple instructions. Alternatively if you use on line banking your can transfer your subscription direct to our bank account.

Full instructions will be included with your renewal form

saD NeWsI know it will be elsewhere, but I would

also like to express sadness in the loss of two long term club officials, Trevor Thompson and Dave Barton. They both gave many years of voluntary service to the organisation of the club. Trevor had been Birmingham Branch Secretary, and subsequently National Chairman for many years. Dave had been Solent Branch Secretary, National General Secretary and finally Classic Secretary. They will be sorely missed.

Change of address

Please send change of address details to the

Membership Secretary, 61 vicarage road, Ware SG12 7BE or e-mail [email protected]

Please DO NOT send change of address details to Golden Wing as only the Membership Secretary can make changes to the membership register.


Rona’s Regalia ReportIt has been a very good, steady flow of orders coming in over the last few months, so regalia is still going well. I now have the new batch of wallets and will be ordering a new batch of baseball caps, as they have sold brilliantly well. So please keep those orders coming.

The shows/events we’ve had so far from the Scottish, Dorset, Gloucester and Wiltshire Branches have been brilliant and a good deal of regalia was sold at those, so many many thanks to all the branches and volunteers for all their hard work in selling the stuff. At the time of writing this we are having the BMF show, as of yet I don’t know how much was sold at that, but I’m pretty sure the gang did us proud as usual at that show and sold loads.

The costs of shipping the regalia round this year have dropped massively due to all the brilliant branch members passing on the box to the next branch via meetings and rendesvous etc, so many thanks for that guys, it’s saving the club loads in couriers. But obviously if anyone needs anything for an event, as usual just let me know in plenty of time and I will endeavour to get it to you somehow.

I mentioned the 50th anniversary stuff last time round and have now done a list of what’s left so you can order anything you would like a bit easier. So here goes!!!!

5 x Woven Patches1 x Torch2 x Small Sweatshirts3 x X-small Polo Shirts2 x Small Polo Shirts2 x X-small Rugby Shirts3 x Small Rugby Shirts1 x 3XL Rugby Shirts4 x Small Tees4 x Medium TeesLoads of Inside & Outside Stickers

Don’t forget 50% of all takings for the 50th anniversary stuff goes to our chosen charity of NABB so lets get this stuff sold and get some money for NABB in the pot.

Well that’s about it from me folks, so have a brilliant summer and ride safe while wearing your regalia.

Rona Bell Regalia Secretary

Clearance Items

2008 National Rally badge 50p

2007 National Rally badge 50p

2008 National Rally t-shirt £3 or 2 for £5

Please call Rona on 07909 830236 or e-mail [email protected] to find out what we have left


Trevor Thomson married Brenda in 1970 and was at the same time trying hard to get the Birmingham Branch off the ground. By 1972 there was a regular meeting of a group of enthusiasts in the Birmingham area and Trevor was their leader regards HOC. He is officially listed as the Branch Secretary in 1975, then in October 1977, he was elected to the post of National Chairman. He held this position until standing down in October 1994.

Misfortune struck the club in 1997 when Stan Inman died suddenly and Trevor, being the sort of man he was, stepped in to hold the post of Acting Chairman from March until the AGM in October that year. In total, he was Chairman for 17 years and 8 months.

Trevor was a very skilled rider who was renowned for not using his brakes!

He was true gentleman, not an attribute that can be given to many people, but one which definitely applied to Trevor.

Trevor Thompson 1944-2013

Eulogy from Dave BartonI am very sad that we have lost “our Trevor”. I have known Trevor since 1966 as a friend. In fact we named our son Trevor as respect to a great guy who loves his motorcycling and being part of the team that was running this club. As Birmingham Branch Secretary, Club Chairman and then Club President he made is mark on all of us and I think that he will always be part of this club.My thoughts and sympathy go to his wife Brenda and his family. When my wife was alive she had to always put up with me being away on bikes. So I know what Brenda had to accept.

Trevor with Jude and Lauren at the nEC -

Lauren’s now 21!


Dave Barton joined the club around 1966 as best we can tell from Golden Wing, but it may have been earlier. He was the Club’s official librarian by December 1969 due to his growing list of Honda records and information leaflets.

He became Solent Branch Secretary in the late 1960s which he gave up to become Assistant Honorary Secretary (General Secretary as of now) in the AGM prior to Xmas 1973. He was elected to the full post of Secretary of the HOC the following year, 1974. He held that post until he stood down at the AGM in October 1994, 20 years later.

It was then that he took up the role of Classic Secretary until his sad passing this year, that being another 19 years of further dedication to the club he loved so much.

He had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the early Honda machines and was acknowledged by the DVLA as the expert for dating the marque - something that Honda UK could not do as they simply did not hold the records, but Dave did! He also wrote extensively for national magazines, passing on his knowledge and solving classic bike faults.

He owned and restored many classic Hondas and was loathed to part with any of them. His beautiful machines always attracted lots of attention and admiration when displayed on the HOC stand at shows around the country.

Dave Barton 1947-2013

A final word from Andy ‘Dibble’ YoungTrevor and Dave were two men who have guided, moulded and driven the Honda Owners Club along the years, seeing it through some difficult times.

What we are now, is largely due to their efforts. We shall miss their encouragement, experience and good counsel. May they both Rest In Peace.

Eulogy from Mel WatkinsI was most saddened to learn of the passing of Dave who I had known for very many years and have been a member of the HOC on and off since the 1960s. Like me, Dave had great enthusiasm for the CBX1000 and whenever he visited the shows at Stafford he would always look me up and we would have a great chat about all things Honda. I will sorely miss seeing him again.Please pass on my condolences to all his friends in the Club and his family.

Dave at the 2011 national rally


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The HOC is now also on Twitter #HoCgb (21st century or what!) However if you don’t want to be a Twit yourself, but are on Facebook,

search for Hoc Tweet and become a friend. The HOC’s tweets are repeated there and you will see them as they appear.

The HOC Forum has been a feature on the internet for

many years now and is a great place to ask questions and chat with the 4600+ registered members.

You don’t have to be in the HOC to join, please go to www.forum.hoc.org.uk

Join or renew on-lineMany of you may not be aware that you can

renew your HOC membership. Please go to www.shop.hoc.org.uk and click on renew at the top of the page.

All money is handled safely and securely by PayPal - but you don’t need a PayPal account, as you can use your credit or debit card.

After you have renewed, have a look at the shop where you can buy the fantastic range of Club regalia.

facebook, TwiTTer & The forum

The web is all very fascinating, however… riding your bike is infinitely preferable to sitting in front of a computer!

Many members and quite a few Branches are now on Facebook. Yes, it’s mostly full of inane chatter, but you don’t have to accept everyone as a

friend! The good thing is that it’s a great way of keeping in touch.

Simply search for ‘Honda Owners Club’ to see the Club and Branch pages that you can ‘like’ and join in with.

The Club Facebook page currently has over 1000 members, from all over the world, whilst you can also find Gloucestershire, Oxford, Manchester, Northants & MK, North Downs, North London, West London, Reading, Three Shires and Wiltshire pages to join.


Ride Free Showby Graham Seymour, Beds Branch Secretary



“No problem, I’ll be there for 8.30 to help you load the gazebo into the car” were the words running through my head as I heaved the bloody thing into the back of the wife’s car on my todd.

Car loaded I retired, hurt, to the kitchen for a last coffee before we set off, upon which Brian arrived, huffing and puffing and generally looking flustered. “Oh you’ve loaded already then?” “No you prat, I’ve painted pictures of the display materials on the bloody car windows haven’t I!” And so on this happy note we set off to erect the HOC stand at the Ride Free event at Redborne School in Ampthill, Beds on 28th April.

It could have been worse. The original event was planned for 24th March but was cancelled the week before based on the weather forecast for the weekend. Just as well as on the morning that the event was supposed to have happened, there were four inches (that’ll be 101.6mm to most of you), of snow on the school fields!

Luckily there was help-a-plenty at the school to unpack and set up the stand so in no time we were good to go with a nice little selection of Honda’s lined up in front for the opening time of 10am, by which time we had already made a large dent in the selection of cakes supplied by the good ladies of our branch for our sustenance and delight. Well, that is to say, I had. J

Now Ride Free is an annual event organised and sponsored by members of the Motorcycling Matters forum of which Beds Branch HOC is a member. The forum was instigated by Bedford Borough Council and their highways contractor, Amey, to promote safe motorcycling in response to the accident figures in the county for motorcycles. This has taken the form of promoting training right through the spectrum from beginners with “Get on” to advanced training for experienced riders with the new Enhanced Rider Scheme and all things in-between. We are also involved with such things as use of bus lanes locally by motorcycles, testing of

composite manhole covers, road surveys and planning, motorcycle parking and the publishing of the county magazine for biking, “Bedfordshire Biker”.

After a coffee and bacon roll (a peace offering from Brian?) we wandered up to the trade stands where the local Honda dealer had the new CB1100 and CB500 on display amongst others. Funny how firm a grip the wife can get on your arm when you are trying to reach for your cheque book isn’t it… There were also stands for Triumph, Yamaha and BMW and a couple of travel companies, so it was well supported by the trade.

From there you could wander down through the club and charity stands (including the East Anglian Air Ambulance which we support where we can) to the area where there were stunt shows, training areas and the wall of death! Bikesafe were also on hand doing observed rides all day.

Coffee, cakes and doughnuts were kept flowing freely for the rest of the day during which several prospective members showed an interest and a couple have even turned up on a meeting night to see what we are all about. Come the end of a pleasant day there was welcome help to pack up and reload the car which we dumped at home (only a mile or two away) and then met back up with some of the others at the local hostelry for Sunday lunch and a beer.

My thanks to all that helped, including amongst others, Brian, Steve & Julie, Colin & Christine, Stritchy & Ruth, John and of course, Jax.


Honda News


Honda Domination at 2013 Isle of Man TT

The 2013 Isle of Man TT was a resounding success for Honda, with all contested races - seven of the nine solo and sidecar races - won by Honda-powered machinery.TT race week began in

spectacular style with the first of the Sidecar races. Quadruple World Champion Tim Reeves took his first TT victory alongside passenger Dan Sayle, aboard their Honda-based machine.Attention then turned to Sunday’s

highly anticipated Superbike race, which ended in an all-Honda podium. Honda TT Legends’ Michael Dunlop stormed to victory to bring home his first TT win for Honda, 30 years after his uncle Joey Dunlop achieved the same feat. Team-mate John McGuinness took third place behind Wilson Craig Honda’s Cameron Donald and in doing so set a new outright lap record of 131.67mph.The following day saw Michael

Dunlop securing his second win of the week in the Supersport race, with the MD Racing Honda CBR600RR. He then went on to

take his second victory of the day in the Superstock race, setting a stunning new lap record of 131.220mph, only 3.5 seconds off the outright Superbike lap record on a stock CBR1000RR Fireblade – very similar in specification to the production model you can buy from any Honda motorcycle dealership! In the second Supersport race,

Michael Dunlop put in another blistering performance with his MD Racing Honda to secure the

win and set another new lap record of 128.667mph.

Bruce Anstey and John McGuinness – both riding for HM Plant Honda by Padgett’s Motorcycles – placed second and third respectively to complete another all-Honda podium. The second Sidecar race

on the same day saw former World Champions Ben and Tom Birchall leading from start to finish aboard their Honda-powered machinery to take their first TT victory.All eyes then turned to the final

battle of the Isle of Man TT, the one everyone wants to win – the Senior TT. With four wins already in the bag, Michael Dunlop was aiming for five out of five, while John McGuinness was on the hunt for his first TT victory of 2013. It was McGuinness who triumphed after an epic battle with Honda TT Legends team-mate Dunlop and in doing so took his 20th TT win and 41st podium. Kiwi Bruce Anstey completing yet another Honda 1-2-3 on his Padgetts machine.

Honda’s overall tally of TT wins now stands at an impressive 170

Neil Tuxworth, Manager - Honda Racing; “The Isle of Man TT is and always will be a very special event for Honda. It’s where we began racing back in 1959 and it is always high on our racing agenda. We are extremely pleased to have achieved such strong results in 2013 with our supported teams and to have taken both Superbike races with the Honda TT Legends team. Every race, in which a Honda-powered machine started, was won by a Honda-powered machine and we have very much proved that both the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR Fireblade are still the bikes to beat on the roads.”

17SUMMER 2013 golden wing 17SUMMER 2013 golden wing

Five riders will line up on the new factory Honda CRF450 RALLY, Helder Rodrigues (Portugal, 34), Sam Sunderland (UK, 24), Javier Pizzolito (Arg, 33), Joan Barreda (Spain, 29), and Paulo Goncalves (Portugal, 34).

Team HRC Announces Rider Line-up for 2014 Dakar Rally

Honda has revealed the new CRF450R and CRF250R models for the first time in Europe at the

World Motocross Grand Prix in Uddevalla, Sweden. Honda World Motocross riders Evgeny Bobryshev

European unveiling of New 2014 Honda CRF250R and CRF450REvgeny Bobryshev commented:

“It’s great to see the major changes on last year’s CRF450R so extensively reflected in the 250. The upgrades will make the bike even more rider-friendly and I’m looking forward to be one of the first guys to try it out after one of the race weekends later in the season.”Max Nagl added: “It’s still my

first season with Honda, but it’s obvious how important the whole CRF range is to Honda, from the 50cc to the Dakar bike. The 250 is clearly following the same trend as the flagship 450, and I’m sure will be a great choice for riders in that category.”

and Max Nagl were on hand to unveil the latest upgrades to the two machines, whose combination of

power, agility and reliability make them popular with professional racers and hobby riders alike.The new CRF250R has

been given extensive improvements for even greater usability ahead of the 2013-14 season, with a completely new, mass-centralised chassis plus upgrades to the engine and suspension to enhance rider control and feel, both on the ground and in the air.The flagship CRF450R,

meanwhile, has received further engine development for greater torque, throttle feel, top-end power and over-rev. Its 48mm KYB air

front fork has also been upgraded for improved oil flow and damping characteristics.

For Helder Rodrigues and Javier Pizzolito the countdown for the next Dakar begins in June with the Desafio Ruta 40 in Argentina, while Joan Barreda and Paulo Goncalves debut on the new Honda CRF450 RALLY in the Pharaoh’s Rally at the end of September. Sam Sunderland, after taking a thrilling third place in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, will continue the season with the other riders carrying out tests in North Africa, and will take part in the Morocco Rally and the Merzouga Rally.TEAM HRC’s aim is to win the Dakar; the most

prestigious and toughest off road motorcycle race in the world. An exceptional work bench for the bike, which in turn will become tomorrow’s mass-production model.HRC’s Katsumi Yamazaki will serve as the Team

Director with Martino Bianchi as General Manager of TEAM HRC, who has 30 years experience in the off road racing scene.

The team will set off in June with some warm up events to prepare them for the Dakar, which begins on 5th January 2014 in Rosario, Argentina. It features some particularly gruelling stages in Bolivia and finishes on the 18th January in Valparaiso, Chile, some 8,000km later.

18 golden wing SUMMER 2013golden wing SUMMER 201318

Introducing Honda’s New Fire Spitting 1000cc 109HP... Lawn Tractor!Innovation, pushing boundaries and creating extraordinary pieces of

engineering is what Honda is all about. So when Honda (UK) teamed up with their title winning British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) partner, Team Dynamics, to create what is believed to be the world’s fastest lawn mower, you know it’s going to be special.

Meet Mean Mower...The brief for Project Mean Mower

was very straightforward. To build a super-fast mower which retained its original look, but, crucially, could still cut grass. The staggering result is a machine capable of reaching an estimated 130mph and 0-60 in just four seconds with an ear splitting roar reaching 130db. It has already been put through its

paces by reigning BTCC champion and Honda Yuasa Racing driver Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden.

and the super-fast mower still can, admirably, thanks to two electric motors on the cutter deck, spinning 3mm steel cutting cable at an incredible 4000rpm. The mower can cut grass at around 15mph, more than double the flat-out speed of the original HF2620 from which it is derived. Based on feedback from three

times BTCC champion Matt Neal and reigning champion Gordon Shedden, the mower features a custom-made paddle shift six-speed gear system. It has a custom-made Cobra sports seat, a Scorpion exhaust system and a steering rack taken from a Morris Minor. The result of this remarkable feat of

engineering is a lawn mower set-up and geared to achieve a top speed in excess of 130mph, weighing just 140kgm, producing 96Nm of torque and an incredible PTW ratio of 532bhp/tonne. In testing to date the mower has topped 100mph on a circuit, belting out a remarkable 130db at three-quarter RPM and 98db at idle.

Mean Mower’s Vital StatsEngine VTR1000F FirestormSize 996ccPower 109hp0-60 4 seconds (est.)MPG 40 (est.) when cutting)Max. speed 133mph (est.)Optimum RPM 9,000PTW ratio 532bhp/tonneTorque 96NmBody Honda HF2620 Lawn TractorChassis Custom-made Chromoly tubingWeight 140kg (approx.)Wheels & TyresRear Maxxis/Goldspeed 10 x 10Front Maxxis/Goldspeed 6 x 10Pressure 0.9 barCuttingCutter deck Fibre-glass (custom-made)Motors 2 x 15amp, 4000rpmBlades 2 x 3mm steel cutting cableOtherBrakes Honda TRX420 ATVSteering Morris Minor steering rackGears 6 speed paddle shiftFuel tank 15 litresExhaust system ScorpionInstrumentation MotorcycleSeat Custom-made by Cobra

The Birth of Mean Mower Team Dynamics re-engineered a

Honda HF2620 Lawn Tractor from the ground-up, adding an all-new fabricated chassis, custom-made from 4130 chromoly, to provide a strong, safe but very light platform. A 1000cc engine from a Honda VTR Firestorm was used, along with a bespoke suspension and wheels from an ATV.Every effort has been made to

retain as much of the look of the original mower as possible. The cutter deck was custom-made in fibre-glass, to reduce weight, while, in a stroke of pure genius, the grass bag provides a happy home for the fuel tank, a high capacity oil cooler and a secondary water cooling radiator. The ability to still cut grass was

also a key element of the brief,

19SUMMER 2013 golden wingSUMMER 2013 golden wing

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced its decision to participate in the Formula One World Championship from the 2015 season under a joint project with McLaren, the UK-based F1 corporation and will base its European racing operation in Milton Keynes.Honda will be in charge of the development,

manufacture and supply of the power unit, including the engine and energy recovery system, while McLaren will be in charge of the development and manufacture of the chassis, as well as the management of the new team, McLaren Honda.From 2014, new F1 regulations require the introduction

of a 1.6 litre direct injection turbocharged V6 engine with energy recovery systems. The opportunity to further develop these powertrain technologies through the challenge of racing is central to Honda’s decision to participate in F1. Throughout its history, Honda has passionately pursued improvements in the efficiency of the internal combustion engine and in more recent years, the development of pioneering energy management technologies such as hybrid systems. Participation in Formula 1 under these new regulations will encourage even further technological progress in both these areas. Furthermore, a new generation of

Honda engineers can experience the challenges and the thrills of operating at the pinnacle of motorsport. Commenting on this exciting development, Takanobu

Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said: “Ever since its establishment, Honda has been a company which grows by taking on challenges in racing. Honda has a long history of advancing our technologies and nurturing our people by participating in the world’s most prestigious automobile racing series. The new F1 regulations with their significant environmental focus will inspire even greater development of our own advanced technologies and this is central to our participation in F1. We have the greatest respect for the FIA’s decision to introduce these new regulations that are both highly challenging but also attractive to manufacturers that pursue environmental technologies and to Formula One Group, which has developed F1 into a high value, top car racing category supported by enthusiastic fans. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Jean Todt, the President of FIA and to Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of Formula One Group who showed great understanding and cooperation to help realise our participation in F1 racing.

“The corporate slogan of Honda is “The Power of Dreams”. This slogan represents our strong desire to pursue and realise our dreams together with our customers and fans. Together with McLaren, one of the most distinguished F1 constructors, Honda will mark a new beginning in our challenges in F1.”Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of

Formula One Group said: “It is a great pleasure to see Honda back in Formula One. Their engine technology and passion for motor sports make them a natural Formula One contender.”

Honda to Participate in the FIA Formula One World Championship

Honda (UK) is aware of an issue with alternators on CBF1000, this has been addressed and a measure has been put in place. An extended warranty of 5 years has been issued on this part, on top of existing 2 year warranty already in place (when purchased as new). Owners with affected units can visit any franchised Honda (UK) on-

road dealer and have the part replaced free-of-charge, within valid warranty period.

Honda to replace CBF1000 alternators

19


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Kicking BackSomething to Say... Say it Here

have your say on any subjecte-mail to [email protected] or write to 38 bower Street, bedford mk40 3re

typeFaCeAs soon as I opened up the Spring issue, I could tell something was different, the type now looks black and although compact is now easy to read.I got as far as the “Kicking Back” page and read

the other replies to my request for a clearer type, and was pleased to find I was not alone in finding the previous issues harder to read. Thank you for taking the action of modifying the

type from Futura light to Futara book, I am reading the news with pleasure again.

Martin Clowes, by e-mailMembership No. 33128

Excellent, the typeface has improved immensely. Previous to the changes, I gave up attempting to read the articles as for me (and others) it was unreadable.I hope you continue with the font style as seen in

the majority of the pages that appear in Vol 51 No.1. I think you have got it right, thank you.

Terry Hope, by e-mailMembership No. 30901

I’m pleased that this simple change has made the magazine more enjoyable. Constructive criticism is always welcomed.

your stories needed!golden Wing is always looking for stories from members

of the HOC, could you help?You don’t have to be a brilliant writer, just someone with a story to tell.

If you have been to an event (rally, show, ride) with the club, why not tell everyone about it? Please send your articles and (more importantly) your pictures to Stritchy - contact details on p.2

VFR1200 DiSappOintMentHi to all of you, at this moment in time I am

without a motorcycle. I recently brought a 2012 Honda VFR1200 with only 3358 miles on the clock, just 6 months old. The problems that I have been having with it, is at around 80mph it starts to vibrate and it gets worse the faster you go. I doubled the national speed limit once on it and I don’t know how I managed to stay on the bike, the vibrations were unbelievable.My advice to all of you who have a Honda

VFR1200 who might go to Germany and ride on their autobahns - do not go over 100mph!I have been to two Honda dealers and both of

them stated that it is a characteristic of that bike.When I took this up with Honda UK they advised

me to contract my local Honda dealership. They also said that the bike is built for the UK market and 70mph is the national limit.So it has now been sold to a Honda dealer and

I have brought another new CBR600FA being delivered on the 18 July 2013.

Mike Gammon, by e-mailMembership No. 33109

That’s a great shame. Has anyone else had stability/vibration issues with their bikes?


Arranged by the Northumbria Branch, we were asked if we’d like to go on a tour of Scotland. The hotels were arranged by the Branch Secretary, Graeme Burrough. It was a challenge at times for him to find enough rooms for 12 people to stay all together, large hotels in the very North & West are thin on the ground.

Friday morning was going to be an early start at Ponteland, so we rode up to Newcastle on Thursday and stayed overnight at a Travelodge. The next morning we met up with 4 people and 3 bikes at Dobbies Garden Centre and set off towards Earlston for a breakfast stop and fuel were we met 2 more. Leaving Earlston and 25 miles later we met up with 2 more bikes and 4 people at the A720 city bypass heading towards the Fourth Bridge. The group was now complete with 8 bikes, 12 people and falling rain!

Long weekend in ScotlandFriday May 3rd - Tuesday 7th May 2013

by Paul & Christine Dowson, Northumbria Branch members

before joining the A9 to Inverness. Rain and sleet came down in buckets for the last 20 miles.

After breakfast on Saturday morning we left Inverness, the roads were wet, but no rain, crossing over the Black Isle and heading towards Wick for lunch and fuel stop. Leaving Wick we went to John O’Groats for the obligatory stop, then followed the A836 towards Castletown for our next hotel.

Crossing the Firth of Forth we headed north on the M90 stopping at Kinross Services, leaving Kinross we had a quick run through to Perth and off towards Scone Palace and Glen Shee where we stopped at the ski lift for a leg stretch and some food. Top Gear were filming on Glen Shee.

Leaving Glen Shee we climbed up The Lecht and had a planned comfort stop at the ski centre but it was closed sadly, then descending through lightly falling snow(!) to Grantown on Spey and on towards Aviemore

Sunday morning started off dull but dry. Leaving Castletown and heading towards Thurso then onto Durness for a comfort break, then through Scourie to Ullapool for lunch. Fabulous scenery and even better roads to be enjoyed for every single mile.

At Ullapool our motel awaited us for the night, unfortunately some 5 miles before Ullapool, I picked up a 1.5 inch screw in the back tyre. No phone signal and as Christine & I were the back marker bike, out came the puncture repair kit, at least it was dry for a change. Luckily we were doing the drop off system and a passing motorist saw a bike parked at a junction further on and raised the alarm, so 2 members came back to find us and Christine got a lift to the motel. Repair made and I was followed by other members to the nearest garage for some more air to top up pressure.

Crossing the Forth Bridge

The obligatory stop...



Monday, checked the tyre and went for breakfast before leaving Ullapool for Gairloch, then onto the A896 to Applecross for lunch. After lunch we went up the Applecross pass, just wide enough for a mini bus - yes, we met it on a 20% incline! Then on to Spean Bridge for our last night.

Tuesday, leaving Spean Bridge we headed for Fort William, passing Lock Linnhe and to Glencoe where we stopped at The Green Welly Stop for another comfort break.

Leaving the Green Welly we took a quick detour to Dochart Falls

Before going to Callander for lunch. We stopped at Lauder for the last comfort break before continuing to Ponteland and home.

Overall Distance travelled - 1168 miles

We had a great weekend, apart from the weather, snow, sleet, rain and the wind trying to blow you off the bike going up the east coast at times.

top tips1 Not all hotels, bed & breakfast’s take

credit cards, cash only, so worth checking before you set off.

2 Petrol prices range from £1.32 to £1.56 per litre [ouch!!] but better than pushing your bike! How far can you ride before needing petrol?

3 Not everyone carries puncture kits, not everyone likes them, no phone signal most of the time, flat tyre and no repair kit? 50 miles in the middle of Scotland? No Thanks! Buy a “Stop & Go” kit - they work! But you’ll need at least 5 CO2 cylinders to re-inflate before you can ride!

4 Drop off System? It worked on our trip, it could have been a lot different if it was not in place.

Applecross is not for the fainthearted!



THE February issue of Motorcycle Monthly dropped through the letterbox and on the cover was my type of bike, the new CB1100, as tested in the Spring 2013 issue of Golden Wing. I read the Motorcycle Monthly test, but really, unless it had been downright terrible, my mind was set on seeing this vision in the flesh. I located a machine at Grafton Motorcycles in Milton Keynes. I phoned and was invited to view the machine at my convenience, so I arranged a visit the next week after appraising my finances.

I entered the showroom and there was the CB1100, red tank, chrome and all. I was introduced to some of the employees who helped no end and made me a coffee. Armed with tape and straight-edge I measured rear of seat to pillion footrests as this was critical to the possible purchase as my partner is 5’ 9” tall and needs to be comfortable. All was good with 1 inch more than our Bandit.

Owners view of a CB1100by Will Merrell

The rest is history in the making. The engineering is first class and the detail is pure retro but with the 21st century mechanicals.I ordered a rear rack as this gives my partner more confidence and it looks great. I didn’t want a bike until June, but as not many had

been imported I was offered this machine, to collect at my leisure when the weather got better (?), I

was over the moon. A deal was done and I rode the CB home on the 3rd of April as I couldn’t wait any longer!

Due to the inclement weather we have only done 250 miles as the machine is the first new expensive item I have ever had and is going to be treated with respect.

I agree with Chris Ward’s appraisal in the test of this modern retro and I am extremely pleased and proud to own one of these lovely bikes. My partner is very comfortable on pillion and says it seems more stable than the Bandit.

Thank you Grafton Motorcycles for a fabulous bike and excellent service

the detail is pure retro


There were also a couple of decent display of tyres with some very good show offers.

Club stands were well set out with plenty of enthusiasm from the exhibitors and much interest was generated for pubs in the area.

The Honda Owners Club signed up three new members on the weekend and at least one since, as I know he joined on the internet a few days later.

So, as this is the second year for the show and if the improvements keep coming, I think the Club can add another shop front to its calendar for 2014.

Manchester Bike Showby Steve Davenport, Manchester Branch Secretary

The bike show went well, bigger than last year with more of a feel of manufacturers presence, the larger dealerships in the area all put on an NEC type display and all were well represented.

The big four Japanese had excellent stands with Ducati, Aprilia and MV Augusta making a good show for Italy. All had plenty of bikes and models to try for size and look over.

There were also plenty of trade stands with decent clothing bargains to be had and a good selection of tools and after market spares available.


Firstly, can I advise you that I have left Barratts, so please dispose of the old cards and leaflets. Barratts are not passing messages on. My new contact details are Tel: 0116 288 2227; Mobile: 07442 011 690; E-mail: [email protected] I will be distributing new cards to the Branches very soon.

So why the change and what has that to do with the topic of this article?

I have previously advised of the changes that the government has brought in from 1st April. The two main changes that affect you are:

1 There is a fast-track RTA process for admitted claims where the amount of the claim is under £10,000. For this purpose, the value of the claim is based on the level of general damages (injury) and special damages (financial loss), excluding damage to the vehicle and hire costs. Solicitors used to receive fixed costs of £1,200 for dealing with these claims. Following the changes on 1st April, fixed costs have been reduced to £500. After the end of July, the financial limits of the RTA process have also been extended and claims between £10,000 and £25,000 will attract fixed costs of £800.

no Win- no Fee.... or is it?

2 Prior to the 1st April, if solicitors acted under a no win - no fee agreement (conditional fee agreement), to reflect the risk that they may receive no costs at all on lost cases, they could claim an additional 12.5% uplift on their costs which was paid by the negligent drivers’ insurer on top of their basic costs. This was called a Success Fee and was supposed to balance their costs on cases that were won against those that were lost. After the 1st April, solicitors are no longer able to recover this uplift against the insurer but now, the solicitor can take up to 25% of their client’s compensation award. There are numerous other changes but I will concentrate just on these two.

My advice is given free and you are under no obligation to use my services. You can also ask me a question on the HOC Forum www.forum.hoc.org.uk

in the Legal Advice section.


So how does this affect the injured biker?

To maximise profit margins, legal firms do not usually have solicitors dealing with cases that fall within the fixed costs regime. These cases are usually handled by non-qualified staff that are in house trained and work with computerised case management systems. Now the limits have been raised to £25,000, this will have a knock on effect, affecting more injured clients. Now I accept that there are some very good non-qualified claims handlers doing an excellent job but they are under a lot of pressure to resolve the claim as quickly as possible working under strict Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s). This de-skilling of legal profession has become more common with the introduction of Alternative Business Structures who are companies jockeying for a slice of the personal injury market.

Have you noticed the subtle difference in the

way personal injury is now advertised?

You still see the No Win - No Fee but no longer or very infrequently see the comment that the client received 100% of their compensation. This is because the legal representative is taking up to 25% of the compensation. The double whammy is that it will become an industry standard to use non-qualified staff for the fixed costs cases (under £25,000) but also the likelihood that the client will lose a large chunk of their compensation to “buy into the litigation process”.

So does this leave the injured biker, up the creek

without a paddle?Perhaps not. If the claim exceeds £25,000

you are more likely to be represented by a solicitor but this is not guaranteed. If the claim is under £25,000 before signing anything, check who will be handling the claim on your behalf and if they are deducting anything from your compensation if you are successful.

The reason I left Barratts was that I wanted to continue to offer my clients a high level of service provided by a qualified solicitor, whether their claim was worth £1 or £1m+.

Also, I did not want to deduct a success fee from the compensation award. I was also keen to ensure that I had the backing of an established national firm of solicitors that would allow me to work under these terms.

This is why I joined Scott-Moncrieff, whose senior partner is Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, the President of the Law Society. This firm has a number of consultants and has a rigorous application process to ensure their consultants are of the highest legal standard. The firm provides admin and other support for their consultants. It also provides a forum for their lawyers to discuss legal issues. It is my belief that my clients are treated as individuals and not as a commodity of profit. I also specialise in all aspects of personal injury law and am happy to take instructions on other types of PI claims.

I hope you have found this informative and if you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to contact me.

As the Accident Legal Advisor for the Honda Owners Club (a biker for 43 years and a lawyer for over 30 years), I also donate £100 to the HOC for each case I take on from the member, their family or friend that is recommended to me by a HOC member. This is not paid out of the individual’s compensation.

My contact numbers are 0116 288 2227 or 07442 011 690 and my e-mail is [email protected]

28 golden wing SUMMER 2013golden wing SUMMER 201328

Had an accident?Choose a fellow member to represent you

[email protected] 288 222707442 011 690

Leave it to your insurer and you could end up with a solicitor who knows nothing about bikes.

You could even find yourself in the hands of an unqualified ‘case handler’!

By choosing John Measures you get:• over30yearsexperiencedealing

with personal injury• 43yearsexperienceridingbikes• straightforward,nononsense

advice personal to you• backingofmajorlegalfirm

Scott-Moncrieff & Associates Save his numbers to your mobile. If the

worst should happen - give

John a call!

www.scomo.com/jmeasures.html


So far this year the Moto GP racing has been very exciting and, although everyone knew Marc Marquez had a load of talent, some of us had doubts that he would instantly ‘cut it’ in the main Moto GP class but Honda were correct in picking this very talented young man. Marc does also seem to have brought out an extra fighting spirit in his team mate Dani Pedrosa to go alongside Dani’s obvious talent and experience. Quite a team!

The Stigette Racing Correspondent

Racing RepoRtsign up for it, the new channel will cost you (currently offered at £15 per month with an £18 installation fee).

For avid racing fans it is a difficult choice as BSB and WSB are remaining with Eurosport and ITV for at least another couple of years.

It does always seems to be the punter who is out of pocket and no matter how much we would like to go in person to as many of the Moto GP events as possible, there are not many of us who have a bottomless pit of money to spend on our leisure time events.

Choices

Scott redding showing his talent

With competition such as Cal Crutchlow on the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 satellite bike, Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi no wonder we are seeing such excellent racing. Although the main Moto GP grid this year has less teams, the quality is excellent.

This coupled with the exciting racing in Moto 2 and Scott Redding leading the championship, together with the excellent ‘dicing’ in Moto 3, makes Dorna’s decision to sell the live racing rights to the new BT Sport channel even more galling for those who have faithfully viewed the Moto GP live on the BBC or later on Eurosport. If you do not already have BT Broadband, or are not prepared to

It is rumoured that, as with the Formula 1 on BT Sport, edited highlights will be available on free-to-view terrestrial television but nothing has yet been announced officially.

Does people power work? Will those who will have to pay more to view create a hue and cry via the internet and email? MCN and Visordown seem to be creating a stir but will it make a difference. Only time will tell.


On the Sunday 14th April we held our Spring Charity Poker Run. Twenty-eight bikes left the H Café for the Oxford Branch’s first Poker Run of the year in aid of Headway, the local charity which helps those who have experienced brain damage.

On a blustery but almost totally dry and sometimes sunny day(!) 5 cards were collected at different stopping points and prizes awarded to the quickest correct answer to a quiz question.

Oxford’s 1st poker Runby Erica Gassor, Oxford Branch Secretary


Delightfully twisty roads were enjoyed (well one unplanned diversion due to road works was a bit too twisty!) through beautiful countryside and then, over tea, coffee and cakes at Foxcombe Lodge, the winner with the best hand was Alan from the Reading Branch who won a new HJC helmet courtesy of Abingdon Honda/Oxford Products, second place went to Jamie Miller, the CEO from Headway, who won a voucher from HG Eynsham.

Together with the proceeds from the raffle, a total of £230 was raised for Headway!


2013 BMF Show

golden wing SUMMER 201332

Welcome to all the new members who joined the HOC at the BMF

show in May

33SUMMER 2013 golden wingSUMMER 2013 golden wing 33

Dibble’s vFr

Mark reeves’ race bike

Chris Ward’s monkey bike

Stritchy’s gnome Goldies CB900F

radar was there

Graham Gull’s Pan Graham Seymour’s ‘bird

Chris Ward’s CB350

Chris Ward’s ‘blade

John Measures’ CBF1000


Honda Owners Club

2013 National Rally


For further information, contact:Donna Richards [email protected] or 01639 766406www.hoc.org.uk/2013national.html

Friday-Monday 13th to 16th September 2013

Highlights of a cracking weekendFriday

Carvery served from 5pm to 9pm

in the ‘Coast’ restaurant

There will be a substantial discount for HOC members

Entertainment in the ‘Show Bar’ and

‘Timeout’ for the rest of the evening

SaturdayMeet at The Point car park at 10.30am for the main rideout - two groups, meeting at the

same time and place for lunch For those not on the rideout, there are plenty of

activities going on during the day at the campsite and the surrounding resort of PorthcawlSaturday EveningEntertainment in the ‘Show Bar’ and ‘Timeout’Sunday

We have exclusive use of ‘Timeout’

Sunday night is Gothic Horror Night

Dress up as vampires, werewolves, ghouls

and mad scientists - prizes for the best

FREE buffet from 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Raffle in aid of Blood Bikes

First prize - one day’s trail riding

with Trail Rides Wales

Entertainment - S.E.X. - Welsh rock band

There is also a disco and bar until midnight

MondayDeparture tired, perhaps hung-over,

but thoroughly entertained

36 golden wing SUMMER 201336 golden wing

The Solent Rally was well attended despite the short notice change of venue. The site is close to the pretty Sussex town of Arundel and really near to the coast, though finding it was a bit of a challenge for some campers! Note to self - must get bigger signs.

Solent Rally 2013

by Barbara Peace, Solent Branch Secretary


The new format of catering was a success - Friday night was a fish and chip evening for those who preferred this to the Beefeater and on Saturday Al fired up the BBQ.

I think the Solent Rally should be renamed as the ‘windy’ rally - and yes, I do mean the weather! Seems while we were out enjoying ourselves our accommodation was in danger of taking off.

Saturday’s run, courtesy of Geoff was great and well received by those of us on the 14 bikes who joined him. Lunch was at the Royal Armouries in the suburbs of Portsmouth then onto the (in)famous 272. Geoff certainly has the knack of choosing good riding roads.

Saturday evening’s raffle raised £65 towards Solent’s donation to Fazer’s Dream Fund.

It seems the group did not do anything to alarm the site owner so watch this space for our 20th Solent Rally in 2014!


So the 3rd of May dawn bright and sunny, as we headed our way to The Bruce’s Arms, Pewsey, Wilts, to set up for our 20th Anniversary Rally, what would the weekend bring?

As the day progressed they came from all points of the compass, West London, Bedfordshire, Northants and MK, Gloucester, Oxford, Solent, Dorset, Yorkshire, Reading and of course Wiltshire, old and new. As the campsite filled up the committee breathed a sigh of relief, this looked like it would be a good one!!!!

Angie looked after the helper with loads of sandwiches, Thank You

It was great to see all the old stalwarts and the new ones as well, the Rally Virgins. The afternoon saw the beer starting to flow, this was a good sign. As the day waned Peter and Gwen, the landlord and landlady of the Bruce’s Arms laid on food so that we could go to bed full.

Saturday dawned, wet and cool, where we going to end up having a wet weekend, all looked skyward hoping that things would improve; a good hearty breakfast was laid on for all who wanted to eat unhealthily, nice to see some healthy people eating muesli. Would we have to make other arrangements because of the weather... No! 27 bikes braved the

Wiltshire HOC 20th Anniversary Spring Rally


by Glyn Davies, Wiltshire Branch Chairman


early morning showers to travel on an excellent rideout around Wiltshire. The rain held off

Mid ride break was at Army Air Corp Middle Wallop, were we were joined by Graham from Honda Blades on the new 500, after lunch we headed back to Pewsey via Salisbury Plain, watch out for

low flying buzzards!! Arrival back at the campsite tea, coffee and of course the Wilts special Lardy Cake.

Time to prepare for the nights festivities, barbecue done, wines, spirits and ale flowing, bring on the band.

Our thanks to Geoff Robe and his band who provided an excellent night of entertainment that was enjoyed by all. The Raffle was also held this night, 1st prize of a HJC Dagger helmet provided by Patrick of Blades Honda Swindon was won by Barbara Peace of Solent

Sunday came sunny and bright, again a great breakfast ready for the rideout to Salisbury City, 21 bikes came on the ride and we were left to our own devices in Salisbury, some shopped, some chatted up Traffic Wardens, does the hat suit me? At around 2pm time to head back via the Plain ready for the much anticipated Quiz night. The Quiz went well although there were some looks of “how are we meant to know that” around. The close winner’s of the quiz on a tie break where The Dark Side, well done to them.

Monday arrived was this the end of the weekend already Yes! Slowly the campsite emptied and the helpers clear up.

My thanks go to Angie, Plum, Ian, Claire, Theo, Robin and our new members Wayne and Linda for all their help. But most of all to the members that made the rally special ALL OF YOU THAT ATTENDED, THANK YOU.

Let’s hope the year carries on the same way and look forward to seeing you all again next year at the Bruce’s Arms.



When planning our biking holiday touring France, we decided to support the B&B’s who had advertised in the Golden Wing magazine, booking Webbs of Glomel and successfully bidding for an accommodation gift voucher for Appleton’s B&B near Chateauroux at the recent Air Ambulance Charity Day. Previously we had hired gites so this was a new experience for us.

We had a wet and windy early start to catch the Brittany ferry which carried us across the Channel to Cherbourg , where we started the 160 mile ride in dry but again windy weather. Initially we meandered down the twisty ‘D’ roads before realising we needed to make up time and picked up the more major roads to arrive at Webbs just after 6pm. Greeted by a warm welcome and a lovely fresh, clean, bright en suite room with tea, coffee and a selection of cold drinks available, we were ready to stop and relax. With a great

to B(&B) or not to B(&B) that is the question!

by Erica Gassor, Oxford Branch Secretary

Cliff was up bright and early to prepare breakfast (croissants, French bread, fruit, yoghurts and a delicious selection of home made jams and marmalade) and so, armed with loads of information on where to visit during our stay from Cliff, we were ready for off. The weather however had other ideas being drizzly and still windy so instead we stayed in the homely front room watching English Sky TV and munching peanuts with a beer for Gerald till the rain stopped and the sun appeared in the early afternoon. A delicious meal that evening at the restaurant (Cliff will provide evening meals if required and pre ordered) whiled away the evening in a delightful fashion.

After a jog around the lovely peaceful largelake at the back of Glomel High Street we were off for a touristy visit to Vannes and a trip on the Little Train.

One of the many delights of Brittany is that, although I endeavoured to speak French all the time, the local’s English was far better than my holiday French!

restaurant 2 steps one way and a Tabac (French pub) 2 steps the other, we were able to grab a tasty snack before sinking into a wonderfully comfortable bed for a much needed nights sleep.


5, Place du Centre, 22110 Glomel, France0033 (0)2 96 29 88 44 [email protected]

www.brittanybedandbreakfast.net

Min 10% discount for HOC members20% discount on Brittany FerriesAll rooms en-suite with full facilitiesFull English breakfast availableEvening meals available (by arrangement)TV room with English Sky TVFree Wi Fi accessLaundry roomSecure parkingLockable garage parking for TWO large bikes

Contact us for more details

With some reluctance we left Cliff’s mid week to ride 364 miles to the Loire Valley for the next B&B -

Appletons. We arrived in a sleepy hamlet at a lovely old renovated farmhouse around 6.30 in the evening.

Following a warm greeting from Malcolm and Edward (and he dog Leo!) we were given the choice of two very nice en suite rooms which were furnished with lovely antique furniture. Time to shower and change before joining the other guests and hosts for a pre dinner drink and a delicious BBQ meal and pudding. Retiring to our room after the long day we slept soundly before being woken with the sound of the countryside and joining the other guests again for cereal/scrambled eggs/French toast and loads of freshly brewed coffee or tea.

The day was spent meandering around the local towns and enjoying a typical French atmosphere before returning to the beautiful gardens of Appleton’s to relax before another delicious BBQ meal.

A lovely, warm and friendly, relaxing two days were spent before commencing our journey home.

I have no hesitation in recommending either B&B for a lovely restful, relaxing and enjoyable holiday with no cooking or washing up!

The commercial hotel we stayed in at Alencon did not seem to compare in any way with the warmth and hospitality of the two very different B&B’s we had experienced.


Hi Honda Owners!It’s been a busy summer at the BMF with Government Relations

Executive Chris Hodder frequently travelling to Europe to represent UK riders as a part of FEMA. It’s also been busy with the three BMF Shows, two at Peterborough and one at Kelso in the Scottish Borders

It was great to meet lots of you at the BMF Show in May - we hope to run a piece on the man that was Radar in the next issue of Motorcycle Rider - what a man he was too!

We hope you enjoy the summer (as and when it arrives) and look forward to seeing you at Tailend in September! Safe riding.

Here is an excerpt:What is the European Union doing to support motorcycling? “The European Parliament is trying to make it safer, which leads to a tirade of abuse from some motorcyclists surprisingly often. We are also trying to get member states to look at their road design to make it more biker friendly and encourage governments to educate other road users about motorcycles.”

What are your opinions of the representatives of motorcyclists? “They are passionate, which is good, but in my view they often just want to do as they please. There is never any compromise and if you don’t agree with them you are depicted as the devil incarnate.”

What has the reaction to your comments been like?“There has been some criticism but it comes with the territory. I don’t mind people disagreeing with me - that happens - but it is difficult to respond constructively when I receive personal abuse.”

Have you ever ridden a motorcycle?“I don’t have a motorcycle licence but, yes, I’ve ridden on motorcycles and can understand the thrill of it.”

BMF spoke to Brian Simpson, the MEP that called motorcycles death carriers, in the latest issue of Motorcycle Rider

About Brian Simpson mep

u President of the EU Transport and Tourism Committeeu Member of the European Parliament 1989-2004

and re-elected in 2009u Voted Transport MEP of the Year in 2010 & 2012

GillEditor, BMF’s Motorcycle Rider


2013 witnessed the first ever Voltz BMF Awards, launched to recognise those people and organisations who may go unsung in other awards.

There are some usual suspects, such as Most Desirable Bike 2012, but the BMF also hopes to draw attention to those who do great work - whether it’s lobbying, volunteering, renovating, working on green initiatives, charity endeavours or other worthy feats within the sphere of motorcycles and riding. While some of the awards will be voted for by the BMF, there are some public-voted categories - we want to know who you want us to reward for their hard work!

John McGuinness said: “Wow, that’s fantastic news. I’m really humbled. I’m just a normal chap from up north that loves two wheels and I’m just lucky that motorcycling is my job. Thank you to everyone that voted for me, it means a lot.”

Go to www.ridermagazine.co.uk for the full list of winners

Who are the BMF?Almost all of you reading this will be

affiliate members of the BMF through your HOC membership and many of you will be full members. But what is the BMF? We are the UK’s largest riders’ rights organization, we are a member of many Government advisory groups, we also represented in Europe. We are a well-respected and powerful lobby group and includes a National Rider Training network. And as you may know, we are also the organisers of Europe’s largest outdoor motorcycle show ‘The BMF Show’.

So why become a full member?There are many benefits to becoming a member, but the most important is to be a part of the organisation that is fighting for your rights as a motorcyclist - fighting battles in government, protecting your right to ride! As well as that you get a quarterly 76-page magazine, discounted BMF show tickets in advance and you also get money off many services, tours and holidays! You can join us and read more at: www.bmf.co.uk/pages/join.php.

The winners included:

Best Of British Award (public-voted) TRIUMPH

The BMF Essence Award (public -voted) JOHN MCGUINNESS, HONDA TT LEGENDS

Keep It Clean Award PIAGGIO MP3 HYBRID

Best Product 2012 (public-voted) SATNAV - GARMIN NÜLINK! 1695LMU

BMF Training Award ALAN WRIGHT OF LEICESTER PHOENIX RIDER TRAINING SCHEME

Gill and Chris Hodder meet the HoC at the BMF Show in May


My leave year runs from April to March and company policy is such that we are not allowed to carry any days over to the following year so I found myself with 7 days to use up before Easter. By using a flexi day, weekends and Bank Holidays this turned into 14 days off. The thought of lolling around the house was not particularly appealing so what to do? As we had already had this year’s quota of snow and the danger month of February would be past a road trip was planned. Also in mind was the fact that this time last year we were basking in 20+ degrees.

The not so long way round

by Mike Jeffs

Something I had always wanted to do was to go from Land’s End to John O’Groats on a bike so this formed the basis of the plan. It wasn’t long before I decided that as I would be in Land’s End that I could add the most southerly point of mainland UK to the list and visit the Lizard. Next step was to add the most easterly point, Lowestoft. Google was fired up and a list of all the map references were entered into the sat-nav in preparation.

Gwinear Church

On Tuesday 19th March I set off for Cornwall in sunshine. First port of call was the small village of Gwinear which is the ancestral home on my mother’s side. I was last there in about 1977 and was keen to see the church and village again. I went through a few rain showers on the way down, one quite heavy. From there I headed south to the Lizard. What a beautiful bit of coast and relatively unspoilt commercially. I could have stayed longer but Land’s End was calling.

What a contrast Land’s End is to the Lizard. Totally ruined by commercial exploitation. The old signpost is still there and thankfully the buildings don’t go down to the sea. Luckily it was after 5pm so there was nobody around to enjoy the views. I was booked into the Youth Hostel Association place near Land’s End so made my way there. The hostel is tucked away in the countryside within walking distance of St Just and would make an ideal touring base. You don’t need to be a member of the YHA to stay but if you are you get a membership discount. They do good food but you can self cater if you want. I did my own evening meal but bought breakfast.

what a contrast

land’s end is to the lizard


Wednesday 20th March. Today’s destination is Lowestoft, a long way away. From Land’s End the route takes you back to Exeter and is the reverse of the previous day. From Exeter I picked up the A303 which is a good road that avoids most towns. Just after Andover I turned north on the A34 and stopped for lunch near Newbury. It started to rain as I got off the bike but it had stopped by the time I came out again. After lunch it was onward up the A34 and then across to Milton Keynes. I got a bit fed up of my sat-nav telling me to “Cross the roundabout taking the 2nd exit”. I sort of lost track where I was going but I eventually ended up in Lowestoft and the most easterly point in mainland UK. However before getting there I did end up following a gritter that was gritting. With the light snow flurries the bike was getting into a right state. Up until this point I had been riding in sunshine for most of the day apart from lunchtime.

The Lizard

It was just after 5pm when I got to the sea wall in Lowestoft and the skies were very dark. I found the next YHA place was at Sheringham and was disappointed to find it was a further 50 miles away. I was knackered already. Never mind it had to be done, so co-ordinates plugged in off I went through snow flurries. The sat-nav took me right to the door and I spent the evening in the company of a guy who owned a Honda Blackbird and who’s sister lived just a few miles from me.

Lowestoft


Next morning I was up bright and early. The plan was to head north and see where I got to by about 5pm. The day was nice with bright sunshine. Not warm but nice and dry. A great riding day. I headed out for the A1. All along the A1 the signs were warning of severe weather conditions for the following day so I changed my plan and instead of keeping to the east of the country I decided to head across to Carlisle as the weather forecast I had seen a few days before had mentioned lots of snow on the east coast. The rationale was that the west coast would be more sheltered. I also decided that John O’Groats was not going to be possible so decided to stop the night at a YHA place out on Hadrian’s Wall and then next day go to Cairnryan (Stranraer) and cross to Ireland instead.

I arrived at Carlisle and the sat-nav got the YHA location totally wrong and I was in fact 18 miles from the actual destination. I found the place only to be told that the YHA had left a year or so before. The young lady rang the next YHA place down the road and was told that they were fully booked. The next place was about 20 miles away so I started to go there. Up on the hills I was surrounded by snow and was going the wrong way with a worsening weather forecast. I changed my mind and headed to Stranraer thinking that I would catch the first ferry out in the morning (4am). It is now gone 5pm and Stranraer is over 100 miles away. Ho hum. 20 odd miles from Stranraer and desperately needing petrol and it is dark. One station has already closed for the night but I suddenly spot a station. The canopy lights are not on but somebody is filling up so I turn in and fill up. The lady tells me she was about to close up which is why the canopy lights are off.

I reach Cairnryan at about 8pm by which time the wind is blowing a hoolly and has nearly blown me off the road a couple of times (not my favourite pastime if you remember my Baltic trip last year). A quick chat with the guy on the gate convinces me that if I want to cross to Belfast then I should go tonight as the weather is getting worse and the 4am sailing may be disrupted. I don’t take much convincing as there is nowhere to hunker down for the night at the port unless you are inside the gates waiting for a boat. I purchase the necessary ticket and get to sit in the nice warm waiting area for the next couple of hours frantically texting my friends in Ireland to say I was arriving very early in the morning. Meanwhile the wind outside is trying to rip the lampposts down.

i was surrounded

by snow and going the wrong

way

The SeaCat... but on a good day


The voyage time to Belfast is about 2.5 hours so at 2am I am sat on the bike waiting for the bow doors to open. I know it has been and still is windy as the SeaCat did bounce about a bit. The doors opened and I sat there thinking “I’m dead”. It was a full blown blizzard in front of me. The dock was covered in about 2 inches of slush and that was the fun bit. In Belfast you get on the motorway about half a mile from the dock and that is where I shortly found myself. The motorway was covered in at least 2 inches of snow and I was not thinking that I may fall off I was just wondering how many times would I fall off and would any vehicles behind me be able to stop in time. Scary or what? I couldn’t see where I was going most of the time as the visor was just gathering snow. I found myself wandering from the central barrier back to the hard shoulder. Luckily traffic was very light. At one point I found myself going down a slip road as I couldn’t see the lane markings.

On the roundabout at the bottom I spotted a 24hr McDonalds and thought if the worst came to the worst I could hide in there for the night. I went around that roundabout twice as I missed the turning the first time. Back on the motorway I had to ride with the visor half open so that I could see where I was going. A lorry overtook me and blasted me with slush, snow and ice. The overhead signs were saying gritting in progress, yeah right I didn’t see one gritter. As it was a snow plough would have been more appropriate. Anyway speeds were right down and by some miracle I was still upright.

After about 20 miles the snow turned to sleet and then to rain and then stopped. The snow cleared from the road and I was able to pick up the speed again. I hit a few more snow showers but arrived safe and sound at my friend’s house at 4:30am, frozen solid. After all that adventure I caught my foot while dismounting the bike and ended up flat on my back in their back yard doing a dead fly impersonation.

I spent the next few days recovering and enjoying their company hoping that the weather would improve. I booked a the ferry from Rosslare to Fishguard for Tuesday. The trip from Cavan to Rosslare was cold and I went through a few heavy snow showers. The voyage across was a bit rough but at least it was dry on the final run home.

I arrived home at 2:30am extremely cold. The bike has no extra dents or scratches but has a good layer of crud on it and the discs look like they have been chewed by a rabid beast. Having just washed the bike it looks like something ran down the side of the bike while I was on the Cairnryan/Belfast ferry as I have blue paint and small scratches on the extreme off-side points. I wondered why the off-side mirror was folded back when I got to Belfast.

I didn’t quite make the 4 corners but I did manage to visit England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Eire and Wales so it turned out to be a tour of the UK. I covered 1,642 miles in total.

i sat there

thinking “i’m dead”


no matter how warm it is outside

This message brought to you by the Ministry of Stating the Bleedin’ Obvious!


Sue can be contacted on 01842 765801 or email [email protected] for further details or if you have any questions

www.hoc.org.uk/Xmas2013.htm

Honda Owners Club (GB)

Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th November 2013

To be held at the 4-star

Ettington Chase, Banbury Rd, Ettington, Stratford-upon-Avonlocated in the heart of beautiful Shakespeare country. Hotel facilities include a sauna and swimming pool for guests.

u ARRivE FRidAy - from 2pm. There is a hot buffet in the evening in our own exclusive room.

u SAtuRdAy - after breakfast why not visit Motorcycle Live at the NEC, wonderful Warwick Castle or historic Stratford-upon-Avon for Christmas shopping - all within easy reach of the hotel.

u SAtuRdAy night - 3-course Christmas meal followed by dancing till midnight in our own exclusive room. Dress coDe - DRESS TO IMPRESS with your DJ and evening dress or very smart.

u SundAy - after breakfast, time to head for home or visit the areas many attractions.

Prices:Double room for a couple - £65 per night B&BRoom for a single person - £55 per night B&BHot buffet Friday night - £18 per head3-course Christmas meal - £29 per head

A non-refundable deposit of £20 per person required.You must include your name, HOC membership number, contact email, phone number, address and details of how many nights you are staying to: Sue White, norfolk Branch, 61 Ripon Way, thetford, norfolk iP24 1dFCheques made payable to ‘Honda Owners Club (GB)’To transfer money electronically please email [email protected] for the detailsThis is on a first-come-first-served basis and is open to paid-up members of the Honda Owners Club (GB) only, so book early to guarantee your places

Christmas Party

PlACES Still AvAilABlE - Please contact Sue by 31st August


On a greyish morning we left Norfolk to head via Kings Lynn to Lancaster where we were staying overnight. After a lovely run skirting the Yorkshire Moors we found the Premier Inn - a mere 6 miles or so from Heysham. We scrubbed up well and slept like babies. In the morning we joined bikes all heading for the ferry.

After a millpond crossing we landed in Douglas and were immediately hit by the sound and sight of hundreds of bikes. We were quickly at John and Karen’s accommodation - they run the Manx HOC and are great people. Stu and Shaz from Northants were there too and were soon going out for a TT carvery special - £9 including a pint was awesomely good.

Our first trip to the TT but NOT our last!!

by Dave and Sue White, Norfolk Branch Secretaries



We did so many things in our week - saw John McGuiness at the paddock.

As well as Michael Dunlop

And Sue had her photo taken when we bumped in to Charlie Boorman in Douglas.

We saw the Red Arrows display for a full 25 minutes

As well as the White Helmets, Purple Helmets and FMX Bikes along with some great beach racing which was fast-moving, especially as the tide kept coming in!!! This was all free entertainment during the evenings.

The racing was awesome - we watched from Governor’s Bridge where there just happened to be a carers’ charity selling homemade cakes, sandwiches and drinks with easy access to the loos. A perfect spot to see the bikes and sidecars from.


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We also did a lot of sight-seeing - the Laxey Bike Show and Wheel were superb as was seeing a 20 feet long Basking Shark off the Calf of Man. We also had a great ride on the Electric Tram to the highest point on the Island - Snaefell is 2000 feet high and the views are awesome. Of course we visited the Fairy Bridge - a very touching place to go to with lots of stories and dedications in the trees and stones. Riding the course was a complete revelation - the TV does NOT show the gradient changes or the poor state of some of the road surfaces. You don’t really get the feel for the course as it goes through the towns and villages form the TV either… riding the 37.7 mile circuit has always been on my list of things “to do”. It is awesome to have achieved that. It makes the speeds we hear the riders getting up to - John McGuiness at 193mph+ on the Senior this year - so amazing and they get our TOTAL respect plus some even more now!!

We came to the end of our week with so many pictures, memories and souvenirs. We loved the whole experience - the atmosphere and buzz is awesome and the racing extreme and so very exciting. We are planning our return in 2015 and have definitely been hooked - as Mark our manager at our local Lings said we would. An experience of a lifetime that we will celebrate for ever. Our thanks very much to Karen and John from the Manx HOC for their help and guidance in what to see and do - you were brill hosts guys.

We found the food on the island was superb - so much seafood to choose from as well as the more usual restaurants and takeaways. There was always plenty of choice and the local beers - Okells and Bushy’s - are delicious too. Bumping in to Paul and Kim from Cambridge HOC was great - and resulted in about a 2-hour long lunchathon - my first try of Razor Clams but Kim’s scallops on black pudding looked lovely too while Sue wrestled with a huge lobster - she won in the end.


BedfordshireSecretary: Graham Seymour - 01525 633169 or 07973 428772

After a late start due to the snow in March that caught us all by surprise, the Branch

has been out and about for a busy April and May. Several of the Branch joining the Oxford Poker Run in April for a great day of riding and raising some money for Headway in the process.

We set up a stand at the Ride Free Motorcycling Matters event at Ampthill in Bedfordshire on a sunny but chilly day in April. The original event was planned for the end of March but the aforementioned snow put paid to that! The event was well attended and we had a number of enquiries from prospective members on the day, one of whom has already appeared at one of our Wednesday meetings. In addition to the club and trade stands we enjoyed stunt shows and the wall of death, together with a first sight in the flesh of the new CB1100 on the Honda dealers stand.

Our Clappers Rally at Pulloxhill was also well attended and despite a very soggy Friday, the weather improved dramatically for the following three days allowing us to have our BBQ on a warmish Saturday evening and enjoy dry runs on the Saturday and Sunday. Well I say enjoy but Saturday’s run was not without incident! Suffice to say that just

• [email protected] • www.bedfordshire.hoc.org.uk •

about everything that could go wrong did, and as a result we ran out of time to reach our destination at Southwold. Things did not improve on the way home and suffice to say, I actually arrived back at the rally site with one other bike (well done Chris) having left with ten! In this 70th anniversary year it was mentioned that the Dambusters got more home than I did!!

In addition to the usual runs we have a group going away to the Derwent Valley this weekend and several are planning to attend Branch rallies over the summer.

All in all we have a busy summer planned.

Graham

“Are you trying to say I didn’t put the flag in straight” at ride Free


BristolSecretary: Pete Casling - 01454 416417

Hi again everyone,Well, as we’ve at last have some half-

decent weather this Spring, even if it wasn’t particularly warm, those fair-weather riders among you (yes, I’m sometimes one of those too), haven’t had all that many excuses not to get your bikes out of hibernation and get out riding them. Yes, you know who you are!

Our first event, in March, was an evening ten-pin bowling social get-together. Fourteen members, family and friends took part. Well, Lesley wasn’t going to be able to bowl, so it was decided that everyone else would take it in turn to bowl on her behalf. Unfortunately for everyone else, ‘Lesley’ was bowling really well, and mounting up a very respectable score!

• [email protected] • www.bristol.hoc.org.uk •

gallantly awarded it to John as runner-up. It was such an enjoyable night that it’s hoped to have another later in the year.

April was a busy month. Unfortunately I had no takers to join me at the Prescott Bike Festival, but I went all the same. It was chilly, pleasant day watching all kinds of bike take on the hill climb, from a lookalike George Formby and Morgan trikes to classic Brits and Japs right through to modern sportsbikes. It was in aid of the Severn Freewheelers and NABB, so I hope they had a good day’s fundraising too.

Bristol Branch had been invited along to Oxford Branch’s Test Ride Day at Blade Honda in Abingdon the following weekend, so four of us (plus pillion Lesley) went along.

Sash, Ash, Stuart and I had a great time as usual, trying several models from Crosstourer to Fireblade, and even the new CBR500, which is a great new bike. Delicious bacon butties and cake between rides went down a treat too, so many thanks to those in charge of that department. The expected rain held off for the duration of the test rides, but started a little just before heading home. All of us made the sensible move in donning waterproofs

Bristol Ten Pin Bowling

Stuart, Lesley’s other half, was getting very competitive and decided it was he who was going to win, so got himself branded ‘Serious Stuart’! Two games were played, first a warm-up, then the real competition, in which John was in the lead all the way until Andy, the very last person to bowl, miraculously knocked him back to second place with three strikes. Andy had provided the winner’s prize of a bottle of bubbly, and as he doesn’t like the stuff, he Ashley fires up the Deauville


At the early May Bank Holiday, there was yet another Chairman’s Challenge, this time meeting at Kemble Airfield. No excuses not to attend a local one on what was another glorious day. Sash and Elaine joined me, this time taking my old CX500 out for a spin, for the longish way round to Kemble, via Minchinhampton Common, to meet up with other HOC members at the AV8 restaurant. After lunch, we were joined by Elaine’s sister and hubby on his Hardly Dangerous Sportster, so we went for a ride over to Bibury to enjoy an ice cream in the sunshine while watching the trout in the river.

We’re also pleased to hear that John’s had his first rides out on his Blackbird after his spill last year, and Tracey’s recovering from her illness too. Hopefully you’ll both be out and about again with us soon.

We’ll that’s about all there is for now, but we’ve still got several more Branch events to go this year, so please join us if you can.

Pete

for the journey home – except “I’ll chance it” Stuart. Well, boy did it rain, and I bet he wished he hadn’t “chanced it”, as his new leathers got well and truly christened!

Next weekend again, and with Stuart’s leathers now dry, four of us headed to our local Bikesafe event at Castle Combe. Not far for us to go this time, and it was lovely weather at last. After initially meeting up in Fowlers Honda in Bristol to see what we’d won in Honda’s Win Big (absolutely nothing!), we rode over to Castle Combe. None of us had pre-booked the assessed ride with the Police though, which included a track experience afterwards. Some of us had already done a local Bikesafe weekend, but perhaps a refresher wouldn’t have gone amiss. Plenty of rider training advice was on offer, plus an HOC attendance too. Stunt rider Steve Colley also put on a terrific show to keep the crowds entertained. This event was also part of the Chairmans Challenge, so at least Bristol’s clocked up some points here!

Sash prepares to saddle up the nC700

• [email protected] • www.bristol.hoc.org.uk •


CamBridgeSecretary: Kim Woodruff - 01353 740883

Well how’s it going? The Weather hasn’t been too bad of late and we

have managed to get out on the bikes for some ride outs - Greg and Barbara Benton, Jim and Anita Turnbull, Dave Furness, John Parish and friend Razor, Michael Gammon, Paul and myself took a trip to Finchingfield - a slow meander through the country lanes out of Cambridgeshire to Suffolk then Essex - the weather was glorious and the lunch at the café there was lovely too - the cakes are wonderful and all home baked - something us girls at Cambs know all about having supplied them for the BMF, very proud to say the girls of Cambs know how to bake a good cake. On the way back we stopped at the 5 Ways roundabout near Brandon for a tea break before saying our goodbyes and setting off home.

A couple of weeks later Jim, Anita, Paul and myself took the bikes out and were joined by Roger and Nina in the car as their bike was awaiting an MOT - we had a lovely ride through the back end of Peterborough out to Northamptonshire for a stop at a lovely pub not far from Milton Keynes - again the weather was glorious and the food for lunch brilliant. I am sure you are all aware that Cambs do like a nice lunch at the mid way point of a ride out, very civilised.

We took a ride to Giffords Hall on Bank Holiday Monday (6th May), Stephen, Joyce, Jim, Anita, Nikki, Barry, Dave Furness, Paul and myself - Paul and I had been to Giffords Hall many years ago while on a weekend away in Suffolk and we thought we would take a look as it had been taken over and up dated. They had a Jewellery and Hand Bag Fair on too which is always welcome for the

• [email protected] • www.cambridge.hoc.org.uk •

ladies. We did the wine tasting in the sunshine, very civilised if you ask me - we tried 2 whites, a rosé and a red - we also tried the Raspberry Liquor which is what Paul and I had bought many years ago - the recipe had changed a little but it was still lovely so a bottle had to be purchased along with a bottle of white and a bottle of rosé. Jim & Anita and Stephen & Joyce bought some too. We rode into Long Melford for lunch which was lovely before heading home.

The second Bank Holiday was also a sunny day so Stephen and Joyce led Jim, Nikki, Barry, Roger Burgess, Paul and myself for a ride through Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire before stopping just outside Aylesbury for a pub lunch. Roger left us just outside Milton Keynes as he was having a family BBQ. The wind was quite strong and gusty at times and also a little chilly but it was a pleasant ride both there and back.

Well I have to say it is a rushed report but my excuse is that we are packing for our holiday to the Isle of Man for the TT races - did I mention that in my last report? Think I did - lol - looking forward to it and meeting up with other members from other branches too - we will enclose photo’s in next issues report so will sign off now and finish the packing.

Take care and ride safe

Paul and Kim xx


ChesterContact: Gary Fisher - 07932 058540

• [email protected] • www.chester.hoc.org.uk •

There were seven eager riders finishing their bacon barms and drinks and ready

for a ride to Anglesey. Then Phil gets a phone call from Peter. “I’m stuck on my bike( a Pan European) at the back of my house. The ramp I made has collapsed and I can’t move the bike or get it onto the stand.”

“OK Peter. We’ll come round and get you out.”

By now the sun was out and the roads were dry. Play time!! We followed the A5 to Betwy-co-ed and stopped for tea. Then went over the Denbigh moors and stopped near Wrexham for fuel. The group split at Wrexham leaving three of us heading up the A49 towards Warrington. We stopped for a coffee at a pub near Weaverham before heading home.

Another great day of riding with great company. What more can we ask for?

I met Phil and Nicola and Paul at Poplar 2000 to ride to Winsford where we start the ride to London from. There was no-one else there and no-one turned up when we were ready to go. So that’s three bikes with one pillion. We can make some good progress then.

The roads are dry and at nine o’clock on a Sunday morning, there’s not much traffic. We made great time down the A49 past Whitchurch and Shrewsbury. Then onto the A458 to Bridgenorth and A442 to Kidderminster. After negotiating the ring road around Kidderminster we found a McDonalds for a short rest and refuel ourselves and our bikes.

Peter’s stuck Pan

When we got to Peters, he was sat on the bike, not able to move because of the position of the bike. With a bit of manhandling and pushing and pulling, we got him to a position where he could put the side stand down. Then after repairing the ramp and making it safe to ride on, we got Peter out onto the road. After losing time with the rescue, we decided to go straight down the A55 to Anglesey.

We hadn’t ridden far when the rain started. Luckily we had put our waterproofs on early. The rain stayed with us all the way to the show. The skies cleared after we’d arrived at the race track. The track soon dried up and we could watch some racing. We soon got bored with the racing and went for a walk round the pit area. We drooled over a few nice bikes and then decided it was time to leave.


• [email protected] • www.chester.hoc.org.uk •

Somewhere between Worcester and Oxford, the road was being tar sprayed, causing about half a mile of standing traffic. We quickly filtered to the front of the queue and when we got past the roadworks we could make progress again.

By the time we got to Oxford it was early afternoon and we were getting hungry. So we did the last stretch on the M40 and got to the Ace Cafe at around twoish. Phil got a free Ace Café paper cup when he bought drinks for the group. Its still in his tank bag in my garage. I carried the tank bag in my box for him and forgot to give it back.

The ride back home was in torrential rain, so we came back on the motorways, stopping a couple of times for fuel and a drink. Got home at around 9.30, so with leaving the house just before seven o’clock in the morning, we’ve been out for fourteen and a half hours. LOVELY!!!

Gary

Installers of replacement UPVC Windows, Doors, Porches, Conservatories plus Fascia, Soffit, Cladding, Guttering and Tiled Canopy Roofs.

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dorsetOrganiser: Beverley Ralph - 07757 647272

One entertaining meeting, before Christmas I seem to remember, was

when a new member turned up on a C90. No, the C90 was not the entertainment – 52 million owners cannot be wrong, and they are wonderful machines. The bikes that is, not the owners.

The entertainment started when we left our meeting place and the C90 owner could not find his keys. Soooo, we searched the pub, the car park, the C90, the bushes etc… and could not find them. Eventually the rider searched his own pockets and found the keys…. We haven’t seen or heard from him since!

The Dorset Branch had a stand at the Shepton Mallet Classic Bike Show in February. Bev (our Branch Secretary) did an article on this in the last edition of Golden Wing, so I will say no more to avoid repeating it all!

We also had a social evening at the Curlew in West Parley in March. Actually it was a surprise meal for Sid’s birthday. I won’t say which age he was celebrating, but let’s just say it is the next big birthday after normal retirement age for males….

Trev put a lot of time and effort into baking a superb birthday cake for Sid. Trev was just the man to do it as he is a caterer by trade anyway.

All went well until the candles were lit. These resembled an out of control firework party and there was an adjacent fire alarm….. Needless to say it went off. Fortunately the staff managed to reassure all the customers that all was OK before the pub emptied.

• [email protected] • www.dorset.hoc.org.uk •

A word of warning here: Sid is NOT one of these “older” riders who bimbles along. Him and his wife own a Hyabusa and a ZZR 1400. Believe me, he knows how to ride them too. If you ever go on a fast ride with him, or a track day, then be prepared to back off or crash…… ‘Chicken strips’ do not exist on the tyres of either of his bikes. Sid, may you continue the way you mean to go on.

Other events that we’ve done (despite the weather doing its best to ruin it all) are a ride to West Bay, and an Easter Sunday ride.

This article will be too long if everything was mentioned, so please look on the Dorset website for more details.

Goodbye for now, ride safe and let us hope for a decent summer.

Tim

run to West Bay

Easter Sunday ride


VFR1200F

3 Years 3.9% APR representative

£500 dealer deposit contribution

Grunt. And loads of it. That’s

the best way to describe

the performance of the

V4 engine in our VFR1200F.

We could be more poetic

sure, or perhaps use baffling

technical terms, but that’s

not the Honda way. We like

to call it as we see it.

Oh, and if you’re wondering

what it sounds like, the word

is phwoar.

Model shown: VFR1200F in Candy Prominence Red at £12,399.00 OTR. Terms and Conditions: Offer applies to VFR1200F/FD ordered new from 02 April 2013 and registered on or before 30 June 2013. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Subject to model and colour availability. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. PCP Finance is offered over 37 months. Final payment includes £65 option to purchase fee. £125 Credit acceptance fee is included in monthly payments. The Guaranteed Minimum Future Value will be used to pay the Final Payment if the motorcycle is returned after the last monthly payment provided the motorcycle has been serviced in accordance with the Honda service book, is in good condition and the maximum permitted mileage of 8,000 miles has not been exceeded. Excess mileage charged at £0.04. Full written quotations available on request. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. 470 London Road, Slough, Berkshire SL3 8QY.

To find your local Honda Dealer, call 0845 200 8000 or simply visit www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE: VFR1200F

36 Monthly Payments (duration 37 months) £185.00 Final Payment (inc Option to Purchase Fee) £3,534.13

On The Road Price £12,399.00 Total Amount Payable £13,170.25

Customer Deposit £2,476.12 Representative APR 3.9%

Dealer Deposit Contribution £500.00 Interest Rate per Annum Fixed 2.88%

Total Deposit £2,976.12 Credit Acceptance Fee £125.00

Total Amount of Credit £9,422.88 Option to Purchase Fee £65.00


east midlandsSecretary: Rita Woodcock - 01332 515767

• [email protected] • www.eastmidlands.hoc.org.uk •

sunday lunch at the John Thompson 24th February 2013

The weather was looking a bit threatening and quite cold so we decided that the Sunday Lunch ride-out would be more of a meet up on 4 wheels job, however one brave soul attended on his bike with his family opting out and joining the rest of us and bringing the car.

Motorcycle News live, skegness 19th- 22nd april 2013

Not a great start to the weekend for Phil, arriving on his Pan (first time that he had used it since buying it), switched off the engine at the check in but when he tried to re-start it there was nothing, not even a glimmer of a spark. Steve and Andy to the rescue, but even then they couldn’t get it to bump start, maybe a job for the breakdown services.

Friday night and time to watch James Toseland’s new band, Toseland, a bit of a change from Crash with all newly written music and not a cover to be heard.

The usual trade stands and live exhibitions were all there on Saturday tempting us to part with our hard earned money, trouble is, if you get too tempted and go on a spending spree, where do you put all of the goodies to take them home on the bike?

The fancy dress theme that we chose for this year was Cowboys and Indians so it was Wagons Ho! all the way to the entertainment venues.

The All new Toseland Band

What a Pow Wow!

Wig Wam Thank You Mam

And of course the old time MCN Live favourite was there to shock and amuse the audience, (depending on how sensitive you are) Steve Ferringo.


• [email protected] • www.eastmidlands.hoc.org.uk •

Sunday, the day of rest, well not for the wicked! How did I let myself get talked into “Zorbing”

If you’ve never tried it, believe me it’s more taxing than it looks. Now I know how a hamster feels!!

oi, Stop Pushing, this body can’t go any faster

Onto the Mini Motos, Phil, Mel and Andy just couldn’t resist, it must be the competitive spirit in them.

ready Steady Zorb

And they’re off!

Competitive as ever Phil takes the lead, leaving father and daughter to fight it out for second place.

Sunday night we watched the amazing Lorraine Crosby, the female vocalist from Meat Loaf’s 1993 hit single “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).”

The amazing Lorraine Crosby

And just to finish off the weekend….

Is it time for a snooze yet

stafford Classic Bike show 5th May 2013

Steve and I made a bit of a last minute decision to attend the Stafford Classic Bike Show and so ended up going on our own because everyone else was busy. Having said that, we weren’t there very long when we bumped into a trio from Three Shires.

There was plenty to see as usual and Steve decided to try out the new Norton.

not quite got the same feel as the Pan

Rita


easternSecretary: John Hewson - 01469 560306

Although we have had a very cold start to the year, we have been out and about on

our bikes.On the last Sunday in March we took part

in the Three Shires Branch Easter egg run to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital. The run was led by James Toseland. His wife, the singer Katie Melua, was with him and chatted to run participants at the end of the run.

On Sunday 21st April we joined the IMTC for a run to RAF Cosford’s Bike Day. It was an enjoyable run through Derbyshire to the RAF museum. The museum is free of charge and is well worth a visit.

• [email protected] • www.eastern.hoc.org.uk •

We made our annual pilgrimage to the Classic Bike Show at Stafford on the last Sunday in April. Again we marvelled at the prices being asked for the motorcycles of our youth.

66SPRING 2013 golden wing

Cosford bike show

Goldwing with art work commemorating the Falklands war

Honda 350 with an asking price of £4000

Honda 750 four at Stafford Show

SS50, just like my first Honda


• [email protected] • www.eastern.hoc.org.uk •

Lorrie, Martin and I went to the BMF show. I bought a new jacket with a considerable saving on the usual price. However, we were disappointed with the show. It has now reduced in size to that of the BMF Tailend, with only two manufacturers using the opportunity to promote their motorcycles. The much more compact HOC stand was a credit to the club. It was good to see we had a presence in the Club Village.

We had excellent weather for the first Bank Holiday weekend in May. On the Saturday we took part in the Heritage Wolds Run, to raise money for the Air Ambulance, starting and finishing at East Kirkby. On Bank Holiday Monday we had a run to the Chairman’s Challenge at Kemble airfield.

East Kirkby Charity Bike ride

Airel Leader compared to a Honda PC800

Enjoying the sunshine at Kemble

Bikes on the Chairman’s Challenge

The weather gods smiled on Spilsby Bike Night. The whole of the village centre was given over to bikers with a good attendance from bikers and locals just looking at the bikes. A band entertained the crowd and the pubs and cafes received a welcome boost to trade.

John

on the HoC stand at the BMF Show

The centre of Splisby on Bike night


Secretary: Jo Hearn - 01242 239783 or 07711 271 388

• [email protected] • www.gloucs.hoc.org.uk • •

Our March meeting saw a member of the Branson’s Motorcycles (Gloucester)

team, give us a talk, and introduce the group to the Honda Clothing range, alongside what is looked for in MOT’s, interesting to know that computers can decide on a pass or fail. It also saw the Gloucester branch, having to cancel the planned ride out, due to bad weather. But this didn’t put us off.

We eagerly looked forward to better weather and April didn’t disappoint.

A very busy month, firstly our meeting saw a member of the constabulary, give us a talk on CRASH cards, a national incentive, to help the emergency services, if you are involved in an accident. These cards are placed inside the helmet, with a green dot on the outside, on the right hand side.

CrASH stands forC = cautionr = roadA = accidentS = seriousH = help

Also in April, and a glorious day weather wise was Prescott, where we were lucky enough to have been invited by Branson’s Motorcycles (Gloucester), to have a Honda Owners table in their display tent. We would also like to thank the branch members who helped out that day.

glouCestershire

I am reliably informed that, quite a few people came by to say hello.

Another good day in April was a visit to Castle Combe, where a few of our group undertook the track experience.

At the end of the month, 9 members attended a First Aid course for motorcyclists,

What a laugh we had, especially doing the practical stuff, but must say learnt loads of useful information.

The May meeting saw those, of us that undertook the first aid training receive our certificates.

The first weekend in May, was bank holiday for many of us, if we weren’t working, and those not working went in various directions.

We are now looking forward to a busy summer; hope to see some of you when we are out and about.

Jo


Keeping it real. The exhilarating

performance capabilities of the

CBR600F make it a truly credible

sports bike. Not only does

the comfortable riding position,

ultra smooth power delivery and

effortless handling make it ideal

for everyday use, but for a limited

time, there are two more reasons

to own one. A real sports bike,

designed for the real world.

CBR600F C-ABS


FREE Sport Pack worth over £500

Model shown: CBR600F C-ABS 12YM in Pearl Cool White / Hyper Red at £7,349 OTR. Terms and Conditions: Offer applies to CBR600F C-ABS 12YM ordered new from 01 July 2013 and registered on or before 30 September 2013. Subject to model and colour availability. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Representative example based on 3 years 3.9% Personal Loan: Minimum £99.00 customer deposit required, excluding Honda Deposit Contribution of £400.00. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. 470 London Road, Slough, Berkshire SL3 8QY. Free ‘Sport Pack’ offer: Offer applies to new CBR600F C-ABS registrations from 01 July 2013 to 30 September 2013. Subject to model and colour availability. Sport Pack consists of rear seat cover, rear hugger, undertray kit and and tall tinted windscreen. Offer includes fitting of accessories. Offer is applicable at participating dealers and is at the promoter’s absolute discretion. No cash alternative will be offered.


REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE: CBR600F C-ABS

36 Monthly Payments (duration 36 months) £201.74 Amount of Credit £6,850.00


Customer Deposit £99.00 Representative APR 3.9%


Total Deposit £499.00


Keeping it real. The exhilarating

performance capabilities of the

CBR600F make it a truly credible

sports bike. Not only does

the comfortable riding position,

ultra smooth power delivery and

effortless handling make it ideal

for everyday use, but for a limited

time, there are two more reasons

to own one. A real sports bike,

designed for the real world.

CBR600F C-ABS


FREE Sport Pack worth over £500

Model shown: CBR600F C-ABS 12YM in Pearl Cool White / Hyper Red at £7,349 OTR. Terms and Conditions: Offer applies to CBR600F C-ABS 12YM ordered new from 01 July 2013 and registered on or before 30 September 2013. Subject to model and colour availability. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Representative example based on 3 years 3.9% Personal Loan: Minimum £99.00 customer deposit required, excluding Honda Deposit Contribution of £400.00. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. 470 London Road, Slough, Berkshire SL3 8QY. Free ‘Sport Pack’ offer: Offer applies to new CBR600F C-ABS registrations from 01 July 2013 to 30 September 2013. Subject to model and colour availability. Sport Pack consists of rear seat cover, rear hugger, undertray kit and and tall tinted windscreen. Offer includes fitting of accessories. Offer is applicable at participating dealers and is at the promoter’s absolute discretion. No cash alternative will be offered.


REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE: CBR600F C-ABS

36 Monthly Payments (duration 36 months) £201.74 Amount of Credit £6,850.00


Customer Deposit £99.00 Representative APR 3.9%


Total Deposit £499.00

KentSecretary: Mike Gallafent - 01322 400775

We continue to meet at our two venues in Wrotham and Sittingbourne and attendees are the usual crowd although we have recently

heard from a few prospective new recruits. Any members who do not hear from me please contact me by email, text or phone.

We have been quite busy since spring began and have been lucky with the weather so far. We have attended the Fairlawn Children’s Home for an Easter Egg run, and attended Southend for the annual ACE Southend Shakedown. Two of us attended a Bikesafe Course organised by Roland of NLHOC. We have done a run to Whitstable / Herne Bay and the annual May Day run to Hastings. Nigel opened his house again for a walk in the woods but we did not see the deer as the undergrowth is now very thick. There then followed a trip to Margate for the annual ACE Margate Meltdown, but as usual we take our own route as it’s much more interesting than the main roads.

We attended the Haslemere Ride it Right event but this was very quite by the time we got there about midday. Next week sees the first of three midweek fish & chip runs.

Our big ride so far was to Ypres in Belgium, riding through great roads in France. This ride was lead by Tony B, our usual overseas leader. Just how he selected those great roads and got us there and back safely and without incident I do not know. Unfortunately Tony’s partner Dawn was unable to attend as she broke her ankle the day before! We wish Dawn a speedy recovery.

Very sad news about Dave Barton and I was pleased to be able to attend his funeral. I had attended some of Dave’s New Forest Classic rides and he will be sorely missed. I was looking forward to his invitation for this years ride. Hopefully I will be able to attend his memorial ride when it is organised.

We have a weekend away booked in September and we have a show at Faversham, both being organised by John and Pauline. We will also be attending the Classic Show at Detling in September.

We have many more rides and events to attend and just hope the weather does not deteriorate before winter sets in again.

Mike

• [email protected] • www.kent.hoc.org.uk •


manChesterSecretary: Stephen Davenport - 07968 810435

Hello all, and welcome to another edition of “What Manchester got up to”. Except that

this time, I thought I’d do something different. So, this article is all about “What makes the Manchester Branch so popular”.

The overall popularity comes, of course, from the members all joining in. But they need something to join. Over the years, we have established a few regular events and we always make sure we have new things.

The first of the regular (and one of the most popular) events is our annual Pancake Run. This is a short run sometime in the middle of February (when the weather can be “interesting”) and always ends up at the Chairman’s house where his wife Norma has cooked a large bowl of chili or spag bog or similar. That, together with the pancakes and some warming drinks has proved to be a very successful recipe over the years. And here are some pictures to show that.

• [email protected] • www.manchester.hoc.org.uk • •

The next thing we have done for at least 12 years that I can remember, is to have a Christmas dinner where I present silly awards known as “Hondarable Mentions”. I used to be able to look through the photos I took during the year and make things up from them

but the members have become wise to that so it’s getting harder all the time. But we still manage a few surprises on the night.

Along with that goes our “ S o r e - A s s ” awards. These are similar to the Saddle-

Sore award of National fame, but we don’t ask the members to do anything; instead we count up the miles on each run for each attendee and then present prizes to the rider winner and the pillion winner. It always goes down well and each year the competition gets fiercer.

Of course, we have to have n o n - b i k i n g events and one of the most s u c c e s s f u l over the years has been our bowling nights.

A gaggle of bikes

on the balcony eating


• [email protected] • www.manchester.hoc.org.uk • •

Judy (our social secretary) organises the bowling nights and creates little certificates and has a great time managing all the teams. They are always well attended and we have a great deal of fun for not much money (there’s always a deal to be had).

Bowling

Enjoying the tea

And, there are our regular rides (every 3 weeks), our meetings which are well attended and very informal and (blowing my own trumpet) the excellent web site which keeps everyone informed of what is to come and how much fun we have had (www.manhoc.co.uk in case you didn’t know).

So, there you have it – that’s Manchester. Anyone is welcome and no-one goes away disappointed.

Alan

Tony gets his knee down

We don’t ignore the others and we make sure we go away for a long weekend with anyone who wants to come along. One of our favourite spots is Port Patrick in Western Scotland. Last year we had 14 riders and 5 pillions “invading”. It was a brilliant weekend and everyone wants more.

A strike

One of the most popular events recently has been the “Boys week”. In this, a select few male members go gallivanting around Scotland for a week while the “better” halves have a week off with no hassle. We normally get Tony to design a logo and get tee-shirts made up. It’s in its second year now and I can see that becoming a regular event. This year, John (the leader) decided he would plan the route using a very large scale map. By the time he’d finished, the map was around 10 feet wide by 12 feet tall – it just fitted on the floor in his lounge.


We managed a great Wymondham to Wymondham run – that is from the one in Norfolk to the one in Leicestershire… Geoff organised a great run there with food on arrival too and, as you can see from the pictures, we had a GREAT time with hot weather and not a drop of rain. The Windmill at Leicester is good and there was even a small classic car show for us to go round.

Contact: Dave and Sue White - 07731 914284

norfolK

Well it is with a big grin that I write this quarter’s Branch update – we have

done more this year than we managed for the whole of 2012 and the weather’s still pretty good as I type… although the rain has been quite torrential in Norfolk and Suffolk these past few days.

Our first event was the Lings Night organised really well by Mark and his staff at Harleston Lings – our local Honda Dealers. This was the night when the new Honda models were launched with smoke, sound and some great chilli to help us concentrate too!!! It’s really nice to see the motorbiking Press giving Honda good write-ups and the bikes look great for the people moving up through the bike Test route towards their full licence.

• [email protected] • www.norfolk.hoc.org.uk •

The town of Watton had a bike day on 27th April – unfortunately it was very windy and wet but I did overhear one local towns person say loudly that this had been the most exciting thing to happen in Watton for as long time!!! It certainly brought people in to see the bikes and, if repeated next year, we will put a HOC stand up for sure.

Our May Brekkie run was awesomely good – Posh Pigs in Beccles really know how to serve up that mile-crunching food!! After a good Branch turn out some members went to the coast for an ice-cream session while others of us went to the Bike and Car show at Earsham Hall. I drooled over an original,


untouched Brough Superior and engaged the owner in good conversation but he wasn’t looking to give it to a motorbike enthusiast which was a shame.

Our final event this quarter was the Lings Demo Day which was run so well again by Mark and his team at Harleston Lings. They are such a brilliant support to our Branch. After a busy afternoon riding all the new models plus some that people just wanted to try out from the shop floor, Mark treated everyone to a run to Long Stratton where there is an excellent fish and chip shop – for a nice chip tea – a very much appreciated end to a great afternoon.

• [email protected] • www.norfolk.hoc.org.uk •

After 5 years with East Anglia Children’s Hospice, our Branch has changed the charity that we support to Star Throwers in Wymondham. However after such a long time there are a number of members who still volunteer with EACH to help at their major fund-raiser – the Ride for Life through Thetford Forest. This went really well this year and Rob, Sheila, Roy and Lesley performed really sterling and much-appreciated work all day there. Over 1000 people took part on the day which is superb.

We have welcomed some new members to the Branch and are looking forwards to a really busy next 4 months with lots happening. Our monthly brekkie and ride out meets are going down well and the 3rd Sunday being ride out Sunday is also popular. Food still seems to be a common Branch theme coupled with a lot of laughter and friendship – a perfect combination topped off by so far a better biking year than the last.

Ride safe,

Dave and Sue


Julian, rob and Mike at Brighton

Good Friday 29th March saw us meet up with members of West London for the ride over to Reading to join the annual Berkshire Easter Egg Run. Thousands of Easter Eggs were collected for distribution to children’s charities.

Secretary: Chris Ward - 07827 393237

north downs

On a bitterly cold 24th February five of us met up at Box Hill for a ride out to

the South Coast. With temperatures barely reaching 0 degrees our first stop was The Chalet café at Cowfold for a breakfast stop. We then rode down to the coast stopping at Littlehampton for a quick photo shoot before hot drinks at Bognor Regis. A brisk ride back towards London on the A29 completed an enjoyable day out.

• [email protected] • www.northdowns.hoc.org.uk • •

My vFr and Gary’s Castrol Blade

Stuart, Julian, rob and Julian at Littlehampton

Our ride out on the 10th March took us to the Ace Café for their annual Classic Day. Unfortunately not too many bikes turned out due to the continuing cold weather. We did however as usual enjoy the superb breakfasts that are available at The Ace.

On the 24th March we met up on a snowy Epsom Downs only to be informed that the 2013 Pioneer Run to Brighton had been cancelled. Some pre – 1915 bikes decided to ride to Brighton, so we followed suit stopping off at Tiffany’s Café in Portslade for breakfast before making our way to Madeira Drive. Although very cold, the sun was out on the sea front and we enjoyed a cuppa al fresco.

At reading with Easter Eggs


• [email protected] • www.northdowns.hoc.org.uk • •

The HoC team and stand at Castle Combe

On the following day we had a very good turnout for our short ride to The Chalet Café at Cowfold for breakfast. Once again the sun shone on us and members of West London Branch. We all enjoyed a good meal outside before heading home.

Julian, Andrew and I attended the Bikesafe Track Day Experience at Castle Combe on a lovely sunny Saturday. The Wiltshire Branch put on a good display in a prominent position. Unfortunately my Fireblade was deemed too noisy to go on the track but I did enjoy my observed ride with a Met Police Sergeant. We had an excellent ride back across country without touching any motorways.

Breakfast at the Chalet Café

On May bank holiday weekend Marion and I were joined at the Wiltshire Rally by Julian on two occasions. The weather was perfect and the Wiltshire Branch put on an excellent event that was enjoyed by all those that attended. If you can only do one camping rally per season, make sure it’s this one.

The Wiltshire rally Team

At the BMF show on the 18th and 19th I took along three bikes for the HOC stand. I rode my Fireblade to Peterborough and Marion trailered my CB350F and Z50R. Again we had a very enjoyable weekend and were joined by branch members over the two days.

Recently Julian and I have been out on our trail bikes on some of Surrey’s green lanes. If any other off roaders within the HOC would like to join us please get in touch and we’ll organise a get together for some dirty fun.

off road at Leith Hill

Don’t forget if you’re passing make sure you drop in and see us, we meet on the first and third Thursday of each month at The Crown public house in Capel Village, Surrey. Until next time, ride safe.

Chris


Secretary: Roland Murphy - 07504 104908

north london1st day trip out to France

This was our first one day trip to France this year and Keith was going to be our leader

for the day.We set off from our meeting place in

Brentwood with 14 bikes in the group. We took the motorway and A roads down to Dover to get the ferry across to France. We refuelled the bikes on the outskirts of Dover and then made our way down into the Port. Because we got there early we managed to get the earlier ferry across. We had a lovely breakfast on the ferry, which really sets you up for the next part of the journey.

Once off the ferry we set off along some lovely French country roads to Desvres for our morning coffee stop. We spent about an hour here not only drinking coffee but also taking in the sun. The weather was bright sunny skies. We then set off towards Arras where we had a lunch date in a restaurant there. When we arrived in the main square we quickly took our riding jackets off as we were beginning to melt in the heat.

• [email protected] • www.northlondon.hoc.org.uk • •

We then took ourselves off to the restaurant for our lunch. The French being the French were in no hurry to serve the lunches. When we did get it it was up to it’s usual high standard and was very yummy.

We then took in a bit more sunshine in the main square before we took ourselves off to the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy. This is a very large monument with very good views over the surrounding countryside. Well worth a visit if you are looking for somewhere to go.

We now had to take the motorway back to Calais to make our ferry home. Not the best roads to ride along, but we had planned to use the motorway to keep to our deadline. We had dinner on the ferry coming back to Dover. We said our goodbyes to each other at a garage in Dover, as now we wouldn’t be stopping on the way home.

Another great days riding over in France with good weather and great friends.

1st quiz night of the year

We had a very good turn out for the quiz nite. We held it in the small room

beside the main bar area, so nice and handy when a pint was needed. Pete Berris was taking over as quizmaster from me this year.

This was going to allow me to take part in the quiz rather than be the one that sets the questions and then run around ragged all night organising everything.

We split into 4 teams and awaited the start of the quiz. There were questions of various kinds which got a few of the brain cells working hard. There was plenty of “I know this one” coming from quite a few people which always brings a smile to other peoples faces. Especially when they get the answer wrong. The group going to France



There was the odd, not quite, trick questions that caught us all out. But, made us think long and hard over them.

We held a raffle half way through the evening and raised some money for SERV, the Blood Runners.

By the end of the evening I think everyone had a great time and can’t wait for the next quiz night. Well done Pete for making it an enjoyable night and everyone for coming along and making it a great time to be with friends.

Ride to st Neots for lunch

12 of us set off from the Branch and headed up the A10 to the Silver ball for

a coffee. The Silver Ball was very busy as it is always when the weather is sunny. It gives us a chance then to look around the bikes that are there.

We then carried on further up the A10 before we turned off onto the nice twisty country roads to St Neots. By the time we reached St Neots we were ready for a drink and lunch. The café in the park by the river serves really nice food up there. We grabbed a few tables out in the open and had a really lovely lunch, followed by ice creams.

I then lead the group across country on a long ride home. We stopped at the Three Blackbirds pub in Ditton Green for an

afternoon drink. Whilst there I decided that we would on run outs set a task for the group to accomplish. Today’s task would be to see how many of us could get into a public phone box and there just happened to be one across the road from the pub.

The Three Blackbirds in Ditton Green

You will see from the pictures that we didn’t get many in because the larger people got in first. No Guinness Book of Records here then.

We continued out journey to Great Dunmow where we said our farewells and headed off in different directions for home. Another great day out with the gang.


Ride to Ride Free in ampthill

11 of us set off for the bike festival at Ampthill. We set off and headed up

the A10. We stopped off at the Hertford turn off to pick up a couple of riders. Once we joined the A10 again the rear riders became aware of a Police Motorcyclist catching them up. Fortunately we weren’t speeding and he passed us giving us all a glance and a thumbs up. Such a nice Policeman. I think he made a few people’s bum twitch though.

We continued up the A10 to Buntingford and turned onto the A507 to Baldock Services. This is a nice road to ride with some nice twist and turns. We had a coffee stop at the services before we set off to Ampthill along the A507.

The bike festival was well attended and there was a good show of bikes on show in the car park. We took in the stalls and grabbed a bite to eat and drink. We meet up with the Bedfordshire Branch and had a good chat with them.

It came to the time when we had to depart for home. Some more lovely country roads were taken in bringing the day to a great end.

Ride to Whitewebbs Transport Museum

It was just a short hop out to Whitewebbs Museum. They were holding a bike festival.

It didn’t take us long to get there, just one junction along the M25, a journey time of about 15 minutes.

The festival is well attended and apart from the bikes on display hosts the exhibits of the museum itself. It’s not a large museum, but, it has quite a few things on display. We spent about 2 hours at the museum before we set off on a long round route via country roads to the Ace Café for something to drink and eat.

The weather was very kind to us this day and remained sunny and dry all day. Another great day out.

Run to Finchingfield for lunch

We had sixteen of us go for a lovely run out to Finchingfield for lunch. We set

off at 10am and took some lovely roads out to Finchingfield. We stuck to the country roads and took in the nice twisty roads. The weather was with us this day which always makes the ride that much better.

When we got to Finchingfield we parked up and looked at the other bikes parked up there. There is always quite a few bikes here, more so when the weather is good. We took ourselves off to the tea rooms and had a lovely carvery lunch. The carvery served here is always nice and the prices are not bad.

Following lunch we set off for home along a different route, but still nice twisty country roads. Another great days riding with good roads, good weather and great company.

Roland


Getting ready to set off

At the museum


After the Branch members voted to change the venue back to the Ten O’Clock in Little Harrowden, a month later it closed we had to choose a new venue. Our branch meeting place is, with effect from July 2013, The George, 117 Main Road, Wilby, Wellingborough NN8 2UD

The Northants Branch will have a Club hub at Silverstone for World Superbikes on Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th August - weekend tickets are available from me for only £27.00. We’re also at the British Superbikes on Friday 4th to Sunday 6th October and again weekend tickets are available from me, this time for only £18.00.

Sharon and I returned from our first ever trip to the IOM TT which was truly memorable and absolutely brilliant. We met up with Karen and Julian from Manx Branch along with Dave and Sue from Norfolk whilst at the TT. We all had a lovely meal and good beer.

I am looking forward to an exciting future for Northants HOC along with a new venue and working with the new committee to take the Branch forward.

Ride safe, make progress,

Stu

All change at the Northants & Milton Keynes Branch

At the Branch AGM, on 22nd May, a new committee was voted in: Stu Peile as Branch Secretary, my lovely wife Sharon Peile as Chairperson, Paul Sutton as Treasurer and Russell Edwards as Branch Webmaster.

Secretary: Stu Peile - 07549 407048

northants & mK

• [email protected] • www.northants.hoc.org.uk • •

On 5th June there was an Everyotherrun led by Adrian, which ended up at the Dukes Arms, Woodford near Kettering. On the run was 15 bikes and althought he did a write up there were no photos. He blamed his daughter Demi who forgot to take any photos of the run and who has now been disinherited by Adrian!!

We are hosting the annual HOC Roast and have invited other branches to join us on 21st July at The Lilacs in Isham and everyone is welcome.


victoria Pub - CoalvilleMeeting at the Vale, it was a pretty nice

night for a ride-out. This was led by Stephen Parker, our ride-out coordinator and a number of members enjoying. Having fun with some outdoor chat and a drink.

Organiser: Debbie Reynolds - 07773 020286

nottingham

• [email protected] • www.nottingham.hoc.org.uk •

WOW what a wet few months we have all had but finally the weather has been good and has given the Branch to get out and have a few ride-outs.

Ride-out to Clay Cross and MatlockMembers met on the Sunday morning to

wonderful weather. Meeting at the Vale the ride-out was led by Ian Treece. The route followed the A610, towards Ikea and the on to CMC at Clay Cross, and enjoyable time checking out other bikes there and looking round their large store of items and sitting at the café for some chit chat and some food.

Ride-out to angel Inn - KneesallThis was a fun ride out on Monday 3rd

June, to the Angel Inn, Kneesall for the Bike Night and was attended by a selection of our members. Steven Parker led the ride-out and the route went through Lowdham, Southwel, Kelham to Kneesall and bikes were already adorning the car park when the posse arrived and they all soon settled down for some hearty pub food and a look around the bikes. Not to waste some time chatting to local bikers, branch information was distributed to those possibly interested in the club. Fab night had by all.


• [email protected] • www.nottingham.hoc.org.uk •

Newark Bike Bonanza - saturday 22nd & sunday 23rd June

at the IOM TT 2013Wow, what can I say - It

was the first time I had been to the Isle of Man and for the TT and boy was it an experience. Travelling across alone, there were hundreds of bikers to chat to and to hear of all the wonderful things id get to see while there. The atmosphere is phenomenal and you can only imagine how awesome it is to feel the rush of the bikes and riders as they fly past you at speeds of 180 MPH +.

During the two weeks the time was filled with visiting various places around the island and meeting HOC members during my stay. Firstly I met the Manx crew on a sunny lunchtime and a big thanks to John & Karen for their friendly chat, hospitality and a cuppa. It was great to meet you guys and I hope that when I am over for the TT 2014 I can pop in and say hello again.

Debbie

Nottingham Branch had a stand at the event and displayed an excellent selection of members’ bikes on the stand.

We had lots of members, from all over the country, visiting and saying hello. There was lots of interest in the HOC and our Branch as well as plenty of admiration for the range of bikes we had on display.

Thanks to everyone who helped and showed their bikes over the weekend, making it a brilliant event.

Mark Waller - CX500

Malcolm Colebourne vT750S

Ian Treece - valkyrie

Malcolme & Ian on the stand

Stephen Parker - CB400 Four

Matt Simons - vTr1000

Debbie reynolds - CBr600F4i

Andy Smith - CB125T


butties and cake and drinking tea and chatting. The weather was quite kind and it didn’t rain till early afternoon when most of the rides were complete) It was great to have the Bristol guys join us and thanks to each for a generous donation to SERV OBN to say thank you for an enjoyable day.

Secretary: Erica Gassor - 07799 492235

oxford

Where do I start? We have had such a busy fun time this first few months of

2013 and managed to fit a lot in, despite Summer being late in arriving!

Our first fun weekend was when we enjoyed our Test Ride Day at Abingdon Honda on the Saturday where we tested a great varied range of Honda’s whilst munching bacon

• [email protected] • www.oxford.hoc.org.uk • •


• [email protected] • www.oxford.hoc.org.uk • •

Mustn’t forget the excellent Oxford weekend away in Scarborough for the racing at Oliver’s mount – what great racing – you were in amongst it all and rubbed shoulders with riders such as Guy Martin and our old HOC mate Paul Owen. Good ride up, great fun racing, good dry weather, lovely trip on the steam train across the Yorkshire moors, brilliant B&B (what delicious breakfasts!) and, best of all, excellent company!

More fun ride outs, speakers and events being planned – bring it on!

Erica

On the Sunday of the same weekend we held our Spring Charity Poker Run, see the separate report in this issue.

Interesting ride outs to Duxford Air Museum and a damp but fun day ride to Blunsdon and Cricklade Railway (excellent hot dogs!) and Castle Combe have also been enjoyed by us all.

Interspersed with a Skittles evening, teamed with Dorset v Wiltshire and the excellent Wiltshire Rally, the season has started in style.

Meetings have been well attended and we have been visited by our old friend Ruth from Hein Gericke Eynsham, Deb from St John’s Ambulance giving us vital tips on first aid and Sgt Grant Thomas from Thames Valley Police giving a fascinating outline of the Bike Safe events for 2013.

oliver’s Mount


Secretary: Bryan Moody - 07813 849782

reading

• [email protected] • www.reading.hoc.org.uk • •

As “The Guv” is doing his best impression of Captain Birds-Eye along with the Chief Snorter and bobbing about on a ferry somewhere in the Baltics at the moment, the baton has been passed to me, Worzel for this edition GoldenWing so hopefully you’ll understand my ramblings if not, Google Translate should be able to give some idea of Norfolk twang into some sort of English…

Following on from the 3 fools going out to play in the freezing and slightly snowing Mystery Tour at the end of February, the weather and forecast of even more snow finally took its toll on the Rabble sadly leading to the rideout at the end of March by Keith to the Tangmere museum being postponed until the beginning of September, so the guys & girls decided to stay indoors for a night out at the bowling alley. As soon as the drinks arrived it was time for the fun to commence. Skittles were being knocked down with amazing accuracy, just not on the two lanes we were using... Still, what we lacked in ability was made up for in the variety of techniques being employed. It was a fierce battle on both lanes, only interrupted for the inevitable food break, and the occasional mickey-taking. In the first lane, Steve was the victor with Bryan coming second, whilst in the second lane the eventual overall winner, Allan, beat Geoff into second. In fairness to Geoff, his game went downhill after Colleen offered to polish his helmet...

On Sunday 14th April, a good number of the Rabble joined Oxford branch at H Café for their Poker Run, well it was a good excuse to have a fried breakfast at the start point, and had a really enjoyable day with

Les Ballastieres

May saw thirteen Rabble members on nine bikes and a Skoda… get all excited for the now annual holiday trip across (well actually under) the Channel into Froggy Land, aptly

everyone taking in some beautiful scenic roads and following a detour, including riding down what we were sure was a footpath, and a steep one at that….. I thought I could find narrow roads, but the crown most definitely goes to Ted. Our Allan even managed to nab the first prize of a new HJC Helmet & myself managed to get some DVD’s for being a clever clogs knowing an answer on a place we’d already done a ride-out to last year! A great time and thanks to Ted & Oxford for the brilliant day had.

Colin kindly stepped forward to rescue the planed rideout on 28th April leading Ian & Nigel down through the New Forrest to Bucklers’ Hard via the old A & B roads which were virtually empty, and following a look round the grounds, they just managed to stumble into the café quite by accident and had a Gourmet Burger lunch before taking in the museum for an informative history lesson.



named Rabble Does Ribbit – Part Deux. The weather finally decided to clear up on Thursday 9th with everyone all meeting up at Clacket Lane Services for the ride down to the Tunnel and to go hunting for Keith, who was surprisingly at the correct services this year instead of being in the totally wrong place like last year. Once in France, the scenic route was taken to Les Ballastieres in St. Pol Sur Ternoise stoping off on route at Fruges into a little café just off the town square. Following a B-B-Q at the guesthouse, it was off all together into town making a bee-line for the Micro Brewery and it’s Brun.

On the Friday, the Rabble all followed the Golden Goddess for a days ride out down into Picardy and the Somme going to the British memorial at Thiepval.

The weather for a little while tried its best to recreate the full british atmosphere, by being dull, damp and chilly but the memorial was so worth the visit and a place I’m sure will not be forgotten. On the way back we all called in for lunch at the Ocean Villas Tea Room in Auchonvilliers, owned by Avril Williams originally from England, they even had a restored WW1 trench system in their back garden for looking round and very friendly chickens!

On the evening everyone all went to the Golden Lion (a much better colour than a Red Lion in my opinion) hotel in the town centre of St Pol for a slap up 3 course evening meal for a bargain 15 euros each only to bump into the Dunlop boys from Brummie Land again, in traditional rabble behaviour, much banter was passed around.

Thiepval

Micro Brewery



The Saturday was a free day, Big Gavin, Keith and Colin decided to talk a walk across the fields to the race circuit with poor Keith getting mud on his shoes and nearly disappearing down holes but when they finally got there they managed to just walk straight in for nothing so spent the money instead on polo shirts & caps!

I’d like to tell the story of Colin, Big Gavin and the 50 Shades Of Grey book, but think that is best if you ask about this yourselves…

The sun managed to make another appearance for the ride back to Calais on the Sunday, with just the last few miles before home deciding to persistantly pee it down. Big thanks the the Guys & Girls for a fantastic holiday.

It was then Geoff’s turn to be leader of the rabble on Sunday 26th May, taking everyone via the A4 down into Wiltshire to the National Trust village of Lacock, where Rennie introduced Angie to the crowds of kids as a real life witch! His bruise may have gone

Thiepval

down by now. Again with the obligatory food and ice cream stop, the Rabble then moved on to Caen Locks for another food and ice cream stop, and to give great guidance to the narrow boat captain who decided it would be a good idea to ram the lock gates at full speed, giving him also a full round of applause when his boat raised up above the locks walls.

Lacock

The diary for the rest of the year is jam packed with ride outs including a Brewery Tour – is that a good ideal with the Rabble? – and will be having a good showing of members at the National Rally and we’re all looking forward to a good old sing song again where w promise to be on best behaviour, as always. The club nights at the RBL are being greatly supported with usually over 20 members attending (nothing at all to do with the Burger Van parked outside) and a couple of new members have also come along, and shockingly people have started to turn up at club nights on these motorcycle things. It’ll never catch on…

Worzel


Model shown: Crosstourer SE in Candy Prominence Red at £14,299.00 OTR. Terms and Conditions: Offer applies to Crosstourer/SE/DCT ordered new from 02 April 2013 and registered on or before 30 June 2013. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Subject to model and colour availability. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. PCP Finance is offered over 37 months. Final payment includes £65 option to purchase fee. £125 Credit acceptance fee is included in monthly payments. The Guaranteed Minimum Future Value will be used to pay the Final Payment if the motorcycle is returned after the last monthly payment provided the motorcycle has been serviced in accordance with the Honda service book, is in good condition and the maximum permitted mileage of 8,000 miles has not been exceeded. Full written quotations available on request. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. 470 London Road, Slough, Berkshire SL3 8QY.

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Final Payment (inc Option to Purchase Fee) £5,488.77 Annual Contracted Mileage 8,000

Total Amount Payable £15,266.64 Excess Mileage Charge £0.07


Secretary: John Gorman

sCotland

• [email protected] • www.scotland.hoc.org.uk •

I arrived at the MacDonald’s restaurant at ten to discover Bill on his trusty Pan was there

before me. It was good to see Bill as he hadn’t been along for a while due to other commitments. As we chatted, Davie and his friend Tam on their respective CB125 and VT750, arrived at the same time as John on his VFR. No sooner had they all settled down to introduce themselves and get reacquainted when Shelagh, on her CB500 drew up to join us.

This was actually the first ride-out this year and I intended to have a fairly easy going run along some of the less populated, but no less scenic, roads to reacquaint ourselves and have some fun during the day. I couldn’t honestly say the sun was shining as it had been the previous few days (most unusual in this part of the country), but at least it was dry, so we took that to be a good omen.

We set off at 10.30 am, (not at 10.30pm as posted thank goodness, but we’re a bright bunch up here and understood my mistake), heading for Callander for our first stop. It’s a popular biking destination and waypoint for bikers of all persuasions. We kept to the smaller A and B roads which were less busy, and better to judge the preferred speed. We travelled through Gartcosh, Muirhead, Kirkintilloch to Lennoxtown. The weather wasn’t exactly what could be called sunny and warm, just cloudy but dry, which was a little bonus.

We took the Crow Road up into the Campsie Hills to Fintry and veered off to Kippen along some wonderful roads with views to the Trossachs and Ben Lomond and the back of the Campsie Fells. The road surface left something to be desired at times unfortunately,

it was a mixed bag, going from sublime and newly laid, to potholes and loose gravel. We adjusted our speed accordingly and still enjoyed the route.

After Kippen we crossed the A811 and headed for Thornhill and on to Callander. I was pleased that some of the group hadn’t been on these roads. It makes me feel like a pathfinder and widening their knowledge of my stomping grounds. Actually it just strokes my ego if I’m honest. Nevertheless we all had a good time, ego stroking or not. We stopped for half an hour for coffee and a visit to the little boy’s room for those who needed. As I spoke of earlier, it was evident about Callander being a popular destination for bikers, there were bikes parked up, bikes passing through. All genres of bikes, tourers, sports, cruisers, trailies even a couple of trikes. May weekend must have been a secret signal for some bikes to be dusted down, new fuel, leathers squeezed into, bunnets on, and out into the wide blue yonder, well, maybe grey yonder would be more accurate.

Callander Square, Back row; John, Shelagh, Tam and Davie, Seated; sitting “neatly”, Bill

We traveled further up the A84 to Lochearnhead going alongside Loch Lubnaig, a bonny run at any time of year. At Lochearnhead we turned right on the A85 to Crieff, passing through St Fillans and Comrie,


• [email protected] • www.scotland.hoc.org.uk •

both small picturesque little villages along the way. At Crieff it was time for another, more substantial stop for fuel for the group. A small café was found and they provided some of us with minestrone soup and others with sausage and chips. I thought Shelagh was very circumspect when she had a healthy paninis, and nae cake! What is the world coming to?

After our repast (no expense spared when the Scottish HOC are on a run), we set off for Auchterarder along a road (B8062), which I hadn’t actually been on before, so I didn’t know what to expect. Again I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with the choice of road, it took us through a part of the country side I’d never visited before. It was peppered with some fine houses, and some “very fine houses” and some well kept farms, typical Perthshire, one of the most beautiful Scottish counties in my opinion.

Passing Auchterarder we headed east for a little way then took the B8062 again to the small village of Dunning, where we had the first incident of the trip. Shelagh’s CB500 cut out on her as she was negotiating a slow and tricky turn in the middle of the village. It is to her credit that she kept the bike upright and didn’t let it drop, as many will testify, is not an easy thing to do. Of course we were all about a mile up the road before we (sorry, I), became aware that we were a bike short. I blame it on the many turns in the road where I lost sight of all the lights behind, and wasn’t aware of her plight until Tam caught up with us and informed me. We all travelled back down to see what we could do, never let it be said we abandoned an HOC member, she is my sister after all and she would never let me forget it. There seemed to be little life left in the battery, there wasn’t enough juice to light the headlight, never mind turn the engine over. There was a quick grin from Bill as he guddled in his commodious panniers to emerge with a grin, and a pair of jump leads. We quickly started the offending bike, only

for Shelagh to stop it to re-lock her top-box, the key was reinserted into the ignition only to illicit a feeble whirr from the ignition. The second time the bike was bumped started and kept going while Shelagh climbed aboard when, again we set off up the hills to Yetts o’ Muchart. Just as we were leaving Dunning, a private helicopter was coming into land at one of the larger houses of the village, not a sight you see every day in Scotland, but we can do posh as well.

The road seemed to climb and climb for ages, but it soon plateau’d and then meandered through the hills. At Yetts o’ Muchart we took the road to Rumbling Bridge then right towards Kincardine. We went over the old Kincardine Bridge rather than the new one, actually I think its proper name is the Clackmannan Bridge, but few people call it that. Isn’t it strange that bridges and the like are often better known by their “folk” name rather than their proper designated name? In Glasgow we have the Clyde Arc, which is called the Squinty Bridge, and the Millennium Bridge which we call the Squiggly Bridge. Not for us the pompous political aspirations, let’s call a spade a shovel!

I intended to end our trip at the Falkirk Wheel, as Bill said, “It’ll be a good photo’ opportunity, and would look good in the Golden Wing”. However I thought it more prudent to escort Shelagh and her ailing CB500 home to Linlithgow and ensure they both at least got home o.k. The group stopped at a slip road at the other side of the bridge near Skinflats where we said our farewells and parted, I don’t know if the others went on to the Wheel or just made their own ways home as it was the ideal spot for all to disperse from there.

I think we all had a “guid day oot”, and I hope more come next month when hopefully the weather may be better. Aye right!

John G


CBR Fireblade

3 years 0% APR representative

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Model shown: CBR1000RR 12YM in Pearl Sunbeam White (Tricolour) at £11,300 OTR. Terms and Conditions: Offer applies to CBR1000RR/C-ABS 12YM ordered new from 01 July 2013 and registered on or before 30 September 2013. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Subject to model and colour availability. £197 a month based on CBR1000RR 12YM at £11,300 total cash price (and total amount payable) with 36 months’ 0% APR (interest rate per annum 0% fixed) with £4,208 (37%) customer deposit required. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. 470 London Road, Slough, Berkshire SL3 8QY. Promoter: Honda (UK) Motorcycles, 470 London Road, Slough, Berkshire SL3 8QY.



CBR Fireblade

3 years 0% APR representative

£197 a month

Clever - clogs. Yes you.

Chances are, you know a

lot more about sports bikes

than the creative bods at

our advertising agency. You

probably have better dress

sense too. So you wont find

any clever marketing spiel

in this ad, just a picture of a

Fireblade and a great offer.

Honest and straight to the

point, that’s The Honda Way.

Model shown: CBR1000RR 12YM in Pearl Sunbeam White (Tricolour) at £11,300 OTR. Terms and Conditions: Offer applies to CBR1000RR/C-ABS 12YM ordered new from 01 July 2013 and registered on or before 30 September 2013. Offers applicable at participating dealers and are at the promoter’s absolute discretion. Subject to model and colour availability. £197 a month based on CBR1000RR 12YM at £11,300 total cash price (and total amount payable) with 36 months’ 0% APR (interest rate per annum 0% fixed) with £4,208 (37%) customer deposit required. Indemnities may be required in certain circumstances. Finance is only available to persons aged 18 or over, subject to status. All figures are correct at time of publication but may be subject to change. Credit provided by Honda Finance Europe Plc. 470 London Road, Slough, Berkshire SL3 8QY. Promoter: Honda (UK) Motorcycles, 470 London Road, Slough, Berkshire SL3 8QY.


Secretary: Barbara Peace - 01903 716035

Organiser: Jim Berry - 01934 707121 or 0775 8354211

solent

somerset

Hi all, by the time you read this we will have had our rally at the new venue. There is a report in this issue.

It is with great sadness that we have lost Dave Barton. We had a good turnout at his funeral. He will be sadly missed.

Our every other Wednesday ride outs are progressing nicely. We meet at Wickham Square around 7pm and leave at 7.30, if the weather is good.

See you all out there on your bikes,

Barbara

This is the first branch report for some time from Somerset, with the Branch re-launched

on Tuesday the 16th April.Sadly with the exception of a Branch

Secretary from a neighbouring Branch the attendance was NIL. I have persevered and the Branch has had two more meetings since then with two stalwart members turning up to both meetings, but alas that is all.

It was originally envisaged that the Branch would meet twice a month on the first and third Tuesdays, but we have reconsidered and we will meet just once a month on the third Tuesday. We meet at 7:30pm in:

The nightjar14 Nightingale Court,Mead Vale, Worle,Weston-super-Mare BS22 8SX

• [email protected] • www.solent.hoc.org.uk •

• [email protected] • www.somerset.hoc.org.uk •

Please come and support your local Branch, I am happy to continue to organise the meetings, and any other event that would gain suitable attendance, but I need members to show the Branch is worth keeping open.

Jim


Since my last report, we have had our AGM. The fools, err, I mean the members,

decided to re-elect the officers for another term of office. Therefore, the officers for South Wales Branch for 2013 are:

Secretary Donna RichardsChairman Gareth RichardsTreasurer Terry Lloyd

We’d all like to thank the members for their continued confidence in us and we are looking forward to an excellent year. However, we were all disappointed to hear that longest serving member, Clive Jones had decided not to renew his membership. Clive told us that he was finding that, these days, he was not able to get out on the bike as much as he used to and that it was difficult to find the time. We will certainly be keeping in touch with Clive and members informed him that he would be welcome to visit whenever he wanted. We would all like to wish him the best for the future.

Secretary: Donna Richards - 01639 766406

south wales

• [email protected] • www.southwales.hoc.org.uk •

After the AGM, we remained at the pub and had a meal, as they had started a new curry night theme. There was some good food and lively conversation. Although, to be honest, the portions were rather small.

Unfortunately, another one of our members has suffered a sad loss. Angie Pike, the wife of valued member, Andy, passed away in April. We were very sorry to hear of her passing and the Branch would like to extend their sincere condolences to Andy and his daughter at this very sad time.

Despite the extended winter, we have managed a few rideouts and events so far. On Easter Monday, a small group rode to Coleford for the Carnival of Transport. I think they experienced four seasons in one day, including snow, but had a good time anyway. Steve Levis led the ‘group’ as he was the one with the satnav and sent an excellent report to me afterwards.

Here’s what he said,

The hills are alive at the Prescott Bike Festival



“I thought I would send you a little report on our Sunday ride out to Coleford.The group gathered at Asda precisely at 9am despite the bitter cold weather. It was quickly decided that I should lead because I had the sat nav. How pleasing that was for me. Righto, pressure on!The group set off down the motorway then up to Monmouth. Missed my turning over the bridge, but hey, there is a great roundabout just after. Elbow down, sort of, lol! So we get to Coleford with just that one detour and manage to get all the bikes parked in one spot, great! The group decided to collect the £1 later because nobody wanted to carry all that change all day.The show was good, much the same as previous years, but still worth a visit. The group decided to have a coffee and a little snack before heading off. Still a bitterly cold day with a little snow in the air, too cold for hanging around. The group decided to go back Tintern way. OK sat nav set, off we set. A little mishap, farm track! How embarrassing. Keep that visor down and sun glasses on! Avoid eye contact at all costs! Anyhow we’re soon back on the right road. What a lovely ride back, not much traffic around the twists. Myself and the other member of the group, Mick, waved goodbye at my junction. Lol, but we had a good day.”

An even smaller group rode to Prescott Bike Festival on 7th April, but, according to Terry, it was an excellent festival and well worth a visit in the future.

On Sunday 21st April, a rather larger group rode to The Museum of Internal Fire near Cardigan. It’s a lovely ride up and the museum is fascinating if you’re the sort of person who is into all things technical, especially old stuff. They had an old radio shack, engines and even an ancient telephone exchange. Even Lyn agreed that it was an interesting day out.

Telephone Exchange

At the end of April, we held a social evening at the ‘Mughal Emperor’ restaurant near Cowbridge. We had a really good night, even if we did have to wait for a long time for food. However, it was definitely worth waiting for. It was excellent.

They’re off

Why are we waiting?

On Saturday 18th May, Gareth and Terry took their bikes along to the Scope Open Day in Barry. Lyn works at the day centre and she asked if members would like to go along, show off their bikes and help to raise money for the charity. The bikes were an instant success, particularly with the potential HOC members of the future.


Next weekend, we’re off to Cornwall for the weekend. We are going to do some exploring and visit the Eden Project. With a bit of luck and some fine weather, we even might be able to get to The Lizard and have some excellent pasties from Ann’s Pasty Shop. Looking forward to it.

Of course, we mustn’t forget the National Rally coming up in September. It looks like being a cracking success. I don’t want to give too much away, but we’ve have some amazing entertainment laid on and a special theme for the Sunday night. Not saying what it is yet, but more details will follow soon. Hurry up and order your National Rally regalia.

Before that, we’ve got a long hot summer, (let’s hope!).

Take care and ride safely. All the best

Donna


If I could just reach the pegs…

We rope ‘em in young

Secretary: Keven Ludlam - 0114 281 7193 or 07753593641

three shires

With ‘s No Rally and Egg run over, lets get down to some serious biking

business…The ‘s No Rally was great dispite the cold

and damp weather. Saturday night was interesting in as much as “Satans Slaves” MCC dropped in at about 11:30pm (about 20 of ‘em) and were amazed that the HOC were actually camping out in “THIS weather?” – hardy bunch us HOC bikers!!! for the record Angie and I stayed in the Hotel as did the

Bedfordshire lads – different style of camping!Egg run was a success again, JT and Katie

Melua were there along with about 1000 bikers helping to raise another £3.5K well done again to the south yorkshire biking communitee.

So the biking season is off to a flying start, and the branch has 5 new potential members joining, 4 of them on 125’s having just passed their CBT’s. This is great for the club, and we take great pride in helping them gain valuable

• [email protected] • www.threeshires.hoc.org.uk • •


• [email protected] • www.threeshires.hoc.org.uk • •

experience while in the protection of a group and showing them some good biking places instead of the usual “Matlock Bath”

One trip took them to Squires at Sherburn in Elmett, a great biker meet and they were amazed to see – quote, “so many bikes” when in fact there was only a fraction of the usual crowd!

The Breakfast run to Cleathorpes in april was an experience never to be repeated. I organised a 6:30 start as you do (‘cause we want to get there for breakfast…) and no one turned up! So Angie and I went onto the second meeting point in Worksop to which Snail Rider turned up with his friend Phil. Now he’s called Snail rider for a reason. It took 45 mins to get out of Worksop and on the road to Cleathorpes at which point we decided to leave him to his own navigational skills and head off for the breakfast that this ride was intended for.

At Cleathorpes, we had riden up and down the sea front looking for a café, had parked the bike up, put the lids in the top box, taken photo’s of the beautiful sun drenched beach and wandered over the road to the great smell of bacon when Snail rider and Phil turned up… a full three quarters of an hour behind us.

Needless to say we have encouraged him to attend the Bike Safe course to improve his skills which he has done, and now says he’s lost his shell…

We had the AGM this month with the result that we now have 1 more on the committee, Colin is to organise the regalia, One of the main things to come out of the meeting was the agreement to reduce the number of meetings throughout the winter, a sensible move considering the winter weather being so bad. I will say at this point that the AGM also raised a motion regarding fees / subs for “non’ HOC members. This started a heavy debate throughout the HOC regarding the rights and wrongs of introducing additional fees – I will not go into great detail about this, suffice to say this was a misunderstanding by all within the Three Shires and after detailed discussion with Andy Young this Fee / Subs has been recinded from the motion taken at the AGM – The Three Shires is a Branch of the Honda Owners Club and will remain so.

We have introduced Monday night ride outs for the Branch instead of the usual Monday night meeting taking place and several times we have been to MFN in Nottinghamshire (Miles From Nowhere) on a Wednesday night another popular meeting place for Bikers.

Keep Smilin’

Kev


Our pub lunch run to the Hampshire Bowman was a goodun with 3 peeps from Gosport & Fareham Bikers joining West London and North Downs members - and Chris Darwen joined us too which was lovely (his leathers are still white!).

Well since the last issue of Golden Wing we have been as active as the rather

rubbish spring weather would allow us to be!A few members went along in the cold &

snow to the Excel bike show…After that we had a Branch dinner at a local

Italian Restaurant - which, as always when there is food involved, was well attended.

In spite of the really appalling weather some of North Downs and West London Branch went along to support the Pioneer run - but the old bikes had decided that they didn’t like the snow and it was cancelled!

Fortunately the weather cheered up for the annual Reading Thames Vale Vultures Easter Egg run. It even felt warm!! As usual a fab turnout of bikes and many thousands of eggs collected.

Secretary: Steve Hill - 01689 850999

west london

• [email protected] • www.westlondon.hoc.org.uk • •

Easter Egg run

The planned Emirates Cable Car trip was abandoned due to rain wind snow hail - well it wasn’t the best day for it!! Another day perhaps as it is an amazing experience.

The Bike Safe at Castle Combe was attended by North Downs & West London members - and they all reported that it was well worth going to…

Gosport & Fareham Bikers

I can recommend the food here and the ale is excellent - casks of the real stuff and you can even take plastic bottles home with you!! It has a big garden and is a haunt of bikers & car ‘enthusiasts’.

Hampshire Bowman

Next up was the BMF Rally - always good to go along and grab a bargain or two and soak up the atmosphere. The club stand this year was on the club strip - so a small and friendly affair!


• [email protected] • www.westlondon.hoc.org.uk • •

radar’s bike at the BMF

We have strong links with North Downs Branch and tend to support their runs just as they support ours. In the next few months we have the Solent Rally, Honda Day at the Ace and many other runs and outings to look forward to - up to date details can be found on our web site and FB page - so check us out!

On a more sombre note - this year we have lost two long time main committee members - our very own Brummie Trevor Thompson after a long illness and Dave Barton - the gentle Hampshire Classic database. I remember when I joined in 1981 these two were leaders of the club - and their expertise & knowledge of the HOC and all matters Honda will be sorely missed.

On the positive side - be glad you knew them and had the pleasure of their company. May they both be remembered for a long time to come. Also on a plus point it was good to meet up with an ex HOC member whom I hadn’t seen for about 21 years at Trevor’s funeral. Paul Phillips was an active member when I first joined and as you can see from the photo is still into Hondas!

Trevor & Lauren & Jude

Paul Phillips - friend of Trev’s

Well - that’s the good & the bad & the long & short of it! If you’re in our area come on down & join us for runs & stuff - all welcome.

Jude

Caption CoMpetition

Please send your captions to [email protected]


Definitely not the weather for taking your crash helmet off!

Fortunately, shortly after the parade laps and just before the start of the Thundersprint, the sun came out, so we spent the next

Organisers: John & Jill - 07759 870874 & 01902 662763

Yet another 3 months have passed where our bikes have spent more time garaged

or undercover, than being driven on Britain’s not so sunny roads!!

In February, there was no biking due to snow & frost, but John arranged a night out to see a Beatles tribute band at a local club and a good time was had by all.

In March, the monthly rideout was again cancelled due to snow, however following a good write up in Golden Wing last year Dave & I decided to brave the elements to visit Mablethorpe Motorcycle Festival & Sand Racing. Last year the events were bathed in sunshine, unfortunately the same could not be said of this year’s events as the weather was cold and wet. However, this didn’t deter the racers, after a nice dry start to the race they certainly went for it, even though they were racing thru freezing cold sea water, luckily we enjoyed the racing from the warmth of the seafront pub!

• [email protected] • www.westmids.hoc.org.uk •

west midlands

Time to go and warm up in the pub

In April, John led a rideout to Prescott Hill Climb which was a cold & expensive day out, with disappointing child size Carvery portions for dinner at a local Pub on the way back and we had our week end away to the Thundersprint, at its’ new venue, in Anglesey. On the Saturday we had a lovely sunny ride thru the North Wales countryside to our Travelodge in Bangor, unfortunately the Sunday morning was very wet & very windy, so for the first few hours we didn’t even bother to remove our Crash Helmets!!

A dry start for the sand racers

Thundersprint circuit


• [email protected] • www.westmids.hoc.org.uk •

few hours watching the racing and drying ourgear out before we headed home in the sunshine. Also a note to the organisers ... the change of venue has not improved this event, moving from the town of Northwich to a race track it has lost its’ unique feel and become like any other bike racing event, the most disappointing aspect was the lack of traders as these could be counted on one hand!

In May, at last the sun shone, so we made the most of it. On Bike Club night John led a rideout thru the local countryside to a Pub in Ironbridge where our branch meeting was held outside making the most of the sunshine and then on our rideout Sunday, as it was one of the warmest days of the year so far, John took everyone thru the Horseshoe pass for lunch at the Ponderosa, where he met up with two fellow Rune riders from Liverpool,

on the way back thru the pass Miles realised he was definitely going too slowly when he was overtaken by a push bike, unfortunately no one had a camera to hand to capture the moment, Miles definitely wasn’t impressed especially as his pillion Julie couldn’t stop laughing!!

A wet parade lap...

...but sunny racing

Common as muck these runes

Perhaps I could pass the push bike on this!

We finished the day with a visit to a local bike museum before heading home.

John eyeing up another bike for his collection

Hopefully there will be more sunny rideout days like this before the summer’s over!

And finally I would like to send our good wishes to our member Chris; he is due to have an operation which will mean no biking for the next few months, we all wish him a speedy recovery and hope he joins us back on two wheels very soon

So until the next time please keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down, hopefully on warm not wet tarmac!

Jill x


Secretary: Big Steve - 01274 772970

Here we are again doing the report for the Golden Wing, we have some runs

and other stuff planned for the coming year so have a look on the Diary page and try to get along, this year we decided to have A.V. runs (All Vehicle) because so many runs were cancelled last year because of the weather… anyway the first of these were to the York Dungeon and what a day! The weather was good so most made the trip on the bike and we met up in York, after Richard had shown us a secret parking place. Schhhhh we walked the rest of the way, well anybody that knows me will know I don’t do Horror films so I just s**t myself all the way round. I’m glad my kids didn’t see me.

After that we all went over the Squires for a brew before making our way home. Me and Maria went down to the Castle Combe Bike Safe day and met the Wiltshire Branch and Andy (Dibble). It was a long haul, but we got a cheap Travelodge the night before, so it was a good weekend and the weather was

west YorKshire

• [email protected] • www.westyorks.hoc.org.uk •

great on the Saturday of the show. We also got along to the Wiltshire Branch Rally and had a great time, we got to see Stonehenge and nearly won the quiz (Talk is not a Mineral) HaHa but we had a great time and thanks to everyone who organised it.

We had a long weekend in Pwllheli with 12 going along. Clive took us on some great roads on the Saturday and we went to the Ponderosa Café for a brew before going back along some more great roads.

Pondarosa

York Dungeon


• [email protected] • www.westyorks.hoc.org.uk •

On the Sunday we just had a ride out to Carmarthen and had a look round the Castle and a slate mine on the way back. Good company and weather made for a good weekend roll on next year.

6 members made the trip to the Cumbria Bike Show and had a good time, there was a bike show and ‘run what ya brung’ drag racing and the bands and the company inc the people we met made it a great weekend and one we might just do next year.

Cumbria

We had a ride out to Barley Picnic area.

Barley Picnic

BMF show was attended by 10 members most of which were with the Northern Cross MCC stand as they’re members of both. Me and Maria only went down for the Saturday because I wasn’t well and Dave and Lisa had the day down there on the Sunday as well as Ian, Andie, Nij, Denice, Pockets & Cath… who were there all weekend.

BMF

We went onto Ditchfield Glass near Fleetwood and then over to Slaidburn, great weather and 7 bikes made for a good day out so thanks to everyone who came along. It was nice to see Bob at the run.

Ditchfield

Ditchfield Glass

Next year is our 40th Anniversary as a Branch and we are hoping to put on a Rally towards the end of the year. We haven’t got dates yet, but plans are coming along nicely, expect Welly Throwing, Pin the Tail on a Whippet, Yorkshire pud Tea and allsorts of stuff…. Don’t forget its grim up north so don’t expect owt for nowt… we’ll see thee.

Steve


Well, since last time I reported we have managed to keep on with the usual

meets and getting out and about weather permitting.

Our members night of Thursday 14th saw our friend Colin Reeve make his regular appearance to highlight both his involvement with this year’s Bikesafe events and updating us with the situation regards his responsibilities as a transport consultant with the local council, and it was good to have a fair turnout for the man.

Secretary: Ian Hammond - 07989 531121

wiltshire

• [email protected] • www.wiltshire.hoc.org.uk • • •

On Saturday March 16th we had a very good turnout for the social Skittles match over at the Bruce Arms in Easton Royal (this year’s rally site) with Erica with a group from Oxford and Bev with some her members from Dorset, and the pressure was on to see who would be the winner of the infamous ‘Piston’ trophy. Well depending how you view it we retained the trophy, but the evening certainly went down well, we were catered for by Peter and Gwen from the pub plus the raffle raised a respectable amount, and so we’re now looking forward to a return social event later in the year.

Now many were up for the rideout next day to make a local ‘hop’ over to the Oxford Bus Museum, but we rightly postponed as the forecast was accurate and it was snowing , so this is another visit to maybe squeeze into the dairy later in the year.

April started with a few going over on Sunday 7th to the Prescot Hill Climb event near Cheltenham which certainly was a better day than last years. Our next gathering was a return to our normal arrangements for the summer of meeting on the 2nd Tuesday evening and this time was just a social, but it gave us plenty of time to catch up and discuss what we were all looking forward to in getting out and about, and unfortunately one such item was we postponed the ride to Cadbury’s World (we’ll get there one day to please some) and instead decided to join in the rideout of the Poker run on April 14th hosted by Oxford with all monies raised for the Headway charity, and Ted German did a fine job of leading such a large group. The day was certainly eventful as some would certainly testify, with some overshooting a junction, having to make a forced detour down a very narrow lane and taking a spurious route to get to Crickley Hill, but at least the sun shone and four of us from wiltshire enjoyed it.

Skittles night

oxford Poker run


• [email protected] • www.wiltshire.hoc.org.uk • • •

The Bikesafe event on April 20th saw us spend a good Saturday at the Castle Combe racing circuit where it saw around 7,000 visitors attending and we certainly had a fair amount of interest along with signing up two new members plus it was good to see quite a few from further afield, being Graham and co from Beds branch, but reckon that was down to Dibble nominating it as the venue for the Chairman’s Challenge, and with Simon, Angie and Glyn all spending the whole day there it was certainly worth the effort which is always appreciated, as volunteering is rewarding.

an hour we hadn’t got to the subject of rehabilitation, but Sonny is happy to come back sometime in the future to continue, but with a very wet evening it certainly was enlightening for those that braved the elements.

We now have 3 rideouts to squeeze in hopefully this year as the one planned for the 19th to visit the refurbished Haynes Museum at Sparkford was postponed as it coincided with the big BMF show that weekend, plus we had the Bladefest event at the Swindon store all weekend as well and it was also the Moto GP at Le Man, which we know some certainly had a good time, and hopefully didn’t get a soaking this year.

So the next time some will have done the Ride of Respect on June 16th and there’s a possibility of a trip to the Chichester Bike Show on the 23rd. But the big one for us is in July over the weekend of 27th being the Calne Bike event, so we have the stand there again, it’s quite an experience and great day out, so hope to have seen some of you there. So we’re keeping busy and if you want to part of a busy branch checkout the usual contacts, we even have a tweeter account.

Ian

Simon and Angie at Bikesafe

Bikesafe HoC display

Now normally I would talk about our Spring Rally, which took place 3rd-6th May but this report will be slightly shorter as with the Branch celebrating 20 years there is a separate report giving the full picture (literately) on the whole of the great weekend.

On our evening meet of May 14th we had a speaker which was certainly different and when I booked the guy wasn’t quite expecting the in-depth talk given about medical trauma and rehabilitation, so much so I think after Waiting to go on the ride at the Wilts rally


hoConsumernO MORe nuMB BuM


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Introducing RiDe LiMOuSin


We are Torsten and Ro and moved to France to start our new adventure in March 2012. Together, we have been riding for over 25 years. At the moment, we have one road bike and one off-road each. Torsten has a CBR600f and an XR250, Ro a CBF600 and XT225. Torsten’s found his niche with the CBR, this being his 3rd one.

We offer guided road tours from the beautiful Limousin area, bed and breakfast and delicious 4 course evening meals. We have a large, newly renovated club room which can sleep 9 people and is perfect for groups of bikers, or 3 en-suite rooms if you prefer. We also cater for trail riders and can provide maps and routes for a variety of challenging lanes.

Ride Limousin is situated just off the A20 and 5 minutes from the lively medieval town of La Souterraine.

We are well located for either a stop over to/from Spain or the south of France, or even better a longer stay with us to explore the stunning “lake district” of France.

Our guided tours include places of historical interest, breathtaking scenery and mile upon mile of great motorcycling roads. We cater for all bikers, whether it is your first time abroad, new license holder or experienced rider looking for new areas to explore.

We look forward to meeting you on your biking holiday and sharing some of the fantastic roads and sights the area has to offer.

You can write to us at 1 Les Hommes, 23300 La Souterraine, France, telephone 0033 953 50 86 49 find us at www.ridelimousin.com

Ride limousin kindly offer HOC members 10% discount on accommodation.

Please use discount code HOCRL10.


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112 golden wing SUMMER 2013112 golden wing SUMMER 2013

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diary of eVents14 Northants & Milton Keynes evening

Everyotherrun17-18 West Wales Motorcycle Show, Carmarthen

Showground, Nantyci, Carmarthen SA33 5DR

18 Bedfordshire run to Brackley Festival of Motorcycling Bristol run to Brackley Festival of Motorcycling Gloucestershire run to Brackley Festival of Motorcycling, leaves the Oakwood at 8.15am Manchester run to Whitby Castle & Abbey. Leaves Birch Services E at 10am Norfolk rideout to Langrick Station Café, for breakfast, then to Bubble Car Museum, Boston, Lincs and for those who wish, on to the Humber Bridge! Leave Swaffham Market Place at 9am West London run to Brackley Festival of Motorcycling West Midlands Sunday ride. Meet Food Stop Cafe, Bridgnorth at 9.30am Wiltshire run to Brackley Festival of Motorcycling Brackley Festival of Motorcycling, Brackley, Northants. Visit the HOC stand and say hello, contact Erica if you’d like to help Ride 4 Life in aid of Cancer Research UK. Organised by HOC member Jason Handy Rescue Ride Out in aid of The Air Ambulance Service. Starting from various places and ending up at Brackley MotoGP, Round 10, Indianapolis, USA

20 Oxford exhausts - the choices

21 Solent evening run. Meet Wickham Square at 7.30pm

25 South Wales rideout MotoGP, Round 11, Brno, Czech Republic

26 The 25th Fenman Classic Bike Show, Wimbotsham, Norfolk. 1 mile north of Downham Market, just off A10, postcode is PE34 3QH British Superbike, Round 8, Cadwell Park

28 Northants & Milton Keynes evening Everyotherrun Wiltshire run to visit Reading Branch

29 Day of Champions in aid of Riders for Health, Silverstone

AUGUST 20133 South Wales evening BBQ at Comeston

Lakes3-4 Central England Classic Car & Bike Show, Billing

Aquadrome, Northampton

4 Bedfordshire run to Ironbridge Birmingham Peak District Breakfast Run. Meet Bassets Pole at 7.30am Norfolk rideout to Royal Gunpowder Mills North London run to Motorcycle Rally at Aylesford in Kent West Yorkshire A-Mazing Picnic Run. Run to the York Maze then onto Brid for a picnic. Meet the Hitching Post at 9.15am World Superbike, Round 9, Silverstone, UK. Visit the HOC display and say hello, contact Stu if you’d like to help


saddle sore event

Friday - Sunday 9-11 4th reading Cock & Bull rally,

Padworth Village Hall, Padworth Lane, Padworth, Reading

Booking form on page 90

9-11 Summer Classic Motorcycling Festival, Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby DE74 2RP

9-19 North London 10 day trip, Grand European tour

10-11 Faversham Charity Car & Bike Show, Farming World Showground, Boughton-under-Blean, Kent ME13 9SP. Please visit the HOC stand, contact Mike if you’d like to help

11 Bristol run to Summer Classic Motorcycling Festival, Donington Park Oxford ride to Coventry Transport Museum and Kenilworth Castle Wiltshire rideout to Coventry Transport Museum British Superbike, Round 7, Oulton Park

13 Wiltshire Branch AGM. Members only

always contact the organising branch before arranging to join a ride - just in case!


SEPTEMBEr 20131 Bedfordshire run to the Pie Factory, Tipton

Bristol run to Vintage Japanese Bike Day, Ace Café Norfolk meet at Roy Humphrey’s pull in on A140 (9am) followed by a rideout including a breakfast stop at Stowmarket Lakes Reading Tarts Trip by The Snorters. Leave BP Station, Three Mile Cross at 9am West Yorkshire Hartside Café run. Meet the Hitching Post at 9.15am Vintage Japanese Bike Day, Ace Café, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD MotoGP, Round 12, Silverstone, UK World Superbike, Round 10, Nurburgring, Germany

3 Gloucestershire Guest Speaker: Mike from Legion Riders


saddle sore event

Friday - Monday 6-8 Gloucestershire rally

The Lower Lode, Forthampton, near Tewksbury, Gloucs. Free pitch for members

when pre-booked See the booking form on page 68

6-8 North London trip to Forests & Vineyards7-8 Ally Pally London Motorcycle Show, Alexandra

Palace, London N22 7AY

8 Birmingham Ace Café Brighton Reunion Ride. Meet The Boat at 8am Manchester run to Miniature Village, Cumbria. Leaves Haslingden at 10am South Wales National Rally rideout test British Superbike, Round 9, Donington Park GP

10 Wiltshire speaker from Bridgestone Tyres

11 Northants & Milton Keynes evening Everyotherrun

saddle sore event

Friday - Monday 13-16 HoC national rally

Trecco Bay Holiday Park, Mid Glamorgan, South Wales

More details on page 34

14-15 BMF Tail End, East of England Showground, Peterborough

15 Bristol run to VJMC Classic Bike Japfest Norfolk Sunday rideout North London run to Ace Café for Brighton Burn Up West Midlands Sunday ride. Meet Food Stop Cafe, Bridgnorth at 9.30am VJMC Classic Bike Japfest, Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, Somerset MotoGP, Round 13, Misano, San Marino World Superbike, Round 11, Istanbul Park, Turkey

17 Oxford chat about staying warm and cosy, with Ruth from Hein Gericke, Eynsham


19 North London quiz night

22 Reading run to Wadworth Brewery by Steve. Leave BP Station, Three Mile Cross at 9am South Wales run to Scolton Manor & Museum. Meet Bagle Brook at 10.30am Wiltshire rideout to Bakelite Museum British Superbike, Round 10, Assen, The Netherlands

25 Northants & Milton Keynes evening Everyotherrun

28-29 Big Kent Bike Show, Kent Event Centre - Detling, Maidstone ME14 3JF. Please visit the HOC stand, contact Mike if you’d like to help

29 Birmingham rideout Manchester run to Southport Fireworks Display. Leaves Haslingden at 3pm West Yorkshire Ironmen of Gormley. Meet the Hitching Post at 10am Sand & Motorcycles, Leighton Buzzard Railway, Pages Park, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 4TN MotoGP, Round 14, Aragon, Spain World Superbike, Round 12, Laguna Seca, USA

oCToBEr 20131 Gloucestershire Guest Speaker: Steve from

NG Roadracing

5 Birmingham Ride to the Wall - plus Breakfast. Meet Tamworth, The Plough at 9am South Wales social evening Ride to the Wall in honour of the nation’s fallen service men and women

Details of all events are on the HOC web site

www.hoc.org.uk/eventsDon’t forget to also check Facebook, Twitter and

the HOC Forum for updates


6 Norfolk rideout to Copdock Show Oxford End of Season Charity Poker Run in aid of Headway. Meet H Café 10am British Superbike, Round 11, Silverstone GP. Visit the HOC display and say hello, contact Stu if you’d like to help Copdock Motorcycle Show, The Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich IP3 8UH Honda Hornet Swarm, Ace Café, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD World Superbike, Round 13, Magny Cours, France

8 Wiltshire quiz night

13 North London run to Duxford Airshow Wiltshire rideout to HMS Victory, Portsmouth MotoGP, Round 15, Sepang, Malaysia

15 Oxford Insurance - an update19-20 20th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford

County Show Ground, Staffordshire ST18 0BD

saddle sore event

Sunday 20 HoC AGM

at the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull Members only

Details on page 6

20 Norfolk rideout to Thames Flood Barrier North London run to HOC AGM West Midlands Sunday ride. Meet Food Stop Cafe, Bridgnorth at 9.30am Wiltshire rideout to HOC AGM British Superbike, Round 12, Brands Hatch GP MotoGP, Round 16, Philip Island, Australia World Superbike, Round 14, Jerez, Spain

24 North London Branch AGM

27 Reading Gavin’s turn. Leave BP Station, Three Mile Cross at 10am West Yorkshire run to Taybarn for lunch. Meet the Hitching Post at 10am MotoGP, Round 17, Motegi, Japan

novEMBEr 20132 South Wales social evening

2-3 Bedfordshire Graham’s weekend trip to North Wales

3 Norfolk breakfast and optional rideout

5 Oxford Fireworks & Fun

7 North London fireworks, NLHOC style!

10 Manchester run to Blue John Mines. Leaves McDonalds Hyde at 10:30am North London run to Duxford Museum for Remembrance Sunday Reading run to Duxford Museum for Remembrance Sunday. Leave M40 Services, J3 at 9am MotoGP, Round 18, Valencia, Spain

14 Norfolk speaker from Wymondham Motorcycle Centre

17 South Wales rideout Norfolk Sunday rideout West Midlands Sunday ride. Meet Food Stop Cafe, Bridgnorth at 9.30am World Superbike, Round 15, Buddh Circuit, India

19 Oxford Branch AGM

Friday - Sunday 22-24 HoC Christmas Dinner Dance

Ettington Chase, Banbury Road, Ettington, Stratford-upon-Avon Details on page 51

23-1 Motorcycle Live, NEC, Birmingham. Please visit the HOC stand, contact Rona if you’d like to help

24 Reading ride-out. Leave BP Station, Three Mile Cross at 10am South Wales rideout

DECEMBEr 20131 Manchester run to Horseshoe Pass. Leaves

Poplar 2000 at 10:30am Norfolk breakfast and optional rideout Club Day, Ace Café, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD

6 Birmingham Branch Christmas meal

8 Manchester Branch Christmas dinner

10 Birmingham Branch AGM, members only

14 Wiltshire Branch Christmas meal

15 Norfolk Sunday rideout West Midlands Sunday ride. Meet Food Stop Cafe, Bridgnorth at 9.30am

17 Oxford Festive Fun Quiz

20 South Wales Branch Christmas dinner

22 Manchester Pre-Xmas run. Leaves Birch Services W at 11am

Visit your local branchEvents are organised and advertised at Branch

meetings, especially those arranged at short notice - so don’t miss out


If you know of any other dealers, suppliers or organisations that

would like to offer HOC members a discount, please e-mail the details to

[email protected]

dealer disCountsBEDForDSHIrEDunstable honda, 172-188 High Street South, Dunstable LU6 3HS. Tel: 0844 2489500. 10% off parts and labour* (*service items). www.dunstable-honda.co.ukrick Stringer motorcycles, 20 London Road, Bedford MK42 0NS. Tel: 01234 352951. 10% off genuine spares and most accessories. www.rickstringer.co.uk

BErKSHIrEmTc motorcycles, 267-271 Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7HS. Tel: 0118 9 59 5397. 10% discount. www.mtcmotorcycles.co.uk

BrIDGEnDThunder road motorcycles, Tremains Road, Bridgend CF31 1UA. Tel: 01656 661131. 10% discount on full priced spares, accessories, clothing and servicing, exceptions apply. www.thunderroad.co.uk

BrISToLbath road motorcycles, 379-385 Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Brislington, Bristol BS4 3EU. Tel: 0117 971 1447. Various discounts depending upon item purchased. www.bathroadmotorcycles.co.ukfowlers of bristol, 2-12 Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Brislington, Bristol BS4 3DR. Tel: 0117 977 04667. 10% discount on genuine spare parts to members. www.fowlershonda.co.uk

BUCKInGHAMSHIrEbrian Gray motorcycles, 25 West Wycombe Road, High Wycombe HP11 2LQ. Tel: 01494 438615. Good discounts for all HOC members. www.powerbiking.co.ukGrafton motorcycles, Newport Road, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK17 8DB. Tel: 01908 313290. 10% off Honda parts. www.graftonmotorcycles.co.uk

CAMBrIDGESHIrEblades motorcycles, The Highway, Gt Staughton, St Neots PE19 5DA. Tel: 01480 860926. 10% discount to members. www.bladesmotorcycles.co.uk

CHESHIrEnorthwich bike centre, Unit 7 Beaver Centre, Holland’s Road, Northwich CW9 8AU. Tel: 01606 330192. 10% off repairs, servicing, rebuilds etc, pattern parts and accessories Classic Honda engine work our speciality. www.northwichbikecentre.co.uk

richardsons of congleton, 54 Mill Street, Congleton CW12 1AG. Tel: 01260 279425. 10% discount.

CLEvELAnDTillston motorcycles, 49/50 Brunswick Street, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1DU. Tel: 01642 611138. 10% discount upon request. www.tillstonmotorcycles.com

DEvonbridge honda, Alphin Brook Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8RG. Tel: 01392 260220. Discount on request. www.bridgemotorcycles.comPGh the motorcycle centre, Broomhill Way, Torquay TQ2 7QR. Tel: 01803 616164. 10% discount. www.pghmotorcycles.com

DorSEThonda of bournemouth, 5b Leyland Road, Poole BH12 5HB. Tel: 01202 541220. Discount on request. www.hondaofbournemouth.co.ukroger barrett motorcycles, 86-88 Castle Lane West, Bournemouth BH9 3JU. Tel: 01202 535339. Discount to members. www.rogerbarretts.co.uk

EAST SUSSEXJ S Gedge, 406-410 Old London Road, Hastings TN35 5BB. Tel: 01424 423708. 10% Discount on spares and accessories. www.jsgedge.co.uk

ESSEXessex-honda, 198-200 Baddow Road, Chelmsford CM2 9QP. Tel: 01245 354844. 10% Discount on spares and accessories. www.essex-honda.co.uk

FIFEDunfermline motorcycles, 161 Chalmers St, Dunfermline KY12 8DG. Tel: 01383 732952. Up to 10% off Honda parts, clothing, helmets, accessories and servicing www.dunfermlinemotorcycles.co.uk

GLoUCESTErSHIrEbransons motorcycles, Unit 14, Spinnaker Park, Hempsted Lane, Gloucester GL2 5FD. Tel: 01452 313131. 10% discount for cash or 7.5% discount for credit cards. www.bransonsmotorcycles.co.ukhaines and co, 125 High Street, Cinderford GL14 2TB. Tel: 01594 822202. 10% off spares and accessories Ride in ride out tyre replacement by appointment. www.hainesmc.co.uk

GrEATEr LonDon1st line motorcycles, 462-464 Bowes Road, Arnos Grove, London N11 1NL. Tel: 020 8361 5151. Discount upon request. www.1stlinemotorcycles.co.ukbanjax motorcycles, 397 Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9RA. Tel: 020 7729 8500. 10% discount off servicing at central London workshop. www.banjaxmotorcycles.co.ukbill bunn motorcycles, 194 South Ealing Road, Ealing, London W5 4RJ. Tel: 020 8560 6396. 10% off spares, MOTs etc.chiswick honda, 4 Power Road, Chiswick, London W4 5YT. Tel: 0845 3386145. 10% off parts and labour* (*service items). www.chiswickhonda.comSlocombe’s, 46-52 Dudden Hill Lane, Willesden, London NW10 1DG. Tel: 020 8830 1000. 10% off clothing, helmets, accessories and spare parts. www.slocombes.comTippetts, 312-320 Ewell Road, Tolworth, Surbiton KT6 7AW. Tel: 020 8399 7449. 5% off spares and accessories Good source of spares for older machines. www.honda-tippetts.co.ukwoodford motorcycles, 51-53 George Lane, South Woodford, London E18 1LN. Tel: 020 8989 3157. 10% off all Honda parts (as well as Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki) and all service and repair work, Akrapovic Exhausts, SHOEI, Box & Airoh Helmets, Meta Alarms, R&G Protectors, Richa and Halvarsson clothing, TCX & Sidi Boots. www.woodfordmotorcycles.com

GrEATEr MAnCHESTErrochdale honda, 48 Milnrow Rd, Rochdale OL16 1UD. Tel: 01706 640626. Discount to members. www.rochdalehonda.comhunts motorcycles, 255 Kingsway, Burnage, Greater Manchester M19 1AN. Tel: 0161 432 1303. 10% discount off (not bikes). www.huntsmotorcycles.co.uk

GWEnTThunder road motorcycles, 4 John Baker Close, Llantarnam Industrial Park, Cwmbran NP44 3AX. Tel: 01633 868888. 10% discount on full priced spares, accessories, clothing and servicing, exceptions apply. www.thunderroad.co.uk



HAMPSHIrEGordon farley motorcycles, 49 Ash Street, Ash, Aldershot GU12 6LF. Tel: 01252 24727. Discount upon request.John Oldfield Motorcycles, 79 Waterloo Road, Freemantle, Southampton SO15 3BS. Tel: 023 8063 0326. Discount upon request. www.johnoldfield.co.uknick robinson motorcycles, Turgis Green Garage, Turgis Green, Basingstoke RG27 0AG. Tel: 01256 880003. Discount upon request. www.nickrobinsons.co.uk

HErTForDSHIrElloyd cooper - motorcycles Direct, 59-63 Queens Road, Watford WD1 2QN. Tel: 01923 221125. 10% off parts and accessories. www.motorcyclesdirect.co.uknorton way honda, Norton Way North, Letchworth SG6 1BL. Tel: 0845 3389716. 10% off parts and labour* (*service items). www. nortonwayhondamotorbike.com

ISLE oF MAnisle of man honda, The Showroom, Kingswood Grove, Douglas IM1 3LY. Tel 01624 613000. 10% discount on spares & accessories. www.isleofmanhonda.com

ISLE oF WIGHTchurch Street motorcycles, Church Street, Ventnor, Isle of Wight PO38 1SW. Tel: 01983 852232. 10% off all Honda spares. www.churchstreetmotorcycles.co.uk

KEnT21st moto, Whiteoak Garage, London Road, Swanley BR8 7AQ. Tel: 01322 666565. 10% off clothing, most accessories, parts and servicing (with current membership card) plus competitive prices on new and secondhand bikes. www.21stmoto.co.ukkent motorcycles, Dover Road (A2), Barham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 6SA. Tel: 01227 832601. 10% discount offered to members. www.kent-motorcycles.co.uk

LAnCASHIrEblackpool honda, Lytham St. Annes Way, Blackpool FY4 5PQ. Tel: 01253 600900. 15% off most items. Mail order welcome. www.blackpool-honda.co.uklancaster honda, Northgate, White Lund Ind Est, Morecambe LA3 3PA. Tel: 08448 441614.10-15% of most items Mail order welcome. www.lancaster-honda.co.uk

LInCoLnSHIrEGrantham honda, Tollmarche Road, Spittlegate Level, Grantham NG31 7UH. Tel: 01476 576111. Discount to members. www.granthamhondabikes.co.uk

LoTHIAnTwo wheels, 36 Peffermill Road, Edinburgh EH16 5LL. Tel: 0131 667 7305. 10% off Honda parts, clothing, accessories, helmets and service. www.twowheels.co.uk

MIDDLESEXhGb motorcycles, 69-71 Park Way, Ruislip Manor HA4 8NS. Tel: 01895 676451. Discount to members. www.hgbmotorcycles.co.uk

norFoLKc J ball & Son, Woodlands, Salhouse Road, Norwich NR7 9AB. Tel: 01603 307500. Discretionary 10% discount. www.cjball.co.uklings honda, Lings Corner Mendham Lane, Harleston IP20 9DW. Tel: 01379 853213. Mail order welcome 10% discount upon request. www.lings.com

norTHAMPTonSHIrEJohn lee motorcycles, 8 Market Square, Higham Ferrers NN10 8BP. Tel: 01933 312827. 10% discount to members. www.lee-motorcycles.co.ukmotorcycle world, Unit 9, St James Trade Park, St James Mill Road, Northampton NN5 5JW. Tel: 01604 638346. 20% discount to members on servicing, parts & accessories. www.motorcycleworld.uk.com world of bikes, Unit 3,Princewood Road, Earlstree Industrial Estate, Corby NN17 4AP. Tel: 01536 206279. Discount to HOC members. www.worldofbikesuk.com

noTTInGHAMSHIrEPidcock honda, 2 Palmer Business Court, Manor House Road, Long Eaton NG10 1LR. Tel: 0115 9469555. Discount on request. www.pidcock.com

oXForDSHIrEabingdon motorcycles, Marcham Road, Abingdon OX14 1TZ. Tel: 01235 550055. 10% off Honda parts (excluding fairing panels), accessories, clothing and helmets. www.bladegrouphonda.co.uk

SoMErSETG V bikes, Pooles Garage, Whitehall, off Station Road, Taunton, Somerset TA1 1PG. Tel: 01823 276012. 10% discount on most parts. www.gvbikes.co.uk

STAFForDSHIrESutton motorcycles, 361 Watling Street, Tamworth B77 5AD. Tel: 01827 280 905. 10% off spares accessories and clothing. www.suttonmotorcycles.com

STrATHCLYDEnorth harbour motorcycles, 14/18 North Harbour St, Ayr KA8 8AA. Tel: 01292 281933. 10% discount, large stocks of discounted parts for older models. www.north-harbour.co.uk

SUFFoLKJohn banks honda motorcycles, Kempson Way, Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7AR. Tel: 01284 330525. Discount to HOC members. www.johnbanks.co.uk

SUrrEYDoble motorcycles, 86-90 Brighton Road, Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 2NA. Tel: 020 8668 8851/6100. 15% off most items. www.doble.co.uk

TAYSIDEandrew hart motorcycles, 23-25 Milnbank Road, Dundee DD1 5QD. Tel: 01382 667281. 10% off parts and accessories. www.andrewhartmotorcycles.com

WArWICKSHIrEnightingales, 58-60 Lawford Road, Rugby CV21 2EA. Tel: 01788 573257 or 01788 535828. Discount to members. www.ngales.com

WEST MIDLAnDSSherwood motorcycles, 192 and 194 Robin Hood Lane, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 0LG. Tel: 0121 777 1311/2499. 10% off Honda branded spares and most accessories and clothing. www.sherwoodmotorcycles.co.uk

WEST SUSSEXchichester honda, Chichester Trade Centre, Quarry Lane, Chichester PO19 8ET. Tel: 01243 787629. 10% discount on everything from apart from labour & new/used motorbikes. Please quote CHI100HOC when you visit. www.chichesterhonda.co.uk

WEST YorKSHIrEbradford motorcycles, Hillam Road, Canal, Road, Bradford BD21QN. Tel: 01274 732755 or 01274 734248. Discount to members. www.bradfordmotorcycles.co.ukcastle motorcycles, 3-7 Bridge Street, Castleford WF10 1JP. Tel: 01977 553523. 10% discount. www.castlemotorcycles.co.ukcolin appleyard, Wellington Road, Worth Way, Keighley BD21 5AJ. Tel: 01535 606311. 10% discount. www.colinappleyard.co.ukcolin appleyard, 9 Roseville Road, Leeds LS8 5DR. Tel: 01132 484000. 10% off recommended prices. www.colinappleyard.co.uk J k hirst, 436 Thornton Road, Bradford BD8 9BS. Tel: 01274 480388. 10% discount on request. www.jkhirst.com


Please mention Golden wing when

contacting advertisers


ACCESSorIESbusters motorcycle accessories, Phoenix Way, Garngoch, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 9HN. 0844 248 8185. Discount to members. www.busters-accessories.co.ukm&P Direct, Phoenix Way, Garngoch, Gorseinon, Swansea SA4 9HN. 0844 815 6571. 5% discount with code HOC11. www.mandp.co.ukmoto 46, The Old Workshop, Louth Rd, East Barkwith, Lincs LN8 5RX. 0845 205 4646. HOC member Hayley Tonge. www.moto46.co.ukmotohaus Powersports, PO Box 7092, Hook, Hants RG29 1TY. 01256 704909. Discount to HOC members. www.motohaus.commotorbikes & Parts, Cibyn Industrial Estate, Caernarfon LL55 2BD. 0845 466 70 35. 10% discount www.motorbikesandparts.co.ukmotorcycle accessories Direct, 2-4 Temple Square, Aylesbury HP20 2QD. 0800 4212127 or 01494 890988. 10% off a range of motorcycle accessoriesmotorcycle Parts centre, 527 Oxford Road, Reading RG3 1HJ. 0118 959 4341. 10% discountmotorcycle road and race, First Floor, Vitesse House, Ashford Road, Ashford TW15 1XB. 01784 229666. Discount to members. www.motorcycle-road-and-race.co.ukred fox huggers, Unit 2, Manor Nurseries, Pagham Road, Chichester PO20 1LJ. 01243 771133. 5% discount & free advice. www.red-fox.comSmoto, PO Box 7707, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7WQ. 0116 2352409. A huge 20% discount to members from their official website. www.smoto.co.ukShop4bikers, Unit 43, Clocktower Business Centre, Hollingwood, Chesterfield S43 2PE. 01246 472758. 10% discount for members on our extensive range of bike and rider accessories. www.shop4bikers.co.ukStealthProducts, Stealth House, 65 Deep Lane, Sheffield S5 0DU. 0114 257 0111. 10% Discount to all HOC on motorcycle discs pads grills batteries chains & sprockets. www.stealthproducts.co.ukVyxxn custom cycles, 2b Stanton Road, Meir, Stoke On Trent ST36DD. 01782 319365. Discount to members. www.vyxxn.co.uk

ACCIDEnT CLAIMSbuchanan campbell Solicitors, 11 Bothwell Street, Glasgow G2 6LY. 0141 572 0770. No win - No fee Free initial advice to members Euan Campbell is a qualified accident specialist and HOC member. www.buchanancampbell.co.ukPenmans Solicitors, 17A Queens Road, Coventry CV1 3DH. 0247 622 6575. www.motorbikeaccident.co.ukmotorcycle Plus, Amelans Solicitors, Barlow House, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 2FL. 0808 144 0050. Free cover for HOC members

ACCoMoDATIonfranceappletons farmhouse b&b, 1 Rue des Tisserands, Bonnilly, 36200 Chavin, France. 0033 254 47 73 40. 10% discount off 1 night or 20% discount off 3 nights or more. www.appletonsfarmhousebandb.comchez Tranquille, La Chapelle Trevinal, 35190 Treverien, Brittany, France. 0033 299 45 62 78. Up to 15% discount on advertised rates. www.chez-tranquille.co.ukla noyeraie, En Caminou, 46500 Rocamadour, France. 0033 565 40 43 91. B&B and Gite. Rural and relaxing. Discount of 10% on production of membership card - more in low season. www.lanoyeraierocamadour.comla rose rouge, Route de Chambon, Les Combadeaux, 23200 Aubusson, France. 0033 555 666 021 Discount of 10% on production of membership card for stays of two nights or more. www.laroserouge.comle Pech, Lacourde Visa, 82190 France. 0033 563 39 56 81. B&B South West France with pool. Contact Gary or Lisa. www.swfrancebnb.comlae de haut, Aramits, 64570 Pyrenees Atlantiques, France. 0033 559 34 63 42 B&B or self catering. 10% discount if booking 2 night or more on production of membership card. www.selfcatering-pyrenees.com The magnolias b&b, 23 La Longue Rue, Le Mesnil Opac, 50860 Normandie, France. 0033 233 56 89 33. 5% discount. www.bandbnormandy.co.nr

maison Taupe b&b, Les Tuilieres, 87150 Oradour-sur-Vayres, France. 0033 55 57 86 645. 10% discount on daily rates (min 2 nights) or 7th night free (accomodation only). www.maisontaupe.comwebb’s of Glomel, 5 Place du Centre, 22110 Glomel, Brittany, France. 0033 296 298844 10% discount to members. www.brittanybedandbreakfast.netGermanyPension roseneck, Gregory & Jacquie Niven, Wissmannstrasse 5, 37431 Bad Lauterberg, Germany. +49 (0)5524 3749. Discount to HOC members. www.harzbiker.co.ukisle of manballadane, 7 Castle Mona Avenue, Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 4EA. 01624 629299 / 07624 406731. 10% discount on four nights with HOC membership card (not TT or MGP) can cater for groups of 16-20. HOC members. www.balladane.co.ukSpainalmond reef b&b, Los Josefos, Sorbas, Cariatiz, Almeria, 04270, Spain. 00 34 950 36 90 97 20% discount to HOC members. Southern Spain. www.almondreef.co.ukukbarn at Town Yeat, High Nibthwaite, on the South-Eastern shores of Coniston Water, Lake District. 01229 885643. Peaceful 17th century barn in lake shore hamlet self catering just for two log fire central heating garden secure indoor bike space. www.townyeatbarn.co.ukbendene hotel, 15-16 Richmond Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4JA. 01392 213526. Quiet central location, Private parking (bikes in very large garage) licensed swimming pool luxurious four poster bedroom. www.bendene.co.ukbroadacres, High Terrace, Glaisdale, Whitby YO21 2PW. 01947 817366. Two single - one double - one twin. £2.50 off to fellow members.hill farm b&b, Chris Wood, Hittiseigh, Devon EX6 6LQ. 01647 24326. Character farmhouse with pool hotub & sauna. 10% discount to members. www.bedandbreakfastdevon.orghome from home Guest house, 6 English Street, Longtown, Cumbria CA6 5SD. 01228 792474 / 07748512990. £28 per night discounts to members. www.homefromhomelongtown.co.uk

speCialist disCounts



lebanon cottage, Church Street, St Just, Penzance TR19 7HA. 01736 788747. Self-catering cottage near Land’s End. 10% discount for members out of high season. Short breaks available. Good roads good pubs (2 minute walk) stunning scenery. Sleeps 5 linen & towels provided garage parking for bikes. www.lebanoncottage.co.uk lion hotel, Y Maes, Criccieth, Gwynedd LL52 0AA. 01766 522460. 46 en-suite rooms secure parking lively bars entertainment every Saturday night. Special mini-weekends with 10% discount for members. Please mention when booking. Great terrain for bikes. www.lionhotelcriccieth.co.uk llangollen hostel, Berwyn Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire, North Wales LL20 8NB. 01978 861773. 3 nights for the price of 2. A great base to explore North Wales. www.llangollenhostel.co.ukmews cottage, West Barn, Mickleton, Middleton in Teesdale, County Durham DL12 0LL. 0 1833 641 232. 10% discount. www.mewscottagemiddleton.co.ukrose Dene hotel, 106 Columbus Ravine, Scarborough, N. Yorks YO12 7QZ. 01723 374252. 10% discount to members booking 3 or more nights. www.rose-denehotel.co.ukSkiddaw View holiday Park, Bothel, nr Bassenthwaite, Cumbria CA7 2JG. 016973 20919 Handy for Cockermouth and Keswick beautiful scenery open roads. 10% discount to members. www.skiddawview.co.uk

AIr FILTErSPipercross Shop, 40 Huxley Close, Park Farm Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 6AB. 01933 685849 and ask for Matt Wootton. 10% discount to members. Website not set up for discount - so call. www.thepipercrossshop.co.uk

ALArMSmotorbike alarm, N Cook Security, 79 White Lund Road, Morecambe LA3 3DX. 08450 521242. Contact Nigel Cook for discount of 15% to members. www.motorbikealarm.co.uk

BATTErIEShardwarexpress, Unit D6, Little Heath Industrial Estate, Old Church Road, Coventry CV6 7NB. 0845 003 8015. 10% discount on Yuasa bike batteries enter code MOTO976 at the checkout. www.hardwarexpress.co.uk

BIKE STAnDSabba motorcycle equipment, Unit 7, West Station Ind Est, Maldon CM9 6TR. 01621 854489. 10% off the Superbike stand. www.abbastands.co.uk

BIKE SPrAYInG/ProTECTIonDash of colour, The Workshop, 40 MIll Lane, Gosberton, Spalding PE11 4NN. 01775 841078. 15% discount to members. e-mail: [email protected] bike Paint, Unit 2, Lays Farm Industrial Estate, Charlton Road, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2SE. 0117 986 1690 Good price for members on re-sprays and repairs

BrAKESPretech engineering, Barrett Court, Cardiff Road, Reading RG1 8ED. 0118 957 3123. Discount to HOC members. www.pretech.co.uk

CAMPInGcotswold outdoor, Unit 11, Kemble Business Park, Crudwell, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9SH. 0844 557 7755. Up to 25% discount to members Use Code H2127. www.cotswoldoutdoor.com

CLoTHInGbetterlife heathcare, Centurion Court, Farington, Leyland, Lancashire PR25 3UQ. 0800 328 9338. 20% discount off heated clothing. www.betterlifehealthcare.combiker kids, 5 Union Street, Finedon, Northants NN9 5EX. 01933 680743. Discount to members. www.bikerkids.co.ukblack cat Signs, Unit 2, Grange Farm, Ryhall Road, Great Casterton, Lincs PE9 4AR. 07811 112 929 or 01780 755590. 10% discount and no set-up fee for bespoke printed clothing. www.blackcatsigns.infocougar leathers, Unit 8b, The Sidings, Station Works, Shepreth, Hertfordshire SG8 6PZ. 07599 281592. 5% discount to HOC members. www.cougarleathers.co.ukDirect leathers, Unit C, Cliff Street, Mexborough, South Yorkshire S64 9HU. 01709 570144. Discount to HOC members. www.directleathers.co.ukwymondham motorcycle clothing centre, 36 Norwich Road, Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0NS. 01953 606922. 10% discount. www.motorcycle-clothing.co.uk mw leathers, 18 Barking Road, Imperial Mews, East Ham, London E6 3BP. 020 8471 3933. 10% off all goods except sale and repair itemsTShirt Studio, 20-21 Horcott Ind Est, Horcott Road, Fairford, Glos GL7 4BX. 08709 222838. Discount to HOC members. www.tshirtstudio.comwairbag, Unit 1,2 & 3 King Edward Quay, the Hythe, Colchester CO2 8JB. 01206 860006. Discount to HOC members. www.wairbag.com

CovErSclassic additions, Stert House, Stert, nr Devizes, Wilts SN10 3JD. 01380 720419/720970. 10% discount. www.classicadditions.co.uk

DYno TUnInG & SErvICInGJunction 33 Dyno centre, Unit 18, Smith Green Depot, Stoney Lane, Galgate, Lancaster LA2 0PX. 01524 751999. 10% discount. www.junction-33.com. Somerton motorcycle engineering, 5a Cary Court, Somerton, Somerset TA11 6SB. 01458 270004. Discount given to members. Tagg racing, Unit 11, Surrenden Manor, Bethersden, Ashford TN26 3DL. 01233 820601 Up to 15% off parts and services. Fully equipped workshops and engineering facilities with rolling road dynoTechlusion Tfi fuel manager, TTS Performance Engineering, West End Farm, Silverstone, Northants NN12 8UY. 01327 858212. Up to 10% discount

EArPLUGSauritech, Bury House, 1-3 Bury Street, Guildford GU2 4AW. 01483 516 434. £5 off the RRP, plus free postage & packing, quote reference number 2013O. www.auritech.infoearplugshop, Retailwide Ltd, Unit 16, Riverside Ind Park, Rapier St, Ipswich IP2 8JX. 01473 603533. 10% discount when you use code HOC10. www.earplugshop.comhearing Direct, The Estate Office, Old Stockbridge Road, Sutton Scotney, Hants SO21 3JW. 01962 761317. 5% discount, use code hondauk. www.hearingdirect.comlucy Dell, PO Box 11, Tenbury Wells WR15 8YP. 5% discount. www.earplugsbypost.com

EnGInEErInGcarward race engineering, Epsom, Surrey. 07827 393237. 10% discount off all products and services to fellow HOC members.Somerton motorcycle engineering, 5a Cary Court, Somerton, Somerset TA11 6SB. 01458 270004. Discount given to members. www.somerton-motorcycle-engineering.co.uk

EXHAUSTS & rEPAIrSBlueflame Performance Exhausts, Unit 10 2 Potter Place, West Pimbo Ind Est, Skelmersdale WN8 9PW. 01695 733100. 10% discount on all of their products Blueflame can supply you with entry level low mass stainless, 3D carbon fibre, or optically coded coloured (not anodised) titanium cans. www.blueflameperformance.com



exactrep, 57 Wyken Ave, Wyken, Coventry, Warks CV2 3BX. 02476 442054. 10% discount. www.exactrep.co.ukmotad, Unit 1, Unity Buildings, Robottom Close, Leamore Lane, Walsall WS2 7EB. 01922 714700. Discount to HOC members. www.motad.co.ukPerformance carbon, 8 Atlas Court, Lower Bathville, Near Bathgate, Scotland EH48 2TE. 01501 730344 or 07989 556815. 10% discount on sleeving & repairs. www.performancecarbon.co.uk Quill exhausts, Unit 18, Golbourne Enterprise Park, Kidglove Rd, Golborne, Warrington WA3 3DP. 01942 721744. 10% discount, quote HOC2006. www.quillexhausts.com

FErrY TICKETSlD lines - Upgrade to Club Class Seats both ways. Must book through. 0033 235197863 and quote offer code A358. Conditions applymci Tours, PO Box 750, Altrincham WA15 8GE. 0161 941 7149. SAVE AN ADDITIONAL 10% off Dover/Calais published webfares! Insert dates on. www.seafrance.com booking page Type the promo code MCI and watch your fare REDUCE BY 10%. www.mcitours.com

FIrE EXTInGUISHErSfire Protection Services, 400 Dallow Road, Luton LU1 1UR. 07818 030005. Discount on extinguishers etc for fellow members Branches nationwide. Ask for Martin e-mail: [email protected]

GrAPHICSTeal Graphics, Unit 10, West Leeds Industrial Park, 545 Stanningley Road, Bramley, Leeds LS13 4EN. 0113 255 6363 Mobile: 0585 816516. Computer cut, self adhesive vinyl lettering and logos

HELMETSJust helmets, Unit 1, 9th Avenue, Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0EH. 0191 275 5444. Enter code HOC on shopping cart to get 10% discount. www.justhelmets.co.uk

HoLIDAYS/ToUrSadventure Peru motorcycling, Coldharbour Barn, Battle Road, Dallington nr Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9LQ. 01424 838618. Discount of 10% offered to fellow members on touring holidays in Peru. Ask for David Groves. www.perumotorcycling.com

asturias road Tours and asturias Trail Tours, Whitecroft, Tirley Lane, Utkinton, Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 0JZ. 07908 211 414. Road and trail tours in Northern Spain, offering a minimum of 5% discount to members. www.asturiastrails.com www.asturiasbiketours.comh-c Travel, 16 High Street, Overton, Hampshire RG25 3HA. 01256 770775. 10% off Honda rentals in the USA, Canada and New Zealand. 5% off all guided and self-guided tours – USA, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, New Zealand, Australia, Philippines, Thailand, India, Bhutan, Mongolia, Tibet, South Africa, Morocco. The UK’s only licensed motorcycle tour operator - ATOL T7861, TTA T7861 - ‘because only the best is good enough!’ www.hctravel.com highland motorcycle holidays, The Lodge, Kindeace, Invergordon, Ross-Shire IV18 0LL. 01862 842260 / Mobile: 07734700319. You don’t have to do anything but RIDE, 10% discount - Group/Club discounts higher. www.highlandmotorcyclehols.comJJ-activities, Marianfa, St David’s Road, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 1EL. 01286-674815 or 07769-733322. Guided tours of approx 120 miles around Snowdonia, Anglesey or Lleyn Peninsula. 5% discount for groups of 6 or more. www.marianfa.co.uk Jtheb’s, GroupGite, La Daviais, Villiers le Pré, St.James, 50240, France. 077 72 51 89 48 or 0033 233 60 99 35. Discount to fellow HOC members. www.jthebs.commci Tours, PO Box 750, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 8GE. 0161 941 7149. A whole range of Escorted and Self Guided tours on offer that start at only £299 for a five day holiday break in Normandy. See website for full details! We also organise FlyRide motorcycle holidays to South Africa, Route 66, Colorado Rockies, PCH California, Bryce Canyon & Monument Valley, Badlands & Mt Rushmore and South Island New Zealand for FREE colour Brochure. Your holiday is financially guaranteed. MCi Tours is a fully bonded motorcycle tour operator. www.mcitours.commotorbike Tours. 0121 288 4922. Discount to members. www.motorbike-tours.co.ukredtread off-road motorcycle Tours, 42 El Zoco De Nerja, Nerja 29780, Malaga, Espana. 0207 871 2687 or 0034 627 834 430. Discount to members. www.redtread.comride limousin, 1 Les Hommes, 23300 La Souterraine, France. 0033 953 50 86 49. 10% discount on accommodation to HOC members. Please use discount code HOCRL10. www.ridelimousin.com

right Side of the road Tours, c/o NRC Training, Unit 2W, Severn Farm Industrial Estate, Welshpool, Powys SY21 7DF. 07977 142473. Relaxed, friendly, guided motorcycle tours in beautiful Brittany, western France. www.rsrtours.co.ukToursareus motorcycle events, The Panda, Tweentown, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3JF. +44 (0)1934 743716 or +44 (0)7888 696001. Discount to members, please quote HOC1. www.toursareus.co.uk

InSUrAnCEbennetts insurance, Pegasus House, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6YS. 0800 107 7990. Discounts to HOC members. www.bennetts.co.ukbikesure, Adrian Flux Insurance Group, East Winch Hall, East Winch, Kings Lynn PE32 1HN. 08700 771377. Discounts to HOC members. www.bikesure.co.ukcarole nash, 110 Manchester Road, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 1NU. 0800 804 795. Quote ref: 1139. Discounts to HOC members. www.carolenash.comfootman James, Waterfall Lane, Cradley Heath, West Midlands B64 6PU. 0845 330 9747. Discounts to HOC members, call for quote. www.footmanjames.co.uklexham insurance consultants ltd, Cartco House, Victoria Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4HZ. 0845 600 1664. Quote HOC 01. Discounts to HOC members. www.lexhaminsurance.co.ukmotorcycle Direct, Europa House, Midland Way, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 2JX. 0844 800 0955. Remember to quote 2807. www.motorcycledirect.co.uknash warren insurance Services, 310 Long Lane, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 9LD. 0121 559 8896/2504. Excellent discounts given on motorcycle and all other types of insurance to members. Ask for John. www.nashwarren.co.uk Profile, 52 High Street, Irchester, Wellingborough NN9 7AB. 01933 410665. 5% discount to members. www.profile-insurance.co.ukVauntage insurance brokers, 32 Station Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 6DN. 0121 693 7232. Free legal expenses cover worth £12 to HOC members on premiums over £200 Specialist bike insurers.

InTErCoMSJust helmets, Unit 1, 9th Avenue, Team Valley, Gateshead NE11 0EH. 0191 275 5444. Enter code HOC on shopping cart to get 10% discount. www.justhelmets.co.uk

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Starcom1, Bramley Road, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire PE27 3WS. 01480 399499. Discount to HOC members. www.starcom1.com

LIGHTS & BULBSconsumabulbs, Highbank, 14 Marlpit Lane, Redditch B97 5AN. 0800 634 9830. 10% discount. www.consumabulbs.com Ghostbikes uk, c/o Carpenter Way, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 5QA. 07930 226570. Personalise your bike with some of our innovative accessory lights. 10% discount to members at shows with card (not web sales). www.ghostbikesuk.comregal auto bulbs ltd, 81 The Street, Ashford, Kent TN24 0NA. 01233 632222.10% off (enter 10off at checkout). www.regalautobulbs.co.uk

LUBrICAnTSmorris lubricants, 38 - 41 Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY1 2EL. 01743 237537. Specialist motorcycle lubricants from a long established and well respected company. 10% discount to members. www.morrislubricants.co.uk online lubricants ltd, Unit 20, The i-o Centre, 69 River Road, Barking, Essex IG11 0SB. 020 8507 0123. Discounts available to members. www.online-lubricants.co.ukopie oils, The Fuel Depot, Cardrew Industrial Estate, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 1SS. 01209 215164 (option 2). Always lots of offers for HOC members, see the HOC Forum for details. www.opieoils.co.uk

MAnUALS & BooKShaynes Publishing (Dept MC), Sparkford, nr Yeovil BA22 7JJ. 01963 442030. 15% discount to members. Use code HOGB when ordering. www.haynes.co.uk

MAPS & roUTESThe best rides, Ventures House, 16 Hall Walk, Walkington, Beverley HU17 8TF. 01482 871756. Pre planned route information and new Tripy companion. www.thebestrides.biz

MoTfforest Garage, Fforest Road, Pontarddulais, nr. Swansea SA4 1TN. 01792 882323. We offer a discount of 25% off motorcycle MOTs to HOC membersJG moTs, Unit 1, 178 Regent Street, Kettering NN16 8QH. 01536 512300 or 07746 296 530. £5 discount off motorcycle MOTs to HOC members. e-mail: [email protected]

MoTorCYCLE/GArAGE SECUrITYSecure-a-bike, Eurosecure Ltd, c/o VM Fabrications Ltd, PO Box 232, Holmfirth HD9 9DE. 01226 770022 or 07979 968655. www.secure-a-bike.comPJb Security Products, 25 Parnall Road, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 3JF. 0117 965 9240. £30 off the Gara Bike Clamp Mk1 ground anchor a Sold Secure approved product, includes padlock and security bolts with steel ball inserts HOC £159. www.pjbsecurity.co.ukSecurit (Gb) ltd, Unit 43, Clocktower Business Centre, Hollingwood, Chesterfield S43 2PE. 01246 472758. Specialists in motorcycle garages. 5% discount. www.securitgb.co.uk

nUMBEr PLATEScape Plates, PO Box 361, Gateshead NE8 4ZU. 0845 4890498. Discount to members. www.capeplates.co.ukrushden Graphic company, 25 Alfred Street, Rushden NN10 9YS. 01933 418419. 5% discount with card. www.rushdengraphicsuk.com

PAInTrS bike Paints, Unit 5, Alpha Business Park, Travellers Close, Welham Green, Hertfordshire AL9 7NT. 01707 273219. 10% discount on online sales - use code HOC001 at checkout. www.rsbikepaint.com

PArTS & SPArESandy’s motorcycles, 134 Waterloo Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3HB. 01782 818097. Discount to members. www.andysmotorcycles.com

PoWDEr CoATInGbristol motorcycle Powder coating, Queen Victoria Street, St. Philips, Bristol BS2 0QR. 0117 941 2870. 10% discount. www.bristolmotorcyclepowdercoating.co.uk

PrIvATE HEALTHCArEbuPa (HCAS), Freepost (KE1566), 4 Anchorage Quays, Salford M5 2XL. 0161 931 5800. 15% off health care, disability income, critical illness and hospital cash policies Quote reference MIS 1247. www.bupa.co.uk

rACInG SCHooLSron haslam racing academy, West Meadow Farm, 123 Main Road, Smalley, Derbyshire DE7 6DT. 01332 883323. 5% discount or 1 free for every 10 booked at Donington Park. www.haslamraceschool.com

rEMAnUFACTUrInGbba-reman, Unit 1, Stirling Park, Laker Road, Rochester, Kent ME1 3QR. 01634 687222. ABS pumps, controllers and modulators, ECUs, throttle bodies, airbags and rotating electrics. www.bba-reman.com

SEATScustom motorcycle Seats, 16 Harborough Road, Holbrooks, Coventry CV6 4FP. 024 7666 5203. Creative styling, height reduction, recovering and repairs Design your own seat and colours, at competitive rates by fellow member Melvin [23599]. www.motorbike-seats.co.ukDan medica South, 29 North Street, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1RS. 020 8133 2851. 10% discount to members. Enter DISTI (I for Indigo) 10 in the coupon section during checkout. www.danmedicasouth.co.uk

SECUrITYaaJ Security, 33 Fairview Grove, Swaffham Priory, Cambridge CB5 0LB. 01638 743886. A massive £20 off the Defiant ground anchor - supplied and fitted. www.a.a.j.security.clara.net motorcycle watch, PO Box 189, Cardiff CF5 5YA. 0116 236 6700. 10% off the standard motorcycle watch register kit Kit A HOC price £896, usual price £995ron Daley ltd, 46-52 Doncaster Road, Barnsley S70 1TL. 01226 203377. 10% off the Encloser Security System for up and over garage doorsSentinel locksmiths, 87a Summer Lane, Barnsley S75 2AD. 01226 288088 Mobile: 0831 209988. 10% disc on locks, chains, keys, etc. Topmarques, 42 Wood Link, Sellers Wood, Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 7FW. 07976 981589. 10% discount to members on all security products Joe Blatherwick. www.tmvs.co.uk

SErvICInG & EnGInEErInGauto centre rushden, Unit 1A, Rectory Road, Rushden NN10 0AG. 01933 353250. 20% discount of their range of services. www.motrushden.co.ukhose Solutions, Lower Trelake Business Park, Tedburn Road, Whitestone, Exeter EX4 2HF. 01392 811601. Braided hoses and more 10% discount to members. www.hosesolutions.org.uk

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SUMMER 2013 golden wing


master-Tec, Unit 15, White Horse Business Centre, Hopton Ind Estate, Devizes SN10 2HJ. 07534 537086. 10% discount to members. www.master-tec.bizTwo wheels better, Mobile Motorcycle & Scooter Maintenance, 9b St Michaels Road, Bedford MK40 2LY. 07804 201457. Discount to members. www.twowheelsbetter.co.uk

SELLInG YoUr BIKEbikes4buyers.com, on-line service. 01253 700877. Discount to members. www.bikes4buyers.com

STorAGEVac bag Products ltd, 162 Oundle Road, Thrapston, Northants NN14 4PQ. 08443 303013. Discount to members. www.vac-bag.co.uk

SUSPEnSIonalpha Suspension Set-up, Springfield Road, Morley, Leeds LS27 9JD. 0113 252 8199 or 0781 751 8087. 10% off any work carried out. www.alphasuspensionset-up.co.ukwilbers uk, 22 Mount Street, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 4NU. 0121 501 3321. Discount for members. www.wilberssuspension.co.uk

TooLSbiker’s Toolbox, Vision House, 86 Hillcrest, Pensford, Somerset BS39 4AX. 01761 490928. Up to 20% discount on selected tools. www.bikerstoolbox.co.uk

TrACK DAYSDarley moor motor Sports centre, Ashbourne Derbyshire. 01246 866537. Discounts include book ten pay for nine, 5% discount on bookings of ten or more, or whole track booking for £2,700+vat for up to 36 riders. www.darleymoor.co.ukmotorsport Vision, Brands Hatch, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent DA3 8NG. 0870 850 5013. Discounts on track days at Brands Hatch, Snetterton, Oulton Park and Cadwell. www.motorsportvision.co.ukTrackdays.co.uk, Saxon House, Duke Street, Chelmsford CM1 1HT. 0844 888 7700. 5% discount on track days and a 10% discount on experiences. www.trackdays.co.ukultimate Track Days, 157 Pinewood Park, Farnborough GU14 9LE. 01252 377148. 10% discount on groups of 10 or more at Snetterton, Thruxton and Mallory

TrAInInGfirst class advanced, 6 Smalley Drive, Oakwood, Derby DE21 2SF. 01332 677079. 5% off the 5 day ‘Advanced’ and two day ‘High Performance’ motorcycling courses. e-mail: [email protected]

motag motorcycle Training, 20 Bridge Road, Park Gate, Southampton SO31 7GE. 01489 576756. Discount to members. www.motag.comPeak rider Training, 12 Cambridge Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 8JL. 01625 669924. Discount to members. www.peakridertraining.comTrain to ride, Teesside Motorsports Park, Dormor Way, Southbank, Middlesbrough TS6 6XH. 01642 253708. 5% discount. www.a1traintoride.com

TYrES & WHEELSburnout Superbike Tyres, Unit 4, Lower Mantle Close, Clay Cross, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S45 9NU. 01246 861177. Discount to HOC members. www.burnoutsuperbikes.co.ukbike Tyres leeds, 27 Main Street, Scholes, Leeds LS15 4DQ. 0113 2607383. 5% discount on tyres/on bike fitting Free fitting and balancing. www.biketyresleeds.comcentral wheel components, Wheel House, 8 and 9 Station Road, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1HT. 01675 462264. 5% off rim, spoke and labour intensive products such as wheelbuilding and tyre fitting. www.central-wheel.co.ukDirect Tyre Service, Unit 1-2, Candle Works Yard, off Station Road, Otley LS21 3HX. 01943 467282. Discount to members on batteries, exhausts and tyres -including full mobile fitting service. www.directtyreservice.co.uk

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advertising in

To discuss your advertising options, please contact:Erica Gassor [email protected]

Puncturesafe, Queensgate House, 48 Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3SR. 0870 241 3730. 10% discount to members. www.puncturesafe.co.ukSuperbike Tyres, Wellaway Tyres, Unit 1A Thorney Leys Park, Witney OX28 4EG. 0844 855 2139. 5% discount to members upon application. www.superbiketyres.comTyresonline, Unit 14, Mainstream Way, Saltley, Birmingham B7 4SN. 0845 260 1600. Discount to members. www.tyresonline.net universal Tyres, 78-82 Union Street, Waterloo, London SE1 0NJ. 020 7620 0887. Discount on production of membership card. www.universal-tyres.co.uk/waterloo

vALETInGclean bike clinic, Mobile Valeting Service, 36 Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3BJ. 07799 688 516 / 01342 314032. 10% discount. www.cleanbikeclinic.comk f motorcycles Professional Valeting Services, 18 Heath Park Court, Heath Park Road, Romford RM2 5UA. 07930 859286. Ask for HOC member Kevin Frew for 10% discountmo-clean, 21 Deepfield Way, Coulsdon CR5 2SZ. 07729 523 614. Motorcycle cleaning service with eight year experience 10% off to HOC members. www.mo-clean.com

vIDEoDuke Video, Champion House, Tromode, Douglas IM99 1DD. 01624 640 000. Massive 20% discount when you quote code 3209 Send for a free catalogue. www.dukevideo.com

You could be paying less than £40 an issue and with over 2,220 members that’s less than 2p per member,

which must be the best value around!

Go to www.hoc.org.uk/goldenwing/advertising.html for details.

fantastic value-for-money



branCh ContaCtsBEDForDSHIrEThe Chequers, Sharpenhoe Road, Streatley LU3 3PS. Every Wednesday from 8pm. Secretary: Graham Seymour ( 01525 633169 or 07973 428772 . [email protected] : www.bedfordshire.hoc.org.uk

BIrMInGHAMThe Boat, Old Kingsbury Road, Minworth, Sutton Coldfield B76 9AE, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 8pm. Secretary: Nick Parton ( 0121 603 8983 . [email protected] : www.birmingham.hoc.org.uk

BrISToLThe New Inn, Westerleigh Village, Bristol BS37 8QH. 1st Tuesday of the month from 8pm. Organiser: Pete Casling ( 01454 416417 . [email protected] : www.bristol.hoc.org.uk

CAMBrIDGEHartford Mill, Wyton, Hartford, Huntingdon PE28 2AA on 1st Tuesday and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8pm. Secretary: Kim Woodruff ( 01353 740883 . [email protected] : www.cambridge.hoc.org.uk

CHESTEr & DISTrICTHelsby Arms, Chester Road, Hapsford, Chester, Cheshire WA6 0JE. Alternate Thursdays from 8.30pm. Secretary: Gary Fisher ( 07932 058540 . [email protected] : www.chester.hoc.org.uk

DEvonThe Seven Stars Inn, Alphington Road, Exeter EX2 8JD. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 7.30pm. Organiser: Ian Wickham ( 01392 879445 . [email protected] : www.devon.hoc.org.uk

DorSETThe Bakers Arms, Dorchester Road, Lychett Minster, Poole BH16 6JF on the 1st Friday of the month from 7.30pm and The True Lovers Knot, Tarrant Keynston, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 9JG on the 3rd Friday of the month from 7.30pm. Organiser: Beverley Ralph ( 07757 647272 . [email protected] : www.dorset.hoc.org.uk

EAST MIDLAnDSThe Birch Tree, Bardon Road, Bardon Hill, Coalville LE67 1TD. 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month from 7.30pm. Secretary: Rita Woodcock ( 01332 515767 . [email protected] : www.eastmidlands.hoc.org.uk

EASTErnThe Black Bull Inn, 3 Wrawby Street, Brigg, Lincs DN20 8JH. 1st and 3rd Thursday from 7.30pm. Secretary: John Hewson ( 01469 560306 . [email protected] : www.eastern.hoc.org.uk

GLoUCESTErSHIrEThe Oakwood, Twigworth, Gloucester GL2 9PG. 1st Tuesday from 8pm. Secretary: Jo Hearn ( 01242 239783 or 07711 271 388 . [email protected] : www.gloucs.hoc.org.uk

KEnTThe Tudor Rose, Chestnut Street, Borden, Sittingbourne ME9 8BT, 1st Wednesday from 7.30pm and The Bull Hotel, Bull Lane, Wrotham (Village) TN15 7RF, 3rd Wednesday from 7.30pm. Organiser: Mike Gallafent . [email protected] : www.kent.hoc.org.uk

LAKES & CoASTMeetings on an ad-hoc basis. Please ring if you are in the area. Organisers: Mike - Barrow ( 01229 877316 / 07738 830917 or Peter - Windermere ( 07876 231248 / 01539 444059 . [email protected] : www.lakes.hoc.org.uk

MAnCHESTErThe Bridgewater Hotel, 23 Barton Road, Worsley, Salford, Greater Manchester M28 2PD. Alternate Thursdays. Secretary: Stephen Davenport ( 07968 810435 . [email protected] : www.manchester.hoc.org.uk

MAnX oFFSHorEThe White House, 2 Tynwald Road, Peel, Isle of Man IM5 1LA. 3rd Tuesday of every month from 8.30pm and can usually be found in the Queens Hotel on Douglas promenade on Saturday nights. Organisers: Karen Angela and John Julian ( 01624 629299 . [email protected] : www.manx.hoc.org.uk

norFoLKApollo Club, Mendham Lane, Harleston IP20 9DN. 2nd Thursday of every month from 8pm. Organisers: Dave & Sue White ( 07731 914284 or 01842 765801 . [email protected] : www.norfolk.hoc.org.uk

norTH DoWnSMeets: The Crown, 98 The Street, Capel, Surrey RH5 5JY. 1st and 3rd Thursday from 8pm. Organiser: Chris Ward ( 07827 393237 . [email protected] : www.northdowns.hoc.org.uk

norTH LonDonThe Kings Oak, Paul’s Nursery Road, High Beach, Loughton IG10 4AE. Every Thursday from 8.30pm. Secretary: Roland Murphy ( 07504 104908 . [email protected] : www.northlondon.hoc.org.uk

norTHAnTS & MILTon KEYnESThe George, 117 Main Road, Wilby, Wellingborough NN8 2UD. Every Wednesday from 7.30pm. Secretary: Stu Peile ( 07549 407048 . [email protected] : www.northants.hoc.org.uk

norTHUMBrIASeghill Rugby Club, Welfare Park, Seghill, Cramlington NE23 7EZ. Alternate Mondays from 7.30pm. Secretary: Graeme Burrough ( 07050 158 381 . [email protected] : www.northumbria.hoc.org.uk

noTTInGHAMThe Vale Hotel, 8-10 Mansfield Road, Daybrook, Nottingham NG5 6BP. On alternate Tuesdays from 7.30pm. Secretary: Debbie Reynolds ( 07773 020286 . [email protected] : www.nottingham.hoc.org.uk

oXForDFoxcombe Lodge, Boars Hill, Oxford OX1 5DP. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month Secretary: Erica Gassor ( 07799 49 2235 . [email protected] : www.oxford.hoc.org.uk

rEADInGArborfield Royal British Legion Club, Eversley Road, Arborfield, Reading RG2 9PR. 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm. Organiser: Bryan Moody ( 07813 849782 . [email protected] : www.reading.hoc.org.uk

SCoTLAnDMcDonald’s - A8 Showcase, Showcase Leisure Park, Coatbridge G69 7TX. Last Sunday of every month at 10.30am. Organiser: John Gorman . [email protected] : www.scotland.hoc.org.uk

SoLEnTSouthampton Amateur Rowing Club, Hazel Road, Woolston, Southampton SO19 7GA. Alternate Wednesdays. Secretary: Barbara Peace ( 01903 716035 . [email protected] : www.solent.hoc.org.uk

SoMErSETThe Nightjar, 14 Nightingale Court, Mead Vale, Worle, Weston-super-Mare BS22 8SX. 3rd Tuesday of the month from 7.30pm. Organiser: Jim Berry ( 01934 707121 or 0775 8354211 . [email protected] : www.somerset.hoc.org.uk

SoUTH WALESThe Golden Mile, Corntown Road, Corntown, Near Bridgend CF35 5BA. 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm. Organiser: Donna Richards ( 01639 766406 . [email protected] : www.southwales.hoc.org.uk

THrEE SHIrESThe Blacksmiths Arms, Barbers Row, Renishaw, Sheffield S21 3UA. Every Monday from 8pm Secretary: Keven Ludlam ( 0114 2817193 or 07796 843369 . [email protected] : www.threeshires.hoc.org.uk

WEST LonDonThe Admiral Hawke, Greene Street, Lower Sunbury TW16 6RD. Every Wednesday from 8.30pm. Secretary: Steve Hill ( 07539 077507 . [email protected] : www.westlondon.hoc.org.uk

WEST MIDLAnDSThe Plough, 154 Bridgnorth Rd, Wollaston, Stourbridge DY8 3PD. 1st Tuesday of the month from 7pm Organisers: John Turner and Jill Owen ( 07759 870874 or 01902 662763 . [email protected] : www.westmids.hoc.org.uk

WEST YorKSHIrEThe Hitching Post, 54 Leeds Road, Idle, Bradford BD10 9SX. 1st Monday of every month. Secretary: Big Steve ( 01274 772970 . [email protected] : www.westyorks.hoc.org.uk

WILTSHIrEThe Red Lion, High Street, Avebury SN8 1RF. 2nd Tuesday of each month. Secretary: Ian Hammond ( 07989 531121 . [email protected] : www.wiltshire.hoc.org.uk

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www.hoc.org.uk/branchesSUMMER 2013 golden wing

Golden Wing - Summer 2013

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