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AUTUMN 2006 1
Autumn 2006, Volume 44 No. 3
Editor / DesignerTim Lee
HOConsumer EditorMark Clargo
Diary Co-ordinatorAndy Stryczko
Advertising Co-ordinatorErica Gassor
Thanks to all contributors
All feedback regarding the content and delivery of Golden Wing should be addressed to The Editor at the
address below or e-mailed to: [email protected].
Golden WingHonda Owners Club (GB)
Units 1B & 5BKemps Quay Industrial Park
Quayside RoadSouthampton
SO18 1ADTel/Fax: 023 8022 6045
Web Page: www.hoc.org.uk
Winter IssueCopy Date 1st December 2006
Published by end of December 2006
Printing & Distribution by:LPC Printing Ltd
Hardley Industrial EstateHythe,Southampton
Tel: 023 8084 6334
© Honda Owners Club (GB) 2006
We believe the contents of Golden Wing to
be correct at the time of publication. The
Honda Owners Club (GB) cannot be held
responsible for any errors, omissions, or
for subsequent changes to details given in
this publication or for the consequence of
any reliance on the information.
The views expressed in this publication
are not necessarily those of the Honda
Owners Club (GB) or the Executive
Committee
ARTICLES
Dibble Rattle’s On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Editor Says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Kicking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
The View Over the Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Membership Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Caption Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Barry’s Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Classic Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Down Your Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Reports from: Bedfordshire, Cambridge, Gloucestershire,
Eastern, Northants & MK, Northumbria, North London,
Oxford, Solent, West London, West Yorkshire, Wilts,
Varadero
Testing Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Flight of Fancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
New Discount Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Racing Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Brooklands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Soapbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
HOConsumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Shop@HOC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Members Free Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Members Discounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
PLACES TO GO & THINGS TO DO
HOC AGM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Devon & Somerset Camping Weekend .17
Diary Dates centre pages
FRONT COVER
The front cover of this issue shows Nigel Taylor from
Oxford Branch putting the X11 through its paces.
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:54 Page 1
MY BIG APOLOGYTo the members in the Norfolk AreaI said in the last edition that I was
organising some sort of meeting in thesummer to try and kick start a branch in yourarea. I am sorry but it just has not happenedas yet. On a positive note, I have had somekeen interest from a couple of you whoagree something needs to be done, and theproject is not forgotten. However, it maynow be an autumn set up ready for nextspring.
WE HAD A SUMMERAnd what a scorcher it was, especially in
July. I never thought that in this country Iwould ever have to say it was too hot forkitting up and getting out on a bike. I didhowever have to say exactly that at workwhere basic kit is far too insulated for use insuch extremes. So, I resorted to airconditioned cars instead. Now if we couldjust persuade them that woolly trousers andbig hats are not good in the heat then itwould almost be a pleasure to work duringthe summer.
I got along to the Birmingham chill outcamp which was in a superb location andprobably the nearest event of its kind therehas been to my home in all the years I havebeen in biking. Nice one team, and if it isthere again next year I probably will be too.
Brooklands was another great show,and the turn out all the better for seeingsome new faces from around the club.Another scorcher of a day saw VFR’sdominating the display as featured bike,with some very tasty restorations amongstthe CB’s and other species. Next year it isunlikely we will be at Brooklands, as it istime to have a different region for the show,and to allow others from the HOC world toattend. Any volunteers?
A few weeks ago one of the Northantslads was taken off his bike and had to beconveyed to accident and emergency. Thetask was completed in a smooth andefficient manner by the Air Ambulance. Asyou are not necessarily all aware thesemachines are run mostly on volunteers andthey beg and borrow for resources. Theycost thousands each day they are airborne,
but without them I know of several folks whowould not be with us today. So in gratitudefor the service provided to Northants manDan, his missus and the crew at the TenO’clock put together a bank holiday BBQ,bike show and auction. With the aid ofdonations from many companies andindividuals there was a huge selection ofbiking and non biking stuff for the auction.People baked cakes and pies to sell and theBBQ ran out of food having been constantlybusy for 3 hours. Over 100 bikes andscooters attended and probably twice asmany people. The net result is that £2000was raised on the day. That is at leastanother day for the life of the ambulance atfull tilt. Well done and thanks everyone
COMMUNICATION IS AWONDERFUL THING!
Whilst I appreciate that some of you arenot on the internet, it has become more andmore apparent over the past year that manyof you are. Golden Wing is the onlycommunication that is set to get to everymember and is only out quarterly. So by thetime you get it you are reading history orlong term future plans. Also, weoccasionally get offers that are at shortnotice, and it would be good to be able topass this information on to you. So, asuggestion was made to set up an emailpost site. To do this anyone wanting to getthe news fast would have to simply send inan email with name and membershipnumber to central point. The address basewould be used to then send out those offersthat relate to things the HOC deemedappropriate.
This would be a wholly HOC run thing sonot a Spam site and of benefit to all. So canI ask that if you are interested you send anemail to [email protected] and I willget things started. Any email from the HOCshould have HOC in the subject bar whensent out so you know from where it came.
REMINDERS
Direct Debits are here and the first ofyou have set up accounts with the HOC welldone can more of you do the same.
CCCCHHAAIIRRMMAANNHHAAIIRRMMAANN DDDDIIBBBBLLEEIIBBBBLLEE RRRRAATTTTLLEEAATTTTLLEE ’’’’SSSS OOOONNNN!!!!from Andy “Dibble” Young - Club Chairman
2 AUTUMN 2006
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PresidentTrevor Thompson
Vice PresidentsDave Barton,Tony Eldridge,Graham Gull
ChairmanAndy ‘Dibble’ Young
1 Severn Way, Kettering,Northants. NN16 9H
�� 01536 412086 � [email protected]
General SecretaryMark Clargo
9 Hendred WayAbingdon Oxon OX14 2AN
�� 01235 523483 � [email protected]
Membership SecretaryGraham Gull
61 Vicarage RoadWare SG12 7BE
Public Relations OfficeRoy Edwards
3 Pollards Close, Melton Mowbray. LE13 1UY�� 01664 569212 � [email protected]
Saddle Sore Shield Co-ordinatorStephen Davenport
�� 07968 810435 � [email protected]
Display Materials Co-ordinatorChris Wright
16 Auckland RoadMexborough S64 0AN
�� 01709 582740 � [email protected]
Regalia Co-ordinatorJustin Goddard,
19 Linkfield Avenue,Mountsorrel, Leicester, LE12 7DH
�� 0116 230 3277 � [email protected]
TreasurerDebbie Millard20 Tilden Close
High Halden, Ashford, Kent TN26 3LR�� 01233 850114 � [email protected]
WebmasterAndy (Stritchy) Stryczko� [email protected]
BMF Liaison OfficerJim Peel-Cross
15 Hill View Caravan ParkOare, Marlborough SN8 4JF�� 01672 564680
Classic SecretaryDave Barton
53 Northlands Road, TottonSouthampton. S040 3HA
EEEE ’’’’SSSS OOOONNNN!!!!
AUTUMN 2006 3
The HOC website is probably the mostup to date of its kind on the internet and Iwant you all to visit www.hoc.org.uk at leastonce and get into the members area andhave a loo at the stuff on there. Better stilljoin in.
AGMThis will be on Sunday the 22nd of
October at the Honda training institute,Poyle. This is just down the road from theHonda HQ in Slough. There is a map on thewebsite and it is easily reached just off theM25. We are aiming at 11.00 formal meetingstart and business will be kept as brief aspossible as there is the chance we can havea Honda technician available for Q&Asession, as well as tours of the institute forthose interested. Honda are providingrefreshments and for this we say thanks inadvance. However to be fair to them I wouldask that if you are coming you couldendeavour as soon as possible to let usknow, so we can give them some ideas ofnumbers to cater for.
OTHER NEWS
We are always looking for benefits forthe club and Erica Gassor at Oxford hasbeen doing splendid work on this front as willbe evidenced by the advertising in thisGolden Wing.
Belatedly we can add to that CotswoldOutdoor Ltd who stock a range of camping,walking and outdoor pursuit equipment ofquality and style. They are offering all clubmembers up to 25% discount depending onsize of purchase, more normally 15% foraverage buys. Our account number whichyou will need to know is H2127 andmembership card is required. Look for themon www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
THE NATIONAL RALLY
With the greatest respect for our editorhere, I do not think GW will be with everyonebefore the National Rally but I am taking thisopportunity to say thanks to those whoorganised it as I am sure it will have been agood one. I hope also to have met a fewmore of you readers and that we can all lookforward to great times ahead.
Ride on but most of all ride safe
Dibble
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4 AUTUMN 2006
Honda Owners ClubANNUAL
GENERAL MEETINGI hereby give notice that the 2006 Annual General Meeting of the Honda
Owners Club (GB) will be held on Sunday 22nd October 2006 at
TThhee HHoonnddaa TTrraaiinniinngg IInnssttiittuuttee
BBllaacckktthhoorrnnee PPooiinntt
22 BBllaacckktthhoorrnnee RRdd,, SSlloouugghh,,
SSLL33 00DDAA
Commencing at 11.00 a.m.
All nominations for the Committee posts or Resolutions to be considered
must be made in writing to the General Secretary
Nominations for Committee positions must include a proposer and seconder.
Andy “Dibble” YoungHonda Owners Club (GB) Chairman
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AUTUMN 2006 5
EEEEDDIITTOORRDDIITTOORR SSSSAAYYSSAAYYSS ........Well I did it didn’t I, I tempted fate by
telling everyone in the last issue that the
engineer had proclaimed the subsidence in
my house was a “once in a lifetime event”.
Less than a month after the repairs had
been completed, we noticed further cracks
and sticking of doors, and so back came the
various engineers and surveyors. The net
result was that the front of the house is now
supported on umpteen twelve foot metal
poles which have been drilled into the
ground and concreted to the foundations,
but more of that in future issues.
The one thing which did make me giggle
was the snobbery between builders. A
specialist firm was appointed to install the
piles, preceded the day before by a couple
of ground workers from another firm to
“prepare the site”.
Over yet another cup of tea I asked why
it needed a team from a separate company
to dig the holes, and was informed “Oh,
they are specialists, royalty don’t dig their
own holes!”
Once again, my thanks go to all those
who have sent in contributions and have
helped make this another bumper issue.
Sometimes space precludes getting
everything in and sometimes articles have
to be held over to another issue, but please
don’t let that stop you sending them.
A couple of members have queried why
I include letters or articles which are
obviously not the view of the Executive, the
Management Committee or for that matter
the majority of the membership, and I
thought it perhaps useful to confirm the
“editorial position” on such matters.
If a letter or article is received, unless it
is likely to get the club into hot water legally,
it will be printed. If replies are received, they
too will be printed, although we do reserve
the right to call a halt to yo yo
correspondence which has gone on for long
enough. If I or any other officer of the club
does not comment on an issue, please do
not take it as an indication that we agree, or
disagree with
the content.
And lastly, if
you do have
issues with
anything that
is written,
please don’t
be afraid to
write in;
G o l d e n
Wing is your
magazine,
produced for
and by the members.
As this tends to be the last bit of the
magazine to be put together, it does give
me chance to say thank you and well done
to Graham and all those from Bedfordshire
for a superb National Rally, we all had a
great time. Just remind me to sit further
away from the comedian next time!
To finish, I hope to see as many of you
as possible at the AGM on the 22nd. As has
already been said, we are the guests of
Honda this year at their state of the art
training facility near Slough, and it would be
really great if we could have a good turnout
to enjoy their hospitality.
Keep it tidy!
Tim
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6 AUTUMN 2006
OH PETER!
I write in response to Pete Broad’s “OhBarry” letter in the last issue.
“What do I know about biking”! Evidentlyby your response and hidden attitude “sodall”.
It’s funny that in Europe on touringholidays you see loads of “Rockets” withplates from al over Europe! Opinions onlycount if they are just that, “your own”because we all have them and to get alongwe take on board others opinions andanalyse them.
I bet Nick Sanders (Journey BeyondReasons) is kicking himself for not going ona proper tourer; he would have done it in halfthe time.
Dave ClarkMember No. 29050
P.S. If the editor has nothing about bikesto say, well!!
As you say Dave, everyone is entitled totheir opinion and I am more than happy toprint opposing views in Golden Wing.
As far as not having anything to say isconcerned, I would certainly not hold myselfout as an authority on the best type of bikefor any particular use. Both Peter and Barryhave far more biking experience than I, andif anyone is interested, they can probablygauge my opinion from the fact I ride aFireblade!
On a wider note, the best place fordiscussing opinions is in the members forumon the website, where, when I have time, Icertainly do join in with the discussions.
Simply log on to the website atwww.hoc.org.uk and follow the links toregister. Ed
NICE ONE PETER!
Dear EdAnother excellent piece of value from
Golden Wing! We decided this summer to try one of the
places listed in the Accommodation sectionof the magazine and spent a week inNormandy at Pete and Rusty Broad's place.
Having taken the kids and the car(horrors! - especially when we found somefantastic roads for bikes), we booked theircottage for a week and set off from Englandin pouring rain.
We had a horrible journey down - it wasthe 5.00 am ferry (never good to get me outof bed that early!), a very choppy crossing, athunderstorm at Calais, and a cloudburst atAbbeville (there are occasionally timeswhen it's good to be in a car - this was one!).
We had to stop in Rouen to shopbecause Darren had forgotten a jacket andwas fed up of being rained on whenever westopped.
However, the weather improved as wetravelled south and we discoveredLongueve in glorious sunshine and a veryfriendly welcome.
There were four other people stayingthere when we arrived - and they were therefor a couple of days. Then on theWednesday, another two couples turned up.This resulted in some late night sessions inthe bar or the patio area with copiousamounts of wine and beer and extremelygood conversation. I can't remember whenI last laughed so much. Although none ofthe other visitors were HOC members, theywere all bikers and really good company.
Pete and Rusty's place has a couple ofcaravans and tents as well as the cottage,and the facilities include the bar, cooker,hob, fridge, sinks, wash room, toilet (alwaysa bonus in France!), and a rather ferociouscat!
KKKKIICCKKIINNGGIICCKKIINNGG BBBBAACCKKAACCKK ................Something to Say - Say it here
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AUTUMN 2006 7
We had a great time and can wellrecommend it - but you could check it outyourselves at www.peteandrusty.com.
Next time, we're going to take the bikeand leave the kids at home!!
Debbie MillardMember No. 13559
Debbie, you are not the first to say whatfine hosts Pete and Rusty are, and I am gladyou enjoyed your stay. Ed
IN RESPONSE TO MR GOODWIN
Dear Editor,We were sorry to read about Mr.
Goodwin’s disappointment with the activitiesof the MANHOC branch (yes, it was ourbranch he was referring to).
Unfortunately, we are all individuals andwith individualism it is impossible to pleaseor cater for everybody’s needs all of the time.
For all those who read our reports on ourmany and varied ride outs, you would beable to see that they are well attended andthoroughly enjoyed by all the memberswhich participate. Our club nights aresimilarly enjoyed by all who attend.
There are always two sides to everystory – our recollection of the events do differfrom Mr Goodwin’s – but we respect his rightto put his views in writing.
We do regret that a new member of theHOC did not find what they were looking forbut trust in the future they will find what theyare seeking.
Regards
All at
Manchester Honda Owners Club
JIMMY’S (PRIDE AND) JOY
Brooklands, this is the day Jimmy hasbeen preparing for in his quest to win a firstplace in "The Pride of Ownership"competition, having got third place last year.
Well, we arrived nice and early, settledthe bike and "trailer" then put up the brollyand table and chairs, "comfort". That's whatI call doing things in style.
As we watched the bikes all coming inand lining up for inspection, the sun cameout and it got very hot! As we were sittingwaiting, we met many friends and also madeanother new friend as we always seem to doat the HOC meets. That is what our club is allabout; hi! Mickey from East Midlands, yes Imean you.
Well all our waiting was worthwhileJimmy won 2nd place in his group for 1991--2000 and Mickey Maw won 1st in his groupof 2001—2006, well done both of you. That'stwo happy riders going home today.
I must also say I was sorry that for allSteve and his members hard workorganising the day, there were not so manythere as last year. Anyway, well done to youall.
Betty
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8 AUTUMN 2006
FJR COMPETITOR?
Dear TimI have just received the Summer copy of
“Golden Wing”, I always look forward toreading the mag and I would like to say thatthis issue is even better than usual. Thankyou to all involved for the hard work thatgoes into producing it.
I live in France and am fairly heavilycommitted at the moment so am not aparticipant club events etc. Nevertheless Ienjoy hearing about the activities of othermore active members and it retains atenuous link with the UK biking scene.
The renewal of the club association withHonda UK must I am sure be mutuallybeneficial and it perhaps gives me theopportunity for a gripe. I am not obsessiveabout brands but I have owned moreHonda’s than any other brand since my firstBenly Super Sport way back. My last bikewas a pre V-Tec VFR 800 which I regretgetting rid of. It was a super bike if less thanreliable in it’s early days. A combination ofadvancing years, an old wrist injury and theneed for more long distance comfort led to adecision to change.
What to buy? I owned an ST1100 for awhile. Too heavy for me and an engine thatwas more suited to a car – no adrenalinerush acceleration. The new Pan sufferedmany recalls and problems and was tooexpensive and it is still very heavy.Varadero? Not my cup of tea. Deauville?Not enough power and the luggage was toosmall. Good commuter but not for me. TheCBF900 was a possibility but it lacks fittedluggage and weather protection. As a resultI am now one of the 1% non Honda owningclub members. I bought an FJR 1300. Notmuch heavier than my VFR800, fittedluggage and shaft drive + prodigiousacceleration.
In retrospect, much as I like the FJR, Iwish now I had tried modifying the ridingposition of the VFR and fitted FJR luggageas I have seen done on another Honda. Idon’t like the ugly metalwork of aftermarketluggage.
So please Honda, a performance tourerwith a sit up riding position, adjustable
screen, shaft drive, fitted luggage, lowweight and a reasonable price, i.e. FJRcompetitive. For me the pre V-Tec VFRwould make a good starting point. Ampleoomph, compact and not too heavy. Justneeds a better fairing/screen, shaft driveand fitted luggage. Make one and I will befirst in the queue. Am I alone?
Not much to report from France, I lostmost of last year due to a bout of ill health.This year I have been to the Milleau Viaduct– spectacular, and Lourdes. No I’m notreligious but it was an interesting place tovisit.
Thanks again for the mag.
Regards
Keith Howlett Member No. 25048 (France)
Thanks for your kind words Keith, and itwill be interesting to see if anyone elseagrees with you.
Thank you also for the picture ofLourdes. Like you, I am not religious, but Ialways find religious architecturefascinating.
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10 AUTUMN 2006
CLUB FUNDS
I'm a little concerned about the HOCfunds at the moment. That's not to say orimply that there has been any "shinanikins",or miss dealings, not at all, I know thepeople handling the club funds are doing agrand and thankless job. No my concern isthe lack of incoming funds.
I read the monthly mail out the other dayand the request by Dibble asking for therecruiting new members to bring in morefunds. Yep, I can see this as beingessential, but what about the lapsemembers or the members who have someform of complaint or grievance. The people,who haven't bothered to air their views andhave taken action by not renewing theirmembership, maybe we should be lookingto re-recruit these as well!
Anyone who's been involved with BritishStandards or ISO will know that it isimportant to pursue customer feedback inorder to help continuous improvement ofyou organisation. This feedback alsohighlights problem areas (possibly at grassroots level) that may need urgentlyaddressing in order to maintain or better thelocal branches. A point to note is my localbranch and how membership hasdiminished from when I first joined - arethere any issues that require addressing?I'm not saying there are but do we reallyknow without feedback? We only find outwhen the last man is standing!
With regard to lapse members, theintroduction of Direct Debit is certainly goingto be a "bonus" (for want of a better phrase)and we must thank Graham for his tirelesspursuit of this but maybe we as a club (evenat local branch level), should send outreminders to the members who have left theclub for whatever reason. Perhaps 2reminders at most would do it, just to showthat we do care about lapse members aspeople and not just for selfish club reasonsof getting hold of their money! Highlightingthe DD might mean the lapse membersgladly re-join, who knows?
I know what some will say, 'Why shouldwe chase people up when they are clearlynot bothered', well going back to my point
about feedback, they may not be botheredbecause we appear to be "Not bothered".Local branches or even the National clubmay have issues that are not suited to theindividuals who have left. We should be, asa club looking for improvements to moveforward and any comments by theseindividuals should be taken on board and ifvalid take any action but by the same pointif not valid disregard, but at least listen!
Remember word of mouth is a fantastictool, Get a great bike and you're happy tospread the word. You get a bag of crap froma bad dealer and you'll tell everyone andtheir uncle, these then take notice and willavoid that dealer - but worse, they'll telleveryone else!
My final comment is this, in no way mustanyone in the club take what I have said asany form of complaint about any aspect ofthe club or individual. My comments aremeant in all honesty and with great affectionfor the club as a whole. I love biking, I loveall the aspects of being part of a bike clubboth Nationally and locally, I just want theclub to move onwards, improve wherenecessary, but above all survive for thesake of bikers everywhere, (IncludingSuzuki Burgman riders).
What ever happens, remember this,
Keep Smilin'(No one knows why your smiling and it
drives 'em crazy)
Kev LudlamMember No. 25014
Thanks for your letter Kev, yourcomments succinctly summarise thefeelings of many of us. The difficulty wehave is that we do try and find out whypeople leave, usually without success. Tothe best of my belief, Graham asks forfeedback when he sends out final renewalreminders to lapsed members, and I knowthat a number of branches do follow up onmembers who no longer attend. However,there is always more we could be doing,and therefore, if anyone has any ideas wewill be very pleased to hear them. Likewiseif any members are reading this who arethinking of leaving, please, tell us why. Ed
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AUTUMN 2006 11
NOISE IN FRANCE?
Dear Tim,We are reliably informed that the French
authorities are clamping down on noisymotorcyles among other things.
We are told campsite etc are turningaway noisy Bikes, because they could beliable. The last thing we need here. Thinkbig "V" twins are the major problem.
Regards
Pete BroadMember No: 21281 (France)
P.S. Whilst writing I thought you mightlike the following photo, which is suggestedas being suitable for a streetfighter.
Thanks Pete, it could also be said to besuitable for a few of our members, who willof course remain nameless! Ed
Kicking BackKicking BackLetters for the next issue
need to arrive by
1st December 2006
E-mail to [email protected]
or post to:
Golden Wing,
Units 1B & 5B
Kemps Quay Industrial Park
Southampton.
SO18 1AD
CCCCHHHHAAAANNNNGGGGEEEE OOOOFFFFAAAADDDDDDDDRRRREEEESSSSSSSS
PPPPlllleeeeaaaasssseeee sssseeeennnnddddcccchhhhaaaannnnggggeeee ooooffff aaaaddddddddrrrreeeessssssss
ddddeeeettttaaaaiiii llllssss ttttoooo tttthhhheeee MMMMeeeemmmmbbbbeeeerrrrsssshhhhiiiippppSSSSeeeeccccrrrreeeettttaaaarrrryyyy,,,,
nnnnooootttt ttttoooo GGGGoooollllddddeeeennnn WWWWiiiinnnngggg....
TTTThhhhaaaannnnkkkkssss .... .... .... ....EEEEDDDD
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12 AUTUMN 2006
General Secretary - Mark Clargo
TTTTHHEEHHEE VVVVIIEEWWIIEEWW OOOOVVEERRVVEERR TTHHEETTHHEE BBBBAARRSSAARRSS !!........!!........
Firstly, I
need to
apologise to
Tim for
being late
with this
piece for
t h e
magazine,
but I’ve
been so
b u s y
lately, at
h o m e
and at work, that I
completely forgotten the deadline!
It wouldn’t be so bad if I had been busy
because of biking commitments,
unfortunately that’s not been the case. In
fact I’ve hardly ridden the ‘Storm this
summer. And when I did have some free
time, late August, it was cold and wet (fair-
weather-biker I hear you all say, well I’ve
done my stint of riding all seasons, clocking
over 50,000 miles on my last bike, a
CBR600F).
Anyway, let me tell you about my friend
who has just turned the grand young age of
fifty. He’s been a biker since his teens, met
his wife-to-be as a biker, got to know me as
a biker when he moved next door, both our
children have grown up with biker dads, and
most of this time he has owned a beloved
Suzuki T500. I have tried persuading him to
join the HOC in the past, but not only is he
not the “club-type” he has never owned a
Honda; Kwakers and Suzi’s, but never the
big ‘H’! So what do you give an aged biker
for his big day? Well my friend opted for a
tattoo. Not any ol’ tattoo mind, no, not of a
flying eagle, or a heart with “I Love Mum”
written in a ribbon, or the Goth type patterns
that seem to be all the rage at the moment,
or the traditional snake slithering down a
dagger – oh no! None of them would do, not
for his special occasion, and the fact that it’s
his first tattoo ever.
For this special event, once he had
found a suitable tattoo artist with the
expertise that would carry out his desire, my
friend endured two and a half hours of pain
and discomfort, without a cuppa all that time
(a mean feat for my friend, I can tell you),
and not daring to move just in case he
jogged the man with the needle.; So, what
was the design of his desire I hear you ask?
The beloved T500 of course, emblazoned
across the width of his arm, forever, to take
to his grave. Mainly because the actual bike
would not have fitted in the coffin with him!
Well done Paul, you’re a braver man than
me Gunkar Dynn! (Maybe I could have a
small red Honda wing on my arm – or
maybe not!)
Well summer is nearly over (or probably
will be by the time you read this), so make
the most of it.
Mark
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:54 Page 12
AUTUMN 2006 13
MMMMEEMMBBEERRSSHHIIPPEEMMBBEERRSSHHIIPP MMMMAATTTTEERRSSAATTTTEERRSS ............
NIKOLAY VYGLAZOVFollowing on from the note last
month, Nikolay Vyglazov of London,
did manage to ride to Moscow and back
in July on his CBR 600. What he didn’t
tell me at the time was that he had only
passed his test 6 weeks before he left!
As I write this he is riding to Brussels for
a long weekend; he is certainly getting
around!
.
MOVING?Don’t forget if you move, let me
know, and no other club official, as I
keep the address files up to date, (You
can write or send an email). We get
several copies of each magazine
returned by Royal Mail each issue so
don’t let it be YOU who we lose contact
with.
DIRECT DEBITAs you will notice when you receive
your membership renewal next, we
have now managed to establish a direct
debit system for membership. Not only
will this save the club a lot of money in
printing, postage and administration, it
will make it much less hassle for
members.
Please consider making use of this
facility, as it has taken literaly years of
negotiation with the bank to get it set
up.
Gone will be the days of writing a
cheque, finding and envelope, buying a
stamp and taking it to the post box; you
will simply receive your new
membership card through the post each
year shortly after your renewal date.
CHANGE OF E-MAILTo contact me by email, please
continue to use the
[email protected] address.
However, for those who have other
addresses in their records, please note
that these have now changed. My
personal email address is now
Graham Gull
Membership Secretary
Graham Gull
61 Vicarage Road
Ware SG12 7BE
Do you provide products or
services for bikers?
Have you thought about an
advert in Golden Wing?
For details of all advertising
options and costs, please
contact
Erica Gassor
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:54 Page 13
If anyone is in possession of pictures which they feel will make a suitable CaptionCompetition, then please send them in to:
Golden Wing, Units 1B & 5B, Kemps Quay Industrial Estate, Quayside Road, Southampton. SO18 1AD
or e-mail me at [email protected](If sending pictures by e-mail, please send at 300 dpi or greater)
Not quite so many entries this time, although quite a few wereon the “fragrance” theme such as “Is that Eau d’ Castrol you arewearing darling” and “Mmmmm, is that Evening in Paris I smell orafternoon in Huddersfield?
To claim your prize, please contact Justin Goddard the RegaliaCo-ordinator using the datails on page 3. If you email him,remember to state your size and preferred colour.
1st Prize: An HOC Club Sweatshirt to:
Colin Bentham (29328) with -
“Mavis says; Can she have her curtains back ?”
2nd Prize: An HOC Club Polo Shirt to:
Stephen Collingwood with -“Psss the guy over there says you look like Magnum gone wrong”
3rd Prize: An HOC Club T Shirt to:
Amanda Barnard with - “You told me you were going to wear the black one tonight!!"
Now try this one; Same Rules - Same Prizes
CAPTION COMPETITIONCAPTION COMPETITION
My thanks to Stritchyfor send this photo of Kentaken on their branchholiday to the Auvergne
Email entries to [email protected]
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:54 Page 14
VINE COTTAGEVine Cottage is situated in the beautiful Seig
Valley in the Westerwald National Park. The areais quiet and relaxing and in the words of oneguest, idyllic; but it offers the biker a myriad ofchoices. From the High Westerwald with itssweeping roads giving panoramic views of thesurrounding countryside with rides to theCathedral "Stadts " of Montabaur & Limburg,taking in the little known valleys of the Lahn andWeid. Then there is the winding steep valley ofthe Mosel with its castles vineyards and ancientquaint towns. One of which is Cochem, a majormeeting point for Bikers through out the summermonths.
Of course not to be forgotten is the majesticRhein with its fairy tale castles a boat trip fromKoblenz is probably a must.
Then there is the Nurburgring either test yourskill with a blast around the circuit, check out themuseum, or just chill out and watch. The run tothe "Ring" can be linked with the medieval walledtown of Linz a ferry
crossing of the Rhein then up the Ahr Valley,one of Germany 's red wine producing areas.
The Dambusters Run" takes in the dams onthe Mohnesee, Sorpesee and the Biggersee. Thescene of the fabled allied bombing raid during the
second World War, a great day out, with, option nof a boat trip around the Biggersee.
If you fancy a day off the bike then Cologneis the day out for you, an easy train journey intoCologne centre. Cologne has much to offer, itstwin spired Cathedral dating from the 13 centuryis a must. Then there is –the Botanical Gardens,Zoo, boat trips on the Rhein and of course Kolschthe local beer. There are over thirty differentbrews served directly from the barrel, it is a beerconnoisseurs heaven.
Vine Cottage is run by a Brit , Bob Brown exRugby, Warwickshire. The "Cottage " is a 17thcentury Tudor style house that has beencompletely modernized and all rooms haveshower and toilet . The "Cottage" has that countryhouse feel from days of old, but has the modernintrusions of TV and a cosy well stocked bar.Evening meals are available on request andEnglish breakfast comes as standard. Guests arewelcome to use the gardens and the south facingsun terrace; German summers are usually hot soa BBQ may be the evening meal option.
Vine Cottage is an ideal spot to base yourselfto see the friendly face of Germany. Withbeautiful roads, scenery good food and beer theWesterwald is a bikers Paradise. The cost for adouble room including English Breakfast is 50euro a single is 35 euro. A 5% discount will begiven for stays over 5 days.
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:54 Page 15
16 AUTUMN 2006
SET ASIDE?
In reply to a member of the HOC-GB
Forum who recently remarked "I can’t
understand people having bikes and not
riding them!"
Perhaps it is because it is not yet your
time to understand?
Yet you have probably already put aside
a number of things, without actually
discarding them.
Perhaps you have physically left them
behind without relinquishing ownership.
Most parents with adult children are the
keepers of such things. Footballs, cricket
bats, dolls, SCUBA gear, sailboards, chess
sets, bikes, tents, rucksacks, etc, etc,
occupy the lofts, cupboards, sheds and
cellars of many a parents home. Things put
aside, but not discarded.
Any marina worker will tell you that some
70% of the yatchs and motor cruisers never
leave the marina and another 10% are only
used on 3 or 4 weekends a year. With only
10% being in regular use. If people can put
aside boats costing some £2,500.00 a year
in fees, is it any surprise that people can put
aside motorcycles and still pay the £18.00 a
year just to belong to the ‘Club’.
People generally put aside things in the
hope that they may return to them later.
Many things are never returned to because
with the passing of time, it is no longer
physically possible or socially appropriate.
Some things are put aside with the thought
"I will pass it on to my son/daughter".
But virtually all things put aside,
eventually cease to be part of ones memory
- you just forget you have them.
Every year, marinas and boatyards
throughout the country have to trace the
owners of boats that to all intense and
purposes have been abandoned. There are
tens of thousands of houses standing empty
in the UK, many will have just been put
aside and forgotten!
I have a sheath knife that belonged to
my grandfather as a Boy Scout leader, it
was used by my father as a Boy Scout, it
was worn and used by me as a Boy Scout,
my son used it as a Boy Scout. It is still very
sharp and in good condition but my none of
my grandsons will ever wear it even though
they may well become Boy Scouts - they
would be arrested for carrying a dangerous
weapon! It has become a socially
inappropriate item! It will probably end up on
a skip!
My son and his family are between
houses and needed to rent a property for
perhaps six months.
Then knew of a property that had been
unoccupied for at least two years. The part
time gardener was keeping the 4 acres of
garden and swimming pool maintained, but
he had not seen the owners for two years.
On approaching the owners representative,
my daughter in law was told "yes, it really is
one of my parents holiday homes, but as
they are both in their 90’s, they have not
used it for at least five years, but they often
talk about it." "We have never thought about
letting it, in fact we have not thought about it
at all for a couple of years, but if you are
interested, we could meet up at the house
and talk about it".
The house is just outside Uckfield,
Sussex and with its large covered swimming
pool and double garage with
accommodation and other outbuilding, all
set in a very nice 4 acres of gardens is worth
about £650,000.00 and the owners had not
visited it or really thought about it for a
couple of years! But they had continued to
pay the rates, utilities, gardener and pool
maintenance.
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:54 Page 16
Putting aside a motorcycle is no big
thing.
There are tens of thousands of
motorcycles in the UK that have been put
aside. Some will eventually sold off as part
of a deceased estate. Some will be
rediscovered, recommissioned and then put
aside again.
Other will be rediscovered,
recommissioned and yet another born again
biker will take to the road. To a road that will
probably eventually lead him to his local
bike dealer and a new bike. If he has any
sense, he will take whatever miserly figure
the dealer offers him for his bike - even if it
is just a breakers value. The alternative is
for it to be returned to the back of the
garage, just to take up space until it too is
eventually sold off as part of the owners
estate - or put in a skip as part of the house
clearance.
Some of these bikes that have been put
aside will belong to members of the HOC-
GB. Their HOC-GB membership is like the
bike standing in the back of the garage. The
pair of them go together - they are just nice
to have - part of their hopes. We should stop
worrying about - how to get them involved
and active within the HOC-GB. We should
just make sure that when they do return to
the fold, they are made welcome.
Putting aside was probably gradual and
no big deal. Getting back into the saddle is
sudden and is a big deal. They are not
learners, but their bike experience is dated.
They know how and their intervening years
in cars, has kept them well aquatinted with
traffic conditions but their confidence on a
bike needs building up.
A born again biker is a triumph of hope.
They may never put that SCUBA gear on
again, or get on that sailboard, but once on
that bike, the road opens up and they can
again ‘ride the dream’.
Treat them with respect and take joy in
their triumph of hope. They are brothers,
returned from the wilderness!
Barry Tinson
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:55 Page 17
18 AUTUMN 2006
Last year we road tested the CB350F
and CB400F and we have always said that
here in the UK we have a large amount of
affection for the little Four. So I thought that
it would be nice to collect a fair number of
these machines and take them for a ride
down country lanes, so that owners and
riders could enjoy the tranquility of the
Hampshire countryside to relax and enjoy
riding within a group of Honda CB400F’s.
Sunday 14th May and seven riders with
400 Fours arrive at the M27 Services on a
perfect day. To our knowledge this is the first
time that a ride out just for the 400Four has
been arranged, so it was good to enjoy
company of the other riders on the ride. Also
the more mature owners had owned the
machines for a good number of years as
every machine entered was at least thirty
years old; in fact John Hancock has owned
his CB400F from new. The CB400Four
produced 37 bhp @ 9,500 rpm and with its
sporty four into one exhaust it gained an
“Impish little rascal image”. It will buzz you
down the twisty country lanes and it will
come back with a smile on its face and
yours proving that they are fun to ride. I
know that this is why this machine has
always had a cult following simply because
they are fun.
CB400F
1975 - 1978
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:55 Page 18
AUTUMN 2006 19
Since 1975 Honda Japan have always
made a Four hundred Four to cover the
home market and as the years have
progressed the machine has matured into a
lightweight machine with far more
performance and handling making it even
more in the “Cafe Racer” image. I invited
Pam Irving on her three year old CB400F2
“Super Four” to join us. Pam is of the height
that she cannot ride larger machines with a
higher or wider seat and none of the
manufacturers cater for these riders. This
“Super Four” is a 16 Valve, Double
Overhead Cam, “Vetec” Engine with the
performance that will out run some larger
machines. So I think that we should still be
importing the “Baby Four” and us more
mature riders ( OK Older) will tell you that
you don’t need larger machines to enjoy
your motorcycling. Spare parts for these
original models are now becoming harder to
obtain which is making the CB400F even
more collectable and it is nice to see that
here in the UK riders still appreciate the
“Turbine Smooth” little CB400F and owning
part of “Honda History”.
While organizing this event I had the
owners of other Honda models from the
same period contact me and ask if they
could join us for the run? The answer I am
afraid was no, as I wanted to keep the run
just for the CB400F. However, next year on
the 2nd Sunday of May 2007 I am to
organize the same run for “All Honda Single
Overhead Cam Fours manufactured up to
and including 1978. So if you own a
S.O.H.C. Honda Four then make a date and
join us for an amble down the country lanes
of Hampshire
Pam on her CB400F2
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:55 Page 19
20 AUTUMN 2006
DDDDOOWWNNOOWWNN YYYYOOUURROOUURR WWWWAAYYAAYYReports from the Branches
Once again its time to do a piece for the
“wing” and once again I’m late! (Sorry Tim).
Personally I blame the HOC calendar.
Along with other Beds branch members,
we’ve managed to do a couple more rallies
this year. As a result the time has just flown
by, with something seeming to be happening
every week. As a branch, we have had
people at the Wiltshire, Solent, East
Midlands, Oxford and Birmingham rallies,
plus the East midlands Poker run the other
week. In addition to our own rally, that’s a lot
of weekends away and not one a
disappointment! Our thanks to all those who
take the trouble to host a rally, we know how
much time and effort it takes!
We were pleased to see so many visitors
for the Sunday lunch run in July, hosted at
our regular meeting place, The Chequers at
Streatley. It took a while to get all the
dinners, but hey, there were 35 odd and it
was worth waiting for! Northampton and
North London came over and Erica even
rode up from Oxford! We look forward to
next year’s event.
By the time you read this you’ll know
whether or not I’ve been lynched for c*cking
up the National Rally! Have I thought of
everything? Will the site deliver what they’ve
promised? Will the act go down with flu on
the night? What if the stylus falls off the DJ’s
record player? What else could go wrong?
All questions that fade into insignificance
with each passing beer! Hopefully you’ll all
still be talking to me afterwards.
As the summer draws to a close we turn
our thoughts to what to do in the winter
months. As not everybody rides all year we
need to keep their interest until the spring.
Sounds like party time to me! We have a few
social events planned and there is always
room for more! Hopefully I’ll see you at a
party, somewhere near you over the winter.
Finally many thanks to Grantham Honda
recently for taking a small group of us out on
their extensive demo fleet for an afternoon.
We managed to demo 3 bikes each in the
time available. Unfortunately the WAGS
insisted we leave the credit cards at home
which was a bit of a bugger! My attempts to
swap my missus and two camels for a two
tone silver Blackbird fell on deaf ears.
Maybe next time………
I’m off to do the lottery. Don’t forget,
black side down.
Graham
BEDFORDSHIRESecretary: Graham Seymour - 01438 357398
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:55 Page 20
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22 AUTUMN 2006
For our branch, we have had a busier
year than normal, which is great.
On the 29th May we had a trip to the
Lancaster Aviation Museum at East Kirby
which was led by John Young. A very good
turnout for this trip. We were very lucky with
the weather as it only rained on us when we
were at the museum and we managed to
dodge the rain on the way back. A fish &
chip supper was on the cards on the way
back at Bourne.
At the beginning of June we had the club
trip to Normandy. Six bikes met at
Portsmouth on the Friday night to board the
Ferry. A few beers and an overnight ferry
later we disembarked at Caen and traveled
the short distance to Pegasus Bridge. It
wasn’t long before Lyn & Graham joined us
from their home in Brittany. As it was during
the week of the D-Day anniversary there
were a great deal of WW2 displays,
memorials, etc. Roger H. has a wealth of
knowledge of the region and we visited a
great deal of the fascinating sites and
museums of Normandy. I never realized that
there were so many Jeeps and WW2
vehicles still on the road.
On the Tuesday three people had to go
back (work commitments) and on
Wednesday we parted company with Lyn &
Graham and blasted up the coast for the
weekend rendezvous with the riders coming
over to Le Touquet for a long weekend.
We went out for a meal on the Friday
night (which passed far too quickly) and on
Saturday morning we rode sedately around
the French countryside. Which was
completely different to the way I rode when
I realized that we were going to be late for
the Ferry at Dunkurque?
In July the club had a long weekend in
Derbyshire where the weather was
unbearably hot. Snake Pass was obviously
a must visit.
Also in July was the Flying Proms at
Duxford. Although this year it was slightly
disappointing with only six club members
attending. The weather was very iffy but we
still enjoyed ourselves, though.
August once again sees the WSB
alternative BBQ being held at Roger and
Sue’s place. We had even more to play with
this year as Roger had borrowed a quad
and Jim and Debra brought along their off-
road Jeep. There was an even bigger
turnout this year as over thirty people
showed. There were the usual cuts and
bruises again (one of them being Ian, so no
surprise there) but we all had a brilliant time,
thanks to our host and hostess.
We also had a soggy trip to Foxton
Locks. If you have never been, it is a
fascinating piece of engineering. I can
thoroughly recommend it.
This year is our branch’s 10th
anniversary (hell, where has the time gone)
so to celebrate this we are going to the
dogs. Those that know us probably think
that anyway, but we are actually going to
Peterborough dog track and we have written
to people who are not current members to
see if we can get them to come along to
catch up with what is going on and who
knows, maybe get them interested enough
to rejoin the club.
Safe Riding,
Bill
CAMBRIDGESecretary: Bill Brown - 01480 382295
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:55 Page 22
Devon and Somerset H.O.C. Weekend
Trelawne Manor Holiday Park,
Looe, Cornwall
4th, 5th, 6th 7th, May 2007
BOOKING FORM
Name: ____________________
Address: ____________________
____________________
____________________
Price £100 for a caravan that sleeps up to 6
Please make cheques payable to:John Fowler Holidays
Send to : Pat Jennings, John Fowler Holidays
Marlborough Road, Ilfracombe, Devon EX34 8PF
No later than February 28th 2007
WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:55 Page 23
24 AUTUMN 2006
This is a bit last minute, so apologies forthe briefness of the content. Well we reallyare having a funny year. One minute, lots ofpeople are e-mailing, but not turning up atmeetings or ride outs. Then other times lotsturn up out of the blue. There really is norhyme or reason to it.
Both Diane Barnet and I are both gettinga bit disillusioned. We need moreparticipation from those who are in HOC butdo not want to participate. At the momentmore people seem to turn up who are notmembers than are! I personally am goingthrough the IAM training so a lot of my spareriding time is spent with my observer. We didnot realise at the time, but our meeting nightclash with the local IAM meeting nights andquiet a few of the old HOC Gloucestermembers have actually joined them. I will beattending a meeting in the near future butDiane and I are finding it hard to keep
motivated for the HOC.We will need to meet soon and select a
meeting place and will keep membersadvised through the website. We will also bechanging the meeting night. Please, if thereare any members who could help share theresponsibility of decisions and planning,then please put your hand up and comealong to offer any amount of involvement orat least support. It does not have to be toomuch but any would at least make it seemall worthwhile.
Keep you all posted.
Ian NiePS Decided to return meeting of
Gloucester Branch to the Twigworth Armsfrom October for the winter months.Meetings to be on the first Wednesday ofeach month from 8pm
Secretary: Ian Nie - 01453 752098GLOUCESTER
Could you get a ‘Wyder’ choice? TheWyder Group have just opened a newHonda dealership located on Kerfoot Street,just off Winwick Road in Warrington (Tel0845 241 3080 – see web sitewww.wyderhonda.co.uk).
Open 7 days a week (until 6pm onweekdays), alongside the full range ofHonda bikes, Wyder Honda also offer awide range of used bikes, a large range ofclothing, accessories, parts and anexperienced Service Department. WithHonda factory trained mechanics, an up tothe minute workshop, MOT facilities and theoffer of a courtesy bike whilst yours is beingattended to. Wyder Honda can offer anexcellent service at competitive prices.
The Wyder Group started off as a small
building business but has now grown into alarge organisation offering commercial anddomestic construction, a range ofmotorcycle shops around the area, includingWyder Honda in Preston, and even a barand restaurant in Preston called “TangoJoe’s” with a tex-mex feel!
You may also have seen one of theirstaff recently test riding a Honda bikearound the Warrington Wolves Stadium,giving their mascot ‘Wolfy, the ride of his lifeon the back of the bike!
Pop in and see the guys at WyderHonda, look at their range of Rev IT,Alpinestar and Scott Leathers, their Shoeiand KBC helmets and much more, chat totheir technical staff and be assured of awarm Honda welcome.
THE WYDER GROUP OPEN A NEW
HONDA DEALERSHIP IN WARRINGTON
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:56 Page 24
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:56 Page 25
26 AUTUMN 2006
Eastern members have been
out and about on their bikes,
enjoying the hot weather in June
and July.
In June Dek, Ken and Joyce
spent an enjoyable week camping
in Luxembourg. This was Dek’s
first time abroad on a bike and I
think he’s caught the touring bug.
On Sunday 9th July Ken &
Joyce, Mick, Dek, Dan and
Graham enjoyed excellent
weather on a run out to
Flamborough Head.
At Mick’s insistence, the
branch run on the 23rd July was to the
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Show at
Lotherton Hall. This show is a reflection of
the increasing interest in Japanese bikes of
the 70’s and even the 80’s.
Sunday 6th August saw Tony, Ken,
Joyce, Dek, June, Danny, Sue, Graham &
Sue on a run out to Skegness. Tony even
braved a dip in the sea! I haven’t seen Tony
since; I hope he’s ok?
Ken & Dek have spent a few weekends
repairing Graham’s bikes. The CBX 1000 is
now actually running; I’ve seen video
evidence to prove it!
Eastern members continue to attend the
ever-popular Lincolnshire Bike Nights.
Good weather produced an excellent
attendance at this year’s Barton Bike Night.
Very poor weather affected the attendance
at the Big Bike Fest, organised by Wolds
Bikers at the Brayford Pool Lincoln.
However, it’s an excellent location for a bike
show and I hope the event becomes a
fixture in future years.
Welcome to our new members, Tony,
Martin, Laurie, Mick & Janet.
Regards
John
Secretary: John Hewson - 01469 560306EASTERN
Ken, Mick, Dek, Dan & Graham
Taking a break
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:56 Page 26
AUTUMN 2006 27
Tony takes a dip
That looks cold Tony?Dan & Mick
At a Skeggy pub!
Who’s idea was it to
park on the beach?!!
The odd couple on the ferry
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:56 Page 27
28 AUTUMN 2006
There is a saying that out of bad comes
a little good, and so it has been proven here
at the Northants & M.K branch following a
pretty nasty accident involving a couple of
our members. They were out enjoying a
Saturday afternoon ride when a car pulled
across them, as they do, and poor ‘ole Dan
was brought off his lovely two month old
new Gold Wing. Ruth got caught up in the
mess as well and dropped Dan’s faithful old
CB750. There was a lot of damage to both
machines, and Ruth was badly “duffed up”.
Dan took the worst of the fall and ended up
with a broken leg and numerous other
injuries leaving him needing an airlift to
Coventry Hospital. Before I continue I will let
you know that Ruth is perfectly O.K, and that
Dan is making rapid progress, now only
using one crutch and looking forward to
being pillioned over to France for a
weekends drinking mid October.
Here’s where the good now comes from
the bad, because it events like that which go
to remind myself and lots of other people
what being a member of the H.O.C can be
about. Within a short time of the accident,
and a couple of phone calls, branch
members had got to the scene, trailers in
hand to retrieve the bikes once the police
had done their bit, and offers of help and
support poured in to Dan’s wife Sue.
At the next branch meeting it was
decided to try and pay our debt of gratitude
to the people that helped Dan the best at his
time of need; the Worcestershire &
Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.
A brief round of brain storming and the
idea was hatched of holding a BBQ and
Charity auction on the August bank holiday,
with all monies taking being donated to the
Air ambulance fund. So, like a hurricane,
flyers were printed and passed around the
counties bike
groups, local
firms were
asked to
donate items
for the auction,
and many
i n d i v i d u a l s
came up with
donations of
items and cash
to help swell
the fund. Some
of the branch
ladies did a
cake bake to
sell at the BBQ
as well.
NORTHANTS & M.KSecretary: Brian Dunn - 01604 404706
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:56 Page 28
AUTUMN 2006 29
So, the day arrived with the
weather holding fine. The event took
place at the our pub, the “10 o’clock” in
Little Harrowden, where our landlord
kindly donated all the food and BBQ
equipment for the cause. We were
supported by a fantastic turnout of local
bikers and members from other
branche,s and also a delegation and
promo helicopter from the air
Ambulance. We are more than chuffed to
say that we managed to raise ?2000 on the
afternoon for this worthy cause, so we would
just like to say a massive thanks to all those
people and local firms that gave freely of
their time and donations, there were too
many to list here. A bigger vote of thanks to
those that gave the donations that helped
raise the most money at the auction,
particularly our old friends of the branch and
the H.O.C, Rusty and Pete Broad over in
Normandy, who donated a weeks holiday for
six at their Gite. Also, a huge vote of thanks
to Dave Cooper Racing in Kettering, a true
Honda specialist, who donated a full bike
service. Both these donations raised well
over a hundred pounds each, cheers folk.
So you see there is the proof that some
clouds do have silver linings, especially,
when all said and done, it could have been
a hell of a lot worse.
Onwards then to a brief summary of
what else has been happening. As reported
last issue, we had the weekend down to
Weymouth for the Brewer nuptials and
I have to say that we had a brilliant
time. Everything went well on the day
for Chris and Andy, well done, and
one of the best receptions I’ve ever
been to. A great atmosphere and both
brilliant and unusual entertainment,
and Stritchy got his face sunburnt,
now there’s a first.
A few of us went down to Brooklands for
the Honda day, a great show of machines
both old and new and an interesting trawl
through the exhibitions that brought back a
few memories of my youth.
And forward, we have already booked
and filled the accommodation for next years
branch holiday in May. Twenty two branch
members took up the available places within
a week of the arranging, and because we
knew it would be popular we had to make it
on a first come first served basis, so sorry to
those that have missed out this time,
perhaps we should be looking to hire a
village the next time.
That’s it for now peeps, we’re off to hand
over a large cheque to the Air Ambulance
guys. Thanks again to all that made it
worthwhile, but please, don’t do it again
Dan………
Cheersmedears
Bri
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:56 Page 29
30 AUTUMN 2006
NORTHUMBRIASecretary: Graeme Burrough - 07050 158 381
For the second year the Northumbria
Branch had a stand at the Show.
The event is organised by Durham
Police to promote Bike awareness and
safety. Sited at the Police Headquarters just
outside of Durham City. The expected
10,000 visitors where rewarded with a
glorious sunny day filled with indoor and
outdoor attractions for all the family for a
modest £1 entry fee.
A major part of the day is the variety of
local bike clubs, as well as HOC
Northumbria there were Pan and Gold Wing
clubs with classic, vintage and street
fighters to name just a few, all trying to grab
the public’s attention and express their
passion for bikes.
Due to the space that had been allotted
to HOC it was decided to exhibit 5 bikes a
VFR400 which attracted a lot of attention
and a couple of enquires to purchase. A Pan
ST1300 belonging to our Secretary, also
had its share of admirers, and this allowed
him the opportunity to discuss with them the
clubs tour of Switzerland earlier this year
and our forth coming tour of Austria in
October
The other thee bikes a 1977 Honda 750,
a 900 Hornet and a VFR 800 were all well
scrutinised by past, current or maybe future
owners.
We will have to wait and see if the
thousands of leaflets handed out by the
eight members manning the stand during
the day results in new membership.
I am sure this year’s event was better
than last, and next years will be even better
learning to promote the club in a
professional way.
George Petrie
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:56 Page 30
AUTUMN 2006 31
Hello from North London.
We have now settled in at ‘The Kings
Oak’, with several new faces joining us at
our weekly meetings. Of course we have
been enjoying the sweltering weather, really
too hot for biking, but there have been some
spectacular sunsets to watch over the
common on club nights.
On 18th June, eight of us went on a day
trip to France, leaving on an early shuttle
including John on his CBF600. He had only
passed his test 3 weeks before, so this
really was a baptism of fire! Mick had
devised a route taking in some really quiet
country lanes, across country, stopping for
lunch in Hesdin. At Albert, where there was
sort of classic car rally closing most of the
streets in the town centre, we were looking
for petrol, and asked a couple of locals who
looked as though they might know. They
thought that there might be one, two or three
kilometres out of the town. Anyway, we left
them and went 100 metres down a side
street, and there was a garage which was
open on the corner!
Ninety years ago, in July 1916, began
the Battle of The Somme, where the British
Army sustained hundreds of thousands of
casualties during one of the fiercest
engagements of the First World War. There
are many cemeteries in the area, and we
visited the Lutyens memorial at Thiepval,
where the names of over 77,000 men, who
fell in the area and have no known grave are
inscribed on the monument. A late snack
was taken in Peronne, and we headed back
via Arras and the Autoroute to Calais. It was
a very enjoyable day, if a little too warm, but
plans are already in hand for next years’ trip.
On the weekend of 1st/2nd July, it was
the ACU National Road Rally and 5 of us set
off from Harlow for the all night ride, ending
at the National Motorcycle Museum on the
Sunday morning. Everything went well
during the day. I had to leave the rally on the
Saturday night, because of the club
committee meeting on the Sunday.
Unfortunately during the night, Steve relied
on has GPS and instead of going straight
down the A515 from Buxton via Ashbourne
to Darley Moor, managed to go through a
farmyard, waking up a lot of sheep and a
ford, at which Mick unfortunately came off
and everything got soaked! Anyway, despite
all the troubles, the Rally was completed OK
and an award gained.
Nikolay came along to one of the
summer meetings to announce that he had
got to Moscow and back successfully, taking
only 3 days each way from to and from
Calais.
We had a run through the leafy
Hertfordshire lanes to meet up with
Northants and Beds for the Sunday lunch at
Streatley.
Coming up on September 10th is the
annual Essex Air Ambulance run from
Basildon to Harwich, always popular, with
thousands of bikes heading along the A12.
Our meeting on October 19th will be the
branch AGM, for which this is the formal
notice, and later that month it will be NEC
time again followed by Christmas.
Do come along and see us on any
Thursday
Ride safe,
Graham Gull
Contact, Tony Quigley 020 8556 5988 NORTH LONDON
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32 AUTUMN 2006
What a summer, excellent
weather and lots to do – in fact
not quite sure how we fitted it all
in!
The Oxford Rally was great
fun with a ‘thunderous’ ride out
from which a group of wet,
bedraggled riders returned! But
undaunted they dried out (well
sort of) and enjoyed an excellent
BBQ in the evening (rain had
stopped) and were then
entertained by a very talented
guitarist in the lovely warm, dry
pub – apart from the beer being
wet! Thanks to all those who put
in such effort to make it a success. The main
prize in the raffle was a flight over Oxford in
a light aircraft and I am delighted to say our
hardworking Pro’s Betty and Jimmy won it
and had a great time – rumour is that next
year we may be to get something different
but equally exciting as a prize!
Ride outs varied from an interesting trip
to the Air Museum at Middle Wallop, the
HOC Brooklands Day to a trip to
Lacock/Fowlers Bristol. Lots of activities
with an excellent Canal Trip as our summer
‘do’ (why are the ‘loos’ so tall and the
cubicles so small on barges!) and various
events at our meetings. The Treasure Hunt
proved fun for those hardy souls who took
part – ok ok perhaps some of the clues
weren’t that clear! ‘First on the Scene’ Bike
medic gave a fascinating insight into their
work and the wonders of a fully equipped
Pan, and Forte Oils (who
donated our Rally raffle prize)
also gave an interesting
presentation on their offerings.
With more events and ride
out’s - and planning for our
Christmas do - we are not yet
admitting that the biking
season is over! So here’s
looking forward to a happy,
hectic next few months at the
Oxford Branch!
Cheers all
Erica
Secretary: Erica Gassor - 07799 49 2235
OXFORD
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34 AUTUMN 2006
Life continues apace at Solent with much
that has been enjoyed in the last few
months, and much to look forward to in the
future.
Most recently a good few of us attended
the National Rally in Tenby, and what a good
job Graham and his team from Bedfordshire
did in organising it. Unfortunately, for
reasons which are still a “sore point” at
home, I travelled up in the car with the
family. Those who went on their bikes set of
an hour earlier and arrived three hours later,
making me all the more jealous thinking of
the route they had taken. My jealousy was
not quelled any when I saw the planned
route for the ride outs on the Saturday and
Sunday, especially as the weather on the
Saturday looked to be ideal. On the up side,
there were enough of us there to take the
trophy for the branch with the most
members attending, and we didn’t even
have to count the “half” due to be born in
December.
Elsewhere we have had a number of ride
outs, with members attending the Honda
Open Day at Brooklands, and rides to
various rounds of the BSB.
We would all like to congratulate Sue
and Alan Stamp on their silver wedding
anniversary, and wish them all happiness for
the next twenty five years.
Also, very worthy of congratulations is
Solent member Samuel Davis, grandson of
Pete & Deirdre Mills. Within six months of
turning seventeen, Sam, who rides a
CBF250, has successful gained both his full
motorcycle and car license, and has passed
the Institute of Advanced Motorists
motorcycle test. The I.A.M think that Sam
may well be the youngest person ever to
achieve this feat, and are currently checking
their records. Well done Sam.
The next big event on our calendar is our
bonfire and firework party at Pam & Dave’s,
and our mid-week runs to “somewhere nice”
are still in operation for the time being.
Well that’s it for now. By the next issue I
hope to report that the newest addition to my
family, which the hospital are 95% certain is
another boy, has made it safe and well into
this world.
Keep it tidy
Tim
SOLENTSecretary -Tim Lee 023 8025 2113
Branch Secretaries:
The deadline for the next Golden Wing is;
1s1st December 2006t December 2006
These pages are your advertising space, to let
members who are local to you know the real
benefits of active membership. Tell them what is
happening in your area
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:57 Page 34
AUTUMN 2006 35
WEST LONDONSecretary: Steve Hill - 020 8291 5263
Yes, Steve and Maureen did get married
on the Isle Of Man – as witnessed by Trevor
from Birmingham and Chris and Ritchie
from West London. At a recent get together
at Lorrie and Eileen’s we presented Steve
and Maureen with £75 worth of Marks and
Spencer’s vouchers as a belated wedding
present. Congratulations you two.
We continue to meet at The Admiral
Hawke as they seem to quite enjoy having
us there. A few weeks ago we enjoyed their
annual free barbeque for regulars – food
always goes down well with us!!
As you know Steve and a select band
from West London were responsible for
organising the 2nd Pride of Ownership
thingie at Brooklands. This went well and we
had a decent number of bikes entering all
classes. (A separate report appears
elsewhere) Steve and co have decided not
to go for a 3rd year at Brooklands as they
feel that a change of venue and organisers
will keep the event ‘fresh’ – Pete Goodger
has come up with one suggestion for a
venue – anyone else with any suggestions
should contact the HOC Secretary or come
along to the National AGM.
I am sad to say that Lorrie and Eileen
(respectively our Treasurer and Lottery
Organiser) have decided to buy a home in
Spain where they will spend the colder
months – only returning to this country when
the weather improves. Many of you will
have met them at rallies and HOC events as
they have been active supporters for many
years and will know that they are a gem of a
couple – always willing to help and
extremely pleasant company. We will miss
you during the winter months – but we look
forward to your return for the summers.
Good luck and have fun!!
Plans for the future include attending the
Rockers Reunion, a Trip to Alice Holt Forest
for a spot of Climbing/shooting/archery, our
own AGM, fireworks party and Christmas
Party. Please check out our website
http://www.west-london-hoc.ik.com/ for up
to date info.
Any members in our area please do
come down and see us – we’re always glad
to welcome new
members.
Last but by no means
least – we send our best
wishes to Pam from
West London who is
currently recovering from
a broken leg and is
currently being held
together by nuts and
bolts. Get well soon.
Jude
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:57 Page 35
36 AUTUMN 2006
WEST YORKSHIRESecretary: Big Steve 01274 772970
Hi to All,
It’s been a while since I did a report for
the West Yorkshire branch. I have to admit I
have forgot to do it, and with holidays and
stuff just don’t seem to have got round to it.
The meetings down at the railway are going
great with new faces turning up every month
“welcome to them”. With the
weather we’ve been
sat outside and
everyone seems
to have a good
night.
I wish I could
say the same for the
weather on run day
but we’ve had some
bad Sundays when
runs have been
arranged. So, the runs
aren’t going to well but
hopefully we’ll get a few in before winter sets
in.
The web site is going well with over 6200
hits since I put it on the Net….. If you can’t
get down to a meeting, have a look there, as
any information on runs will be put on there
first.
Talking about the meetings, the landlord
has said he will put food on if more than
eight turn up, so please, if you’re coming
down, drop me an e-mail or call me to let me
know and I’ll get it put on.
My bike “CB1000” is 10 this year and still
going strong. Anybody who knows me will
know that hauling me around is no mean
feat…. The Photos shows Me and Maria at
Wrose Show in the procession, and a few of
us at the Railway at the Monthly Meet.
The wife “Maria” has a very nice CB400
Super Four and it’s looking great, if you
would like to see more go to
www.cb1000.co.uk and click the CB400 SF
link to see the bike.
Next March/April will be bike test time so
she’s swotting up for the theory and getting
all the tips from me and others for the riding,
so good luck to Maria and im sure she’ll do
very well and we’ll have another bike on the
runs in the future.
Dave and Brian went
to Cadwell on a track
day, go to the photos
page on the web site
for some nice shots…
Well I think that’s it
for now, I will try to do
the reports from now
on and hope
anybody reading this
in West Yorkshire
will come down to
the meetings for a chat and
a pint. So that’s it from me and see ya all
soon
Big Steve
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:57 Page 36
AUTUMN 2006 41
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:57 Page 41
42 AUTUMN 2006
Ever heard the express ‘baptism of fire’?
Well I had – but I didn’t really know what it
meant until I held my first meeting this
August as the new Wiltshire HOC branch
secretary!
What did I do to deserve this stress/ -
well, I just turned up at a WHOC Thursday
night meeting, for the very first time (in July)
to find out what the club did and whether I
wanted to join!
What I didn’t know, as I tried to decide
where to park my Deauville (& don’t say Dull
Ville!) behind the Bruce Arms, is that is was
the dreaded AGM !!
What I also didn’t know is that it was to
be so poorly attended by the existing
members that the clubs continued existence
was in jeopardy – after some 13 years with
‘Big Jim Peel-Cross’ at the helm.
The exceedingly warm welcome that Big
Jim gave me (actually in the car park!)
should have sounded alarm bells in my
head, but like the ‘sucker for punishment’
that I am, I could not resist piling ‘into the
breech’ to help Big Jim out.
But I’m not alone – as our new lady
Treasurer, Claire Robins (a newcomer like
me) has also picked up the baton from the
departing joint treasures – thanks to Claire
for bravely taking on this responsibility.
So after filling in the membership
application form there and then, I found
myself quickly proposed and seconded as
the new branch secretary – because I
admitted that I had advanced to joined up
writing and was willing to attend national
HOC meetings quarterly!
So what do I do now???
Well it’s pretty natural I think to firstly
query why WHOC attendance has become
so poor. We have 31 members (other than
the committee) listed, yet often meetings or
Ride Outs could attract only 3 or 4 of them!
Was it the pub? Was it the Ride Out
destinations? Was it Cookey’s after shave??
So logically my first task was to send out
a members questionnaire and the initial
replies seem to indicate that our meetings
needed more ‘structure’ as opposed to
turning up for just a drink & chat, then go
home – and having recently attended one of
Oxford Branches’ talks (by a paramedic), I
thought that their format was perfect for
copying! (Thanks Erica)
So taking my lead from Erica, I’m now
trying to compile a 2007 draft programme of
interesting talks & venues plus a draft list of
Ride-Out destinations which members can
vote on, to select the most popular for all
concerned!
So come on out of the shadows you
Wiltshire boys & girls – vote for what would
interest YOU, finish work early, book that
baby-sitter and let’s begin to see you on the
3rd Thursday night of each month down at
the Bruce Arms (in deepest Wiltshire!) or at
our Ride-Outs on the 1st Sunday of each
month - we don’t even stop for the winter!
Theo
WILTSHIRESecretary: John Theobald 01793 853701
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AUTUMN 2006 43
VARADEROSecretary: Philip Ramsay
What a summer…I feel that I’ve had
more outfit changes than Mr Benn. One day
its Saharan conditions at 36 degrees, and I
am struggling to avoid commuting in shorts
and T-shirt like some of the crazy’s I see in
S London. Next day I’m dodging hailstones,
with the best that German protective attire
can assemble. What will September bring -
we are only a week from VUK2 and I track
the weather channel daily - once committed
that will be it. I wonder how many of us
found this a dilemma over the summer as
we left Blighty and ascended the
thermometer to warmer climes shedding not
just rubber.
Despite the individuals making a lot of
personal voyages over the summer months
I have a number of gatherings to recall with
a significant Celtic feel to proceeding. The
Norn Iron boys have been very busy, and
made able representation along with the
Speeding Stag to VIM in Sicily. Forlornly
Barry our very own VIM veteran neglected
his first and could not attend. Now I don’t
have much to report on VIM itself but they
say that a picture paints a thousand words –
get a load of this.
Back to England shire and just to say
that unluckily Harv’s Stag Hunt had to be
cancelled as the big fellow had a full platter
at the time. We can’t knock him as he has
probably led the greatest number runs of the
whole group – so maybe next year eh mate.
The West Country still needs to be
conquered.
In June – and I could describe Stone
wolf’s trip as ill fated, unfortunate or even a
failure – but I won’t. Why? Well as a glass-
half-full-man I take my hat off to the young
buck. Announced as a big list on the forum,
eventually there were a few abandons. But
did that deter the lad – no way Jose. Maybe
they ran over a black cat, broke a mirror or
mislaid his rabbit foot. Dub Scottie got taken
out by an American tourist a week before
and Tad blew a tyre on departure, and even
old Stone wolf himself clipped a bollard
leaving a petrol station and took a peg off
just at the start, he was still undeterred. As
run organiser and leader he obviously felt
obligated to receive the ‘’masses’’ on Friday
night so he got on a bus… yes a bus from
Dublin to Adrara – a fair skip. After a game
of hide and seek around the many hotels
and pubs of Ardara he
eventually met up with
the Hondapaneuros.
Saturday morn and
joined by the SH’s and
Biffo, Stone wolf as pillion
the group of three Varas
left for Portnoo
Taking in Dungloe,
Gweedore then more
Dungloe some turbulent
weather in Dunlewy, a bit
of Letterkenny and all in
the shadow of Mt Errigal.
Plenty tea was drunk by
all – it’s the law in these
parts - go on, go on, go
on. cont......
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:57 Page 43
44 AUTUMN 2006
Now the first of two reports from Loud
pedal – July and 6 bikers 4 Varas, 1 KTM,
and GS for good measure ridden by the
motley crew of Ginger, Dwarf, David C, Biffo
and Mr GS, all determined to get at one with
water - you can check this out for yourself at
the link below.
The run started Comber Square at 9am
to Quoile, Strangford, Ardglass, and Trella.
Breakfast in Newcastle, and yes you could
see the mountains; a felicitous Ulster Fry for
all.
The GS rider cried off at this stage as we
were resolute to find the ford and take a dip.
Then to Kilkeel and up into the mountains,
shim past Spelga Dam, onto Hilltown. Now
the first of two reports from Loud pedal –
July and 6 bikers 4 Varas, 1 KTM, and GS
for good measure ridden by the motley crew
of Ginger, Dwarf, David C, Biffo and Mr GS,
all determined to get at one with water - you
can check this out for yourself at the link
below.
The run started Comber Square at 9am
to Quoile, Strangford, Ardglass, and Trella.
Breakfast in Newcastle, and yes you could
see the mountains; a felicitous Ulster Fry for
all.
The GS rider cried off at this stage as we
were resolute to find the ford and take a dip.
Then to Kilkeel and up into the mountains,
shim past Spelga Dam, onto Hilltown. Biffo
observed at a distance claiming that he had
mislaid his water wings, while big DC on his
KTM seemed positively nautical, as he
parted the waves like a cross channel ferry.
Being a bit proud of the new Vara LP kept to
the shallow end. Proof here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M-
KVsalWF4
Just north of Newry, Dwarf dropped out
of radar, and after a wee search found him
nursing a puncture – nothing that a can of
Holt's tyre weld couldn’t hold together.
Cracker day!
Red’s Oop North Run in July and here’s
Prodded Dog’s view from the back. Tagging
on with Rik and Sharon, some memorable
moments were passing Harv, BB and
Combat Tony on the A1 as they sat in
a service station. They had decided to
trailer the bikes up behind one of
Harv’s vans. Jessie’s the lot of them I
say. I offered a friendly wave as they
appeared to be taking a rest break. At
next stop I got a message from Harv
informing me that they had actually
broken down! Allegedly the starter
motor on the van was kaput – and the
moral of the story there is obvious!
Poor Tony, the Speeding Stag, lasted only an
hour before reshaping a dry stone wall on
the run up to Hawes cafe. Shaken, not
stirred we duly bundled him off to the pub to
await recovery. As the van was proving
unreliable, Harv and BB decided to push off
on Sunday morning whilst patrons were
available should extra assistance be
required to give them a push – which it was.
After two attempts to bump start the bloody
thing I asked Ian to turn the ignition on!
That’s why it’s called the oops north run.
Outta here.
Like a couple of Pan book-ends Honey
monster and Red sandwiched the Varas,
HM of course with now trade mark girlie
pillion for company. On the run over the
moors above Whitby HM slipped into auto
pilot and in spite of me undoubtedly marking
a left turn went sailing passed with that daft
grin on his chops – you know the one. A
great day out however and to end it all, as
we plunged down off the moors clashed with
a real tractor procession…and I don’t mean
the ones from Milwaukee. These were the
real deal, Massey Ferguson, David Fords
etc. I love rural England me.
This is the way Danny Boy should be sung.
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:57 Page 44
AUTUMN 2006 45
Second from Loud pedal - Wet weekend
in August.
Well this one got kicked about a good bit
on the forum even before it got off the
ground. Even then any plans seemed to go
astray at a very early stage. Eventually it
was decided that the run would be a two
nighter Fri 25th and Sat 26th camping in
Castle Archdale Co. Fermanagh. The early
list of runners included Gingerchin, Dwarf,
Bazz, and me. Also expected from across
the water were Happychappy and the
Mystery Pillion.
Even the weather conspired against us,
a forecast giving rain early on Fri, clearing in
the afternoon and a sunny Sat went very
wrong when the promised rain only arrived
an hour before the agreed RV. So, instead of
waiting for Happy etc at the ferry terminal we
were sheltering under the outdoor awning of
a Tex-Mex café in Wearing St. Ginger chin
then rang Happy asking if the HSS had
docked only to discover that the said Happy
was on the slow ferry and was due to dock
at 6.40 instead of 4.50. More
rearranging which included a
compromise to McDonalds
instead of the fine gourmet supper
planned just after tent erection.
Happy finally rolled of the ferry
to a steady downpour and we
urgently made progress along the
West Link and down the M1,
wishfully expecting that the further
west travelled the healthier the
weather could get. How wrong can
you be – NI rain clouds can travel
at Vara speeds? Arriving in Castle Archdale
with around 20mins of daylight to spare to
setup camp, we toured a sodden site and
found a handsome plot just outside the
boundary. As we were settling down to our
second or maybe third beer – who counts
anyway - under a makeshift awning courtesy
of Dwarf, the camp Gestapo arrived. With
the observational skills of a hawk he
informed us that we were outside the site
boundary and that we would duly have to
move in the morning – this was met with a
collective ‘’whatever”. So with the
conspiracy of the weather, added drama of
the journey and the generosity of spirit
exuding from our humourless host -
common sense evaded us. The short
version is that the dreaded drink took over
and all got – well you know what rhythms
with mist.
In the morning a further plan was
hatched. The intention was spend a day in
Donegal then return to Castle Archdale, but
as we had to move tents we thought
relocation relocation. We had arranged an
RV with Biffo in Donegal Town at noon,
however owing to tending hangovers and
more inclement weather we started late.
Ginger chin, Happy, Mystery Pillion and I left
Castle Archdale late morn while Dwarf and
Bazz decided to take their throbbing heads
homeward for some sympathy - doubtful.
Finally we met Biffo at 1.00 and with the sun
on our faces for the first time we drank a
coffee in the Diamond Square – and all was
well again.
From here Biffo took the lead out on the
N56 through the fishing port of Killybegs and
on to our first stop at the Slieve League
Cliffs. You know that these are the highest in
Europe!
http://www.fionasplace.net/slieveleaguec
liffsdonegal.html
cont.......
So can you see Iceland from here,
don’t be daft man.
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:57 Page 45
46 AUTUMN 2006
The ride up to the viewpoint is an
experience in itself supplemented by the
superior cliffs. Tainted only by low cloud
cover the tops blend with the sky. Still
heading west along awesome costal roads
we stopped at the Historical Irish village of
Glencolumkille for tea and scones. Check it
out at
http://www.malinbeghostel.btinternet.co.
uk/
history.htm
From here we shed our waterproofs, and
rode over the mountains into Ardara where
we found a very friendly hostel for 15 Euros
– easy competition to the £10 robbed from
us the night before to pitch a tent in
Fermanagh – even if it was off the boundary.
Once we got the bikes unpacked Biffo said
the Nancy’s was a must do for a Guinness
http://www.ireland-guide.com/
establishment/nancys.3337.html
Well when in Rome. Biffo had to depart,
so the remaining four had a great night with
a meal in the local Hotel and some the Irish
music in the next door bar.
In the morning we had a proper
breakfast in the hostel, toast, juice, real
coffee, cereals etc. We set off around 9.30
sticking to the coast through Rossbeg and
Portnoo the scenery here is breath taking.
Every corner you round one is faced with a
new vista. I think it’s the same every where
in Donegal. The roads leave quite a lot to be
desired but they keep the speed low so as
you can appreciate the views. After a shot up
the N56 to Dunglow which is the main road
in Donegal we cut back into the side roads.
The R259 & R257 take you round the Roses
and Bloody Foreland. This is also
outstanding scenery however poor planning
controls have allowed the area to be spoiled
by over development mostly of the holiday
home type. A stop at a local garage showed
that cars from Northern Ireland and Dublin
far out numbered the locals. Once back onto
the N56 we headed north to Dunfanaghy
then on to Letterkenny. Next stop Lifford.
After fuelling bikes and ourselves it was off
on the final leg back to the ferry.
The route from here is one of the best
kept secrets in the North, From Strabane to
Draperstown over Owenreagh Hill and the
Glenelly Valley. Best run at a brisk pace as
we wanted Happy to catch the ferry. The last
20 odd miles or so was on the M2 again in a
downpour, it had been dry up until here.
Needless to say Happy and the Mystery
Pillion arrived at the HSS with enough time
for farewells and best wishes.
In two weeks we will meet again for the
ride to VUK and no doubt still beaming. An
excellent weekend was had by all, some of
the best scenery in Ireland with a little history
and culture thrown in. Ireland North and
South will never disappoint. And remember -
the rain stops when it gets to your skin – so
no worries!
Well that’s all for now. Sorry couldn’t tell
you more and I didn’t tell you about the boys
playing around in the mud at the Geraint
Jones Enduro School…maybe next time.
Got to go and pack for VUK2…now what to
wear?
Phil
Andy and Andy
The Nancy Boys
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:57 Page 46
AUTUMN 2006 47
VARADERO XL1000V
ROAD TEST IMPRESSIONS
BY HARRY SHAW
Secretary of the Blue Knights
England V Chapter Harry Shaw recently
loaned one of Hunts Motorcycles
weekend test ride Varadero XL1000V’s.
These are his impressions.
I’m lucky sometimes. There’s no doubt
about that. I love bikes, and for the last
couple of years I’ve had two. In fact, I’ve
usually had two, greedy boy that I am!
Currently, one is the king of motorcycles,
the FJR 1300 (Can we use the word
Yamaha here?). It’s a body-building brute
with fine muscle definition all over its shiny
skin, the ultimate motorcycling six pack bike.
There are few better ways of crushing the
continent. Not as big as the Pan European
it will still carry its rider over hundreds of
miles a day in comfort.
The other is a Honda, of course, A 650
Transalp, known affectionately in the family
as my Pizza delivery bike, because it has a
huge top box and luggage set. Brilliant in
traffic or touring A and B roads, it’s
competent on motorways. Hour after hour
though, when you can use an FJR?
Hummm…..
The Transalp is brilliant riding the
national park roads and crowded inner
cities, so what more do I need? Will it be
possible for me to survive with just one
bike? What if the Transalp had just a little
more grunt, maybe a bigger engine, to crush
those long continental roads? I knew I
shouldn’t have gone to Hunts…
A twin, that has that trail and road look,
sits all shiny in the middle of the showroom,
the 1000cc Varadero. A BIG bike! Walk
around it and its all there, a stonking V twin
lump in a high and handsome frame. It has
great luggage capacity with the optional
extra luggage set, despite the sexy under-
seat exhausts, and this is a dealer who
understands that I, for one, won’t spend
thousands on a bike without a proper test
ride. “Take it for the weekend” I was told, so
I did.
The seat is high, hard and wide, but I’m
tall enough and I can get my feet down. I
understand there is a seat-lowering kit for
the shorter rider. Wide bars make in town
handling easy, maybe because the tyres
show no sign of knobbles, and that high
seating position means negotiating the gaps
is a doddle. I begin to like this bike a lot as I
work through Manchester, to find
somewhere interesting. Then we get out of
town along the M60. A crucial test this,
because you can’t crush the continent
without spending many hours on motorways
and their mainland equivalents. Without a
larger screen it’s not as comfortable as the
big tourer, yet the bike has two enormous
advantages over its lesser sibling. Despite
being a twin between 75 and 90 the motor is
as smooth as silk. This is where tourers live
in the real world, much faster and your
licence disappears as quickly as the bike is
travelling.
cont......
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:57 Page 47
48 AUTUMN 2006
The second advantage comes from
1000ccs. Grunt comes with cubes. You may
have to use the gearbox more than a Pan or
FJR because you’re riding a twin, but there
is loads of drive to be found in the midrange,
which makes opening the throttle a joy. Don’t
yank it, open it steadily and feel the bike
hurtle forwards on a surge of torque, at your
command. Oh joy!
Riding this bike was rewarding, and
there were more surprises to come. Despite
the ‘spindly’ trailie legs there doesn’t seem
to be the usual ‘throw you over the forks’
dive when you haul the twin disks on. The
front end set-up isn’t a sports bike, but it’s no
soggy mess either, bringing your speed
down without trauma. I felt very happy in the
lashing rain which just had to appear
because I was enjoying myself, leaving me
ploughing through standing water on this
bike. That made me more relaxed, and I
rode better as a result. This is a truly
confidence inspiring bike.
Throw the bike into a corner and once
again it becomes apparent that it’s not an off
road bike, despite its leggy looks. After the
first few bends I was flicking her from side to
side with abandon. She felt safe and secure,
and the lack of dive compared with many of
these trail style bikes tempts you to try for
more.
Colour schemes are
a subjective thing, and I,
personally, think it looks
better in a sophisticated
single colour but there is
no doubt that the tri
colour scheme is
reminiscent of one of
Honda’s cult bikes, the
Africa Twin, and that’s
not a bad thing at all.
She’s tall and shapely in
my view, with foxy eyes.
So, we love riding
‘Vera’, enjoying the
thumping feel of the
engine and the
confidence she builds,
but my hip joints are old and the seat is hard.
It may be that, like a BMW or Mercedes, the
hardness actually makes the seat more
comfortable for most people over long
distances, but it needs to be considered if
you are thinking of long journeys. I don’t
think you’ll be over concerned, because it’s
wide and fairly flat, but ride the bike to make
sure it suits you. Remember though, you
might be travelling faster than you think on
that wonderful big twin. When I tested it I
was, but that’s another story.
Harry ShawSecretary
Blue Knights England V Chapter
www.blueknightsuk.info
For more information and to arrange a
test ride on the Varadero call
Hunts Motorcycles on
0161-432 1303 or visit
www.huntsmotorcycles.co.uk
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:57 Page 48
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:57 Page 49
50 AUTUMN 2006
OUR FLIGHT AUGUST 2006
At our Oxford rally the first prize in the
raffle was a flight in Bob Beresford’s light
aircraft which Jimmy won so off we go.
Tuesday the 8th August and the morning
arrived bright and sunny. Knowing the hold
ups on the M40, we decided to go on the
bike. Good choice there was so much traffic,
especially when we got near the Marlow exit
where there is a lot of road works going on.
Having got through that lot we arrived at
Denham Aerodrome where Bob was waiting
for us. I thought I would get a break but no
it was straight of the bike and round to the
plane.
I was a bit apprehensive when I saw
how small it was. Once Bob had shown us
round and explained the running of the
plane I was feeling much better. I think it
was Bob’s talk that calmed me.
Ok, the next step was getting in the
plane and having short legs, Bob and
Jimmy had to give me a push up. Bob then
stowed me in the back seat where I found it
to be most comfortable, I think I am going to
like it.
Having got Jimmy and himself settled in
we were given earphones to put on so we
could understand all that was going on. It
was great we could hear Bob talking and
getting instructions from the Flight controller
Well here we go, off to the runway it
looked like we were going on grass, very
bumpy, but all at once a concrete runway
appeared and as I turned to look out I found
that we were already in the air and I did not
even know.
We’re up! Oh boy this is great! Bob said
it was just like being in a car and he was
right.
He took us all round the Thames Valley
area where he pointed out lots of places, we
could see Didcot power station, Henley,
Marlow, High Wycombe and lots more.
Jimmy was busy using his video camera
and I had the camera as well. I found the
flight to be exhilarating it felt wonderful, I
want to go again if I get the
chance.
It was over all too soon.
We would like to say a very big
thank you to Bob for his
generosity it was great
Betty & Jimmy
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:57 Page 50
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:58 Page 51
52 AUTUMN 2006
NNNNEEWWEEWW DDDDIISSCCOOUUNNTTIISSCCOOUUNNTT SSSSUUPPPPLLIIEERRSSUUPPPPLLIIEERRSS
JUNCTION 33 DYNO CENTRE
Unit 18, Smith Green Depot,
Stoney Lane, Galgate,
Lancaster LA2 0PX
Tel: 01524 751999
Website:
http://www.junction-33.com
10% discount on all dyno work and
bigger discounts on performance
parts
CONSUMABULBS
High Bank, 14 Marlpit Lane,
Redditch B97 5AN
Tel No: 0800 634 9830
Website: www.consumabulbs.com
10% discount to members
WWW.BIKESPAREFINDER.CO.UK
Website:
www.bikesparefinder.co.uk
We are a new service which allows
people to reach hundreds of
breakers with their part request
almost instantly for free.
HONDA OF BOURNEMOUTH
5b Leyland Road, Poole,
Dorset BH12 5HB.
Tel: 01202 541220
Email:
Website:
www.hondaofbournemouth.co.uk
10% discount in person or refund
of shipping costs
(UK Mainland only)
for online orders.
Please quote your membership
number and
Discount Code: 270706
TYRESONLINE.NET
Unit 14 Mainstream Way,
Saltley, Birmingham
B7 4SN
Tel No. 0845 260 1600
Website:
www.tyresonline.net
Discount to members.
Quote code TCB0022
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:58 Page 52
AUTUMN 2006 53
LEBARI BED & BREAKFAST
48 rue Jules Ferry,
43250 Ste Florine,
France.
Tel No: 00 33 (0) 47 35 44 781
Website: www.lebaribb.com
Spectacular Bed & Breakfast
situated in the small town of
Ste Florine, central to the stunning
Auvergne region of France.
Offering comfortable accomosation
with ensuite facilities.
10% discount on room rates with a
valid membership Card.
QUILL EXHAUSTS
Unit 18, Golborne Enterprise Park,
Kidglove Road, Golborne,
Warrington WA3 3DP
Tel No. 01942 721 744
Website: www.quillexhausts.com
10% discount on Quill Performance
Exhausts for members.
Always quote HOC2006
COTSWOLD OUTDOOR LTD
Website:
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com
Up to 25% Discount to members
MAISON TAUPE B&B
Peter and Barbara Russell,
Maison Taupe,
Les Tuilières, 87150,
Oradour-sur-Vayres,
France.
Tel No: 00 33 5 55 78 66 45
Email: [email protected]
Website:
www.maisontaupe.com
10% discount on daily rates
(min 2 nights)
or the 7th night free
for a booking for 7 nights or more,
(accommodation only)
On production of a valid
membership card.
A Bed & Breakfast for bikers by
bikers with bikers in mind
Businessess which offer a
discount to members can be
listed free of charge in the
Members Discount section of
Golden Wing. In addition, if you
have a web site, we will provide a
free link from the HOC website
www.hoc.org.uk.
Please contact Erica Gassor,
Advertising Co-ordinator on the
details shown on page 1.
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:58 Page 53
54 AUTUMN 2006
ALL CHANGE!
What a difference a few races make!
Why do those who were surging ahead at
one stage suddenly find their machines are
not quite performing as well – or is it the
riders? An intriguing situation which makes
the championship so exciting, and keeps
the fans attending the meetings or glued to
the TV coverage!
There are obviously many factors that
affect the results, tyres, weather, set up,
fitness of the riders but the differences in
performances and results throughout the
season is drastic – it is a fascinating world of
challenge and change and so entertaining.
With Lavilla now showing some of his
early season form and Haslam just ahead in
the championship, Kiyonari (Honda) has a
tough task ahead in third place, I would not
place a bet on who will hold the BSB title for
2006!
Again, in the GP’s, Rossi’s Yamaha
performance problems has left the
championship wide open with Haydon
(Honda) leading but Pedrossa (Honda),
Rossi and Melandri (Honda) still in
contention.
The 250’s, which so often has equally
good racing, currently has an interesting
chase to the championship with only a few
points separating Lorenzo and Dovizioso
(Honda), whilst it is only Bautista in the
125’s who looks like he has something of a
comfortable lead.
Perhaps, if I was a betting person, I
would risk a bet on Bautista and also one on
the WSB’s with Bayliss having a fairly good
lead over the battling Haga and Toseland
(Honda).
I do however think that the best bet is to
just enjoy the cut and thrust of the racing,
keep cheering our Honda guys and
congratulate the winners at the end of the
season after what will be some well fought
battles!
Regrettably the close of the season is
approaching far too quickly, with rumours of
moves and changes in riders and teams
running rife – who will end up where next
year? Another interesting topic of
conversation and one on which I would
definitely never bet as there is no such thing
as certainty where large organisations and
money is concerned.
The Stiggette
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:58 Page 54
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:58 Page 55
56 AUTUMN 2006
BBBBRROOOOKKLLAANNDDSSRROOOOKKLLAANNDDSSReport From the HOC Open Day
After a rather chilly week Steve and his
merry crew (Maureen, Lorrie, Eileen, and
Malcolm) were glad that Sunday was bright
and amazingly warm and dry!! Especially as
they all turned up to set up the show at
about 8.30am.
By midday there were a good number of
bikes and people and a relaxed buzz
around the Brooklands clubhouse. Most
classes had a respectable number of
entrants and there were some unusual and
in some cases unique bikes on show.
My personal favourites were;
• the mini sidecar outfit – based
around a 50cc engine and built by
Carl Webb’s dad. Carl’s son looked
quite at home on it! I do have a
contact number if anyone has any
questions that they would like to ask
about it.
• The yellow ‘spider’mini chop – for
sale at only £995!!!
• The Gold wing with the ‘landing
gear’ – first one I’ve seen anyway.
Kits are apparently available from
the jolly old USofA.
The judging of the concourse was
judged by Graham Gull, Tony Eldridge and
Dave Barton and prizes presented by Trevor
Thompson with some assistance from
Dibble.
I’m sure that we would all like to thank
Steve and Maureen and their solid crew of
helpers for organising this event over the
last 5 years. Steve was assisted with this
year’s event by Stan & Nathan from Honda
UK – who kept him going with little gifts of
sweets, ice cream and water.
Steve would like to thank the West
London Crew, Stan, Nathan,Helen and
Lindsey from Honda UK and Donna from
Brooklands for all their help. He has enjoyed
organising the last 5 events but feels that it
is time to move on.
Steve worked really hard to make the
event a success – but has now decided that
it should be held somewhere different in
order to provide a fresh venue and fresh
ideas. He was a little disappointed that this
year’s event attracted fewer bikes than last
year (about 140 bikes) but seemed to be
happy that most people were enjoying
themselves.
So – suggestions for next year?????
Jude
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:58 Page 56
AUTUMN 2006 57
RESULTS
CLASS A PRE 1980
1st Glen Warby - CBX1000A2nd Alan Rutterford - CB750/4
3rd Colin Nicholls - CB92
CLASS B 1981 – 1990
1st K.Dare - XBR5002nd Dave Ferns - CBX1000A
3rd Bill Sutton - CB350
CLASS C 1991 – 2000
1st Steve Bevall - VFR7502nd Jim McCulloch - ST1100 Pan Euro
3rd T.Law C90
CLASS D 2001 – 2006
1st Micky Maw - ST1300 Pan Euro2nd Metal Mickey - CB600/F4
3rd G.Peckham - CBF1000
CLASS E - VFR750
1st Peter Casling - VFR750FL2nd D.Hicks - VFR750K3rd E.Baker - VFR FT
CB400F “RICHARD EDELSTEIN” TROPY
1st Jeff Appleyard2nd Flood
3rd Bill Casling
CLASS G - GOLDWING SOLO
1st Clive Perrior - GL10002nd M.G.Wilson - 1500
3rd Mr & Mrs Gardner - GL1000
CLASS H - GOLD WING OUTFIT
1st Tiffany Noy
Brooklands is the
ideal location to hold a
classic event like this,
and I will admit that
although the number
of visitors were down
from last year. The
number of entries to
the Pride Competition
was more than
doubled, proving that
a large number of you
do show a great deal
of pride in your
machine. So full credit where credit is due
and I was amazed by some of thje
machines on display.
1978 CBX1000A (Glen Warly), 1972
CB750K1 ( Alan Butterford) and 1961 CB92
(Colin Nicholls)
When you see machines like these, time
just seems to stand still as they all look as
good or better than new. Also, all three
machines were ridden to the event which to
my mind makes riding them with pride
rather special.
It was nice to see Trev Thompson, Tony
Eldridge, Graham Gull and Andy Dibble take
the control of presenting the awards and
Tony bringing two machines for display. In
fact Tony’s 1966 CB450 looked brand new,
complete with it’s Craven panniers ready for
the 1966 I.O.M TT.
On the day it was a great event so many
thanks to everyone who helped and I now
look forward to next year when we can all
show off the HOC and take pride in what we
are doing.
Dave BartonClassic Secretary
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:58 Page 57
58 AUTUMN 2006
OFF ROAD!
"Encouraged by the feedback received
from my last report, I've decided to put pen
to paper (well, fingers to keyboard at
least...) for your enjoyment..
A small group attended the Geraint
Jones - "Yamaha off road
experience/enduro school" near Llanidloes
in mid Wales. The group consisted of a
variety of talent from reasonably regular off-
road riders through to complete off-road
novices. Geraint is a 10 times British
champion enduro rider and it seems the
whole Jones family are very talented riders!
I guess having a hundred or so acres of the
Hafren forest at the end of the garden helps
with practice.
The day started off with a power
breakfast of bacon and eggs before
admiring the lashing rain and travelling up to
the farm at Old Hall. We then met the other
attendees (making a total of around 12 + 3
instructors). Everyone got kitted up with all
the equipment supplied (in all sorts of sizes
and shapes). A riders briefing followed with
a description of the day ahead and an
introduction to the range of bikes available.
The bikes range from sedate 125's through
a couple of models of 250 - one slightly
more beginner friendly than the other - and
on to the 450 monster. All the bikes supplied
by Yamaha.
The day also caters for riders that want
to bring their own bikes which a couple in
the group did.
Off we go!!
The chief instructor for the day was
Dylan Jones (who is currently competing in
the World enduro championship) with John
following up at the rear. After a trail ride
across the farm, we arrived at the Hafren
forest. A fantastic place for dirt bikers. Not
open to the public on motorised vehicles,
the forest is accessible to the Jones family
only but is occasionally opened up to the
Hafren dirt bike club and hence the enduro
riding public, courtesy of the forestry
commission that own the land.
Some interesting easy trails led us to the
Sweet Lamb motor complex. A gravel
quarry, regularly used for car rallies and
often the base of the Hafren trail bike rally.
This was to be the venue for the next couple
of hours. A track is laid out encompassing
rocks, jumps, berms, gravel, braking and
acceleration bumps, table tops etc. After a
few laps following Dylan to get the hang of
the layout, we're left to our own devices for
a few laps whilst the instructors watch
everyone...
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:58 Page 58
AUTUMN 2006 59
After a few laps we were called in and
given some instruction on body positioning.
Another few laps, followed by some
instruction on cornering techniques and so
on. There were a few amusing crashes in
this time but nobody hurt and only one
motorcycle bent following a failed attempt at
a Travis Pastrana style double backflip.
After what feels like 10 minutes but is in
fact 2 hours, we're off for lunch at the farm
(provided). Don't forget to give Fred the
grumpy hound a bit of your sandwich!!
The afternoon see's us separated into
two groups for the trail ride to the next
training ground. The more adventurous
(stupid?) group going via a faster, more
technical route. Once we meet up again, we
do loops of a whooped out, bermed up
forestry loop - excellent fun, crashing
though huge puddles. Then another trail
ride etc.
A fantastic day out where you can really
let rip safely and spend hours trying to "fill
in" all your mates with water and mud - and
if you time it just right, the slurry from the pit
by the entrance to the farm...
Do it. You won't be disappointed. and
don't worry about the weather - the colder
and wetter, the more memorable it is.
Visit
http://www.yamaha-offroad-experience.co.uk/
for more information or to book!
Whats next?
I've just returned from pit crewing for
four friends at the annual Dawn to Dusk 12
hour enduro where we had two finishers just
outside the top 10. "Team Brat Pack" also
has entries in for the next three Welsh
rallies (Cambrian, Hafren, Dyfi) - two of
these being two day events. If you enjoy
these write up's - please let me know - you
can email me via my website
http://nothing.org.uk/
and if you're feeling flush and want to
hear more, click on the "sponsor" button and
donate something towards my entry in the
2007 Africa Enduro event in aid of Riders for
Health!
Cheers,
Mark HVaradero Forum
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:58 Page 59
60 AUTUMN 2006
THE NEW MOTORCYCLE
YEARBOOK 1The Definitive Annual Guide to all
New Motorcycles Worldwide
Author – Simon de Burton
Once again Alistair Layzell of Layzell
Public Relations called me and asked if we
would like to review a copy of this, the
second Definitive Annual Guide to all New
Motorcycles Worldwide.
Once again the book is crammed with
colour photographs depicting the major new
models to have been released this year. The
book quickly informs that despite its title, it
doesn’t actually contain every new model to
be released, having decided to overlook the
myriad of lightweight copycat designs
coming out or China and India, and
concentrating on their view of the top 100,
and the book is better for it.
Again, the quality of the book was
evident, being the same height but wider
than A4 and having 272 pages, about 100
less than last year. However, the reduction
in content has not reduced the appeal,
although the section on “Key Designers”
which I found most interesting last year
seems to have been the most culled.
Once again this book is as much about
the photographs as it is about the text, with
a good many of the photographs have been
provided by the manufacturers, explaining
both the excellent quality, and in some
cases, the feeling of familiarity. As with The
New Motorcycle Yearbook 1, if you are one
of those who stroll around the NEC show
collecting carrier bags full of brochures, then
this book is certainly for you.
The layout is similar to last year with
Simon’s knowledgeable analysis being of
just the right length to be informative without
being dull. With the key data again limited to
margin notes I was reminded long ago of
days in the playground playing Top Trumps,
and the book has you flicking between
pages comparing which is best.
In addition to the space given to each
bike, there are chapters devoted to “Trends,
Highlights and Predictions”, “Advances in
Engineering”, and “Key Designers” along
with a “Glossary”.
Simon writes with a concise style honed
by his years as a motorcycle journalist, and
is both easy to understand and digestible.
However, I found the new section entitled
“Motorcycling: Grab it While You Can” a little
negative. Whilst Simon points out the
warning signs that are there for us all to see,
I found his assessment somewhat fatalistic,
and would not agree that the end of
motorcycling will come, however far off this
may be.
The fact that the book has been written
rather than compiled is a strength, and
transforms what could so easily be a
reference source into an interesting read.
Perhaps the greatest accolade I can pay
the book is that whilst in the past I have
distributed books to other members to read,
this one is staying firmly on the shelf in my
downstairs loo for those wonderful moments
of enforced solitude!
The New Motorcycle Yearbook 2: The
Definitive Annual Guide to All New
Motorcycles Worldwide, by Simon de
Burton is available from publisher Merrell on
01235 465500 on the 16th October 2006
priced at £24.95 in hardback.
Tim Lee
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:58 Page 60
AUTUMN 2006 61
MMMM....CCCC.... IIII
A range of motorcycle fact sheets are now available online at the Motor Cycle
Industry's website www.mcia.co.uk .
The industry has a strong commitment to providing accurate and up-to date
information to many stakeholders including the riding and non-riding public, the media,
government, educators and other relevant associations.
The MCI annually receives hundreds of enquiries on diverse topics from
straightforward statistical requests to more complicated explanations on legislation.
Based on the most common requirements the team has produced a selection of fact
sheets that will be regularly updated.
Initially, the topics covered are; How to get a licence, safety, clothing, women, young
people, congestion, theft and general motorcycling facts and figures. Coming soon will
be files on mini-bikes, scooters and 'born again' riders.
Craig Carey-Clinch, MCI's Director of Public Affairs said, "The fact sheets are the
ideal resource for people who need comprehensive sources of data and research.
Journalists, the public, teachers, road safety workers and other members of the industry
can access them free from the website www.mcia.co.uk "
The direct link to the website is
http://www.mcia.co.uk/S%5FPublic/scontent.asp?sc=X2
For more information or photos please contact Samantha at the MCI Press Office on
Tel: 02476 250809 Mobile: 07769 681166, email [email protected] . or MCI
Director of Public Affairs Craig Carey-Clinch: 07979 757484 or [email protected]
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or e-mail it to [email protected]
HHOOCCHHOOCCOONNSSUUMMEERROONNSSUUMMEERRCompiled by Mark Clargo - HOConsumer Editor
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:58 Page 61
62 AUTUMN 2006
SUPER-BIKES: RIDING CHALLENGE
Today Black Bean announces the latest addition to its rapidly expanding product
portfolio, Super-Bikes: Riding Challenge from the acclaimed creators of the Superbike
series. The team behind Superbike are back and bringing with them the most realistic
and in depth riding simulation to the PS2 and PC.
Super-bikes has it all, with cutting edge physics, total control over rider movement
and immersive gameplay that puts you right in the seat of some of the most powerful
bikes on the planet. Super-bikes has something to offer all racing fans! Intense rivalries
and superior AI make the game both challenging and rewarding while the graphics,
animation and sheer attention to detail make Super-bikes a visual feast!
“The experience presented in Super-bikes is so close to the real thing that you can
almost smell the tarmac… Most people only dream of riding a superbike now the chance
will be available to all!” said Marco Minoli of Black Bean. “It is very exciting to be working
with a team who have such a pedigree in motorcycle games and it was clear from a very
early stage that Super-bikes was something different and incredibly special”
Milestone who developed the original Superbikes titles in the late 1990’s have been
working hard to create a game that challenges at all levels. With a huge level of
customisation to allow riders of all levels a chance to feel that overwhelming sense of
achievement as they cross the line in first
position!
To date Superbike is still considered
the best riding simulation ever created.
Super-bikes: Riding Challenge is
coming to PC’s and PlayStation 2’s soon!
For further information
Livio Cantagallo
tel: +39 0332 874 329
David Halse
Tel: +44 1372 822 842
BBBBLLLLAAAACCCCKKKK BBBBEEEEAAAANNNN
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AUTUMN 2006 63
FIRST OF THE NEW AMAL TT CARBURETTER RANGELAUNCHED BY BURLEN
Genuine, new AMAL TT carburetters (the famous variants of the throttle- slide bike
carbs originally known by the phrase ‘the carburetters of records and successes’), are
back in production. Salisbury based Burlen Fuel Systems are now manufacturing the
classic TT bike carburetters in addition to the Monobloc 376 and 389 series, and the Pre-
Monobloc 276 series recently introduced.
The first of the range of TT carbs to become available have a bore size of 1 3/16”
with a flange mount directly suitable for the bikes listed below. Burlen are also able to
adapt it for many other bikes with similar mounting requirements. Other bore sizes will
be available when tooling and product development are completed. A hybrid float bowl
as pictured will soon be available or alternatively, a remote float bowl can be supplied.
These units are manufactured in line with the company’s policy of scrupulously
maintaining the original spec except where new materials or manufacturing techniques
allow improvements to be made. Burlen are now the world’s sole manufacturer of an
extensive range of AMAL motorcycle carburetters and spares. The reborn carbs are
produced from the original drawings and new tooling and are faithful reproductions of the
original product.
Price - £375 including Vat (price does not include float bowl
Marketing Director Mark Burnett said “with the start of manufacturing of the TT series
we can now supply almost the full
range of the original AMAL carbs -
which we are happy to build to
customer requirements - and
availability of the attendant spares is
also assured.” Burlen Fuel Systems
are the leading British classic fuel
systems manufacturer in the world
and, as well as the AMAL product,
manufacture the legendary SU
variable venturi classic car
carburetters.
For further information
Mark Burnett,
Burlen Fuel Systems Ltd,
Castle Road, Salisbury,
Wiltshire SP1 3SA.
Tel: 01722 412500,
email [email protected]
BBBBUUUURRRRLLLLEEEENNNN FFFFUUUUEEEELLLL SSSSYYYYSSSSTTTTEEEEMMMMSSSS
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64 AUTUMN 2006
1000TH RIDESAFE BACKSAFE MEMBER ANNOUNCEDRIDESAFE BACKSAFE HAILED AS SUCCESS BY DEDICATED
BIKER
The Ridesafe Backsafe campaign team – part of the Lancashire Partnership for
Road Safety - has announced that it has topped 1000 members since it was launched
just four months ago. Bikers across the North West have signed up at
www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk to join the campaign for safer bikes on our roads.
Mr Michael Shields of Hurn Grove, Chorley was the lucky 1000th new member and
was awarded two free tickets to the British Superbikes Championship Round 9 at Oulton
Park last Sunday (23rd July). Mr Shields – a keen biker for 40 years – registered on the
‘biker’ site after hearing about the campaign at Rivington Bike Meet.
Said Mr Shields: “I wanted to have a look at the website to see what was there.
Modern bikes are so much more powerful now and I think people do need to glean as
much information and experience as possible to stay safe. I had a few crashes when I
was younger, for example taking bends too fast and setting off too early at traffic lights.
I think the website is very user friendly and has some useful information and advice.”
The Ridesafe Backsafe initiative, championed by Lancashire’s own Super Biker John
McGuiness, provides North West bikers with an informal and friendly environment where
they can pick up safety tips and give the benefit of their experience to other, less
experienced riders. Mr Shields was the special guest of the Ridesafe Backsafe team at
Oulton Park and said: “It was a great day and the Ridesafe Backsafe team laid on great
weather! It was good to meet a local legend like John – TT record holder and
Superstocks rider from Morecambe.”
For further information
Lancashire Partnership for
Road Safety Project Team
Chris Gradwell on
Tel: 07816 527497
or
Linda Sanderson
Tel 01772 531940
RRRRIIIIDDDDEEEESSSSAAAAFFFFEEEE BBBBAAAACCCCKKKKSSSSAAAAFFFFEEEE
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AUTUMN 2006 65
TURN YOUR PHONE INTO A SATELLITE NAVIGATION SYSTEMAT YOUR LOCAL ORANGE SHOP
Wayfinder DriveLine the ultimate travel companion provides Bluetooth satellite
navigation that connects to a user’s phone providing voice guided, turn by turn
navigation. Phone Trainers are on hand in Orange shops across the UK to guide
consumers through the simple 4-step Wayfinder download process.
Customers can now get satellite navigation on theirmobile phone for a pound a week
and benefit from the Wayfinder driveLine service which provides users with
• Over 750, 000 UK points of interest
• The most up-to-date information – all UK maps and points of interests updated
every two weeks
• Access to global maps and street level maps in North America and Europe
• Access to future software updates
• In addition to voice guided navigation from the phone
• Options to purchase speed camera location and live traffic information (time
traffic information? Live traffic information?)
Speed Camera Locations
Over 11, 000 speed camera locations, including fixed, mobile (including free standing
and speed traps), traffic light and temporary cameras are updated daily with a
guaranteed 99.9% accuracy of their location. The service is provided to Wayfinder from
Cyclops an authorised supplier of this data who survey all camera sites to confirm their
accuracy.
Wayfinder Driveline is available from Orange shops priced xxx. Customers are then
charged a £1.00 per week subscription fee, exclusive of data costs.
Traffic Information
Live Traffic information is provided in association with Trafficmaster enabling users
to avoid traffic congestion on UK motorways, and trunk roads.
The Launch of Wayfinder driveline reflects the changing needs of the market place
and offers a flexible and cost effective solution to users looking to purchase navigation
services for one month or a lifetime of services from all 292 Orange stores in the UK.
Magnus Nilsson, CEO of Wayfinder comments: “We are forever looking at ways to
develop within an evolving market place. With this in mind, our decision to sell through
Orange stores offers the perfect partnership to bring navigation and travel accessories
direct to the shop floor”.
For further information
Parm Evans, Tricia Taylor or Kay Phelps at The PR Department
[email protected] or [email protected] or
Telephone: 01932 789524
WWWWAAAAYYYYFFFFIIIINNNNDDDDEEEERRRR DDDDRRRRIIIIVVVVEEEELLLLIIIINNNNEEEE
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66 AUTUMN 2006
HHHHAAAAYYYYNNNNEEEESSSS PPPPUUUUBBBBLLLLIIIISSSSHHHHIIIINNNNGGGG
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AUTUMN 2006 67
HHHHAAAAYYYYNNNNEEEESSSS PPPPUUUUBBBBLLLLIIIISSSSHHHHIIIINNNNGGGG
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68 AUTUMN 2006
NYLON WALLET
£4.70
NECK-TECTOR
£7.40
CAP - £7.40
SWEAT SHIRT
£16.90
KEY RING
£2.50
MACHINE BADGE
£2.50
LAPEL BADGE
£2.50
WOOLLY
HAT
£8.90
POLO SHIRTS £14T SHIRTS £10.00 FLEECES £POA
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:59 Page 68
AUTUMN 2006 69
Baseball Caps100% cotton cap with Club logoColours: ROYAL BLUE/RED/BLACKSize: one size fits allCost: £7.40Sweat ShirtPolyester cotton sweatshirt Colours: ROYAL BLUE/NAVY/RED/BLACKSizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLCost: £16.90WalletBlack nylon wallet of good quality to keep notes, coinsCredit cards, and all those precious things.Cost: £4.70FleecesNavy, Black, Forest Green and Red in sizes small to2X LargeCost POAPolo ShirtsHeavier weight polyester cotton, of excellent quality.Colours: ROYAL BLUE/NAVY/RED/BLACK/FOREST GREENSizes: S, M, L, XL, XXLCost: £14
Neck-tectorsKeep out the chill with one of our Neck-tectorsColours: BLACKSize: one size fits all.Cost: £7.40Woolly HatsWoolly hat to keep your head warm.Colours: BLACK & RED onlyCost: £8.90 T-ShirtsCotton T-Shirt with embroidered logo on left BreastColours: BLACK/RED/NAVYSize: S, M, L, XL, XXLCost: £10Machine BadgeCost: £2.50Key RingCost: £2.50Lapel BadgeCost: £ 2.50
Hello every one, just letting you know that I have a few ideas and need a little bit of feedback from the members.
How many people would be interested in a limited run of roll neck tops? I need a provisionalnumber to get a price. Any one interested needs to contact me with an e-mail address or atelephone number. This is so I can let you know the price.
We are also considering doing a range of children’s T-Shirts for family membership’s.We are also looking at ladies fitted T-Shirts and ladies vest tops, I would also like some
feed back on this too.
Please make sure you specify size and colour required clearly. State your membershipnumber, no number, no goods!! Enclose a cheque or postal order made payable to HondaOwners Club GB - but no cash please. Postage and packaging is included in the cost of theitems ordered. Orders accepted subject size, colour, availability. Please make sure youinclude a contact number.
We will do our best to make sure you get your order quickly and efficiently. However someitems may be delayed - you will be informed if this is the case. Item delays will usually occurduring busy periods of the year when we have a high number of orders and low stock e.g justafter the NEC show and near Christmas. Please get your orders in early for Christmas as thistime of year is also a busy time for me.
I work for myself and have limited time to place and chase orders as my own businessmust take priority. Thanks.
Send your orders to:Justin Goddard,
19 Linkfield Avenue, Mountsorrel, Leicester, LE12 7DH�� 0116 230 3277 � [email protected]
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:59 Page 69
70 AUTUMN 2006
MMMMEEMMBBEERRSSEEMMBBEERRSS FFFFRREEEERREEEE AAAADDSSDDSSAdverts must be received by the 1st December for inclusion in the Winter IssueWrite to: Golden Wing, Unit 1B & 5B, Kemps Quay Industrial Park, Quayside Road, Southampton SO18 1BZ
FOR SALE
VF400FD 1986
10,300 miles from new
Nice condition
Family owned for the last nine
years in which it has covered
only 825 miles.
Summer use only
Oil & Filter changed annually
New tyres, chain & pads
Very unusual V4 machine
Not many left
01606 863070£700
Keith Gilby (27585)Reading
VFR750 FT, 1996 N reg
Blue, 21700 miles,
immaculate condition,
Givi rear rack & Baglux tank
cover, Quill T4 road legal
exhaust + original
tail pipe, data tag,
Bridgestone 014's
I'm only the 2nd owner & I've
had bike since 1998.
Family & work
commitments force sale.
£2,200
01235 530884 or
07921 472098
Andy (21571)
Oxfordshire
HONDA CBR 600 F
July 2000 W
12 months MOT
18,400 miles
Data Tool alarm
Good condition
New tyres 1,000 miles ago
£2,600
01189 618240
Geoff Grenter (28215)Reading
Golden Wing Autimn 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:59 Page 70
AUTUMN 2006 71
ADS CAN BE POSTED FREE ON THE CLUB WEBSITE AT
www.hoc.org.uk/forum.html
ADVERTISING
IN MEMBERS FREE ADS
MEMBERS
free all sections
must state membership
number
OTHERS
FOR SALE (BIKES):
£15 1st insertion-
subsequent free
(includes free
membership)
OTHER CATEGORIES:
£3 per insertion
CBR250 2005
Black
Low mileage
Taxed April 07
Oxford heated grips
Fabbri Spitfire screen
Givi Mono Rack & box
£2,700
01903 715541
Sue
West Sussex
NUMBER PLATES
CBR1100XX-Y 2000MODEL
Givi Wingrack for Panniers andTop Box £20
Baglux Tank Cover (Blue)£25 Baglux Tank Bag (Blue) Alpha
expands to 30 litre £25 Very comfy Gel Seat for the long
in the leg £50 Headlight cover to protect your
£350 lens (yellow) £3Avon Azaro 120/60 ZR17 Front
Tyre (part worn), £10 Outbound Rucksack 100ltr
capacity used once £5 All in one Waterproofs Multi
colour, Size Medium £5 Black Leather Jacket Med £10 Black Leather Jacket Small £10
Spada Ladies Textile JacketSmall (black / purple) £15
Moto Line 2pc Leather Suit32"waist, 40"chest (black/ purple)
£30 Ladies size 10 Hudson Leather
Jeans (as new) £10 Clymer service/maintain manual
for VF750F & VF1000F £4 56 x Performance Bikes from Jul
93 to Feb 98 £offer ???
Tel: 01635 847787 or07875 549282
Don Heaver (26238)Thatcham, Berks.
HONDA CB 250 1974
Gold
Scruffy and in need of some
work.
Lots of spares
£100
01223 276280Chris Starling (29601)
Cambridge
ACCESSORIES
A 1500 F
On Retention
Ideal For Goldwing 1500
This registration number is
English and always has
been.
I have since purchased a
1800 Goldwing so its not
the same any more.
£400
Tel: (0034) 952 893 599
Please call and we will
call you back
Bill Allen (29687)Spain
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