golden wing - 2006 winter

Golden Wing Winter 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:37

Winter 2006, Volume 44 No. 4

Editor / DesignerTim Lee

[email protected]

HOConsumer EditorMark Clargo

[email protected]

Diary Co-ordinatorAndy Stryczko

[email protected]

Advertising Co-ordinatorErica Gassor

[email protected]

Thanks to all contributors

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

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

Golden WingHonda Owners Club (GB)

Units 1B & 5BKemps Quay Industrial Park

Quayside RoadSouthampton

SO18 1ADTel/Fax: 023 8022 6045

Web Page: www.hoc.org.uk

Spring IssueCopy Date 1st March 2007

Published by end of March 2007

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Editor Says . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Kicking Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Helping Out in 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Membership Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11The View Over the Bars . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Caption Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Honda, The Background . . . . . . . . . . . . .14iHOC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Barry’s Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Classic Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Down Your Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Reports from: Cambridge, Bristol, Bedfordshire, Eastern,

East Midlands, NESS, Lakes & Coast, Manx Offshore,

Northants & MK, Manchester, Solent, Northumbria, Oxford,

South Wales, Three Shires, Varadero, West London, West

Yorks, Wiltshire

Racing Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66Soapbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68Greenwood Mini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70New Discount Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . .74HOConsumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75Members Competion (win a DVD) . . . . .77Members Free Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78Members Discounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80

PLACES TO GO & THINGS TO DO

Devon & Somerset Camping Weekend .16Bedfordshire Clappers Rally . . . . . . . . . .26East Midlands Rally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33East Midlands Poker Run . . . . . . . . . . . .34Diary Dates centre pagesSolent Rally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48Wiltshire Rally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

FRONT COVER

The front cover of this issue shows members of the

Oxford Branch at the Devon & Somerset Week-End at

St. Ives

Golden Wing Winter 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:37

WINTER 2006 1

AGM WHAT A NICE DAY?

If you were not there then you missedone of the best meetings of its kind in therecent history of the club. We were theguests of Honda UK at their technicaltraining institute at Poyle. Such is the shift inemphasis at the ‘Big H’ that the ManagingDirector UK, Ken Keir opened the meetingwith a warm welcome to us. Phrases suchas ‘customer experience comes before andafter motorcycle exchange’ were the themeof his introduction. The business of themeeting has been published in the monthlymailout to the branches and is available onrequest from the secretary or myself.

Following the formal meeting, we wereinvited to view and climb all over the 2007range on display in the technician trainingarea, alongside cars and boats all for us toview closely. Technicians were on hand toanswer any questions members had aboutany of the range of products, and lunch wasprovided. LUNCH I say, it was a 5* buffetthat beat the members as there was plentyof fresh bread, salads, smoked salmon andtrout, cold meats, cheeses and fresh fruit. Itwas enough to feed us all and very tasty.

Honda have offered us the use of othersuch venues for future meetings and I hopewe will continue to be welcome. Just to sayhere thank you to Michelle and hercolleagues at Honda UK it was a nice daydespite the weather.

COMMUNICATION IS AWONDERFUL THING!

I make no apologies for repeating this;‘Golden Wing is the only communicationthat is set to get to every member and isonly out quarterly. So by the time you get ityou are reading history or long term futureplans. Also, we occasionally get offers thatare at short notice and it would be good tobe able to pass this information on to you.’

Since the last magazine very few of youhave taken up the offer of being keptinformed via email of fresh developments inthe HOC. This is either an oversight on thepart of many of you or a state of blissfulunawareness about how things change andmove on in short space of time. So, I am

repeating this invitation to take part in beingkept informed about the HOC and ask yousend me a quick email and I can theninclude you in the circulation of news as itarrives. This would be a wholly HOC runthing so not a spam site and of benefit to all.So can I ask that if you are interested yousend an email to [email protected] I will get things started. Any email fromthe HOC should have HOC in the subjectbar when sent out so you know from whereit came.

WHAT’S COMING UP?

Well by the time you read this themanagement will have had their Decembermeeting and penned many events onto the‘fixed’ diary for 2007. They will include theAlly Pally show in January at which we aretrying our first exhibit for this venue. TheBristol and West classic show in February,where Ian and others will be showing ourface. The National Bike Safe at theCheltenham racecourse is on 31st March –1st April. Then we have the run of ralliesthrough May, June and July and there aresome new organisers amongst these sochanges are very likely in the eventsthemselves. Not to forget that May has theBMF show which Cambridge are running forthe second year. In August, Oxford branchhave volunteered to organise a rally and theHOC bike show. A new central venue for thisevent moving away from Brooklands andgiving Steve and the West London team abreak.

The National Rally is being organised byThree Shires and West Yorkshire branchesand details will I am sure soon be posted.We already have the date for 2007 NECshow, being the 22nd November to the 2ndof December.

Apart from these events all branches willorganising their own day trips, holidays andsocial events. Why not make 2007 thereyear you get really involved and get along tosome if not all these events. There’s achallenge for you.

To misquote a famous advert “Thefuture’s bright, the futures’ HOC” having agood festive season and New Year letsmake 2007 a year to remember for the goodthings.

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

Golden Wing Winter 2006.qxp 20/03/2007 08:37 Page 1

PresidentTrevor Thompson

Vice PresidentsDave Barton,Tony Eldridge,Graham Gull

ChairmanAndy ‘Dibble’ Young

1 Severn Way, Kettering,Northants. NN16 9H

�� 01536 412086 � [email protected]

General SecretaryMark Clargo

9 Hendred WayAbingdon Oxon OX14 2AN


Membership SecretaryGraham Gull

61 Vicarage RoadWare SG12 7BE

� [email protected]

Public Relations OfficeRoy Edwards

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

Saddle Sore Shield Co-ordinatorStephen Davenport


Display Materials Co-ordinatorChris Wright

16 Auckland RoadMexborough S64 0AN


Regalia Co-ordinatorJustin Goddard,

19 Linkfield Avenue,Mountsorrel, Leicester, LE12 7DH

�� 0116 230 3277 � [email protected]

TreasurerDebbie Millard20 Tilden Close

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

WebmasterAndy (Stritchy) Stryczko� [email protected]

BMF Liaison OfficerJim Peel-Cross

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

Classic SecretaryDave Barton

53 Northlands Road, TottonSouthampton. S040 3HA

2 WINTER 2006

MONEY!The club as reported at the AGM are

spending money faster than we gather it a

situation that has to be reversed. Erica

Gassor has almost single-handedly

revamped our advertising income network

for which she was awarded the Alan

Augustine Trophy. The website is generating

a small steady income from advertising links

we provide. However the clubs finances are

almost entirely based on membership and

renewal of that.

Three years ago we raised membership

rates to the current level but it is becoming

apparent that if we are to continue doing

what we do then an increase is likely. How

and when that is done is subject to the next

AGM. The proposed rates will be made

known before hand. There will be incentives

for existing members a for instance in

example would be if you sign up to the direct

debit scheme now then we will freeze the

rate for a period of time. We would do this as

it allows us to have knowledge of planned

income for the next financial term.

Regalia has been slow moving in fact it

has stopped still most of this year. So we are

changing the line to simple range of T shirts

and a few accessories to start of with. Watch

out for these and when available get your

orders in fast. Initial stocks will be limited.

Lastly if you know of anyone who has a

service that other members might benefit

from then get them to tell us about it in the

magazine and on the website. A small advert

is free a prospect of scoring 16000+ hits

each year for a small fee must appeal to

some business people out there. Our rates

are cheap and we like to tell people about

those who help our members.

Ride on but most of all ride safe

Dibble


entmpson

dentston,dge,Gull

anYoung

Kettering,NN16 [email protected]

cretaryrgoWay

OX14 [email protected]

SecretaryGull

Road7BE

@hoc.org.uk

ns OfficeardsMowbray. LE13 [email protected]

d [email protected]

Co-ordinatorghtRoad

S64 [email protected]

rdinatordard,venue,er, LE12 7DH [email protected]

rerlard

CloseKent TN26 [email protected]

sterStryczkoc.org.uk

Officerrossavan Parkh SN8 4JF64680

cretarytonoad, TottonS040 3HA

WINTER 2006 3

EEEEDDIITTOORRDDIITTOORR SSSSAAYYSSAAYYSS ........A happy new year to one and all, and my

very sincere apologies for this issue of themagazine being late.

The reason for this is, for me personallya very happy one. December this year hadbeen planned with military precision, withthe first three weekends being set aside forthe production of the magazine. The latterhalf of December was due to see the birth ofmy son Samuel by planned caesarean onthe 20th. Having three school age childrenalready, I had forgone my annual trip to theNEC for three days this year to make surethat I had sufficient spare days available tofacilitate the watching of school nativitiesetc, as “mum” was unlikely to be able to.

All plans were off, as Samuel decidedhe wanted to arrive well in time forChristmas, and was born by emergencycaesarean on the 11th December. As theplanned caesarean was going to be twoweeks before his due date, this meant heactually arrived a month early, but was stilla good weight at 6lb 4oz. As with many newbabies, especially those that are early, hearrived a little jaundiced, and as it wasMandy’s fourth caesarean, both wererequired to remain in hospital for a week.

The result of this was that for the twoweeks prior to Christmas I became mum aswell as dad, and chief hospital visitor aswell. Even when Mandy arrived home shewas very stiff and sore and unable to doanything other than hobble. I am quitepleased to say that everything ran likeclockwork, with children fed and watered,home-work done and laundry andhousework kept up with. However, I have toadmit that the two other boys were not soenamoured with “Daddy’s Rules”, as thismeant eating meals at the table, going tobed on time with the lights out and having towash properly. Unfortunately, the one thingwhich didn’t get done was Golden Wing, butI can safely say this is not a reason whichwill be repeated in the future!

Moving on, I would like to echo Dibbles’thanks to Honda UK for what was withoutdoubt the best AGM we have had for a verylong time. Honda UK could not have gone

to any moretrouble, even ifthey hadwanted to,and we weremade to feelv e r yw e l c o m eand valuedi n d e e d .Thank youHonda UK.

In thisissue weare happy towelcome a number of newadvertisers, including two who are alsomembers. The first of these is the advert forArmlock on page 37, which looks to be anexcellent idea, and much better than faffingaround trying to thread chains throughwheels etc. The second on page 39 is fromNew Law, who specialise in legal servicesfor bikers. The principle solicitor at New Lawis John Measures, a long time member andprevious branch chairman with HOC. NewLaw have kindly offered a £100 donation toclub funds for every case in which they areinstructed to act on behalf of a member.

Finally, I would like to offer my thanks toall those who have sent in articles andphotos throughout the year, please keepthem coming. Many people have mentionedthat they would like to write an article, butfeel their writing skills fall short of what isrequired. Please write it anyway; mostpeople are far better writers than they givethemselves credit for, and we will gothrough and edit where necessary. If yousend in an article and it doesn’t appear inthe next edition, it simply means that therewas not enough space, and it will appear ina future edition

Keep it tidy!

Tim


4 WINTER 2006

GET WELL SOON DEBBIEDebbie Millard, the Honda Owners Club Treasurer,

suffered a serious stroke on New Years Eve. Although

the early diagnosis was not encouraging, Debbie is

showing that she is putting up an incredible fight and is

already making better progress than was thought

possible.

The membership sends it's love and best wishes to

Debbie, Darren and family and hope that she will be

fully recovered as soon as possible. If you would like

to offer your own good wishes, please leave a message on the forum at

http://www.atfreeforum.com/hoc/viewtopic.php?t=192&mforum=hoc

or go to the hoc home page at www.hoc.org.uk and follow the links.

All messages on the forum will be printed off and given to debbie.

Darren has asked that if anyone wishes to send get well cards, please could

they send them to their house and not the hospital. The address can be found

on page two.

For the meantime, please direct all enquiries for the Treasurer to me or any

other member of the Executive Committee

Andy “Dibble” YoungHonda Owners Club (GB) Chairman

IIssllee ooff MMaann AAccccoommmmooddaattiioonn

HOC Members Karen Angela & John Julian

BALLADANE

7 Castle Mona Avenue

Douglas

Isle of Man

IM2 4EA

01624 629299

07624 406731

e-mail balladane [email protected]

10% Discount on four or more nights, excluding TT fortnight & M.G.P

On production of a valid membership card


WINTER 2006 5

THANKS TO HONDA UK

Dear Tim,

I arrived home on Sunday after the AGMthinking that it was the best one I haveattended, and I have been to a few!

Many thanks are due to Honda and allthe staff at the Honda Institute who made usso welcome.

After the AGM had finished, we wereable to look at and sit on all the motorcyclesthat were going off to the NEC show the nextday, including previously unseen newmodels. We could also look at all the othermotorcycles cars etc that are used by theInstitute for training purposes, andtechnicians were on hand to answer anytechnical questions we may have had.

Yours faithfully

John HancockMember No. 123

I agree John, Honda really did make it anAGM to remember, and those who didn’tmanage to get there really missed out thistime! Ed

CLASSIC BIKE OF THEYEAR

Hi Tim,

I am currently working on the ClassicBike of the Year campaign for Classic Bikemagazine and I am please to announce a1975 Honda CB750 bike has made it to thefinals!

Over the past few months readers havebeen entering their bikes into thecompetition and the 10 finalists have nowbeen picked. The bikes will feature inClassic Bike - January on sale 20thDecember, as well as being displayed at theLondon Motorcycle Show in London on the1st - 4th February.

Voting will commence on 20th Decembervia post or on-line at www.classicbike.co.uk

The mechanics are simple, the bike withthe most votes will win! It would be great ifyou could push this message to yourmembers to ultimately to entice them to votefor their favourite bike. a Honda of course!!

It would be very much appreciated if youcould get back to me with some thoughts onthis.

Kind Regards,

Lauren

There you go Laura, plug given. I knowthat we have put a notice up on the websiteand also in the Monthly Mail Out sent tobranch secretaries, so hopefully you will geta good response. Ed

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

Kicking BackKicking BackLetters for the next issue need to

arrive by 1st March 2007

E-mail to [email protected]

or post to:

Golden Wing,

Units 1B & 5BKemps Quay Industrial Park

Southampton. SO18 1AD


HHeellppiinngg OOuutt aa BBiitt iinn 22000077HHeellppiinngg OOuutt aa BBiitt iinn 22000077

Riding a motorcycle is an

exhilarating experience and one that

cannot be beaten. It is also a very

practical and fun alternative to a car,

which is why more and more people are

taking their motorcycle tests. However,

unlike cars with their airbags and seat

belts, motorcycles and motorcyclists

are more vulnerable and unfortunately

accidents do occur.

Although we do not like to think

about it, many motorcyclists have had

or know of someone who has had an

accident on their bike and is now

paralysed or was lucky to have a ‘near

miss’. The charity Spinal Research

funds vital research into spinal cord

repair and motorcyclists will be one of

the first to benefit from such ground

breaking work.

A common injury that motorcyclists

suffer from is caused when a rider is

thrown hard onto their shoulder, the

force of the fall tears the limb nerve

roots from the spinal cord and, with no

nerve supply, all feeling and movement

is gone. The result is life long paralysis

and numbness in the affected arm,

coupled with chronic, untreatable pain.

Patients describe this pain as a

continuous crushing or burning

sensation that is frequently

accompanied by shooting pains that are

like an electric shock.

Next year we are aiming to begin

clinical trials to repair this damage and

relieve the pain. This would obviously

make a vast difference to the life of

those injured and that of their family.

We are now calling on the motorbike

community to help us raise the money

needed for these and other clinical

trials. We are asking that you or your

Branch organise a ride out or event in

aid of Spinal Research and help us fund

this important project while at the same

time enjoying a great day out on your

motorbike. Alternatively if you have

already organised an event, we would

be really grateful if Spinal Research can

be the beneficiary. We cannot fund this

research that will help motorcyclists

without your support.

To pledge your support or for more

information please contact

Isabel Robinson on

01483 898786 or

[email protected]

Isabel Robinson

I met Isabel at the Motorcycle andScooter Show at the NEC this year, and herenthusiasm and passion for this cause isinfectious. If any Branch are looking for agood cause to support in 2007, please giveIsabel a call and she will be more thanhappy to explain their work to you. Ed

SPINAL RESEARCH

6 WINTER 2006


8 WINTER 2006

MCI TOURS

MCi Tours have been organising tours inEurope for 15 years and they are one of thefew fully bonded motorcycle tour operatorsin the UK. Run by husband and wife teamAlastair & Fionna McFarlane, they organisea whole range of self-guided and escortedtours in Europe and (new for 2007/8)escorted fly-ride holidays to NZ, California,Route 66, Colorado Mountains, GardenRoute in South Africa, Barrier Reef inAustralia and the Canadian RockyMountains.

“We recognise that our clients nowexpect more from us and are willing to travelfurther afield” says Alastair, “ so we have puttogether a whole motorcycle tourprogramme that starts from as little as £199per person for a self-guided four dayBattlefield Tour in northern France. Our

escorted tours include Transylvania (to visitto Dracula’s Castle) and Morocco on roadbikes to the very edge of the Sahara. Wealso run tours with a support vehicle gearedto more difficult terrain in the Alps and thePyrenees”. Looking through the impressive2007 colour brochure there really issomething for everyone. A training tour inthe Ardennes, a package tour to Assen forMotoGp and WSBK, short weekends in theRhine Valley and Champagne Region andthen some really exquisite destination-based touring holidays to Lake Garda,Austria or the UNESCO world heritage citiesof mainland Spain.

Just how do they manage to fit all thisin? Dedication, lots of enthusiasm and agenuine affection for bikes and people. “Thegreat thing about bikes is that there is still agreat feeling of community amongmotorcyclists – you may go on a tour feelingapprehensive but when you get home you

will have a new bunch ofmates.”

“Can I just saycongratulations to Alex andClare who met on our tourand got married a few weeksback?”

You really can and domeet the nicest people on amotorcycle tour...

MCi Tours (Europe) Ltd PO Box 750, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 8GE. Telephone: 0161 941 7149 Fax: 0161 941 2121 Email: [email protected]: mcitours.com

Alex (Blackbird) and Clare (CBR600)


10 WINTER 2006

MCI TOURS, APERSONAL NOTE

You may have read my reports of tourswith MCi tours to Bavaria (1998) and Poland(1999) in previous issues of ‘Golden Wing’,and I have been a regular participant ontheir tours since, going to France andGermany in recent years.

You may wonder why I am promoting acommercial organisation, where we as aclub are perfectly capable of arranging toursto Europe on our own as many branchesdo; see the reports of Erica’s adventures tothe German MotoGP for example. We haveseveral of our own members who ownaccommodation in Europe and specificallyoffer discount to fellow members.

I have been involved with organisingtrips for our own North London Branch overthe years, ranging from day trips to a fullblown fortnight tour of France in 1992.However, organising is the word! Apart fromthe arrangements for overnight stops, thereis also the question of navigation, which Ihave to admit is my speciality. I do not havesuch modern aids as GPS, but rely on papermaps and prior knowledge of routes! Don’tforget the sun rises in the East and sets inthe West, so if you are heading North youneed the sun behind you, providing it is notraining!

Having said that, I do enjoy a break fromall that and let somebody else do thearrangements, so that all I have to do is turnup at the port on the appointed day,everything else is sorted, overnight stops,recommended routes and a day book givingall the information about what to see on theway. With MCi tours you are free to ride withthe group, as was the case for most of thetime on my latest trip to the Dordogne in2006, or just do your own route in your owntime. This year I had two completely freedays from the group. We even had oneparticipant who never rode with the group,we only ever saw him in the evenings at thehotel (even though he was riding aCBR600!) Speaking of accommodation,MCi use a minimum of 3 star hotels andmany of higher grade, with usually a mealincluded which leads to much convivial

conversation as the evening progresses. Obviously these arrangements do not

come cheap. You can do Europe on abudget by using low grade hotels orcamping, but many hotels used haveundercover bike parking and of course, ensuite accommodation. So if you feel likesuperb organisation, hotels in picturesquelocations and a superb crowd of fellowriders, you can’t go wrong with MCi tours. Iwill be going with them to Austria, LakeGarda, Transylvania and the Pyrenees in2007.

Graham Gull.

FOR DETAILS OF MCi tours in 2007,SEE ADVERT ON PAGE 9

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nnnnooootttt ttttoooo GGGGoooollllddddeeeennnn WWWWiiiinnnngggg....

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MMMMEEMMBBEERRSSHHIIPPEEMMBBEERRSSHHIIPP MMMMAATTTTEERRSSAATTTTEERRSS ............WELCOME

Welcome to all our new members who

joined us at the NEC show in the Autumn. I

hope that you join in with club activities to

get the most out of your membership. I know

that some of you have already been along to

your local branch, and have received a

warm welcome.

.

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 DEBITWe have now had the system set up and

in use for the last six months and already we

are well into three figures with the number of

members who has signed up. When you

receive a renewal form, all you need to do is

let me have your bank details and we will do

the rest. You won’t have to worry then about

missing a copy of your ‘Golden Wing’.

There may be a financial incentive to

sign up to Direct Debit – watch his space!

Graham Gull

Membership SecretaryGraham Gull

61 Vicarage RoadWare SG12 7BE

� [email protected]


12 WINTER 2006

General Secretary - Mark Clargo

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

W e l l ,

Christmas is

nearly upon

u s

( p r o b a b l y

over by the

time you

read this),

have you

w r i t t e n

your get-

list yet?

D o n ’ t

f o r g e t ,

you need to have been

good all year to get what you wish for – that

rules me out then! Mr Plod recently caught

me going too quickly! I say Mr Plod, more

accurately one of those mobile revenue

collecting type things. Doh!

In October I started an advance

motorcycling course with the Thames Valley

Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists. No, it’s

nothing to do with getting the speeding

ticket! It’s something I’ve been meaning to

do for years. When I started riding

motorcycles, many moons ago, there was

no such thing as training, we learned

through experience – painful experience

sometimes! Because of this lack of proper

instruction I’ve never really known whether

I’m a good rider or a bad one – no views or

comments here thank you. So when my

local branch secretary arranged an

introductory visit to the Thames Valley IAM

at their monthly meeting in Wokingham, I

jumped at the chance.

Four of us from Oxford went along that

day, and the first thing that struck me was

not only the hundreds of bikes and riders

turning up, but the warm and friendly

welcome that everyone received. After an

introductory talk about the club (there were

about 30 of us newbies that Sunday) we

were paired up and allocated to an observer

for an initial ride out and assessment.

It was a lovely sunny day that October

Sunday, and my observer, Daf, escorted us

through the local country roads, plus some

town work in Reading and a short blast

down the M4. Every now and again we

would stop and Daf would ask us some

questions on how well we thought we were

doing, and give us some pointers and

advice. On our return to Wokingham, we

had a final assessment and a written report

(like being back at school!) with an action

plan included.

I had enjoyed myself and was impressed

with the organization that I signed up that

afternoon. And as a bonus, the club

subscription includes the test fee as well.

I’ve been on six of these observed ride outs

now, and in all weathers. Daf will be putting

me up for the test for my advanced licence

shortly, as soon as I’ve improved on my

theory. My report: Good, but could be better

– there I told you it was like being back at

school!

Ride safe – and keep an eye out for

those pesky cameras!!

Mark


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)

This one caught the attention of many of you, and itwas nice to see some new entries along with those fromthe usual suspects. Some entries could not be printed forreasons of good taste and decency, even though they werevery entertaining.

To claim your prize, please contact Justin Goddard theRegalia Co-ordinator using the datails on page 3. If youemail him, remember to state your size and preferredcolour.

1st Prize: An HOC Club Sweatshirt to:

Les Curtis (29796) with -

Now then, let's see: "Avez-vous un cam chain tensioner pour un 1978 Honda

four hundred quatre?"

2nd Prize: An HOC Club Polo Shirt to:

Carol Tomes (2944) with -“Mmm..the Spanish word for beer has got to be in here somewhere!”

3rd Prize: An HOC Club T Shirt to:

J. Hopkinson (24942) with - “Never could get on with those French letters!!"

Now try this one; Same Rules - Same Prizes

CAPTION COMPETITIONCAPTION COMPETITION

Email entries to [email protected]

My thanks to Alan

Kyle of East Midlands

Branch for this picture

of their Charman

Martin Hartshorne

taken at their Vicars

and tarts weekend last

May


14 WINTER 2006

HONDA .....HONDA .....The BackgroundThe Background

‘Honda’ is an ancient family name in

Japan. It was the name of a feudal lord in

the 15th century from the Mikawa province

in central Japan. The founder of Honda was

Soichiro Honda and it was first and foremost

a maker of motors which of course meant

engines of all types.

Soichiro Honda was born in 1906, the

eldest of nine children of a blacksmith. His

father Gihei Honda fought in the Russo-

Japanese war but when peace came he

turned to repairing bicycles. At the age of

eight, Soichiro’s imagination was fired by

seeing a model T Ford and he was

determined to work with cars. Soichiro’s

work eventually led him to establish the

Honda Technical Research Institute in 1945

which then two years later became the

Honda Motor Company.

Following the expansion of the

Company into the USA and Germany,

Honda UK was established at Chiswick in

1965. After many years of development and

sales, in 1991 Honda split into three groups

- cars, motorbikes and power products as

the sales of its original development, i.e.

motorcycles, had dropped to represent only

10% of Honda’s total sales, cars accounting

for 70% and power products for 20%.

In the 1990’s the UK motorcycle industry

did show a recovery with sales of

motorcycles increasing overall by 10% with

Honda getting the lion’s share. The

CBR900RR was the most popular

motorbike, with the C90 running in second

place (!) and the CBR600F in third.

Including its sales of mopeds, Honda

enjoyed more than 50% of the UK market.

At the recent HOC AGM held at the

Honda Training Institute in Slough, I caught

up with Mark Davies, Honda’s European

Marketing Manager, to find out what was

happening in this current year.

Apart from being great tolook at, what are the mainfeatures of the two newmodels launched this winter?

Well the exciting new

features of the Honda Hornet

are that it has the same

engine as the 600 RR which is

much lighter and it also has an

Alloy Beam frame – more

performance – more

manoverability – more fun!!!!

Added to this it was designed

and made in Italy – hence the

sexy Italian design! A new

range of beautiful colours also

adds to the excitement of the

new model.2007 Hornet (Photo courtesy Honda UK)


WINTER 2006 15

The new 600 RR, which by the way

standards for ‘race replica’, is just that. With

five back to back World Super Sport titles

and four British Supersport titles it is

definitely best in its class and this year it has

been on a very successful diet (o.k. girls I

will try and get the secret!!) and has now

shed 7kg making it more agile. With greater

comfort for the rider and more mid range

power, it is the top of its range on

performance and style.

(for full details and specification look at

http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/)

So when can we try and buy these twonew beauties?

Demo bikes will be with the dealers in

early March and available to buy in April.

Apart from new bikes, what else isHonda UK planning this year?

Honda have had a five year plan to

ensure that all their dealers are exclusively

Honda. As from the 1st of April 2007 all 130

dealers will be solely Honda Agents.

What benefitis this to us, thebike ridingcustomers?

Well, this is to

ensure that you

guys receive the

quality of service

and care which is

important and

only those outlets

who meet the

standards set by

Honda qualify as

dealers. We want

our quality

products to be

sold by quality

dealers who can

give back up and

support to you the customers.

Honda is also concentrating on working

closer with the bike clubs to get to know the

customers better and listen to their views.

So where can we see Honda UK duringthe coming season?

Honda already has a packed calendar,

supporting the British Super Bike races, the

North West, the TT, Motorcross and the

Formula 4 stroke event on the Isle of Wight.

We will also of course be at your Festival of

Honda on the 5th of August and look forward

to meeting as many of you as possible to

have a chat and answer your questions.

Acknowledgement and thanks to Dove

Publishing for extracts from ‘Honda – the UK

Story’ by Eric Dymock (printed by Butler

&Tanner of Frome)

Erica Gassor

2007 600 RR (Photo courtesy Honda UK)


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


Firstly I must apologise for the lack of

updates on the site (what do you mean you

hadn’t noticed!) during November. I moved

house at the end of October and a

combination of BT and poor connections

meant that I wasn’t able to get connected

until nearly the end of November. By the

time that you read this I should have been

able to get things ship-shape again.

One major problem that we had was that

our initial forum supplier going the way of all

flesh and letting us down. It started with the

site getting slower and more difficult to

access, ultimately it stopped altogether. I’m

happy to say that Alan Sharkey, from

Manchester Branch, got another service up-

and-running very quickly. This can be found

at www.atfreeforum.com/hoc

The forum is extremely popular and very

easy to use…………. honest. If you want to

chat with fellow and potential members (it’s

open to non-members as well) please give it

a go.

That’s enough for now, I’ve got some

more decorating to do!

Stritchy


18 WINTER 2006

HOW FAR?

Many of the biker forums have received

an invitation to join a European Cannonball

run for bikes.

This has initiated discussion on long

distance riding. It got me digging among my

papers for the records and notes I made on

my longest run. Reading them bought back

a lot of memories.

I had become interested in long

distance riding through the LDR and IBA

web site and forum (all American)..

These people do prodigious mileage's,

all recorded and witnessed and then they

send them off for ratification and get their

certificate.

How about 30,000 miles in 30 days? Or

100,000 miles a year on one bike. Or 2,250

miles in 24 hours on public roads? Or for

the Iron Butt Rally 10/13,000+ miles in 9

days on anything from a Honda Helix

scooter to a Harley Davidson.

Reading the exploits of these self

confessed fanatical bikers can be

infectious. Once you get past the ‘they must

be mad’, ‘have they nothing better to do?’

‘What do you expect, they are Americans’,

you can be left with a feeling - I wonder

what I could do?

The minimum IBA ride is 1000 miles in

24 hours. Now unless you have become

infected and are prepared to ride 1000

miles just for he sake of it, the opportunity

to ride 1000 miles in 24 hours for a

purpose, does not often arise in he normal

course of events.

But I had a trip to Turkey lined up and

the first leg was from Calais to Bari, Italy. If

I was ever going to do an IBA run, this was

the opportunity.

I left Chelmsford in the early afternoon,

took the ferry to Calais. I got the witness

form signed just after the ferry had docked

then filled up with petrol and got a timed

petrol receipt - it was 19.30 hrs and I was

on my way.

The motorway to Paris was fairly clear

and after Paris it was almost empty. But

more importantly the temperature had gone

up a few degrees and it was a nice evening.

I did not find staying awake a problem

and with my new custom built saddle I was

comfortable and my windscreen kept me

out of the wind. Physically everything was

fine.

I had read that long distance riding

required a strong mental attitude. Those

words started to have a real meaning.

There I was in total darkness except for my

headlight.

Every now and again a brown sign

would advertise an area and its attractions

and I would try to imagine the scene. I did

the usual mental calculations on petrol

consumption and I kept my eye on my

Sigma cycle computer and my average

speed. I played various mind games until

my mind went blank, then I would just stare

into the headlight only to be bought back

into the physical world as the Varadero

started to weave. Then I would ‘play’ with

the weave - I found that with full Givi

luggage and top box, a weave started at

107 mph. I would drop back to a more

reasonable 85 mph.- until, invariably I was

at ‘weave’ speed again.

Stopping for petrol was a pleasure, it

released me from the boredom. But

knowing that time stopped was miles lost, it

was petrol, swig of water, puff of pipe and

on my way again in under 10 minutes. As

part of the documentation every petrol

receipt had to be timed and the mileage

had to be recorded on it.


WINTER 2006 19

So it continued through the night, long

periods of mind games and boredom

interrupted by petrol stops. My first rest stop

was Lyon. There the loo and a coffee was

added to the petrol stop.

When I started off again, there was a

pre-dawn chill in the air that perked me up.

I was heading for the Frejuse tunnel and as

I passed Chambery, I could see the Alps

silhouetted dark against the night sky.

The Frejuse tunnel was approached in

darkness, I could not see beyond the beam

of the headlight. It appeared as number of

giant concrete installations and ramps, it is

like the entrance to some giants castle. The

small wooden toll booth with the ice melt

making everything wet, was an anomaly

that only added to the weirdness of the

place. Then it was into a great dark hole,

that goes on and on and on. - 15 kilometers.

The tunnel had bends and it was like being

in some giant snake as it winds its way

under the Alps. Just as I are thinking, ‘will

this ever end?’ It does, I was emptied out

into brilliant sunshine - dawn in Italy!

This was the reason I had started when

I did, to be greeted by the dawn when I

expected to be getting tired. It did not

disappoint and it had just the effect hoped it

would. A few miles further on I stopped for

breakfast, had a doze for half an hour in the

sunshine and awoke, had another coffee

and was ready for the day.

The ride on the Autostrada across the

plains of Northern Italy was fast and

normally it would be boring, but at least I

could now see the countryside. The ochre

tiled towns and villages sitting on their hills

basking in the sunlight, each one worthy of

a visit, but I could not be seduced from my

single minded task.

My next high point was the sun shining

on the Adriatic. Just North of Rimini, and a

minute later I had completed my 1000

miles. The sight of the Adriatic and the 1000

mile point was worth a stop for coffee and a

bit of a rest. .

I had done my 1000 miles in 16 hours, I

had all my petrol receipts, all I needed now

was a witness to the fact that I was where I

was and my odometer reading. Then I could

find a hotel as I was not due to book onto

the ferry until the next day at 18.00 hrs and

there was only another 370 miles to go.

370 miles, say six hours. It is now 12.30

hrs. I could catch today's ferry and save

myself the cost of an overnight stop. I

booked in at the ferry terminal at 17.30. I got

my witness form signed and boarded the

ferry at 18.00 hours - 22.5 hours 1395 miles

after leaving Calais.

Some 5 weeks later, when I had

returned from my Turkish tip, I came across

all the carefully kept receipts and witness

forms and thought to myself what idiotic

frame of mind had caused me to rush down

through France and Italy.

OK, so I had been carried away by the

tales on the IBA web site. But did I really

need send all the material off to some bloke

in America to have it ratified and recorded?

I think not.

Am I glad I did it? Probably yes. At least

I can now read stories of long distance rides

and think - he/she, must be just be as thick

or thicker than I am. You do not need any

physical ability for an iron butt ride - at least

not on a big comfortable bike. Just the

ability to put your mind into neutral and sit

there!

The next day, the 450 mile ride from

Igoumenitsa to Alexandroupolis, just short

of the Turkish border was a much harder

and more tiring ride - but more enjoyable.

Short rides, with your mind fully in tune

with the physical aspect of riding a bike can

be the sweetest.

Barry Tinson


20 WINTER 2006

Sometimes a manufacturer can make

you Stop, Stand Back and look in Awe!! The

Honda CB750 in 1969 did just that, followed

by the family of inline fours. Then six years

later (1975) Honda released the GL1000

“Gold Wing” in a class all of its own. Water

cooled, overhead cam, flat four with two

cylinders each side. A five speed gearbox

and shaft drive making it the “cream” of

touring motorcycles. This was one very

large machine and the biggest from Honda.

Then turn the clock forward and the Gold

Wing is growing in size and engine capacity.

GL1100 in 1980, GL1200 in 1984 and the

six cylinder GL1500 in 1988. We all thought

in 1975 that the “Gold Wing” was very large,

but if you now placed it next to a 1988 “Gold

Wing” it is very, very small. So the “cream”

has grown in size and “grandeur”. In 1988

the CBR1000F made a very good “sports /

touring” machine, but Honda felt that they

needed a pure tourer to take on the

European manufacturers.

In 1989 Dave Hancock from Honda UK

was given the challenge to design the

ultimate touring machine and spent most of

his time in Germany and Japan; perfection

takes time and money.

We needed a large capacity machine

with a very low center of gravity so that it

could almost be ridden “hands free” across

the continent with ease. London to

Copenhagen, Madrid to

Bratislava, all in one long smooth ride

giving touring perfection.

An 1100cc water-cooled V4 engine

developing 100 bhp at only 7,500 rpm was

the answer. The self contained five speed

gearbox and clutch are held low down on

the right hand side of the engine. The shaft

drive has a spring loaded crush drive that

takes out any harshness from the

transmission. Also, the six gallon fuel tank is

held under the seat, and all this gives the

machine it’s very low weight distribution and

a very silky smooth riding style. On a full

tank you can place the rev counter at under

half engine speed and cruise at about 80

mph, with the “Pan” covering three hundred

miles before she requests fuel, making sure

that you could cover Europe with ease.

The engine was so flexible, with very

large amounts of torque, giving a feeling that

it could pull away from a standstill with a

warm engine in top gear. The frame is built

with a double central tube and engine

support brackets that make it very strong.

The front forks are fully adjustable with anti

dive, and the single rear unit can be set to

any degree of compression and rebound.

There are two quick release side cases

that can carry 35 ltrs of personal effects,

plus a 45 ltr top box as an optional extra.

This provided enough space to carry

everything required for touring. The fairing

kept you dry once you were on the move,

and the high screen kept most of the wind

off your body. Add the almost straight sit up

riding position with a very comfortable seat

and you could carry on touring forever!!

In November 1991 and in aid of

“Children in Need” we challenge “National

Power” to visit EVERY Manned (not

unmanned) Power Station in England,

Scotland and Wales over ONE Weekend !!

Honda ST1100

“Pan European”

1991


WINTER 2006 21

We borrowed twenty motorcycles to

cover the event, and I borrowed two from

Honda UK, being a

CBR1000 and an ST1100. Belstaff

provided “Dry Biker” over suits in Red /

White / Blue with a screen print on the back

“Children in Need” for the twenty riders,

Shell Petroleum picked up all the fuel costs,

and Posthouse gave us all one nights B&B

in a Posthouse Hotel. Little Chef gave us all

free food for two days, The A.A gave us free

cover for any problems and Red Funnel

gave my team free tickets to the Isle of

Wight. So ALL our money went to “Children

in Need”

We all travelled to the National Power

regional office (glass building) in Swindon to

make the start. While we were all traveling

through Andover, car drivers were amazed

to see twenty riders all wearing the same

over suits. One car stopped to look and the

following one piled into him. I looked at the

heap as I passed... dear of dear!!!!

My team of five bikes covered East

Anglia and Kent. I rode the “Pan European”

with

“Little Pam” (my wife) on the back as

navigator with Ken and Joan (BMW)

helping. We were all linked on the intercom

which is a great help. So leaving Swindon

we travelled to

Didcot, Milton

Keynes, Boston,

Cambridge, Norwich,

Ipswich and then

towards London. The

only hiccup was on

the M25 when we

traveled over the top

of the exit that we

needed.... oh dear!!

After a night at

the free Posthouse

Hotel it was off to

Tilbury East to be

followed by Tilbury

West and into the

center of London for

the National Power

HQ near St Pauls.

This was followed by

S h e e r n e s s ,

Sandwich, Tonbridge,

Worthing, Calshot

and last of all West Cowes on the Isle of

Wight. We caught the very last ferry to the

Island with the ferry waiting for us so that we

could return to Southampton. Whilst sat on

the ferry I thought that I was feeling rather

tired as we had just covered 1,800 miles. I

thought at

the time

that I could

sit on the

“Pan” and

do it all

again as

t h e

m a c h i n e

was that

good!!

cont.....


22 WINTER 2006

The

twenty riders

from the New Forest Club achieved the

challenge and eight of us were given

passes to be in the first audience on

“Children in Need” at the BBC studio in

Shepherds Bush.

While queuing to go into the studio I was

next to a group of nurses and they raised

£300 on a three legged pub crawl.... now

why didn’t we think of that ?........bikers...

dear oh dear !! We had all enjoyed the

challenge with all four teams telling stories

about the experience. National Power

said that they would match us pound

for pound up to £5000 in

sponsorship and I gave Sue Cook

a cheque for £18,000.

Two weeks after the event I

purchased a New “Pan

European” and everyone at

the Solent Branch said that I

had made an “Old Man” of me,

and that was fifteen years

ago..... there’s no hope now,is

there !!

I have now owned three

Pan’s as it is my kind of

motorcycle... and now we have the

ST1300..... Let the good times roll.

Dave BartonClassic Secretary


24 WINTER 2006

DDDDOOWWNNOOWWNN YYYYOOUURROOUURR WWWWAAYYAAYYReports from the Branches

First of all I would like to thank Honda

UK for their hospitality at The Honda

Institute in Slough where they hosted the

club AGM. The venue was good; the look

around the bikes and cars was great and the

food excellent. Thanks again, Honda.

Roger H (the General), Richard and

John left the same day as the club AGM to

catch the ferry at Portsmouth to get down to

Spain the see the last MotoGP race of the

season at Valencia. The ferry trip down was

almost as interesting as the racing. They

don’t call it the `Vomit Comet’ for nothing. It

was so rough that not even the bar was

open. Turns out they hit a storm force 11

and were 200 miles off course. The weather

they had was fantastic so they couldn’t

resist texting us all, letting us know how hot

it was. This was on the 1st November which

was the start of the cold snap so you can

imagine that there were a few choice words

banded about.

In November we held our branch AGM

with the usual suspects still on the

committee. We will be getting the diary

together in January.

Also in November we had a night out at

Peterborough dogs. There we were joined

by our friends from the Northants and North

London branches. It wasn’t until we got

there that we found out that Roger and Nina

had sponsored one of the races for the

branch. We even had our photo taken with

the winner (which I never backed. Ho hum).

It was good to see Dave Mitchell again and

I think we managed to get him interested

enough to join the club again.

I hope everyone has a great Christmas

and a happy new year from all of us at the

Cambridge branch.

Safe riding

Bill

CAMBRIDGESecretary: Bill Brown - 01480 382295


Festive greetings from one and all at the

Bristol Branch. Although meetings have

been low key the branch has been ticking

over during these past few months. At our

meeting at the end of November it was

agreed that as from January the branch

meeting will be on the first Sunday of the

month at the Barn, Nailsea near Bristol and

2 weeks later on the Tuesday night at the

Ship Inn, Keynsham.

Plans are well under way for our club

stand at the Bristol Classic show, last year at

the last minute the show organisers

managed to give us a stand on the balcony,

but this year we have a stand in the main

hall, so why not pop along and say hello.

By the time you read this we should

have a full list of runs organised, please

check the events diary on the club website

or contact me for details. As with any

branch all will be welcome to attend any

events or runs we organise.

After 30 years of riding solo bikes I’ll be

fitting a sidecar to one of my bikes so the

minnie me can attend more rallies this year,

he attended 3 rallies last summer his first

when he was just 2 weeks old.

Looks like I’m on bottle duty again, so

better sign off for now.

Ian

Contact: Ian Jefferson 07706 172488BRISTOL


26 WINTER 2006

The Beds Branch AGM at the beginning of

November retained all of the branch officials in

their present posts so it’s business as usual.

(Well, as ‘usual’ as it gets around here

anyway!) We will begin putting together the

runs list for next year this month and we

decided to have another party during the

course of the year, courtesy of some money

bequeathed to us from the estate of our old

mate Ian Turner, so there’s a start.

Our rally (see advert) will be over the

weekend of 25-28th May 2007 at Pulloxhill

where we hope to see all our old friends once

again.

A rather sparse runs list at the end of this

season was bolstered by a few impromptu

Sunday runs organised at short notice on our

meeting nights, taking advantage of the

unseasonably warm weather during the

autumn. Well done to all those involved and

may it continue in the future.

We surrendered the attendance trophy for

the National Rally back to Solent in September

(as expected) but look forward to regaining it

next year. Having signed up for family

membership all I have to do is produce more

children than Tim Lee over the next year and

we’ve got it in the bag…………..

I’d like to thank South Wales branch for

arranging the ride outs at the National. I

couldn’t make the Sunday run but Saturdays

was a cracker, a good day out.

So there we have it, more runs, more

parties and an increase in procreation. Who

says we don’t have fun in Beds (Pun intended).

I’m looking forward to next year already…….

Merry Christmas and a prosperous new

year to everybody. I’m now off to search the

house for a Blackbird sized Christmas parcel.

Graham

BEDFORDSHIRESecretary: Graham Seymour - 01438 357398


WINTER 2006 27

BBBBEEEEDDDDFFFFOOOORRRRDDDDSSSSHHHHIIIIRRRREEEE

HHHHOOOONNNNDDDDAAAA OOOOWWWWNNNNEEEERRRRSSSS CCCCLLLLUUUUBBBB

8888tttthhhh CCCCllllaaaappppppppeeeerrrrssss RRRRaaaallll llllyyyy25th 26th 27th 28th May 2007

at

'The Cross Keys' Public House, Pulloxhill,

Bedfordshireall night toilets & shower / marquee / band Sat night / pub grub / cooked breakfasts / bbq / superb field

BBBBOOOOOOOOKKKKIIIINNNNGGGG FFFFOOOORRRRMMMMName (s)

Address

Postcode Contact Tel No.

Number in Party ( max 4 per booking )

Vehicle ( car / bike / camper etc... )

Registration No

HOC Membership No. Branch

Nights req’d @ £10.00 / pitch / night FRI SAT SUN (please circle) =

Breakfasts required @ £4.50 SAT am 1 2 3 4 =

Breakfasts required @ £4.50 SUN am 1 2 3 4 =

Breakfasts required @ £4.50 MON am 1 2 3 4 =

Buffet Salad Sat night (for bbq) @ £2.00 1 2 3 4 =

Total =

Please return booking form with SAE and payment to:

Helen Spinks, 89 Suncote Avenue, Dunstable, Beds LU6 1BNTel: 01582 607152

Cheques made payable to: HOC BEDFORDHSIRE BRANCH

A detailed map and directions will be returned upon receipt of your booking.

For Admin use only

Cheque No. Amount Sort Code

No. in party Nights Breakfasts required Booking Ref No.


28 WINTER 2006

The Eastern branch

as moved to a new

meeting place. We now

meet at the Black Bull

Inn in Brigg. Hopefully

the move will attract more

members to the branch

meetings.

Martin, Lorrie,

Graham, Sue, Dek and I

went to the BMF Tailend

Rally held at Peterborough

in September and had a

hunt around the stalls for

bargains. They had a go at

follow the leader on the way

home. With a very early

stop for a break at a Little

Chef on the A1. The stop was that early the

BMF Tailend Rally was clearly visible

through a hole in the boundary fence!

It could have been worse as they were

heading South on the A1 instead of North.

They could have been in London before

Graham had realised his mistake!

This was Sue’s first trip to a BMF event

and with Graham is now looking forward to

going camping at the BMF Show in May,

especially now they know it's possible to pop

through the fence to the Little Chef for

breakfast.

The following is Graham’s account of the

run to the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics

Show at Stafford:

We had a fantastic run down on a lovelyCool but Sunny Sunday

Morning. Followed by a nice Bikerbreakfast with a runny chucky egg, (less

soldiers of course), followed by anenjoyable but systematic walk around

the show after meetingup with John & Mick in thePub, and before being put

to the test of a 3.5 hrendurance ride home inthe dark and non-stoptorrential

rain. Needless to saywe got bloody soakedsurging through the largepuddles

and floodedc a r r i a g e w a y s .However, it pumped upthe adrenaline and coldhands & feet were soonforgotten about with a

very satisfying feeling at the endof it when being rubbed down by Sue

with a towel. It's great being a biker,especially when you've got a great old

bike like mine.

I do hope that it’s your GL1100 you’re

referring to Graham?

Eastern members have been to two of

the Sand Races held at Mablethorpe.

These races are very entertaining with more

than 120 riders taking part on assorted

machinery, with the ages of the riders

ranging from 7 to 70 years.

Hopefully with a change of meeting

place to a more accessible location and an

increase in activities we will see a revitalised

Eastern Branch for 2007.

Regards

John

Secretary: John Hewson - 01469 560306EASTERN

CBR 600 with knobblies!


WINTER 2006 29

Honda race boss, Neil Tuxworth

Graham, Martin & Mick

Quads

1964 Honda CB72 racer, yours for £1,995

Martin, Sue & Graham at the beach races

Honda 750 four


30 WINTER 2006

Sunday the 22nd October marked the

end of an era for the East Midlands club. Ian

“Captain” Cooke had already announced

his decision to step down as club secretary

and our AGM on Sunday 22nd October was

the last meeting he attended in that

capacity. Having held the post for six years

Ian will be leaving a big gap. Fortunately he

will remain a member of the club and has

already offered his support & any advice to

his successor.

As chairman the task of searching for a

suitable replacement fell to Martin

Hartshorne. It was during this search that it

became evident to Martin what an

intelligent, talented and modest group of

people the membership are. Fortunately for

Martin he was able to find someone who

possessed none of these attributes and was

in fact naïve and stupid enough to think he

would like to follow Ian’s act and have a go

at the job.

It is as a direct result of this naivety that

I now find myself, in my new capacity as

club secretary, writing our contribution to the

winter Golden Wing.

In deciding what to include I tried to think

of how I would describe the club. Bear in

mind this is the point of view of someone

who is in their second year of membership

but some words that do spring to mind are

active, informal and friendly.

This friendliness and informality has

made it an easy club to join and take part in.

However, it also means that while the July

rally, our September poker run and this

year’s Scottish holiday (which are all

planned well in advance) are well

advertised many of the other events are

arranged and organized informally at and

between our twice monthly Sunday evening

meetings and so are less well advertised.

The 2006 riding season has been

packed and while at the time of writing it is

far from over it is a good time to review the

year. The season kicked off quietly and

slowly back in February with an open day

and some test rides at Planet bikes in

Leicester.

As the temperature increased so did the

activity; the MCN weekend at Butlins saw a

party of us, disguised as Elvis, school kids,

pimps, hippies and lead by a female devil

riding up to Skegness. Daytime

entertainment provided a mix of spectating

and participation opportunities – I was

particularly impressed by the wall of death

and the stunt show. We also had a go at a

couple of the activities and I was surprised

to find how much I enjoyed riding the single

cylinder super motos they had up there –

possible next bike?

The evening entertainment was also

excellent, a favourite for our expedition

leader being the Queen tribute band but for

my wife & I it had to be the Bryan Adams

tribute band.

Easter saw the club organising its own

egg run, going from Ashby over to Coalville

in aid of the Marlene Reid volunteer groups

to help under privileged children . In

addition we also had individual members

take part in the Bottesford and BMF egg

runs. Following on from Easter, but

continuing the charity theme, there was also

a pet food run for a local dog/cat sanctuary

together with a ride out to Belvoir castle in

aid of VISTA, a charity for partially sighted

people.

Many other ride outs followed, with

groups of riders meeting up at the Royal in

Ashby at either 8am or 9am on a Sunday.

Secretary: Tim Reardon – 01827 280200EAST MIDLANDS


WINTER 2006 31

Over the course of the summer these

groups have made their way to Thunder

sprint in Cheshire to watch people throw

their pristine old bikes down a supermarket

car park, to Mablethorpe to watch different

people throw not so pristine bikes down a

beach, up to both Stafford shows on a quest

to find a pristine 1969 CB750 for Micky as

well as over to the RAF museum at Cosford.

July saw twenty five bikes heading up to

Scotland for the annual holiday. This year’s

holiday was organized by Alan Kyle and

was a success. An unfortunate accident on

the ride up to Scotland saw two of our

members spending their holiday minus a

bike and nursing broken bones. Get well

soon Cathy & Ken.

Alan also organized the Club’s May

weekend away to Wales. Again this was a

successful break and thankfully without

incident.

That’s all I wanted to say about our year

except to say thanks to everyone who

attended our poker run. Despite a very wet

Saturday a good turnout of riders & partners

saw the club raising £435 for the county air

ambulance.

Looking forward to upcoming events the

Club’s Christmas party is lined up for 2nd

December and our toy run is planned for

17th December. Club nights over the winter

period will include a Ron Haslam evening

and a guest from Kestral Honda.

Tim

N.E.S.SSecretary: Pete Farnham 07931 906394

As I write this, the festive season is

nearly upon us once more and we have had

the first batch of the dreaded salt sprinkled

in this area so my classic bikes will only

come out on the odd occasion now so it’s

down to the Honda as my main ride through

the winter months.

I would first like to point out that the

NESS group meet at The Quay Theatre in

Sudbury on the fourth Thursday of the

month in the bar area upstairs so please

come along and meet us. We are only a

small group so it would be nice to have

more of you to join us.

We have had some enjoyable ride outs

this year and some of the members did a

cycle ride at Alton Waters.

During the year, we have had a few

people come along to the meetings but do

not come again so I am not sure what

people are expecting but you will only get

out of a club what you are prepared to put

in.

I would like to thank John for his

guidance and support since taking over as

secretary from him and thank you to David

and Robert as the other committee

members as we can not continue without.

I would like to say thank you to the

Manchester branch as I enjoyed my day

with them at the NEC and made some new

friends from various groups who were

helping there.

Have a merry Christmas and a happy

new year to all members of The Honda

Owners Club.

Regards

Pete


34 WINTER 2006

LAKES & COASTSecretary: Mike Bell - 07952 777941

As another year draws to a close, time

to plan for next year, while reflecting on last.

Question; How many of you came to

Bowness-on-Windermere, a premier UK

holiday resort, passing our gate, and not

calling in?

Lakes and Coast is a destination branch

since our membership stretches from

Carlisle to Preston, Appleby to Millom, but

what a middle. “The Most Beautiful Corner

of England”, and I live in its heart!

We have enjoyed many last minutes

ride outs, when I have remembered, I have

emailed those on my list, and some of you

have turned up and enjoyed a wonderful trip

out. We have the usual Lakeland Circular,

Been to Knott End on a Wednesday,

Lytham St Annes on a Monday, for their

usual weekly local meets. Been to Devils,

Hawes and Hartside many times, visited

White Scar Caves in Ingleton.

Also involved in a charity event for the

Air Ambulance at Hartside Café.

I know both Mike and I have had

problems with work and time off at the

week-end’s, but even we don’t work seven

days, if at times it may feel like it!

Next year we are already planning a trip

to Belfast, with overnight sailings from

Fleetwood to Larne, and return. Staying in

hotels, but some of us know the Irish well,

so rates will be very competitive! Want to

know more, contact me.

What else for 2007? We could have

another BBQ, here at home, explore the

Lakes, Dales, Scottish Borders etc which

Mike, I and others often do, BUT if we don’t

hear from you, how do we know? Please

contact us, and enjoy this wonderful area.

Look forward to seeing you soon

Peter. email [email protected]

In May, we tried to complete the “Chase

the Sun”. Starting at Sunrise from Lowestoft

in the East, and finishing on the Dingle

Peninsula in Southern Ireland in the West,

to watch the sun set, all in one day, some

580 miles later.

Unfortunately we missed the 1.30pm

ferry leaving Fishguard in South Wales, pity

really that we did not have Peters

impeccable planning expertise, it was

unfortunately planned by some one else

how did not look at the Ferry tickets to see

what time the ship sailed.

We were put on the back foot with one

of our group falling off his bike, no damage,

only pride hurt, but we generally struggled

from there.

In Ireland again struggling to catch a

local ferry another one of our party hit a wall

with his back wheel and came off, a little

more damage and more hurt pride. The

weather was also against us, it threw it

down with none stop rain on the Saturday

trying to get up to Northern Ireland.

Sunday was much better and actually

saw some of the breath taking scenery on

offer, we went to the Joey Dunlop memorial,

which was fascinating, but unfortunately the

only thing I can remember is the arguing,

shouting and dictation of one member and

the bloody rain. Now you see why we want

to go back in May. See you soon.

Mike [email protected]


36 WINTER 2006

Tim Bartlett, Director of D.M.I. Metaltech

Ltd and HOC member tells us about his

company’s new product Armlock.

The Armlock is a totally new and unique

motorcycle security product which provides

a real alternative to ground anchors and

chains. The Armlock has been specifically

designed to secure the entire motorbike

from theft - not just one of its component

parts - a wheel.

Typical ground-anchor and chain

systems usually only secure a single wheel.

A wheel can be easily and quietly removed.

Once removed the wheel is then left behind

(along with the security device) while the

thieves make off with the rest of the bike,

which they can then break up and sell-off as

higher value single spare-parts. Additionally

some chains and padlocks, if they are

allowed to be in contact with the ground,

have been proven to be easily defeated with

a few quick swift blows of a lump hammer]

The Armlock incorporates a vertical

steel post and keep unit that you concrete

into the ground. You park your motorbike

between the unit adjacent to its seat. You

simply lower the removable curved tubular

steel arm over your motorbike. The curved

arm is then locked to the keep via a fully

shrouded padlock, effectively "clamping"

your entire bike to the ground.

Simple, but effective, only major (and

noisy) dismantling of your bike (or the use of

noisy steel cutting equipment) could result

in the release of the bike from the clamp.

The Armlock is also adjustable in height

(120mm) to suit the differing height of

motorbike seats. So if you change your bike

then you simply re-adjust the keep to suit

your new bike.

Perhaps one of the best features is that

it takes less than a minute to park and

secure your bike.

ARMLOCK


38 WINTER 2006

Secretary: Karen Angela - 01624 629299MANX OFFSHORE

The sun shines, the bike beckons andthe heated gloves are....... O.K. who brokethem. Is it me or does anyone else out thereexpect things you buy to survive being useda dozen times. I have probably worn themabout two dozen times altogether in allhonesty, and John has twice bad to sort theelectrics out as the wiring was so thin itcracked and broke, but this time the clutchglove has stopped working completely. Iwas assured when I bought them at theNBC not to worry if they broke, just sendthem back, but I did expect to get morewear out of them, and I bet there’s a chargefor fixing them. Oops no sorry, the companydoesn’t exist anymore. So, now I’ ll have toput the bike away until I have time to fix thegloves (sorry, John has time to fix thegloves).

I did bring my bike over to the adjacentIsland after Easter in order to attend theWiltshire Rally, the Thundersprint the BMFrally and use it for commuting during TTfortnight, (cheaper then the van).Unfortunately I nodded off on the motorwayen route to the Wiltshire Rally which taughtme I can‘t work 1 6 hour days and attendrallies without some sleep. However I didmanage all the rest. John once again ispushing his luck, he reckons I wouldn’t havefallen asleep if I had a more interesting bikelike a BMW! His punishment will appearwhen he least expects it, as only we womenknow how to exact! He’s still disappointedthat I didn’t come home for TT with a newskill pole dancing. I told him I had to attendthe BMF rally for lessons (he can be sogullible sometimes he was even searchingfor a pole!).

Earlier in the year our branch decided totake the IMC course to become TTmarshals, I would recommend the course toanyone who rides a bike irrespective ofwhether you want to marshal or not We

didn’t manage any marshalling during TT asI had to commute between Douglas andLeeds, I was cream crackered by the end ofthe fortnight suffering from “boat lag”.Meanwhile John had managed to go out onseveral VMCC rally events. We finished offthe festivities by going to a concert at theGaiety Theatre, for those of you who likeblues, watch out for “Back Door Slam” aforce to be reckoned with!

During Manx Grand Prix we finally got tomarshal five out of six practice eveningsand two of the three race days. John didadmit he was a little reluctant to start with,its quite a responsibility, but once he’d doneone session he was hooked. One of thedoctors we met came over from Germanywith her boyfriend for their fortnightsholiday. He was in the air ambulance, shestayed on the ground, I never thought aboutthe medics being unpaid volunteers. Theteam work is absolutely amazing and wewere extremely proud to be a small part ofit, roll on next year.

To you who have organised rallies, Ithank you for giving the rest of us who are alittle undermanned (or is that womanned?)such a wide variety of places to go andpeople to see, so c’mon the rest of youshow some appreciation by turning up, evenif it’s only once a year, you will always bemade welcome, it does you good to let yourhair down, and be yourself.

A big Hi to Jim in Westward Ho, thanksfor your company, and if any members arevisiting the Island please get in touch, thekettle is always on.

M.O.B signing off, be safe, be happy.

Karen


WINTER 2006 39


40 WINTER 2006

That’s it then folks, the end of another

year has come round and once again it’s

time to start looking ahead to a new fresh

season of biking. Already we have sorted

and booked the venue for our Club holiday,

I believe that this will be the tenth year

running that we have had a Branch holiday,

seven of which have been trips across one

sea or another. It’s surprising that what

originally started out as an extended

weekend of camping for half a dozen has

now grown into Chateau accommodation for

twenty plus members that needs to be

arranged nine months before we go in order

to find and reserve something suitable for

our needs.

For those of you that read the last

Branch report, you might like to know that

our man Dan is making progress, if slowly,

following his accident back at the end July.

Another dose of happy gas and the removal

of a stray pin in his leg has helped a little,

however, it looks like it may some time

before he will be able to take to the road on

a bike. News is better on the bike front and

by the time this mag is out he should have

his Wing back in as new condition.. Yet,

despite hobbling around on crutches he has

still managed to add to his collection of

vehicles by finally acquiring the bike he

yearned for most, a Blackbird. Hopefully this

will act as a carrot and speed his recovery

even more.

Congratulations are in order for Stritchy

and Ruth who have not only set up home

together (great house party back in

November) but have blessed this union of

domestic bliss with the addition of a couple

of furry friends; everyone at the branch

wishes them every happiness. It looks like a

very permanent arrangement as Stritchy has

put up a shed in the garden, now that is a

sign of a bloke settling down, pipe and

slippers next on the list.

The award for the most travelled branch

member goes to Tash Mckim, Radars

daughter, who has now returned after being

away for the best part of a year travelling

around Australia. You can be sure that the

purple Hornet will soon be buzzing around

the lanes of Northamptonshire, looming

large in her dads and everyone else’s wing

mirrors.

So, not much else to say right now, look

out for our 2007diary dates either in the next

mag or on our website. The first branch ride

out for 2007 will be on New Years day as

always, thermals for the riders, a coat of

WD40 for the bikes, who shouted “salt”?,

stay snug and warm.

Cheersmedears,

Bri

NORTHANTS & M.KSecretary: Brian Dunn - 01604 404706


WINTER 2006 45


46 WINTER 2006

Well it’s been a good year all round for

the Manchester Branch, we have had a very

successful ride calendar, topping 20

motorcycles out regularly, and plans are well

on the way for next year.

We have bookings for a riding holiday

through Spain and Portugal next

September; places for this trip are already

running short. There are plans to spend

several days’ in Normandy next Easter

visiting various D-Day sites; I have the dates

in mind for this I just need to sort out an

itinery. We also hope to have one or two

overnight stays’ so that we can see a couple

of places that are a bit far to do in a day.

Gary, our rides coordinator, has already

got an outline for next years monthly rides

calendar, so for all those interested keep an

eye on our web site, www.manhoc.co.uk

towards the end of January when dates and

venues should be listed.

One of our members has spent part of

2006 on riding holidays a bit more

adventurous than the norm. He has ridden

on and off road in Morocco, Cambodia and

Norway to name a few. I am hoping to

persuade Phil to write an article on his

adventures to appear in Golden Wing next

year. I am sure that when planning places

to ride a motorcycle on holiday, Cambodia is

not one that readily springs to mind.

For 2007 I am hoping to organise a track

day at Donnington Park for our members

and anyone who would like to join us. I

attended one myself back in July where I got

to take my SP1 out and I have to say it was

an awesome experience. I hope to be able

to arrange the same sort of cost which was

only £120.00 for the day and you did get

quite a lot of track time for that.

If anyone is thinking I don’t have a sports

bike or I’m not into going that fast, it’s really

not a problem. There were four groups at

various stages of ability. I was a novice and

boy was I a novice. The instructors pick you

up, show you the right lines to take and have

no problems talking you through how you

had faired later in the pits.

As our year draws to a close the final run

is a Christmas shopping trip. The last proper

run of the year was 26th November. We met

up at Poplar Services’ on the M6; the

weather had been kind and was the only dry

day predicted in the surrounding few. By the

time all had arrived there were 24 riders, not

too bad for a damp start in November. I think

we had all had the same idea, this was

probably going to be the last proper riding

day for 2006. We got away more or less on

time and had a good run into Wales and up

through the Horse Shoe Pass. The only

problem we had was the sun sitting so low

in the sky, tricky as you all know.

On the up side when we arrived at the

Ponderosa there was still steak and kidney

pie on the dinner menu, any of you that have

had dinner at there will know why this is a

much sort after dish. After all had finished

dinner we set off further into Wales.

Although our Chairman Alan and his wife

Norma made their way home, via the local

farmers shop, it would have been fun seeing

how you get half a lamb into top boxes and

panniers. Mind you if they share the secret I

might have to give it a try.

The sun was behind us now so the final

half of the journey was much easier and

progress was quicker. A good end to a good

day, and a nice rounding off to our riding

calendar year. continued.......

MANCHESTERSecretary: Stephen Davenport - 07970 729384


WINTER 2006 47

As our year draws to a close we have

our final social event for 2006 the Christmas

party. Booked for the 2nd of December, it’s

going to be well attended by nearly all of our

regulars, just short of thirty people. A good

number, I am pleased about as it shows the

future prospects for our club looks quite

rosy.

2006 has been another good year for us

up north, we have old friends, we have

made some new ones, and with luck 2007 is

set to be more of the same.

If you have joined the HOC this year, or

have been a member for a while, if you live

in our area, why not try to make 2007 the

year to not be a stranger. Come along to any

of our meetings or just turn up for a ride out,

all are welcome and will be pleased to see

you. Remember it’s people like you that

make our branch what it has become.

Finally I would like to close with a thank

you to all the members that turn up at our

branch, those who put so much time and

effort into making our club the success it is.

Let’s have more of the same in 2007.

To all at the HOC, Merry Christmas and

a Happy New Year.

Keep it rubber side down.

Steve Davenport

The final quarter of 2006 at Solent went

with a bang, quite literally. The branch were

again the guests of Pan & Dave Irvine for

our annual bonfire and fireworks party. As in

previous years, the organisation was

excellent. Pam laid on a spread which did us

proud, and Dave transformed the

greenhouse into a bar for the evening. The

two Alans, Peace & Stamp that is, took to

the role of “pyrotechnic engineers” with

great enthusiasm; taking refuge in Dave’s

shed between launches. In fact the only

question mark over the whole affair was a

concern before hand that we may be short

of wood for the fire. However, Tom

mentioned that The News, where he works,

had some spare pallets knocking about, and

would Dave like him to sling a couple in his

boot and drop them over on the Saturday.

Dave agreed, but was somewhat shocked to

receive a call from his daughter on the

Saturday along the lines of “Dad, there’s a

huge lorry outside wanting to deliver a load

of pallets. He says you know all about it!”

Needless to say, the scorched trees at the

end of Dave’s garden are testament to the

fact that we had enough wood. The evening

finished with a “finale” which was to say the

least, impressive. Alan Stamp is still being

tight lipped about where he got such big

rockets, but the general consensus was that

we could have used them to launch the

spare pallets into space.

December saw our annual Christmas

run to deliver presents to the old folks home

in and around our area, and this was

followed by our annual Christmas meal

which was to all intents and purposes

another very successful evening.

Looking forward to 2007, our New Forest

Rally is already booked for the 15th – 17th

June, please see advert and diary.

Keep it tidy

Tim

SOLENTSecretary -Tim Lee 023 8025 2113


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50 WINTER 2006

NORTHUMBRIASecretary: Graeme Burrough - 07050 158 381

From the Northumbria Branch, 6 of us

decided earlier in the year to go and ride the

high passes in the South Tyrol of Austria.

Given the task of booking overnight ferries,

hotels (3 in total) and lay all the routes and

rideouts making sure we miss nothing.

Friday came and we set off for the ferry

from Hull – Zebrugge with an overnight stop

in a Novotel in Germany. As Autobahns

were the main road type the journey was

uneventful through to Germany. We left the

Novotel at 9am (great value at just over £25

B&B) bound for Austria. Again onto the

Autobahn for rapid transit across Germany.

We arrived at our Austrian hotel around

4.30pm and were greeted by the local

Tyrolean Oompah band playing their hearts

out!

Monday morning (after a great “eat all

you can” hot & cold breakfast) saw the 4 of

the 6 of us take a ride up to one of the high

glaciers, accessed by a toll road at 10Euros.

At first we thought this was a little expensive

but not only was the Alpine road something

else but at the glacier face, the scenery and

views were magnificent. Perhaps we were

too taken aback by all this

and found time was

slipping away we had to

start and make our way

back to our hotel even

though a second glacier

was planned. Mileage for

this day trip was only

around 130 miles.

Returning to the hotel we

were greeted with

afternoon coffee & cakes

to die for. This was to be

the norm for the rest of the

week!

Day 2 dawned. The

hotel runs organised

motorcycle tour guides to take you out and

show you the best routes, views, attractions

etc. Unfortunately our guide Klaus, was not

available so regular guest, Roland, offered

to take us riding his BMW GS1150. The ride

planned was to go to King Ludwig’s castle

Neuschwanstein of which Disney based the

one in Florida. On the way to the castle it

was decided to stop at the Zugspitze,

Germany’s highest mountain. The access

was via cable car at around £22 each but

the ride was out of this world. This is the first

time I’ve been in a cable car that goes

nearly vertical!! Once at the top you

overlook southern Bavaria and most of the

Tyrol and Alps – Stunning is an 8-letter word

only because I can’t spell the one Julie

Andrews used! Leaving the mountain the

castle was only a brief ride away.

Approaching the castle, it was smaller than

expected but still amazing. A bus ticket

purchased to take you to the castle followed

by the tour saw the day complete. The day

was long, hot and tiring but we still made the

cake and coffee on return.

Ludwigs Castle


52 WINTER 2006

Day 3 saw myself lead the

group up the high passes to Timmelsjoch,

Europe’s highest border crossing but again

via a toll road - charged at 11 euros 1 way

or 13 euros return. We were only going the

one-way so single tickets purchased. Again

the views, road surfaces and curves were of

A1 quality. Pee stops sorted together with

photos at the border with Italy then off down

the other side for lunch. We were advised to

use a little pizzeria at the bottom of the pass

but couldn’t find it so another watering hole

was used. The next pass was to be the

Jauffen, a little more technical and certainly

with steeper drops over the side. At this

point we found out that Jan didn’t have a

good head for heights and was having

severe reaction to the near vertical drops we

were riding close to. A stop at the top

enabled her to calm herself for a less

worrying decent through to be Brenner

pass, one of the most expensively

constructed piece of road you’re ever likely

to encounter.

Returning to the hotel via some

“interesting” back roads that became very

narrow and very steep we arrived too late

for the coffee & cake, much to the

annoyance of George. We even had a trip

on the tolled motorway (but had not

purchased vignettes) in error, only to be

given the evil eye by the local police

complete with speed camera in hand!

As the last day was tomorrow, I had

decided to keep the best to last, the Stelvio!!

Stelvio is best known name but is in fact the

Italian name with the Austrian name being

Stiffersjoch. Jan was advised that this pass

would not be suitable for her and her

vertigo, so Roland our guide stepped in with

an alternative route that she could take.

Roland was to be our guide for the Stelvio

and seeing him ride was amazing. He

would ride ahead, turn rearward and take

photos of our group all while riding round

hairpins with sheer drops! Now you may

think you can ride but believe me, the locals

here will pi** all over you so don’t ever think

about taking them on.

We arrived at the summit having

conquered all 66 hairpins on the ascent,

taking a snack at the Tibet restaurant at the

top. The views at this point have to be one

of the best you’re ever likely to get from

riding a motorcycle. The descent on the

south side is equally impressive but a little

gentler. From here we headed to Livigno, a

tax haven with petrol at 42 pence a litre!

Refuelled (of course) we set out to ride

around the reservoir then enter one of the

strangest tunnels around (toll 7 euros) it is

single carriageway with traffic lights.


WINTER 2006 53

Hoping no-one jumped the

lights we proceeded with

caution into nearly 2 miles of

darkness. Daylight soon was

with us again and the roads

were winding and twisting

through heavy woodland on

roads we could never have in

the UK. A coffee stop at a local

hotel with spectacular views

refreshed us for the final ride

back to our hotel. Walking back

to the bikes, we thought the

coffees had been spiked with

some visionary drug. Coming

towards us were 4 llamas! Photos taken it

was onto the bikes. Problem! Roland had

lost his keys upon returning to his bike and

after some 20 minutes scouring the area

they were found. Where? In his pocket!!

Friday saw us all packed and not

wanting to leave but needs must, farewells

kisses and hand shakes over we headed for

home with an overnight stop in Germany

again. The hotel was booked between Trier

and the Luxembourg border but directions

were not good even with G.P.S. We ended

up in some deserted stately home being

only 300 yards from our proper hotel. A

good hotel, but a little too remote to be used

again. Booked in and fed and watered we

retired early as the week was catching up

with us all. Leaving in the morning for our

final run of 240 miles to Zebrugge and the

ferry back to Hull.

For anyone interested:

Ferry £108pp return inc cabin

Novotel Hotel £25 B&B

Austria Hotel £41 Half Board

Trier Hotel £35 Half Board

Tolls £20 approx

I will be leading this tour again in

October 2007 – interested then ask for

details, soon as please.

Dates 3 October – 14 October 2007

Graeme BurroughBranch Secretary

H.O.C. Northumbria

Voda 07050 158 381

S.M.S. 07766 493 811

Branch Secretaries:

The deadline for the next Golden Wing is;

1s1st Mart Marcch 200h 20077

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


54 WINTER 2006

Hey ho – here’s to the end of another

excellent year at the Oxford Branch.

Our AGM was held in November, with

most of the committee posts remaining the

same. The ride out co ordinator did

change and rides are

now being organised

by Anne Marie and

Terry who will be co

ordinating the rides

which will be lead by

different members of

the Branch. Various

members lead rides

during 2006, which was

great as it spread the

workload and added to

the variety of places

visited. Some Saturday

and evening rides are also

going to be incorporated.

Various different events and activities are

being planned for 2007 as well as a range of

speakers and presentations at the meetings

and a trip to the Le Mans and the Czech GP

have already been planned so lots to do and

enjoy in the year ahead! The Chairman and

Secretary thanked all those present for their

support and input during 2006.

In the past few

months there

have been rides

to Muddeford –

an excellent

day in the

sunshine - the

Black County

Museum –

an excellent

day in the

rain (!).

Several of

the guys

attended

the Thames

Vale IAM event and are

now enjoying the course. We have had

various interesting presentations at our

meetings and a Festive quiz so the year is

finishing in the same way it started with lots

of activity….. and the Christmas dinner and

disco is just around the corner!

So I will close with a sincere thanks to all

those who have helped and been involved

this year and look

forward to another fun

year in 2007!

Erica

Secretary: Erica Gassor - 07799 49 2235

OXFORD


WINTER 2006 55

Well, here we are at the end of another

busy year for the South Wales Branch.

In the past 12 months we've had two

holidays away, one to Belgium (see our

Chairman's report on the week over the

page) and another to Devon. This was

followed by a BBQ at our Chairman's house,

and several meals out at very nice

restaurants. Ten Pin Bowling and Skittles

nights and numerous, numerous ride outs

were also enjoyed.

Two lots of members have become

Grandparents in the last year,

congratulations to Paul & Alison Matthews

and to Mike and Glynwen Blewett. Well, I

suppose it comes to us all eventually when

you hear those words, "Mum can you

babysit Saturday Night...."

Congratulations must also go to another

member, Colin Williams. Who apparently

managed the most spectacular crash ever

seen on a Blackbird (well since Clive Jones

went off-roading on his anyway). Thankfully

he wasn't hurt (much) when he got side

swiped by a caravan whilst overtaking it, but

the bike went cart wheeling down the road.

Also in the last year members organised

two rideouts for the HOC National Rally

when it was held at Tenby in West Wales in

September. Our Chairman Wayne who did

the Saturday ride out was quite chuffed with

leading a ride out with 50 bikes following

him, even though a car did decide to pull out

in front of him, (sorry officers, I didn't see the

50 sets of headlights bearing down on me),

and I don't believe he lost a single rider. I

don't think any of our members have

attended a National Rally before, but I know

that several have said that it was very

enjoyable and will be looking at where the

2007 Rally will be held. Thanks also to

Gareth and Donna Richards who organised

the Sunday Ride Out.

2007 also promises to be a busy year for

us. In March we are doing an Easter Egg

Run to the local Children's Hospital where

we will be delivering Easter Eggs to all the

kids who have to stay in hospital over the

Easter Holiday. Also in the pipeline are a

weekend away in North Wales, a weekend

away in Ireland and the now Annual Biking

Holiday on the Continent which will take

place in August. Somehow, in between all

that we have to fit in the 16 weekends that

have been set aside for Sunday club

rideouts

So if you fancy joining us for another

very busy year, come along to the Llantwit

Fadre Sports and Social Club, Church

Village on the third Wednesday of every

month at 7:30pm. There's always a warm

welcome for new members

Ride safe

Paul Evans

SOUTH WALESSecretary: Paul Evans - [email protected]


56 WINTER 2006

BELGIUM HOLIDAY AUGUST 2006.

It seemed like a good idea to set of

early to beat the traffic when taking into

account the M25. Getting up on the day

at 4.30am changed our minds. It was a

good start though to have a pleasant

ride down to the tunnel. We made good

time and stopped for a welcome

healthy breakfast – ok we had eggs,

bacon etc all the good stuff. Arriving at

the tunnel some hour and a half early

only to find there was an hour and a

half delay. Never mind the girls could

look around the shops but the guys

q u i c k l y

reminded them

that there is no

room left for

shopping on

the bikes.

The hotel in

Genk was

beyond our

expectat ions

and had a lock

up garage

arranged for

our bikes. You

could have

guessed there

was a bit of a problem with the bookings,

Wayne and Carole did not appear to have a

room. The hotel were very apologetic and

asked if we would mind having a suit instead

at no extra cost – guess what our answer

was!!! Marvellous and we only mentioned

our luxury room every hour all week.

Very impressed with Belgium and on the

roads if we met a hold up just about every

car driver moved that little bit to allow us to

filter through. The rides were marvellous

and we had some lovely ride through

forests, villages, towns and some industrial

spots.

Just outside Genk there was a wonderful

“life museum” called Bokrijk Park. For those

who have been to Wales it was just like

Saint Fagin’s. It's where old buildings of all

types have been removed, transported to

the site and rebuilt to create a living history.

People wore the costumes and even had

working examples of how the did things.

Its very funny seeing grown ups trying

walking on stilts and a load of bikers trying

to ride penny farthings.

Another great place was the Flemish

Mining Museum in Beringen, coming from a

mining area we found it very interesting. We

also went to Tongeren Prison. It's a prison

that just closed but they have kept it open as

a tourist attraction. We would not

recommend prison life. We tried to get Lyn &

Carole locked up (note photo) but we failed.

A ride into Germany via the Hohe Venn

forest were the scenery is absolutely

wonderful; it’s that good we did not want the

ride to end. Point to note when it warns of

bends it means it they are at least hair pin

bends.

The ride home went without any hitch

and even the tunnel was on time.

We really feel as if we have been abroad

and seen the country instead of just the

tourist tarps. In all we travelled into France,

Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.

Great holiday.

Wayne Williams

Bad Girls!

On our way!


WINTER 2006 57

Secretary: Keven Ludlam - 0114 281 7193

Well here it is my first report as the

secretary of the Three Shires branch…

Just to put everyone in the picture, Carl

stood down as secretary at the end of

September, due mainly to work

commitments and when volunteers were

asked for, I wasn’t quick enough in stepping

backwards, so here I am in the thick of

things (again).

Even though it’s coming to the end of the

year, there doesn’t seem to be any let up in

the clubs activities. A few weeks back some

of us took a trip down to the Classic Bike &

Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford.

This really is a good day out and true to form

we all geared up for the cold weather only to

be greeted by blazing sunshine and a hot

day (global warming? too true) any way, that

popular lady was frequently seen around

the show, you know the one I mean, Betty

Swallocks…

We had a good day watching the sand

racing at Mablethorpe; thanks go to Kev,

Kate and Richard once again for a well

organised run. This proved to be another

good day out. There were all levels of rider

(and all ages) taking part, every type of bike

from Speedway style to “run what ya brung”

to “I’ve just put together today” type of bike

and of course, Fish & Chips.

We have our Christmas dinner to look

forward to, thanks to Derek, our Last official

Run of the Year on the 5th Dec (yet to be

finalised), and the Cheese run to Hartington

organised by Kev & Kate on the 26th Nov so

a good build up to the end of the year.

As a footnote, the NEC show seamed to

go OK, Erica from the Oxford branch

worked tirelessly again, she could probably

sell Porn magazines to a Monk!!! - Thanks

to all who helped out on the stand, I

thoroughly enjoyed my day.

In closing, I would like to thank anyone

who has contributed to the Three Shires

club in anyway through out this year,

organising events, running the

administration and even entertaining us,

without you there wouldn’t be a club, lets

make next year even better.

Keep Smillin’…

Keven

THREE SHIRES

Dave Wigley at Stillingfleet camping week

end shows off his new hearing aid

When James came on the 3 Shires egg

run we made him ride at 25 MPH - he had

no idea what gear to use...


58 WINTER 2006

VARADEROSecretary: Philip Ramsay

Ok three reports to bring you this time –VUK September, The Prodded Dog’s Peakaround the Peak District in October, and awee taster for VIM 9 brought to you courtesyof Ginger chin.

But before that - is it just me or am I trulythe last man on the planet not to own aGPS. These feeling of inadequacy haunt melike last year I furtively paid for my brandnew copy of the Da Vinci Code from WHSmiths. I was sure the shop assistant’s looksaid ‘’ you must be kidding mate, eventribesmen in remotest New Guinea haveread this’’. Well if they are so remote fromWestern Civilisation how come on Discoverythere is always one wearing a Man U top –eh!

Anyway back to the GPS. As the clockschanged pre-Halloween weekend I beganthe first of the long winter commutes indarkness. This first week is always a shockto the system and my sympathiesimmediately drift to our Scandinavian fellowbikers who must tolerate this perpetualnight- time for ages.

From the lofty vantage of the Vara I amastonished as I cruise past crawling 4-weelers; their numbers swelled by laid upDucati, GSXers and R1 riders, by thenumber of glowing cockpits and LCDscreens displaying a schematic route. Sointent are these pilots on playing with thesedistractions that concentrating on the realcourse becomes secondary, and filteringbecomes very demanding.

What I find most incredulous is that thisaccessory / necessity are no longer thepreserve of the privileged. Yesterday I sawthat the owner of a banged out 24year oldhatchback who for the price of replacing hisbalding tyres had opted for the latest state-of-the art Garmin something or other. Isuspected he probably has a very difficultschool run. Now surely for a considerablenumber of car owners who only ever usetheir motor for shopping and visiting auntieBeryl, and that a venture beyond the ringroad causes palpitations, these things areas pointless as Ant & Dec. However what

will Christmas bring? Off the soap box and back to September

and the long awaited VUK06. What a hoot itwas! Thirty six bikes OK not all Varas, butmost were, congregated on Hay-on-Wye.We even had one of the new 2-tone ATthrow-backs, a new Yam and someinfiltrations of BMW’s. We’re not proud.Staying at the gloriously appointedBaskerville Hall – particularly in the ablution& sanitary ware departments all UK cornerswinkled out delegates – some of course byferry. The weather was more than kind asmost had taken the Friday off work to travel.

Leaving the ‘’real’’ world of employer’sdeadlines, office politics, DIY centres, utilitybills and mortgage payments behind,gathering in kindred spirit old friends andnew, ceremoniously exchanged accounts oftheir journey while grappling in the small butconvivial bar before dinner. Sufficient innumbers the Hall guaranteed our ownprivate dining room, where colonized by badtaste shirts, an inflatable sheep, and theearnest renaming of Rik one of theinfiltrators was presented with Prussiantrappings, the evening was shall we sayrelaxed.

Despite the disregard for time andregulations we managed some slumber andthe much anticipated Saturday run was aspunctual as a Skinkansen.

I was greatly indebted to Bodysurfertaking up the lead as I kept up the rear.Joined by day- trippers Paul andMandobear, we roamed through Wales at anattractive pace congruent with oursurroundings, stopping for vistas, coffee andcomedic value. Once back at basegathering on the grassy banks catching thelate afternoon September sun it was time tokick back and enjoy a well earned cold beer.Cheers Simon cracker day! That eveningthe brave or perhaps foolhardy ventured tothe disco next door. Looking like a mob ofmake-over-dads amid the local glamourqueens and teen idols, polarity was obvious.

Separated by age, style, and interestsand drinking ability the photographs tell it all.


WINTER 2006 59

Departingon Sunday allarrived homesafe with ah a l c y o nmemory of at r i u m p h a n tVUK. Talk ofnext year has

started with even thoughts of venturing toour closest neighbours - France.

From Prodded Dog - at the insistence ofour beloved Tractor-hater during VUK I wasconned into organising a little jaunt aroundDerbyshire for a weekend in October. Redobviously wanted to revisit “his” corner in thevillage of Wormhill to see if he could getround it this time. More of his non-appearance later.

The word went out on the website and indue course a select band of Vara memberscommitted to exploring the Peak district. TheRat Pack apologised as they were chewingup the Welsh countryside that weekend andBodysurfer, who is desperate to see Matlockhad to do his duty for Queen and country.Nevertheless meeting places wereexplained in words of one syllable and loand behold, two of our Jockanese membersventured down, sideways, across, back upand generally in a roundabout fashion to endup at the meeting place one day early. Allsorted by a beer or two on Friday night readyfor an earlyish start Saturday morning.

Now I arrived late for two reasons. 1) Wife safely delivered to Manchesterairport – planned 2) Wife’s car broken into Friday night -unplannedBaron Von Riktosser (see above) the

backmarker for the day duly took command.I arrived to find 5 members assembling theirHappy Meal toys and all wearing tomato

sauce moustaches.Introductions made as we were a typical

stag party of The Baron, Mr Nice Guy, whoshould know better by now, a first timer allthe way up from the depths of southBirmingham, Pugface, our two trusty Scotsfellows, Happychappy and Blaahh and avirgin to the gang, lets call him “John”.Apparently he has been visiting the Varawebsite for over a year and never registered.HC decided the only name fitting for him isthe Luton Stalker and so it stuck.

For those who remember Blaahh at VUKhe appeared on a not inconspicuousDeauville. Apparently if you feed it steroids,Castrol R and Pukka pies it turns into aTriumph Tiger and so he was mounted,more often then not, facing forwards. Nowfor Red’s non – appearance - I received an‘’excuse me’’ note from his mum explainingthat he was shopping for a house,somewhere in Lincolnshire due to jobrelocation.

Off we went with a sort of plan and choseStrines Moor as an easy introduction to wildsof Derbyshire. A bit of the A57 and thenacross to Wormhill, Millers Dale etc. beforeending up in Monyash for a bit of Carrotcake. Back up through Bakewell, Ashford inthe Water before stretching our legs on theSnake proper to Glossop. Holme Moss,Holme Firth seemed a fitting end to day one.

Back at the hotel the evening was veryquiet and hardly deserves a mention apartfrom blagging a round of drinks free becausethe meal service was so slow!!

Sunday saw clear skies and at the crackof mid morning we set off again. Depleted innumbers due to Riktosser only having a day,The Luton Stalker avoiding pushing his luckwith Homebase and Niceguy only being freefor Saturday, the four of us wandered offagain. A slightly tortuous route ended up in

Matlock for lunch where we sawa few other bikers and thendispersal to all four points of thecompass. The Jockanese outranthe rain back to Scotland, I gothome before it started and poorPugface got pretty well soaked.Ah well, someone’s got to live inBirmingham. I am just glad it isn’tme!!

continued......


60 WINTER 2006

Thanks TPD. And now before you readthis take a pause. Put on some music of theCeltic variety, pour yourself a glass of theblack stuff and let your imagination run freeto the lad of rugged coast lines, welcomingfriendly faces and the Ulster Fry! Ginger chingives us a wee taster for VIM 9.

It’s autumn already, the last week ofOctober to be precise. Summer came andwent with fantastic weather and many goodtrips behind us namely the Sicily run andVUK in Wales plus a few local jaunts. My jobas an hgv driver puts me on a rota system tokeep some French euro-bureaucrat happywith tacho regulations and working hours.Now I'm not exactly complaining 'cos itmeans that I get days off went other meremortals are working and vice-versa. Sotoday is a Monday and Loudpedal & Dwarfmy vara companions, along with Stevie mybrother and his bandit power ranger matesare all at work. I love the big vara, so muchso it’s the third I've owned. My brother andhis mates call it the John Deere but eventhey admit it’s a great bike. My previous bikehad 8k on it in the first three months but I’vestruggled to do it this time so I’m getting themiles done as and when is possible. The sunis warming an otherwise chilly morning asthe big Vara gets wheeled out of the garageinto the rays. Not one for leading the packI’m usually happy sitting mid field or taggingthe rear but I also like taking off on my ownfor the day, no deadlines no smoke breaks,just my own pace. Today I’m going to do myfavourite route the Antrim coast but not asthe usual A2 Larne to Portrush blast thateverybody loves. This one takes you inlandthen up and down to the coast road via the

Glens of Antrim. Ahead lies fantastic roadsand breathe taking scenery. So with my Mp3player connected to the Autocom I’m off -one of the best biking bits of kit inventedautocom & mp3. A short ride fromCastlereagh down toward the city centreover the M3 and onto the M5 heading forCarrick. After Jordanstown and GreenislandI head up Troopers lane onto theGreenisland Rd and make way to theKnockagh Monument .If you have time go tothis site, were a panoramic view from the toplets you see Belfast Lough at its best, fromCarrickfergus Castle up to Kilroot, acrossthe Lough to the Holywood hillsCrawfordsburn and Bangor and at the norththen over Belfast city, the docks, Cavehilland onto the Mournes. From here it’s ontowards Woodburn and Straid intoBallynure. Veering toward Larne on the A8just 5 miles along is the turn off forBallymena - the amazing A36. Fastsweeping bends it takes me up over Shane’sHill were it climbs 1025ft at its peak inBallyboley Forest then it starts to drop downto fast straights and some more bends. Tryand take in the view from here. Continuingon toward Ballymena at the Battery Inn I turnoff for Broughshane B94 , a fast stretch ofroad dips and curves and twists for 6 milespassing Slemish on my right , made famousby some Irish saint who herded sheep andgoats here as a young boy !!. At Broughsane, the garden of Ulster for its obvious floraldisplays , I take the A42 toward Carnloughand then the B97 for Glenarm .

A word of warning I have to declare weare in rural Ulster so beware the mushleaves and the predictable splattering of cowand sheep dung.


WINTER 2006 61

Dropping into Glenarm avoiding thevillage I go left along Straidkilly then leftagain onto Ballyvaddy bearing back up intothe glens away from the coast. Further alongthis new stretch of road that takes I backover to meet the B42 Ballymena Rd, hangright for Carnlough and compelling Glencloyoverlooking Garron plateau. At Carnloughadvance towards Waterfoot and devour oneof the best parts of the coast road .

From Waterfoot is onto the A43 towardsCargan, takes me up thru Glenarriff with itsforest and scenic walks. This is known as“Queen of the Glens”. A right turn at the topwere it meets the B14 I head downGlenballyemon past Slievenanee andTrostan fast sweeping downhill’s and intoCushendall. Onto the A2 again following thescenic coastal route for Ballycastle thruKnocknacarry into Cushendun onto theinfamous Torr Head. Eight miles of uphilltwists & gradients, then downhill twists &gradients on a road 9 ft wide. Must havebeen a sheep walk that the gotTarmac'd by mistake. In summer orany weekend it’s a nightmare with daytripping sightseers and the occasionalGerman holiday home trying tonegotiate it. Still there is no rush as theviews out over the Atlantic areawesome . Onwards thru Ballyvoy andinto Ballycastle our base for VIM 9 ! Aleft onto the B15 head for Glensheskand towards Magherahoney . Justbefore Magherahoney take a left ontothe Altarichard Rd . This takes us overCroaghan moorlands and forest untothe Slieveanorra scenic route towards

Glendun and Glenaan. At the Orra crossroads you

have three options go downGlendun or Glenaan ,both greatlittle track roads and my choicego right for Newtowncrommelin.This is as close to national parkI think we have here. Antrim hillscovered with marsh moor landand sheep wanderingeverywhere.

From Newtowncrommelinfollow back towardsBroughshane picking up theB94 onto Ballyclare and back

towards Belfast on the A8 - M2 . A good blast of 187 miles . Time taken?

Who cares!There are nine famous glens this trip

took in five of them Glenarm, Glencloy,Glenariff, Glenballyeamon and Glenshesk. Itbordered Glentaisie, Glencorp, Glendun andGlenaan

Take the time to explore this fantasticarea with its tales of fairies, myths andlegends and like today its best donemidweek when the only traffic will beagricultural.

Well that’s all from the Varadero Branchfor now. Hope you all will have a greatChristmas and will already be planning afantastic biking new year in 2007!

Phil


62 WINTER 2006

WEST LONDONSecretary: Steve Hill - 020 8291 5263

Looking back over the last couple of

months, notable events include the National

AGM which was very interesting, being held

as it was at Honda UK’s training facility in

Slough. It was very hospitable of Honda UK

to make their building available to us,

complete with attendant techie guys and a

healthy buffet lunch. Hopefully they may

allow us to use their facilities again. It was

the first AGM I’ve been to for a while; it was

good to catch up with some fellow old

timers!

Our Branch AGM followed soon after the

National. Our committee remains relatively

unchanged with Maureen as Chairperson,

Steve as Secretary, Lorrie as Treasurer and

Eileen as Lottery co-ordinator. The only

change being that Lorrie and Eileen will

carry out their duties as normal in the

warmer months but come winter (when they

retreat to Spain), Jon will take over as

Treasurer/Lottery Co-ordinator.

Steve and Maureen were on duty at the

bike show at the NEC, taking time out to

attend our fireworks party in November

(good time to have it!!) and a fair number

enjoyed some food and fireworks and a

chat.

Now, with Christmas just around the

corner, we are looking forward to our

Christmas party which this year will be a

joint affair between ourselves and Paul &

Sue’s other club, the Scooter club!!

Our new club sheet is now on our

website www.west-london-hoc.ik.com

I am often surprised by our members’

lives, and was quite taken aback recently

when Max, one of our number slipped into

the conversation the fact that his younger

sister is the bass player with the rock band

Girlschool. Talk about being a dark horse!!

He even told me he was instrumental in

naming the band!

Anyway - if you’re in our area come

along to the Admiral Hawke and see us we

need lots of keen new members for the next

year’s activities.

Thank you to our Branch Committee and

to the National Committee for all their hard

work, which is much appreciated and –

Happy Christmas and a safe New Year.

Jude


WINTER 2006 63

WEST YORKSHIRESecretary: Big Steve 01274 772970

Hi to all.

It’s been quite good down at the Railway

for the meetings, and even the runs have

been well supported. The Railway is under

new management and the new manager is

Martin; he is very biker friendly and they

have a very good chef now so drop in if

you’re passing.

Don’t forget we meet the first Monday of

the month from 8ish and have a monthly run

as well. We have been on a few runs to

Holmfirth and got to see a few of the film

locations of Last of the Summer Wine and

League of Gentlemen, and even though it

was cold we all had a good time.

Another run saw us go up to Tan Hill,

and again had a very good run even though

I got lost, but the roads were great. We set

off to Southport but it started raining and

everybody turned back apart from Brian and

Liz who went on and had a good day. We

will be putting a Runs calendar together at

the February meeting so if you have any

ideas please come down and get your run

on the list. Maria and I, Dave, Lisa, Steve

and Caroline all had a good weekend at the

National Rally which was very well

organized so well done to all concerned.

There have been lots of new faces at the

meetings and I hope we keep seeing them

and new members alike. Don’t forget the

web site at www.cb1000.co.uk for anything

coming up. Maria & I, Phil and Andrea, and

all the other regulars at the meetings would

like to say good luck to Brian and Liz as they

go off in the New Year to live in France. We

all hope it goes really well for them as a

nicer couple you won’t meet. They’ll need a

big garden for all the tents….

That’s it, see ya all at the meetings over

the winter and if we’re going out on the bike

I’ll put it on the web site, so keep an eye on

it. Maria & I hope everybody had a great

Christmas and will have a very happy New

Year.

Steve & Maria


64 WINTER 2006

Well, in the last issue of Golden Wing, I

told you about my ‘baptism of fire’ as the

new Wilts HOC secretary. So how am I

doing I hear you say (not!) – well, I’m

hanging on in there!

I’ve been busy – very busy – sending

further questionnaires out to my members

about possible meeting topics and ride-out

destinations (an idea pinched from Erica at

Oxford Branch), following on the back of a

general ‘why don’t you come to our

meetings questionnaire!

I had 14 replies (of 50 members) to my

general questions but unfortunately only 5

members gave me the benefit of their views

about meeting topics and ride-outs.

What I have discovered is that the

members want meetings to be a bit more

‘structured’, with an agenda and some guest

speakers. They have also made it clear that

they want the meeting place to remain as

the Bruce Arms, as it is so central in

Wiltshire and has got the camping /

caravanning space to host a rally.

One of my members commented, when

we went through the limited number of

replies, that ‘we were no further forward’, but

now that I’ve had chance to reflect on it, I

think we are – because at least I’ve given all

my members an opportunity to get their

moans & groans, likes & dislikes fully aired

– and if meetings change to meet the needs

of those members who did have the good

manners to reply and they don’t like it – then

tough – you had your chance to talk to me!

Given that some members had

mentioned being interested in getting more

information about European Touring, I did a

slide show of a biking holiday I had last year

in Switzerland and Rob Hawkins did a

brilliant slide show of a tour he did in Austria,

with landscape photographs worthy of a

professional! – well done Rob!

To our delight, 13 members turned up to

enjoy the photos and stories between us –

the best turnout our branch has seen for a

while. So with a degree of optimism, I’ve just

booked an external speaker for our

November meet (the Wiltshire Police ‘Bike

Safe’ Co-ordinator) and have also lined up a

commercial speaker (from Ultraseal - an anti

tyre blow-out compound) for our December

meet, after a suggestion from our new

treasurer, Claire Robins, who has heard that

company’s named a lot on the HOC forum.

So I will let you know how these two

meetings went in due course – perhaps we

are ‘turning the corner in Wiltshire’ or, in the

words of Buzz Lightyear, ‘To Infinity and

beyond!?’

Theo

WILTSHIRESecretary: John Theobald 01793 853701


HONDA OWNERS CLUB

WILTS BRANCH - SPRING WEEKEND RALLY

FRIDAY 4th MAY 2007 - MONDAY 7th MAY 20067

The Wiltshire Branch of the Honda Owners Club will be holding its annual Spring Rally on 4th -7th May 2007, at the Bruce Arms near Easton Royal. Music entertainment (singer/guitarist Matt Dyer) is arranged for Friday evening then a skittles match or quiz on the Saturday night. There will be ride -outs on both Saturday and Sunday. Food w ill be available on site, as are toilets with both hot and cold water. Camping costs are only £5 / night for a single tent and £6 / night for double tents. Be sure to book well in advance to avoid being disappointed! Please note on the form the days you ar e camping, if staying less than 3 nights.

BOOKING FORM Please detach or photocopy and forward with payment Tick Boxes One person one tent, one night £ 5.00 two nights £10.00 or three nights £15.00 Two persons one tent, one night £ 6.00 two nights £12.00 or three nights £18.00 TOTAL amount payable £ --------------------

Name: ........................... ..................................................................................... Address: ............................................................................................................ .................................................... ...................................................................... ........................................................................................................................... Post Code: ............................................... Telephone: ............................................... Bike Reg: .......................... H.O.C. Branch: ....................................................... I enclose cheque/postal order to the value of £....................made pay able to ‘H.O.C. Wilts’

FINAL DATE FOR BOOKING: - 15th APRIL 2007

E-mail MICK TALTY [email protected] or phone him on 01672 562171 to secure your booking!


66 WINTER 2006

RIFINITO!

So here we are at the end of another

excellent racing season! The title above

refers to the conclusion of the season and is

not any reference to the final race of the GP

series but bearing in mind the amazing

talent of Rossi , I thought a bit of Italian was

appropriate. Whether an ardent fan of

Hayden or not, you could not help but feel

the emotion during the final GP race. I am

also sure most people felt some sympathy

for Rossi but no one could deny that

Hayden deserved his championship win and

it was on a Honda! Good to see them

winning the constructors championship. Not

an outstanding performance by Hayden

during the season but a steady, progressive

accumulation of points with such drama in

the last two races. It should also be an

interesting year in the GP’s in 2007 with the

change in engine size to 800 – let’s see

what effect that has throughout the season!

And what about Bayliss, World Super

Bike champion and then winner of the final

GP! Bautista held his own to win the 125

championship and Lorenzo beating

Dovizioso for the 250’s. Congratulations all

round.

Our own Jamie Toseland getting second

place in the World Super Bikes was also a

good result for the Honda Tenkato Team

and no doubt they are pleased to have

retained him for 2007. Will be interesting to

see how he progresses.

But perhaps the biggest cheer should be

saved for Kiyonari who came from 3rd place

in the British Super Bikes to Champion in

the last few races; another excellent result

for Honda. With the changes and additional

riders in BSB in 2007, it looks like being

another excellent championship to follow

next year.

Although a lot of riders are now

confirmed with their existing or new teams,

some of the major names, like Neil

Hodgson, Andrew Pitt and Shane Byrne are

still to find rides, it makes for continued

interesting reading to see who will

eventually end up where!

So feet up, drink I hand, let’s raise our

glasses to an excellent year and the hero’s

who rode so well and look forward to

another fascinating season in 2007.

.

The Stiggette


68 WINTER 2006

SP2 SUSPENSION SET UP

Bike suspension works best in the middle third of it’s range. Without ‘preloading’ the

spring correctly the damping will not be working at its’ best either; you’ll always suffer from

a badly set spring. So, what to do? How do you get to the ‘middle third’? You’ll be needing,

a friend to do the measuring.

Loaded Suspension Sag

This is how far the bike settles on its’ springs, or ‘sags’ when you sit on it.

Rear

Gently ease the bike over on its side stand until the back wheel is off the floor.

Mark the tailpiece directly above the spindle and measure the distance to the rear

wheel spindle.

Write the distance down and call this measurement A.

Sit on the bike with your feet on the pegs; put your elbow against the wall to stay

upright. Bounce on the bike and then assume your normal riding position.

Measure the rear of the bike again and call this measurement B.

Subtracting B from A gives you your rear loaded sag.

By adjusting the rear preload try to get a difference of between 30-40mm.

Front

Now ease the front of the bike off the floor using the same side stand method.

Measure the distance from the bottom of the stanchion to the top of the brake

calliper.

Call this measurement C.

Sit and bounce on the bike again, using your elbow to stay vertical, and measure the

calliper distance, calling this measurement D.

Subtract D from C to give your front loaded sag.

Either compress or loosen the spring to try to obtain 35-50mm difference.

The adjuster is the nut that pokes out of the top of the forks.

If you can't get into these ranges then you will need to change to a harder or softer

spring.


WINTER 2006 69

The settings I used.

Minimum preload on the rear, setting 0, gave me 30mm sag.

Standard preload on the front, 12 turns from max, gave me 42mm sag, the middle

of the range.

At 14 stone I’m above average, perhaps, in weight and with zero preload I can just get

the minimum, 30mm, sag; suggesting that the SP2 rear spring is too hard for most people

that weigh less.

With the standard preload on the front I get into the middle of the sag range; perhaps

suggesting that the SP2 front spring may be a tad too hard for those that are ‘Mass

Challenged’…

Backing off a couple of clicks on compression damping, both front and rear, makes the

suspension feel less harsh and gives an estimated 10-15mm of unused travel at the front,

under braking.

Perhaps the correct

way to measure fork

travel is to undo the

fork caps, release the

spring and allow the

forks to rest on the

bump stops. My ‘effort

to avoid effort’ method

was to put a zip strap

around the fork slider,

unwind fork preload

and compression to

zero, find a quiet bit of

road and as savagely

as I dare, nail the front

brake to try to bottom

out the forks. Not

feeling any mechanical

clunk, and measuring

the final position of the

zip strap indicated that

I had failed; a good try but no cigar. Hence the word estimated in the unused travel figure.

From the ‘standard’ setting I took a ‘click’ off of rebound damping both at front and rear

mainly because I’d reduced every other setting and, in subsequent test rides, I managed to

convince myself that the suspension felt more compliant that way.

mmmm… warm tarmac

Dave Irvine


70 WINTER 2006

Back in the summer I had the enormous

thrill of riding as a passenger in one of the

most unique & controversial motorcycle

sidecar outfits to hit racing in the early

sixties – ‘The Greenwood Mini Special’

My good friend & vintage motorcycle

racer David Swain had recently acquired

this vehicle & was anxious to try it out as

soon as possible, so off we went one sunny

Sunday afternoon, along with a couple of

his sons, to a disused airfield to put it

through it’s paces (followed by a nice

surprise visit from Mr Plod) ………....But

more of that later!

The machine came with a fascinating

collection of newspaper cuttings from the

time & it is clear from them that feelings

towards Owen Greenwood were running

very high amongst the ‘purists’ of the day.

To some he was the devil incarnate,

corrupting racing & to others he was a

genius. (I think you can all guess which

camp the losers fell into).

Greenwood lived in a Leicestershire

village near me

c a l l e d

T h u r m a s t o n

where he also

had a small

m o t o r c y c l e

business.

He appears

to have been a

pretty modest &

inoffensive sort

of bloke but at

the same time

a very

competitive &

s u c c e s s f u l

m o t o r c y c l e

racer having

competed in

just about

every type of

m o t o r c y c l e

racing there

was.


WINTER 2006 71

He was also a very talented motorcycle

engineer & the bike was pretty much all his

own work, designed & built by him & his

friend Roger Campton in his back garden.

It was powered by an 1100cc engine

from a Mini Cooper motor car, it had four

wheels, (two at the front & two at the back)

and it had a car steering wheel. The two

wheels at the rear were separated by only a

couple of inches & that was permitted within

the construction regulations. There also

seemed to be no regulations about the

steering wheel or the power unit & so to all

intents & purposes this was a sidecar outfit

& it went like stink!!!

As can be seen from the photo, the

bodywork was made from hand beaten

aircraft aluminium & apparently Greenwood

could frequently be heard (to the

annoyance of his neighbours) bashing the

metal into shape using a nearby telegraph

pole to achieve the desired shape for the

area around the wheels! The chassis was

welded tubular steel & the whole Mini

engine & subframe were installed in the

front.

The motorcycle press of the time was

full of the news about the arrival of this

controversial vehicle, controversial because

it was racing in sidecar races and it could

not have been further away from the then

understanding of what a conventional

sidecar outfit was. The design was so

revolutionary that a full diagram of it was

published in the major boy’s colour

magazine of the day, the ‘Eagle’. (anyone

remember that one)? If you got in there

then you really had made it.

continued.......


72 WINTER 2006

Because of it’s success rate

& the fact that Owen could not

assist in the required push

start to the race, he & his

passenger Terry Fairbrother

were made to always start from

the back of the grid but they still

consistently won just about

everything they ever entered.

In one article I read,

Greenwood was described as

such a gentleman & so

sportsmanlike that he merely

regarded this as an additional challenge

which he seldom failed to conquer.

Eventually of course it was banned from

sidecar racing but only after many

spectacular race wins. The ‘bike’ itself

continued to be used however in hill climb

competitions.

So, back to Mr Plod. ………..


WINTER 2006 73

The machine had a racing exhaust of

course, but not quite straight through &

sounded beautiful, (well, we thought so).

However, beauty is in the eye (or ear) of the

beholder and it seemed that not everyone

shared our opinion.

So, after a few exhilarating test runs up

and down the track with my backside about

two inches above the road surface & my

head feeling as if it was revolving at Mach

speed, this fact was heralded, naturally, by

a visit from the Police. The

officer was very pleasant &

upon seeing two old gimmers

like me & David, decided that

we were not a threat to the

fabric of society, had a laugh

and cleared off. (Old age does

have some advantages).

Despite some serious

setbacks in his health, David

himself is keen to race the bike

in the coming season & if not

race it then get it on the track

by one means or another & I

intend to be there to cheer &

him on as I think he deserves

every bit as much success as

the machine & Mr Greenwood

achieved in their time…..

Roy Edwards.

Footnote…. If anyone reading this in

interested in any further information about

this machine or better still, remembers

seeing it race please feel free to get in touch

with the magazine or me at

[email protected]


74 WINTER 2006

NNNNEEWWEEWW DDDDIISSCCOOUUNNTTIISSCCOOUUNNTT SSSSUUPPPPLLIIEERRSSUUPPPPLLIIEERRSS

SUNNYMEADE B&B

26 Yelland Road,

Fremington

Nr Barnstaple

North Devon. EX31 3BU

Tel: 01271 346757

Owned and run by fellow bikers

and HOC members

Brian & Sandra Pilarz

Situated on the North Devon

Coast, 3 miles from Barnstaple, 2.5

miles from Instow and just 6 miles

from Bideford, Sunnymeade offers

en-suite facilities and private

garage parking for bikes.

Sunnymeade is open all year

round and is a non smoking

establishment.

Sunnymeade regrets they are

unable to accomodate pets.

10% discount to members on

production of a valid membership

card.

CHARENTE MARITIME

LA VIEILLE DISTILLERIE

Charente Maritime.

La Vieille Distillerie,

12 Rue de l’Eglise,

17240 Lorignac.

France

Tel: 0033 546 04 09 03

Mob: 0771 388 2553

Email: [email protected]

New for 2007, 2 Gites sleeping 2 –

4. Village location. 15 minutes from

the coast. 1hr 15mins from La

Rochelle, 1hr Bordeaux,

3hrs Spain.

Secure parking for bikes.

10% discount to HOC members.

Also classic Hondas for hire.

Run by HOC member Judy Ryans

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.


WINTER 2006 75

MMMMOOOOTTTTOOOOJJJJBBBB....CCCCOOOOMMMM

At motojb .com we offer motorcycle tours to Moto GP’s in Europe with a difference.

For sports bike riders we have a support vehicle to carry all the luggage the rider

might have . We will also book ferries, hotels and grand stand race tickets which means

all our customers have to do is ride their bikes . Each tour is limited to ten places only

so first come first served.

The Moto GP’s we have booked for 2007 are:

JEREZ 20TH TO THE 28TH MARCH £765

MUGELLO 30TH MAY TO THE 5TH JUNE £810

ASSEN 27TH JUNE TO THE 1ST JULY £500

SACHSENRING 11TH TO THE 17TH JULY PRICE TO BE CONFIRMED

We also offer a seven day trip to Burgundy, staying in an old style farmhouse and

visiting vineyards for wine tasting. Dates to be confirmed.

If you have any questions please phone

07779 611084 or

email [email protected]

Web site www.motojb.com

NNNNEEEEWWWW PPPPRRRROOOODDDDUUUUCCCCTTTT NNNNEEEEWWWW SSSSEEEERRRRVVVVIIIICCCCEEEE????

IItt ccoossttss nnootthhiinngg ttoo pprroommoottee yyoouurr nneeww pprroodduucctt ooff

sseerrvviiccee tthhrroouugghh HHOOCCoonnssuummeerr..

PPlleeaassee sseenndd yyoouurr pprreessss rreelleeaassee aanndd pphhoottoo ttoo::

MMaarrkk CCllaarrggoo,, HHOOCCoonnssuummeerr -- GGoollddeenn WWiinngg,,

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

or e-mail it to [email protected]

HHOOCCHHOOCCOONNSSUUMMEERROONNSSUUMMEERRCompiled by Mark Clargo - HOConsumer Editor


76 WINTER 2006

“A moving story set to 1970s GP racing”

LOVE, SPEED AND LOSS

It’s 1973 and young New Zealand couple Kim and Janeen have run away to Europeand joined the circus - the Continental Circus. They’re part of a convoy of Grand Prixmotorcycle riders traveling across Western and Eastern Europe competing for the WorldChampionship Road Racing title.

Love Speed and Loss is a love story set against the backdrop of 1970s Grand Prixracing. Kim Newcombe and his childhood sweetheart wife, Janeen, arrived in Berlin in1969. Kim had a job working as an engineer for the Konig outboard marine company.Within a year he’d taken an outboard engine and turned it into a lightning-fast roadracing motorbike that led the world championship. And so the couple’s Europeanadventure began ...

To be honest, I couldn’t recall Kim Newcombe, and watching this DVD I saw himbattling against Phil Read and Giancarlo Agostini, but I just don’t remember his nameeven though I was following GPs during that era! There are interviews with the likes offellow riders of the time Chas Mortimer, Bruno Kneubuhler, Kork Ballington and JohnDodds who I remember all, amongst comments from the aforementioned Read. I alsoremember the Konig motorcycle, but not Newcombe, to this end I carried on watchingand in the end I had to go and look Kim Newcombe up on the internet. Yes he is real,but this documentary came across, to me, as a spoof! It’s well worth a watch, the oldcine shoots take you right back to when motorcycle GP racing was for real hero’s – you’llremember if you are as old as I am!

Anyway, back to the story. En route to Europe Janeen bought a Super8 camera inHong Kong and started documenting the couple’s new life. Love, Speed & Loss openswith Janeen, now in her late fifties, watching the footage of her and Kim - young, in loveand idealistic. The documentary moves between the 1970s and the present day as itreveals the couple’s story, building toward the tragic event that saw Janeen’s life changedramatically.

This beautifully shot, engaging film reveals a profoundly human side to what is todaya more glamorous and celebrity-driven sport. Love, Speed and Loss has been selectedfor screening at three prestigious film festivals - the 37 th Auckland Film Festival, 2006Melbourne Real Life on Film Festival and 2006 Globians Potsdam Festival in Germany.A donation from the proceeds of the sale of this DVD will be made to Riders For Health(registered charity no. 1054565).

"A very personal piece of contemporary history" Klassic Motorrad MagazineLove Speed and Loss is priced at £14.99 on DVD (77mins), from leading video

outlets or direct from Duke Video: Tel 01624 640000, fax 01624 640001 or [email protected]. Visit www.dukevideo.com online.

But beware, keep the tissues close to hand, this is a soppy movie, a real tear-jerker!

MarkHOConsumer Ed.

DDDDUUUUKKKKEEEE VVVVIIIIDDDDEEEEOOOO


WINTER 2006 77

DDDDUUUUKKKKEEEE VVVVIIIIDDDDEEEEOOOO

I have a copy of this superb DVD to give away, courtesy of Duke Video. The winnerwill be the first entry drawn from the hat who correctly answers the following question;

WHO WON THE 500cc GP IN 1973, THE YEAR KIMNEWCOMBE CAME 2nd ON THE KONIG?

Answers to 9 Hendred Way, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 2RN by March 1st 2007

COMPETITION


78 WINTER 2006

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

FOR SALE

HONDA H100S

J Reg, Blue

Superb Condition

£700 ono01722 711235

[email protected] Newell

Salisbury

GOLDWING 1200ASPENCADE

Registered Jan 198660,853 miles

(has been standing 7 years)Now refurbished,

only 100 miles since.Taxed & MOT till Sept 2007

New Fork sealsNew Head Bearings

New Tyres Fuel Pump,Battery, Brakes & Pads

Full Sainless Exhaust SystemNew R/Hand Switch Unit

Spots, CB Radio, Radio Cassette

Serviced, New Oil Filter & Plugs

Towbar Fitted

£4,250 ono

01543 370472 or

07929 490110

Fred (14424)West Midlands

HONDA CD 175AJH 85F

Little used since 1974following industrial accident,

hence mileage of 11,409.When I ceased to ride the

machine regularly, I fitted newbrake pads, drive chain, seat.I also overhauled the wheel

bearings.There is a full MOT history

and whilst I kept the machineticking over and fitted a newbattery, it now requires the

carburettor to be cleaned andthe exhausts are becoming

perrforated.Ideal project for enthusiast

£200 ono

[email protected]

Norman WilsonHerts

CB500 T

1978, 18000 miles

Very Good Condition

£1,000 cash01234 363488

D.W. Harvey (22821)Bedford


WINTER 2006 79

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

GL1100 GOLDWING1979

Good useable conditionStandard Blue colour

UK bikeTaxed & Tested

Lots spent,Coated FrameRebuilt WheelsGive away at;

£1,300 onosorry no swaps

01274 61832107740 085475

AR BoundyWest Yorks

WANTED

HONDA AUTOMATIC 400TWIN

1979, Rare ClassicLovely to ride, V.G Condition

24,000 miles since newEllectric & kick start

Scottoiler, American Windscreen

Givi universal frame andpanniers (sold separately)

MOT Sept 2007

£65001833 640066

[email protected]

Stan WalinetsCo Durham

ACCESSORIES

MAXTON SHOCK

To fit Honda CBR 954cc

Fireblade.

01352 711606or

07779 783260

Steven (29111)North Wales

VTR1000 FIRESTORM

A.R.T. billet alloy machined

crash protectors

No modification necessary.

All fittings etc.

Bargain at

£20

Genuine Honda workshop

manual copy for

VTR1000F.

Cost £40 from Honda;

will accept

£1207719 939667

Anthony (17003)

Notts


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