What We Did 2026
Reports of our activities for 2026 will appear here, shortly after the event.
Club Night Wednesday 18th February.
Peter Symes Manx Grand Prix Winner.
Tonight we had an informal chat and presentation by a local racer Peter Symes, hosted by Steve Mills.
An interesting evening of anecdotes backed up by a pictorial slide show and videos.
The talk went into how and where he started, racing, and the reasons for his retirement.
Peter brought along some of his trophies and the artificial leg he had to make to ride again (spoiler alert).
Wednesday 21st January Club Night Auction.
First off, a big THANK YOU to everyone who donated treasures to be sold off at our Annual Bring and Buy sale, with special mention to Joan Bertram who contacted Keith Rowe and donated many items from her late husband’s, Dave, treasure chest .
Also, to Peter Mahoney for the “student” lathe, Pat for the pre-war ladies’ bicycle, Jon 1 for the golf clubs, TV, assorted paraphernalia and single malt, Sergio for the (excellent) wine, lemon liqueur and goodies, and to all others too many to mention.
Thankyous are also due to all the helpers on the night; Tony Ashton the auctioneer (a permanent role perhaps?), Steve Fenton the money man, Nigel Lane for running and setting up, Steve Lambert for running, Steve Abbott for pricing advice, and everyone else who assisted on the night. Mustn’t forget Bob B who organised the tables at the Museum for us, thank you all, and especially anyone I have missed.
Lots of you put your hands in pockets and bought up loads of stuff, we even had some folks from the Institute of Advanced Motorists join us and buy stuff on the night, to the grand sum of £675.87 which includes the takings from the raffle too. There should be some further income as we had stuff left over which we will endeavour to sell over the coming weeks.
Finally, thanks to Joan and Dave Bertam’s donation, the Midland Section now has its own “one man operable” single bike trailer, available for use by any member (or friend of) free of charge. It’s a bit cosmetically challenged at present but will be smartened up over the next few weeks. It really is simple to operate, right click on this link and open to see: MSW Motorcycle Trailers - YouTube and watch the video. We have the tow board and tie down straps, and it will be readily available (with a bit of notice) from the Shirley area.
Contact Geoff if you need to use it anytime.
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1st Breakfast Run Thursday 5th March
Well we certainly took full advantage of the narrow band of spring like weather, a record total of 32 machines with riders were all spruced up and roaring to get out today.
On inspection I observed that all the machines had received some winter maintenance and cleaning, "even Martins Suzuki T350 was wearing its new exhaust pipes, meaning he could now hear the engine and its piston slap" !!
We assembled at "The heart of England social club near Meridan", Phil was our Route master today, assisted by Geoff Ansell our ever reliable "Tail -End Charlie", and after Phil's briefing giving specific updates regarding the ever growing number and size of potholes in the roads, and the other additional hazards of low flying Kamikaze pheasants, !!! Phil led the pack out towards Fillongley, Ansley, Furnace End, on some very nice "B" roads and bright clear countryside until we reached our destination at "Roads and River Cafe" Sheepy Road Atherstone.
It was all hands on deck for the cafe staff when we arrived, but the wait was worth it, as the food was brilliant, we all enjoyed a good catch up and chat about how we spent our winter months, and how great this day has gone and the brilliant weather of course.
The cafe staff were really cheerful and friendly, and appreciated our visit, and as a special mention the cafe is usually closed on Sundays for their well-earned rest, but Geoff charmed them so much, that they have offered to open the cafe on a Sunday to facilitate one of our weekend ride outs, (isn't that great ).
Well, it was great to see everyone again, and a good chance to have a chat with you all, ride safe and we will see you at the next Breakfast/11s run out.
