Watch this space
for reports on all the things we did in 2024
Updated regularly
Thursday 14th November Breakfast Run.
17 bikers and their reliable machines braved this dull damp November morning to head off down the wet leave covered lanes, just as well we were running 5 minutes late as two lone riders came over the horizon and tagged on right at the last minute, (they didn’t even have time to dismount their machines).
We set off on our adventure in a general direction towards Ullenhall, then after negotiating some picturesque lanes we proceeded towards Tanworth -In -Arden, then just like magic the clouds broke and the sun shone through just as we crossed Earlswood Lakes, it must have been a picture to see all the pack tight together as we crossed the lake without incident. (I wish I had halted the pack for a photo, maybe next time).
The sun continued to shine as we progressed towards Illshaw Heath, but we found it a must to stop at "WEDGES BAKERY" as the smell from the bakery proved too much to pass without sampling their produce and coffee/tea.
As always all ended well, Thanks once again to Geoff for taking the responsibility of "tail-end-Charlie", on his recently restored Panther 250 which proved to be running very well, thanks also to young Zach for being back-up to tail end Charlie (just in case), and finally apologies must go to Charlie as his Immaculate 100cc HONDA picked up some of the dirt from the lanes!!! (We won’t tell the farmers, about your muck spreading activities).
20th November Club Night Treasure Hunt.
Our annual internal Treasure Hunt where there are a number of questions set across the 5 halls. The objective is to see if your mind is a warped as the quiz master and find the answers.
Winners this year were
1st prize - mugs: Neil, Trevor, Tracey, Keith, Martin
2nd prize - key rings: Gordon Tom Dave
3rd prize - badges: Steve, Mary, Keith, Colin, Mick
Raffle winners: Steve (2nd prize in a night!), Nick
Here are the (slightly better) pictures I took last night. Probably should have taken some of people wondering around the museum but too late now
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Thursday 28th November the Last(?) 2024 Breakfast Run
Oakes Farm Shop and Café Balsall Common.
Rather than a "Lead & Follow" this mornings run was a "Ride In"
This morning was pretty cool (0o C), and apologies were received from Jenny, John, Ade and Phil, as the icy roads would have proven tricky from where they live.
The first idiot on a bike (me) arrived at Oakes Café at 10.20am, but was quickly joined by Richard (car), Nick (bike), Rob (bike), Colin (car), and Ryan (car). So, a successful morning considering the temperature and state of the roads.
Steve and Zac turned up just as I had kitted up to leave so missed the photo shoot, however as ever the coffee, rolls and cakes were delicious. No photos of the bikes, as my camera was stashed well inside my riding kit, and I wasn’t about to disrobe in the cold just for a couple of pictures! It was warmer on the way home, 2 oC.
So well done to all who turned up, thank you to those letting me know you wouldn’t, and we will see what the weather is like in 2 weeks’ time!
Thursday 1st November Breakfast Run.
Posssibly the last of 2024
We gathered at the old shut down restaurant premises on the B3400 near Henley in Arden, the weather was dull, cool and slightly damp, however, after a safety briefing from myself regarding the potential hazardous conditions Zach & myself experience the previous day, I was pleased when they all agreed to "get-on -with-it" and we briskly set off to our first country dual carriage way complete with wet leaves and slippery wet surfaces. (it was hard to find these lanes as the weather has been dry lately)
We headed out towards Lawsonford & Preston Baggot where the white Vans were strategically placed as arranged, this was their first skills test to which I'm pleased to say the riders all passed (well done all), moving on towards Wooton Wawen & Little Aln, where I think Geoff had encountered a small mechanical problem with his new Panther where he decided to take a short cut to our destination point.
The pack headed onwards towards Ullenhall where I managed to find some more testing road surfaces which did not present any difficulty to any of our experience riders today.
Moving onwards and enjoying the autum freshness and beatiful landscapes we arrived at our final destination which was "Ye Olde Pound Cafe" where we received our usual warm welcome and brilliant food and Tea/coffee.
All-in-all a very enjoyable ride of 24 miles taking aprox 1hr 15mins.
Well done everyone.
Thursday 17th October Breakfast Run.
Following the sad news about our friend and fellow rider John Mills, this Thursday we met near John’s house and rode by to pay our respects by giving him a nod and sounding our horns, which John always enjoyed people he knew doing as they rode past his house.(this was agreed with John’s family, so they were expecting us!!)
It was then just a 7-mile run to our Café destination, where we raised a tea or coffee to John and had a chat reminiscing about him. I am sure we all have good memories of him!
Saturday 19th October Klondyke Mill.
It was a wet and rainy start to the day. It had rained fairly heavily overnight and there were large telltale puddles along the roads. Still the forecast was good for a bit later on.
Nigel & Geoff had to be there whatever the weather…but would anyone else be daft enough to join them?
Nigel had driven the route on the afternoon of the day before and there was the usual road working activity, but nothing to suggest what we found that morning - the road was closed for a little way either side of our starting point - Bikers World. In fact it was later discovered that access could be gained from the Hams Hall side, but initially a large HGV had been parked in the way to hide this….
Anyway, we were joined by Bob, Steve C, Jenny and John….and set off a little later than planned. The route was mainly A roads with the occasional B road, and as the skies lightened and the sun came out, the world became a better place to be riding our eclectic mix of bikes.
In around an hour we arrived at Klondyke to the sights, smells and sounds of lots of Traction Engines of all sizes plus stationary engines and lots more besides. The coffee and bacon baps were very welcome and we spent plenty time wondering around in the now very warm sunshine.
Thanks to everyone who turned up today, and apologies to anyone who tried but were thwarted by that blot on the landscape which is HS2.
Thursday 7th November Cleaning Day.
Special birthday for one of the Cleaning Crew regulars, not sure if he’s a Nickel, Paint or tyre pumper, but there was a nice cake to compliment the coffee and biscuits.
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Sunday 13th October Jim Fellows Ride
18 riders met at the layby on the B4101 half a mile past the Saracens Head for our traditional Jim Fellows run.
In the past the run started from Jims House with free tea and biscuits provided by his wife Gill, but now runs to Umberslade Park Farm where Emma, Jims Granddaughter now provides similar refreshments at the rides end.
A 29 mile run through Warwickshire's colourful leafy lanes on a crisp and dry autumn morning was an enjoyable way to wrap up the weekend.
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Heading 5
Wednesday 16th October Club Night is Film Night.
Tonight we had our annual autumn film show. Andrew had prepared a selection of “Pearl & Dean” topical shorts, Bob purchased and distributed the Popcorn and all was set for the main feature:-
The Worlds Fastest Indian
Most had seen it before but it’s certain worth a second view
Sunday 29th September Clay Mills Pumping Station.
A cold Sunday morning for a ride out, but 12 or so turned up for the 45 mins 28 Mile ride to Burton on Trent. A minor breakdown as we exited the start point, at Bikers World, saw the group split up, but a repair was quickly applied and they were soon on their way. For the rest of us, Highways Authorities were not kind as the planned route past Drayton Manor was closed, so a quick tour round the back of the Belfry soon saw us back en-route.
On arrival we were immediately allowed into the inner area of the Station and allowed to park and display our machines adjacent to the Boiler house.
There was loads to see with both Engine Houses in steam with all four beam engines in operation. Of course this also included lots of ancillary equipment such as feed pumps, the electricity generator room and the machine and wood shops.
At the back of the excellent café we were treated to a short and informative presentation on how and why the site became what it is.
Outside there was a demonstration by the (1940’s) Auxiliary Fire Service with a dramatic casualty rescue from the top floor and in a hut to one side there were a troupe of singing Land Girls entertaining all.
Well worth the ride there and we shall be making this a regular autumn event.
Our thanks to all at Clay Mills Pumping Station who made this such an enjoyable day out.
Club Night Wednesday 18th Sept Dynamic Presentation
From the man who brought you the Titanic Disaster this year we had:-
The Lost World of Soho Foundry.
A brilliant evening entertainment from world renowned expert Andrew Lound, went into the foundation background and
subsequent evolution of the site.
Interesting co-incidence
Managing director, William Edward Hipkins transformed W&T Avery Limited from a burgeoning maker of scales into the world’s largest manufacturer of weighing machines.
In 1895 he bought the Soho Foundry, allowing him to lay claim to being the last managing director of James Watt and Co, but he also revolutionised the way British businesses were structured.
Mr Hipkins – who grew up in Nechells, attended King Edwards School in New Street, and lived in Augustus Road, Edgbaston – secured a huge contract to supply the US Army with Avery weighing devices and needed to travel to the States to finalise the deal.
But the trip that he made alone as a 54-year-old widower proved his undoing, for he was one of the 1,517 people who died on RMS Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage in April 1912.
Breakfast Run Thursday 19th September 2024.
The meeting point was at "the Bulls Head" in Meriden. 17 bikes and riders took part in this run, the weather initially was dull, dry and warm. We proceeded to the run"criss crossing" Meriden, Berkswell, and Balsall Common on a 17 mile route, the roads were good going with little traffic or hold ups, a few of the narrow lanes were testing with gravel and over grown hedges but all riders skilfully negotiated this with little problem at all, the real test came when I arrange a large truck to be present in a narrow lane to test the riders reactions but I’m pleased to say they all skilfully negotiated this obstacle too, well done all.
Our final destination was "Oakes Farm Cafe" where we were made very welcome and enjoyed some great food and hot drinks, the staff were friendly and super-efficient with food & drinks brought out to our tables sometimes before we had even ordered them!!.
We all enjoyed a good chat and catch -up and departed on our own return journeys, by this time the sun made a welcome appearance.
Thanks for coming everyone.
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Ride A Bike Day 21st September.
Members were on hand to assist the Museum in the running of their popular ‘Ride a Bike’ day event. Lots of pushing, kick starting and explaining to be done, but great fun had by all.
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Thursday 3rd October APMC Midland Section
Fine weather for today’s run where Midland section members rode from Meriden up to Appleby magna to join the APMC on their Chris Chant's Leicester Lanes Run
Some pictures below taken at the Appleby Inn Hotel. I think we all forgot to take pictures at the Bulls Head, Meriden.
Some didn’t go on the run around the Leicester Lanes as they decided to go over to the Triumph Factory instead.
I can tell you that the weather was lovely and sunny for October and Bob led 9 bikes on a great route over to the rendezvous. After coffee, some of the 9 went to the Triumph Factory, some went home and some went with Bob on a run around the lanes.
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Sunday 6th October Warcs Midlands Joint Run.
We arranged once again to meet up with the Warwickshire section for a joint run to Gilks Café at Kineton. This time we arranged to all meet at Chesterton Windmill rather than arrange an organised massed ride to the start.
This seemed to work well and a good number of both Warcs and Midland members were there for the 10:30 start.
Themed as a pre40s Girder run there were only three in evidence as the distance and weather put off some of the Midland girder fork owners. Gilks Cafe did us proud and there were a number of riders from the Cotswold section already at the café when we arrived so it was nice to see some familiar faces.
Thursday 5th Breakfast Run
12 brave souls ventured out on this dull windy morning to gather at the old "Bird in hand" public house (which has been closed for a few years now), It is located on the A3400 near Henley in Arden.
Steve Lambert led the pack on this run and we headed off towards Stratford via Billesley then onto Long Marston, the going was good at this point with the pack keeping tight together. We progressed through some more beautiful villages including Mickleton, Weston Sub-Edge & Willersey , until we eventually rode into Broadway, at this point the weather was dry but a little windy, That's when everything went a bit pear shaped! I lost my navigation aid communication at this point and made my first mistake by taking a wrong turn up to and beyond Snows Hill, the weather gods turned on us and the rain came down, compounded by high winds, and at this point I had to admit I was well and truly LOST, we stopped briefly at a tee junction to get my thoughts together, looking back I could see everyone was getting soaked so the pressure was on!
Geoff Ansell in his usual cheerful spirit noticed a "Lady" passing by walking her dog, and commented "It’s a lovely day for walking your dog isn't it” to which she replied "It was until you lot turned up pumping filth into the atmosphere !!!!!!" ha ha well Geoff was lost for words for once haha.
We got back onto the route (or so I thought) and proceeded to our destination which was "The Gloucestershire & Warwickshire steam Railway" we were only 4 miles from this destination when I made my second mistake, by leading the pack into a GWR railway station to which I was informed by Steve Malins that "This is not Toddington Station" S---T. We quickly performed a U turn and headed off down the road to our correct final destination and cafe, at GWR Toddington Station.
Ahhh at last we're here and still in the rain and wind, but the cafe was a very welcome sight and I feel the pack forgave my errors,
Thanks everyone,
Sunday 8th Sept Jim Fellows Ride Out
There’s an adage that there is ‘No Fule like an old Fule’ as was witnessed today when two turned up for today’s run.
One and half actually as Geoff was wise enough to come in his Zephyr.
The weather could best be described as damp and challenging, so much so that my rev counter steamed up.
Still there’s always next year.
Statfold Road, Rail and Ale 2024.
September 14th & 15th.
Their largest event of the year proved to be one of the most spectacular starring a vintage American theme. Alongside the sward-winning railway, we were joined by a whole host of things Road, Rail and Ale. From motorcycles, vintage trucks, tractors and cars to steam traction engines, a whole host of visiting exhibitors joined in this steam-tastic weekend!
We tried something new for this weekend having been invited by the organiser’s to put on a display for their annual end of season exhibition. We arrived Friday to stake our claim and spy out the lay of the land. Nigel, Geoff and Andrew manning the stand but ably assisted by a multitude of members during the two day exhibition. Vote of thanks to James Hewing at the National Motorcycle Museum who lent us the van. As a trial we only featured section members bikes on the stand and this seemed to work well.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable weekend and we plan if possible to repeat this next year and make it an annual event.
Be sure to see the video below featuring the Barlow Red Barrows charity team a spoof of the world famous Red Arrows Aerobatic display team.
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Breakfast Run Thursday 22nd August
Apparently it’s the height of the summer! But the BBC and the Met Office were both advertising a rather wet and windy morning…so only hardy types today then!
Gathering in Meriden as usual, it was actually completely dry and pretty mild. Our run leader was conspicuously absent, presumably looking for his oilskins, but then here is Steve on his 250 Suzuki and not the AJS as planned…apparently the AJS had also seen the weather forecast and had decided it was staying put today.
Tony turned up on his Vincent, but needed petrol so off he went again. A few more hardy folk trickled in. A passing car driver spotted my Guzzi and came in to see if anyone was interested in buying in his J reg 750T Guzzi (details available). Tony’s back now so we are 11 and decide to use the 2 Tail End Charlie system - me (Nigel - Guzzi) & Jenny (Panther) as back up. I’m keen to test the Tail End Charlie process so really need someone to breakdown or have a minor incident so ask around but no one is keen…
We have a great and dry ride though all manner of roads, many of which are new to us and also to our fearless leader it seems. Through a slow ‘section’ white van man stops me to ask where we are going as he thinks the 250 Suzuki at the front might have been his many years ago. It wasn’t as Steve’s had it from new. And then all too soon we arrive at The Olde Pounde Cafe where they really know how to provide good value for money food. Thanks to all those who turned out today and Steve for leading.
Sunday 28th July Evesham Run
With Wings & Wheels at Bidford being postponed at short notice, John Surman stepped into the breach and arranged a
trip to Raphael’s at Evesham.
Quite fortuitous as our annual spring trip to the Café was postponed as the Distinguished Gentleman’s event took it over and we couldn’t get in!
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