Embedded Files
Section Meeting 10-January-2016.
The first meeting of the year saw a good turnout. Here are some pictures of the day from Cath Read.
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The 2016 Rhino Rally.
February's Rhino was a very wet success so congratulations to the 21 tent occupants who braved the horrendous conditions. I arrived on Friday afternoon and as I erected my tent on already sodden ground, blasted by a gale force wind driving the rain along, I did wonder why am I doing this. It can't be explained rationally so I'll not bother trying to justify such irrational behaviour on the part of myself and the other campers. I think we had a good time in adversity. Total attendance was about 60 so more people with more sense than me elected to stay in the various hotels and B&B. If nothing else two days of continuous torrential rain makes you appreciate home, assuming it hasn't been flooded of course.
Bob Harrison.
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Bowker BMW New Bike Release.
Lynn Sumner, our secretary, went along to the release in February. She captured some pictures of the event.
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Section Meeting 13-March-2016.
The Bring and Buy element to the meeting brought out a large number of members to see what was on offer. Hot lentil soup and a roll added flavour to the proceedings. Cath Read was there with her camera.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 16-March-2016.
The first run of the season saw a good turnout of 11 riders leave Devil's Bridge to ride along the road towards Carnforth. Bypassing the town, we picked up the road through Burton-in-Kendal (a reasonable road for 'progress'), enjoying the sun when it shone through the intermittent cloud cover. Our coffee break was taken at the Crooklands Hotel - although, given the crowded car park, here, we thought the hotel might be full. It was, sort of, but only with business meetings. Carrying on, we headed towards Kendal to then take lanes, through Sedgewick village, to join the A591. Following this, we rode around the top of Windermere lake at Ambleside, then carried on to Coniston. Passing through the village we arrived at Torver and the Wilson's Inn for lunch. Here, the choice was to eat outside in the sunshine or eat in. The cool breeze outside made the decision for us!
After satisfying the inner man, we left along the road southwards to the village of Lowick and more lanes over the ridge to another village, Bouth. More lanes took us across the bottom of the Rusland valley, and over another ridge to Newby Bridge. Now the climb up Gummers How beckoned, with its view up Windermere lake to the central fells. Joining the Lyth valley road, it was a pleasant surprise to see that quite a lot of it had recently been resurfaced. Just the job for more 'progress'! At Gilpin Bridge, the main road led us back to the lanes through Sedgewick and Natland villages to eventually gain the road towards Sedbergh. Just after crossing the M6, a large lorry presented an obstacle for us. Fortunately the driver did pull in to let us pass. What a gentleman! Perhaps he was a motorcyclist himself. The final stretch down to Kirkby Lonsdale was only interrupted by a temporary bridge where the original had been damaged in the winter floods.
All in all, a good day's ride of around 100 miles in mixed sunny and bright-but-cloudy conditions. The more pleasantly surprising aspect of the day was the lack of other traffic on the roads we took!
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Nev Cartwright's Shropshire Run 19-March-2016.
I met the first 7 members of the ride out at 8.45 at the ASDA petrol station. Unfortunately the only members of the BMW club were my wife and I, however that did not put us off we were determined to have a good day. While waiting for others to join us we had a bit of banter with the local traffic warden. We rolled out at 9am and made our way over to collect to more people from over on the Wirral, again not club members. After this a quick blast to Chester to collect the last member of the ride out, a gentleman called Ken whom at last is a member.
Feeling a little outnumbered, 8-4, the 11 of us set of at a fast pace towards Church Stretton. We arrived in Church Stretton at 10.45 ready to meet others for 11 after a short coffee break and no one else turning up our next thought was for fuel so around to the garage for fuel. It’s at this point one of our number almost came to grief with a local who decided that an R1200GS is not big enough to see. After a few choice words we set off up the Burway to the top of the Long Mynd. Spectacular views from the top even if the weather was a little grey. A slow pace down the lane off the top as the lane has a 25% gradient and a steep drop off the edge, 2nd gear and a 40mph descent (not), taking to the country lanes to the main road then a quick blast across to Clun, some nice B roads with twists and turns for all to enjoy. From Clun we carried on to Ludlow in a roundabout sort of way. It was along this stretch that one of our number (Ste) bit the dust. A low speed spill turning right at a junction with a lot of gravel on the road it came over the radio from the back marker. We all pulled up, regrouped and checked on each other (everyone ok) and set off again for Ludlow and lunch on the way in to the town centre. Here we had a second low speed spill (Chris), so low speed he had stopped went to put his foot down but the ground wasn't there - his foot was in free air! Having picked Chris up and dusted him off we set off for lunch. It was as this point another of our number (Bob) had a major crisis. The oil filler bolt for the shaft drive on his Honda Deauville 700 had loosened itself and done a disappearing act, so with some cleaver bodging using a cork chopping board a sharp knife and some gaffer tape the hole was repaired and Bob was safely on his way home again. (He told me later that not a drop of oil got past his bodge and a new bolt has since been sent out.) We arrived in Ludlow at 12.45 and agreed to meet back at the bikes in castle square at 2pm gives people enough time for lunch a look around if they wanted
At 2pm we set off on the second leg of the tour out to Bridgnorth via Clee St. Margret and the long ford. This is where my wife and I came to grief, with Helen sitting in the middle of the river and everyone laughing, another low speed spill but thankfully the last. When we arrived at Moreville about 5miles from Bridgnorth 3 members had to depart back towards Merseyside. That left 6 bikes, the younger lads asked for a quick ride so we went on to Bridgnorth and back over to Ludlow another 22 miles of twisting B road over hills and through small villages. Helen and I waited at the other end of the road for them with tea and coffee. They all agreed that may have been a little too quick - I guessed as much when Helen was screaming and had her eyes closed for most of the 20 miles. From here we headed out to Church Stretton and on to Much Wenlock and then back home.
A total of 270 miles covered in a 10hr day. I know the route is a little vague as some of this will be the ride out on 9th April for the Ratlinghope camping weekend. I'm keeping the route under my hat, the only other person who has any idea of it is Stuart who will be my back marker again and so bring up the rear. The people in the ride out were Helen (pillion) and I (club members), Phil, Steve, Chris, Matty, Derek, Martin and Ken (club member) Stu my back marker. Helen, my ever loving wife, who decided to take a fully clothed bath in the ford!
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03-April-2016.
Bill Smithson nipped over the border to the Yorkshire meeting at Cracoe. And the sun shone. (That was because he was there, and not the normal climate on that side of the divide. Despite what a Yorkshireman might tell you!)
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Ratlinghope YHA Weekend 08-April-2016
Bob Harrison's camping and bunkhouse weekend was blessed with some fine weather, by the looks from the photographs. The colour red seemed to feature quite prominently!
All photos : Bob Harrison.
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Section Meeting 10-April-2016.
Bill Smithson went along to the new venue at Knowle Green. He captured the scene with his camera, as well as the cracking Spring weather outside.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 20-April-2016
Perfect! A bright, sunny Spring morning without a cloud in the sky and 12 bikes left Devil's Bridge heading eastwards along the A65. Despite the 4-wheeled traffic we arrived in good time at the Anchor Inn, Gargrave, for our coffee break. This was taken in the garden, bathed in warm sunshine. Mmm. The road soon called, and we continued along the minor road the join the Wharfedale road at Cracoe. This took us up the dale through Kettlewell and Buckden to climb over into a tributary valley of Wensleydale. Here, at Aysgarth, we next rode up the dale to Bainbridge and our lunch stop at the Rose and Crown Inn.
Following a leisurely meal, we went over to the northern side of the valley to pick up the quiet road to the start of the Buttertubs pass. The traverse went smoothly over into Swaledale, where we now turned westwards and up to the head of the valley. Here, we came across some paragliders preparing for take off; they would have a superb view over the landscape from altitude! We, however, just had to enjoy it from ground level. Onwards to Kirkby Stephen, and the opportunity to 'progress' down the road to Sedbergh. From there the Kendal road led to the shortcut to pick up the 'back' road to Kirkby Lonsdale. (Another road that allowed 'progress', but slightly marred by a farm vehicle partly blocking the way, creating a hazard.) Back at Devil's Bridge, we noticed that the car park had filled up somewhat with many more 'bikes. No surprise, given the ideal riding conditions!
A perfect end to perfect riding day. Made better by the presence of one new face and another face not seen for a while. Let's hope they can find the opportunity to join us again.
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Graham Fell's New Members Lunch Run 24-April-2016
On the Sunday morning the weather did not look at its best but nine bikes and four pillion came to the start at Barton Grange Garden centre including new members Phil.(sorry Phil did not catch your surname) Martin Harmer and John and Sue Ditchfield . With the weather on the cooler side we headed straight into the Trough of Bowland via Oakenclough through Dunsop Bridge to a welcome brew at the riverside café Slaidburn where we took over the complete top floor. Warmed up it was down the Lythe Fell Valley and over the tops towards Bentham turning left onto some smaller lanes to drop into Wray where the Scarecrow festival was happening. From there we headed to Caton then back up into the T.O.B for a brief stop at Jubilee Tower for the view before dropping down to Glasson Dock for Lunch. Good Lunch, Good Company, Good Day.
PS as cold as it was we could not resist a ice cream at Wallings Farm on the way home!
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Bob Harrison's Brunch at Feizor 5-June-2016.
After discovering a large bald part on the rear tyre of the R65LS I had to use the F800 for Bob and Pam Harrison's Brunch meeting at Feizor.
Getting aboard the bike was not easy after not using it for a full 8 months but once on the road I was soon used to the bike again. The turn out was good with Pam and Bob, John Bell (all the way from Carlisle), Robert on his well loved R100, Barry Warner, Alan (Section Treasurer), a member whose name I didn't know plus myself. I hope I haven't missed anyone out.
The venue was quite busy but appeared to have enough staff to cope and the food on offer was well received.
After a chat and the photo I managed (with some help) to get back on the back on the bike and made my way via busy Slaidburn, Dunsop Bridge, the Trough of Bowland, Caton and home.
A short run of only 88 miles, but very enjoyable miles on a brilliant sunny day.
Bill Smithson.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 15-June-2016.
You've all heard of the TV programmes 'The Long Way Down' and 'The Long Way Round'. Well, I gave the other 10 members 'The Wrong Way Round'. Really, we should have ridden to the east, but I thought west was best. Then again, you can't always get it right! It started off fine and sunny, but riding into the southern Lakes we found some cloud at our coffee break in Torver at The Wilsons. Sitting outside it soon became apparent that indoors would be better (see photo). Nevertheless, after the break the rain had stopped, and we continued along the road towards Broughton-in-Furness. From there, the Duddon valley road led us to the climb up on to Birker Fell, where a few awkward cows didn't feel like vacating the road at a cattle grid. They did, and we next ended up at our lunch stop in Eskdale Green, the Bower House Inn.
After lunch (during which another shower wet our bikes' seats) we rode westwards and picked up the A595, west coast road. This took us southwards, accompanied by something more than a shower, to the Whicham valley and the route back to Broughton-in-Furness. From there, it was plain sailing (!) to join the A590 to Newby Bridge, and the Gummers Howe road. Next the delectable Lyth valley road allowed the bikes to 'breathe' before rejoining the A590. Leaving this at the Brettargh Holt roundabout, we followed the lanes through Sedgwick and met up with the A65. Following this, we returned to Devil's Bridge to wind down in lovely warm sunshine. As I said at the start, the wrong way round - we 'should have gone to the east', to paraphrase a TV advert!
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John Bell's 'After Breakfast' Run 03-July-2016
John Bell's breakfast meeting on the 3rd attracted me and Pam, Alan Davies and Dean Warren. We were led on a 100 mile tour of some narrow, leafy lanes, new to all of us, where John demonstrated his sheep herding ability. Nice to ride alongside Hadrian's wall for a while. After some uncertainty on a leafy bend Dean commented that he needs to ride his bike more.
Bob Harrison.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 20-July-2016.
The day didn't start off well. Dark skies illuminated with many flashes of lightning accompanied by heavy rain and the road like a river. Ah, well, let's go. By Kirkby Lonsdale the storm had abated and the sky looked promising to the east. That's the direction the other 7 hardy souls and myself headed. A good decision as when we stopped for coffee at Gargrave the sun was shining and the roads dry. Rehydrated, we continued to join the Harrogate road as far as Bolton Abbey where the Wharfedale road led us to Burnsall and our lunch stop.
After a pleasant meal by the river we carried on through Grassington and Kilnsey to pick up the valley of the river Skirfare. (Really, this was to avoid the darkening sky and light[ish] rain with which we had caught up, in favour of blue skies over towards the Ribble valley!) Climbing up out of the valley on to the high moor road we quickly went out of the rain before dropping into Ribblesdale at Langcliffe. Here the main road let the bikes breathe as far as Ribblehead, where the pub beckoned for some more rehydration; necessary now in the afternoon heat. Onwards to Hawes and the interesting road up to Garsdale Head, and thence to Sedbergh. From there it was but a short hop back to Devil's Bridge, and the end of the run. My thanks for the others for having faith in what the day might bring and turning up despite the ominous forecast.
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Strathpeffer Hotel Weekend 5th - 7th August 2016.
The August hotel weekend in Strathpeffer attracted 35 of us on 24 bikes. Apart from one CCM, one Kawasaki and two Yamahas all were BMWs. I led a 150 mile rideout of 9 bikes on the Saturday while Alan Davies led another group of 6 bikes. Sunday was a very windy day and while I don't usually mind a bit of wind the gale blowing on the way to The Kyle of Lochalsh defeated me. I turned around and headed for the east coast. The wind was verging on dangerous with several motorcyclists stopped at the roadside, it being too scary to continue. Returning to the hotel revealed that several bikes had collapsed into each other. One unfortunate rider forgot to remove his disc lock as he moved off. He fell over into the adjacent bike which fell over into the adjacent bike which etc. Three were damaged with the worst being a front brake master cylinder reservoir sheared off on one machine. Unrideable, the bike, rider and passenger were recovered back home on Monday. An unfortunate incident but not an uncommon one, you have been warned, attach that piece of string from lock to throttle.
There were six members from Yorkshire Section, five from Scottish, two from Mercia, one from North East and the remainder from Northern. The raffle for the bottle of whisky raised £50 for the Air Ambulance. I think I can say that a good time was had by all. Five of us called in to see Bob Crawley at home in Kelso and he looked remarkably well considering the injuries he suffered after being hit head on by an out of control car. He hopes to be on his bike at the Moffat hotel weekend in October.
Bob Harrison.
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John Bell's After Breakfast Run 14-August-2016.
The opportunity to ride the R65LS again after a week in Wales with Lottie my R25/3 was too good to miss. Leaving home at 08.15 I used the A6 and M6 to meet up with John and the other riders for the run to Knowle Green from the Red Rooster just off J40 of the M6.
John led the way via Ullswater passing the still wrecked properties in Glenridding damaged by the floods last December and over the Kirkstone Pass where we paused for the photos. Moving on, we descended The Struggle then headed via Ambleside for The Langdales. The traffic was building up with the Sunday drivers and walkers out in force and eventually we were forced to a standstill by a car driver changing his/her mind about Wyrnose and Hard Knott Passes and reversing in the road ahead. John then realised that perhaps storming the 2 passes on a Sunday was perhaps not the best option, so avoiding a minor rebellion we returned to Coniston and turned south.
A brisk run along the A591, A65 and A683 and we arrived at Bull Beck picnic area for a coffee stop. The A683 sounded like a race was in progress with the loons showing off to the watching crowd. After coffee I led the way to Knowle Green through Caton, the Trough of Bowland and Bleasdale Fell.
A good ride on the day with 182 miles covered by me and more by the other riders.
Thanks to all concerned for another great day out.
Bill Smithson.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 17-August-2016.
Thank heavens for high pressure weather systems. This one brought a perfect day for riding. Another 13 bikes met with me at Devil's Bridge, which necessitated the 'drop off' system. It worked, too! I managed to set off without one rider who was 'otherwise occupied' over the bridge. Fortunately Alan, our back marker, noticed the absence and waited. Nevertheless the ride did get off to a good start along the road to Sedbergh, and onwards to our morning break in The Fat Lamb, near Ravenstonedale. (This is where I found out about the 'dropped off' rider. Sorry, Mike!) Following a pleasant interlude in the garden we carried on to Kirkby Stephen, and the start of country lanes to Warcop and the A66. This took us to Temple Sowerby and small roads to Langwathby, the start of the superb Hartside Pass road. Successfully negotiating all the twists and turns, we arrived at the summit cafe and a host of other riders out to enjoy the day. Lunch now beckoned. Unfortunately we did have to sit inside - all the outside space was taken!
The afternoon session commenced with the road down to Alston where we picked up the B6277 to Middleton-in-Teesdale. Cracking road, this, with a combination of long straights, sweeping and twisting corners - just made better by the lack of much traffic! From Middleton, the fell road led over the North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to Brough, and a break to stretch our legs. Riding back through Kirkby Stephen, we carried on to the village of Orton for some welcome ice creams. Then the A6 over Shap Fell called. We couldn't refuse, so had a pleasurable ride down towards Kendal. Avoiding the town via narrow, single-track lanes (our usual diversion being closed due to a flood-damaged bridge) we joined the 'old' A65 back towards Kirkby Lonsdale.
In all, a trip of about 150 miles in the company of like-minded riders, including one new face. A warm welcome to Ian Richardson - let's hope you can join us again.
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Brunch Meeting at Milnthorpe 18-September-2016.
The 18th of September brunch meet at Milnthorpe market square attracted eleven of us on eight bikes for bacon and egg and sausage butties. Thank you to Angela and Dennis Rushton for donating their spare big butty to myself. It was well received. A lovely day and after some good conversation we went our separate ways towards home.
Bob Harrison.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 21-September-2016.
I was there at Devil's Bridge nice and early, sitting on the low wall when a number of bikes rolled up. Mainly BMWs. Crikey, I thought, we'll definitely need the drop off system today! Fortunately (!) it was a group on their way to the Galway oyster festival in the west of Ireland - so not section members. Soon the genuine participants arrived and, after the usual banter, we set off into the Lakes. Stopping at Ambleside, we had our coffee break in the Wateredge Hotel on the lake shore. Carrying on, we rode up Great Langdale and over the Blea Tarn road (not quite recognised as a pass, but certainly across the col into Little Langdale) to climb up Wrynose pass. (Just an aside, here. For everyone's information, Blea Tarn is featured during the initial sequence of the BBC's Countryfile programme, showing a 'wild swimmer'.) Dropping down the west side of the pass, we stopped for a minute at Cockley Beck to capture a couple of photos (two and three, below) - one of where we had been, and one of where we were (not) going. Hardknot pass, that is! Now heading down the Duddon valley we arrived at our lunch stop in the Newfield Inn, Seathwaite. (Not to be confused with Seathwaite in Borrowdale. Now we would be lost if we were there!)
Duly refuelled, we continued down the valley to pick up the main road, near Broughton-in-Furness, which led us to the A590 (via a diversion along country lanes). Following this, we rode to Newby Bridge to join the Gummers Howe road up over into the Lyth valley. On the way, of course, we had to stop for (another) coffee at the Hare and Hounds, Bowland Bridge. The Lyth valley road then permitted progress (albeit only 6 minutes' worth - I've timed it in the past using a GoPro action camera) down to the A590 again, and back to Kirkby Lonsdale via the A65.
Throughout the day, we only had a few drops of rain on a couple of occasions, firstly near Kendal and then approaching Ambleside. Not bad considering one of the forecasts doing the rounds. Perhaps it may encourage the two new faces, Ron on his lovely R100RS and Paul (son of Allan, my trusty back marker) to join us again in the future. (Well, Paul has been with us before, but a year or two ago.)
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THE BMW CLUB Northern Section
MINUTES of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – KNOWLE GREEN VILLAGE HALL
9th October 2016 at 2.10pm
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Secretary Lynn Sumner
Treasurer: Alan Davies
Social Secretary: Robert Harrison
Committee Members: Jim Hough (NCM Representative)
Paul Stewart
1. Apologies for Absence: Keith & Kay Bennett; David & Ann Johnson; Alan & Joan Slater
2. Minutes of the AGM held on 11th October 2015 at St. Michaels Village Hall, St. Michaels on Wyre, having been circulated prior to the meeting, are now accepted.
Proposed: Bill Smithson Seconded: Steve Hayes
3. Matters arising from those Minutes: None
4. Officers Reports:
Secretary’s Report:
This is the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Northern Section and at 30th September 2016 the Section membership was 330 and 86 associates, lower than last year by 23 full and 2 associates. 74 new members and 17 associates joined in the year and from 1st October 2016 we already have 8 new full and 1 associate bringing the figures to 338 and 88.
There was still an issue with some members renewing at the old rate of £27 by the end of January making more work for the National Treasurer, Jim Lepley and myself having to chase up the £3 underpayments. Some of the Standing Orders had no name on so were untraceable.
This should not affect anyone renewing on the rolling year system as paying by S.O was not an option when they joined.
At the National AGM of the BMW Club held in April 2015 it was proposed that the subscription be increased to £30 per full member, £2 for an associate and £35 for overseas members. This was held for 2016. An increase in Capitation was also discussed at the 2015 National AGM but this was deferred. However, in November last year, the National Committee had an impromptu email vote to increase the capitation from £4.50 to £5.50 per member and £1.70 remained for associates. This was back dated to 1st Oct. 2015.
Capitation is the portion of the subscription that is refunded to the Section and the money the section has in hand each year to spend on events and its members. A small amount also comes from advertisers in the Diary of Events. My thanks to Bob Harrison and Pam for producing and getting the Diaries & year stickers printed.
Our meets at Rixton over the winter were well attended with a Jacobs Join in December, Pie & Peas and a raffle in January and a Bring & Buy in March.
After the Winter floods in St. Michaels on Wyre and the village hall being unusable, we had to quickly find an alternative meeting venue for the Summer. Bob & Pam Harrison got online and found this venue, Knowle Green. I hope you’ll agree it has everything we need and attendances have been good to date. We are booking it again for 2017.
Last October Southport Superbikes transferred their business to Bowker Motorrad at new premises on Preston Docks. Myself and other committee members went along to the opening to promote membership and had 2 days of non stop talking.
I was there again in February when they launched 4 new bikes.
In April I attended the National AGM in Kegworth and I thank Bill Smithson for taking me. The majority of the Northern Section Committee had nominated Bill for Honorary Membership and this had been passed and acknowledged at the AGM. Congratulations Bill. There were 14 members from Northern Section attended so many thanks. About 152 voting members represented the whole of the BMW Club. It was a very well organised event thanks to the Mercia Section.
In June Bowker Motorrad took over the tradition and brought a selection of bikes to the meeting here at Knowle Green.
The buffet, paid for from Section funds, was provided yet again by The Churchtown Ladies who produced an excellent spread for the event.
Last weekend 1/2nd Oct was Bowker Motorrad’s first birthday and we were invited to have a club stand at their celebration event. Unfortunately I couldn’t attend but Bill Smithson, Paul Stewart, Stan Wood and others went along to promote the club once again. They must have worked hard because as a result we have had 8 new members and an associate joined. Thank you to you all.
The Section website is still maintained by Mike Gibson and Mike is always happy to receive your reports of rides to keep the site interesting. Thanks again to Mike.
Thanks to Paul Stewart who is still looking after the Facebook page for the Section. There are currently 69 people signed up and following the threads.
I’d also like to thank all the members of the committee for their input during the last 12 months but particularly thank, on behalf of the Section, Jim Hough who, with his wife Anne, has helped in many ways and been our National Committee Representative during this time. Jim is now standing down and we wish him well in his retirement from committee.
On a personal note my eldest son Graham Tagg has now qualified as a full team member of the Bowland & Pennine Mountain Rescue Team having undergone 16 months of intensive training in all aspects of rescue work and in all weathers. They work alongside the Air Ambulance and Police and are on call out 24/7. I have donated a bottle of whisky to raffle today and all proceeds will be presented to the Mountain Rescue.
Lastly my thanks go to all those members who have organised rideouts and events, to those who have given a hand in the kitchen on a regular basis, and those who have generally helped in the promotion of the Northern Section of The BMW Club.
Lynn Sumner – Secretary
Treasurer’s Report:
The Treasurer, Alan Davies, gave his Report setting out some of the Income and Expenditure during the year.
Subscriptions this year raised £1894.69 up by £130.09. Advertising raised £490 up by £95.
January Raffle raised £118; Hall Hire costs £345; Food & refreshments at events £977.89 up by £18.78; Administration costs of posting & printing were £178.55 up by £19.15;
Printing costs were £437.60 for diaries and stickers down by £80.
We put £163 into the Air Ambulance Collection box whose services have been required twice by this section.
Balance is up slightly this yer by £102.39 income over expenditure.
The Section is in a healthy financial position with nothing radical happening.
Alan Davies – Northern Treasurer.
It was proposed that the Accounts be accepted and approved.
Proposer: D. B. Ireland Seconder: D. C. Read
Social Secretary’s Report:
A big thank you to all those members who give their time and effort to organise both regular and one off Section events.
The monthly meetings at both Rixton and Knowle Green are well supported with generally 50 members in attendance.
The February Rhino Rally in North Wales attracted about 60 people with 21 of us in very wet tents and the rest in accommodation. This event will no longer be organised by our Section.
The event at the Ratlinghope Youth Hostel attracted 28 participants with 10 from our Section.
The Poppy Tour to France indicated that this type of European adventure camping trip on a bike is not very popular with only 7 of us participating. Hotel accommodation seems to be a requirement with most members.
A special thanks to Stan Wood and Graham Fell for pursuing the Bowker staff with regard to the June bike test day. Bowkers denied all knowledge of the event until Stan intervened on our behalf.
The Rhayader midweek camping event attracted 11 members and a midweek weekend may be a feature of the future judging from the comments of the participants who all thought it was a good idea.
Alan Davies’ Scotland weekend was a success with 35 attending on 24 bikes.
Bob Crawley’s 2015 October hotel event was well received and would take place in October 2016 in Moffat.
Proposed events for next year include a repeat of Alan Davies’s Scotland weekend in August, midweek Rhayader camp in July and Radnor Revivals in May 2017.
In conclusion any proposed events will be gratefully received by your Social Secretary for inclusion in the 2017 diary.
Robert Harrison – Northern Social Secretary
National Committee Representative’s Report: None submitted as Jim Hough, the NCM rep, had given his report at the monthly meeting following the NC Meetings during the year.
5. Election of Officers:
The following nominations were received 28 days prior to the meeting and passed unanimously:
Secretary: Lynn Sumner Proposed: Bob Harrison
Seconded: Steven Hayes
Treasurer: Alan Davies Proposed: Stewart Lowthian
Seconded: Tony Moores
Social Secretary: Robert Harrison Proposed: Geoff Dale
Seconded: Peter Dixon
Committee Members:
Paul Stewart Proposed: Stewart Lowthian Seconded: Tony Moores
Stewart Lowthian Proposed: Lynn Sumner
Seconded: Alan Davies
Stewart Lowthian was nominated for the post of National Committee Representative for 2017 and was duly appointed by the elected Committee.
6. Proposals: There were no written proposals presented before 11th September 2016
7. Any other business:
a) Graham Fell asked if weekend runs should continue as they were not well supported. A show of hands indicated there was still interest.
b) Graham Fell then suggested members should put impromptu rideouts onto Facebook or the Club forum.
c) David Mathers asked if we had Section insurance to cover rideouts – no, members should have their own.
d) Bill Smithson suggested using the microphone at the AGMs in future. Agreed.
47 voting members attended and the meeting closed at 2.45pm.
Dated 12th October 2016. Signed: Lynn Sumner – Northern Secretary.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 19-October-2016.
A 'Baker's Dozen' of us left Devil's bridge to head into the Lakes in fine, sunny conditions, if a little cool. Avoiding Windermere by country lanes we passed through Troutbeck village (with its orange sheep - a security measure against sheep rustling) and climbed up over the Kirkstone pass. Dropping down the other side, our coffee stop at The Inn on The Lake in Glenridding soon hove into view. (This time we could have our drinks in the comfort of the lounge, rather than the public bar.) Continuing onwards, we rode along Ullswater shore to pick up the road through Docker and on to join the A66. This led us past Keswick and, after negotiating roadworks, we followed the minor road around the bottom of Bassenthwaite lake to find lunch at the Castle Inn, Bassenthwaite.
Everyone refuelled, the country roads and lanes round the back of Skiddaw through Caldbeck, Hesket Newmarket and Mungrisedale took us back to the A66. Here, a touch of progress led to the Rheged centre and a comfort break. Our next objective was the A6, Shap road. This was arrived at via Ullswater, and the villages of Pooley Bridge and Tirril. Having gained the A6, we found that it was fairly clear of other traffic. A bit more progress was a distinct possibility, here! Arriving near Kendal, we detoured the town along minor lanes to pick up the country road back to Kirkby Lonsdale.
We were fortunate with the weather in that the greater part of the day was dry. Although I did manage to maintain my reputation by finding a few drops of rain along the eastern side of Carrock Fell, near Mungrisedale!
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 02-November-2016.
Riding to Kirkby Lonsdale I definitely noticed a change in temperature from the met us in the previous few days – there was a hint in the frost covered fields by the roadside! Nevertheless, it didn’t prevent another 16 riders joining me at Devil’s Bridge. From there we rode up into the Lakes to take morning coffee, tea and hot chocolate at the Rothay Manor Hotel, where the staff managed our party admirably. Continuing, we followed the road to Hawkshead through some colourful scenery and picked up the minor road into Grizedale forest. Autumn colours abounded on all sides! More lanes led us through the Rusland valley to cross the A590 and down the ‘Holker Mosses’ road to Cark village. Now turning more north eastwards, we entered Cartmel and our lunch stop at the Cavendish Arms Hotel. Here, also, the staff handled our group with quiet efficiency.
Following a mix of sandwiches, salads and mains we rode the minor road towards Newby Bridge, avoided by the lane through Staveley-in-Cartmel, and started the climb up the Gummers Howe road. On the ascent, we were rewarded by the view up Windermere towards the central Lakes. Dropping down the eastern side of the ridge we crossed the Winster valley to find the Lyth valley road. Here, the chance for ‘progress’ – a change, and then joined the A590 which was followed for a short distance to the A6. Turning southwards this led through Milnthorpe to the M6 junction near Carnforth. From there a final stretch along the B6254 took us back to Kirkby Lonsdale.
My thanks to all who joined me on the day, and shared the final run of the year along a mixture of country lanes and faster roads. Safe riding to everyone, and I trust we will meet up again next year.
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