Embedded Files
Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 27-March-2019.
The first run of the year saw 15 bikes (including new member, Paul, and a guest Philip) leave Devil’s Bridge and head into the Lakes. Following a coffee break at the Wateredge Hotel in Ambleside, we continued northwards to Grasmere. Here, the Red Bank road (pass) took us over into Great Langdale, and the road back towards Ambleside. Before getting tangled in the town, we joined the Hawkshead road as far as a minor road that led past the Drunken Duck Hotel towards Tarn Hows. Climbing up a more minor lane we were rewarded with some fine views over the tarn to the Langdale Pikes. Daffodils by the roadside helped to brighten the mood, as well. Dropping down from the tarn, we arrived in Coniston to pick up the road to Torver, and our lunch stop at Wilson’s Arms.
After a leisurely meal, we carried on to Broughton-in-Furness to join the A595. This, the A5092 and the A590 led us eastwards to Newby Bridge and the climb up the Gummers Howe road. Descending into the Winster valley, we then joined the Lyth valley road; just to let the bikes breathe a bit, you understand! Back on to the A590, at Gilpin Bridge, for a short distance we next found the A6. Now riding southwards, we avoided Carnforth in favour of the B6254 (again, to let the bikes exercise their lungs) for the return to Kirkby Lonsdale. A round trip of about 100 miles. I trust the two ‘new’ boys enjoyed the day, and that Philip might join the club. (I slipped him a plastic card with the club’s contact details - a bit of ‘missionary’ work!)
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Bob and Pam Harrison Go Visiting Family, April 2019.
Three weeks in Thailand visiting our daughter who lives in Bangkok so an opportunity to indulge in some bike riding. Internet browsing produces quite a few companies renting bikes and we opted for C & P Big Bike Rental in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. It is possible to rent BMWs in Thailand but they are exorbitantly expensive. Typically £90 per day for a 650GS. We opted for a Honda CB500X vertical twin, a brand new machine for £35 per day. A three day trip so we declined the panniers and top box and strapped our luggage to the rack. The bike didn't have a number plate fitted but Lan at C &P said it wasn't necessary as it was a new bike and anyway the police knew him and his bikes so no problem. The bike came with helmets but don't expect a new Schuberth C4. Third Party insurance included but not damage to the bike so scratch it, bend it or break it and you pay for the damage so a good reason to be careful. Another reason to be on the defensive is the shocking accident statistics in Thailand. Compare the UK at 1720 road deaths per annum with the 24,000 in Thailand, both countries have a similar population. Two wheelers are involved in 73% of this figure.
Bikes and scooters abound, seems like everybody has one and helmets are compulsory but not really because the law is rarely enforced. Three aboard is common and even a family of four with Dad in control, toddler standing on the footwell, mum and baby on the pillion, no helmets. Typical rider and pillion equipment comprises flip-flops, shorts, t shirt and mobile phone so a casual approach to safety.
Pam and I seem over-dressed with boots, biking jeans, jacket, gloves and helmet. With temperatures in the 30 to 40 range and tropical humidity there is a guarantee of some perspiration as soon as the first red light is reached. We intend to ride the Mae Hong Son loop, one of the must do on a bike routes with 1864 bends to enjoy. Riding due north on the 107 we reach the junction with the 1095 which takes us all the way to Mae Hong Son, 153 miles of spectacular mountain road with challenging hairpins to negotiate. This route is classified as requiring intermediate motorcycling skills and the severity of the hairpins would test an inexperienced rider. Indeed many come a cropper when faced with a 1 in 4 incline exit on a 180 degree bend. Unlike similar mountain roads in the Alps for example where you can see where the road is going the Thailand roads are totally obscured by the lush tropical vegetation so caution is advised. The car and truck drivers tend to use all the road when negotiating the bends so no surprise to encounter a vehicle on my side of the road. Excellent brakes on the Honda to reduce speed and avoid a collision.
Hotel in Mae Hong Son for £16 a room with en-suite and air-con which is absolutely essential for a good night's sleep. We are just twelve miles from the border with Burma. The roads we are riding were engineered by the Japanese Army during WW2 in order to move troops towards Burma and ultimately India. In contrast to the brutality, starvation and execution suffered by the Allied Prisoners of War at the hands of the Japanese during the construction of the Thailand Burma railway, the Thai people were treated humanely as they laboured on the road construction.
Our second day's riding and we depart the 1095 and head south on the 108. More bendy road and mountains, with minimal traffic to contend with, just the occasional dog rushing out to greet us. Khun Yuam and the Japanese WW2 War Museum which was excellent with an introductory film explaining the relationship between the Thais and Japanese Army. In this area, local people took good care of tens of thousands of soldiers who retreated from their disastrous defeat by the British Army at the Battle of Imphal in 1944 during which 53,000 Japanese troops were killed. The relationship between the local people and Japanese soldiers was very good. A mere 90 miles and we are happy to arrive at our night's accommodation at The Hot Coffee B & B. Basically a cabin hanging off the side of a cliff with views over the river so a spectacular setting. No air-con though but en-suite and we do have a fan and a mosquito net over the bed, a fridge too for a mere £17.50 for both of us.
Our last day out and we head south along the 1088 to Lai Hin and left on the 1192 for Thailand's highest mountain at Doi Inthanon at 8415ft. More Buddhist temples along the way to the top where I am surprised to see a solar neutron monitoring station which monitors cosmic rays emitted by the sun. A mere 16C at this elevation compared to the 35C at the bottom of the hill. The little Honda had no problem ascending the mountain, even with its meagre 47bhp. We averaged 91mpg on our short 335 mile outing and the Honda was just the bike to have on the mountain roads. Anything bigger would have been an encumbrance. All being well we will go again next year for a longer trip but it will have to be on that Honda again. Lovely roomy bike with well placed foot-rests for rider and pillion but Pam complained that the seat was too hard so an Airhawk cushion required for the next Thai adventure.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 03-April-2019.
Annoyingly, the weather forecast wasn’t far out! Descending to Devil’s Bridge on my way there I ran into some mist. As others arrived at the start, the mist turned to snow. Hmm, what to do? Cancel the run? My plan for the day was going pear-shaped. A suggestion from John seemed to be feasible – go to the Lakeland Motor museum for a cfofee and see what happens. Duly taken on board, we set off in high (?) hopes. The conditions did improve slightly – the snow stopped – and we arrived at Backbarrow in fine, but still cold weather. Warmed by the coffee, and slabs of mixed berry shortbread we then headed along the ‘Holker mosses’ road to Cartmel. Through the village, and onwards we stopped for lunch at the Gilpin Bridge Inn, just off the A590.
By now warmed up again, we rode up the Lyth valley road to the junction into Crosthwaite village. Further along, a minor lane led us southwards, through Brigsteer and Levens villages to rejoin the A590. We followed this eastwards to pick up lanes through small villages to Oxenholme on the outskirts of Kendal. From here, the ‘back road’ to Kirkby Lonsdale formed the return leg. By now the morning’s snow had melted, and the sun had put in an appearance. A short run, but at least we had salvaged something from the day. My original plan had been to go over Kirkstone pass and down through the Lakes – not really possible given the snow on the fells!
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Chocolate and Cheese Run 28-April-2019.
Phil Cosgrove’s annual run took place in good weather after the previous storm Hanna had passed. Eight bikes and eleven people assembled for the run along the lanes over Harris End Fell towards Quernmore and onwards to the Chocolate factory via Kirkby Lonsdale and Killington for refreshments. Now nine bikes with Derek and Nikki joining us we set of east to go through Little Asby, Little and Great Musgrave to Brough where we turned south and took the road up to the Tan Hill Inn. Turning right towards Keld and Thwaite brought us to the bottom of Buttertubs Pass which was clear and dry to drop down into Hawes for lunch at the Wensleydale pantry. After a good lunch it was a run down towards Ribblehead and Ingleton before finishing at Bullbeck, Caton. A great day well supported thanks Phil and Joan.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 01-May-2019.
After April’s chilly run it was a bit more pleasant for the 10 riders who left Devil’s Bridge. Heading into the Lakes, we stopped in Ambleside at the Wateredge Hotel for coffee. Continuing onwards through the town, and along the road through the Lakes, we arrived at Keswick. Here, using a shortcut from my climbing days, we joined the road up the Borrowdale valley. At the head of the valley loomed the Honister pass which led into the hanging valley below the summit of the pass. Passing (no pun intended) the quarry works, with the recent activity centre, we dropped down the western side into the Buttermere valley. Shortly afterwards we arrived at our lunch stop in the Bridge Hotel, Buttermere village. Here, it was observed that there seemed to be more pubs and tearooms than houses!
Following the meal, we returned a few metres/yards to find the road up the fellside onto Newlands Hause, one of the minor passes in the Lakes. Now riding along narrow lanes we approached Keswick and the A66. This took us to the Rheged centre, near Penrith, for a quick ‘splash and dash’ of petrol. Next, the road down to Ullswater led us to Pooley Bridge and the road to Eamont Bridge on the A6. Yes, you’ve guessed it – Shap fell! Fortunately, the light rain of the morning had dried off the road surface so we could enjoy the route. Until, that is, we caught up with a van from Cumbria constabulary’s finest. Ah, well! It didn’t hold us up for long as an empty stretch of road allowed some (one) of us to overtake. The rest of the group did manage to catch up at the junction of the shortcut avoiding Kendal. These lanes guided us to the ‘old’ A65, and the Crooklands hotel for a coffee break and the end of the day’s run. Around 110 miles all in, and relatively free of any wet stuff of significance, and in good company. What more could you want? Oh, alright then – wall to wall sunshine would be better!
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Graham Fell's Lunch Run 18-May-2019.
Dry weather greeted the 8 riders and 3 passengers for the annual lunch run. Setting of to the Trough of Bowland via Quernmore and Harris End Fell for the easy run down to Dunsop Bridge over Cow Ark and on to the morning break at Riverside tea rooms Slaidburn at which point John Simms joined us. After our break we headed through Holden and Bolton by Bowland at which point we came behind some thirty tractors on there way to the Tossside tractors rally. It appears that it’s compulsory to ignore the large mirrors they have and weave across the road. Eventually after a couple of miles with the aid of the horn we managed to start to pass them. Onwards to Horton and a brief run up the A59 before joining the minor roads to Gargrave and on to Malham past the cove and over the top to drop down to Langcliffe then Settle to our Lunch halt at Elaine Tea Rooms at Feizor. Thank you all for the company thanks Phil and Joan for the tail end Duties and New members John Clark and Stephen Mouzas hope you enjoyed it.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 05-June-2019.
The weather was forecast to be poor in the west, so eastwards we (the 12 of us) had to go! Heading to Sedbergh we encountered what you might call a ‘mobile obstruction’ - a traveller horse and caravan. Damn, it’s the lead up to the Appleby horse fair! One of only three that we came across along the road. Safely past this first one we carried on to Sedbergh, and only another two travellers along the way. Passing through the town we continued towards Kirkby Stephen and our (planned) coffee break at the Fat Lamb Inn. I say ‘planned’ because a sign at the entrance to the car park saying ‘hotel guests only’ forced a change of venue to the Black Swan hotel in Ravenstonedale. Not a bad thing, as it transpired. Duly refreshed, we rode on through Kirkby Stephen, passing a major encampment of travellers on the roadside, in a temporary speed limit. Turning off the main road, we then rode along minor roads up on to higher ground and our lunch stop at the Tan Hill Inn.
Following a slightly fraught lunch (they had forgotten that we were coming! I did phone ahead the previous day to alert them, honest!) we headed down Arkengarthdale into Reeth. From there the moor road led us into Wensleydale, where we took the quiet road along the northern side of the valley (dale) to Hawes. Next, turning southwards, we took the pleasant road to Ribblehead. (I say ‘pleasant’ but a quite heavy shower took the edge off our enjoyment.) Stopping here at the Station Inn for a coffee break we managed to miss some of the rain. The next stretch of road took us to Ingleton where the run broke up, and we all made our various ways home.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 03-July-2019.
‘Twas a fine, sunny day that saw 11 bikes leave Devil’s Bridge thinking ‘summer at last’. And it was to last! Well, at least for the day. Heading westwards we rode to the so-called ‘Lake District peninsulas’ before turning into the Lakes on the road to Coniston. Arriving at Torver, we halted for our coffe break at the Wilsons hotel. Here we basked in the morning sun whilst refreshing ourselves. Ever onwards, we carried on towards Broughton-in-Furness, which was avoided by a shortcut to the traffic lights at Duddon bridge. Past the bridge we turned off the main road to join the high road over Corney Fell. From the highest point of the road we could enjoy the view out over the Irish Sea to the Isle of Man. (Not an everyday occurrence!) Dropping down to the main west coast road we turned southwards to arrive at Bootle, and our lunch stop at the Byre cafe.
Following a busy meal (there were other people there!) we continued southwards to pick up the A595 Whicham valley road. This was followed for quite a distance as far as Lowick where we turned off on to minor roads and lanes through wooded country. Eventually, we arrived at Newby Bridge and the Swan hotel for an afternoon break by the river Leven. Leaving the peaceful (!) riverside location we then climbed up the Gummers Howe road and into the Lyth valley. Here, once again, we could let the bikes exercise their lungs as far as Gilpin Bridge. Now heading back towards Kirkby Lonsdale the run started to disperse as everyone took the opportunity to break off and return home. A cracking day’s ride with a mixture of fast and not-so-fast roads in perfect riding weather. Here’s hoping August will be similar!
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 07-August-2019.
A jolly band (12) of BMWs left Devil’s Bridge riding east along the A65. Reaching Settle, the main road was abandoned to go through the town to pick up the moor road towards Malham. Arriving at the junction in Kirkby Malham I decide to drop the bike, so we ended up in an untidy heap on the road. Still, there were plenty of willing hands to rectify the situation (I got up unaided, so not damaged). The bike was unscathed. Carrying on, we soon pulled into our coffee stop at the farm shop and tearoom in Airton. Now refreshed, we rode along country lanes to Cracoe, and the road back towards Skipton. Joining the A59, this took us as far as Bolton Abbey where the B6160 led us to Burnsall, and lunch at the Red Lion. Here we were accommodated in the dining room at our own table. Whether this was good hospitality or to keep us away from the other clientele…
Fully refuelled, we carried on up Wharfedale as far as Buckden. Here the (very) minor road through Hubberholme and Oughtershaw along Cam High Road and landed us in Hawes at the Wensleydale creamery for another coffee break. At this point, one or two decided to head for home, as time getting on. For the rest of us the road up to Garsdale Head provided some entertainment, followed by the continuation to Sedbergh. This is where things became uncertain. Previously, on the Kirkby Lonsdale road, a bridge that had been damaged by storm Desmond was replaced with a temporary structure. Recently, that road had been closed for permanent repairs. Was the road now open? Fortunately, it was. Good, time to let the bikes have their heads and breathe a bit on the return to Devil’s Bridge.
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Northern Section Eden Arms Hotel Event.
A dire weather forecast warning of heavy rain with rivers bursting their banks was the August 9th morning news. Our group of 4 bikes stopped in Reeth to find it had been badly hit by high volumes of water hurtling through the village from the surrounding hills enroute to the badly swollen River Swale, sad to see the skips in driveways containing sodden bedding and furniture.
Fifty members and guests attending the weekend, so very pleased the hotel put the motorcycles in a rear courtyard which was locked at night. A dip in the heated pool and bubble treatment in the jacuzzi was most welcome before the 6:30 evening meal with our fellow participants including some from Aberdeen, Ulster and Reading. Evening entertainment by the talented female singer induced the BMW Club Ladies Dance Team to take to the floor.
Saturday ride-out north to Bellingham with me leading and Dennis Brown the tail gunner. The sudden demise of my Garmin 660 the previous Sunday forced a necessary purchase of a new 595LM which was to guide us along the route, but operator error resulted in a few navigation mistakes. A trials-section lane we were guided to was a challenge for us all with a one foot high grass strip in the middle of the single track - to be avoided at all costs. There was mist on the hills but little rain so far. Approaching our Carriages Cafe lunch venue the heavens opened in grand style. Torrential rain added to the already flooded road as we sat in the vintage railway carriages eating a very good lunch. A change of return route was decided due to the weather conditions and the escape route from Bellingham being reduced to just one road as the rest had disappeared under a foot or two of running water. Dennis took over the lead position on his 1250GS and was abruptly halted by a mammoth puddle at least a foot deep challenging Dennis and the twelve bikes behind. Dennis activated his four way flashers which confirmed that we were in a hazardous situation before plunging into the flood followed by the rest. The drop off system suffered a malfunction and we arrived at the hotel in dribs and wet drabs. A ride to remember which was seemingly enjoyed by mostly everybody including Club President Ian Dobie.
Saturday evening jollification with a male entertainer this time. More dancing and even the boys joined in. More rain on Sunday but our plan was to take the bus into Durham for sightseeing, others joined in while a few others went out on bikes to find sunshine. The Three Bridges Pub had been pre-arranged and a number of us watched Mr Marquez beaten on the last bend by Mr Dovizioso in the Austrian MotoGP. A quiet Sunday evening and to bed with Monday departure for us all and no rain to contend with. We hope to repeat the event in 2020.
Robert Harrison.
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 04-September-2019.
Despite the threat of some rain and blustery winds 10 members on 9 bikes left Devil’s Bridge and rode into the ‘Lake District Peninsulas’ of south Cumbria. Following the A590, we arrived at the village of Backbarrow and the Lakeland motor museum for our coffee break. Here we spent a pleasant hour supping various permutations of coffee and tea, putting the world to rights – sorting Brexit, finding solutions to drug and knife crime (as you do). Finally we just had to move on – there were signs of rain! Continuing along the main road to Greenodd, we then turned off to head towards Coniston. Before long, the rain again found us, or did we find it? Never mind we’re here at Torver and our lunch stop in the Church House Inn.
Duly refuelled, and after more discussions on topics of the day, we wandered out to the bikes and… rain! Coniston was our next target, soon reached, and the road over the northern edge of Grizedale forest to Hawkshead. Here, we turned southwards to join the A590 at Newby Bridge and pick up the Gummers Howe road. This took us into the Winster valley, and then the Lyth valley where (you’ve guessed) the bikes could ‘breathe a bit’ after the slower country lanes. Stopping off at the Gilpin Bridge Inn for a break, then heading back to Kirkby Lonsdale brought the run to an end. Although it didn’t bring the rain and wind to an end – it took another day, or so, for that. I trust everyone made it back home without getting too wet. See you all next month? I’ll try to organise some dry, sunny weather!
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 02-October-2019.
What a beautiful start to the day – not quite wall-to-wall sunshine, but near enough. Just the one fly in the ointment – when I arrived at Devil’s Bridge Mike O noticed a piece of hard plastic sticking out of my rear tyre. Fortunately, on its removal, there was no leak of air (more on tyres later). The excellent weather ‘forced’ another 19 bikes to accompany me towards the Lakes. Just beyond Kendal we turned along the ‘bypass’ down to Burneside village to find a ‘Road Closed’ sign barring our way towards the A6. What to do? Inquiries revealed that there had been a car-telegraph pole interface – the car came off worse, being burned out. As luck would have it, we could (and did) take a diversion along narrow lanes to finally join the A6 Shap road. At last, progress could be made! A belated coffee break was taken at the Orton Scar Cafe (in Orton village, where else?). Upon leaving to continue our ride, new member Steven (from Liverpool) found his rear tyre was punctured. Damn! Several attempts to repair it failed (due to a previous internal patch at the same point obstructing the plugs, as it turned out), but he managed to get to a tyre depot for a better repair. Not the best first experience on a club run for him. The main body of riders carried on the run via Appleby, Temple Sowerby and Culgaith to our lunch stop at the Shepherds Inn, Langwathby. Soon, the three riders who had stayed with Steven to see him sorted and on his way home turned up to report the outcome.
Following the slightly extended lunch (the ‘whale and chips’ was going to slow someone down) we headed up on the Hartside Pass road, passing the burned-out Cafe at the summit, and down to Alston. Here we turned eastwards on the moor road to Middleton-in-Teesdale, still in fine, sunny conditions. Along this section of the run Barry Warner’s K75 clocked up 150000 miles, quite a milestone! From the town we picked up the road through the North Pennines AONB to Brough, back in Cumbria, stopping there for a comfort break and to stretch some legs. Shortly afterwards, and passing through Kirkby Stephen, we arrived at the Fat Lamb inn for coffees and soft drinks. Now began the run down to Sedbergh, and the final stretch back to Devil’s Bridge.
Now, about tyres. On my way back home I detected a certain handling characteristic – nothing to worry about, just a slight vagueness. Wheeling the bike into the garage at home there was a detectable increase in rolling resistance. “I’ll let it cool down then check the pressure”. Next morning, “Pressure, what pressure?”. Yes, two of us with punctures! Anyone else?
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Bob Crawley's String of Horses Hotel Weekend 4th-6th October 2019.
The 2019 Bob Crawley Hotel Weekend descended on The String of Horses Coaching Inn, Faugh in Cumbria on the first weekend in October. Unusually Pam and I had a dry ride through Kendal and Shap following the A6, always a favourite run over the fells, turning east at Penrith then north for Lazonby and eventually the hamlet of Faugh for Friday night. Minimal traffic to contend with at this time of year when the kids are in school and the tourists are safely at home. Nice view from our bedroom of the two pet pigs foraging in the garden.
Eighteen on the event riding nine BMWs, two Yamahas and one Honda. Six lady pillions. Bob's traditional Saturday ride-out leaves the Inn at 09:18 so we are already three minutes behind schedule. Drop off applies with Dennis Brown providing tail end coverage. Nine bikes on the run and only three are solo so we know exactly where the six wives are. Bob doesn't own a GPS device but apparently knows exactly where he is without one. Heading in a bunch for the border through Brampton and Longtown. Scotland beckons with Newcastleton, Langholm, Bentpath and eventually the Eskdalemuir Community Hub and Old School Cafe which provides our first coffee break. Our Northern Section Treasurer arrives in the car park with some style as he applies his front brake with gusto which results in bike and rider being projected into a prone position. Across the road in the car park are twelve BMW Z4 cars, perhaps from the other BMW Club, but fortunately for Alan the occupants are assembled in a group with a direct view of the arriving motorcycles. They are in shock, rooted to the spot observing Alan's antics but one driver recovers and sprints over to help Alan's support team lift him and machine into a more gentlemanly attitude, respectively on feet and wheels. No injuries to the rider and a few more scratches on the bike but the front brake lever is drastically reduced in length. That should stop him abusing the front brake.
Fully fuelled and watered we head for Selkirk and Kelso then lunch in Jedburgh. Head south to England crossing the border at Deadwater and a lovely run through Kielder, then along the military road tracing the Roman army's handiwork. 240 miles of traffic free, brilliant roads occasionally covered in colourful farming muck. Such superb scenery and it didn't rain. The Scottish Borders and Northumberland hills seem to go on for ever and I believe provide the best biking area in the UK.
Quality accommodation with food and drink to match. Bob has already booked the venue so all being well we'll be there again in 2020.
Bob Harrison.
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Bob and Pam Harrison go to Corsica.
October 2019. A warm, sunny day in the car park of BMW Motorrad, Bastia, Corsica. Pam and me on the 82 R80GS, Geoff and Sarah Kennet on their 78 R100/7 with New Zealanders Keith and Jackie Ruth on the 97 F650ST. All three machines owned by Geoff and Sarah, BMW Club members even after 25 years resident in the south of France. We had departed Sablet the previous day en route to the ferry terminal in Toulon. An early morning minor problem with the GS in that it refused to start. Even the kickstart was ineffective. Push power to the rescue and the boxer burst into life. Away at last hoping that the battery merely required a charge. Unfortunately our first coffee break of the day necessitated more GS pushing so a new battery obviously required. A few more push starts including boarding and disembarking from the Corsica ferry saw us eventually in the Motorrad car park. The BMW dealer adamantly refused to sell us a new battery until he had sight of the bike's V5. Apparently a feature of French bureaucracy that we have previously encountered in France. Very odd. Geoff and Keith attacked the GS with enthusiasm, even the rear suspension unit had to be removed to gain access for battery removal. New battery fitted, press the button and we are away.
South on the T11 and T10 to our base for the next three nights, the mountain village of Cervione. We had rented two houses for this trip so that we stayed initially on the east coast then three nights on the west coast of the island. A mere 35 miles to today's destination but the battery problem filled the first part of the day. Corsica is an island of mountains and the rented house was positioned precariously on the edge of one. Tremendous unbroken views out to sea from the patio. We were all impressed with our accommodation. Renting a fancy house is not a cheap option but split between three couples makes the cost tolerable.
The next two days were spent exploring the island's interior using the maze of minor roads, completely devoid of traffic. Corsica is known as the island of 10,000 curves. Free roaming pigs, goats, cattle and horses were the most common road users likely to be encountered. Spectacular mountain villages seemingly hanging in space in abundance, many with substantial churches gradually falling into disrepair. Depopulation of the mountain villages during the 20th century has taken its toll with picturesque but dilapidated buildings in evidence. We were particularly impressed with the ruins of the former Franciscan convent of Orezza, located on the heights of the village of Piedicroce and disused with the arrival of the French Revolution in the 18th century. It was destroyed using high explosives in 1943 by the German Army because it was being utilised as an ammunition store by the Corsican partisans.
Returning from our adventures we learned that the F650 had a problem with the rear brake in that there wasn't any braking effect. The fluid had mysteriously disappeared but no sign of leakage at the caliper. New fluid purchased and brake bleeding commenced. Still no resistance at the pedal so the connecting pipework was disconnected and the system filled from the master cylinder end. This seemed to eventually rid the system of air and no further problems with the brakes.
Time to move on and travel across the island to the west coast and I'lle-Rousse. Swapping ocean sunrises for sunsets and a house with an outdoor pool which Keith and I plunged into but the water was a little chilly in October. A day off the bikes with a narrow gauge diesel train to Calvi and a good choice of day because this was the only rain on the trip. Next day's outing to allegedly the most dangerous road in Corsica, the Cap Corse, which is the bit that protrudes to the north from Bastia. We found that not to be the case, it was a very good road albeit it with the odd tourist coach blocking progress but the driver was most considerate, pulling over allowing us to overtake. Anyone thinking this is a dangerous road has obviously not been on the mountain routes we had enjoyed. Interesting that there were lots of big bikes negotiating the Cap Corse, never saw any on the minor twisty routes. The GS was an ideal machine being a very light bike ideally suitable for the curvy, narrow routes. Average fuel consumption 47mpg. Never rode on wet roads, something I was grateful for because the bike was shod with knobbly Bridgestone Trail Wing tyres which I was a little concerned about. They were excellent on the dry roads. My own R1200RS would have been a handful on the challenging, narrow snaking roads, especially two up, just too heavy. Expect adventurous driving from the natives on two wheels and four. Approximately twice as many deaths on the roads in France as in the UK, couldn't find specific statistics for Corsica but the number of crucifixes planted in the verge is an indication of the dangerous driving style. Being overtaken by a car as we negotiated a blind bend was a common manoeuvre but we never saw any actual crashes, just the odd wreck prostrate at the bottom of the ravine. Enjoy Corsica with caution.
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THE BMW CLUB Northern Section
MINUTES of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – KNOWLE GREEN VILLAGE HALL
13th October 2019 at 2pm
COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Secretary Lynn Sumner
Treasurer: Alan Davies
Social Secretary: Robert Harrison
Committee Members: Stewart Lowthian (NCM Representative)
1. Apologies for Absence: Robert & Pam Harrison, Bill Smithson
2. Minutes of the AGM held on 14th October 2018 at Knowle Green Village Hall, Longridge, having been circulated prior to the meeting, were accepted.
Proposed: Alan Davies Seconded: John Bell
3. Matters arising from those Minutes: None
4. Officers Reports:
Secretary’s Report:
This is the 57th Annual General Meeting of the Northern Section and at 30th September 2019 the Section membership database stood at 295 full members and 73 associates. 65 new members and 15 associates joined in the year from 1st October 2018 to 30th September 2019. The 295 includes 9 pending with 2 Associates in the last 2 months leaving 286 receiving journals.
3 New members and 1 Associate have joined since 1st Oct.’19 to date.
Our meets at Rixton Nov to March were well attended with a Jacobs Join in December and Hotpot and a raffle in January. Again our thanks to Jim & Ann Hough for organising the food and to Robert & Pam Harrison for organising the raffle prizes. We had reasonable attendance at Knowle Green but the June buffet was sadly let down by not only Ribchester Tastebuds not booking our order down, although it was confirmed to me by text, but by only 30 members attending after Alan Davies stepped in quickly to arrange sandwiches etc. A big thank you to Alan.
Due to the refurbishment at Rixton Village Hall we remain at Knowle Green till the end of the year. Please watch the forum or Facebook for updates on Rixton as to where the January meeting will be.
The National AGM in April was held at The Dunchurch Park Hotel & Conference Centre. This was the 2nd of 3 annual meetings to be held there although a new venue for 2020 is being sought.13 Northern members attended.
Mike Gibson still organises midweek runs and posts his write-ups on the Section website which he himself maintains. Thanks Mike once again but he has stated that after 11 years it’s time for someone else to take over the Section website. Anyone interested should contact Mike who will assist with the handover.
Thanks to Paul Stewart who is still looking after the Facebook page for the Section and is willing to continue for another year. There are currently 123 people signed up but it is not greatly used.
I’d like to thank all the members of the committee for their input during the last 12 months and to all those members who have organised ride outs 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:
Subscriptions this year raised £1548.09 down by £33.75
Advertising raised £680 up by £395 due to monies owed from last year. 1 Contributor still to pay.
Our January Raffle raised £138 down by £43
The costs for hall hire were £668.
Food and refreshments at events totalled £768.59 down by £344.16
Administration costs of posting and printing were £200 up by £96.99
Printing costs were £538 for diaries and stickers up by £238.
We raised £83.24 in the Air Ambulance Collection Box and whatever we raised on the whisky raffle today will be added to that amount.
Balance is up slightly this year by £16.61 income over expenditure.
Total balance is down this year by £7.03.
The Section is in a healthy financial position with nothing radical happening.
Alan Davies – Northern Treasurer.
The Accounts were accepted and approved.
Proposed: Dennis Brown Seconded: N. G. Taylor
Social Secretary’s Report:
Mike Gibson's mid-week runs commenced in March. His format is a continuing success, attracting riders throughout the summer months.
Barry Warner's Settle gatherings consistently provide an opportunity for a monthly ride on the bike throughout the year. Usually six or seven of us turn up for lunch.
Phil Cosgrove's annual ride-out was held in April and was well attended with nine bikes and 13 participants. I personally enjoyed the day very much, a ride to remember for all the right reasons.
Graham Fell's annual lunch run was held successfully with eight participants.
The lunch-meet in Culgaith has been well supported and is now a regular event throughout the summer months. Dennis Brown is the contact for this event.
Vince McGrath's June one day tour of North Wales was well supported, as was his September event. Vince intends to have four events per year. He will also be hosting a regular Sunday monthly meeting at the Llandegla fishery cafe which should appeal to the North Wales members.
Barry Warner's July mid-week camping in Wales was a great success with 26 attending, 12 from our Section. Hope to repeat the event in 2020.
The August hotel weekend was attended by 50 members and guests. Hope to repeat the event in 2020.
Bob Crawley's hotel event at The String of Horses was fully booked early in the year.
If anyone has an idea for a ride-out, meeting venue or an overnight event in 2020 please put it forward for consideration.
Robert Harrison – Northern Social Secretary
National Committee Representative’s Report:
The National Committee has met twice since our last section AGM, in February and June this year, with the October 2018 being held the day before our 2018 AGM which I was unable to attend as I was somewhat inconvenienced by a fuel pump failure and a long wait for a recovery truck. The NC, which is made up of the representatives from the 15 sections and the six National Officers, deals with the routine business of running the Club subject to our Articles of Association, which can only be changed at an AGM or EGM of the entire Club. It is worth noting that three National Officers and one Vice-President are also their section’s representatives, thus saving a significant cost in travelling expenses.
The meetings are held in a motel in the East Midlands. This is a central location which has been found over the years to be convenient and reasonably priced. The cost of holding the meetings is reviewed from time to time. A precis of each NC meeting is published in The Journal as soon as possible after the meeting to inform members of the decisions of the Committee. It is also the right of every member to ask their NC rep for details of the proceedings of each meeting.
Any member with a concern regarding any aspect of the Club is entitled to ask their NC rep to raise the matter with the NC at the next meeting, subject only to the rules regarding how much notice NC members must be given regarding items of business. This is the opportunity for every member to be represented in the decision making process.
Stewart Lowthian
5. Election of Officers:
The following nominations were received 28 days prior to the meeting and passed unanimously:
Secretary: Lynn Sumner – Proposed: Dennis Crompton Seconded: Roy Richards
Treasurer: Alan Davies – Proposed: Roy Richards Seconded: Dennis Crompton
Social Secretary: Robert Harrison – Proposed: Brian Kewley Seconded: Ashley Hunt
Committee Members: Stewart Lowthian -- Proposed: Jacqueline Hough Seconded: Vera Hunt
Stewart Lowthian offered to continue as the NCM representative for the Section.
Stewart Lowthian was nominated for the post of National Committee Representative for 2020 and was duly appointed by the elected Committee.
6. Proposal: Presented before 13th September 2019 by Ann Hough, Vera Hunt and Kay Bennett. They suggested that bacon/sausage barms be prepared at the monthly socials where no other food was offered. After much deliberation about acquiring Certificates for Food Safety and Hygene courses, plus insurance cover by the club, the proposal was withdrawn.
7. Any other business:
As sweatshirts have been withdrawn from Club Regalia sales, Alan Davies asked the members present if they would be interested in purchasing sweatshirts with the embroidered Northern logo on. A few showed interest so this will be discussed again at the monthly meetings.
There has been some doubt about the way Rixton bookings have been handled and Alan had been trying to contact the Hall’s Booking Officer to no avail. Some members suggested finding a new venue in the southern end of the Section. Since the AGM contact has now been made with Rixton due a change of their telephone contact number.
Phil Cosgrove asked if the National Committee could change the National Rally to some other weekend than a Bank Holiday. Stewart Lowthian agreed and said he’d suggested it years ago. He can now put it officially to the NCM from the Northern Section.
29 voting members signed in and the meeting closed at 2.50pm.
Dated: 13th October 2019 Signed: Lynn Sumner – Northern Secretary
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Mike Gibson's Midweek Run 06-November-2019.
Despite a dreary forecast 10 bikes left Devil’s Bridge and headed into the Lakes in search of fair weather. We did find some, but it was mixed in with a few light (?) showers. Never mind, the ride up Kirkstone Pass was dry, in spite of the slow car that wouldn’t pull in to let us past. (You do get them in the Lakes, so no real surprise!) Dropping down the northern side we managed to pass the car alongside Brothers Water. Soon, we arrived at our coffee break in the Ramblers Bar at The Inn on the Lake, Glenridding. (It was here that our number increased by one. Keith, from Hawes, had been late arriving at the start and decided to have a ride to the Lakes anyway, perhaps finding us along the way. Amazingly, he did, seeing our bikes parked at the hotel as he passed by.) Here, the price of refreshments was mentioned – don’t think we’ll be going back! Onwards, the route took us along Ullswater to the road through Dockray and Matterdale End to join up with the A66. Turning left, we rode towards Keswick and the road through St John’s in the Vale to the A591. Now heading southwards we rolled up at the Glen Rothay Hotel, in Rydal, for lunch.
Having filled up, and warmed up by the open fire, the afternoon ride just took us through Ambleside and Windermere back to Kirkby Lonsdale. Given the omnipresent threat of more rain, the run was a short one to allow everyone to (hopefully) return home before the rain/rush hour traffic.
My thanks to all who supported the midweek runs during the past year(s), and I trust I will see them all next year.
Addendum.
On my way back home I noticed (like last month) a certain vagueness and slight vibration on the bike. It almost felt like the balance weight on the rear wheel from the new tyre fitment had come off. But then, there was a low speed, rythmic ‘graunch’ (technical term, here) sound from the back end – I hope it’s nothing mechanical, I thought. Anyway, it doesn’t seem (!) to be getting worse, so it should get me home. It did, fortunately. A close inspection of the rear tyre revealed that my first thought wasn’t all that far from the truth. Instead of losing a weight, I had gained one…
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