Embedded Files
8th January - Devauden - Soup & a Roll:
We had a whole roomful of members for our Winter Warmers Soup & Roll meeting at Devauden. There was a choice of six home made soups available and they were all delicious. These steaming bowls were presented with baskets of brown and white rolls of artisan bread all supplied from Hobbs House Bakery. This was just what was needed as there were a lot of us on two wheels and we needed some warm cheer for the ride home. Elaine let slip the news it was her birthday and had to endure the "birthday song" sung with full gusto. Lots of thanks to Jean Bradbeer who was in charge of this event, because keeping the hungry section happy is not an easy task.
15th January - Breakfast at Lockside:
Denis, laid on the traditional breakfast at the Lockside, Bristol, where 18 members managed to find it (after all these years) and enjoy a proper cooked breakfast. We were happy to welcome Helen Beer & John Henshaw both from the South Coast, who set off in the dark to arrive by 9am. It appears they were on their way to Nunney Castle as part of the South West Challenge. That's a fair old ride, and they both deserve to do well, and the brace of G.S's looked all set to go.
12th February - Monthly meeting - Valentines Day Special:
We had a very good attendance at our monthly meeting at Devauden for our Valentines Special. Denis, our romantic Secretary, had supplied some chocolate hearts, which went down well with the numerous cakes made by Jenny, Sally and Sue. Whatever happens, you can always rely on a good spread in our Section!.
16th February - Meet for Lunch:
A midweek lunch meet at the Bell Inn, Old Sodbury, which hosted about eleven members. This place is famous for having our present Queen stay over during a violent snowstorm many years ago, so we are in good company.
1st March - St David's day Ride Out:
The new month saw us meeting at St Fagans National History Museum on St.Davids day. Despite a nice scenic ride from Abergavenny, the Welsh rain finally caught up and the day finished a bit damp.
10th - 13th March - Spring Hotel Weekend:
Our third year at a Warner Weekend and all went off without a hitch.
This year Holme Lacy Hereford was the chosen location. The date, 10th March to 13th March, was dictated by (a) Easter, (b) not to clash with National AGM and (c) choice of entertainment . It's always difficult to plan these weekends as they have to be committed to well in advance to enable to benefit from the discounts but you can't commit until the entertainment has been finalised and booked by the Hotel. Never the less 21 of us booked in for a great weekend of eating, drinking and entertainment. .
We had 5 couples from the Western Section, 4 couples from the Mercia Section, Harry and Jan from the Isle of Wight and Vince representing the Northern Section. Once checked in and rooms found everyone wandered around to get their bearings and find the important areas, the bars! About a dozen of us met up in the main bar for a chin wag and a cup of tea (or something stronger) before heading back to our rooms to get ready for dinner. As always the food was of a high standard and a good quantity, especially if you had the carvery. Friday evening saw about 16 of us settle down to watch the rugby, along with other guests, prior to joining in with the entertainment for the evening. Unfortunately the Entertainments Manager had other ideas, as with twenty minutes to go he turned the television off! There was almost a riot as there were around 40 Guests of the hotel sat around watching! The Duty Manager had to be called to sort the situation out and lead us to another area of the hotel to watch the remaining 15 minutes. What a farce that was. We returned to the Entertainment Hall at the end of the Rugby to take our seats to be entertained some more.
Saturday we all arrived down for breakfast at various times, depending on how late you got to bed the previous night ! Everyone was off to do something different . Some went off on a coach trip to Hereford, others to visit English Heritage sites or walk the local countryside. Some made use of the facilities at the hotel, swimming, archery , rifle shooting , croquette, tennis, bowls or mini golf. I didn't hear of anyone going to use the GYM facilities though! Several of us regrouped , where else but in the bar, to watch more rugby. After which to get ready for dinner and come down to watch more Rugby! Into dinner for more food and drink then to the Entertainment Hall for the Kinks Tribute band. Some of us where lagging a bit at this stage, nothing to do with all the food and drink consumed, more likely to do with all the walking and activities partaken of throughout the day . Well that's my take on it anyway! On Sunday we had a Group booking for Rifle shooting and Archery. We had 2 sessions of 6 for the rifle shooting and all 12 taking part in the Archery. There's some dark horses in the BMW Club. Never fired a gun before we had Jean "sniper" Ingram score a magnificent 47 out of 50 to take the Gold Medal , Debbie formally" two puds", now after extensive refurbishment " two medals" Tanner take Silver in both Rifle and Archery and Haydn picked up the Bronze in Rifle shooting. Ian Cambourne took the Gold in the Archery and Michele Wills the Bronze. The rest of the day was spent recharging our batteries in preparation for out last assault for dinner and another nights entertainment from the Warner Leisure's dance team. Monday morning we stocked up for the day at the breakfast bar with a full English, fruit and cereal, yogurt , croissants, cheeses, ham , eggs Benedict, Salmon and scrambled egg etc etc.. You didn't have to have it all but you could if you wanted! There again some of us didn't want anything did we Mrs. B. (You know who you are but I won't say anything Jean, Whoops)! " Cameron and Mich.
Ian hosted a very successful lunch at the Windmill Inn in Portishead. Despite the foggy weather, over 35 turned up and filled two rooms, and it was such a pity as there are usually glorious views across the Severn Estuary to Wales. Never mind, as he hopes to repeat it again for 2018. It was really good to see the return of Graham and Julie Wiltshire to this following his recent illness, and we look forward to seeing more of you both.
29th March - Meet for Lunch:
Twenty one section members join Dave and Anita Holland at the Salt and Malt restaurant on the banks of Chew Valley Lake. The weather was overcast but dry so made for a decent ride to the venue. BIG respect to Denis who rode his bicycle the near forty mile round trip with what can only be said was with ease. He told me it allowed him to burn off the fish and chips so keeping him on track with his diet. Or make room for a couple of pints of his favourite tipple later in the evening. The fish and chips at the Salt and Malt can only be described as excellent, light batter and large crispy chips. My mouth is watering just writing about it. As is the case with most of Western section events there appeared to be no rush to finish up and leave, the relaxed atmosphere and varied conversation making for an enjoyable and fulfilling afternoon. Thank you to all who came along and supported the event.
We hope to see you all again at our Maunsel Lock meet near Bridgwater on 19th April. Cheers for now Dave and Anita.
19th March - Meet for Lunch:
19th April - Maunsel Lock Meet:
Dave & Anita's event was attended by a large group who had a splendid session on the Bridgwater Canal in the glorious sunshine. Many of them looked forward to a boat trip but apparently they don't do them anymore! The main talking point was Keith's new C650 scooter. It seemed that most members wanted to sit on it and all seemed to be impressed. I acn say that from personal experience of owning a superscoot, that they are very practical bikes and have a lot of advantages. It seems that most "bikers" are still prejudiced by its image.
3rd June - Ride out from Riders of Cardiff:
I had some foreboding the week before the ride, It had only just penetrated my consciousness that my event was clashing with the football championships bonanza in Cardiff and our exit route was past one of the stadiums with a match on that day. Also the long distance weather forecast gave low pressure, lower temperatures, showers etc. Never mind perhaps it will be alright. We met up at about 10.00 am, 8 for the ride plus one, a new member who's name I have forgotten, sorry, waiting for his bike to be serviced. There was myself R1200R, Ray Rees R1200R, Dave Richards R1200R water cooled. Peter ? from Cardiff F800GT. Roy and Kerry GS 1200 Adventure and Mike and Liz K1100 who `volunteered ` to be the tail enders. As we were about to leave, not Roy ,I think, oh cannot remember again, you must know him, nice mature chap from way south of Bristol, sandy hair, ex RAF, rides a well cared for red R1100RS arrived, sorry we had to leave you there, but I understand a 200 mile round trip did not really need any more miles added on. So, off we set through the massed pedestrian foot ball fans and lighter traffic than usual, out of Cardiff and west on the A48 for about 10 miles and then turned left into the Vale of Glamorgan, through narrow lanes and up and down steep hills, past numerous castle remains and the older parts of south Wales, into Llantwit Major which has more blue heritage plaques than most and a Roman villa. On past Atlantic College ex Randolf Hearst, and then down to the coast at Ogmore by Sea, Southerndown and west again to Sunny Porthcawl, Margam Abbey ex home of the Talbot family, builders of Port Talbot docks, north up the picturesque Cymmer valley to Afon Argoed country park cafe/mining museum complex, excellent facilities, good food at very reasonable prices. We all had a good chat and off we went up to the top of the Bwlch, (pass) and then down into the ex mining valley of Ogmore Vale, a great end to the run, wide well surfaced roads with lots of sweeping bends and great views across to the Brecon Beacons, very little traffic and the weather stayed dry. We said goodbyes at J36 M4, all said they enjoyed the day, with even fairly local riders being surprised at parts of the route - Haydn Rees.
Well, nobody can blame me, I did tell them, twice, first by email, warning of the hazardous nature of the route and absolving everyone except the riders of any responsibility for anything. I thought that would do it, there would not be anybody up for that, wrong! Came the morning, superb weather, and I had already had a number of text messages and phone calls asking for more information and when I arrived at the Steel Horse before 10am, already there were a number of people there, some were eating breakfast, possibly their second. Denis our social sec, Brian Morgan the tail ender elect and Reg and Margaret Moule, still with desert sand every where, also Romas and Jenny on his owned from new R1000RS ,narrow little handlebars, full fairing, ideal choice for the day. Lots more including new member John Cornock on a new XR 1300, he had been up since 5am, to deliver 20 tons of hay before riding up to Abergavenny from Devon, a couple of other new members too, Chris Almond GS650, Owen Baker GS1150R and late arrivals Peter and Mrs Peter on an RT, (notes indecipherable).After signing in I told them the route and the type of roads, 50% B & A and 50% unclassified, you know the type of thing. nice pile of mud or gravel down the centre of narrow sunken lanes, tight climbing and descending hairpin bends, Ideal going for GS etc, not quite so good for the RT. This only seemed to make them keener to get at it, they obviously like a challenge in the Western Section and beyond. So at about 11am off we went, following a large tractor and trailer for about 4 miles before he kindly pulled onto a wide grass verge so we could pass, south to Usk, north east to Raglan, north to Monmouth , west to Pontrilas, north west towards Hay on Wye narrow climbing road now, then south to Hays Bluff and a stop to admire the view of Lord Herefords Knob, then over the Gospel pass and down to the Inn at Llanthony Abbey, where the staff did us proud, rustling up lunch for twenty hungry (Reg was very hungry) motor cyclists. Someone asked when the hair pins were going to start, he was reassured the best was to come. We eventually arrived at the premier hair pin collection climbing towards the top of 530m Mynyyd Llangatwg and then back down by a slightly easier descent over the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal yet again. We rejoined the main road eastward to take the Blorenge mountain road, unfortunately this was where the grand plan came unstuck, could not find the road!, the tail ender said it did not matter and after a brief search I decided he was right, it had been a long day, we were only about 6 miles from Steel Horse at this point and I think with a sense of relief from most we cut about 10 miles off and returned to the Steel horse just before closing time for ice creams and coffee. A long hot 92 mile day, I enjoyed it and most said they did too. I am sure it will look much better in retrospect. Thanks for all of your support, some I know had a 100mile + return trip to make and I hope you all returned safely - Haydn Rees.
22nd to 25th June - Black & White camping Weekend:
This event in its 8th year is usually a little earlier in the month but was put back at the request of Denis. If the event had been staged one week earlier it would have seen temperatures well into the 30's as it was the temperature had dropped considerably to a more pleasant 18 to 20 degrees. Thursday saw 11 Section members arrive to make the most of the weekend which kicked off in the evening with "fish & chip" supper from the local chippy, why do they always taste better when eaten outside in the evening sunshine. Friday saw more members arrive to total 21, unfortunately Cameron & Michelle had to cry off as Cameron had again been bitten by some bug, this time on his right leg, and it started to swell up so it was off to the doctors for antibiotics with orders to rest?? In the evening a quiz was organised by Sue with everyone taking part but once again Jan & Ian took the spoils (we are going to have to split them up or link the questions to sport!)
Saturday dawned bright and clear which was set for the rest of the day with everyone doing their own thing from local walks, ride outs or just chilling out. Later in the day Sue organised a boules tournament which was hotly contested and taken very seriously with string being used to see which boule was closest to the jack. Eventually it was down to Paul and Denis to fight it out in the best of three legs with Denis taking the spoils. Later that evening was the now statutory BBQ with Denis and Colin slaving over the newly purchased cooking stoves and pans, what a difference they made, money well spent. After everyone had their fill the evening took a serious turn with a couple of games of Bingo. Jean was the first to win with a line but for the full house with only a few numbers remaining Jean and Marg shouted together with Marg taking the spoils on the spin of a coin. In the second game Jenny won the chocolates for a line and Ray a bottle of wine for the full house.
There was some concern over the weather forecast for Sunday with heavy rain from early on, as a consequence everyone was up early to get packed away, fortunately the majority got packed away before the rain finally hit first with a light shower followed by a downpour with Keith being last man standing.
Many thanks to those that attended and helped out over the weekend - Colin & Sue Ross
18th June - NOT (Not Often Trodden) Ride Out:
Western Section Boules Competition
14th to 16th July - Talybont Camping Weekend:
June and George Lukins organised a great camping weekend at Talybont Farm in Talybont on Usk. About 20+ tents and 30 people attended this weekend which was fortunate to have good weather.
The cream teas at the local Canal Side Café were definitely up to scratch, and with it open from 9am to 5pm there was no need to cook if that’s what you wanted. If you wanted to do your own catering the local shop had everything and was open from 8am to 7pm. A choice of 4 local pubs with good beer and food proved popular and various members were spotted eating and drinking in each!
On Saturday there was a choice of three activities. Do your own thing! Join George and June leading an easy 3 mile level walk along the canal to The Oak pub in Pencelli, the next village, for lunch. The third choice was a pleasant 70 mile ride out to visit Big Pit at Blaenavon. All three choices were well supported. With members from Scotland, Preston in Lancashire, North Wales and other areas there was a good social atmosphere at most times of the day or evening. This was the second year this event has been run and deserves to have its place in next year’s Western Section Calendar. If you have not tried it yet why not join in next year when it will run from Thursday 12th July to Sunday 15th July at the same venue. The campsite are happy for people to arrive earlier or stay later if you wish.
Finally many thanks to George and June for all their efforts to put on a memorable relaxing weekend. They certainly succeeded.
29th July - Calne Bike Festival:
Our section was at the Festival at the invitation of Dick Lovett's Motorrad who offered to share their stand with us and transport all our display equipment in their van. Jean and Denis, Sue and Colin Ross arrived at the site at 0930 and got cracking setting up our display including a gas burner and kettle for the all important cups of tea and coffee that would keep us and our visitors going. My first job was to retrieve our table for the burner etc from an adjacent stand belonging to the IAM who was convinced it was theirs but after a few Geordie choice expressions conceded that maybe it wasn't and so I got it back.
As usual the Festival was very well attended and parking became almost impossible as the day wore on. Dick Lovett's had a lot of visitors drooling over their four bikes on display, we managed to tempt a few over to us and hopefully we will see some join the club before too long (fingers crossed - 2 did join after the event). The weather thankfully stayed fine with only the odd little shower so a good day was had by all. It was nice to see some members pop in for a chat and a cuppa. All in all we had a good day out and time will tell if it was a successful one. Denis Bradbeer
14th to 17th September - Sorebutts Rally:
The weather forecast didn’t look great heading into the third Sorebutts Rally, but despite nearly being re-named The Soggybutts Rally at one time, the weather actually played ball most of the weekend. Over 60 people turned out in a mixture of tents, campervans, pods, cocoons and caravans. A few couples even stayed in hotel or B and B accommodation to be part of the rally.
Friday saw the usual fish and chip run which had Jenny Rodriguez and Marg Langford collecting about 40 portions from the local chippie, this was followed by a game of bingo.
Saturday dawned bright and sunny for the rideout led by Dave Fox-Spencer, while Anita and Dave Holland led about 16 intrepid souls on a guided walk around the beautiful Devon countryside. During the afternoon Sue Ross organised a boules competition which was won in fine style by Brian Morgan.
Saturday evening saw a BBQ, expertly cooked by head chef Denis Bradbeer and his apprentice Colin Ross, you’ve got some competition there Denis.
A picture quiz ran throughout the weekend and was won by Jan and Ian Hibbert.
The raffle proved ever popular with Sandy Young managing to extract money from all present at every opportunity.
Dafydd Jones of The Oxford section provided some impromptu entertainment in the gazebo on Saturday night in the form of Morris dancing tuition, great fun was had by participants and spectators alike.
Sunday morning heralded a beautiful sunny day for packing away.
Thanks to all those who supported the rally and to all those willing volunteers who helped to keep it running smoothly, I can’t wait for next year.
Paul Rodriguez
17th September - Taurus Craft Centre Meet:
The weather did us proud that day.
We met at Taurus Craft Centre for a very, very leisurely lunch! All nine of us, with a good turnout of bikes considering the numbers. Later we went for a whole 2 mile ride! To Lydney Harbour. Stopping on the way at one of the 2 Level Crossings to let an engine go by. The picturesque Lydney Harbour was once a busy and thriving place, and still boasts great views over the River Severn towards Sharpness and other various Gloucestershire villages, along with the two Severn Bridges in the distance. There are boats moored in the water, and for those who like walking there are several paths to follow and is ideal for Bird Watching too (of the feathered kind!)
Ros Gwinnell told us of her daily train journey days across this famous River to get to Lydney School. Alas in bygone years the railway bridge was destroyed in a disaster, and sadly lives were lost. Remnants of this bridge still remain.
After a stroll and goodbyes a few of us went onto Tintern to partake in Tea, at The Monks Tea Rooms.
Thanks and appreciation to all those who came- Chris, Patrick and Janet, Ros and Brian, Dave ( on his Boxer, you know who you are!) and Dave and Tricia (possibly their 2nd BMW ride out) - Alison D'Rozario
23rd September - Visit to the Internal fire Museum:
I left home in the drizzle to ride to The Internal Fire and Power Museum at Ceredigion. Stopped off at Waitrose, Abergavenny and met Dave Frizzwell and daughter who were upset that hot food was unavailable ! The dishwasher was kaput !
We met Haydn Rees and Neville Jones in Brecon and chose the route via Llandovery.
Bad choice as it was the Annual Sheep Festival and packed. En Route we encountered a very slow lorry of hay bales so leapfrogging tactics were employed . Neville thought that the driver did not have any parents !! Others were met at the Museum which was very interesting and only a fiver. The big engines were fired up which was a sight indeed. The weather turned dry to make the round mileage of 250 worth while - Denis Bradbeer
22nd October - Skittles match with Oxford Section:
Our annual skittles match with the Oxford Section proved to be a well attended nail biter with both teams winning and so achieving a well deserved draw. Bets are being taken that Western will win outright next year.
28th October - Meander in the Forest of Dean:
The event was originally scheduled for 21st October but due to the forecast of severe weather it was re-schedules for the following week and what a good job we did as the weather was absolutely perfect for us to see the colours of the Dean at its Autumn best. Nick and Monica led the ride accompanied by 10 bikes with yours truly Denis as back marker. The route Nick took us was first class with meandering roads and lanes with the trees at their Autumnal best displaying their vivid colours. We had a welcome cuppa at the Mallards Pike country Park. Onwards to Speech House Cafe all well so far, then the Forrest imps struck first with a malfunction of the drop off system leaving back marker and three others adrift due to a delay at the back of the group, after we caught up I realised we had lost two other bikes. Up until this mishap and afterwards the system worked perfectly, well done gang. Further on I came across the riders all lined up on the roadside, Nick our leader had picked up a puncture in his rear tyre it turned out to be a 25mm long by 10mm diameter steel tube off an electronic fag. A puncture repair kit was quickly brought into action and thanks to Mike Lewis and Neville Jones a plugged tyre was ride able with care, Monica hopped onto the back of Neville’s bike to make it easier for Nick to handle his bike with a wobbly back tyre. I must finish by saying overall the ride was as "scenic" as it was billed and well done Nick and Monica, and I for one am looking forward to riding around this under rated part of our region again.
8th November - Impromptu Ride Out:
Brian Morgan offered to lead a ride out to West Wales and invited Haydn. This is how I came to receive an invitation to join in when Haydn Rees rang me the day before. Promising warm weather and wall to wall sunshine I gullibly accepted. Climbing out of bed at 6:30 that morning there was no sign of the promised sun, but there was ice everywhere you looked. My black car was white along with the lawn and most other things. Oh well, I said I would go so better get on with it!
At Bridgend I hooked up with Haydn and Brian Morris on his 750. On to Swansea services and the start with Brian Morgan. All my thoughts of a bacon butty vanished as we four made an immediate start, off to Carmarthen, St Clears and our first stop at Laugharne. Parking in the car park of St Martin’s Church we set off into the graveyard on a pilgrimage. This was a first for us as I believe Brian was the only one amongst us that knew Dylan Thomas was laid to rest here.
Stopping for the second time only to use the public conveniences at Pendine Sands we found them shut. Halleluiah! We were forced to go into the café and have a hot drink in order to use their facilities. Half hour later and feeling human again we shot off to St Davids rapidly followed by Porthgain Harbour, where we had to stop for emergency repairs as my rear brake pedal was seizing on in mid corner! As we were stopped anyway Brian allowed us a visit to the Sloop Inn for a bite to eat. Excellent.
By now it was getting on and as Brian Morris needed to put in an appearance at home by 4pm the afternoon’s projected run was reduced to passing through Godwich, Fishguard and back to Swansea.
Fabulous day. The threatened sun did come out to play and Brian once again laid on a great selection of rideable roads and fantastic views - Nev Jones.
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