Ace Café Re-Union – Brighton Burn-Up 04/09/2016

Steve arrived late Saturday afternoon to help out with the food. Brian had sorted out the gazebo and everything that goes with the setup including tables and chairs. He then went off to pick up the van and on his return we loaded up the van except for the food for obvious reasons.

Come Sunday morning all the food was loaded promptly at 5:00am and by 5:40am we set off for Brighton. The weather was dry although it was trying very hard to rain but at least it was not cold. The journey down was brilliant and we even caught a glimpse of the sunrise before it disappeared quickly behind the clouds.

We arrived in Brighton around 7:00am and the sky was clouded over. Also the winds had picked up which was making our job very difficult to erect the gazebo. We started to think that this was not a good start to the day. The pitch this year was better than last year and with that the gazebo was soon up. George was first to arrive and he helped us with the setting up.

The winds were subsiding and we could even see patches of blue skies. While the kettle was boiling and the chairs and tables were being put out I started unpacking all the food stuff and placing it all on the tables ready for our members. That done we sat down watching first set of bikers arriving around 10:30am. The whole place started getting busier and louder before long. There were less trade stalls then last year but the live band and crowds of people made it exciting.

Geof and Dee had stayed in Brighton the previous night and it was her first time to Brighton. As usual we had a good turn out from Busy Bee members and that’s why we make an extra effort to welcome them and offer food and drinks after their long ride. Unfortunately Vinnie couldn’t make it this year due to family wedding and he was only missed because there were no hot fried samosa’s on the menu. To compensate I made a large lemon drizzle cake and bread pudding which seemed to go down well with everyone.

The weather improved as the day went on and the rain kept away for the rest of the day. Lots of members thanked us for the hospitality and welcome they received at the stand. Soon it was time to pack up and head home. But first we always visit this café on the sea front for our meal before setting for home. We normally leaving Brighton at around 7:00pm so to miss the traffic. Drive back home was one of best for years as there was no traffic and got in at around 8:30pm. What a fantastic day out.

Pat

Classic Car & Bike Show – Potters Bar 21/08/2016

This is one of the small shows that we as a club has been attending for the last couple of years. It’s not on our regular club runs but it is for a very worthy cause run by “The Rotary Club of Potters Bar”.

The entry for us is free to this particular event and in exchange we display our prized machines for the public to come and see. There was quite a large turn out from the Busy Bee members. Here is a list of some but not all who turned up. Chris, Sam, Johnny, Brian, Steve, Frank, Bob and myself.

There was a live band by the name of “Shades of Midnight” playing music from 50’s and 60’s. From the artist such as Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, Small Faces, Johnny Kidd & The Pirates, Gene Vincent, The Animals etc. There was hog roast and hot food stalls serving food as well as tea, coffee and cakes.

All in all a great day out and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.

Vinnie

Brackley Festival of Motorcycling 14/08/2016

This is another event that was not marked as a club run until this year. Last year few of the Busy Bee members had attended and were very impressed. So upon their request we the committee decided to make it as a club run this year.

We meet up at Otterspool Way for 9am. I was not going to miss out on this event as last year I was busy with my house extension. There was Sam, Steve, Brian & Pat, Chris & Elizabeth, Ian and Phil waiting. Brian led part of the way and then Chris took over as he had the Sat Nav.

On arrival we were directed to a dedicated motorbike parking area. It was a bit of a walk compared to the car parking but much easier to exit at the end of the day. We made our way to the gates and payed £8 entry fee. Brian commented that it was much bigger and better organised then last year.

There were all kinds of events happening in the main arena. They had closed the high street to the traffic so that side car racing and motor bike racing can take place. There were also café racer and custom bike parades in addition to live band playing in the main field arena. Steve Colley trick trial display was also taking place throughout the day.

There were also motorcycle dealers such as Triumph, BMW, Yamaha, Suzuki and others displaying their latest offerings. Also a lot of motorcycle club stands were present. Few trade stalls and plenty of food and drinks vendor were on site. We kept bumping into other club members from time to time.

This was defiantly one of the well organised event that I have been to in a while and I am glad we have made it as a club run. The weather was overcast the whole day but it was quite warm which made it more enjoyable.

This was a great event with full action packed day and great weather. I will be coming back here again next year.

Vinnie

Langleybury Farm 07/08/2016

Our Club ride-out today was meant to be to the museum of power”. However, at the club night on Thursday it was decided we would rather go to Langleybury Farm as we have been to the museum of power” every year.
This is only a small show for classic cars and bikes but plenty of people turned up. We meet up at Otterspool Way for 9am just in case anyone turned up to go to the museum of power.
Jeff was waiting for us and soon after Christian arrived. This was his first run with the club, welcome Christian! So they had a choice, neither of them had been to the power of museum before.
Brian gave them a map and Christian also had his Sat Nav so off they went, meanwhile Steve turned up on his combo and so off we went to Langleybury Farm. It was only a short ride and so we arrived there very early.
To our surprise there must have been over 12 Busy Bee members and their bikes had turned up as well as few in their classic cars.
Norman was in his very nice classic Humber car and Dave Taylor with his now latest possession a very desirable Riley.
Sue, Roger and his son’s children arrived by car a little later as well as Laurie who we thought had gone to the power of museum.
Langleybury is ideal for a family’s day out with plenty to do and see. Lots of play areas, BBQ and stalls. The children love the animals such as chickens, goats, horses, and owls. There was also a lovely little cafe serving sweets, cake, teas and coffee. All the food and drinks were very reasonably priced but most of us brought picnics and sandwiches.
This particular farm is our favourite and therefore we would like to support it. They have lots of overheads and so £2.50 was a very reasonable price for an entry ticket.
We had a very lazy day with lots of Busy Bee members turning up. Well done Paul Rutter who won a trophy for his best bike in show an Indian 4cyl. All the bikes in the show had belonged to Busy Bee members, all bar one. Well done Busy Bee Club!
There was a live band called Cruisin & Mooses were performing the same band we hired for our Christmas party. Hopefully they will be entertaining us this year once again on December the 3
rd so mark it on your dairies.
The sun was shining and what a brilliant day we all had. The organisers made us very welcome and in return we thanked them for a very lovely day.

We will be back again next year for a fantastic day out once again.
Pat

 

 

Chiltern Open Air Museum 17/07/2016

This event is another one of my favourites especially when the sun is shining and the turnout is very good. I highly recommend this event for everyone especially families with kids. They have so many volunteers dressed in period costumes and explain the significance of the exhibits on display and entertaining the public. They even have live music and it is always a great day out.

We as a club have been coming here for many years and always receive a very warm welcome from the organiser. We display our very handsome and cherished  motorcycles for which we are presented with a voucher entitling us to a complimentary drink. This year there was a big turn out from the club members. Sam, Brian and I, Keith, Vinnie, Ron, Ray, Bill, Frank, Steve and Karen on their trike and Steve V. on his combo. George and his friend as well as old Bob arrived a little later by car.

The museum gives one an insight of how the people used live in the UK  from pre and post world war years. There is an iron age barn dating from 18th centuries as well as many other exhibits housed in various barns and cottages.

Vinnie brought water, milk, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Brian and I brought biscuits, cakes and sandwiches as well the stove and kettle to make our own drinks. We always talked about being self sufficient as tea’s and coffee’s are very expensive at so many of these motorcycle events and also saves us queuing up. Some of us have even purchased light weight folding chairs that we can carry on the back of our bikes to make ourselves comfortable.

We had such a lovely picnic with the sun shining down upon us and just enjoying the company of fellow bikers and exchanging our plans for the summer break. This was a brilliant days out and can’t till the next year.

Pat