Category Archives: Club Runs
Classic Motor Show – Old Warden Aerodrome 03/04/2016
As there was no planned club run this coming Sunday we looked up at “What’s on” section of our website and came across this meet called “Classic Motor Show at Old Warden Aerodrome”. Once decided we informed all the regular club night attendees of this pending run.
Meet Danny half between my place and his at 9:30 then made our way to Otterspool Way where Sam & Chris were already waiting. Not long before Pat and Brian turned up. We waited till 10 am in case anyone turned up but was not to be. Few of the members were talking about making their own way there especially when they lived not too far from the venue.
Brian led the way by setting of along A41 then on to A1/M in the direction Hatfield and on toward Henlow then a left at Biggleswade to Old Warden. The journey took about an hour and soon we were making our way through the front gates passing a long line of cars and suddenly we saw young Bob at front. After paying the entry fees we went to park up.
We made a bee line to the restaurant for a well-deserved cuppa! Despite the weather not being as warm as it should have been there was a good turnout. There were lots of club stands displaying classic British and vintage cars, hot rod and custom American cars. There were the usual Trade stands and we even got to see model air crafts flying display.
As we were walking about we bumped into even more members. The sun was trying to break through the clouds throughout the day which was very pleasant. We went back and forth to the restaurant for more hot drinks and a spot of lunch.
Alas it was time to head back the same way before it started raining. We all had a lovely day out with a 100 mile round trip.
Vinnie
Pioneer Run to Brighton 20/03/2016
Well it all started when I went to fill up the sprint for the run on Wednesday. Had a run through the lanes to Flitwick and dropped in to say hello to the lads. In the showroom there was a MT-03 Yamaha. Price tag said £4500ish thought that looked cheap and that it was the 3 pot version. Saw the sales manager who informed me that it was only a 300cc bike but you would be surprised at its power. So I took it for a spin and he was right as it went like a bat out of hell for its size. I arrived back and asked him if it had a MOT handy? (This is all Colin’s fault after giving me a load of chat on his new bike).
Half way round the test ride I decided that this was the bike for me as the Sprint was getting too heavy. I have owned three sprints over the past eighteen years and enjoyed every moment of it. Getting old is unavoidable and you only realise it when you try out other bikes that are better suited your riding styles.
Sorted a deal out and here I am today on my new MT-07 in red much to the surprise of the boys who were waiting in the layby at Denham. Brian, Laurie and Steve all liked it and agreed that a small lighter bike was the right way to go now.
We set off for Rykers at a steady 65 MPH. Well within the running in speeds for the new bike with its six speed gear box. While having a coffee got a call from Vinnie who had turned up at 9:30 at Denham. He was a little bit disgruntled but was alright as it was not deliberate for us to depart Denham at 9 am instead of our usual time of 9:30 am.
Anyway on to Brighton a good run down from there and parked up on top but then realised the steps down to Madeira Drive were shut. So we moved down to the far end and then down the ramp to the Drive and parked up. It was a long walk to the bikes which made my legs work hard as I had to put on extra layers of clothing. The Yamaha is not faired like the Sprint was which always kept my legs warm.
Met Bob Brooks who had come on the train, well done Bob! We chatted while watching the arrival of those lovely old machines that somehow still make the journey from Epson every year. Most of them return on the trailers having done their bit for the origins of motorcycling.
Then it was down to the fish n’ chips bar on the promenade. It was really good of me this year as I did not fill up with bacon roll at Rykers and therefore quite hungry by now. After which we had a slow walk back to our bikes while Laurie and Steve had gone ahead and were ready to set off.
I rode back with Brian in the lead as my bike was new and Brian was on his Beemer. Did not stop anywhere and we parted at M40 junction. I rode last 30 miles on my own. Very pleased with my MT-07. Sixty eight to the gallon, quite good for a new engine.
A very cold but good day out!
Ian
Paws & Claws Run 20-12-2015
This has been always a special club run not only because it’s the last club run but also it is for such a worthy course. I believe Busy Bee and Linda Wilsmore from the Ace Café have been supporting this particular animal home for over 15 years.
The format for the day is as follows:-
We meet at the Ace Café for 10am and wait for everyone to bring food and presents for the animals. Then around 11am a member of staff arrive with a small van from the Mayhew Animal Home to pick up the donations.
We pose for a quick photo shoot in front of the Ace café before jumping on our bikes and heading off to the animal home.
The Mayhew in not too far from the Ace. They are based at Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green. NW10 6BJ. Tel: 020 8962 8000. This is a very short ride to the Mayhew.
We park up outside the home and immediately we are greeted by the staff. All the snacks together with hot and cold beverages are laid out on the table. All the staff are so friendly and welcoming.
After a quick snack we are invited in small groups to take a tour of their fantastic facilities. We are also given an opportunities to see at all the animals. All the staff are aware of each and every animal in their facility with regards to why they are there and what treatment they are receiving.
This year we were also given a tour of the operating theatre as it was recently refurbished. I was amassed to see so much equipment and medicine required. They also provide and educate owners and offer many treatments free of charge or at a substantially reduced cost.
After everyone has a good look around we go back to the main reception for more drinks. Here Pat presented a cheque for £120 on behalf of the Busy Bee Club. We would like to say thank you to Steve-V, Ian, Chris, Pat & Brian, Steve-E, Johnny and everyone for their generosity.
And most of all to the staff of the Mayhew Animal Home for their total dedication and what a fantastic job they are doing with such limited funds.
Have a Wonderful Christmas and see you in the New Year!
Vinnie
Christmas Toy Run 13-12-2015
The years past quicker and quicker must be something to do with getting older. Here we go again down the motorway on drizzly dark morning wondering many will turn up today need not have worried when I got to the Ace there were lots of father Christmases and Elvis plus snowmen on bikes ready to go. Big Ron was once again at the helm after his last year’s speech stating that “this was his last year”. Well done Ron!
The Unity Support Riders were in abundance. I spoke to one of them who told me that he had ridden all the way from Bournemouth that morning. Fantastic effort by the whole group. Set off to St. Mary’s Paddington being very careful on greasy roads and the ride was accident free.
At the hospital parked right at the end of the road and slowly walked back to the hospital main entrance. As I arrived the van was already leaving the hospital.
Just made it to Royal Brompton and Harefield who were prepared and expecting us and passes smoothly. Next was St. Thomas’s which is always a nice ride and they are always please to see us. This is a very rewarding day out with lots of banter and pedestrians waving at us.
Then the big group returned to the Ace where prizes were given for best costumes. Thanks to the unity riders for their effort and everybody for coming. Journey home was not a pleasant one as there was drizzle and motorway spray which made the vision bad but soon I was back home. A nice feeling making it all worthwhile. Paws & Clews Run left now before Christmas. Ride safe all of you
PS. Have just read through and realised that I had not mentioned the other Busy Bee rider today our chairman Brian who has always made back to the Ace first. I was second, don’t have to wait too long for lunch that way.
Ian