Sammy Miller Trip Details - 19th Oct

Current start time is 08:30am to 09:00am from the below location, but we are hoping to obtain the minbus earleir if so watch out for further update and annoucements.

Kym Stroud has again obtain permission for us to use the Fire and Rescue Work Shop Car Park (same place as our trip to the NMM last year) for us to park and it will be the pick up point for the trip. Please use the parking spaces highlighted below – NOT the Ambulance Station.

Essex County Fire & Rescue Service
London Rd, Colchester CO3 9BL

September 2024 Club Night

It’s been quite an eventful month for the club. We managed to get a pre-meeting ride out despite localised rain fall that stopped several members from getting their bikes out. Shaun took us on one of his ad hoc mystery tours around Boxted and Langham. It still amazes me how each time we go out I find us on roads I never knew existed. Who knew there were that many hills in and around Colchester.

3 of the Club members went to the Isle of Man Manx GP and sent some cracking pictures of their holiday. Unfortunately, there was a minor breakdown of one of the bikes but nothing serious.

Bernie finally got his knee operation and although there was a potential for infection all seems to be going well, hopefully he will be up and running very soon. Who knows, he may even get back to riding.

The Gordon Levett memorial ride out took place on the 31^st Aug to Shotley Marina. Thanks to Shaun Parker for arranging and leading. The weather held out and despite the Shotley Arms not doing food we did manage some Tea and Cake. A few of us then went onto the Jubilee Café in Ardleigh for a spot of Lunch. 9 Bikes in total (including Shaun’s Dad) took part. This will be a yearly event around the same date each year. Gordon was a lovely fella and he played a big part in running the club, his departure was all too quick.

The Sammy Miller trip will still take place on the 19^th Oct but has been scaled down. We couldn’t get enough people to fill a Coach and make it financially viable. But thanks to Kym Stroud stepping in and volunteering to drive a Minibus the trip will take place. Unfortunately, with only 17 Seats, we won’t be able to make this a combined trip with the South Essex section. However, there is always next year when we will organise another adventure.

I know it’s early to mention the C word, but we have booked our Club Christmas and Annual awards at the Cricketers. This will take place on Jan 8^th. With December being a busy time for everyone and it’s nice to have something in Jan to look forward to.

Gordon Levett Memorial Ride Out - 31st Aug

For Gordon's Run which took place Saturday their was 9 bikes in total 5 classic and 4 modern. The weather managed to hold for a nice ride. Picking one guest rider up from Manningtree, we carried on threw all the twists and bends making our way to Shotley Marina, where we were looking forward to a nice full English, but as  we joined the que the guy on the till shouted out sorry no hot food this morning, after I picked my jaw up off the floor and wipped a tear away from my eye we all got hot drinks and thought of plan B,after half hour head back round some different twists and bends and end up at the jubilee cafe at Ardleigh, which was a wait of about 40 minutes for food but was well worth it and finished off a lovely day with good friends remembering Gordon. Hopefully weather will hold out for a ride out Wednesday's ride out fingers crossed 🤞. Thank you for all those that attended Saturday 😀, great day out 

August 2024 - Club Night

It actually felt like summer had arrived, apart the nights seem to be drawing closer. Arriving at the Cricketers a little earlier, we were discussing with the few that were already there whether many members would turn up for the ride out. It has been quite a busy time with shows and events, but to our amazement bike after bike started to arrive, the “sound of thunder” seemed to continue for a considerable time as wave after wave pulled into the car park. At nearly 19:00 there were 21 bikes parked at the Cricketers, with most ready to ride out. Before setting off Shaun gave us all a good talking to and explained that anyone who did not follow the drop off system would be fined £10 into the club funds. This seemed to work as the ride was flawless, there were no lost souls except yours truly who missed the first turning off the roundabout – thanks Kevin ( Tailend Charlie) for your patience. 16 bikes and 17 people took to the roads and breaking the rules Shaun took us on the A12 to get to a new route he had devised, which was well worth the effort. There was something for everyone, Green Lanes, Gravel, Horses, Tractors, more left and right turns than previous outings. It was brilliant and we all congratulated Shaun on a job well done.

I gave my usual address of events that had taken place recently. The Hadleigh Club 40^th anniversary was attended by 8 Club members. We started off with 8 and within 100 yards were down to 7, David decided he needed another bike so went home to change. He did arrive later, on another of his vehicles so all good in the end. The event was well attended by many motorcycles and other clubs, which is testament to their popularity and the camaraderie of the biking community. The BikeMeet at the Power Museum was also well attended, spots of rain on route but once there the sun came out and it turned into a lovely afternoon. Not that many trade stands and no burger van, much to my disappointment as I was looking forward to a bacon roll.

We are still gaining in numbers for the Sammy Miller Museum coach trip on the 19^th Oct, this being a joint venture with the South Essex section. We have also had interest from other motorcycle clubs in the area who would like to join the trip – more the merrier I say.

On the 31^st Aug the Club will have a ride out to Shotley Marina as a memorial tribute to the late Gordon Levett. Gordon was an active member of the club who we sadly lost in May of last year. He was one of the main stays of the club and we do miss his presence.