Day At The Races - 30th May 2026

Saturday 30^th May was our Annual Trip and this year we went to Snetterton race circuit for Round 3 of CRMC Club Racing, which included the Lansdowne Club. We set off in good time with the Sun shining and the temperature rising. On arrival we parked in the in-field and all went off to different parts of the circuit to view the races. A few have never been to Snetterton and some have never been to a circuit event, so some first timers.  The schedule was for 20 races so plenty for everyone to see and the paddocks/pits were open – free of charge unlike National events – for those who wanted to wander amongst the Races and see the machinery up close. During the lunch interval a few of us accumulated back at the Minibus for some shade as the temperature was in the high 20’s and not much breeze. We looked forward to seeing Mr Wentworth on a parade lap but unfortunately, he was unable to attend due to a dicky tummy.  More racing in the afternoon and at around 16:15 we all climbed abord for a return journey back to Colchester arriving around 18:00. A good day was had by all and we can look forward to planning next year’s annual trip. Just a few pictures of the day:-

 

 

May 2026 - Club Night

At the beginning of the year, we published a schedule of ride outs and that has certainly worked out well. April was a trip to Cafe33 at Stradishall for some hearty breakfast. 12 bikes and 13 people were ready for the off and at 08:45 we left the Cricketers following the planned route through Earls Colne and Great Yeldham on mainly A roads except a couple of B roads via Keddington. Suffolk still amazes me how picturesque the countryside becomes; yellow rape seed fields and the smell of the hedgerows is a delight. The journey was about 33 miles and took about an hour at a leisurely pace. We took a different route back via Clare, Sudbury and Bures, again on some lovely roads. The drop off system worked to perfection, all riders out and all back with thanks to Kevin for performing his Tail-end Charlie duties.

This month’s Club meeting was well attended with 25 people and started with a usual pre-meeting ride out. The weather looked somewhat dodgy and Vic Sayers informed us that it had poured down just before he left home so had to un-tog and come in the Car. The ride took us on some pretty roads through Easthorpe and Messing and we manged to get back and finish the meeting without a single drop of rain falling.

The main subject to discuss was the May Coach Trip to Snetterton for the CRMC race meeting on 30^th May. As usual, we will hire the 17-Seater Minibus from Roberson Van Hire with yours truly to be at the helm. We went through the details of the trip, the pick-up point and time schedule, which was lot of info so I will send out a specific commination to Club members on the subject in the next 2 weeks. As an added attraction Ian Wentworth will be participating in a parade lap during the event so we have some club involvement and support.

Ride Out - Cafe33 Stradishall 18th April 2026

It was agreed on the club night that the scheduled April ride out to Cafe33 at Stradishall would be on the 18th April. As the weekend approached the weather, although changeable, was getting better so it looked like the ride would happen.

12 bikes and 13 people were ready for the off and at 08:45am we left the Cricketers following the planned route through Earls Colne and Great Yeldham on mainly A roads except a couple of B roads via Keddington. Suffolk still amazes me how picturesque the countryside becomes; yellow rape seed fields and the smell of the hedgerows is a delight. The journey was about 33 miles and took about an hour at a leisurely pace.

On arrival food purchases were made and the group sat down to much gossip and chatter. After everyone had finished, we set off back to Colchester on a different route via Clare, where Keith had to peel off to visit the Clare Cafe from the March ride out having forgotten to pay at our last visit.

The pack continue through Sudbury, Bures and back to the Cricketers, the drop off system having worked perfectly all the way to Cafe33 and back. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was good to get on the bikes and do some riding.

April 2026 - Club Night

Although it is still early in the year we had a plan for a pre-meeting ride out, which I thought was being a bit ambitious but why not. Thanks to the clocks going forward and the weather holding, 13 bikes and 14 people took off for a ride leaving the Cricketers at 19:00. I wasn’t expecting so many to participate, but perhaps everyone, like me, were look for any opportunity to blow the cob webs away and get the bikes out. It was great to see Colin (our previous section leader) out on his new 125 and Kevin Lee playing “Tail End Charlie”, which we are all grateful for his attention.

 

The original route I had planned had to be changed last minute, as yet another Road had been closed this week. But it didn’t make much difference, we still manged an ad-hoc 40 min trek into Suffolk. Getting back just before the light started to fade.

 

On the night there was 20 members and 1 guest, as mentioned quite a few on bikes with a few from the Tollesbury area opting for a warm Car, which generated some banter. The agenda covered a brief mention of the Clare Castle Ride Out, which was well attended and the suggested monthly ride schedule has support. This month has a planned ride on the 18^th April to Café 33 at Stradishall. It’s difficult to find a date that suits everyone and we have to choose a Weekend to accommodate those that still work. It seems to be working and it allows everyone to plan.

With another year passing it was time to collect Club subs again. Kim is doing a fine job of managing the Clubs financing and it’s good to use the funds to subsides member events.

 

Last item was an update on our yearly Coach trip, which is in May to Snetterton CRMC race event. We have 13 people signed up but we need 15 as the minimum to ensure the costs are reasonable. With the price of Diesel going up it’s difficult to budget. We have another potential couple of people, so hopefully we can reach 15 as It would be a shame if we had to cancel. But we still have time to get the numbers we need.