Created: 03 September 2026

Last Updated: 12 October 2026

My word the year is flying by again! September and the last chance for a pre-meeting ride out was jumped at by most of the members with 18 bikes and 19 people starting off from the Cricketers. Taking a winding route through some of the minor roads around Fordham, Wormingford and Bures and as luck would have it, meeting a car coming in the other direction on every single-track road we went on. Most bikes were OK, although Kevin on his high bar easy rider Harley had some width issues. On returning to the Cricketers there were another couple of members on bikes. Vic turned up late for the ride as his poor old AJS would start but not run, pilot jet issues apparently.

It’s been a good month. We attended the Mersea Island Lions family fun day as part of our monthly ride out schedule, using it as a destination we took a ride of 30 miles to get there, passing through Messing and on arrival we joined the VJMC on showing our bikes. There were more Cars at the show than Bikes, but perhaps we can address that next year, its certainly one for the calendar.

With 25 members in attendance the meeting agenda covered a reminder that this weekend is the Hadleigh Club annual BBQ, which they extend the invite to our members, it’s always a good bash and Christian works hard to accommodate those that attend. Also, it is the Copdock Show this Sunday with tickets online are £15.

The last monthly ride out of this year was discussed, which will be to Andy Tiernan’s shop in Framlingham followed by refreshment at a near by Café. We semi agreed the date of 19^th Sept, but I will call Andy and check he is open, the reserve date being the 26^th Sept.

I know it’s early but we only have 2 more club meetings until December so preparations are being made for Christmas Breakfast meeting, which will also be at the Cricketers. Adam has advised he can do us a breakfast buffet, which sounds right up our street.

Created: 06 August 2026

Last Updated: 06 August 2026

The weather continues to stay dry and sunny and as a result we managed to get out for a pre-meeting ride out. As a result of discussions on ride out protocol, we trialled a few new procedures to see if this improves the drop off experience:

• The lead would wear an Illuminous jacket, as well as Tail End Charlie. The thought being riders would know how far back from the Lead they are and prepare to take up the marker position when required.
• Lead rider would point to a position that the marker needs to take if it was safe or find a spot nearby. This also serves as a reminder that someone needs to stop.
• Lastly, if the Lead observes a break in the line is occurring i.e. traffic lights or just general traffic. Lead would stop in a safe location (with enough space for all riders) and wait until Tail End was visible, we would then continue the ride.

This new approach appeared to work as 17 bikes (18 people) went out and all returned in formation, no lost souls this time on a ride of 26 miles through the Essex and Suffolk countryside. On our return there were more bikes in the pub car park, it being a lovely evening more arrived while we were out on the ride. In total we had 26 people (members and guests), which made it a very friendly and energetic evening.

The agenda was quite light:

Starting with an apology from me for the late cancelation of the Ride out to Finchingfield. It was the only day for weeks when we got a slight amount of precipitation and as it was coming from the west, we would have been riding into it, so safety first I send out a cancellation on the usual forums.

We discussed our August planned ride out, which is to the Mersea Island Lions Family Festival on 22^nd August. I asked who was interested as we should let the organisers know, so we can obtain a place to park and show the bikes. General interest was expressed so I will drop the organisers a note and also, we may join forces with the Colchester Classic Bike Club to increase numbers.

Lastly, I added a quick note about our December club night/breakfast (3 club nights until Christmas). This year we will book the Cricketers for our morning brekkie; this continues our support for the Pub and all they do for us. Much groaning at the mention of Christmas!!

Meeting Photos

Created: 17 July 2026

Last Updated: 17 July 2026

Hi Everyone,

Another good ride out last night. This time to Mersea Island for Fish and Chips, which is the 3^rd year in a row we have managed to enjoy the delights of the Island. 17 bikes and 18 people attended the Cricketers for the journey to Mersea but unfortunately one of the bikes decided it didn’t want to go and had to be left behind. All worked out as Paul borrowed Kim’s and Kim went pillion with Paul Rogers.

There was a lot of traffic that evening and unfortunately due to this we got broke into 2 groups, however, it all worked out ok as we all got to the MICA and enjoyed the fish and chips and the sunny weather.  Once we had all finished, we started to depart and go our separate ways and just for a bit of fun I offered to try and start Peter Bugg’s Matchless, it’s a lovely old bike (see the pictures: Mersea Fish and Chips ) and I do like a challenge. Like England in the world cup I failed miserably and it took Paul with his experience to take over and succeeded where I had failed. The only other thing of note was Godfrey had a bit of an issue and I hope he had no ill effects from it.

As I rode home with David and Tony and the Sun dipping down in front of us, it was yet again good to be on two wheels.

Just a reminder that on Sunday is the CCMC show at the Kings Arms in Frating and next Sunday a rider out to Finchingfield.

See you all soon.

Created: 06 July 2026

Last Updated: 06 July 2026

Due to bad planning on my part Caroline and I were away touring in France, but all was in the safe hands of Kim and Paul. There was a pre-meeting ride out mustering at 18:30 in the Cricketers and judging by the positive comments it was a good one.

There were 2 topics on the agenda:

Firstly, to discuss the drop off system to get input from the members on any changes we can make to improve the ride experience. It was voiced that it may help if the lead - on approaching a junction - pointed to the spot where the Marker should stop. This would seem a good idea if not just as a reminder to the person behind that they needed to take up the marker position.

Second topic was to agree the date for the July ride out, which this month was to be a Sunday to Finchingfield. This is a delightful village in North Essex and on Sunday lots of bikers descend on the location for ice cream and Tea/Coffee. It was agreed that we would aim for the 26th July. More detail will be sent out as we get nearer the date.

Lastly, we have a request to join the club from 2 new enthusiasts, which is good news that people still want to join the club and participate.

Hope everyone is enjoying the weather and stay safe.

Created: 07 June 2026

Last Updated: 07 June 2026

There was a great deal of hope that the weather would hold out so we could start the June Club night with a ride out, but unfortunately that wasn’t to be. However, the change in the weather didn’t deter people from attending, in fact we had 24 members and 1 new guest/potential member.

I opened the meeting with a summary of our Club trip, which this year was to the CRMC round at Snetterton. We were originally 14 people and 1 member partaking in a parade lap, but due to illness we dropped to 12 and Ian Wentworth missed his parade, which he was looking forward to doing a few laps. The weather was spectacularly hot as was the racing. Several members had never been to Snetterton or indeed to a circuit Race meeting so it was a good experience for many. We now have to think what to do next year!

At the start of the year, I published a once-a-month Weekend ride out agenda, which we have managed to follow so far. This month we are planning to ride out to the Parlour Café in Burnham on Crouch on the 13^th June. This is the same venue that we went to last year and as it got very good reviews from the members, we thought a return trip would be good. We will muster at the Cricketers around 08:30 and about an hour’s ride to the venue.

I reminded the club attendees that this weekend 6/7^th June the Aldham Old Time Rallye is being held at the Marks Tey Racecourse near Easthorpe. Tickets can be obtained online at a reduced cost. There is always a good collection of classic motorcycles and impressive Stream Engines – worth a visit.

After the official meeting, Keith announced that he had brought along a rather special Honda that he recently acquired. This generated a lot of interest and reminisces of times past. It certainly was a lovely piece of machinery.

We have received a lovely update from Reg and Janice on their adventures and it appears that a few of us are separately off to France in the next few weeks, all within the same area. Must be something in the blood of Motorcyclist that we feel the need to travel. Let’s hope the weather improves and we can get out on 2 wheels again.

Created: 02 June 2026

Last Updated: 02 June 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:-

Created: 10 May 2026

Last Updated: 10 May 2026

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.

Created: 05 May 2026

Last Updated: 05 May 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.

Created: 05 April 2026

Last Updated: 05 April 2026

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.

Created: 22 March 2026

Last Updated: 22 March 2026

What a wonderful ride we had to Clare yesterday (20/03). Paul and Kim were already at the Cricketers when myself and Caroline arrived and over the next 30 minutes the troop started to gather. Godfrey on his Triumph, Keith on a lovely 305 Honda twin, Mr Rogers on his Kawasaki having attempted once on another bike only to break down before starting. And the return of Tail End Charlie, good to see Kevin again and on good form. The ride to Clare was through some of the nicest Suffolk countryside and roads you can find. From Bures to Lamarsh and onto Henney, shirting Sudbury and Great Yeldham we managed to all stay in touch, no breakdowns or lost souls.

On reaching Clare Castle (yes it says Castle) the rebellion against paying parking fees for Motorcycles continued, age hasn’t quashed the wild side of mature bikers and we found places to park up away from the Car bays. Brian who met us there showed the way to the café, which was the old Railway station (thank you Mr Beeching) where we enjoyed Tea/Coffee and various fodder.

It was decided that we all knew the way home so we would disperse at Great Yeldham with most heading off back to Sudbury, but myself/Caroline, Keith and Paul R went via Sible Hedingham mainly as Paul R and Keith needed Petrol.

The Sun shone, the roads were dry, the company was good and all was right with the world if not just for just a few hours.

Many thanks for those that attended and I hope you enjoyed it has much as I did. Next planned ride out is in April to Cafe33 in Stradishall and of course if the weather is good we might get a pre-meeting ride out the on 1^st April.