Created: 06 October 2024

Last Updated: 06 October 2024

Hi Everyone,

With the ever decreasing light and autumnal weather setting in there was no pre-meeting ride out this time. No surprise to anyone of this fact, we can all look out of the window and see. There were no brave souls riding to the meeting as was evident by the lack of machines in the coned off area, which the Cricketers kindly do for us each meeting. We still had a good turnout with 21 members, 1 guest and 3 apologies.

Bernie was one of the apologies as he is still recovering from his knee operation, we wish him well and a speedy recovery. Our most travelled member Reg, was packing up in preparation for his bike trip to Spain, fair to say we are all envious. Blue sky, warm air, clear roads, minimal traffic and little or no pot holes – can we all come!!

There were only a few items on the agenda. The Sammy Miller trip is still going ahead on the 19^th Oct but at a reduce quantity of trippers.  We plan to leave Colchester as early as possible but this is depending on how soon on Saturday or Friday we can obtain the Minibus. All in, it is costing £33 per person including entry, not bad really.

The Christmas meal and Awards ceremony has been booked for 8^th Jan 2025 at the Cricketers. With everyone being busy in December it will give us something to look forward to early in the year. Also, as our December club night doesn’t take place due to the Cricketers being booked for the festive season. We will organise a breakfast meeting on a Saturday close to that date as this will give us an event to get together. Time and place to be decided – watch out for Email, WhatsApp, Facebook detail.

Myself and Caroline will be going to the Stafford show on the 12^th Oct and will also be doing a reconnaissance of the Triumph Factory on the Sunday as a potential venue for next years Coach Trip. Maybe we can get the South Essex, East Suffolk sections and Hadleigh Club involved in next year’s trip. I’ll reach out to them in Jan 2025.

I think Paul is still holding onto summer season fashions.

Couldn’t help thinking these 2 characters looked familiar!

Created: 29 September 2024

Last Updated: 29 September 2024

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

Created: 08 September 2024

Last Updated: 08 September 2024

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.

Created: 02 September 2024

Last Updated: 02 September 2024

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 

Created: 11 August 2024

Last Updated: 11 August 2024

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.

Created: 05 July 2024

Last Updated: 07 July 2024

It was another well attend meeting with a couple of apologies, 27 members, 2 guests and 16 bikes. The ride out numbers reached to 15 ( 8 Classic and 7 Modern) and we made quite the spectacle on the roads with wisps of 2 stroke smoke in the air.  Caroline and I took up Tail-End Charlie a position usual held by Kevin Lee; don’t worry Kevin I will be handing back the Jacket next meeting as you are more skilled at it than I.

Everything looked good for a dry pre-meeting ride out, but about 30 mins before we all left our homes, the heavens opened. Strangely it was very localised, members from Mersea and Ardleigh experienced a fair down pour, yet Colchester just the odd fine rain. Despite this, the roads dried and we were able to leave the Cricketers as planned. Shaun Parker led us off on another of his special rides. Amazingly the drop off system worked, and we all made it out and back in one group. It’s been a very good few weeks for riding. We had a run out to the Fish and Chip shop at Mersea – thanks to Paul. The meal was good, but I was shocked at the price of a cuppa Tea - £2.20 for a tea bag, milk and hot water seems a little over the top, but it was wet and warm and again the weather wasn’t the best.

We have several events coming up. Kevin O’Brien of the South Essex kindly advised us about the Battlesbridge Motorcycle Show and Autojumble on the 7^th July and if we want to bring our classics, he could help accommodate us.

The Hadleigh club, which we have a long-standing relationship with, has invited the members to their 40^th Anniversary on the 21^st July and we will use the opportunity to get as many members as possible to ride out to the event.

We are also organising a ride out this Saturday (6^th July) to Shotley Marina, which has a museum and apparently a very interesting church – thanks Tom for the info -, with several war graves, including some German mariners. The ShipWreck Pub does a fine piece of carrot cake, so they better have some available for the hungry. So lots to see and do.

Julian gave us some detail on an event he visited in France, where there were lots of Classic bikes and racers. The pictures looked amazing and apparently, it’s an annual event. One to look at for next year perhaps.

Let’s hope July providers us all with some more Sun and dry tarmac as the nights are now drawing in.

Created: 07 June 2024

Last Updated: 07 June 2024

Again, the weather held out for Club night, a bit cold but the sun was shining.  As we arrived at the Cricketers there was already several bikes there ready for the ride out.  Shaun took control and emphasised that the drop of system would apply as usual – as we always need reminding. We set off with 20 bikes (13 modern and 7 classics) in procession, heading off towards Copford, passing our old haunt of The Alma and beyond. The drop off system was working well, however, 2/3 into the ride we lost several members. After several minutes we decide to set off back to the pub, expecting that the missing will have done the same. Unfortunately, we discovered that one of the members had taken a tumble having caught his wheel in a rut in the road.  The bike was not too bad, but he was obviously in some pain. We later found he had damaged his ankle and sprained his thumb. I also had some problems with my G9, which I have also now discovered has lost all compression on the righthand cylinder, but the old dear got myself and Caroline home.

With Club night started we had a few items on the agenda. Shaun advised – after some negotiation - that the Gordon Levett tribute ride out will take place on the 31^st Aug with route to be agreed. If anyone wants to take part, they will be more than welcome. Paul has also organised a Fish and Chip run for next Thursday (13^th June) leaving the Cricketers at 18:30, so don’t be late or you will miss your supper. The only other topic we had for Club night was the future Sammy Miller Trip. We are now collecting deposits and numbers are looking good and as we are sharing the trip with the South Essex section it will be a good opportunity to join forces and compare notes and perhaps create partnerships for other ventures. Again, friends and family are welcome, the 53-seater coach has plenty of room, the more the merrier. Hope everyone is enjoying the summer, lets hope it warms up a bit.

Created: 03 May 2024

Last Updated: 03 May 2024

What a cracking May club night.

The weather held off and we managed to do a pre-meeting ride out, led by Paul. it was a bit magical mystery tour, 15 went out and 15 returned, despite 6 of us heading in the wrong direction at Kelvedon. We returned to the Cricketers for the usual refreshments and Cheesy Chips. After the usual period of chitter chatter amongst the members, we called to order to go over this months announcements.

I am please to say we now have 2 new members. Justyn Willis and Tom Trimby have decide to join the band of merry motor cycles. Its nice to know that we must be doing something right for there are new people who want to hang out with us.

In attendance this month we had 27 members and 2 guest, a very healthy membership and the room in the pub was quite busy.

There were a few items on the agenda.

Julian has offered to arrange a Mini-Bus to take members – sharing the cost of hire – the Kempton Park Auto Jumble on 11^th May. He has only had 2 takers, which was surprising as it is a great opportunity to visit if you don’t want to drive yourself. If anyone is interested please contact Julian directly.

The Sammy Miller Coach trip has generated a lot of enthusiasm and we have now agreed a date of the 19^th Oct. We have provisionally booked Kings Coaches ( their 53 Seater ) for this date. As we are unlikely to fill all the seats, we have been in communication with Kevin O’Brien of South Essex Section to ask if they would like to take part as a joint venture of both Sections.  Filling 53 seats will reduce the cost per person making it more affordable for all, not just the Coach but group entry bookings incur a 17.5% discount, so everyone wins.

Pre 65 – Julian advised there is a meeting this Sunday in Maylandsea. It appears they have enough Marshalls, but if anyone is interested they can register.

Paul and Kim will be organising a Fish and Chip run to Mersea very soon, date and time to be confirmed. Also Dale has kindly offered to led the June Club Night Pre-Meeting Rideout.

Lastly Shuan Parker will be organising a Gordon Levett Memorial ride in August. Please keep an eye out for this item and attend if possible as it pays tribute to the effort Gordon put into the club.

Created: 07 April 2024

Last Updated: 07 April 2024

At last, it had stopped raining and now that we are in BST there was just enough light for our first pre-meeting club night ride out. Although it was a bit chilly, 10 hardy souls decide to risk it and we set off on a semi familiar route. We had to abandon our first idea of a route, as a recon a few days before showed the road had multiple potholes, covered with water, gravel, mud, which are not the best conditions for 2 wheels – but becoming an all too familiar condition. We set off and after about 30 minutes we all arrived back at The Cricketers for drinks and chips.

Post Ride Out

We had 3 apologies: Peter, Shaun and Reg were unavailable and sent their apologies. But still a great turn out of 30 members and 2 guests.

The April meeting was quite a milestone for the club, as we agreed to switch over to a yearly subscription. After circulating the idea a few months earlier and receiving lots of positive feedback we informed all members of this change and April would become Yearly Subs Month. Making change is always difficult but we believe this would be in the best interest of the club and its members. And to also mark this new era in the Club all members receive a membership card, which we will see if any local businesses would be generous enough to offer us some discount and presentation of their membership card.

Membership Card

A few weeks back I met - purely by accident - Kevin O’Brien of the South Essex Section and since then we have exchanged a few mails on perhaps some joint ventures. Having discussed this at the Club Night, we agreed this could be beneficial to both sections so Kevin and I will discuss further.

We agreed that the birthday announcements would be reduced further and now only send a physical card on a special birthday.

The Pre65 event at Marks Tey appeared have been a success, apparently the course wasn’t that bad – considering the weather of late. However, Steve Toy advised that any Green Laneing would be a challenge but if anyone was interested, he would see what he could do.

Spring and Summer are on their way so hopefully we can get out on the bikes more (ride out volunteer leads always welcome) so keep a eye on the Emails, WhatsApp and WebSite/Facebook pages for any updates.

Created: 07 March 2024

Last Updated: 07 March 2024

The meeting had a good turn out of 22 members and 5 guests. All looking forward for the rides outs to start. Hopefully - weather permitting - we can have a pre-meeting ride out in April.

Public Liability Insurance

Over the past few years, we have been an affiliated member of the BMF to gain access to their Public Liability Insurance. However, at cost of £160, this far exceeded our needs and budget. We have now obtained PLI from Hiscox at a cost of £89.60, which started on the 1st March. A nice little saving.

Birthday Cards

After a review of the cost and the increase that we have seen to postage and card, it has now become the highest spend to club finances. To make the most of the sub’s we collect, we will stop the sending of physical cards, unless it is a special Birthday and use the Email/WhatsApp/Facebook to announce to all other birthday events. We will then look to use the sub’s to help with club events throughout the year.

Proposal was accepted and we will hence forth be following this approach for members Birthdays.

Yearly Subscription

As per the email sent out last week, we are looking at changing over to a yearly subscription. The cost will be maintained at £1 per month * 12 = £12. This is a very common approach that a lot clubs take and it will enable the finances to balance and again we can look to inject money into Club events. However, this is a suggestion and we would like everyone's input.

General agreement was voiced, however we will wait a week before making a final decision to enable members to communicate any concerns.

AJS and Matchless Spares Offer based in Chelmsford. If anyone is interested I can supply the mobile number of the gentleman with the spares

Trip – Sammy Miller

As we are likely not to be able to fill a 53 Seater, I have spoken to Mike Fey and asked if the CCMC would like to join us in the venture. This would reduce the cost per head to a reasonable amount if we fill all 53 seats.

Will be put on hold until later in the year.

Pre 65 – Julian Smith

Due to Maylandsea being under water (joke) the event has been moved to Marks Tey on March 31st. Usual offer of a free lunch and £40 in your pocket for helpers.