September 2026 Club Night

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.

August 2026 - Club Night

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

2026 Mersea Island Fish and Chip

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.

July 2026 - Club Night

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.