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Fred Hill Run – Write Up

So Martyn quite correctly described this run as “only for the brave” and yes a run from Cardiff to Llandovery in February is asking for trouble but Cardiff MAG annual run is kind of the kick off to the new year and we wanted to support them. After a winter of commuting, it seemed like a good idea.

We met up at the Station Inn (Home to our club meetings) two Mike’s, Martyn and I answered the call, all on Honda’s. Mike Jeffs on his nc 750, Mike Shackell on his 400/4, Martyn and I on our Cx 500’s.

We trundled over to Whitchurch Village to the meeting spot to find quite a few already there would guess around 20 ish bikes possibly more and whilst cold and wet the group was in good spirits. We slowly made our way up the a470 and stopped off at Terry’s Van. The beacons were snow covered and it was certainly a lot colder there. Mike Shackell decided to call it quits there but we soldiered on to the Owl’s Nest were we were joined with numbers from other MAG regions. Whilst it was cold and uncomfortable in spots it was nice to be riding with other people and not just doing the commute. It was also nice to support the MAG peeps too. After a burger and a bit of chat Martyn and I headed home and the ride home reminded me to get proper winter boots. I feel Riding in different conditions makes you a better rider and even on well-trodden roads debris and water made it interesting. Yes, it would have been a lot easier to stay at home but the path of least resistance doesn’t make a fun story.

Few Pics from the day, some stolen from Martyn and Ian from the Owl’s Nest:

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The 25th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show – Write Up

Ok so obviously first my heart felt appolgies for how long it has taken me to put fingers to laptop for this write up I have been busy studying for exams for work.

So where to start…. Our First Show and it’s the big one. Lot’s of weeks of prep and furious Branding creations thanks to Alan. We had a multi vehicle convoy packed and ready to go. We headed up the day before the show to get all setup and learned many lessons instantly about parking closer in the future and bringing a trolly next time.

We got very lucky with our stand too which was in one of the side halls but with excellent lighting and great footfall all weekend.

We were very glad our efforts were rewarded with lots of visitors and chats throughout the whole weekend, one even leading to a bike purchase for a now member that will be being displayed on the club stand in Shepton Mallet.

Always lots to see at Stafford and if you are on the search for bits and bobs there is no finer place. We had a blast and for a club that by this point was only a few months old, I think we did ourselves proud and we thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and hope to take this same vigour into Shepton.


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The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – Write Up

Our esteemed member turned roving reporter Alan Robinson attended The DGR along with some fellow members, here is his report:

This year’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was a roaring success! Three rides were organised in Wales. The Pembrokeshire ride was supported by 77 riders and raised £4101. The Rhyl ride raised £12704 from its 106 participants, but the Cardiff ride eclipsed both. A staggering £20592 was raised by 355 riders!
Again the weather was good, dry and mild. Most of the riders, and their pillions, entered into the spirit of the day by getting togged up in their dapper finest. Charity shops must have done a roaring trade! Saying that though, there were quite a few who let the side down and some were just along, literally, for the ride. The bulk of the riders took the same route as last year, although a few did take a couple of shortcuts to avoid being left too far behind, regrouping at Culverhouse and Barry Island. The ride finished on Penarth Promenade making it look like a mini-Douglas during TT week.

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And now it’s really over!

So we awakened to the harp declaring we were an hour out from being back in Portsmouth.

In true style we got split up after the passport Control and so I had to turn off the road and let Google take the wheel once again. Tho this turned out to be great as it diverted me through Hampshire lanes and it put me back on the right road ahead of the other chaps who were filtering tailbacks due to a crash ahead.

So managed to meet back up with martyn for the ride back but danny was a bit further ahead.

So what’s there to say to sum up my first European trip… Well firstly I shall be back and the Moto Piston rally was spectacular. Great company and so many beautiful places.

But its time to talk about the MVP of the trip. 2800 miles of faultless performance. Yes the humble Maggot the Cx500. They broke the mould with these, yes they are heavy and not a particularly good lookers. But both Martyn’s and I paid £500 quid.

Yes 500 quid, his 10 years ago and mine just under 18 months ago and whilst we have spent money to keep the bikes on the road to be mechanicaly sound these are by no means pampered princesses. I ride mine to work in all weather’s it’s rusty and a bit crusty but it not only took on the challenge but smashed it with not a hint of any major trouble. My Headstock needs tightening as it was giving me some speed wobbles but will have that sorted in no time. Apart from that it still held up to the abuses of switchbacks and curves for days. Martyn’s bike just needs a clean.

Classic ownership isn’t all about expensive older bikes, it’s a fact a lot of expensive bikes would not have survived the trip. There are a lot of bikes out there full of character for little money that can put a smile on your face and make you appreciate them all the more.

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Saturday Bimble

So as now the 5000 curves is out the way the rest of the rally takes on a more casual approach. You can wake up later and no ride out until 10.30 am for a casual 180 miles of arrowed roads so we had the map well (martyn did) I will help him out more tomorrow. My headset didn’t charge properly so I just used my eyesight which is massively better than most of these old chaps.

The aching from yesterday still fresh tho but was a really nice ride but today we had time to smell the roses and stop and take more pics.

There is another ride tomorrow along with a bbq and we get to visit the moto Piston club house. Along with the closing speaches and a very late dinner. Then Monday we start the ride back but so far all bikes are fine and all riders in fine form albeit perhaps sore bottoms!