Watch this space
for reports on all the things we did in 2024
Updated regularly
Thursday 14th November Breakfast Run.
17 bikers and their reliable machines braved this dull damp November morning to head off down the wet leave covered lanes, just as well we were running 5 minutes late as two lone riders came over the horizon and tagged on right at the last minute, (they didn’t even have time to dismount their machines).
We set off on our adventure in a general direction towards Ullenhall, then after negotiating some picturesque lanes we proceeded towards Tanworth -In -Arden, then just like magic the clouds broke and the sun shone through just as we crossed Earlswood Lakes, it must have been a picture to see all the pack tight together as we crossed the lake without incident. (I wish I had halted the pack for a photo, maybe next time).
The sun continued to shine as we progressed towards Illshaw Heath, but we found it a must to stop at "WEDGES BAKERY" as the smell from the bakery proved too much to pass without sampling their produce and coffee/tea.
As always all ended well, Thanks once again to Geoff for taking the responsibility of "tail-end-Charlie", on his recently restored Panther 250 which proved to be running very well, thanks also to young Zach for being back-up to tail end Charlie (just in case), and finally apologies must go to Charlie as his Immaculate 100cc HONDA picked up some of the dirt from the lanes!!! (We won’t tell the farmers, about your muck spreading activities).
20th November Club Night Treasure Hunt.
Our annual internal Treasure Hunt where there are a number of questions set across the 5 halls. The objective is to see if your mind is a warped as the quiz master and find the answers.
Winners this year were
1st prize - mugs: Neil, Trevor, Tracey, Keith, Martin
2nd prize - key rings: Gordon Tom Dave
3rd prize - badges: Steve, Mary, Keith, Colin, Mick
Raffle winners: Steve (2nd prize in a night!), Nick
Here are the (slightly better) pictures I took last night. Probably should have taken some of people wondering around the museum but too late now
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Thursday 1st November Breakfast Run.
Posssibly the last of 2024
We gathered at the old shut down restaurant premises on the B3400 near Henley in Arden, the weather was dull, cool and slightly damp, however, after a safety briefing from myself regarding the potential hazardous conditions Zach & myself experience the previous day, I was pleased when they all agreed to "get-on -with-it" and we briskly set off to our first country dual carriage way complete with wet leaves and slippery wet surfaces. (it was hard to find these lanes as the weather has been dry lately)
We headed out towards Lawsonford & Preston Baggot where the white Vans were strategically placed as arranged, this was their first skills test to which I'm pleased to say the riders all passed (well done all), moving on towards Wooton Wawen & Little Aln, where I think Geoff had encountered a small mechanical problem with his new Panther where he decided to take a short cut to our destination point.
The pack headed onwards towards Ullenhall where I managed to find some more testing road surfaces which did not present any difficulty to any of our experience riders today.
Moving onwards and enjoying the autum freshness and beatiful landscapes we arrived at our final destination which was "Ye Olde Pound Cafe" where we received our usual warm welcome and brilliant food and Tea/coffee.
All-in-all a very enjoyable ride of 24 miles taking aprox 1hr 15mins.
Well done everyone.
Thursday 17th October Breakfast Run.
Following the sad news about our friend and fellow rider John Mills, this Thursday we met near John’s house and rode by to pay our respects by giving him a nod and sounding our horns, which John always enjoyed people he knew doing as they rode past his house.(this was agreed with John’s family, so they were expecting us!!)
It was then just a 7-mile run to our Café destination, where we raised a tea or coffee to John and had a chat reminiscing about him. I am sure we all have good memories of him!
Saturday 19th October Klondyke Mill.
It was a wet and rainy start to the day. It had rained fairly heavily overnight and there were large telltale puddles along the roads. Still the forecast was good for a bit later on.
Nigel & Geoff had to be there whatever the weather…but would anyone else be daft enough to join them?
Nigel had driven the route on the afternoon of the day before and there was the usual road working activity, but nothing to suggest what we found that morning - the road was closed for a little way either side of our starting point - Bikers World. In fact it was later discovered that access could be gained from the Hams Hall side, but initially a large HGV had been parked in the way to hide this….
Anyway, we were joined by Bob, Steve C, Jenny and John….and set off a little later than planned. The route was mainly A roads with the occasional B road, and as the skies lightened and the sun came out, the world became a better place to be riding our eclectic mix of bikes.
In around an hour we arrived at Klondyke to the sights, smells and sounds of lots of Traction Engines of all sizes plus stationary engines and lots more besides. The coffee and bacon baps were very welcome and we spent plenty time wondering around in the now very warm sunshine.
Thanks to everyone who turned up today, and apologies to anyone who tried but were thwarted by that blot on the landscape which is HS2.
Thursday 7th November Cleaning Day.
Special birthday for one of the Cleaning Crew regulars, not sure if he’s a Nickel, Paint or tyre pumper, but there was a nice cake to compliment the coffee and biscuits.
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Sunday 13th October Jim Fellows Ride
18 riders met at the layby on the B4101 half a mile past the Saracens Head for our traditional Jim Fellows run.
In the past the run started from Jims House with free tea and biscuits provided by his wife Gill, but now runs to Umberslade Park Farm where Emma, Jims Granddaughter now provides similar refreshments at the rides end.
A 29 mile run through Warwickshire's colourful leafy lanes on a crisp and dry autumn morning was an enjoyable way to wrap up the weekend.
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Heading 5
Wednesday 16th October Club Night is Film Night.
Tonight we had our annual autumn film show. Andrew had prepared a selection of “Pearl & Dean” topical shorts, Bob purchased and distributed the Popcorn and all was set for the main feature:-
The Worlds Fastest Indian
Most had seen it before but it’s certain worth a second view
Sunday 29th September Clay Mills Pumping Station.
A cold Sunday morning for a ride out, but 12 or so turned up for the 45 mins 28 Mile ride to Burton on Trent. A minor breakdown as we exited the start point, at Bikers World, saw the group split up, but a repair was quickly applied and they were soon on their way. For the rest of us, Highways Authorities were not kind as the planned route past Drayton Manor was closed, so a quick tour round the back of the Belfry soon saw us back en-route.
On arrival we were immediately allowed into the inner area of the Station and allowed to park and display our machines adjacent to the Boiler house.
There was loads to see with both Engine Houses in steam with all four beam engines in operation. Of course this also included lots of ancillary equipment such as feed pumps, the electricity generator room and the machine and wood shops.
At the back of the excellent café we were treated to a short and informative presentation on how and why the site became what it is.
Outside there was a demonstration by the (1940’s) Auxiliary Fire Service with a dramatic casualty rescue from the top floor and in a hut to one side there were a troupe of singing Land Girls entertaining all.
Well worth the ride there and we shall be making this a regular autumn event.
Our thanks to all at Clay Mills Pumping Station who made this such an enjoyable day out.
Club Night Wednesday 18th Sept Dynamic Presentation
From the man who brought you the Titanic Disaster this year we had:-
The Lost World of Soho Foundry.
A brilliant evening entertainment from world renowned expert Andrew Lound, went into the foundation background and
subsequent evolution of the site.
Interesting co-incidence
Managing director, William Edward Hipkins transformed W&T Avery Limited from a burgeoning maker of scales into the world’s largest manufacturer of weighing machines.
In 1895 he bought the Soho Foundry, allowing him to lay claim to being the last managing director of James Watt and Co, but he also revolutionised the way British businesses were structured.
Mr Hipkins – who grew up in Nechells, attended King Edwards School in New Street, and lived in Augustus Road, Edgbaston – secured a huge contract to supply the US Army with Avery weighing devices and needed to travel to the States to finalise the deal.
But the trip that he made alone as a 54-year-old widower proved his undoing, for he was one of the 1,517 people who died on RMS Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage in April 1912.
Breakfast Run Thursday 19th September 2024.
The meeting point was at "the Bulls Head" in Meriden. 17 bikes and riders took part in this run, the weather initially was dull, dry and warm. We proceeded to the run"criss crossing" Meriden, Berkswell, and Balsall Common on a 17 mile route, the roads were good going with little traffic or hold ups, a few of the narrow lanes were testing with gravel and over grown hedges but all riders skilfully negotiated this with little problem at all, the real test came when I arrange a large truck to be present in a narrow lane to test the riders reactions but I’m pleased to say they all skilfully negotiated this obstacle too, well done all.
Our final destination was "Oakes Farm Cafe" where we were made very welcome and enjoyed some great food and hot drinks, the staff were friendly and super-efficient with food & drinks brought out to our tables sometimes before we had even ordered them!!.
We all enjoyed a good chat and catch -up and departed on our own return journeys, by this time the sun made a welcome appearance.
Thanks for coming everyone.
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Ride A Bike Day 21st September.
Members were on hand to assist the Museum in the running of their popular ‘Ride a Bike’ day event. Lots of pushing, kick starting and explaining to be done, but great fun had by all.
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Thursday 3rd October APMC Midland Section
Fine weather for today’s run where Midland section members rode from Meriden up to Appleby magna to join the APMC on their Chris Chant's Leicester Lanes Run
Some pictures below taken at the Appleby Inn Hotel. I think we all forgot to take pictures at the Bulls Head, Meriden.
Some didn’t go on the run around the Leicester Lanes as they decided to go over to the Triumph Factory instead.
I can tell you that the weather was lovely and sunny for October and Bob led 9 bikes on a great route over to the rendezvous. After coffee, some of the 9 went to the Triumph Factory, some went home and some went with Bob on a run around the lanes.
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Sunday 6th October Warcs Midlands Joint Run.
We arranged once again to meet up with the Warwickshire section for a joint run to Gilks Café at Kineton. This time we arranged to all meet at Chesterton Windmill rather than arrange an organised massed ride to the start.
This seemed to work well and a good number of both Warcs and Midland members were there for the 10:30 start.
Themed as a pre40s Girder run there were only three in evidence as the distance and weather put off some of the Midland girder fork owners. Gilks Cafe did us proud and there were a number of riders from the Cotswold section already at the café when we arrived so it was nice to see some familiar faces.
Thursday 5th Breakfast Run
12 brave souls ventured out on this dull windy morning to gather at the old "Bird in hand" public house (which has been closed for a few years now), It is located on the A3400 near Henley in Arden.
Steve Lambert led the pack on this run and we headed off towards Stratford via Billesley then onto Long Marston, the going was good at this point with the pack keeping tight together. We progressed through some more beautiful villages including Mickleton, Weston Sub-Edge & Willersey , until we eventually rode into Broadway, at this point the weather was dry but a little windy, That's when everything went a bit pear shaped! I lost my navigation aid communication at this point and made my first mistake by taking a wrong turn up to and beyond Snows Hill, the weather gods turned on us and the rain came down, compounded by high winds, and at this point I had to admit I was well and truly LOST, we stopped briefly at a tee junction to get my thoughts together, looking back I could see everyone was getting soaked so the pressure was on!
Geoff Ansell in his usual cheerful spirit noticed a "Lady" passing by walking her dog, and commented "It’s a lovely day for walking your dog isn't it” to which she replied "It was until you lot turned up pumping filth into the atmosphere !!!!!!" ha ha well Geoff was lost for words for once haha.
We got back onto the route (or so I thought) and proceeded to our destination which was "The Gloucestershire & Warwickshire steam Railway" we were only 4 miles from this destination when I made my second mistake, by leading the pack into a GWR railway station to which I was informed by Steve Malins that "This is not Toddington Station" S---T. We quickly performed a U turn and headed off down the road to our correct final destination and cafe, at GWR Toddington Station.
Ahhh at last we're here and still in the rain and wind, but the cafe was a very welcome sight and I feel the pack forgave my errors,
Thanks everyone,
Sunday 8th Sept Jim Fellows Ride Out
There’s an adage that there is ‘No Fule like an old Fule’ as was witnessed today when two turned up for today’s run.
One and half actually as Geoff was wise enough to come in his Zephyr.
The weather could best be described as damp and challenging, so much so that my rev counter steamed up.
Still there’s always next year.
Statfold Road, Rail and Ale 2024.
September 14th & 15th.
Their largest event of the year proved to be one of the most spectacular starring a vintage American theme. Alongside the sward-winning railway, we were joined by a whole host of things Road, Rail and Ale. From motorcycles, vintage trucks, tractors and cars to steam traction engines, a whole host of visiting exhibitors joined in this steam-tastic weekend!
We tried something new for this weekend having been invited by the organiser’s to put on a display for their annual end of season exhibition. We arrived Friday to stake our claim and spy out the lay of the land. Nigel, Geoff and Andrew manning the stand but ably assisted by a multitude of members during the two day exhibition. Vote of thanks to James Hewing at the National Motorcycle Museum who lent us the van. As a trial we only featured section members bikes on the stand and this seemed to work well.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable weekend and we plan if possible to repeat this next year and make it an annual event.
Be sure to see the video below featuring the Barlow Red Barrows charity team a spoof of the world famous Red Arrows Aerobatic display team.
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Breakfast Run Thursday 22nd August
Apparently it’s the height of the summer! But the BBC and the Met Office were both advertising a rather wet and windy morning…so only hardy types today then!
Gathering in Meriden as usual, it was actually completely dry and pretty mild. Our run leader was conspicuously absent, presumably looking for his oilskins, but then here is Steve on his 250 Suzuki and not the AJS as planned…apparently the AJS had also seen the weather forecast and had decided it was staying put today.
Tony turned up on his Vincent, but needed petrol so off he went again. A few more hardy folk trickled in. A passing car driver spotted my Guzzi and came in to see if anyone was interested in buying in his J reg 750T Guzzi (details available). Tony’s back now so we are 11 and decide to use the 2 Tail End Charlie system - me (Nigel - Guzzi) & Jenny (Panther) as back up. I’m keen to test the Tail End Charlie process so really need someone to breakdown or have a minor incident so ask around but no one is keen…
We have a great and dry ride though all manner of roads, many of which are new to us and also to our fearless leader it seems. Through a slow ‘section’ white van man stops me to ask where we are going as he thinks the 250 Suzuki at the front might have been his many years ago. It wasn’t as Steve’s had it from new. And then all too soon we arrive at The Olde Pounde Cafe where they really know how to provide good value for money food. Thanks to all those who turned out today and Steve for leading.
Sunday 28th July Evesham Run
With Wings & Wheels at Bidford being postponed at short notice, John Surman stepped into the breach and arranged a
trip to Raphael’s at Evesham.
Quite fortuitous as our annual spring trip to the Café was postponed as the Distinguished Gentleman’s event took it over and we couldn’t get in!
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Breakfast Run Thursday 8th August.
The day dawned sunny and optimistic, but the weather gods had prognosticated a more ‘mixed’ experience for the day. We assembled at The Bulls Head in Meriden, now becoming a regular starting point for many of our runs, and always providing a few interested passing folk who want to have a chat about these old bikes.
16 assorted bikes now assembled, and the hands of the clock dictated it was time to go. Jenny, our fearless leader, led us on a highly circuitous tour for an hour or so to our mystery destination - The Old Mill at Baginton. Drinks were purchased and they kindly provided us with some free cakes and cookies.
There were a couple of spots of rain on the way there and we had lost 1 of our intrepid riders to the warmth and dryness of their own home. However, we had a great mixture of bikes spanning 78 years from 1946 to 2024. Thanks to everyone for making it an enjoyable ride out, and to Jenny for all the planning and for leading the run.
Wednesday 7th Aug Annual Fish & Chip Run
Great turnout with over 20 in attendance for our annual Summer Fish and Chip run.
Starting from Meriden Cross with a nice quiet bendy run to the Atlantic Fish and Chip in nearby Kingsbury. Fare was superb with huge portions. Everybody seemed to have a good time and we left in time to get home while it was still light.
Sunday 18th August Wythall Transport Musuem.
A great turn out again at the Bulls Head, Meriden with 16 bikes….hold on make that 17 bikes, as another arrives just as we are leaving. A lovely relaxing ride led by John on his Suzuki in the warming August sunshine, we all arrive safely (bar 1 minor incident…) at the bustling Wythall Transport Museum. In addition to the museum there was the bonus of a Classic Car event for pre-1980 cars for us to enjoy too. And another surprise was that 2 riders who had planned to come on the run but would have been late getting to the starting point had arrived ahead of us and organised a proper parking pitch for us amongst the classic cars, and we also got free admission to the museum! 2 more riders joined us at Museum making 21 in total. A great run with our usual great mixture of old and new, from Britain, Japan, Italy and East Germany this time.
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Club Night Wednesday 21st August
Tonight we had a coffee biscuits and chin wag night and it was good.
Steve Lamberts 2023 Midlands Section Video was running in a loop in the background and elicited some really positive comments.
Thursday 11th July Breakfast Run
Steve did an absolutely first-class job in leading the run from Ye Olde Pounde Café, where we had coffees, teas, etc., through some roads and lanes we didn’t know existed, some quite “challenging”! One comment was that Richard Anderton had an unfair advantage down one lane, as his bike had knobblies fitted. That gives you some idea. There were also some nice roads where we could enjoy a bit of bend swinging as well, so a really good variety. We even got to play with the traffic in Stratford-upon-Avon which was fun ☹
Our final destination was Wellesbourne Airfield Café, where the folks there did us proud with a variety of food from sandwiches to full English (Large)!!, all served with a smile al fresco whilst we watched the planes. It was especially pleasing to see two lady riders join us on the run.
Overall, another very enjoyable and successful morning out, thanks to Steve and Zach.
Club Night Weds 17th June Gymkhana.
As always our thanks go out to Chairman Geoff Ansell for bringing two of his BSA Bantams and for setting out a challenging course.
16 riders had at least one lap of the course and several had two.
Winners were Tony Ash, Zac and Dave Skett.
A special mention to Graham Handley, who was the only rider to come correctly attired and cut a dash in his sports jacket, flannels and tie
Sunday 21st June Founders Day
Although we were out in force manning a stand for the APMC (Association of Pioneer Motorcyclists) this was very much a VMCC event run by the Leicestershire Taverners Section and held at Stanford Hall
There was a good selection of bikes on our stand borrowed from the Museum and a couple of Geoff’s Panthers.
If you are not an APMC Member you should be and can join here at www.apmc1928.uk
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Thursday 25th July Breakfast Run.
A few photos from todays breakfast run, we met up at “The Bulls Head” Meridian, the weather was cloudy but warm, and the roads were all good with no incidents.
Our final destination was “Oaks Farm Cafe” near Balsall Common, where everyone enjoyed their refreshments
Or full English breakfast,
Thursday 25th July Brooklands Bus Trip
Great trip out to what is an outstanding Museum with plenty of interesting and diverse exhibits.
As ever an early start and a late finish but a superb day out.
Our thanks to Geoff Ansell for organising the trip all the participants need to do is book pay and turn up!
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Thursday 4th July Testing Day
We made our way to the Curborough Sprint Course where we had the opportunity to see and hear 4 of the National Motorcycle Museum’s Rotary Nortons being test ridden prior to their appearance at Goodwood’s Festival of Speed in July.
The Museum hired the full Curborough track from 10:00 until 13:00.
There was no entrance fee nor refreshments on site just enjoyed the experience of watching and hearing these powerful machines at full chatt!
Breakfast Run Thursday 27th June
The slightly overcast start to the day evidently didn’t put people off as we had a bumper 21 bikes for the mystery ride out to Hatton Locks. There might have been 22 as we thought we glimpsed the blur of a Vincent Comet roaring past with our Tony as the pilot. So, using the tried and trusted Le Mans starting process, Geoff sped across the car park and leapt aboard his Panther in hot pursuit….but Tony (if indeed it was him…) was long gone….
However, we still had a hugely diverse number of different makes including; BSA, CZ, Greeves, Honda, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, Moto Morini, Panther, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha & Zontes.
The sun was out now, and our leader, Jenny, led us all on every type of road except motorway and dual carriageway, showing no fear when stuck behind a mountain of hay being pulled by the slowest tractor in the world, to bring us all safely to our destination a little over an hour later; Hatton Locks near Warwick.
Special thanks to Jenny for devising the route and leading us all safely on it, and to everyone for their patience and support for Lita - first time on one of our runs on her brand new bike.
Wednesday 26th June Geoff’s Tours
Great turn out for another one of Geoff’s famous Charabanc tours, this time to the Shuttleworth Collection, where Mark our host was there to meet us and provide us all with a free Hot Drink Voucher. He was keen to point out that it is not a museum and all the exhibits, cars and aircraft are taken out regularly and used. Having examined the construction of some of the pre-world war 1 aircraft they must be very brave boys indeed.
Nice to see some photographs of the Swiss Gardens which were very impressive, included in the entry ticket, and not too large. Unfortunately the House was closed so there’s a good reason to revisit at some time in the future.
(Geoff says he has found a replacement cylinder for his Panther!)
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Weds 3rd July David Thomas Memorial Run
With committee members away this event was postponed, but the message didn’t reach all.
Only Colin and Steve turned up for this memorial meeting, shame as the weather was perfect and the beer and crisps were good
Nice to have a 1-1 with Colin though.
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Sunday 16th June Banbury Run
Look out for a fuller report Video and pictures on the 2024 Banbury run page
https://www.midlandsvmcc.co.uk/banbury-2024
Wednesday 19th June Club Night
For tonight’s club night we had a meet up with the Sprite and Midget owners club. A fine evening with a good selection of cars and Bikes.
Raffle winner was one of the visitors who drew her own ticket, and then promptly drew the ticket of her main heckler next: you couldn’t make it up!
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SUNDAY 9th June Maurice Somerville Memorial Run.
Postponed due to a clash with the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
Jon Weaver was unfortunately in Scotland so was not our fearless leader on this occasion.
John Surman had volunteered to lead this run to our traditional destination on the river at Evesham, ending up at a super location where you can eat, drink and catch the ferry.
Numbers were a bit down, but with three events on Saturday and one on Sunday this was not unexpected.
Thursday 13th June Breakfast Run
This week we tried a different format for the Breakfast Run. Instead of being a lead and follow using the drop off system, we decided to nominate a place and time.
In this case the Old Pound Café on the A34 10:00 onwards…. Seemed to work well. We may do this again.
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Saturday 8th June Ride a Bike Day (pm)
On our return to the Museum, we helped or hindered the “Ride It” day, where Andrew made it interesting by blanketing the venue with a smokescreen from his AJS that would put a WW2 Battleship to shame. He eventually cleared it** with some circulations of the course, so the residents on the Banbury Run route have been spared!! **
Had he cleared it…….. or run out of oil? We think it was the former.
Saturday 1st June Klondyke Mill.
The first of our two annual visits to the Klondke Mill steam fair in Draycott in the Clay. Fine route on empty A & B roads got us there in style. Our leader had to shoot off from the start and fettle his bike so Nigel stepped in as leader for the first few miles to Bassett’s Pole where the original leader was able to re-join at the front.
Did you spot the Brough (Traction Engine)?
Saturday 8th June Kingsbury Steam Railway
This Saturday saw one of our very popular visits to the Steam Railway at Kingsbury, arranged by our very own Ade Thomas. He had also arranged for our normal parking area there to be fully concreted, so bonus!!
To get there we had a picturesque route of 20-23 miles devised by our own Phil Allman starting from Meriden, taking us circuitously to Kingsbury, through some very nice lanes and roads. Watching out for the recently “surface dressed” lanes, but the surplus gravel was all but gone. Phil even found some Bob Badland dual carriageways, you know, the ones with grass growing in the middle of them!!
With 18 bikes in total getting there, the route was fantastic, a real mix of every type of road you could think of (thanks Phil) , and a salutary lesson to get to the set off point early as Big Jon and I never got wet, whilst those turning up later (but still on time) got a bit of a soaking. However, the day dried off, together with us, and there was as usual a fantastic welcome at the Steam Railway with drinks, cakes, train rides and steam engine driving experiences for Martin W and Zac. Martin had a full train load, whilst caution dictated that Zacs train was empty. Draw your own conclusions!
Thanks to Adrian for organising this, especially as we turned into the Park the sun came out and thanks to the team at Kingsbury for making us welcome.
Sat 8th June Dave’s Day at the Museum (am)
On arrival Sat morning to an already very busy and well organised Museum set up.
Slowly the car park filled up to busting where there was hardly a space to be found.
When Si King and the cavalcade arrived our Bob ,John and the rest of the parking team really had their work cut out. But they did it! They just kept coming, I’ve never seen anything quite like it .
Si King was very generous with his time. Selfies being the order of the day. The atmosphere was fantastic. Everyone patient and good humoured.
When they moved off it took a long time for the car park to empty and I managed to get to my bike. It was like the tide coming in and then going out. The organisation was very good, I take my hat off to the Museum.
Thursday 9th May Coffee & Cakes
Question: How many pensioners does it take to move a Motor Bike?
As part of the Museum updates, we were tasked today with moving the Gillette Mach 3 Challenger from its home in Hall 5 to a new location in the foyer.
In September 1999 this 6000hp 8 metre long machine achieved 303mph at Bonneville Salt Flats.
Today’s move was a little slower, but we got it there in the end.
Answer is 15 (5 doers and 10 tellers)
Sunday 12th May Tiddler Run.
A sizeable group of 15+ turned up for today’s Tiddler run from Meriden Cross to Middleton Hall.
Weather was fair and a variety of bikes were on hand, ranging from 100cc to 1200cc!
Of course it’s all in the interpretation and all enjoyed the route past Kingsbury Water Park, Aston Villas training Ground and the Belfry Golf Course, whilst never exceeding 40mph.
Wednesday 19th May David and Goliath.
Mays club night saw our annual David and Goliath Challenge. One lap around the car park: cup of tea: second lap around the car park. Speed is not the game here, it’s all about consistency, with the slowest having us much chance as the fastest. Just match time one with time two.
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Hatton Locks Breakfast Run.
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Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th April 57th Covenrty to Brighton Run.
Slightly reduced numbers for this year for the 57th running of the sections Coventry to Brighton Run, as a result we decided to forgo the traditional send off and reception by both boroughs Lord Mayors.
The 14 participant’s numbers were swelled by the addition of another 10 B2C riders who had ridden up the previous evening to join us on a run back to their hometown. In addition there were a significant number of section members who joined for the trip to the first coffee stop at Deddington.
Weather, set fair but chilly at the start soon turned damp, but the riders were prepared in advance and soldiered on to the finish, only a little the worse.
Once again the Hickstead laid on a superb evening meal, and riders kept the bar busy.
Sunday morning return again started damp. This year, for the first time in a couple of years, the back up van was called into action, nothing to serious, but nice to know it’s there.
We will once again be running the event in 2025 for the 58th time. Set the time aside and let’s hope for a few more participants
and fairer weather.
Breakfast Run Thursday 2nd May
Today’s run was ‘routemastered’ by Adrian. We met on the Birmingham Road in Meriden and set off at 10:00am on a very enjoyable and meandering route on roads ranging from dual carriageways to single track roads. Ably ‘tailendcharlied’ by Phil and his glamorous assistant Lita.
The 14 of us were thankful that the slightly overcast skies stayed dry and it even warmed up a little in the hour it took to reach our destination - the Lower Park Fisheries cafe in Beoley near Redditch.
Very reasonable prices for decent food…I’ve not seen that many full English breakfasts ordered on a run for some time.
Great route, thank you Adrian.
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Heading 5
Club Night Wednesday 17th April Tank Painting.
Alan Fox came along to give us a talk on the steps required for tank painting. We quickly came to realise that this was a highly skilled operation and not something that can quickly be knocked out in a shed.
The results he achieves are unbelievable the finish obtained being more like glass than paint.
If you’d like him to do your paint work contact him here:-
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Thursday 18th April Mystery Elevenses Run
A cool but dry and sunny start to the day, clearly brought out the pent-up desire for a bike run with like minded folk.
In all 23 people, including 2 ladies on their own bikes, met up at the Shustoke Resevoir entrance and set off on a 50 min ride….
Ok, there was a short delay to the start while John kicked away at his BSA, which once fired up sounded great.
Bob led us on a great ride through some country lanes around the outskirts of Tamworth before arriving at our destination; The Four Shires Farm Shop and Tea Rooms in Seckington, where we were made very welcome.
It was so warm by now that most people elected to sit outside with their drink of choice and some very well cooked food.
On leaving we noticed that Adrian’s 250 Suzuki had a very flat back tyre….but Colin (who presumably must have been a Boy Scout in times past) produced a pump and the tyre was quickly inflated. Unfortunately it didn’t stay inflated all the way home, but with our usual support for biking comrades, help was there when he needed it and he got home.
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Sunday 14th April Ride to Gilks Café.
We tried something new for this run, meeting up with two of our adjoining VMCC Sections for a combined run.
Midlands set off from Meriden Cross and rode via Leamington Spa to meet the other two sections at Chesterton Windmill. From there we descended en-mass to Gilks Café at Kineton for Coffee & Cakes.
Deemed to be a “great success” by all participants, we will be repeating the exercise again in the future.
Thursday 21st March Mystery Breakfast Run.
The day dawned brightly with a hint of mist that would not last long, and the promise of a dry day ahead. Clearly elsewhere it must have been full sunshine as when I got there, only 5 minutes after the scheduled meeting ‘from’ time, around 13 or 14 bikes were already assembled and their riders were busily chatting and pointing at interesting bits on each others bikes…
In all 18 riders assembled, although 1 had just ridden there to test out his bike, and was not coming on the run. So 17 of us set off wondering what the morning would provide for us. After some excellent meandering along some leafy lanes, our leader decided that we clearly needed some ‘wider’ road experience for the 2nd half of the run…and managed to get us all safely to our destination before the end of the breakfast service - well done Bob!
We had managed to negotiate free parking in exchange for eating as many breakfasts as possible
- and so we applied ourselves to the task!
A great destination - the National Memorial Arboretum - and one to re-visit in the future - possibly in the summer…and all on leafy lanes next time…
Saturday 6th April Museum Friends
Once again volunteers from the club were on hand to assist and marshal the Museums “Ride a Bike” day. Where the car park is closed off and a number of machines from the collection are brought out for Friends of the Museum scheme members to sample how they perform.
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Mystery Run "To the Wall" 7th March 24
We had the run today and it was a little on the chilly side…
The day dawned an uninspiring grey, the weather was decidedly chilly, and most sensible people who didn’t actually have to get up would probably have had an extra hour in bed. But not us daft lot! On with the thermals and thick woolly socks, an extra thick slice of Scots Porridge Oats and we reluctantly left the warmth of our respective homes…
Meeting up at the Shustoke Sailing Club entrance, Bob led 9 mostly willing followers up hill and down dale and along some roads less travelled until we arrived in Warwick and discovered our destination was Warwick University! We parked directly outside and hurried in to warmth, hot drinks and hot food, glancing briefly at the inside climbing wall which apparently was the clue to the destination in the email invitation…”we have a mystery run that will drive you up the wall!” - Well now we know!!
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Wednesday 20th March Club Night.
We held our annual AGM, it was brief and all the usual suspects were re-elected, apart from our treasurer John Surman who chose to stand down. He was replaced by Nigel Lane who was foolhardy enough to raise his head above the parapet.
Here is a picture of him with his Triumph 500
Many thanks to John for his sterling (get it?) service. He continues as a member and we are sure to see plenty of him on runs throughout the summer.
After the AGM we had a look at some of the videos being prepared for the Museums new forthcoming audio visual displays
Tuesday 13th February
The Thursday cleaning crew were out in force today, for a major move. 60+ Bikes were taken from the Museum display and loaded onto curtain sided waggons for transport to The London Motorcycle Show at Excel in the Royal Victoria Docks. All in all a successful venture with all bikes moved to the Premier Suite in a little over two hours.
Tricky bit is coming up on Tuesday 20th February when we have to try and put each bike back in its correct place.
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Wednesday 21st February Club Night.
Central Wheels were on hand for February’s club night to give us all an insight into wheel building. Everything from spoke selections and measuring to choosing the right rims.
Of particular interest, we were treated to a demonstration from first principals, with the build and trueing of a Velocette wheel.
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Wednesday 17th January Club Night Auction.
We never cease to be amazed by the generosity of our members
Shame there were no Stradivarius Paintings or Picasso Violins, but there was some good stuff (and tatt), most of which sold and raised a significant sum to club funds.
Purchasers, you know who you are, hope you managed to sneak it into the house past the wife
Special thanks to all who stayed afterwards to put away the tables and clear the leftovers.
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11th January The first Mystery Elevenses Run of 2024.
A dry but chilly day saw 3 hardy souls, Bob, Nigel & Steve meeting up at the Shustoke Sailing Club entrance on the Coleshill Road. Setting off into the unknown we picked up John, our 4th hardy soul, en-route.
Just the first stage of the potential 2-stage run was used today as the draw of a warm cafe and hot food was too hard to resist!
Bob has promised full sunshine for the next one!!
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