The Vintage Motor Cycle Club
VMCC Section
Essex
Hi All,
In addition to the AGM we will be arranging a few nibbles and a free (yes free) raffle. We will also have the now traditional presentation of awards for section members - Awards up for grabs include Most rides attended, Most unlucky rider, Clubman of the year and Lady attendee - will you win one?? Our Chairman is busy slaving over a hot lathe as we speak, producing another clutch of priceless trophies that you will be able to pass on to your children for posterity.
Hi All,
Latest update for you (just squeezed in before November!)
Club night 8th November at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital) 19.45 for 20.00
Novembers club night sees the annual quiz night delivered by John and Ann Beckinsale This will be a fun and highly entertaining evening, so time to get out your encyclopaedias and start to mug up. Its also the one evening that you can bring your other halves along, safe in the knowledge that they wont be bored stiff with talk about bikes! Guests are welcome (as long as they are not too clever) and there are prizes to be won as well - what's not to like?
Club night 13th December at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital) 19.45 for 20.00
We are in discussion with the Museum of Power to see if they can provide a speaker for us, but if this falls through it will have to be a natter night (oh and an opportunity to swap Christmas cards and presents hint hint!)
Early warning that we will be holding our annual AGM on 10th January 2024
In addition to the AGM we will be arranging a few nibbles and a free (yes free) raffle. I believe that all present incumbents are happy to re-stand but if you want to propose (and get seconded) anyone else for any of the roles please let me know by latest December club night.
Upcoming section rides
Well as you are no doubt aware unfortunately John Ruth was forced to cancel his planned end of season ride due to the terrible weather we have been experiencing. Not sure if he will be able to squeeze it in now the clocks have gone back but rest assured I will let you know as soon as I hear anything.
Nothing else planned for this year unless we get a flurry of last minute offers!
We are starting to turn our attention to 2024 so if you fancy having a go at leading a ride please let me know or speak with one of the other committee members. You can choose the date, time, distance and start/end points - what could be easier. I will send out a provisional diary next month but feel free to put your hand up before then.
A quick reminder that up to date Details of all rides can be found on our website
Other Business
I have received an approach from the Ipswich and Suffolk group to have a get together in 2024. It will probably be somewhere like TTT motorcycles at Sudbury but I'll fill you in once dates and times are agreed.
Bluebell run 2024 - as you are aware the committee decided to re-instate the Bluebell run weekend in 2024. There will be more details later but at the moment I wanted to give you early notice and also ask anyone interested in helping with the arrangements to put there names forward as soon as possible either by email to me or speak to one of the other committee members.
Don't forget to check out our website and the recently added companies to the useful links page. If anyone wants to add a company do let George Smith know by email george...@outlook.com - this is a useful source of information for our section members.
The website also has some good information and write ups about recent and upcoming events and is particularly helpful if you want to check details of forthcoming section events and rides as this will have the most up to date and accurate information https://essex.vmcc.net
As always George welcomes any pictures or articles to help him keep the website fresh and interactive.
Thanks as always also to Mark who is doing a great job keeping our Facebook page updated as another way of us keeping in touch. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1666444376929776
That's all from me for now.
See you on the road.
Cheers
Simon
Secretary Essex VMCC
Hi All
A bit later than usual but hopefully this will reach you in plenty of time nevertheless. A few of us met up with the guys from the East Anglia section for an impromptu get together last month. It seemed to go pretty well and they are keen to try it again next year. Ill try and give a bit more notice next time. September club night saw a presentation from David Bardwell talking about his experiences trying to take a couple of bikes through France to participate in an event at Spa. Not a happy experience and there appears very little clarity over what paperwork is required, it really seems to depend upon the Customs officer that you encounter!
Some excellent rides last month as well - thanks to Dave Smith, Paul Weston and Lesley Willmore - pop over to have a look at pictures and write ups on our Facebook and web pages.
Next club night 11th October at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital) 19.45 for 20.00
We have an unusual speaker for you this month - Steve Salt of JD Trucks, Heybridge, formerly Autosafe will be giving a chat about his experiences as an MOT tester and the Auto trade in general. It promises to be an entertaining and interesting evening not to be missed.
Club night 8th November at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital) 19.45 for 20.00
Novembers club night sees the annual quiz night delivered by John and Ann Beckinsale This is usually a fun and highly entertaining evening, so time to get out your encyclopaedias and start to mug up. Its also the one evening that you can bring your other halves along safe in the knowledge that they wont be bored stiff with talk about bikes! Guests are welcome (as long as they are not too clever) and there are prizes to be won as well - what's not to like?
Upcoming section rides
Wednesday 25th October
John Ruth will be leading our end of season run Start Writtle Green 10:00 for 10:30 arrive 11:15 after 20 miles Gt Canfield Polo & Carriage club for
tea/coffee. Outside if dry/ inside if wet with reserved tables. Depart 12:00 after 23 miles arrive Prince of Wales Broxted aprox 13:15 Depart about 14:30 & after 16 miles arrive CAMMAS Hall farm for afternoon tea/coffee approx 15:00. Ride finishes
A quick reminder that up to date Details of all rides can be found on our website
We are always looking for new volunteers to lead rides ,so why not put your head above the parapet - even if you get lost no one needs to know as you are the only one that knew where you were going anyway .......... just saying!😉
Other Business
Bluebell run 2024 - I am pleased to advise that the committee have decided to re-instate the Bluebell run weekend in 2024. As in previous years it will again be based at the Museum of Power over the weekend of 8th - 12th May with camping available for those hardy souls amongst us. Its a bit later than usual but I'm afraid that's the only weekend that they can fit us in. There will be more details later but at the moment I wanted to give you early notice and also ask anyone interested in helping with the arrangements to put there names forward as soon as possible either by email to me or speak to one of the other committee members.
Don't forget to check out our website and the recently added companies to the useful links page. If anyone wants to add a company do let George Smith know by email george...@outlook.com - this is a useful source of information for our section members.
The website also has some good information and write ups about recent and upcoming events and is particularly helpful if you want to check details of forthcoming section events and rides as this will have the most up to date and accurate information https://essex.vmcc.net
As always George welcomes any pictures or articles to help him keep the website fresh and interactive.
Thanks as always also to Mark who is doing a great job keeping our Facebook page updated as another way of us keeping in touch. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1666444376929776
That's all from me for now.
See you on the road.
Cheers
Simon
Secretary Essex VMCC
Attached a couple of photos of John Ruth an Essex VMCC member participating in this years Beamish trial.
Glad to report that John completed the trial on his Tiger Cub and although it was a very wet and muddy trial he managed to keep the bike in one piece.
Huge thanks go to Peter and Jason Sigournay who guided John round and kept him safe out in the wilds of the rainy North East. Good to see that members of the VMCC in the South are venturing beyond the Watford gap to ride their bikes.
Thought this might be something for the club website.
Thanks
Adrian
Hi All,
August club night went well although not as many "Asian/Eastern '' machines turned up as we were expecting - maybe they are just not as reliable as their Italian cousins 😜 - pictures have been posted on the website. The nights are really drawing in now but as the kids are going back to school, it looks like the weather will take a turn for the better - take the opportunity to get out before it's too cold and wet!
September club night 13th September at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital) 19.45 for 20.00
Unfortunately our plans to entice a couple of speakers have come to nought, so afraid it will be a natter night. Happy to receive suggestions for speakers/topics that you would like us to try and arrange.
October club night 11th October at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital) 19.45 for 20.00
We are beavering away in the background to source something, details to follow in my next email.
Upcoming section rides
Great to advise that we have a couple of rides scheduled for this month to take advantage of the sun - and there is still plenty of room to come forward if you fancy it - some will be aware that we have had to cancel a couple of rides recently due to no one volunteering to lead. There is quite a lot of interest in following though so why not have a go at leading??
Wednesday 20th September
Dave Smith will be leading this mid-week ride starting at Lake Meadows car park Billericay CM13 0BW 9.30 for 10.00 start.
First stop Potting Shed cafe Bicknacre CM3 4HN after approx 18 miles. Then on to Green Man pub CM0 7QX for lunch approx 30 miles. If people interested return to Wardroom cafe Essex Marina Rochford SS4 3HF again approximately 30 miles.
Wednesday 27th September
Flushed with the success of his recent evening run Paul Weston will be leading another ride of approximately 45 miles starting from the layby on the A414 between Danbury and the A12 (on the left coming from the Danbury end about half a mile before the A12 roundabout) what three words stand.lifted.faded (approximately) 10.00 for 10.30 - n.b. This is the same place as John's ride last month. Coffee stop will be at the White Elms garden centre Bicknacre with lunch at the Viper in Mill Green.
Sunday October 1st
Just a placeholder at the moment but Lesley Willmore will be leading yet another of her world renown "Lelly Runs" - more details to follow nearer the time.
A quick reminder that up to date Details of all rides can be found on our website https://essex.vmcc.net/Future-Events
We are always looking for new volunteers to lead rides ,so why not put your head above the parapet - even if you get lost no one needs to know as you are the only one that knew where you were going anyway .......... just saying!😉
Other Business
Don't forget to check out our website and the recently added companies to the useful links page https://essex.vmcc.net/Useful-Links If anyone wants to add a company do let George Smith know by email georgesmith42@outlook.com - this is a useful source of information for our section members.
The website also has some good information and write ups about recent and upcoming events and is particularly helpful if you want to check details of forthcoming section events and rides as this will have the most up to date and accurate information https://essex.vmcc.net
As always George welcomes any pictures or articles to help him keep the website fresh and interactive.
Thanks as always also to Mark who is doing a great job keeping our Facebook page updated as another way of us keeping in touch. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1666444376929776
That's all from me for now.
See you on the road.
Cheers
Simon
Hi All,
I missed most of the fun and games in July, including witnessing another George/Ducati misdemeanor (I heard it through a hissy fit and deposited oil all over its back end) but I understand that despite that, the rides all went well. My excuse is that I was enjoying myself with a bunch of other members up in the Lake District and the Yorkshire dales. My R75 decided once again it didn't need its exhaust pipes, Germany revisited, but after a quick pitstop, it was soon back on the road again better than before - so then what? - it sulked and spat out its headlight 🙄 Fortunately no major damage this time, and it was also soon refitted much to everyone's amusement. If you've never been to the Lakes I can heartily recommend it, and I'm sure if you ask him nicely, Dave Bradley can recommend some great routes 🤓.
Anyway on to this month's email ..................................
August Club night 9th August - at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital) starting at 19.45 to 20.00
As we still have the relatively light evenings, we thought that we would have one more themed night this year, and have come up with the idea for an "Asian/Eastern '' bike night. We are not proposing to limit it to VMCC eligible stuff this time, although obviously that would be preferred, so that any one with a suitable machine can come along on that. Dig out your Cossack's (ooh err missus!) your Royal Enfield, HondaUkiMahaSaki or even your Chinese special (Dudley😉) and pop along to show it off and talk about all things bike in the balmy summer sunshine (i've already ordered that!)
September club night 13th September at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital)
We have a couple of ideas with some negotiations going on as we speak, but nothing firmed up as yet - I'll let you know as soon as it is decided.
Upcoming section rides
At the moment only one ride is planned this month (🤔maybe you are all on holiday?) so plenty of opportunities for you to step forward at the last minute if you fancy it. 😉
Sunday 13th August
John Beckinsale will be leading yet another ride (well done and many thanks John 👏👏) starting at Writtle Green car park (what three words matter.foam.tooth) 9 30 for a 10 00 off. Ride for about 45 minutes through quiet lanes to Lillies Cafe, Ongar. Leave Ongar about 11 30, once again riding though quiet lanes to arrive at the Prince of Wales Broxted for lunch at 12 30. There will be Sunday roast on the menu plus alternatives if required. Members can make their own way home or follow John through Thaxted, Great Bradfield, with a possible stop at Blakes Craft centre if required.
P.S. Although the lunch destination is familiar, a lot of the route is new as is the cafe in Ongar.
Details of all rides can be found on our website https://essex.vmcc.net/Future-Events
We are always looking for new volunteers to lead rides ,so why not put your head above the parapet - even if you get lost no one needs to know as you are the only one that knew where you were going anyway .......... just saying!😉
This and That
Museum of Power 6th August Bikemeet and Record sale
We will once again have a stand at the upcoming MOP event on 6th August. The Museum of Power is on Hatfield Road, (B1019) Langford, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6QA
There are no individual passes and we are required to be on site by 09.30am and asked not to leave before 4pm.
Dave Iszard will be aiming to get there between 8 - 8.30am and bring our club Gazebo so I am sure would appreciate it if some of those who are planning to be there, could also arrive about the same time to help erect it and get our bikes assembled by 09.30am. Since there are no individual passes, those who are exhibiting just need to make that known to the guys on the gate and you will be directed to our stand on the event field, which is in the same place as last year i.e. in the top right corner.
The café in the Museum will be open for refreshments as well as the stalls for food and drink on the event field.
Other Business
Don't forget to check out our website and the recently added companies to the useful links page https://essex.vmcc.net/Useful-Links If anyone wants to add a company do let George Smith know by email georgesmith42@outlook.com - this is starting to develop into a useful source of information for our section members.
The website also has some good information and write ups about recent and upcoming events and is particularly helpful if you want to check details of forthcoming section events and rides as this will have the most up to date and accurate information https://essex.vmcc.net
As always George welcomes any pictures or articles to help him keep the website fresh and interactive.
I should also take the opportunity to mention our Facebook page - Mark has been doing a great job keeping this updated as another way of us keeping in touch. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1666444376929776
That's all from me for now.
See you on the road.
Cheers
Simon
Hi All,
You will see why lower down but here, slightly earlier than normal is the June update for you. Firstly a massive thanks to all of you that made the effort to attend the "European" themed club night last week. It was a great evening with +/- 30 bikes including the very rare Koeler-Escoffier that Ron brought along from deepest darkest Norfolk. There are some really good photos on the club website and on the facebook page and it has prompted your committee to see what other themed nights we can try in the future but more of that later.
Next Club night 12th July - at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital)
With the continued warm evenings next club night will be a natter night and for those of you interested John Beckinsale has offered to lead a ride in, more details below.
August Club night 9th August - at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital)
As mentioned above whilst we still have the relatively light evenings we thought that we would have one more themed night this year, and have come up with an "Asian/Eastern '' bike night. We are not proposing to limit it to VMCC eligible stuff this time, although obviously that would be preferred, so that any one with a suitable machine can come along on that. Dig out your Cossack's (ooh err missus!) your Royal Enfield, HondaUkiMahaSaki or even your Chinese special (Dudley😉) and pop along to show it off and talk about all things bike in the balmy summer sunshine (i've already ordered that!)
Upcoming section rides
Loads of stuff to enjoy this month including a new addition - please support these as much as possible.
Sunday 25th June
Brian Irwin will be leading a breakfast ride - it will start from Marks Hall Tesco car park (the large Tesco on the Coggeshall side of Braintree) Marks Farm Roundabout, Coggeshall Rd, Braintree CM77 8AA (what three words over.thinks.sheep) meeting at 09.00 for 09.30 start. We will proceed on the planned route and hopefully arrive at the breakfast destination by about 10.00 to10.15. From there for those that are interested there will be another ride to the Sudbury area to a place which hopefully will interest most people. This will leave the first stop at about 11.15 to 11.30 to give everyone time to eat and point percy at the porcelain.
Wednesday 28th June
And here is why my note is coming out early!
Following George's impassioned plea recently, at very short notice Paul Weston has very kindly stepped forward to lead an evening ride on 28th 👏 well done Paul!
Starting from Writtle Green car park (what three words matter.foam.tooth) 6:30 for 7.00 start. Stopping at the Compasses at Littley Green after about 22 miles and around 50 minutes (he might make it a bit longer). Then people can either go straight back to Chelmsford or continue via Chignal Road to Roxwell Road and back to Writtle.
Wednesday 5th July
George Smith will be leading a small or old (motorcycles not riders!) ride out. He will be leading on his 200cc Ducati (assuming it's running again!) or if not his new trusty steed (another Ducati!🙄) and the ride will be suitable for small or old motorcycles, with speeds to suit the slowest bike on the ride. Any size or age of motorcycle is welcome, just don't expect any high speeds! Our chairman Dave Iszard was in hospital for the last small or old ride and missed getting out on his old motorcycle so we are doing it again
Meet at Lake Meadows Park & Playground Radford Crescent Billericay CM12 0BW (what three words former.chops.aware) by the swimming pool 10.00 for 10.30 start. Toilets and cafe available. 40 miles total. 14 miles to Goodfellas cafe Zinc Arts Centre High Street Chipping Ongar CM5 0AD for coffee break. 26 miles to Kings Arms Orsett RM16 3LX for pub grub lunch. A13 and A128 nearby for your journey home
Club night ride in Wednesday 12th July
John Beckinsale will be leading a ride-in to club night. Starting at Sainsbury's car park at Woodham Ferrers (what three words huts.colonies.stereos) to leave at 19 00 hrs for a short run of about an hour to arrive at the Bell for 20 00 hrs.
Wednesday 19th July
Just a week later John is leading yet another ride (well done John) 👏👏 starting from the layby on the A414 between Danbury and the A12 (on the left coming from the Danbury end about half a mile before the A12 roundabout) what three words stand.lifted.faded (approximately) arrive 9.30 for a 10.00 departure. Tea stop at Rayne Booking Office cafe then on to the Lamarsh Lion for lunch at around 12.30. Then if time allows a ride to the Tiptree cafe at Osea Island - John will have a menu and will need to have any of your lunch orders at sign on.
Details of all rides can be found on our website https://essex.vmcc.net/Future-Events
We are always looking for new volunteers to lead rides ,so why not put your head above the parapet, just like Paul - what's the worst that can happen - even if you get lost no one needs to know as you are the only one that knew where you were going anyway .......... just saying!😉
Other Business
Don't forget to check out our website and the recently added companies to the useful links page https://essex.vmcc.net/Useful-Links If anyone wants to add a company do let George Smith know by email georgesmith42@outlook.com - this is starting to develop into a useful source of information for our section members.
The website also has some good information and write ups about recent and upcoming events and is particularly helpful if you want to check details of forthcoming section events and rides as this will have the most up to date and accurate information https://essex.vmcc.net
As always George welcomes any pictures or articles to help him keep the website fresh and interactive.
I should also take the opportunity to mention our Facebook page - Mark has been doing a great job keeping this updated as another way of us keeping in touch. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1666444376929776
Finally I've had an email from Gary Sleeman our Area representative which is copied below:-
The VMCC has been invited to display bikes at the Shuttleworth Sprint event on the 1st of October. Pre1939 bikes receive free entry and later bikes can enter for £12.00 which includes two entry tickets. There is also the option to take part in the sprint. Please can you let your section members know about this.
VMCC director Ken German contacted me about taking the VMCC stand but I will be in Wales that weekend for Kay's daughter's 50th birthday celebrations. If anyone is willing to take the stand equipment and set it up on the day I can deliver it to you and pick it up again afterwards if that helps.
I have copied Ken's email which gives details of how to enter etc below. My mobile number is 07779761556 if you would like to discuss taking the stand equipment.
Regards,
Gary.
Hi Gary, Regarding our telephone conversation, here is the email I received regarding the event on the 1st October this year. The link FYI is https://www.shuttleworth.org/product/wingsandwheels/
Ken, I would be very pleased to have a group within the Vehicle Paddock display area for the Vintage Motorcycle Club. We ask that each attendee completes an entry form. I attach a Race Day form and a copy of the supporting email.
Dear Race Day Participant,
Please find attached our entry form for our Race Day Air Show and Sprint on Sunday 1st October, this year. We are pleased to inform you that after further consideration, our traditional Race Day Air Show with an Edwardian Sprint down our grass runway as in recent years will go ahead. You should also be aware that our earlier event, entitled ‘Wings and Wheels’ is now also known again as our Race Day Air Show.
The ‘Richard Shuttleworth Sprint’ will take place again, with both our 650 and 1,000 yard Sprints taking place prior to our full Air Show as before.
Our Entry form covers both entries for the Sprint and also our Period Paddocks for pre-1939 cars and Motorcycles and also for younger Classic Cars and Motorcycles up to and including 1980. Please note entries to our Period Paddocks will entitle vehicle owners of pre-1939 cars and motorcycles to free entry to our event including two complementary passes. For post 1939 ~ 1980 cars and motorcycles, each will be entitled to an Air Show pass at a cost of £12 per vehicle/motorcycle that covers entry for both driver and passenger.
We look forward to receiving your attached entry. If you are unable to print out the form, please email us by return, asking if we can send a hard copy in the post.
Please reply to the airshows@shuttleworth.org email address.
With best regards
Stuart Gray
Vehicle Collection Manager
Paul Heywood
Vehicle Records Administrator
The Shuttleworth Trust | The House | Old Warden Park |Biggleswade | Beds | SG18 9EA
paul.heywood@shuttleworth.org | www.shuttleworth.org
I am off with a few other club members to the Dales this July, so will be missing next club night, but please don't let that stop you having fun! 😉😁
Take care
Simon
Hi All,
Here is the update for May. Last club night we held the pride of ownership and in case you didn't see it the winner was Paul Weston with his venerable Sunbeam although he was pushed hard by Julian Strauss's Greeves twin. Write up and pictures are available on the website https://essex.vmcc.net
We had around 20 people visit our stand in Thaxted on the founders day rally - the majority from our section so thanks if you took the time to drop by and particular thanks to Rex and Brian for manning the post.
I mentioned the Distinguished Gentleman's ride that Dave Iszards daughter Mandi was organising in my last message. I know that some of you joined in and I understand that on the day she had over 190 bikes and riders attend and over sixteen thousand pounds raised for Prostate cancer - a great effort 👏
Finally great news - Steve Back made it to the end of his evening ride 👏👏 - that means the trophy for the unluckiest rider is once again in play - who can I mercilessly taunt now?? Steve and John led a great ride backwards and forwards along the back roads of Writtle, Blackmore, Brentwood and the Hanningfields ending up in Stock. We all had a very enjoyable jaunt albeit a little on the chilly side by the time we finished.
Next Club night 14th June - at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital)
In June we will be trying another experiment, the Cosa nostra in our club have requested a themed natter night - but to make it more inclusive the theme will be European exotica (with a particular emphasis on Italian exotica) and so we are looking for club members to bring along their European pride and joys for us all to admire in a static show. It doesn't matter what engine size or age, so if you have an unusual Carlos Fandango special in your garage or even the latest shiny offering bring it along for us to drawl over and discuss the merits of italian electrics in the rain or even the legendary BMW reliability - my money's on BMW's being the biggest group - so go ahead "make my day!"
We are also expecting member Ron Hyder to bring along a particularly rare french machine for you to ogle.
Club night 12th July - at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital)
John Beckinsale has stepped up yet again and agreed to lead a ride into the club night. Starting at Sainsbury's car park at Woodham Ferrers (what three words huts.colonies.stereos) to leave at 19 00 hrs for a short run of about an hour to arrive at the Bell for 20 00 hrs where we will have a natter night.
Upcoming section rides
Wednesday 7th June
This mid-week ride will be led by Dave Bradley 9.30 for 10.00 starting at Lake Meadows Park & Playground Radford Crescent Billericay CM12 0BW (what three words former.chops.aware) 56 miles in total with a coffee stop at Norton Heath cafe after 10 miles, lunch at the Fox Inn Matching Green and then afternoon tea at the saddlery Ingatestone.
Sunday 25th June
Brian Irwin will be leading a breakfast ride - it will start from Marks Hall Tesco car park (the large Tesco on the Coggeshall side of Braintree) Marks Farm Roundabout, Coggeshall Rd, Braintree CM77 8AA (what three words over.thinks.sheep) meeting at 09.00 for 09.30 start. We will proceed on the planned route and hopefully arrive at the breakfast destination by about 10.00 to10.15. From there for those that are interested there will be another ride to the Sudbury area to a place which I hope will interest most people. This will leave the first stop at about 11.15 to 11.30 to give everyone time to eat and point percy at the porcelain.
Wednesday 5th July
George Smith will be leading a small or old (motorcycles not riders!) ride out. He will be leading on his 200cc Ducati (assuming it's running again!) (no it's not, he will be on his just restored 350 Ducati. Running in so ride will still be slow) and the ride will be suitable for small or old motorcycles, with speeds to suit the slowest bike on the ride. Any size or age of motorcycle is welcome, just don't expect any high speeds! Our chairman Dave Iszard was in hospital for the last small or old ride and missed getting out on his old motorcycle so we are doing it again
Meet at Lake Meadows Park & Playground Radford Crescent Billericay CM12 0BW (what three words former.chops.aware) by the swimming pool 10.00 for 10.30 start. Toilets and cafe available. 40 miles total. 14 miles to Goodfellas cafe Zinc Arts Centre High Street Chipping Ongar CM5 0AD for coffee break. 26 miles to Kings Arms Orsett RM16 3LX for pub grub lunch. A13 and A128 nearby for your journey home
There is still plenty of time for you to step forward to lead a ride and I have attached a copy of the uptodate ride list to help your decision.
Club night ride in Wednesday 12th July
John Beckinsale will be leading a ride-in to club night. Starting at Sainsbury's car park at Woodham Ferrers (what three words huts.colonies.stereos) to leave at 19 00 hrs for a short run of about an hour to arrive at the Bell for 20 00 hrs.
Details of all rides can be found on our website https://essex.vmcc.net/Future-Events
Other Business
Don't forget to check out our website and the recently added companies to the useful links page https://essex.vmcc.net/Useful-Links If anyone wants to add a company do let George Smith know by email georgesmith42@outlook.com - this is starting to develop into a useful source of information for our section members.
The website also has some good information and write ups about recent and upcoming events and is particularly helpful if you want to check details of forthcoming section events and rides as this will have the most up to date and accurate information https://essex.vmcc.net
As always George welcomes any pictures or articles to help him keep the website fresh and interactive.
I should also take the opportunity to mention our Facebook page - Mark has been doing a great job keeping this updated as another way of us keeping in touch. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1666444376929776
Ok I think that's it for this month - see you on the road.
Cheers
Simon
Here is the update for April. Last club night we held a trial film night (thanks to Dave Smith for the loan of his DVD). It seemed to be pretty well received so we will probably do it again but maybe hold it on one of the cold and wet winter get-togethers.The two rides last month were both really well attended and write ups and pictures are available on the website https://essex.vmcc.net Thanks to Dave and George for leading and making all the arrangements 👍
Don't forget the founders day rally this weekend - details are set out below and on the Head office forum and in the club magazine.
Next Club night 10th May - at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital)
This month sees the "pride of ownership" event - John Beckinsale will be leading a ride in (more details below) and this year we have really pushed the boat out. Our Chairman has been busy slaving away in his dusty workshop before his operation, and created some more exceptional and quirky trophies. Even if you don't join the ride in, do bring your pride and joy along for us all to drawl over, lets see the efforts of your winter rebuilds.
Club night 14th June - at the Bell Inn Woodham Ferrers CM3 8RG (what three words iterative.tougher.recital)
In June we will be trying another experiment and the Cosa nostra in our club have requested a themed natter night - they made me an offer that I couldn't refuse (have you tried getting horse's blood out of the sheets?!!) The theme will be Italian exotica and so we are looking for club members to bring along their Italian stallions for us all to admire in a static show. It doesn't matter what engine size or age, so if you have an unusual Carlos Fandango special in your garage or even the latest shiny offering bring it along for us to drawl over and discuss the merits of italian chrome or italian electrics in the rain or even italian reliability - the list just goes on and on 😜 There that should poke some sort of reaction!
Upcoming section rides
Wednesday 10th May - evening ride
John Beckinsale will be leading a pride of ownership mid-week ride-in to club night. Starting at Sainsbury's car park at Woodham Ferrers (what three words huts.colonies.stereos) to leave at 19 00 hrs for a short run of about an hour to arrive at the Bell for 20 00 hrs. At club night members will be asked to vote on the most desirable bike on show.
Wednesday 17th May - evening ride
This evening ride will be led by Steve Back and John Ruth (hopefully Steve's bike will put away all those demons and has promised to get to the finish of this one - although I did hear that co-incidentally his wife will also be taking a drive in the car and trailer along that very same route that evening just to take the air! 😉😜)
The ride will start at Writtle Green car park (what three words matter.foam.tooth) starting at 18.00 for an 18.30 departure and end at the Ship public house on the Stock road. By the time we get there (around 20.00) they will probably have stopped serving meals so drinks only.
Wednesday 7th June
This mid-week ride will be led by Dave Bradley 9.30 for 10.00 starting at Lake Meadows Park & Playground Radford Crescent Billericay CM12 0BW (what three words former.chops.aware) 56 miles in total with a coffee stop at Norton Heath cafe after 10 miles, lunch at the Fox Inn Matching Green and then afternoon tea at the saddlery Ingatestone.
There is still plenty of time for you to step forward to lead a ride and I have attached a copy of the uptodate ride list to help your decision.
Details of all rides can be found on our website https://essex.vmcc.net/Future-Events
Other Business
Don't forget to check out our website and the recently added companies to the useful links page https://essex.vmcc.net/Useful-Links If anyone wants to add a company do let George Smith know by email georgesmith42@outlook.com and hopefully this will continue to develop into a useful source of information to our section members.
The website also has some good information and write ups about recent and upcoming events and is particularly useful if you want to check details of forthcoming section events and rides as this will have the most up to date and accurate information https://essex.vmcc.net
As always George welcomes any pictures or articles to help him keep the website fresh and interactive.
I should also take the opportunity to mention our Facebook page - Mark has been doing a great job keeping this updated as another way of us keeping in touch. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1666444376929776
Founders day rally 30th April - THIS WEEKEND
The Founders Relay Rally is being run as a separate event in 2023, back by popular demand. Each VMCC section is encouraged to organise and man a Check-point for members to visit and collect a sticker, which will be provided. The objective is to see as many motorcycles as possible on the road on this day and to meet with fellow riders along the way.
This year Rex Croft has very kindly offered to man the Essex stand in St Margarets car park at Thaxted to receive guests into the county and will be supported by Brian Irwin.
For those of you still unclear about what is involved, basically the VMCC sections across the country that choose to participate provide details of stands and locations that you can visit on the day. You then plan your ride to visit as many of these locations as you can reach in the time available. Further details of this year's VMCC founders day rally are also available in the group magazine and website.
Good luck to Dave, John, Paul and John who I believe will be participating from our section.
Sunday, May 21st, 2023 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride
Our very own Chairman's daughter Mandy Gaymer will once again be leading this years DGR to raise money for Prostate Cancer - (if the link works) details about the event and how to join in can be found here https://www.facebook.com/gentlemansride - why not pop over and take a look.
Ok I think that's it for this month - see you on the road.
Cheers
Simon
