2022 Blog Archive

Monday 19th December 2022

What a final Club night of the year! We expected just a few to turn up but with lots of members in the sociable festive spirit, the Hen & Chickens bar was surprisingly full.

The initial drawback was that the Committee thought there wouldn’t be enough food to go round as we’d asked Tally to cater for about half the number that had turned up. But, in the end, there was enough food that even though Martin, the sandwich monitor, wasn’t there to keep control, there was plenty for everyone. We’d like to thank everyone for their initial restraint until everyone had had the chance for at least a small plate full.

We even had three hardy riders turn up on motorcycles, having had an hour or so’s ride from Coreys Mill.

It’s been a generally good year for the Club and we’d like to thank everyone for making it such a good evening out each Monday, particularly those that aren’t on the committee but lead rides regularly anyway.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We hope to s​ee you at the Bucks Head on the 9th January.

Monday 12th December 2022

With at least four inches of snow over Sunday night and into Monday morning, although the main roads were clear, the only available leader for this week’s group ride couldn’t get his motorcycle out of his road… and on the basis no one else would want to join him anyway, the group ride was cancelled.

Never-the-less, although we didn’t expect more than just a few if any to turn up, in fact the Cock was quite well attended, under the circumstances. There was about fifteen of us, which was enough to polish off the reduced number of sandwiches and chips.

During the evening, there was a chat about the success of last week’s Christmas Social. So much so, the members of the committee in attendance this week decided that next week, being the last before Christmas, wouldn’t just be the usual no food “noggin & natter”, but the pub would be asked to put on Christmas nibbles.

So, whether you are a ba humbug or not, come along to the final gathering of the year, at the Hen & Chickens in Baldock, for a bit of Christmas cheer or grinchyness.

Assuming the weather is better, there will be a group ride next Monday to the pub.

Monday 5th December 2022

This week was our Christmas Social.

It was really well attended with about sixty of us crammed into the Hen & Chickens at Baldock.

As everyone entered, they were given a strip of raffle tickets for the free raffle and a couple of tickets for free drinks.

Surprisingly, seven turned up at Sainsburys for the group ride to the pub which, although following the gritters out of the car park, turned out to be quite a nice ride. Most of the roads were dry but it was a little cold… Di was chilled to the bone, even with her heated gloves and socks!

The group ride, led by Cider Bob, arrived at just part 20:00 and, shortly after, the food was opened up. The queue was literally all the way around the pub but there was plenty for everyone.

With everyone having a full glass and a plate full of food, Norbert (the Chairman) started the raffle. It was a double luck approach – firstly the luck of the raffle ticket being drawn but then the winners had to choose a numbered box, inside of which was a note of which prize they were getting. There were loads of great prizes with both the Club President, Pat Barrett, and his wife Hazel, winning prizes as well as many others.

It was an excellent night although, being a work night, most started to leave by about 22:00, with only a few left until closing time.

Next week, we are back in Baldock, this time at the Cock.

As usual, you can meet us there or join the group ride from Sainsburys (unless it’s excessively icy/snow).

Don’t forget, you can get your annual dinner dance tickets from Mick Taylor.

Monday 28th November 2022

Unfortunately, yet again, we didn’t have any ride leaders available for a Sunday ride yesterday but both Cider Bob and Paul Purple VFR were out on Monday night for the evening group ride.

Although it was a tad damp, it was mostly dry and it was mild so eleven riders turned up at Sainsburys. With so many coming along, the group was split with Cider taking about half over to Hertford and then A507 while Paul took his group over to west Bedfordshire via the B655 before heading east to Stotfold where the destination was the Stag.

It was a well attended evening for the time of year, with about twenty five of us.

The staff at the pub were as great as ever and the food was lovely.

Although the weather had been great for the ride to the pub, the rain started while we scoffed and drank and it was pouring down as most of us left.

Another very sociable day.

Next week is our Christmas Social, at the Hen & Chickens in Baldock. There is free food and two free drinks for members.

Monday 21st November 2022

Unfortunately, with no ride leaders available, there was no Sunday ride this week.

Monday evening was our annual photographic competition which, as usual, was at the Hen & Chickens in Baldock.

The weather during the day had been quite poor – heavy rain and verging on chilly. It clearly a little by the evening but it was still wet so Cider Bob wasn’t surprised as he left Sainsburys leading the group ride consisting of him and no one else!

Members starting arriving at the pub at about 19:00 and it was great to see some past members at the bar who had come back to rejoin.

By 20:00 the pub was heaving, with loads of members, many of whom had brought photos along to be judged; although some didn’t realise the photos had to have been taken in the past year.

Our resident “experts”, who have absolutely no qualifications to judge whatsoever, assessed the array of entries and concluded Kelvin’s excellent photo of a racer with his elbow down was the winning entry. Have a look in the website Gallery to see some of the entries.

It was a really good night but all too soon it was time to bimble off home. Our thanks to Tally and her staff at the Hen & Chickens for looking after us.

Next week, we will be at the Stag (not the Crown Gordon!) in Stotfold. There will be a 19:00 ride from Sainsburys as usual.

If you have any ideas for other pubs we could try, please let anyone on the Committee have your suggestions.

We also need some more ride leaders – occasional or regular – for Monday evenings and/or Sunday rides. If you would like to give it a go, please have a chat to Cider Bob.

Monday 14th November 2022

Although it had been foggy all day and was still foggy in Stevenage when the group met for the evening ride, once we left Stevenage, it cleared. The roads were dry and it was really mild so the group ride was really nice. This week it was led by Cider Bob but, we suspect pretty much everyone else was put off by the fog as the only other member to join the ride was Steve.

The ride was over to Barton-Le-Clay on the B655 and then up the A6. They then turned onto one of Cider’s favourite local roads, over to Gravenhurst, and then the A507 to Baldock. It was only a short ride because Cider and Steve had been talking for an extra 20 minutes at Sainsburys.

The destination was the Cock where there were lots of members already in the bar as Cider and Steve turned up. There were also three other motorcycles.

It was generally a really good atmosphere. Unfortunately, for the first time in the Club’s sixty plus years history, there was an incident where one member used unprovoked violence against another. This is clearly totally unacceptable behaviour and will not be tolerated. There is a committee meeting this coming Wednesday, when it will be addressed.

Most members were unaware of the incident so the evening, for the most part, was not spoiled for them, however, at least three members witnessed it and the bar staff initially moved to intervene.

We would like to stress that the Club does not condone this behaviour and will not tolerate it.

Unfortunately, the catalyst for this was posts on the Club’s Whatsapp group which were posted in jest but not received that way. As a result, we have put together some general rules for use of the Whatsapp group. Anyone not complying with the rules will be warned and/or removed from the group. It’s a shame it’s come to this… we don’t want the Club to be run in an authoritarian manor but we believe this is how we will remove the chance of future offence.

On a much lighter note, next week is our Photographic competition at the Hen & Chickens in Baldock so please bring along your entries.

Tickets for the annual Dinner Dance on 18th February 2023 are now on sale. Please see the Club Secretary, Mick Taylor.

Addendum

Further to the incident, the Club member striking the other has tendered his resignation from the Club.

If you have any queries regarding this incident and how it has been handled, please talk to your Committee.

Monday 7th November 2022

The weather has turned very autumny although it stayed dry for the Monday evening group ride. It was obviously dark and the roads were wet but several riders joined Steve for his tour of North Herts & South Beds.

When the group arrived at the car park of the Bucks Head in Little Wymondley, there were already several bikes there and more turned up afterwards. It’s somewhat surprising to have so many bikes at the Club for this time of year. But, as always there were also plenty of members in cars.

The pub was fairly full and there was lots of chat and micky taking.

It wasn’t long before the food came out and everyone dived in. Although there were bowls of chips and several plates full of sandwiches, it all disappeared in no time, with everyone getting at least a couple of sandwich quarters and some chips.

Another very sociable evening.

Next week we are at the Cock in Baldock.

We have a Committee meeting on the following Wednesday so if you have anything you want brought up, just let any of the Committee members know.

Monday 31st October 2022

The risk of ghosts and gools didn’t put off seven riders joining Steve at Corey’s Mill Sainsburys for the first “winter” ride of the year. Now the clocks have gone back, we’ve reverted to one meeting place at one time – 19:00.

But the weather was actually really mild and, although it had been raining a lot during the day and the roads were wet, the rain stayed off for the ride.

It was a really nice ride which took us through Walkern, Cumberlow Green, Baldock, Bygrave, Ashwell and Langford before arriving at the Crown in Stotfold.

The pub was already busy with members by the time the group ride arrived and the Chairman, Norbert, was ready to start the annual quiz.

After a hundred general knowledge questions, the food was out, including the famous Crown Gala Pie. Just as the food was close to being polished off with everyone having their fill, a second gala pie came out! There was no shortage of food and, with a salad bowel, even veggies were catered for.

The results of the quiz were:
1st The Old Farts 80 points
2nd The Crown Witches 77 points
3rd Google Cheaters 76 points
4th Off Roaders 69
5th Launch control 68
6th Caldecott 3+1 65
7th Pete, Steve & Frank 57
8th The Steamers 55
9th The Losers 48
Next week we will be at the Bucks Head in Little Wymondley.

You can meet us there or join us at 19:00 for the group ride(s) from Corey’s Mill Sainsburys.

Monday 24th October 2021

Steve’s been away on a motorcycle trip in Spain this week so, as no other ride leaders were available, there was no Sunday group ride.

It was unusually mild and dry weather for our late October Monday evening meeting, although surprisingly few riders came along for the last 18:30 group rides of the year (with the clocks falling back on Sunday, from next week we will be reverting to our single group ride from Sainsburys at 19:00 for the winter).

Only Martin joined Cider for the relaxed ride while there was some confusion at Sainsburys for the main ride. Paul was a couple of minutes late so Bob was volunteered to lead the other three riders. As they were leaving, Paul pulled in but, although he whipped around and tried to catch them up, he didn’t manage it. But he did pick up a rider who came along to join the Club – welcome Sam.

There weren’t many members at the pub either, although several had gone by car (and some had gone to the wrong Stotfold pub to start with!!). There were about fifteen of us in total – the lowest turn out for a while. Which is a shame because there was loads and loads of really nice food served up by the staff of the Stag in Stotfold.

But, even with so few members there, there was a nice atmosphere and plenty of chat.

Next week we will be back in Stotfold, this time at the Crown. So, if you like gala pie, it’s the place to be.

Don’t forget, for winter/GMT we only have one group ride to the pub – 19:00 from Coreys Mill Sainsburys.

Monday 17th October 2022

Yesterday was a perfect October day for riding with a cloudless sky and a superb route by Steve, taking in the lanes of Herts, Beds & Bucks, some sight seeing stops and a gem of a coffee and cake stop at Nannas Cakes. Later on they passed Chequers, the PMs country retreat, with lots of paparazzi & protesters hanging about. Thanks to Steve for arranging and leading another great ride.

Monday was another fine and mild day so several riders joined Paul (Steve is away in the Picos mountains) for the 18:30 ride from Sainsburys and a load more joined Cider at the mini Asda. Paul got his group there in good time but Cider got his timings a bit mixed and it was looking like they’d be about half an hour later than usual. Unfortunately, the last bit to the pub was closed so a massive detour saw them arriving about 20:45. After two hours of riding, no one voiced complaints so hopefully they all enjoyed it.

There were a load of other members already at the pub and they had been polite enough (under the watchful eye of Martin, the “sandwich monitor”) to refrain from seconds until everyone had got firsts. But there was loads so anyone who wanted it could have seconds, thirds and, in one case, forths!

As always, the staff at the Plume of Feathers were very welcoming and the food was great.

Next week we are at the Stag in Stotfold.

We will be running the usual two 18:30 rides next week but from the following week, with the clocks going back on the 30th October, we will be reverting to the single 19:00 ride from Sainsburys through the winter. So come along and take advantage of the final 18:30 rides of the year.

Monday 10th October 2022

This week we had the annual auction. Huge amounts of tat really useful items were donated and the Club Chairman, Norbert, did a great job of getting through it at a reasonable rate.

Some stuff didn’t sell, some stuff was sold at an absolute bargain and some had some hard bidding against them; for example a historic but brand new Club badge from circa 1980s, was sold at a terrific price of £25 to an unsuspecting idiot a grateful Club member.

The event was really well attended with the Hen & Chickens being chokker. Have a look at the photos on the website gallery.

After the first 50 minutes, we had a break where everyone filed into the back room for the free food we put on. There was plenty for everyone, although it was all polished off.

The auction continued and most of the lots got sold. There were some very happy buyers walking away with all sorts, including leather suits, gloves, textiles, tools and all sorts… all bought for a pittance.

Overall, the auction raised nearly £300… although one person paid with half a £5 note and there were some Euros. While it won’t be long before Euros are worth more than a pound, it was a bit of a poor show (hopefully it was a mistake rather than deliberate).

Next week we are at the Plume of Feathers in Ickleford. (NOT Little Wymondley, Kelvin!!)

We’ll have two rides – Steve/Paul at Sainsburys at 18:30 and Cider Bob’s relaxed ride at the mini Asda, also at 18:30.

There will only be this coming week and the following week with 18:30 rides. The clocks go back on 30th October so, from the 31st October we will have just one ride, starting at 19:00 from Sainsburys.

Monday 3rd October 2022

Brightlingsea was yesterday’s destination for Steve’s Sunday ride.with five joining him (some of the regular Sunday riders were away doing other biking things!). It was a great day and the weather was ideal.

The weather stayed perfect for the Monday night rides to the Club which, this week, was at the Angel in Ware.

Cider Bob led a relaxed paced group of six while Steve’s ride, which was mostly up at the speed limits, had eight riders.

Both group rides lasted a bit over an hour with Cider’s arriving first.

It was a relatively quiet evening at the pub. No one counted how many bikes or riders there were but we estimate about twenty five. But this is what we tend to expect as the nights start drawing in. But just because you don’t fancy riding you motorcycle in the dark (or cold or wet), don’t let it put you off coming along… we are a social Club as well as a motorcycle club!

Next week is our annual Club auction, which raises funds that go towards paying for the Socials, at the Hen & Chickens in Baldock. Please come along and support it – it’s usually very entertaining. It would be even better if you can sort through your sheds, garages, cupboards and magazine racks to find anything (it needs to be half decent and preferably, but not exclusively, motorcycle related) to donate for auction. If you can’t find anything, please come along and bid/buy some items… then you will have something to donate for next year’s auction!!! So strap something to your bike or come in the car bearing donations.

The auction start at 20:00 so the group rides will be there by then.

Between now and then, your long suffering committee have a meeting so, if you’d like anything raised, please let any of them know. You can find out more about the committee on the relevant page of the website by clicking here.

Monday 26th September 2022

It’s been two weeks since our last Monday evening get together but many members have been out for group rides, with Steve Vaughan leading a ride to Sandringham on the day of her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s funeral and another ride this Sunday; this time for the off roaders with an over night stop in Norfolk.

While this weekend’s weather was great for the off road riders, it turned chilly for Monday evening and there was some rain throughout the day which may have put some riders off.

None-the-less, nine riders joined Steve’s group from Coreys Mill Sainsburys while two joined Cider Bob for a more relaxed ride from the Lytton Way mini Asda.

But it stayed dry for the group rides and wasn’t quite cold enough for heated grips, but it was almost dark by the time they arrived at the pub.

We were back at the Cock in Broom this week. It’s a great pub – very old and full of character. The staff are really friendly and the food was lovely. There were about twenty five of us in total with just enough food for everyone to have a first round and a second for those who wanted it. Fortunately, although Martin, the Sandwich Monitor, left before the food was served, Cider Bob was on hand to yell a reminder for everyone to be refrained at their first visit to the table!

There was a really good atmosphere but all too soon it was time to leave as last orders were called just before 22:00.

Next week we are at the Angel in Ware.

Monday 12th September 2022

We couldn’t write this week’s blog without a mention of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The absolute epitome of England, Great Britain and the United Kingdom and a great loss. As a mark of respect, next Monday, the 19th September, on the day of her funeral, we won’t be holding a Club meeting.

This may or may not have effected attendance on Monday evening, or at least for the “relaxed” group, as Cider Bob only had one to lead. Or, at least, he started with one but arrived at the pub by himself after his follower suffered a little mishap at Berwick ford. Fortunately bike and rider were ok, just quite wet!

However, both Paul and Steve had several and there were well over thirty bikes at the Hoops in Bassingbourn.

As always, the staff put on great food although, on this occasion, due to the unexpectedly high turnout, very unusually for the Hoops, it pretty much ran out.

With spit-spots of rain falling from about 21:30, some riders started to leave but, as always, some stayed until almost closing time.

Next week is the Queen’s funeral and a Bank Holiday so there is no Club meeting. So our next get together is on Monday 26th September at the Cock in Broom.

Monday 5th September 2022

Unusually, there were no planned Club rides at the weekend, although several members joined the Bikestop monthly rideout.

Monday was somewhat uneventful but was, none-the-less, an enjoyable evening.

As usual for the summer months, we had three group rides with Steve leading the 18:30 group from Sainsburys, Cider Bob leading the 18:30 “relaxed” group from Asda “on the go” (used to be Esso until a couple of months ago) on Lytton Way and Paul led the 19:00 group from Sainsburys.

It was a lovely evening for a ride and all three groups got there as the light was fading. It won’t be long before we will be arriving in the dark, but fortunately several more weeks before the whole ride will be at night!

Our destination was the Edward V11 at Guilden Morden and they were as welcoming as ever. It’s a great pub and they did huge amounts of food so there was plenty for everyone.

It was a fairly well attended meeting, with almost forty members there in total, but not as big as we tend to see during the height of the summer. And, while we don’t really understand why, many members started to bimble away not long after the food was munched – it’s not like they’d get home before its dark! But Many have to get up early for work (which we forgive) while some have to rush home to keep their wives happy (which we don’t forgive! 😉).

Next week we are at the Hoops in Bassingbourn and we will have our usual three group rides. Although, before then, your Committee will be meeting so, if you want anything raised, please let us know before Wednesday evening.

Monday 29th August 2022

No Monday evening meeting this week as it was a Bank Holiday but we did have a Club ride to Hunstanton.

Fifteen of us met up at Coreys Mill Sainsburys where we split into two groups. Cider Bob led off with five in tow for a swift but legal ride while Steve led eight more on a more learner friendly ride for those wanted a more relaxed pace.

Cider’s group’s first stop was Five Ways for a cuppa where, just as they finished, Steve’s group arrived (after a quick bike change for Steve having found a fuel leak). But, only stopping for the toilet, both groups left only a few moments apart.

The next section took in some more lovely roads but sand and gravel played havoc on some of the more rural roads – to be avoided next time we think!

The second stop was Pedlars Hall Café in Swaffham where the food was superb, although there was a bit of a wait. Both groups ate there and it was then on to Hunstanton where Cider’s group arrived just as it started to rain. After standing in the band stand until it eased, some had ice creams and, by the time Steve’s group arrived, Cider’s group were just about ready for the off (as several of them wanted to be back between four and five o’clock). Steve’s group stayed to enjoy tea and ice cream before they headed of a little later.

It was an excellent day out with great weather and roads for the majority of it. You can check out Cider’s routes (Slightly modified from Steve’s original routes) by clicking here.

Thanks to all who came along and also to the ride leaders, particularly Steve for organising it.

Next week we will be at the Edward VII in Guilden Morden.

Monday 22nd August 2022

Yet again, Steve organised another great day out yesterday; this time to Brooklands. Three turned out for the trip, with a brief stop in the Brooklands main car park, watching the spinning Mercedes on the test track, before heading off to park on the old start finish straight inside the circuit for a quick look around the VJMC stand and display. We then had three runs up the Hill Climb and then a walk around the museum. We left about 14:30 for the second venue of the day, Box Hill, for tea and cakes and the view before the return journey, arriving back about 17:30.

Monday evening saw over forty of us descend on the Thornton Arms at Everton.

Steve led a group of twenty riders from Coreys Mill Sainsburys while Cider Bob had another ten on the relaxed group from the Esso/Asda garage. Paul’s group, leaving half an hour later from Coreys Mill, had five. The first two groups had about an hour and a half’s riding while Paul’s was just over an hour.

At the pub, bikes were parked for as far as the eye could see (if you can only see about 30 metres) in each direction but, because of great weather, members were spread about both in the bar and outside so it didn’t feel crowded.

The food came out about 20:45 and the new “food monitor”, Martin, reminded everyone to only take one sandwich until everyone had had the chance to have one. We think the staff were a tad surprised by how many of us were there so the sandwiches did run out but they made up for it by bringing out more and more chips until people stopped eating them. It’s still great value… where else could you get a sandwich and/or a portion of chips for £2?

It was another good night but, with the nights now starting to draw in just a little, riders started to leave from about 21:00, with the last leaving just before closing time.

Next Monday is a Bank Holiday so there is no evening meeting. However, we (Steve) have arranged a day ride to Hunstanton. We will be leaving Coreys Mill Sainsburys at 08:00.

It will be a scenic route with rest stops at Five Ways Mcdonalds , breakfast at Swaffam, tea at Great Bircham Windmill and finishing at Hunstanton for chips or ice cream. The return route will take us through Sandringham, with a stop at Five Ways and then the final leg home. We hope to have a few ride leaders to keep groups small. Breakfast will be pre- ordered again, with reserved seating at Pedlars Hall café. Click on his link for the order form. You can fill it out in advance and bring it with you or do it before we leave. Let your run leader know what you want so we get served quicker.

This is not a speed route so will suit all riding abilities.

Steve will travel at a speed to keep the group together so nobody will be left behind and will have a tail end rider who has the route.

Cider Bob’s group is planned on being relatively swift so not for the slower, more relaxed or smaller machine riders.

It would be helpful to know who is coming so please let us know on the main Whatsapp group.

Monday 15th August 2022

On Sunday we held our 2022 Memorial Ride, to remember all those current and past members of the Club who’ve passed away recently. The Chairman planned a route that took us close to the homes of Dave Price, Doug Lake and Pete Star, as well as those lost during the pandemic; Arnold Hoiles, Chris Tait, Dave White, Jim Carmichael and Maurice Hallett. It was about a two hour ride in glorious weather. In fact, it was so hot, we think many members were put off coming along, although there were a total of twenty, in three groups. Tony Brown (“Norbert”), Steve Vaughan and Cider Bob each led a small group. Our destination was the Hoops at Bassingbourn where the Club provided two free drinks and there was a toast to the “departed”. To top off what was a very nice event, the Land Lord at the Hoops very kindly put on some food for us which was tightly controlled by our new “Food Monitor”, Martin Patterson (in the future, he’ll need to remember not to make comment, otherwise he might be volunteered for more duties! 😊). There was loads to go round so Martin let everyone go back for seconds and thirds. Thanks to all who supported the event, particularly the Hoops.

On Monday night we returned to the Playing Fields Club in Upper Caldecote for the first time this year. Things have changed a little for us there but fortunately our Club members who live in Upper Caldecote and have helped run the Playing Fields Club for many years stepped in to ensure we had a good night. Extra special thanks to Linda (and Rob) who prepared all the food for us at home and then transported it to the venue, ready for the vultures to descend. It was a lovely selection of food and loads for everyone to have as much as they wanted.

There were three group rides to the Club, as usual, although they were less well attended this week. The Steve Vaughan and Cider Bob groups both had about eight riders but the 19:00 group, led by Norbert only had one other rider (although that did help him avoid losing anyone this week!). We are thinking of stopping the 19:00 group as it’s become less and less popular but we’d appreciate your views so please let us know by messaging us with a click on this link.

This coming Sunday Steve has planned a day long ride to the Vintage and Japanese Motorcycle Club show at Brooklands. Meet him at Coreys Mill Sainsburys at 09:00.

Next Monday we will be at the Thornton Arms in Everton. We will have the usual two rides at 18:30 as well as the 19:00 ride.

Another date for you Calendar is Bank Holiday Monday 29th August 2022, when the Club has a day run to Hunstanton. We hope lots of you will come along but we will split into smaller groups. Keep an eye on our social media for further details.

Monday 8th August 2022

Steve’s Sunday ride this week was a relatively short one, being a breakfast ride to Danish Camp. It was another successful jaunt which everyone enjoyed.

On Monday evening we visited a new addition to our Calendar – the Boot in Dane End.

Both the 18:30 rides had about twelve riders, although the 19:00 ride only had two. Along with the twenty six members who rode in together, another seven made their own way there either individually or in smaller groups. There were also a load more members who arrived in cars so it was a very well attended meeting.

It was nice to welcome some returning members and also a couple of new ones.

We gave this pub a try as it’s Jason and Bev’s local. And what a great suggestion it was. It’s a lovely place in a nice village. The staff were extremely welcoming and the spread of food was superb. In fact, the only down side was the more rural style road to get there. Fortunately there wasn’t much gravel about although the countryside did seem to get one member in Cider Bob’s group a little discombobulated, resulted in him turning off prematurely towards Bennington and the group splitting. Many thanks to Bruno for bringing them the rest of the way to the pub safely.

Many thanks to the Boot – they created another very successful evening for the Club.

Next Monday we are at the Playing Fields Club in Upper Caldecote for the Cheese Skittles Competition.

For those of you that don’t regularly read our blog, we’d like to remind you that this coming Sunday is our 2022 Memorial Ride, to remember all our members who’ve died recently. We will be leaving the London Road (Roebuck) Tesco at 11:00 and will be ending at the Hoops in Bassingbourn, where the Club be providing some free drinks to members to raise a toast. Please come along if you can.

Monday 1st August 2022

Four members joined Steve on a ride to Hampshire’s New Forrest and the Sammy Miller Museum yesterday. It was a cross country route with the first stop at Benson for breakfast. They then carried on through Andover and Romsey before getting to New Forest. Watching for the wildlife, Lyndhurst was particularly interesting, with horses on the one way system without a care in the world, dropping off rose fertiliser on the corners. With just under 500 bikes in the museum, its well worth a visit but next time Steve is planning a weekend trip to combine with a coastal visit and Beaulieu motor museum. Thanks for arranging another great day out Steve.

Monday was another great evening, with lovely weather. Ten riders joined Steve for his ride from 18:30 Sainsburys while another ten join Cider Bob for his 18:30 “relaxed” pace ride from what used to be called Esso but has changed it’s name to “Asda On The Gone”. The two groups had really good rides of between an hour and a half and two hours and all the riders really enjoyed them.

Norbert, the Club Chairman led five more on the 19:00 ride but somehow managed to lose three of them!! Fortunately Big Geoff was able to take over and got the group safely to the pub.

Our destination was the Rifle Volunteer in Ware. It’s always a popular pub and this week was no different. As well as the twenty eight on the groups rides, many many more went directly to the pub so the car park and surrounding roads were packed with bikes.

The land lord always looks after us and the food was, as always, great.

Next Monday we will be at a new venue for us – the Boot in Dane End. Please make every effort to come along and support this local village pub.

Steve has a short morning/early afternoon ride planned this coming Sunday. Leaving Coreys Mill Sainsburys at 09:00 and heading for breakfast at Danish Camp, it will be an easy going pace, expecting to be back before 14:00.

He also has a ride to Brooklands Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club show on 21st August. Contact him or look out on here for more details nearer the time.

Don’t forget the Club’s 2022 Memorial Ride on Sunday 14th August, leaving London Road TESCO at 11:00. The Club will be providing some free drinks to members to raise a toast.

Monday 25th July 2022

Unusually, there were no organised rideouts yesterday, although several members were out in smaller groups doing their own thing.

The weather on Monday was, once again, delightful and the evening meeting at the Bee Hive in Hare Street was well attended.

Nine joined Steve for his 18:30 ride and another six joined Paul for his 19:00 ride. Cider led the relaxed ride from the Lytton Way Esso, also with six in tow.

The motorcycle count at the pub was thirty three but, as always, several members arrived in cars so, while the bar was almost empty, due to the lovely weather, the car park and beer garden were packed.

As always, the staff were great and a superb spread of food was put on for us, including sandwiches, pizzas, sausages, roast potatoes and lots more.

It was another good night but, as now seems to be common, having eaten, from about 21:30, members started to bimble away, with the last leaving by about 22:30.

Steve has planned a ride to the Sammy Miller Museum in Hampshire this coming Sunday. Meet him at 08:00 at Coreys Mill Sainsburys if you fancy the day out (he’d be grateful if you could let him know your coming).

Next Monday we will be at the Rifle Volunteer in Ware. Steve will be leading the 18:30 Sainsburys ride and Cider will be leading the 18:30 Esso (relaxed) ride but Norbert will be leading the 19:00 ride.

Don’t forget, on Sunday 14th August we will be running our 2022 Memorial Ride, to remember all our members who’ve died recently. It’s about an hour and a half to two hours ride, ending at one of our Monday night destination pubs. The Club will be providing some free drinks to members to raise a toast.

Monday 18th July 2022

With horrendously high temperatures this Sunday, there weren’t many out on rides over the weekend, although Steve braved the whether and led an off road ride into the wilderness.

The weather also seemed to put a lot of members off coming out on Monday night to our Summer Social.

There were only a total of fifteen on the three group rides, although by far the majority arrived at the Crown in cars, more sensibly dressed in shorts and T-shirts than riding gear.

The bar remained relatively quiet as most people stayed out in the front and back beer gardens.

No one counted but there were probably about forty of us at the Stotfold pub and it was good to welcome yet another new member, Jane, who came along on her V-Max.

As always, Keith the Landlord had put on plenty of gorgeous food and the ladies behind the bar were as friendly as ever.

The free drinks and food were subsidised a by the raffle, which was very popular.

Although not as well attended as our usual Socials, it was a really good night.

Next week we are at the Bee Hive in Hare Street. As always, you can meet us there or join one of the group rides:
18:30 Sainsburys with Steve
19:00 Sainsburys with Paul
18:30 Esso with Cider (relaxed ride)
Monday 11th July 2022

Yesterday was our 2022 George Brown Memorial Run It was a great social day out for old and new bikes and riders alike. Meeting at the Novotel this year, the circuitous route took the riders to the Bee Hive at Hare Street for lunch, returning to the Novotel for presentation of awards.

In the very near future, you will find a full report by the Club Chairman on our George Brown Memorial Run web page.

Monday evening was another gorgeous night. So warm, it may have put some members off as numbers were a little down compare to normal at the Hoops in Bassingbourn.

None-the-less, Steve, Cider and Paul all led group rides with between four and nine in each. Everyone enjoyed the ride and it was great to see some returning facing.

Another twenty or so were already at the Club so the overall turnout was around about forty, which wasn’t too bad. Russell, at the Hoops, always puts on loads of food, and is inventive will a lot of it, so there was plenty to go round but everyone had a good go at finishing it.

It was nice to see several perspective new members come along, including Simon and his Dad, who were keen to look at the bikes.

Next week is our Summer Social at the Crown in Stotfold. You will recall this is a quarterly event Pete Starr introduced, where we encourage members to come along with their families. Members get a couple of free drinks by the Club and it’s free food. Although we do encourage everyone to have a got at the raffle, which always has some decent prizes.

We will have our usual three group rides:
18:30 Sainsburys with Steve
19:00 Sainsburys with Paul
18:30 Esso with Cider (relaxed ride)

There wont be a 19:30 ride but Pete will be giving it another go the following week to see if there’s much interest.

Monday 4th July 2022

Several intrepid members joined Steve for another of his very well planned rides yesterday… covering over 300 miles and getting back quite late. None-the-less, they all thoroughly enjoyed it and there’s bums weren’t so saw they didn’t want to come along to the Monday night meeting. Check out the Gallery for some photos of their long day out.

Monday’s weather was lovely, which brought out almost fifty motorcycles and numerous members in cars for our return to the Cock in Broom. It’s been years since we’ve visited this pub after a previous Land-lord died and the one that took over was less welcoming. But it’s changed hands again and the current Land-lord and Land-lady were very pleased to invite us back. This was reflected in the lovely warm welcome and huge amounts of excellent food.

Unfortunately, some members were a bit over enthusiastic at the front of the queue and, not considering there were over sixty of us there, helped themselves to plate fulls of small mountains – we don’t know what people expect for their £2 but they were absolutely making sure they got their money’s worth! Even though the pub put on a lot of food, this meant those towards the back of the queue were left with just some lettuce and a few chips. On the plus side, the wonderful Land-lady noticed and went away to cook a whole load more chips… only for some of those who’d now polished off their first huge plate full to go back for more.

Can we respectfully ask everyone to be restrained when taking food. Allow everyone to get some and then, if there’s some left, which there usually is, you can go back for more. Thank you.

The group rides to the pub were also quite well attended. Steve left Coreys Mill at 18:30 and had eight in tow. Cider Bob left the Esso garage with the “relaxed” group and also had eight others in his group. Paul Purple VFR popped in at the Esso just to be sociable before heading over to Coreys Mill Sainsburys where he met six others for his 19:00 ride.

It was a really good night all round and great to see some more returning members.

This coming Sunday is our George Brown Memorial Run…

It’s open to all pre 2006 bikes in 7 classes. But if you don’t have a classic bike, just come along for a great day out – the weather is looking excellent.

Gathering from about 10:00 at the Novotel for an 11.00 start, it’s a mystery route (route cards provided) with a pub lunch. Then back to the Novotel for judging and awards.

Lunch is included for entrants but available at £7 for anyone – see Mick or Tony at the Novotel.

Please note, you must register your number plate in the hotel foyer, as a guest.

Click on this link for full details.

Please come along and support our event.

Next Monday, we will be at the Hoops in Bassingbourn.

Monday 27th June 2022

Steve led another very popular rideout yesterday and you can see some of the many photos in the “Sunday Rides” album on our Gallery Page.

The two rides from Coreys Mill Sainsburys totally fourteen riders while Cider Bob led the sedate ride from the Esso at 18:30 with four in tow. It was good to see Roy & Nicole return to the Club having not been around since the AGM. It was also good to Jason return for the first time in a while (since he moved away).

By pure coincidence, it seems all three groups headed west, in the general direction of the B655, into Bedfordshire and on up to the Shefford and Old Warden area before heading over to the Gamlingay sort of area of Cambridgeshire and finally ending up at the Pig & Abbot in Abington Pigotts. It’s way out in the sticks and is a tad expensive but it’s always a popular destination although there were only about thirty of us on this occasion.

The food was gorgeous, with extra special sausage rolls and honey and mustard sausages along with chips and sandwiches.

But, with relatively pricey drinks and a longish ride home through the little lanes, not to mention some early starts in the morning, some started wandering away after about 21:00 while others stayed until gone 22:00.

Next week is a change to the Calendar. We will now be at the Cock at Broom.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to remind you of our George Brown Memorial Run.

This used to be Vintage but now includes Classics as well, so there’s a good chance you’ll see bikes you’ll remember from your childhood. It’s always good to have members and non-members alike enter the various classes but if you don’t have a classic or vintage bike, come along anyway. It’s a great day out and is extremely sociable so please support the event and enjoy the day.

Starts at the Novotel – gathering from about 10:00 for an 11:00 start

Full details can be found on the George Brown Memorial Run page of our website.

Monday 20th June 2022

With the “webmaster” away in Spain on a motorcycle trip and a poor internet connection, this week’s blog is a tad sparse.

The Monday evening meeting was at the Angel in Ware and was well attended. Steve led a group of ten on a two hour ride venturing into the Takeley and Thaxted area of Essex, covering about fifty six miles. Norbert, the Club’s Chairman, stepped in to lead the sedate ride and was joined by five riders while Paul led the later ride at 19:00.

As always, the staff and food at the Angel were excellent and it was another good night.

Monday 13th June 2022

This Sunday was the Pete Starr Memorial Ride to Clacton. Steve Vaughan very kindly did all the planning and preparation and here is his summary:

“Three groups left shortly after 08:45 with a few minutes separation, meeting again at Finchingfield for a water break. Leaving again after 30 minutes, on to our stop at Wakes Colne and the Swan pub – very good breakfast had by all with very nice surroundings. After around hour and half we left for the final stop at St Osyths and ice cream on the beach. Two options for the return journey – A120 straight home or cross country again reversing the route. Most opted for cross country route home getting back to Stevenage around 4.00pm. Notable mention was Matt with his well ridden 125, kept up a good pace all day and we never had to wait long at junctions; in fact the whole group including the girls seemed to enjoy the curvy route so inclusive group riding is the way forward, for every one to enjoy. Thanks to the other group leaders and their tail enders. Around twenty seven were out, as well as a few pillion riders”.

Monday evening was another good night. Although we expected lots of members on the group rides, because of the glorious weather, only eighteen in total joined the three separate groups for the ride to the Edward Vll in Guilden Morden.

But many many more had made their way directly to the pub so the car park was heaving with bikes and the bar was full of riders. Many more milled around outside, enjoying the evening sun, and admiring the array of interesting machines – including a lovely Z900 and a mint Yamaha FS1E. Even the landlord had a couple of interesting bikes tucked away at the back of the pub’s back room, allowing a glimpse as we queued for food.

The staff at the pub were as welcoming as ever and, even thought there must have been well over forty members, there was plenty of food to go round and even some sausages left over!

It was also great to welcome five new members – Laurence, Craig, Pat, Bill and Jordan, who had come across us in various ways but mainly through word of mouth.

As always, some left early, to ride home in the last of the daylight, while some stayed until closing time.

Next week we are at the Angel in Ware.

We may struggle for ride leaders as several are committed elsewhere (holidays, wedding anniversaries and the like) so if you’d like to help out by leading a group, please contact us.

That said, although yet to be confirmed, we plan to run:
18:30 from Coreys Mill with Steve Vaughan
18:30 from Lytton Way Esso with Tony Brown (“relaxed/sedate” ride)
19:00 from Coreys Mill with Paul Purple VFR

Monday 6th June 2022

Steve Vaughan led another international ride over the last week; this time to France & Belgium for a WW1 tour. Click on this link so see a great video Bev has put together showing some of what they got up to:

Steve organises and runs a lot of rides and trips, as does Steve & Carol at Raceways so keep an eye on our Whatsapp group for anything you think might be of interest to you.

Back to our Monday evening meeting; although the weather forecast was for rain, which appeared to put a lot of members off coming out, it actually stayed dry and was a really nice night for the two groups that set out from Sainsburys at 18:30 and 19:00.

The pub was relatively quiet, with only about twenty five or so members but that meant there was plenty of food for everyone. It was also nice to welcome another new member; Curren.

There was a friendly atmosphere as always but, once the food was gone, some started to leave to take advantage of the last light, while some stayed until almost closing time.

Next week we are at the

This coming Sunday is the Pete Starr Memorial Ride, meeting at 08:45 at Coreys Mill Sainsburys.

Please have an empty bladder, full tank of fuel and be ready to go at 08:45. The leaders will be separated so just park up with whoever you want to ride with.

Ride group leaders are Steve Vaughan with Bernie tail ending, Cider Bob with Kelvin tail ending, Richard Green and Gordon Hallet (leading senior members).

Stop about 10:00 at Finchinfield for tea then brunch at about 11:15 at the Swan in Wakes Colne.

Then on to the Sailor Boy at St Osyth, arriving about 13:00, for a tea and cakes on the coastal wall, by Pete’s caravan park.

The return route for those that want a quicker route home would be the A120 all the way to Standon and then the A507 to Buntingford. Some will be returning via the way we came.

Please come along and support this if you can.

Monday 30th May 2022

There’s not much to write about this week.

Steve led a small ride to Newmarket yesterday and this Monday we had the lowest turnout on a Club night for a long time… this, we think, was entirely down to the heavy rain forecast… and, for some of the riders, it did indeed come.

Steve and Paul were joined by two while Ian was only joined by one. Both groups got caught in the rain.

Cider Bob, on the other hand, used his inbuilt rain radar to avoid the downpours, arriving dry, but with only one other rider, while Pete arrived alone.

As always, several members made their own way to the pub but numbers were low with only about twenty of us.

It was a shame because the Landlord of the Hoops, where we met, always puts on a great spread and this week was no different… with enough for probably forty, the array of hot food was great, from fish based rings (maybe calamari), chicken nuggets, sausages, spicy crispy things and all sorts of other delights. Unfortunately, there was loads left over, even though several members tried hard to clear it.

Next week we will be at the Thornton Arms in Everton.

If the weather is good, we plan to have the usual group rides (18:30, 19:00 & 19:30 at Coreys Mill and 18:30 at Lytton Way) but if it’s poor, we will just have two – at 18:30 and 19:00 at Coreys Mill.

The following Sunday, 12th June, will be our Pete Starr Memorial Ride. Please come along is you can:

Leaving Coreys Mill Sainsburys at 08:45 with groups staggered at 8-10 minute intervals.
First stop about 10:00 at Finchinfield for tea.
It’s then on to brunch at about 11:15 at the Swan in Wakes Colne.
After brunch we continue to the Sailor Boy Cafe at St Osyth, arriving about 13:00, for a tea and cakes on the coastal wall, by Pete’s caravan park.
This is a nice cross country curvy route so won’t be fast but will be enjoyable .
The return route for those that want a quicker route home would be the A120 all the way to Standon and then the A507 to Buntingford. Some will be returning via the way we came.

For those who want to go in cars, you can set your sat nav to:
Swan Pub, The Street, Chappel, Colchester, CO6 2DD
Coordinates: 51.922478, 0.754731
Google map

Sailor Boy Café, Beach Road, St. Osyth, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 8TB
Coordinates: 51.772583, 1.087466
Google map

Monday 23rd May 2022

It was a relatively quiet week this week although Frank arranged and led a small group ride down to the Ace Café yesterday.

Monday evening’s weather forecast was poor and, as a result, the Club meeting was less well attended than of late.

Anton had kindly volunteered to lead the sedate ride, usually led by Ian, but only had one turn up. This is typical as that ride is aimed at, amongst others, the less experienced (who tend not to like riding in the rain) and cruisers (who tend not to like getting their bikes dirty, in the rain). That was a shame for Anton because he came out anyway and his Harley will have taken a lot of cleaning.

Bev very kindly offered to lead an all ladies group but she also only had one come along to join her. Hopefully the weather will be better next week.

Steve and Paul had about twelve riders between them and Cider Bob had another eight for the 19:00 ride. Although Big Geoff for there but decided to wait until 19:30 for Pete’s ride, just in case no-one else turned up. That turned out to be a nice thing to do as it was, indeed, just Pete and Geoff in that group.

But, overall, good numbers considering the forecast.

None of the group leaders have given us a summary of their rides, although it was mentioned that Cider Bob seems to have an inbuilt weather radar as his group spent the hour and twenty minutes skirting around the heavy rain that was never far away.

Our destination was the Bee Hive in Hare Street. Normally the weather is good for this pub and we typically stand outside but this time we were crammed (comfortably) in the bar because of the rain. There were about thirty of us, so numbers were slightly down, but that meant the huge amount of food was more than enough – including proper beef, cheese & onion, ham & mustard and other sandwiches, hot sausage rolls, onion rings, copious roast potatoes and pizzas. We really were very well looked after.

As is often the case, some started leaving about 21:15, once they’d eaten, while others stayed until almost closing time.
Next week we will be back at the Hoops in Bassingbourn.

We will plan to have all the same groups next week but if we find the Ladies and 19:30 groups aren’t popular, we will look to give up on them in the not too distant future. You can have your say on what you think/want regarding the group rides, or any aspects of how we run the Club, by any of our social media or by clicking here.

As an aside, the R&DMCC Show (known as the Meldreth Motorcycle Show) is on the Wednesday 15th June this year and we usually have members help them out with Marshalling. As always, they would be very grateful of our help so if you can volunteer, please contact Gordon Hallet on 07780 844700.

And a reminder of other dates for your calendar:
Sunday 12th June – Pete Starr Memorial ride to St Osyth
Sunday 10th July – George Brown Memorial Run
Sunday 14th August – Member Memorial Ride

Monday 16th May 2020

Last Saturday, Anton led a very successful group ride to the MCN Festival of Motorcycling. It was a lovely sunny day and everyone had a great time.

There were several rides planned for yesterday too but with the forecast being very poor, they were cancelled. Although that didn’t put off several members going out for rides on their own or in smaller groups, with Steve finding himself at the Festival, where he met Cider Bob who was working there. And the weather turned out to be OK for most of the day.

On to Monday evening thirteen riders met up at Coreys Mill Sainsburys at 18:30 where they split into two groups, with Steve and Paul.

There were also two group rides from the Lytton Way Esso, with Ian leading his usual group and Kay leading our first ever ladies group ride. That ride had five of our female Club members who all seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Many thanks to Kay for stepping up to lead.

There was also a 19:00 ride from Coreys Mill, where Cider led another ten riders out on a group ride.

The destination was the Crown at Stotfold for our first “Pete Starr Memorial Social”.

Previously called the Spring Social, these events occur four times a year and are where we encourage members to bring along their family for extra lovely food and a raffle. The Spring Social has been renamed in memory of Pete because, as Treasurer, he introduced these great events, which have always been very popular. And this being the first, not only was there free food and some free drinks but a free raffle as well. We were also honoured to have many of Pete’s family come along, including his wife, Teri.

In other news, the Club now has a Twitter page, which is mainly being run by our relatively new member Lainey. We’d be keen to get any content you may think worth sharing so please send anything of interest to Lainey. We will also take this opportunity to remind you that when you joined, you will have signed to say you don’t mind having pictures of you on our social media. But if you’d like to avoid being on Twitter, again, please let Lainey know.

There has been some chat recently about forming some sort of Ladies Section to the Club. But, after several conversations, it’s been decided not to. It seems the ladies prefer the all inclusive nature of the Club and will arrange lady only rides between themselves. Fortunately, with Lainey now doing our Twitter, hopefully we will attract more diverse members.

Next week we will be at the Bee Hive in Hare Street. We’ve even more group ride options so please come along and join in:
18:30 Coreys Mill Sainsburys with Paul / Steve
18:30 Lytton Way Esso with Anton, for what is normally Ian’s group of cruisers/beginners/small bikes/relaxed riders etc
19:00 Coreys Mill Sainsburys with Cider Bob
19:00 Lytton Way Esso with Bev – just for the ladies
19:30 Coreys Mill Sainsburys with Pete Blackburn
If you don’t fancy joining a group, meet us at the Bee Hive.

Monday 9th May 2022

There’s lots to mention this week so we’ve subtitled sections of this week’s blog so you can bypass whatever you aren’t interested in.

Last Week

Last week was a Bank Holiday so there was no Monday night meeting. But Club members got involved in the Bikestop “1st Sunday of the Month” rideout and a Bank holiday day run.

Bikestop Rideout
Spearheaded by Ian Harris, several Club members were at Bikestop last Sunday to help in the organising and execution of the May rideout. With a large turnout, the Club ran three groups with a lead, mid-pack and tail. A lot of interest in the Club was generated and lots of business cards and calendars were given out to prospective members. BikeStop pass on their thanks for our support.

Rutland Water Bank Holiday Ride
Twelve SDMCC club members met up for the Bank Holiday ride, split into two groups, led by Steve and Ian. Leaving ten minutes apart, their first stop was at Raunds Services for McDonalds and a freshen up.
They then headed for their first sight seeing stop at Seaton viaduct, near Harringworth – the longest train viaduct in England. After stopping under the arches for a few minutes, they headed off to the field gateway for a good view of the entire viaduct. Then it was off to the Harbour cafe at Rutland Water.
The return route took them to Grafham Water,using a twisty country route through the sandstone villages of Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. The last part of the journey was marred by another road closure so they diverted through Bedford where they used all the roads in the town centre one way system, where the tail end of the group, led by Beverly, came out in front by Bedford bridge, much to everyone’s amusement.
It was a 170 miles round trip, back by 16.30.

Committee Meeting
Your committee met up again last Wednesday to keep the Club running like a well oiled machine. We won’t bore you with all the drivel that went on but here are some bits you might find interesting:
The Pete Starr Memorial Social (formally the Spring Social will be on Monday 16th May
Monday 30th May will now be at the Hoops in Bassingbourn
The one off Pete Starr Memorial Ride, to St Oysth. Will take place on Sunday 12th June
The George Brown Memorial Run will be on the 10th July but will be at the Novotel (NOT the Cromwell)
We are looking at ways to increase the female membership (any ideas from the ladies in the Club would be welcome)
This Week

This week we were at the Rifle Volunteer in Ware.
As has become the norm for the time being, Steve and Paul led rides from Coreys Mill Sainsburys at 18:30 while Cider Bob led one at 19:00.
Ian Harris led his more sedate group, starting at 18:30 at the Lytton Way Esso.
But we soon hope to have a regular 19:30 ride too, led by Pete Blackburn.
The weather was great (very mild and a little overcast) so lots of riders turned out for the group rides. Steve and Paul had fourteen between them while Ian had ten and Cider had nine.
As well as the thirty three riders in the organised groups, loads more went straight to the pub.
Most members stayed outside, enjoying the mild evening, where the food was served, while several more clamped themselves to the bar indoors.
The Rifle Volunteer was as popular as ever and the staff looked after us as well as usual. The food was excellent and it was another great evening.
Some members don’t tend to stay long, with some leaving at about 21:00 but some stayed through to 22:30 when the last of the stalwarts started making their way home.

Next week

Next week we will be at the Crown in Stotfold for the Pete Starr Memorial Social. Please come along if you can and bring your family. Pete’s wife, Teri, is planning on coming along too.

Before then, on Saturday, Anton will be leading a group ride up to the MCN Festival of Motorcycling (formally known as the BMF Rally). If you’d like to join them, meet at the Broadwater Esso at 09:00. The route include some A roads, B roads and motorway. Total riding time about an hour and a half. Let him know if you fancy going along.
Tickets booked in advance are £15 or £22 at the gate.

On Sunday, Steve will be leading a ride Danish Camp on the River Ouse for breakfast, leaving Corey Mill Sainsburys at 09:00. Should be back in Stevenage by around 13:30. There will be a leader and tail ender but there will also be a girls group, led by Bev. The speed and pace of each group will be set by the newest riders – it’s not a high speed route and they will wait at junctions for any rider to catch up.

Monday 5th April 2022

It was a Bank Holiday last week so there was no Monday evening Club meeting. Although several members met up for rides on both Sunday and Monday.

This week, Steve led seven riders from Corey’s Mill Sainsburys, leaving at 18:30, while Cider led a group of six at 19:00. Cider’s routes was a relatively short one of about forty miles, arriving at the pub by 20:00, where Steve’s group was already parked up.

Ian led a further six riders on his ‘Cruiser Friendly’ ride, which left the Lytton Way Esso garage at 18:30 and headed out via Saffron Walden, which was one of his most popular routes last year. The route, to one of the most popular Monday destinations, took them through Walkern, Bennington, Hare Street, Wicken Bonhunt and Wendens Ambo before the return west through Great Chishill, Heydon, Melbourn and Meldreth before arriving at the pub at 20:00.

The destination was the Hoops at Bassingbourn. This is always a popular and this visit was no different, with about fifty or so members in attendance. The staff were as friendly as ever and the food was lovely – lots of roast potatoes, fish fingers, deep fried vegetables, some spicy samosa type things and even some really tasty omelette segments. A great spread which was both very much appreciated and devoured. Thanks to the Hoops. If you’d like to see why it’s so popular, come along next time we are there, on the 30th May. You can see all our destinations on our Calendar by clicking here.

Just in case you haven’t noticed, we also have a Calendar for other events, which you can see by clicking here.

Next week is another Bank Holiday so once again, there won’t be a formal Club meeting. But feel free to plan your own meet or ride and invite everyone via the Whatsapp group.

Steve Vaughan has a day ride planned for the Bank Holiday. He will be heading north for Rutland Water with a few scenic stops and tea or breakfast at Harringworth and a photo opportunity at Seaton viaduct. He’ll be leaving Corey’s Mill Sainsburys at 08:00 and expects to be back late afternoon.

Our next Monday night meeting is on the 9th May at the Rifle Volunteer. As always, you can join one of the group rides or meet us there.

Monday 11th April 2022

This week we were at the Angel in Ware.

Once again this week, with Ian still away, Cider Bob led the more sedate group, from Esso at Lytton Way. After a short delay, due to the petrol station having no petrol, the group of six got away at about 18:40 but no-one seemed bothered as there was a friendly, chatty atmosphere. With Cider leading through mainly large B roads and some A roads, the speed at the front barely got over 50 mph so everyone had the opportunity to ride at a speed they were comfortable with.

As usual, Steve Vaughan led the other 18:30 group, from Coreys Mill Sainsburys. Six riders also formed that group.

Paul Purple VFR led the third and final group, leaving Coreys Mill Sainsburys at 19:00. Another six riders were in that group, making eighteen riders in total across the three groups. Paul’s route was out towards Bishop’s Stortford before heading to Ware via the Hadhams.

The pub had a few locals in but once all the Club members had arrived, it was heaving. The staff at the Angel were as welcoming as always and the food was lovely – really nice sandwiches and pizzas (and very nice tea).

Another excellent evening all round.

Next week is a Bank Holiday so there’s no Monday night meeting. There may well be some daytime rides so keep an eye on our various social media.

The following week, on 25th April, we will be at the Hoops in Bassingbourn.

Monday 4th April 2022

Yesterday, Steve led another of his off road rides, with four riders meeting up for a cold start to the day. They headed out towards Saffron Walden where Steve, who carries virtually everything anyone could need when he’s out on a ride, got out his saw to cut back some dangerous branches at eye height on the second byway. On the next byway, they had to turn back as a landslip had removed all but six inches of the track, with a sixty foot drop into the field below. Then it was into Cambridgeshire’s unspoilt byways and on to Thetford. After a Maccy D’s and fuel, the return journey took them via Six Mile Bottom and the manual level crossing (keeping an eye out for the lights) and continued the off tarmac route finishing at Therfield. It was a 138 mile route during which time Bruno baptised his CRF with no trauma at all – hopefully not the last water it will see!

Monday evening was mild but damp. That, along with the request to bring an Easter egg for the auction, seemed to put off a lot of riders so Steve had four, starting at 18:30 from Corey’s Mill Sainsburys while Cider Bob, who was leading the sedate group (normally led by Ian Harris), only had one, at 18:30 from Lytton Way Esso. Paul Purple VFR was left by himself for the 19:00 ride from Corey’s Mill and we cancelled the 19:30 ride because of the need to be at the pub by 20:00.

The venue for the auction was the Crown at Stotfold. All the “group” rides arrived at the pub by 20:00 and after a minor delay, the auction got under way with the Chairman, Tony Brown, taking up the virtual gavel. Along with the eggs and chocolate supplied by the Club, many Members donated so the array on offer was huge. It was a bit of a slow start but it wasn’t long before the bidding took off, not least as some of the more mischievous members waited for the for the “going”, just before the “gone”, before shouting up counter bids. This got several laughs on several occasions and helped the bids get up to a reasonable amount for each lot. It look nearly half an hour to get it all auctioned off and the Members, and locals from the pub, collectively raised in excess of £300.

After the auction, the staff brought out the usual mountains of food the Crown always serves up. The queue was long but there was more than enough to go round and everyone got plenty.

It was a very entertaining evening. Thanks to “Norbert” for being the auctioneer and thanks to everyone who donated and/or bought lots. Money raised at events like this help towards funding our heavily subsidised events, like the quarterly “Socials”… without them, we wouldn’t be able to do as much for you as we do.

Next week we will be at the Angel in Ware.

For the time being, until the weather and light conditions improves more, we not having the 19:30 group rides, so you can meet us at the Angel or join one of the group rides:
18:30 at Coreys Mill Sainsburys with Steve
18:30 sedate ride at Lytton Way Esso with Cider Bob (Ian is STILL away!!)
19:00 at Coreys Mill Sainsburys with Paul
Monday 28th March 2022

Yesterday Steve Vaughan led another of his famous day rides, this week up to Hunstanton. New member Frank joined Steve, along with Bev, Jason, Bernie, Ian and Vernon. It started a little over cast with heavy mist which started to clear by the time they got to Saffron Walden and by Swaffam the sun was shining and heat was building. They had a little wait for breakfast but it was worth it for the freshly cooked food. They took the same route as last week through to Castle Acre ford but found a dry route through this time. Over breakfast they discussed extending the trip so re-routed to Wells-next-the-Sea using rural lanes. Being too early in the season, all the sea food stalls were still closed up so they made do with ice cream before Bev and Jason recreated a scene from the Titanic movie on a pirate ship! They returned to Hunstanton and then routed back via Sandringham and Taylor’s Café before getting back to Stevenage about 16:30, having covered 236 miles.

With the clocks springing forward over the weekend, we had more daylight for our Monday evening group rides. We also reinstigated our staggered start times, which worked fairly well – although there were no takers for the 19:30 slot so Pete Blackburn ended up riding along.

Steve had eleven on his 18:30 ride from Coreys Mill Sainsburys while Cider Bob, leading Ian’s group, had six join him from the new start location of the Lytton Way Esso garage. Paul Purple VFR had another three in his group.

All the groups, except Pete, arrived at the Goat in Codicote by 20:00 so it was still just about light. The weather was perfect and everyone really seemed to enjoy being out.

The pub was heaving. There were about thirty bikes in the car park and the it was a struggle to find somewhere to put helmets. But we all squeezed in and it wasn’t long before piles of food came out. Graham, the Land Lord always looks after us and this week was no exception, with hot dogs, chips, roast potatoes and pizza.

Next week is the Easter Egg auction. Please bring along an egg if you can (you can donate before and drop it at the Chairman’s house if it’s easier) but, more importantly, bring lots of cash to buy lots of eggs – not only will you or anyone in your family with a sweet tooth benefit, but the money raised goes to providing all the free events we put on throughout the year so your support is vital.

As the auction will be starting at 20:00, we won’t be running a 19:30 group ride next week.

We will have our usual “summer” start times of 18:30 at Coreys Mill Sainsburys with Steve and Lytton Way Esso (Ian’s group, being led again by Cider Bob next week) plus a 19:00 start with Paul Purple VFR.

Monday 21st March 2022

Tomorrow is Pete Starr’s funeral. We encourage all members to join the motorcycle escort – please be formed up at Aubries in Walkern, ready to leave at 14:15 for the ride to Harwood Park Crematorium.

Yesterday Steve Vaughan led another of his excellent off road rides. Leading Bob, Jason and Bev, they set off from near Thetford, north to sunny Hunny. It was a sunny day although a little cool in the morning. They trekked through the top half of Thetford and Brandon forests. There were a few trees down but that just added to the fun as they continued out towards Swaffam and had a short stop by a WW2 Q station used as an decoy, near RAF North Pickenham, for the Germans to bomb. After a breakfast stop and a fuel top up, they headed for Castle Acre ford where they stopped for a few moments to view the abbey and then headed off to Soigne woods. Then it was on to Bawdsey and a stop at the abandoned church site of a village which, along with the church, was abandoned and in ruins since at least 1745. There was also a good high view point of the distant Kings Lynn. Not having had enough of the arduous terrain, they continued to Hunstanton along Pedders way and, after tea, doughnuts, ice cream and more fuel, they headed back to the vans… but not before picking up three lost bikers wanting to get home to Kings Lynn. It was a long day, getting back by 19:30, having covered a hundred and thirty eight miles off road.

Steve still has one place left for the bank holiday weekend in Wales at Llanerchindda farm .

Our Monday evening ride was made up of two groups of five. Paul Purple VFR led one group, having come up with a route via Pirton, the A507 and Ashwell to Baldock. Strangeley, Cider Bob had come up with a similar route and led the second group. The two groups headed off separately but soon caught each other up due to the traffic. But, by the time they turned off the B655 towards Pirton, the lead group had made some ground and they didn’t see each other again until they got to the pub.

The destination was the Cock where we were welcomed with lovely food, which was already out by the time the group rides arrived. Lots of members were already there so lots of the food had been munched but there was enough left for all the riders to grab some.

The warmer evening and slightly lighter start encouraged some returning members and we welcomed new member Frank.

This coming Sunday, Steve will be leading a ride to Hunstanton. Leaving Coreys Mill Sainsburys at 8.00 am, they will head off on back roads to Newmarket, a short bit of dual carriage towards Brandon and back onto back roads to Swaffam. First stop at Walkers with second at Pedders Way café, Swaffam, for breakfast. Then on to Castle Acre ,with a brief stop, and on to Bircham windmill and optional tea & loo stop before continuing on to Hunstanton. Return through Sandringham & then Swaffam or Walkers for tea. Expect a fairly leisurely, pillion friendly pace with plenty of tea and rest stops. Paced for the slower riders with nobody getting left behind, they will be back in Stevenage around 4.00 pm

Next week we will be at the Goat in Codicote. The clocks spring forward this coming weekend so the first hour or so of the ride will be in daylight.

With the move to British Summertime, next Monday we plan to reinstigate our 18:30, 19:00 and 19:30 start times.
Steve Vaughan will be leading the 18:30 ride from Coreys Mill Sainsburys.

Ian Harris will be leading the more sedate 18:30 group as he did last year, although he is away for a few weeks so, in the mean time, Cider Bob will lead his group. There is a change to the start location, which will now be the Esso fuel station on Lytton Way.

Paul Purple VRF will be leading the 19:00 group from Coreys Mill Sainsburys and Pete Blackburn will be leading the 19:30 ride.

The week after next, we will be having the Easter Egg auction. It’s always an entertaining evening and we try to make lots of money for the Club so please come along and buy lots of chocolate – but if you can, please also bring an egg to auction.

Addendum – 23/03/2022

Yesterday (Tuesday 22nd) was the funeral of our Treasurer, Pete Starr.
While its never nice having a funeral, if a funeral could be good – it was this one. The sun shone down on Aubries in Walkern where Pete had lived with his family for years. Close to fifty motorcyclists congregated and followed the hearse and the family as the cortege made its way out onto the main road.
One of the lead riders took up a position requesting the oncoming traffic to stop and the whole group got out as one.
As the procession made its way to Harwood Park, motorcyclists stopped at each junction and the oncoming traffic were very thoughtful in holding back to allow the group to stay together.
It was an impressive sight which did Pete proud – you can see some of the ride by clicking here.
We are sure he would have appreciated it – his family certainly did, with thanks from Teri, his family and his sister.

Pete’s family requested donations to The Great Ormand St Hospital Children’s Charity.
Donations can be sent directly to Great Ormand St Hospital by post – 40, Bernard Street, London, WC1N 1 LE;
Cheque payable to Great Ormand St Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSHCC).
Or you can donate by visiting www.gosh.org/donate

Monday 14th March 2022

The main news this week is that Pete’s family have requested the Club provide a motorcycle escort for his funeral next week, on Tuesday 22nd March 2022. In his honour, we request as many Members as possible attend please.

Please be formed up at Aubries in Walkern, ready to leave at 14:15 for the ride to Harwood Park Crematorium.

Yesterday, Steve Vaughan led a small group out for a Sunday ride – planning for the Pete Starr memorial ride to St Osyth.

The morning ride was dry and sunny. Their first stop was Finchingfield for a tea and then on to Chappel Viaduct , where they stopped for a quick look around at the WW2 stop line, in case of possible German invasion, with the pill boxes and tank traps under the arches. The Swan pub looks a likely good stopping point for breakfast on the Memorial ride. They then headed to St Osyth, arriving at the coast at 12.30 with breakfast at the cafe by the beach. They reversed the route for the ride back and encountered some predicted drizzle on the way, arriving back in Stevenage around 16:00. The Memorial ride will have the option of returning via a country route or onto the A120 dual carriage for those that want to be back earlier

The Monday Club night gave the false impression of being a mild evening this week but the six who met up for the group ride were led to some fairly chilly countryside by Paul Purple VFR.

After about an hour and twenty minutes they arrived at this week’s destination, the Plume of Feathers in Ickleford, where there were already a load of other bikes in the car park.

No one counted but there must have been thirty or forty of us there because the pub was packed, although still noticeably quieter for not having Starry’s voice penetrating the background chat!

The staff were great, as always, and there was a gorgeous chilly with all sorts of other goodies, including donuts, and there was more than enough to go round.

Chatter carried on until about ten thirty when the last of the stalwarts made their way home.

Next week we will be at the Cock in Baldock.

Monday 7th March 2022

Six riders met up at Coreys Mill Sainsburys for the group ride which was about an hour long and ended at Stag in Stofold where there were about twenty five other members already in the bar.

The Stag is a great pub and the landlady and staff always make us very welcome. Not only that, the food was excellent and there was plenty for everyone.

Next week we will be at the Plume of Feathers in Ickleford.

If you haven’t yet paid your subs, please hunt out the Secretary, Mick Taylor, and hand him a crisp five pound note for the year.

Monday 28th February 2022

A very sad week indeed. Yesterday our Treasurer, Pete Starr, died in a motorcycle collision.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family.
You can read a little about him by clicking on this link. Rest in peace Pete.

Pete was always jovial and would not have wanted us to cancel our Monday meeting so we met at the Bucks Head in Little Wymondley.

The staff were absolutely superb and the food was great but there was, as you would expect, a very subdued atmosphere. But it wasn’t long before the chat about Pete and his great character brought smiles and a few respectful chuckles to the meeting. A toast was raised to Pete by our Chairman.

Our Secretary, Mick, is in contact with the family and we will update all our social media channels with any relevant information, such as funeral arrangements and wishes regarding attendance.

Addendum

This Wednesday we had our first meeting of the new Committee, since the AGM.

A number of issues were discussed but we thought you would be pleased to hear we will be renaming the annual Spring Social the “Pete Starr Memorial Social”. Along with many other things you may not realise Pete did, he was instrumental in introducing the quarterly Socials so it is only right he is remembered for them.

On a date to be determined, probably in April or May, if his Family permits, we will also be running a one off “Pete Starr Memorial Ride” to St Osyth, where he had a holiday caravan.

We also had the uncomfortable task of dealing with a replacement Treasurer. Clearly Pete was irreplaceable but former Treasurer Bob Voss has very kindly offered to step in on a temporary basis until next year’s AGM.

Monday 21st February 2022

This week was the 2022 Annual General Meeting.

Initially there was a group ride planned to the Cromwell Hotel but, although all the ride leaders are hardened motorcyclists that will ride in almost any weather, Storm Eunice and Storm Dennis had left fallen trees all over the place so, with branches being hard to spot in the dark, and with the ride only being very short (as the AGM was planned to start at 20:00) it was decided the group ride would be cancelled. But that didn’t stop several members arriving on their bikes.

The AGM was very well attended, with fifty one coming along to enjoy the galvanising reports and free coffee.

The meeting opened with the Chairman, Tony “Norbert” Brown who immediately got the Secretary, Mick Taylor to read out last year’s minutes (well, actually the 2020 minutes as Covid put pay to last year’s AGM).

This was followed by Pete Starr’s Treasurer’s report. Pete works really really hard as the Treasurer and he does an excellent job. That said, every year he tries to spend more than he gets in to reduce the balance, but normally breaks even and this year he made a few hundred pounds profit. As he explained, he likes to make sure members get their money’s worth – and he certainly succeeds.

Next was Norbert’s summary report of what’s happened since the last AGM. You can read his report by clicking here.

The new committee was then voted in. The “Exec” stood for another three years with no objections. As always, there was no rush from anyone to volunteer for the remaining posts on the committee but Pete Blackburn, Dave Chapman and Cider Bob all reluctantly accepted nominations to stand again. Ian Harris declined to rejoin the committee but Steve Vaughan kindly took his space.

With no “AOB”, the meeting ended astonishingly quickly, at about 20:15 but, after paying subs, most members hung around for a while chatting and several went through to the bar, just like on any other Club night.

After many years away, next week we return to the Bucks Head in Little Wymondley.

Monday 14th February 2022

Although Valentine’s Day, over thirty Club members treated this pointless commercial drivel with the contempt it deserves and came along to the Crown at Stotfold for this week’s Monday night meeting.

It was an excellent night, as always at the Crown, with huge amounts of great food and a great atmosphere.

It was also good weather for the time of year but only four riders met for the group ride. Normally Cider Bob or Steve Vaughan would lead, particularly in the absence of Paul Purple VFR but Andy Hale fancied giving it a go so took the group over to Barton Le Clay, up the A6 to the A507 and then into Stotfold. It wasn’t bad for his first go, although he did manage to lose half the group as he left Sainsburys!! But, he waited and the group arrived as one at the pub.

Next week is this year’s AGM, which is at the Cromwell Hotel, Stevenage. We know it’s not a riveting night but we really encourage you to come along. It’s your Club and the Officers of the Committee need to know you are happy with the way it’s being run.

The 2023 committee members will be voted for so if you fancy giving it go, please put yourself forward – new perspectives and ideas are always welcome.

Subs are remaining at only £5. For the sanity of our Treasurer could you please bring it in cash – our Club bank account hasn’t caught up with the concept of online banking!

Please come along and support the Club.

Monday 7th February 2022

It was a relatively quiet Monday night meeting this week – which is often the case straight after the Annual Dinner Dance. You can find the Chairman’s report on this year’s dinner dance by clicking here.

Five riders met up for the group ride, which was a lovely route led by Paul Purple VFR. Although, quite impressively, he did manage to lose the back marker at the first junction after leaving Sainsburys. But, in fairness, it’s hard to see at night so it’s really up to each rider to check the rider behind them is in sight at each junction, before moving out of sight. We won’t name and shame but you know who you are!

It was great weather for the forty mile ride which the four who stayed together thoroughly enjoyed.

The destination this week was the Hen & chickens in Baldock. Tally, the Land Lady, was as welcoming as always and had put on a great spread. With only about twenty of us, there was plenty of food for seconds and even thirds!

The understandably low turn out didn’t dampen the mood and it was a lovely evening with several members staying until closing time.

Next week we are back at the Crown in Stotfold; one of our most popular destinations.

But the week after will be our 2022 AGM at the Crowell Hotel, Stevenage. Please attend if you can – it might be a tad formal and boring but it’s your Club and the committee need to know it’s being run as you like.

2022 committee members will be elected so if you fancy giving it a go, please put your name forward.

If you would like anything raised at the meeting, please let the Club Secretary, Mick Taylor, know by this coming Monday.

It turns out our blogs are not a new thing but back in the 1960s, they were called a news letter. Click here to see a bit of our history!

Monday 31st January 2022

Another great ride was planned and led by Steve yesterday. Nine riders turned out for a chilly but bright and clear start to the day, meeting up at Corey’s Mill at 09:00. Sunglasses and tinted visors were deployed due to the low sun and the few damp patches were of little concern on his curvy route to Newmarket and on to La Hogue’s. The ride was around 120mile, getting back about 13:45.

Steve has a few more rides planned for this year, some on and some off road. His next road ride is to Hunstanton on 27th March but he, or others, may have some short notice rides in between.

Monday evening stayed dry but still just a little chilly. With dry but salty roads, ten riders weren’t put off by the thought of having to clean their bikes and they left Corey Mill Sainsbury’s, as usual, at 19:00.

Cider Bob led this week but, as typical for this time of year (not knowing the weather or how many will turn up), he hadn’t planned a route in advance. But, he devised one on the spot (although he did say he’d make up the last bit on the way!) and Paul Purple VFR, who could visualise the route, kindly offered to go in the middle in case we got split up. Andy was near the back with his distinctive lights so it was easy to keep the group together. Or at least it was through Hertford and up the B1368 and B1039, until we got to Royston. Cider originally planned to use the A505 to get to Ashwell and then head through Newnham to Junction 9, before turning through Willian. Unfortunately, he changed his mind as the group negotiated the Royston one way system. Thinking the A507 to Baldock would be more fun than the A505, he recip’ed on the one way system and headed down the A10. Paul purple VFR thought Cider was just doing a circuit to let everyone catch up so continued on the original route, waiting in a lay-by just up the road. Martin didn’t notice the bike behind him was no longer there and with the headlights of a couple of cars joining in the mix, Cider thought everyone was there or there abouts. He only realised once the lead split group were on the A10, out of Royston, by which time it was too late to go back. But it is for exactly this sort of occurrence that we like to have sub-leaders like Paul Purple VFR, who just took up the lead of his sub-group, on the original route. Coincidentally (or deliberately as Cider & Paul would have you believe) they met up again at Junction 9 and carried on as a whole group to the Plume of Feathers in Ickleford, arriving about 20:40.

There were loads of Club members already in the pub and the food was already out but, fortunately, there was mountains of Chilly, with plenty to go round. The chips ran out early but everyone who wanted it got some garlic bread. Perfect food for the riders to warm up with.

It was another good night with all sorts of chat, including much talk of this coming Saturday’s Diner Dance.

We shall report on that next week and we are sure there will be lots of chat about whatever goes on during the night there at next week’s Monday Club meeting at the Hen & Chickens in Baldock.

Monday 24th January 2022

We don’t suppose anyone actually reads this so just a short one this week… a great night at the Goat in Codicote with five meeting up for the group ride.

On Monday, we will be at the Plume of Feathers in Ickleford.

But before that, on Sunday, Steve will be leading a ride out to Newmarket. Meet at 09:0, Coreys Mill Sainsburys (back about 13:30).

Next Saturday is the Dinner Dance… with most Covid restrictions removed, it’s an idea time to get you tickets from Mick.

Monday 17th January 2022

Yesterday a number of Club members braved the weather on two very different rideouts. Ian Harris led a road riding group over to Finchingfield for breakfast while Steve Vaughan organised an off roading day.

Here is Steve’s summary of their day negotiating green lanes:
“First time out for Bruno so we started with some easy going routes to build his confidence off road. He seemed to enjoy the it but left us mid-morning at Gilston, near Harlow. Hopefully will be back for more. After the mid-morning break, we headed out to deepest Essex, where they know how to make sloppy mud. A couple of routes were quite tricky with the deep 4×4 ruts full of muddy water, but we all made it through unscathed. The route took us out to Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Good Easter, Dunmow, Thaxted, past Finchingfield and back to Newport and Buntingford. We started to loose light so we headed back to Stevenage and home by 4.30 pm. we covered 114 miles.”

Don’t forget to have a look at some of our photos on the Gallery page.

Steve has a few more off road rides planned, including two trips to Wales, as well as some on-road rides. So keep an eye on our blog, Facebook page and Whatsapp group or contact Steve for details to be added to his mailing list.

The weather for the Monday evening ride was just as poor, although five riders met up at Coreys Mill Sainsburys to enjoy(?)/experience the ride. A quick conflab resulted in the A600 being selected as a relatively direct route to the A507 and, ultimately the Cock at Baldock. After a convoy of gritters left the Highways yard, Cider Bob led off but, in his usual way, thought the route was a tad short so headed off south, through Knebworth, to Codicote and up the B656 to Hitchin and the A600. He was OK with his heated gloves but some of the others were a tad chilly after the fifty minute ride.

The pub was heaving with about forty members crammed in all over the place. The Cock is clearly a popular destination and they didn’t disappoint with the food either, providing loads of decent sandwiches, hot sausages and chicken things and a massive tub of chips – just what we wanted.

Unfortunately, the pub had to shut early so we were all out by ten o’clock and making our way home in the cold, wet fog.

Next week we are at the Goat in Codicote.

The Dinner Dance is fast approaching so make sure you’ve got your tickets. See the Secretary, Mick Taylor.

Monday 10th January 2022

Happy New Year.

This Monday was our first meeting of 2022 and, for a dark, chilly and wet winter night, it was a reasonable turnout with four on the group ride and about twenty at the pub.

We met at the Stag in Stotfold, where the bar staff were welcoming and the food was excellent.

It was an enjoyable evening with some members staying until closing time.

Next week we are at the Cock in Baldock.

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Dinner Dance on 5th February 2022 from the Secretary, Mick Taylor.

Below is the last couple of months of the 2021 blog, still with hyperlinks, before being archived

Monday 14th December 2021

Although there was a bit of drizzle in Stevenage, five riders met up at Sainsburys for the group ride, and they were rewarded with great weather. It was a really mild evening and by the time we got to Graveley, the drizzle had stopped and the roads were dry. Cider Bob led Martin, Bernie, Paul Purple VFR and Steve for about an hour, ending up at this week’s destination; the Crown in Stotfold.

As always, the staff at the Crown were great – very welcoming and put on another excellent spread of food.

The bar was full, with almost thirty members. It was nice welcome Lainey, who’s been a member for a while but hasn’t had the chance to come along before. She brought along her friend, fellow biker and new member Shelly.

It was another really enjoyable evening with lots of chat. It’s good to see the spectre of Covid hasn’t put people off coming along. Lots of us test regularly so we can see members are doing well at keeping themselves sufficiently distanced.

Next week is our last before Christmas. We normally call this a “Noggin & Natter”. None of us below the age of sixty seem to know what this means but, in practice, it means there won’t be any food for our meeting at the Hen & Chickens.

We then have a bit of a break over Christmas, due to the Bank Holidays, with the fist meeting in 2022 being on the 10th January. It was supposed to be at the Vicars Inn but sadly that’s closed so we will now be at the Stag, in Stotfold.

But don’t forget we also have the Dinner Dance fast approaching. For details, click here. Get your tickets from Mick.
All the committee of the Stevenage & District Motorcycle Club wish all our members a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Monday 6th December 2021

This week was our Christmas Social.

Starting about 19:30, the Hen & Chickens was already heaving by the time the group ride of six arrived at about 20:00.
Tally, the Landlady, had put on mountains of great food and the Club subsidised the evening with two free drinks for all members and free food.

There was also a raffle with some excellent prizes.

It was a really good evening, like all of our Socials, with lots of chatter and members staying until closing time.
But we do have two more meetings before Christmas – next week we are at the Crown in Stotfold so you can meet us there or join the group ride from Sainsburys.

Before that, this coming Sunday, 12th December, is the Addenbrookes Toy Run. Several Club members will be going along. Meeting from 8.30 for 10.00 start at the La Pergola restaurant on the A603 at Wimple, the ride will be to Trumpington Park via Cambridge city centre & Addenbrookes and will be escorted by the Police. For more details, have a look at their Facebook page by clicking here.