AGM again

Minutes of the AGM held on 27 January 2018

Usual cautions re misrepresentation/fabrication/misunderstandings/author’s amnesia and any offence thereby caused.

Introduction: A change of venue this year, organised by Ken and ably assisted by Roger who canvassed prospective attendees. Ken had booked a restaurant table for 12 at the Bike Shed Motorcycle Club, Shoreditch, London. This upmarket venue had been chosen to improve access for Southerners and International Travellers. It also had the benefit of on-site motorcycle parking, memorabilia shop and 'hipster' barbers (no concessions). There were also excellent facilities for the disabled (see 2016 AGM for cautions re: Peking Court).  

Such was the size of the venue that, upon arrival, Keith discovered 2 separate parties each awaiting the arrival of the other. Ken and Dave arrived later but were still 30 minutes early.

Attendees: Roger S, Martin J, Steve W, Pete K, Dave I, Ken N, Keith S, Peter L, Mark E, George H, Arthur S, Nick J, Eldon J, Peter W and Roxy.

This was our largest meet-up for over 45 years and numbers exceeded places booked. A period of upheaval followed while staff re-arranged the tabling to accommodate everyone. Unfortunately it was a very long table…………

3 of the Southerners arrived by motorcycle, most Northerners travelled by train at significant expense. Mark’s trip from Manchester Missouri, which deserves special mention, must have cost considerably more. Ken and Dave had travelled by car and camped in Acton on the way.

Of the ‘Newcomers’: Eldon looked too young and was far too lively and attributed this to 25 years of cycling - having only ridden motorcycles in competition during that time. Arthur S arrived with his brother Simon who looked more like Arthur than Arthur did. George’s hair was still as long as when he was a student but inevitably much greyer now. This was in stark contrast to everyone else who had thinning hair or no hair at all. Nick J looked as weather-worn as any serious motorcyclist should. Peter W looked bohemian and arrived with his girlfriend Roxy riding pillion. The sight of his Rizla rolling papers brought back memories of halcyon days pre – Euro 3. Mark E was as effervescent as ever.

Apologies received from Rob G (clash Rover 75 Owners Club) Chris B (burger allergy), Mike M (other engagement), Terry R (aversion to airports). Dave Bowen (distance – lives north of Aberdeen. NB now owner of two Velos). No news from Phil D.

Dave expressed his disappointment that Rob G was unable to attend as he wished to thank him personally for initiating the idea of a ‘rally’ at Mark’s place in France which had been inaugurated this year and been very successful.

Due to the layout of the seating the AGM proper was delayed and time was spent bantering about old times and relaying latest gossip. Roxanne with her very professional-looking camera, eye for detail and the ability to make old men smile took some stunning portraits and it is hoped that these will be available for posting on the blog. Reminiscent of the freezing conditions suffered at Dom Marco’s in 2014, the only space available for a formal meeting was in the unheated, very noisy, motorcycle parking area. At least Ken found some chairs. Nick J was enrolled as an honorary member.

A short meeting commenced at 3.30. Ken presided but found it difficult due to persistent interruptions by one of the attendees. Keith agreed to produce minutes but took no notes.

Minutes of the last meeting: taken as read even though Roger, with his blog editing rights, was thought to have tried to alter them.

Matters arising: Club Badge production: Ken volunteered to undertake this task in 2012 and annually since has reported the matter to be in hand. Under threat of being taken off the project last year he had made good progress and proudly announced that the badges were now available. He distributed them freely and there were many positive comments.

No news on Keith’s Velo flywheels.

There had been a very successful trip to see Mark in France in 2017 and those that went enjoyed excellent hospitality. Peter L had travelled from Lincoln on his 1200GS, Ken similarly from Manchester with Russ on 1200GS and Multistada respectively.. Dave made the trip from Portugal over the Pyrenees on his BMW G650 – a distance of some 800 miles.

Ailments and medication, annual update: In view of the limited time available and the fact most attendees now have ailments which require medication Keith suggested that this item be re-titled Scrap Value to reflect the rapid increase of precious metal implants,

Peter W declared a replacement hip, Eldon titanium teeth (and as an aside recommended knee braces for any off-road riding). Peter L replacement shoulder and pacemaker – the latter as a result of a collapse following a paint spraying session. Roger replacement knee. (Keith had forgotten the titanium plates which kept his skull in one piece). Ken mentioned his plastic teeth which didn’t count but he was keen to learn more of Eldon’s implant experiences.

Employment status and benefits, annual update: again due to time constraints and noise emanating from un-silenced motorcycles there was no discussion on this item. It was thought that everyone had retired and was receiving a state pension, however despite his great age Dave owned up to doing some paid work to keep his brain active. Similarly Ken.

Motorcycles owned and/or in use: Nick J was thought to be a Motorcycle Millionaire having amassed over a dozen machines, mostly Broughs and Vincents. He also owned a ‘proper’ JAP- engined Morgan. Despite this his day-to-day ride was an ancient K75s, albeit a low mileage one with only 65,000 on the clock. Pete K also owned around 20 exotic machine’s, his latest acquisition was a Suzuki RGV250 which he’d bought for next to nothing on ebay. Perhaps only £150k for the lot Peter? Peter W owned a VFR Honda which his girlfriend thought was a Triumph, Arthur S had arrived on a very nice R75/6 ex-police bike. He complained his legs too short to ride it though his still-owned R69 was perfect. His favourite bike was a shaft-drive Yamaha Townmate step-thru. He was very angry that non-Euro 3 compliant motorcycles would soon be charged to enter Central London (possible exemption for historic vehicles?).

In addition to his enduro bike, Eldon had recently bought a BMW F800GS road bike and found his legs were too short too. Martin was still riding his CB500, the remainder of his collection including a pair of Velos, Plastic Maggot, etc, were quietly rotting away in his shed. Peter L same as last year; his C15 had cost £4k to restore and was now worth only £2K (low estimate Peter, even D1 Bantams are going for serious money now). Roger’s latest acquisition was a Honda CRF250L which he claimed was the bike of choice for round-the-world trips. This had replaced the BMW G450 which was too fast for him.

Mark’s bikes included R100RS, R90s, BMW S1000RR which was far too fast, also R1200S and a Ural with sidecar. Keith had replaced his unloved G650GS with Euro 4 compliant Yamaha 700 twin. This was for dry days. He had also re-acquired his K75s which had lain in Dave’s close-to-the-sea shed for several years. Now a runner it was Keith’s wet day bike. He had also bought a Velo MOV in bits as a winter project. George H still owned several bikes including his D1 Bantam from student days. He was open to offers. Arthur was keen to impress upon the meeting how difficult George’s student commute from the Isle of Wight to Manchester had been on the D1 and that he ought to be awarded a special medal in recognition.

Dave’s favourite bike was his G650x. He also owned a Serow and a Velo in bits. These were probably suffering a similar fate to his former K75. Steve W still owned far too many bikes and, as usual, the conversation focussed on his Fireflys (or is that Fireflies?). He had recently undertaken a marathon journey on his ST1100 which was now 28 years old. Ken had several bikes, most recently acquired was his R1200GS LC which he loved – especially as it had been pimped and farkled with accessories from a well-known firm of motorcycle beauticians. Restoration of his famous Stevens Velo was well underway but he had balked at the prospect of nickel plating his frame for £800 in favour of a £30 powder coat job. The money saved was being spent on expensive bits from a Velo specialist who now makes parts to an improved specification over the originals.

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Distance travelled by motorcycle during the year: This was probably Phil D again but as he didn’t attend and it couldn’t be verified no award was made.

AOB: Dave was keen to promote another trip to see Mark in France. Mark thought June would be good but probably early in the month as his son was getting married and he would be taking over the whole place during the last week. Dave/Mark to liaise and agree dates.

Next meeting: To be arranged. If London again possibility to combine with trip to London Motorcycle Show at the Excel. (Usually mid-Februar).

The formal meeting closed at around 4pm when the Northerners rushed off to catch their trains.

Postscript 1

As has become tradition, the food bill was again in dispute. It transpired that Martin was partly to blame as he had returned his dish as it wasn’t hot enough. The chef had taken umbrage and charged him again for a replacement. Ken kindly left a tip in appreciation of the restaurant’s tolerance towards us.

Postscript 2

Roger was so excited throughout that he hardly looked at his phone.

Postscript 3

Keith had prepared a special Edale ‘get you home kit’ prize (petrol- proof  disposable gloves included) but due to the brevity of the meeting there had been no opportunity to award it. However, if anyone can remember who ran out of petrol on the Edale ‘green lanes’ run and/or the means by which fuel was replenished he would be happy to pass it on - subject to a convincing answer being submitted.