AGM 2020

Minutes of the AGM held on Saturday 25 January 2020

For the second year running Swinn tried to take notes but, partly due to the uncomfortable position he had to adopt to put pen to paper, and mostly due to being unable to hear what was going on, the following is pure dross and fabrication. Hopefully, most readers will find a mention. It should be noted that each year these minutes are lengthier due to the increased numbers attending.

Usual cautions re: accuracy, misrepresentation, misunderstandings, offence caused etc.

The writer persists with minuting attendance only by first name and initial in recognition that this is a public document and that one our Social Worker members wished not to be identified by former clients.

Introduction: A return to the Bike Shed, Shoreditch this year - a comfortable venue with the opportunity to rub shoulders with fashionable young people who had no more experience of motorcycling than had been sold to them with their t-shirts, burgers, and chips. Due to waiter service, the variety of drinks ordered and the wide range of dishes chosen the ‘dining experience’ was particularly slow - such that commencement of the main meeting was delayed. The Chairman knew that the Secretary had to be away by 5pm.

After food, the group removed to a space reserved by Ken in the Shed’s main lounge. This was both noisier and less appropriate for a formal meeting than the bike park to which we had been exiled on our last visit. Furthermore, the soft furnishings and low seat heights were totally inappropriate for those of limited mobility. Ken chose the highest chair available leaving Swinn the lowest. George adopted a Zen-like posture throughout the proceedings.
Ken was appointed Chair and Swinn Secretary to the meeting.

Attendees: Roger S, Dave I, Ken N, Keith S, Peter L, Peter K, Mark E, George H, Arthur S, John J, Peter W, Roxy, John M, Eg B, Phil D.

Apologies: Steve W (orchestral) Martin J (family engagement), Eldon J (now living Cornwall - too far to come). As an aside Phil D pointed out that Fishguard is further than Cornwall but that had not put him off. No news from Chris B, Rob G, Mike M or Terry R.

With temperatures above freezing, a number had travelled to the meeting on two wheels notably John J on his K75s, Peter W with his camera-laden pillion Roxy on his VFR and Phil D on his R1200RT - having stayed with his daughter overnight and parked his bike in Tooting Bec fire station. 

Somewhat less impressive was the lack of co-ordination by those who travelled by rail from up north. Roger and Ken had travelled on the same train but in first class and second classes respectively. Similarly Peter L and Eg - as they had both travelled from Lincoln but at different times.

Ken welcomed Eg and presented him with a club badge. Phil D was clearly disappointed not to have received one too. 

Unfortunately, the badges, which were a free-issue limited edition of 25, had now all been distributed - including one to John Cooper on his recent encounter with Peter L at the Beezumph 2019. In view of a potential shortfall, should additional members be located, Ken appealed to those who had filched more than one in the initial distribution to return them. 

In the writer’s view everyone looked as fit and well as in 2019, also that the ruddy complexions enjoyed by those who rode every day were in sharp contrast to the pale and wan fair-weather riders who formed the majority.

As last year, Ken left the meeting to empty his bladder at regular intervals but, aware that his movements were being monitored, indicated to Swinn he was about to do so on each occasion. His absences were noticeably more frequent than in 2019
.
Minutes of the last meeting:
Two attendees niggled about items of particular interest to them: viz that current Brough engines are of French origin not Spanish and that John M’s machine was a Bonneville T120 not a Street Twin. In Swinn’s view these were trivial compared to the plethora of other inaccuracies and should be disregarded.

The minutes were therefore taken as read.

Matters arising:
No news of Swinn’s Velo flywheels. He proposed this should be a standing item either until the 50^th anniversary of their loss i.e 2022. or earlier if they are returned
.
Peter L’s experience with the soda blasting process had been very successful and the powdery residues had been removed in the family dishwasher. Unfortunately, the Trident’s oil leak persists.
.
In view of Ken’s previous FOMO protestations there had been no EGM 2 in 2019.

Report on EGM held in the South of France and Club Run in Portugal.
Mark’s detailed account of the journey has been described in his previously circulated epistle. Ken advised that the whole event had been entitled The Eliane Ezra Memorial Run to commemorate the passing of Mark’s wife (and soul-mate of some 50 years) in 2019. John M had been unable to partake due to a family bereavement.

i)             John J - the journey to Mark’s place:

This had been uneventful except that his stay with Dave’s Lithuanian Regina had proven to be less than satisfactory. She clearly remembered cooking for Dave, and fondly described him as her ‘hot rabbit’. Perhaps because her husband was home John was not so lucky and been told that if he wanted some food he should go and buy his own.

Peter L had travelled by car/caravan with his wife and dropped in to present Mark with a copy of the Club’s logo duly autographed by John Cooper.

ii)            Mark E- the journey to Portugal:

Mark was keen to point out that participating machines were all BMWs and that the older models had proven to be more reliable than the new. Ken’s car park mishap and, more seriously, his bike’s throttle body failure at high speed – are reported elsewhere.

John J had some problems with E10 fuel as his elderly bike could not cope with it. A consequence was that fuel continued to be pumped and circulated until temperatures in the petrol tank reached boiling point. He was considering discussing this phenomenon with BMW as yet another costly novelty for their GS and RT ranges – ball and knee warmers could be a very attractive ‘comfort pack’ option for those dissatisfied with run-of-the -mill heated grips and seat.

iii)           Dave I – the Club Run

Ken was unable to join as repairs to his bike were a priority. Dave therefore led a 60 mile run to the top of a local hill to proudly show off a host of marmite wind farm mills (after Wordsworth).

.iv) Ken – the return trip.

A scam had been conjured up by those returning on the Santander to Plymouth Ferry as two bikes rather than one were loaded on to Dave’s trailer. This enabled Ken to board as a reclining seat foot passenger at an extraordinarily low price*. He had stowed away in John J’s cabin. As minuted last year John J is not a good sailor and had spent most of the journey horizontal on his bunk. Ken observed that this had not stopped him getting to the bar for sustenance and rehydration on a number of occasions.

Upon his return, and with John J’s help, Ken was able to confront BMW reps about the throttle body issue at the NEC show. At first BMW blamed Ken for the failure saying that updated software would have been downloaded if the bike had been serviced in accordance with their schedule, Ken was not having any of this and managed to cajole them into refunding his costs – reputedly including sums for emotional distress and loss of earnings*. 

Trips, events and mileage in 2019
Eg had probably enjoyed most adventures in 2019 with continental trips and local runs organised by his club - the pemc (formerly Professional and Executive Motorcycle Club). He also organises runs for the Club.

Swinn had pottered about and taken part in a number of local runs on his Velos. His WD machine had been displayed at the Hooton Park military fair.

Phil D later advised that since he saw us last he had been on a Himalayan trip (18,500 feet) on an Enfield in 2017, also trips to France and the Shetlands on his RT. (apparently the distance from Fishguard to the Shetlands is similar to Manchester to Vaour)
.
The highest mileage award was hotly contested with an initial bid by Ken of 4000 miles, Eg had done 5000, John J 6000 – no additional points were awarded for taking his Brough to Austria. Phil D who had ridden every day until his retirement had done 7000 in all. Phil had previously won the cup and was asked to remove it from his wardrobe top and proudly display it in a more prominent place.

General update on bikes owned, in use and news since last year;
John M – no change. John J – no change, the K75s was still his favourite bike. He had travelled from Gaydon that morning achieving an average speed of 60mph including crossing Central London. Roger not particularly impressed as he had timed his West Coast Mainline train on the way down and its speed rarely dipped below 120. Dave I had sold his pile of tired Velo bits on ebay. Although lower than predicted last year he was satisfied with the price achieved. The 80 year-old purchaser had driven from the Wirral to Dave’s place – some 300 miles and returned with his load the same day. Dave currently has G650x and Serow. He was concerned that Ken was not progressing with the rebuild of his Maico scrambler.

Eg B - owns Aprilia Caponord 1200 Rally, Enfield bought in India and a Thruxton Velo. His K1200s had been sold since Swinn met him in March. Roger S had sold his R1100s and bought a Harley 883. This was worst bike he’d ever owned but he was happy pottering around at a slower pace. Mark presented him with a small bell used by Harley owners as a talisman to ward off evil breakdown spirits. Roger had also bought a very expensive electric mountain bike which was much more entertaining. Arthur no change but he expected to sell two of his bikes in 2020. Peter W no change but he’d borrowed Arthur’s gaffer tape (see 2019) to undertake a similar repair to VFR’s seat.

Swinn had bought a 650 Kawasaki twin to replace his Tracer as his legs were getting shorter. The change had been precipitated by him dropping the Tracer on his foot. The resultant fracture had concerned Mrs Swinn and she insisted he buy something lower and even lighter. The style of the Kawasaki is not to Swinn’s taste but it is comfortable and was cheap. George H no change. Peter K – no comment. Phil D has R1200rt, R1150 GS Adventurer and K1200lt in bits. In retirement he has become a blood biker (as was Eg formerly) and is also training others to ride for the organisation. He hoped to qualify as a travelling marshall for cycle races in the near future. Mark E had acquired another Ural outfit - an insurance write-off, for £200. No change for Ken and no progress on his Velo – despite him having borrowed ALL Swinn’s workshop manuals.

Ailments and operations
Swinn asked if there was anyone not taking medications. 3 attendees put up their hands and denied they were in denial. In Swinn’s experience some people will suffer in silence rather than declare pre-existing conditions when taking out Travel Insurance.

At this point John M rose to his feet and through a mixture of oratory and mime gave a detailed and lurid account of his treatment for prostate problems describing both surgical procedures and ensuing hormone treatment. The side effects of the latter included hot flushes, breast growth and poor performance in the bedroom department. On the upside he had a ready supply of little blue pills and was looking forward to fondling his own Double Dees.

Swinn thought that a baseline survey of those similarly afflicted could be developed. Dave I thought this was below the belt and he wouldn’t be taking part.

Proposals for adventures in 2020 and likely dates.
Mark was keen that everyone should attend the Festival of Speed event at Goodwood. The best day would be July 9. Tickets are not on public sale at the moment and attendees should look out for them on Goodwood’s website.

Phil D to investigate availability of accommodation at Fishguard for possible visit
.
Another trek down to Mark’s

Peter L keen that dates be confirmed ASAP as his diary was filling up fast.

Running of the Club
Peter W would research a more private means of communication. He would develop a pilot scheme and report back in 2021.

In view of the limited time available before he had to leave, Swinn presented Dave I with a jewel of office to mark his appointment as Honarary President. This was in recognition of him being a father-figure for Bike71 for many years. and also in recognition of his continuing custodianship of the Club’s battery charger.

The jewel comprised a hardly-used gearbox sprocket for a G650 BMW.

It should be noted that this was not a put-up job as, had there been sufficient time, Swinn would have nominated Dave for the honour, which in turn would have been seconded by Roger. The appointment would then have been voted through by a majority – i.e those that Swinn had been able to nobble beforehand.

There being no other nominees for Chairman and Secretary, Ken and Swinn to continue for the time being. Henceforth their roles will be entitled ‘Chairman and Events Co-ordinator’ and ‘Clerk and New Member Secretary’.

AOB
Thanks to Roxy for taking on the role of chief photographer,

Thanks to Ken for paying for the meal.**

Dave Draper a former member, 650 Norton owner and racer for some 29 years had been located the previous day but unable to attend due to other commitments. Swinn hoped to make further contact soon.

Swinn urged attendees to get checked for prostate issues at the first sign of any waterworks problems as this is a growing health threat to those in our age band. The experiences of John M, possibly Ken – and definitely Swinn should be sufficient warning. The number of us affected WILL grow.

Postscript

Peter W had managed to puff on his e-cigarette throughout the meeting – Shed staff being less observant than those at the Ace.

Assumed profit*

Since rescinded and an appeal for payment circulated.**

NB The writer had not been too offended that his offer of a contribution to the meal had been declined - especially in view of * above.