Newsletter
February 2007
Newsletter
February 2007
Just
to make sure we all know who has been doing what the present office bearers are
as follows
Chairman;
John Hyman
Secretary;
Gino Rondelli
Treasurer;
Ian Coull
Events;
George Peddie
Agenda
Minutes
from last AGM
Chairman's Report
Secretary’s
Report
Treasurer’s
Report
Election
of Office Bearers
AOCB
Norton
Dealer in Perth!
Yes
the headline is correct, Sandy Bloy has been appointed a dealer for genuine
factory parts from the Andover Norton factory. This is after a break of 30
years as the last time anyone sold Norton’s in the big county was in 1977 and
funnily enough it was Sandy at his well known Bridge of Earn motorcycle
emporium. I’m sure Sandy would appreciate a visit or telephone call for your
spares ordering.
Sandy Bloy
Motorcycles Unit 1, 14 Dunkeld Road Perth, PH1 5RW
Tel: 01738 440444
Fax: 01738 637904
February’s Ramblings
It’s
been a mixed bag in February with the weather getting a bit colder and even
some snow. It’s been noticeable though that the unseasonably warm winter has
encouraged people to bring their bikes out of hibernation. I just hope all of
these riding through winter “virgins” are remembering to give their bikes a
good clean after being out or there could be some pretty sorry looking bikes
out there.
Speaking
of the ravages of winter I’ve been using a product that’s relatively new to the
motorcycle market called ACF 50 and found it to be the best yet for keeping the
worst of the corrosion at bay. It’s expensive at around £13 for an aerosol
spray but this provides around four generous applications and unless you use a
solvent based cleaner there is no need to re treat every time you clean the
bike. Check the reports out at ; http://www.worldwideaviation.co.uk/Motorcycles/Motorcycles%20User%20Reports.htm
Sunday
the 4th saw the usual season starter, the Classic Racing club’s
autojumble. This was formerly the “Haggis gathering” held at Stirling but now
moved to the auction mart at Lanark. It was a bright sunny but cold day and the
run down was good (triumph mounted so I could use the heated jacket). It was £3
to get in and there was a disappointing array of rubbish on offer. Hardly any
Norton parts (worth buying) Some Dominator heads but little in the way of
Commando parts and what was there was overpriced. As always this event isn’t
all about buying parts but an excuse for a good blether. Good to meet up and
catch up with several people including Robbie Allan of Dakar fame. He is still
keen to have another go next year (when he will be 66) along with his brother
Vic in the team. He told me that his entry has encouraged several people on the
Scottish scene to enquire about the 2008 Dakar and that there could be seven or
eight Scottish competitors next year. With costs of around £45K you need pretty
deep pockets to consider it.
The run back was excellent as it warmed up a little and I
was on deserted roads I hadn’t been on before, through Carstairs and Carnwath.
Empty roads, nice scenery and a heated jacket…bliss.
Capper Rally 2007
AS
last year the Special K’s Capper Rally was held last weekend at the Stair Inn
Pathhead just south of Edinburgh on the A68. Cold and wet on the Friday when I
left, the Edinburgh bypass was crazy with all the maniac commuters encased in
their tin cocoon’s completely oblivious to the outside world. A dangerous place
to be on a dark winters night on a motorcycle as I think their pea brains
struggle to identify motorcyclists simply
because their inbuilt conditioning tells them that nobody should be out
on a bike in this weather.
On
to the Rally and the first tent erection of the year (Steady there!) always
frustrating, as the year goes on it becomes second nature but on Friday it
wasn’t! Tent up and in to the pub to sign on, and to meet up with old friends.
Despite a good helping of Whisky I still woke up in the early hours freezing,
the sleet and wind battering the tent . Saturday arrived and after a quick cup
of tea we decided to go for a run. By the time we had the gear on it was heavy
rain / sleet but by then we were definitely going. In to Haddington passing
Jock Taylors memorial just outside Pentcaitland. In to Tesco for breakfast and
to watch the civilians for a while, people who for them the weekly shopping
trip is the highlight of their lives. As I watched people come and go (I was in
there a while drinking tea and thawing out) I noticed once again they all
looked miserable as sin whilst I who had just spent a night in a tent, got wet
& cold both on and off the bike was as happy as Larry. Motorcycling, the
greatest tonic known to man -and woman.
Back
to the site, more tea, an attempt to grab some sleep in the tent before the evening
festivities but it was too cold. Then Saturday night, good Disco (the owner
“Trogg” was telling me on the Friday that at long last he finally managed to
buy his all time dream bike….of course a Norton Commando) and a good band. Ian
Lindsay who was with us won best bike for his Kawasaki, obviously because I
never had my Norton there!.
Bob
& Kate it has to be said had a Hotel Room, shame on you Bob! But it just
means it’ll be harder for him at the Thistle on the 25th!
This is an excellent Rally and well worth attending, next
year maybe?
And Finally
I’ve
been following the exploits of a lone girl travelling through Africa on a
TT250, amazing story and I’m glad to say she has made it. On the way she has
been through some what could be termed “dodgy” countries but managed
exceptionally well and managed to keep up a Web site of her adventures. Check
it out on;
http://www.loisontheloose.com/africa/index.html
The route
T
he Small Print
The
views and opinions contained within this publication are not necessarily those
of the NOC or of the branch but are probably mine as I wrote it.
No
one accepts any responsibility for anything, if you have a good time don't say
I didn't warn you.
Gino Rondelli