If you would like to join us - click on the "ABOUT US" page and download a membership form
Our chosen charities for 2019 are The Freewheelers & The Air Ambulance.
SEPTEMBER
12th - informal gathering - 8 pm at The Ruishton
26th Club AGM - 8 pm at The Ruishton
See the Diary page for other events
EXMOOR RUN 2019
11th August was our Annual Exmoor Run
Click on the button for photos and a report
At our AGM in September 2018 it was decided to continue to support the same charities again in 2019.
Thanks to The Exmoor Run and various events held by Club Members throughout the year
we have been able to donate £900 to each of our charities.
Thank you to everyone for your support.
Thanks to The Exmoor Run and various events held by Club Members throughout the year
we have been able to donate £900 to each of our charities.
Thank you to everyone for your support.
CLUB MEMBERS OUT & ABOUT
Below you will find reports about the current year's events, but you can view previous years reports & photographs using the button below
Below you will find reports about the current year's events, but you can view previous years reports & photographs using the button below
OUT & ABOUT 2019
The First Apple County Bike Meet was held on Sunday 8th September 2019
at Birds Farm, Knapp, Taunton TA3 6AZ
The emphasis was on old bikes coming along, although the new Brough made an appearance
and there was an opportunity to ride the new Royal Enfield Himalayan on a dirt track, courtesy of Moto Corsa.
There was a £5 entry charge per bike, with all proceeds going to charity.
The weather was perfect, there was a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere and delicious refreshments.
All set in a stunning location overlooking Curry Moor.
Everyone was asked to vote for their favourite bike and the results were:-
1st A Honda CX650E
2nd A "bobbed" Royal Enfield.
3rd A Triumph Bonneville
Well done to Jason and his friends for organising this get together.
Hopefully this will become a very successful annual event.
at Birds Farm, Knapp, Taunton TA3 6AZ
The emphasis was on old bikes coming along, although the new Brough made an appearance
and there was an opportunity to ride the new Royal Enfield Himalayan on a dirt track, courtesy of Moto Corsa.
There was a £5 entry charge per bike, with all proceeds going to charity.
The weather was perfect, there was a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere and delicious refreshments.
All set in a stunning location overlooking Curry Moor.
Everyone was asked to vote for their favourite bike and the results were:-
1st A Honda CX650E
2nd A "bobbed" Royal Enfield.
3rd A Triumph Bonneville
Well done to Jason and his friends for organising this get together.
Hopefully this will become a very successful annual event.
Thornfalcon Classic Car Meet - 18th August 2019
Sunshine prevailed and a great relaxed atmosphere was to be found in the park land of
The Mount Somerset Hotel.
Many beautiful cars and some very interesting motorcycles.
Refreshments were excellent - everything we needed for a very pleasant couple of hours.
Sunshine prevailed and a great relaxed atmosphere was to be found in the park land of
The Mount Somerset Hotel.
Many beautiful cars and some very interesting motorcycles.
Refreshments were excellent - everything we needed for a very pleasant couple of hours.
2019 Bristol Bike Show
"Grand Day Out" in the home of Wallace and Gromit.
Great atmosphere in the streets of the Old City around St Nicholas Market.
A well organised event.
"Grand Day Out" in the home of Wallace and Gromit.
Great atmosphere in the streets of the Old City around St Nicholas Market.
A well organised event.
West Somerset Railway Association
Steam and Vintage Vehicle Rally – August 2019
As always, a great weekend, good weather, vintage vehicles and great company.
Some very unusual bikes on show and a couple deserve a special mention.
1926 Ivy Model “M”. 350cc. Made by S A Newman, Aston Cross, Birmingham. Rare side valve, using an engine of their own manufacture. The only other currently known example is in Steve McQueen’s museum.
1933 James Model E2. 500cc. Four stroke, side valve, V Twin. Bought for a packet of fags and £3 in the 1950s, last ridden in 1957. Fully restored in 2013-2014. It has resided in the Yeovil area all its life and is believed to be the only E2 left.
For the first time, this year a shield was awarded. Independent judges picked the machine they would most like to have in their garage. They chose a 1955 Ariel Hunt Master (650cc) with a Jet 80 Sidecar.
Roger Oaten made a great job of the commentary on both days – not easy with so many lovely machines on show and a tight time slot.
LMS Princess Coronation Class 6233 Duchess of Sutherland was in steam over the weekend and we were honoured with a “drive by” on the main line on Sunday morning. No.46233 'Duchess of Sutherland' is a London, Midland and Scottish Railway Princess Coronation Class 4-6-2 "Pacific" type steam locomotive built in 1938 by Crewe Works for the London Midland and Scottish Railway.
Not a motorcycle, but a beautiful machine well worth a mention – The McLaren Road Loco –Gigantic was honouring us with its presence. It was designed and built in Leeds to be used for war time work, however, it seems it was never actually put to service and was exported to Australia to work in a quarry. Now back home, rebuilt in 2012, and returned to a War time paint scheme. Loved and cherished by it’s owner – a sight to behold.
Also joining it at the show was a quarter size replica.
On a sad note - John Williams – the motorcycle Marshal of many years has announced that this is the last year he will be carrying out this job.
We will still see him about at the show as he will continue to drive the trains etc.
Thank you very much to John for looking after us all so well.
Steam and Vintage Vehicle Rally – August 2019
As always, a great weekend, good weather, vintage vehicles and great company.
Some very unusual bikes on show and a couple deserve a special mention.
1926 Ivy Model “M”. 350cc. Made by S A Newman, Aston Cross, Birmingham. Rare side valve, using an engine of their own manufacture. The only other currently known example is in Steve McQueen’s museum.
1933 James Model E2. 500cc. Four stroke, side valve, V Twin. Bought for a packet of fags and £3 in the 1950s, last ridden in 1957. Fully restored in 2013-2014. It has resided in the Yeovil area all its life and is believed to be the only E2 left.
For the first time, this year a shield was awarded. Independent judges picked the machine they would most like to have in their garage. They chose a 1955 Ariel Hunt Master (650cc) with a Jet 80 Sidecar.
Roger Oaten made a great job of the commentary on both days – not easy with so many lovely machines on show and a tight time slot.
LMS Princess Coronation Class 6233 Duchess of Sutherland was in steam over the weekend and we were honoured with a “drive by” on the main line on Sunday morning. No.46233 'Duchess of Sutherland' is a London, Midland and Scottish Railway Princess Coronation Class 4-6-2 "Pacific" type steam locomotive built in 1938 by Crewe Works for the London Midland and Scottish Railway.
Not a motorcycle, but a beautiful machine well worth a mention – The McLaren Road Loco –Gigantic was honouring us with its presence. It was designed and built in Leeds to be used for war time work, however, it seems it was never actually put to service and was exported to Australia to work in a quarry. Now back home, rebuilt in 2012, and returned to a War time paint scheme. Loved and cherished by it’s owner – a sight to behold.
Also joining it at the show was a quarter size replica.
On a sad note - John Williams – the motorcycle Marshal of many years has announced that this is the last year he will be carrying out this job.
We will still see him about at the show as he will continue to drive the trains etc.
Thank you very much to John for looking after us all so well.
A Grand Day Out - 28th July 2019
Just over 100 miles, tea on the Ridge Road - amazing views and simply no traffic - perfect.
Then on to Valley Of The Rocks via the Woody Bay Toll Road.
Spot of lunch at Mother Meldrum's Tea Rooms and then down into Minehead via The Porlock Toll Road.
Home for tea and cake, via Blue Anchor and Chapel Cleeve.
Perfect weather, grand views and great company - ideal way to spend a Sunday.
Just over 100 miles, tea on the Ridge Road - amazing views and simply no traffic - perfect.
Then on to Valley Of The Rocks via the Woody Bay Toll Road.
Spot of lunch at Mother Meldrum's Tea Rooms and then down into Minehead via The Porlock Toll Road.
Home for tea and cake, via Blue Anchor and Chapel Cleeve.
Perfect weather, grand views and great company - ideal way to spend a Sunday.
Sheppy's Bike Night - 25th July 2019
Another great night with perfect weather.
Bikes and riders of all marques, ages, shapes and sizes.
Delicious hog roast, burgers and of course cider.
A good time had by all.
Thank you very much to Sheppy's Cider for hosting this event.
Another great night with perfect weather.
Bikes and riders of all marques, ages, shapes and sizes.
Delicious hog roast, burgers and of course cider.
A good time had by all.
Thank you very much to Sheppy's Cider for hosting this event.
Somerset Steam & Country Show Low Ham - 20th & 21st July 2019.
Despite a wet start on Friday, Saturday and Sunday stayed dry,
and the ground returned to it's "concrete" like state.
A very enjoyable weekend with Roger Oaten doing his usual excellent job as the
Commentator for the motorcycles as they were ridden around the arena.
It was also great to see the familiar Series 1 Land Rover that used to belong to John Reeves.
Now his son Adam displays it for us to enjoy.
Despite a wet start on Friday, Saturday and Sunday stayed dry,
and the ground returned to it's "concrete" like state.
A very enjoyable weekend with Roger Oaten doing his usual excellent job as the
Commentator for the motorcycles as they were ridden around the arena.
It was also great to see the familiar Series 1 Land Rover that used to belong to John Reeves.
Now his son Adam displays it for us to enjoy.
Festival of 1000 Bikes - Mallory Park - July 2019
www.festivalof1000bikes.co.uk
Andy Webb took his Aermacchi to the festival of 1000 bikes this year and met some very famous people.
He felt honoured to meet Giacomo Agostini - the greatest motorcycle road racer ever - and to add to Andy's joy,
Giacomo signed the Aermacchi. Andy has since lacquered over the signature to ensure it does not wear away!
Another famous name in the world of motorcycling came along and sat upon the Aermacchi.
None other than Steve Parrish.
Andy was very happy with the bike's performance on the track,
completing a 1 min 10 sec lap (unofficially timed) 73.63MPH average.
The slideshow below includes some great "action" shots courtesy of Peter Wileman.
All in all it sounds like a great weekend.
Click on the button below to learn more about Andy's Aermacchi
www.festivalof1000bikes.co.uk
Andy Webb took his Aermacchi to the festival of 1000 bikes this year and met some very famous people.
He felt honoured to meet Giacomo Agostini - the greatest motorcycle road racer ever - and to add to Andy's joy,
Giacomo signed the Aermacchi. Andy has since lacquered over the signature to ensure it does not wear away!
Another famous name in the world of motorcycling came along and sat upon the Aermacchi.
None other than Steve Parrish.
Andy was very happy with the bike's performance on the track,
completing a 1 min 10 sec lap (unofficially timed) 73.63MPH average.
The slideshow below includes some great "action" shots courtesy of Peter Wileman.
All in all it sounds like a great weekend.
Click on the button below to learn more about Andy's Aermacchi
Sedgemoor Steam Rally - July 2019
A great weekend had by all, made even greater with Rob Clark winning an award with his Greeves.
A great weekend had by all, made even greater with Rob Clark winning an award with his Greeves.
The Cabin - July 2019
If you have an hour or two free mid week then go along to the Log cabin Diner - EX36 4RZ - on the A361 Link Road to Barnstaple. Every Wednesday from about 11am to 2pm many mortorcyclists gather.
The bikes range from very old to very new - trikes, side cars - you will see just about everything.
Below are some photographs taken on 11 July 2019
If you have an hour or two free mid week then go along to the Log cabin Diner - EX36 4RZ - on the A361 Link Road to Barnstaple. Every Wednesday from about 11am to 2pm many mortorcyclists gather.
The bikes range from very old to very new - trikes, side cars - you will see just about everything.
Below are some photographs taken on 11 July 2019
Padstow Vintage Rally - July 2019
Despite having fewer bikes on show this year there was still plenty to do and see at The Padstow Vintage rally.
Glorious weather made for a very enjoyable weekend
Despite having fewer bikes on show this year there was still plenty to do and see at The Padstow Vintage rally.
Glorious weather made for a very enjoyable weekend
Crofton Beam Engines - Motorcycle Weekend - June 2019
Crofton Pumping Station is one of the most significant industrial heritage sites in the United Kingdom.
It contains an operational Boulton & Watt steam engine dating from 1812 - the oldest working beam engine in the world, in its original engine house and capable of doing the job for which it was installed.
The station was built in 1807-9 to supply water to the highest point of the Kennet & Avon Canal.
At the end of June the engines were in steam and a motorcycle weekend was planned.
A selection of interesting motorcycles were on display, a talk had been arranged, various motorcycle clubs rode out to see the engines and, on Sunday a group of stunning Morris Minors graced the overflow car park.
The beautiful weather and amazing setting all added to this fantastic weekend.
We also discovered a working windmill nearby – a definite bonus.
It was a privilege to be there displaying a bike.
The beams engines are everything you expect and more – poetry in motion –
you can get up close and watch them at work – so smooth and powerful – absolutely fascinating.
If you find yourself in the area do visit, even when not in steam it is a fascinating place to stroll around.
If you are able to be there on the rare weekends when the engines are working then do not hesitate – it is a “must do” on that bucket list.
BBQ In The Blackdowns - June 2019
12 Club members joined James and Liz at their beautiful home in The heart of the Blackdown Hills.
Great food, good company and a bit of sunshine were the ingredients for the afternoon.
An enjoyable time had by all. Thank you very much to our hosts.
We had planned a motorcycle ride prior to the BBQ calling at The Common Loaf Tea rooms.
However, two factors decided we should postpone that plan.
The Tea Room was going to be closed and the weather forecast was horrendous.
Previous rain and more on the day would make the narrow lanes treacherous.
While we were with James and Liz, the heavens opened and we had rain complete with hailstones.
Correct and sensible decision made!
12 Club members joined James and Liz at their beautiful home in The heart of the Blackdown Hills.
Great food, good company and a bit of sunshine were the ingredients for the afternoon.
An enjoyable time had by all. Thank you very much to our hosts.
We had planned a motorcycle ride prior to the BBQ calling at The Common Loaf Tea rooms.
However, two factors decided we should postpone that plan.
The Tea Room was going to be closed and the weather forecast was horrendous.
Previous rain and more on the day would make the narrow lanes treacherous.
While we were with James and Liz, the heavens opened and we had rain complete with hailstones.
Correct and sensible decision made!
Chelston Nursing Home - "Jar of Dreams" Saturday 8 June 2019
Chelston Nursing Home have a "jar of dreams" for their residents.
David's wish was to see and hear motorbikes. Well we certainly made his wish come true today.
103 bikes of all ages and marques (along with their custodians - also of all ages and marques)
arrived at Chelston Nursing home at 11am today.
The sun shone and so residents were able to be outside, many of them being taken around in wheel chairs
to have a good look at the bikes (and their riders).
Tea, coffee and delicious home made cake was available and donations were made for the
Air Ambulance - a great by product of this event.
David chose a gold trike as his favourite and, with help, he was able to sit on it - his wide grin said it all.
It was truly humbling to be a part of his "dream".
Thank you for all the hard work of the staff at the Nursing Home, making things such as this happen.
Also a special thank you to the "cake baker" - what a great selection of delicious cakes and pastries.
Chelston Nursing Home have a "jar of dreams" for their residents.
David's wish was to see and hear motorbikes. Well we certainly made his wish come true today.
103 bikes of all ages and marques (along with their custodians - also of all ages and marques)
arrived at Chelston Nursing home at 11am today.
The sun shone and so residents were able to be outside, many of them being taken around in wheel chairs
to have a good look at the bikes (and their riders).
Tea, coffee and delicious home made cake was available and donations were made for the
Air Ambulance - a great by product of this event.
David chose a gold trike as his favourite and, with help, he was able to sit on it - his wide grin said it all.
It was truly humbling to be a part of his "dream".
Thank you for all the hard work of the staff at the Nursing Home, making things such as this happen.
Also a special thank you to the "cake baker" - what a great selection of delicious cakes and pastries.
Wells Classic Motorcycle Club - Hare & Tortoise Run - Sunday 2 June 2019
Just four of us this year gathered on Saturday evening to "camp out" in readiness for the run on Sunday morning.
We started the day with a hearty breakfast at the Football Club House - excellent as always.
Sadly, the glorious weather from Saturday did not continue through to Sunday - by 10am the rain was quite hard and as we traveled it got much worse. A lot of very wet riders arrived for tea/coffee and biscuits.
A little glimmer of sunshine gave us all hope but good weather eluded us until much later in the afternoon.
The morning route was splendid, probably the best ever.
A little icing on the cake was, despite being few in numbers from Taunton Club, we managed to hold onto the
"Best Represented Club" Trophy.
Thank you to Chris and Joan Weeks and all the Wells Club members for working so hard to provide a great day.
Looking forward to next year.
Just four of us this year gathered on Saturday evening to "camp out" in readiness for the run on Sunday morning.
We started the day with a hearty breakfast at the Football Club House - excellent as always.
Sadly, the glorious weather from Saturday did not continue through to Sunday - by 10am the rain was quite hard and as we traveled it got much worse. A lot of very wet riders arrived for tea/coffee and biscuits.
A little glimmer of sunshine gave us all hope but good weather eluded us until much later in the afternoon.
The morning route was splendid, probably the best ever.
A little icing on the cake was, despite being few in numbers from Taunton Club, we managed to hold onto the
"Best Represented Club" Trophy.
Thank you to Chris and Joan Weeks and all the Wells Club members for working so hard to provide a great day.
Looking forward to next year.
Abbey Hill Steam Rally - May 2019
Several of our Club Members displayed bikes at the Abbey Hill Steam Rally this year.
A great time had by all - the weather was good - a bit chilly for the time of year, but most importantly , no rain.
Several of our Club Members displayed bikes at the Abbey Hill Steam Rally this year.
A great time had by all - the weather was good - a bit chilly for the time of year, but most importantly , no rain.
Good Friday Run - 19th April 2019
Last year's route was repeated for 2019.
The awful weather meant that the planned ride was never completed on Good Friday 2018.
What a difference this year.
The sun was shining by 10am when about 45 motorcycles set off from the car park of The Ruishton Inn.
Malcolm Green led us through Kingston St Mary and on to the Quantocks, dropping down into Wembdon and onwards to Chilton Trinity Village Hall for tea/coffee and hot cross buns (with jam!)
The return ride was equally impressive.
Through Enmore and alongside two reservoirs - Hawkridge and Durleigh.
Many smiling faces returned to The Ruishton Inn.
The Raffle raised £185 for the Club Charities, in addition,
£80 was donated to the Club Charities from the sale of tea, coffee & hot cross buns
Thank you very much to:-
Malcolm and Richard for organising the route and the refreshments.
Caroline for serving bacon butties prior to the run
The ladies at The Village hall for the refreshments
AND MOST OF ALL
To all those who came along and supported us.
Without you there would be no point in organising these occasions.
Commiserations to Rob who had a problem with the forks on his
very good looking Greeves and could not come with us.
Last year's route was repeated for 2019.
The awful weather meant that the planned ride was never completed on Good Friday 2018.
What a difference this year.
The sun was shining by 10am when about 45 motorcycles set off from the car park of The Ruishton Inn.
Malcolm Green led us through Kingston St Mary and on to the Quantocks, dropping down into Wembdon and onwards to Chilton Trinity Village Hall for tea/coffee and hot cross buns (with jam!)
The return ride was equally impressive.
Through Enmore and alongside two reservoirs - Hawkridge and Durleigh.
Many smiling faces returned to The Ruishton Inn.
The Raffle raised £185 for the Club Charities, in addition,
£80 was donated to the Club Charities from the sale of tea, coffee & hot cross buns
Thank you very much to:-
Malcolm and Richard for organising the route and the refreshments.
Caroline for serving bacon butties prior to the run
The ladies at The Village hall for the refreshments
AND MOST OF ALL
To all those who came along and supported us.
Without you there would be no point in organising these occasions.
Commiserations to Rob who had a problem with the forks on his
very good looking Greeves and could not come with us.
Carol Nash Bristol Classic Bike Show 2019
Another great weekend had by all - the weather was stunning - no cold feet,hands or noses this year.
Our Club Stand was smaller than we would have liked, however,
we had some interesting bikes on show and they received a lot of attention from the passers by.
Well done to Andy Webb, whose Ducati Darmah was awarded the 3rd best Continental bike in show.
Well done, also to Wells Club for getting a first for their club stand - there was so much attention to detail and a huge amount of work in building and then dismantling the structure.
All in all, yet another great weekend.
Thank you to all who made it possible.
Another great weekend had by all - the weather was stunning - no cold feet,hands or noses this year.
Our Club Stand was smaller than we would have liked, however,
we had some interesting bikes on show and they received a lot of attention from the passers by.
Well done to Andy Webb, whose Ducati Darmah was awarded the 3rd best Continental bike in show.
Well done, also to Wells Club for getting a first for their club stand - there was so much attention to detail and a huge amount of work in building and then dismantling the structure.
All in all, yet another great weekend.
Thank you to all who made it possible.
Vintage Vehicle Meet - New Years Day 2019
After what seems like months of rain everyday, the sun shone for us on New Years Day this year.
What a difference to the past two years - the lovely weather brought a great turn out of all vehicles and the motorcycles spilled over, way out of the usual parking area.
All ages and types of bikes just kept coming, riders were able to socialise in the morning sun - exchanging New Year Greetings and discussing the bikes on display.
People stayed for much longer than in previous years - not finding themselves frozen to the spot or soaking wet, but enjoying the warmth of this sunshine.
What a great start to 2019.
Roll on the summer!
After what seems like months of rain everyday, the sun shone for us on New Years Day this year.
What a difference to the past two years - the lovely weather brought a great turn out of all vehicles and the motorcycles spilled over, way out of the usual parking area.
All ages and types of bikes just kept coming, riders were able to socialise in the morning sun - exchanging New Year Greetings and discussing the bikes on display.
People stayed for much longer than in previous years - not finding themselves frozen to the spot or soaking wet, but enjoying the warmth of this sunshine.
What a great start to 2019.
Roll on the summer!
THE FREEWHEELERS
At our meeting on 31 March 2016 Mark Green joined us to chat about The Freewheelers and the role of a volunteer.
The Freewheelers is one of our chosen charities so it is good to know how our donation is used.
For a report on the presentation please click HERE
At our meeting on 31 March 2016 Mark Green joined us to chat about The Freewheelers and the role of a volunteer.
The Freewheelers is one of our chosen charities so it is good to know how our donation is used.
For a report on the presentation please click HERE
Reduced MOT rates for Club Members plus discounts.
Brumers Bikes of Wellington (LINK) are offering all club members a reduced
MOT rate of just £25.00 and 10% discount off all clothing and accessories.
This is dependant on the production of a valid Club Membership Card
Brumers Bikes of Wellington (LINK) are offering all club members a reduced
MOT rate of just £25.00 and 10% discount off all clothing and accessories.
This is dependant on the production of a valid Club Membership Card
Our Club Forum is no longer current, however, you will find articles,
photographs etc of events that took place prior to the existence of this website and a club Facebook page.
photographs etc of events that took place prior to the existence of this website and a club Facebook page.
