The Honda Owners Club

But I won so it did not matter

It was a nice day as well.

Dibble wrote:But I won so it did not matter

It was a nice day as well.

very true

Final say from me on multiple subject!

..........Wear the right equipment for the bike or 'take the consequences'!..we are all grown up here and hope not stupid! you can 'roll the dice' a few times but ultimately you loose! its the way of the world!

..Drop off!...Dibble has set it as it is. If you follow the procedure, it works and no one gets lost/hurt!

...As a miltary man, if the route crosses diffucult or complicated road systems (plan not to!) then these should certainly be briefed before the start as I agree that inexperienced riders could be in jeopardy at such times, Apart from that, What the hell else are we going to do to get 100+ bikes round a 100+mle route!?..... and I agree with Barry (again!) that ultimately, you ride defensively as an individual rider at all times and be responsible for your own wellbeing! (within a group!) so from where Im sitting, its pretty basic and theres no science, just common sense!....I'll shut up now on this one!

Shockingly I have never attended a club meet, I did make it into the tent at BMF last time I was there, but failed to identify myself despite twisting a friends arm to join.

I am not good arouind groups of people I don;'t know and find the idea of walking into a pub where I don't know anyone intimidating.

I only ever ride in a group with friends, down to Bullgdog last year I was back marker, I did exactly what Barry hates when we were on the motorway sections, as the group reached an overtake I pulled out into the lane leaving it clear for the group in front of me who could then pull out and get a shuffle on past the traffic.

It felt a lot safer than each member attempting the overtake without a rear block. I had the smallest bike on that ride but even so I was hitting and during overtakes exceeding the speed limit without any stress. We made it all the way to the event without any worries or losing anyone, despite one of the riders having a brand new licence with a slightly unrelaible bike and the bhp discrepancy between the 'Blade and my Clubman.

Kal wrote:Shockingly I have never attended a club meet, I did make it into the tent at BMF last time I was there, but failed to identify myself despite twisting a friends arm to join.

I am not good arouind groups of people I don;'t know and find the idea of walking into a pub where I don't know anyone intimidating.

Hi Kal

It can be very intimidating walking into a pub where you don't know anyone... perhaps you could, next time you go to an event, just say hello to someone who is on the national committe (our photos are on the website under 'About the club' under 'Contacts') and they will then be a familiar face at future national events and are bound to know others who may be in your locality... it has a kind of ripple effect.

Alternatively, come to a meet with one of your mates, you don't have to be a member to come along to a pub and you would both be made most welcome.

There's loads going on in the coming weeks not too far from you - Gaydon, Northants Charity do to name but 2... Birmingham camping weekend... pop along and say hello sometime.

If you really feel that shy, why not come along to the AGM. There, you will be surrounded by about 100 strange people - but more importantly, you will see who the committee members really are. Introduce yourself to one of them (all nice people) and they will help you get acquanted with your local branch members.

Alan

well, i am a newbie , and i'm finding it very difficult finding a club to join, i've asked a few people but got no response, i'm nearly about to give up, and just carry on riding on my own.

I agree that i would be nervouse in meeting new people in the club, but wasn't everybody when they first started out?

if ever i did get to join a club, i would hope that they would make me feel welcomed, because yes ,, i'm sure i wouldn't go again.

Beverley

stars wrote:well, i am a newbie , and i'm finding it very difficult finding a club to join, i've asked a few people but got no response, i'm nearly about to give up, and just carry on riding on my own.

I agree that i would be nervouse in meeting new people in the club, but wasn't everybody when they first started out?

if ever i did get to join a club, i would hope that they would make me feel welcomed, because yes ,, i'm sure i wouldn't go again.

Beverley

Hi Beverley

Hopefully you got my reply that I sent earlier?

You must be fairly close to the Oxford Branch which has a rally coming up soon from the 8th to the 10th of August. I'm sure Erica, the Branch Secretary (a very shy reserved person herself ) will be along soon to welcome you. If you could pop along to the rally even for just one day it would be a good start, I'm sure you would be made most welcome.

Regards

Chimpy

Newbies welcome with open arms, infact anyone with the sightest interest in any motorcycle will be made welcome.
Runs are organised which go as fast as the slowest rider, and we run with everything from niffty 50's to 2.5 Triumphs. Modeds to trail to sport to tourer, and everything in-between.

http://groups.msn.com/UKMotorcycleTourClub/welcome.msnw

Oldies too

Cheers

TJ

stars wrote:well, i am a newbie , and i'm finding it very difficult finding a club to join, i've asked a few people but got no response, i'm nearly about to give up, and just carry on riding on my own.

I agree that i would be nervouse in meeting new people in the club, but wasn't everybody when they first started out?

if ever i did get to join a club, i would hope that they would make me feel welcomed, because yes ,, i'm sure i wouldn't go again.

Beverley

Hi Beverley

I think one of the difficulties is that sometimes we can get a tad impatient about things and want things instantly (I know I certainly do! ) and so, when we don't have a response or reaction or whatever within a couple of days we can feel miffed and take our bat home and give up. ('t is human nature... )

I think these things take time - joining a bike club is one of the best things (I believe) you can do and it's well worth persevering 'til you find the one that suits. The key is finding the right one for you and your needs... once you find it well, my goodness, you will be set for life!

You're spot on about what happens if made to feel unwelcome -it's like bad service in a shop isn't it? You never take your custom there again!

I know that whatever branch of the HOC you go to they are sure to make you feel very welcome indeed.

UKMCTC wrote:Newbies welcome with open arms, infact anyone with the sightest interest in any motorcycle will be made welcome.
Runs are organised which go as fast as the slowest rider, and we run with everything from niffty 50's to 2.5 Triumphs. Modeds to trail to sport to tourer, and everything in-between.

http://groups.msn.com/UKMotorcycleTourClub/welcome.msnw

Oldies too

Cheers

TJ

Excellent - thanks for that TJ - I checked out your website and whilst there's nothing in my neck of the woods unfortunately, there is a meet in Buckingham each week which could help Beverely's situation if she feels that Oxford or Northants are a touch too far... (I dunno - I am so very geographically challenged!!!)

Buckingham Every Thursday 1930hrs @ Folly Inn, A413 between Buckingham & Winslow Bucks

The Wolfman wrote:Everyone has to be a newbie at some time, no newbies = no members.

As the membership numbers are at best static, does that mean the greater number of newbies we get in the front door, the greater the number of more experienced members leave by the back door?

Hi Beverley and welcome to the HOC and the Forum!
..I can assure you and anyone else that is reading this thread (new members) that wherever you turn up at a HOC club or event, you will DEFFINATELY be made welcome. Ive not met one single member who I would not allow to buy me a beer! They are all great people!
..Just go along to any event and if you prove me wrong!..I will buy you beers!! (that would be a first!)

Also consider the National in Sep as it is the big event when you will meet a huge number of members and have an absolute 'Hoot' along the way! I really mean that! I cant wait either!!

Chris'TR' wrote:Hi Beverley and welcome to the HOC and the Forum!
..I can assure you and anyone else that is reading this thread (new members) that wherever you turn up at a HOC club or event, you will DEFFINATELY be made welcome. Ive not met one single member who I would not allow to buy me a beer! They are all great people!
..Just go along to any event and if you prove me wrong!..I will buy you beers!! (that would be a first!)

Also consider the National in Sep as it is the big event when you will meet a huge number of members and have an absolute 'Hoot' along the way! I really mean that! I cant wait either!!

Totally agree with his nibs,,. (except I wouldn't hold yer breath for a free beer from him! )