Saturday December 13th 2025
Today, twenty seven club members enjoyed a fab festive buffet, provided by Henleys of Tumble. Thanks to Jo for organising and collecting, ably helped by Richard or Tricky as Jo calls him but the rest of us don't know him that well... Christmas music was provided by Andy J's phone when connected to the ancient hifi separates that Phil Mc likes to keep in his car for just such an occasion.
The morning had been spent by Andy S and Dennis giving the painting corner a Big Winter Clean in readiness for the onslaught of Honda NS125R panels that will need priming and painting in the New Year.
Elsewhere in the session, Heinz got to grips with the new spring compressors to put the Armstrong 500 shock absorbers back together after their recent overhaul. Chris, Chips and a first time visitor were shown by Phil H how to do a full brake service and chain maintenance on Chris's Kawasaki ER650.
Finally, after listening to Phil Mc flap his gums for a few minutes, as is his wont on such an occasion, the starving hordes were unleashed on the food laid out banquet style in the kitchen. After everyone had feasted until their eyes glazed in a food coma, some members couldn't resist the lure of oily hands, so drifted back to the bikes. Dave W and John R went back to looking at the current jigsaw puzzle known as the TX500 engine, trying to figure which parts go where, and why there aren't any straight bits!
Meanwhile, work carried on with the ER650 which will be off the bench next session, ready for Chris to ride home after it's comprehensive service and general fettling. The members who wanted to keep their hands clean and have a post prandial kip on the sofa, were able to listen to the Pogues for the third time in about two hours, as the Christmas playlist seemed to be quite short.
After clearing the debris the leftover buffet was donated to a birthday party being held at another local bike club this evening, and which some of our members are attending. The party never stops for some of them. The rest of us went home for a well-earned rest.
All-in-all a great day was had by all.
We have two more sessions in 2025, on December 20th and 27th.
Happy Christmas to you all and if you didn't manage to get to a session this year, put it on your New Years resolutions list as a goal for 2026, it would be great to see you!
The morning had been spent by Andy S and Dennis giving the painting corner a Big Winter Clean in readiness for the onslaught of Honda NS125R panels that will need priming and painting in the New Year.
Elsewhere in the session, Heinz got to grips with the new spring compressors to put the Armstrong 500 shock absorbers back together after their recent overhaul. Chris, Chips and a first time visitor were shown by Phil H how to do a full brake service and chain maintenance on Chris's Kawasaki ER650.
Finally, after listening to Phil Mc flap his gums for a few minutes, as is his wont on such an occasion, the starving hordes were unleashed on the food laid out banquet style in the kitchen. After everyone had feasted until their eyes glazed in a food coma, some members couldn't resist the lure of oily hands, so drifted back to the bikes. Dave W and John R went back to looking at the current jigsaw puzzle known as the TX500 engine, trying to figure which parts go where, and why there aren't any straight bits!
Meanwhile, work carried on with the ER650 which will be off the bench next session, ready for Chris to ride home after it's comprehensive service and general fettling. The members who wanted to keep their hands clean and have a post prandial kip on the sofa, were able to listen to the Pogues for the third time in about two hours, as the Christmas playlist seemed to be quite short.
After clearing the debris the leftover buffet was donated to a birthday party being held at another local bike club this evening, and which some of our members are attending. The party never stops for some of them. The rest of us went home for a well-earned rest.
All-in-all a great day was had by all.
We have two more sessions in 2025, on December 20th and 27th.
Happy Christmas to you all and if you didn't manage to get to a session this year, put it on your New Years resolutions list as a goal for 2026, it would be great to see you!