Hello everybody
Almost midyear already and another month of activities gone by.
Today, thirteen Gold Wings paraded at the East Rand Motor Show. There was much interest from the public, many questions asked, and a number of people enquired about bikes and trikes for sale.
During our run in May, Henry proved that a trike can keep up with the 2-wheelers in the twisties at the Red Star Raceway. Thanks to the management of Red Star who made it an extraordinary day.
On the people front, please keep Pax in your thoughts and prayers who is still in hospital and Joey who has not yet fully recovered. We were also not pleased to have seen Johnno and Frankie with bruised bodies and faces after their ordeal with the unwanted intruders. We wish you all a speedy recovery and hope to see you all active again soon.
Unfortunately, Tronelle has resigned as treasurer of the Central Chapter. This was a personal decision and we respect that. I have asked Johan van Coller to step into the position and he kindly accepted. We say thank you to Tronelle for her input and efforts during her time as treasurer. In advance to Johan vC as the new treasurer, thank you for helping us out until the AGM at the end of the year.
For the June run, we plan to go to Stonehenge in Africa for lunch. It is on the other side of Parys (yes, Parys with a Y). Details are to be posted later and the date is Sunday, 24 June 2018. We also wanted to let Lesley have her bucket list item ticked by arranging for a zipline adventure that is close by, but unfortunately it is a gravel road to the zipline venue. We will have to find another venue and opportunity for that, Lesley!
On 1 July 2018, the annual 1000 Bike Show will take place and we will probably attend again to put our Wings on display for the pleasure of the public (and ourselves).
Our run on 22 July will be in the direction of Warmbaths where Dias arranged a venue for us. We will be sure to return in good time to miss the Sunday afternoon traffic on the N1.
In August, Cars in the Park takes place on the 5th of August and our fundraising event at Honda Menlyn on Saturday, 11 August. Mike van Tonder will help us to get the braai equipment to the venue. We need more ideas on what else to sell on the day.
AND … our mystery run on the 25th and 26th of August. The good news is: all the arrangements have been made and we are ready to go! Snippets of some details will be posted by Barbara soon. The bad news is … space is limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please let Barbara know as soon as possible in order to secure your accommodation. One advantage of me writing this letter, I can be the first to book. Barbara, Jaap and Suzette is IN.
Saturday, September the 15th (and 16th for those who want to stay over), is the picnic at Loskop Dam.
October – Monday to Friday (15th to 19th) the Wing Fling takes place in Caledon. Payments can be made to Melanie (Wing Fling account) and instalment payments are also acceptable. Central Chapter is responsible to provide the entertainment on the Monday night and I am seeing a number of ideas floating around already. If you have a special talent, we look forward to hearing from you!
On 11 November, we will assist the Midvaal Local Municipality with on-road roving marshalling for their flagship cycle race, the Midvaal 100, with the 2-wheelers and trikes having specific roles. Details to follow.
On 17 and 18 November, we will have our AGM weekend away in Rustenburg.
Although we have a packed official programme, please feel free to add or propose any unofficial event/run to be added to the programme, if it would be of interest to a number of people. Today’s event was a practical example of a quick get-together that turned out to be well attended. There is nothing wrong with taking initiative, working out the detail and announcing it on our Central Official WhatsApp group. It does not always have to come from the “committee”. This is OUR club.
I wish you all a warm winter hibernation and see you on the 24th. Be safe.
Jaap
Follow-up on 11 June 2018:
Hello everybody
This is a mid-month quick update on what is happening.
• Details of the run on 24 June will be posted this coming weekend. It will be to Stonehenge in Africa. It is about 10 km outside Parys. It will be for lunch and a buffet is on the menu. We should have potential new members with their new 2018s joining us.
• Dirk Els and I paid a visit to Honda Menlyn for our function on 11 August. It is huge for them. Even Honda Head Office is getting in on the action. Please save the date and let us make sure we show them how it is done. Please advertise the event! We need feet for the day in order to fill the kitty.
• Central Chapter has been invited to Honda East Rand for a test ride on the new Gold Wing. Please see the attached invitation. This is not an official event and there will be no organisation from Central Chapter’s side. You are free to contact the organisers and book your test ride. (I booked mine already.)
• Picnic at Loskop Dam on Saturday, 15 September: We initially proposed to make this a stay-over on Saturday night, for those interested. Unfortunately, Loskop Dam requires a minimum of two nights stay. The proposal now is that we still do the run on Saturday, everyone together, and have the picnic as planned. Plan B is then, on a first come first serve basis, to book with Hendrik and Maria for Saturday evening in Groblersdal. I understand Hendrik is currently practicing how to make a mean American breakfast.
See you all on the 24th.
Safe riding!
Jaap
