TRFGroups OXFORD Club Night: Third Thursday of every month Start Time: 7.30pm for 8.00pm Location: The Original Swan, Oxford Road, Cowley, OX4 2LF Website: www.oxfordtrf.org.uk THe OXFORD GROUP has changed quite dramatically over the last couple of years. Many former members described the group as “cliquey”, and felt that insufficient ride-outs were offered for new members and that the monthly meetings were drab affairs spent “bitching” about any change or new idea proposed by the TRF Directors. With the influx of some enthusiastic new members and some initiatives created by the more established members, things have really turned around and we have seen many improvements in communication, cooperation and camaraderie throughout 2018. As we approach the end of 2018, with a refreshing change of attitude now adopted by the majority of the members, we are looking forward to enjoying some good times with OXTRF in 2019. Monthly Meetings We have the use of a good-sized room (with its own bar!), which has an excellent sound and projector system. The decor of the pub is not plush, so it’s perfect for tyre-changing demos – recently we were allowed to take a bike into the meetings room for a suspension-tuning session! Non-members are always made very welcome but should check our website for the dates of meetings. Communication Communication has improved significantly in the last year. Members are able to post ride-out information via a closed Facebook site (https://www.facebook.com/groups/88649085480 5858), to which we allow access to all TRF members and trusted “friends of TRF” such as local motorcycle dealers. We use MailChimp for sending out “sensitive” information and Monthly Member Updates plus ROR news to TRF members who have selected Oxford as one of their groups. We also have our own website. Improved Rides In 2017 we realised we needed to improve our rides schedule, in terms of both number and variety. Fortunately Charles Lovell stepped forward and took on the role of Rides Coordinator. Charles formalised a rota of rides by identifying who within the group might be leaders and who needed to be led, as well as establishing what sort
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of “challenge” was required – particularly by the newer members. As we approach the end of 2018 our members, at all levels of ability, have an excellent choice of rides varying from scenic/beginners rides (almost one every weekend) to bike- and body- breaking rides in such places as Monmouth. Throughout 2018 we have had several members coming forward prepared to lead rides, none more so than Andy Smith. We are pleased that Andy will be taking the role of Rides Coordinator next year. Where We Ride Our local rides usually start from a lay-by in Grove, near Wantage, Oxford. There are few challenging green lanes in Oxfordshire, so we quickly move off into neighbouring counties such as Berkshire and Wiltshire. Our experienced riders regularly load their bikes onto vans or trailers and don’t have to travel very far to ride some splendid lanes before returning home the same day. Over recent years we have arranged several thoroughly enjoyable weekends away to such places as Wales, Devon and the Isle of Man. Our overseas trips are also becoming OXTRF fixtures and have included such locations as France, Portugal and Morocco. The most challenging trip for some of our members this year was “Ride 4 Change” held in South Africa. Strengthening the ROR Team We are very lucky to have two Senior Rights of Road Officers, Chris Hurworth and Chris Blomfield, who between them have many, many years of experience. Their efforts have been boosted recently by the addition to the team of Nick Berry and Ilse Lambert. During 2018 Ilse really got to grips with some tricky ROR issues and worked very closely with Technical Director John Vannuffel and neighbouring groups with whom we share the same lanes and associated issues. Events and Shows Another great asset to our group is Manuella Beis. ela has been the main driving force behind many enjoyable “special” events over recent years but this year we far exceeded anything we have done before, particularly in helping to man TRF stands and organising ride-outs at such events as Adventure Bike Rider (ABR) Festival, Countryfile Live, The Brackley Festival of Motorcycling, The Overland event and Motorcycle Live at the NeC.