March Hare Run

Sunday 8th March 2026

A misty and potentially miserable March morning greeted the 19 riders and 2 passengers as they rose from their slumbers on Sunday morning.

On arrival at the Three Compasses’ carpark, Charminster, the miserable part departed with the warm greeting we gave each other. Smiles were in abundance. We looked forward to the route Carol had prepared for us. Sadly the mist remained but did not dampen our spirits.

We rode 15 miles to Round Chimneys Farm cafe, Sherborne. (https://www.roundchimneysfarm.co.uk/)

Apart from the usual country lane hazards of mud, & shale laid across the road we encountered what I think was a sack of carrots!

The route progressed through Piddlehinton and Piddletrenthide in the River Piddle valley. Piddle is Old English for marsh or fen. The River Piddle flows to Wareham; marsh/fen can be seen along much of its length.
Piddletrenthide is described in the Doomsday Book as an estate on the River Piddle assessed as thirty hides. ‘Trente’ comes from the French for thirty, and ‘hide’ from Old English meaning a hide of land.

We skirted round Buckland Newton.

Hot beverages were consumed; cold fingers warmed by clutching hot mugs and cups.

Small talk was made – much of it involved reminiscing about our teenage (mis)adventures – a continuation of discussions last Thursday evening at the Open Mic night.

We progressed to our lunch stop at The View Coffee Shop, Milton Abbas via the outskirts of Sturminster Newton and Ansty. Ansty was the original site of the Hall & Woodhouse brewery from 1777. The founder, Charles Hall, observed how thirsty farm workers were!

The staff coped amazingly well with the influx of riders at The View Coffee Shop https://www.theviewcoffeeshopma.com/). Those riders that arrived first were accommodated in the outside dining area. Usually they would be rewarded with fabulous views across Dorset. Remember the mist mentioned above? Well it persisted and thickened 🙁 See the attached photographs. A disappointing monochromatic view

The return to the Three Compasses was brisk via Winterborne Whitechurch, Milborne St. Andrew, and, skirting around Puddletown and Dorchester. It was wonderful to be able to open up the bike along mostly A-roads, and, not worry about mud, shale, approaching tractors or sacks of carrots on the narrower roads.

Thank you Carol for organising the route.

A little request: could you organise the weather too, please?

Mike Davis

Colin’s Open Mic Night 26.02.2026

My favourite/worst bike I have owned.

Open Microphone Social Night Organised by Colin

An exceptionally well attended Thursday evening meeting in the Three Compasses, Charminster- well, who could resist not waxing lyrical about their favourite and/or worst bike, and the regrets many of us have had in sending a bike on to its next chapter of existence?

57 bikes covering 20 different marques were either cherished or hated. The vast majority were cherished memories; most involved friends and/or partners.

As can be seen Triumph were the most popular marque. An interesting mix of European and Far East machines were discussed.

The organiser of the evening, Colin, kicked off with his comments about the BMWs he has owned and the trips into Europe.

He was especially complimentary on an annual BMW meeting in Alicante observing the Spanish riders know the best roads, have friendly Police who escort them, and the best restaurants to stop at.

As seen below ,we were all issued a programme informing us when it was our time to take the floor. Now heavily redacted, GPDR and all that. Looks like a page from the, oops cant mention those files.

We then heard praise for Laverdas and on the rarity of spares for these machines.

Another member extolled his time at Police Training College in Swaffham when he owned a Suzuki x5 200cc machine – a tale of a noisy machine in the college’s underground carpark, time trials at Mousehole Hill and annoying prostitutes plying their wares with the noise of his and fellow trainees’ motorcycles.

Others recalled rebuilding machines with their fathers, of parents forbidding the purchase and use of a motor bike (and so a Royal Enfield, and, a BSA B40, stored, initially, in a friend’s garage), of the sadness of their machine being stolen, and hints and tips about Triumph 2/1 to ensure the exhaust valve is greased and the dire consequences of not doing so. One member commented he had had seven (7) bikes in a 12-month period. Some poor choices me thinks.

Marque

A common theme appears to have been wanting a particular machine at all costs, e.g., a Honda CBX which cost the family’s monthly budget. A resilient marriage as they were both present tonight.

An amazing number of our members claim to have speed tested their past/present favourite machines on the German Autobahns. I’m sure a few noses grew longer…. to be honest if they had tested their bikes on the original 1930s autobahns around Berlin (I drove a car from Warsaw to London on them a few years ago) they underestimated their speed on the rough concrete slab roads! They could have gone much faster. I think some porkies may have been told!

Biggest regret of the night?

Rod selling a Brough Superior. His description of the quietness of the machine from the rider’s perspective, of being able to hear motorcycles fore and aft changing gear, and the underlying sadness of selling the machine. A few damp eyes around the function room.

This highlights the relationship each of us has with our motorcycles. They may not be a top of the range, super machine, with performance you do not need on the UK’s roads (let alone being able to use such performance); instead, they have potentially annoying idiosyncrasies which perversely bring back happy memories that make us smile. In other words, they are our personal mental health therapist. They help us face up to and cope with life’s stresses and strains, as well as the social aspect of meeting together and sharing our experiences.

In addition, I have recently been told that using our machines brings a smile to stranger’s faces as they recall their previous experiences with such machines.

Some people admitted they were not mechanically minded but enjoyed owning and riding their motorcycles; others enjoyed the challenge of renovating and bringing back to life neglected motorcycles. Something to keep each of us interested in owning wonderful mechanical marvels.

Words, mostly by Mike Davis

Perseverence that knows no bounds.

Coffee morning, The Pig Shed, DT2 8NP, 11/02/2026
Does the resilience, fortitude, and perseverence of South Dorset VMCC know no bounds? To consume Verity’s wonderful beverages and snacks members went through hell….. well, maybe not hell, but certainly high water.

Some of us, apparently, required the assistance of the RNLI toget through to the Pig Shed too!
As per usual attendees were well catered for which contributes to the chatter, laughter, and general noise of members enjoying each other’s company. Small groups formed across the cafe. A good morning was had by all…. Including me who went paddling with my biketo get there (btw I can attest the water resistant qualities of my motorcycle boots).

See you at the next meeting Saturday Morning Breakfast, The Three Compasses, Charminster,
9:00 for 9:30am
https://southdorsetvmcc.uk/wp/events/
Mike Davis

The Land of the Long White Cloud

A talk by Simon Barker 22nd January 2026

Twenty-two SDVMCC members crowded into the back room of the Three Compasses for Simon’s talk about his travels to and through New Zealand. Although the talk was due to start at 7:30pm most members remained in the bar until the very last moment – the back room is noted for it ‘micro-climate’!

Simon began by giving us some background information on New Zealand. It has a population of under 6 million (https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/new-zealand) with the vast majority of the population living in the North Island. The North and South Islands have an area equivalent to the UK whose population is close to 70 million (https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/ United Kingdom). Hence the remoteness of many parts of New Zealand.

His tour began on the east coast of the North Island in the Hawkes Bay region in a town called Napier. Napier has a number of attributes that attract businesses and tourists. It is a major port exporting local goods such as wool, apples, pears, stone fruit, and wine (there are a number of well-established vineyards producing high quality wines locally) Napier is also noted for its Art Deco architecture. Napier was destroyed by a major earthquake in the Hawkes Bay region in 1931. It was rebuilt in the architectural style of the period and remains to this day. It has been referred to as the “Nice of the Pacific”. Like me Simon has an appreciation of Art Deco style.

The tour continued south across the Cook Straits to the South Island. He visited the Classic Motorcycle Museum at Nelson prior to its closure. He told us a bit about a New Zealand engineering icon, John Britten, and his development of a series of racing motorcycles, the Britten V1000, build and developed in the 1990s. John Britten caught the world of motorcycling’s attention with a series of performances. For instance, on the 3rd December 1993 a Britten V1000 set the World Flying Mile Record at 188.082mph. A record held to this day. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britten_V1000 The museum and its stock of motorcycles was almost lost to the world when it closed. It was bought at the last moment by an entrepreneur and transported to the south of the island at the last moment. It is now installed in Invercargill – the website makes it a very attractive prospect to visit. (https://www.motorcyclemecca.nz/)

Simon’s journey continued south on a rented BMW RT1200 which he found a reliable and comfortable steed. He followed the road through Arthur’s Pass, a deep valley with steep sides which identifies the edges Australian and Pacific tectonic plates. This road was initially opened up by the Otago Region gold rush between 1861 and 1864. Then it was just a dirt track. From Simon’s description I got the feeling it is only slightly better – river bed cemented together to form a ‘flat’ surface. To be honest it did not sound particularly comfortable, but the great thing about the RT1200 it soaks up these bumps to provide a smooth ride. Still would not like to come off on such a surface though.

The end of the road was at Fjord Land – an excellent description of the geography of the area, Apparently tour boats go out on the fjord and play music directed at the water – it attracts Hector’s Dolphins (named after the New Zealand scientist and explorer James Hector 1834-1907), an endangered species of dolphin due to bycatch in gill nets and trawls, disease and genetic issues. They favour shallow waters. Marine protection areas have been established in an attempt to preserve the species.

New Zealanders have a reputation for enjoying outdoor lifestyles, and this means not only eating from a barbecue regularly. Simon visited Queens Town, an epicentre for outdoor sports. A great place if you are interested in skiing (water and snow), jet boarding, bungy jumping, mountain biking, paragliding, etc. All sports I know the readers of this article and SDVMCC members relish to participate in.

Finally, Simon showed a video of riding through Arthur’s Pass and further afield. I must confess looking at the shadow of the bike, rider and passenger, I did wonder if Teletubbies’s Dipsy was in the driving seat? See attached photographs. Many thanks to Simon for the talk and for clarifying some points for me.

Mike Davis

The Alternative Breakfast Meet Sat 10th January 2026

I awoke and stared at the ceiling while the projector clock cheerfully informed me that my hopes of a civilised morning were misplaced. It was 0° C outside. The planned bike ride to the breakfast meet was immediately cancelled in favour of the car. With icy roads and a knee that now issues safety advisories, the vote was unanimous.

A brief journey cocooned in heated-seat luxury deposited me at the Emporium Tea Rooms (Clay Pigeon), our breakfast venue. Several members had already arrived and were seated, wearing the hopeful expressions of people who knew food was imminent but not how imminent. Slowly the place filled up.

Breakfasts appeared and disappeared in good order. Most members had arrived by car, demonstrating sound judgement. Two arrived by motorcycle — mad fools, possibly immune to cold, definitely immune to common sense!! Conversation flowed freely, plates were cleared, and Simon and Steve enjoyed their fifteen minutes of fame, courtesy of published articles on Simon’s Jota and Steve’s Ariel. Autographs were not requested, though the opportunity was there.

Second drinks were consumed — largely to avoid the outside temperature — before we eventually dispersed, retreating to our respective heated environments to recover circulation and dignity.

Mark.

Inaugural meeting of the Blue Drippy Nose section of South Dorset VMCC

Sunday 28th December 2025

On a cold, post Christmas, Sunday morning a few stalwart (foolish?) members met for an impromptu ride ( NOT AN OFFICIAL VMCC RIDEOUT) in Dorchester. After a brief discussion it was decided we should ride to Shillingstone Station; it proved to be an inspired choice for the inaugural ride of the Blue Drippy (thank you Colin for the additional adjective) Nose section of the South Dorset VMCC.

We set off and were soon on the Old Sherborne Road at a brisk pace with Steve Eddington at the helm. The tail end of the ride became stretched for a number of different reasons, but, like all good elastic the tail caught up with the head of the ride and we arrived together at Shillingstone Station – a heritage steam railway site for the North Dorset Railway (https://www.northdorsetrailway.co.uk/).

Some of us huddled round a table in the cafe next to a wood burning stove – ahh, the warming of cold finger, toes and blue drippy noses! The reason for declaring this destination as inspired. Hot beverages, tasty pasties and cake were consumed in this wonderful company of fools (stalwarts). Rod & Carol offered a second place of refuge at their humble abode which was accepted by some. Others departed to return to their families. A great day out.

Mike Davis

South Dorset VMCC Xmas Meal 2025

The Giant Inn, Cerne Abbas

The fortitude and resilience of those who attended the Xmas meal on
Thursday 18th December is to be applauded. The South Dorset VMCC
biker’s determination to get through to Cerne Abbas in torrential rain, and,
numerous flooded roads was awe inspiring. I even took the opportunity to
take Mark back to his working days on boats by getting his feet wet as flood
water rose above the door seal of my car.
Car? I thought this was a biker’s Xmas Meal meeting? Fortunately sense
prevailed and we drove there in our cars – mind you an amphibious vehicle
may well have been better suited to the weather conditions!
We received a warm welcome; Colin even gave us £5 (from club funds
donation towards our meal) for attending.
We have to compliment Colin on his organisation of the event, especially the
name cards with a list of food we had ordered (and forgotten about) months
ago. Thank you.
Conversation flowed too and forth covering a mixture of topics. Some of the
high lights were Paul’s Xmas jumper, Colin’s ‘Christmas Tree shirt, Dusty’s tie
and a hatless Steve. I think the inclement weather may have been mentioned
once or twice too. Good humour and jollity flowed in abundance….. along
with the groans when cracker ‘jokes’ were read.
It was a very relaxed afternoon supplemented with delicious food.
We went home via Piddle Lane. An appropriate name for a road – it rained all
the way home.
The next event is on 1st January – a meeting kindly hosted by Carol and
Rodd Hann. Martin has sent e-mails to members with details.
Mike Davis

The Last Coffee Morning of 2025

Wednesday morning bright and clear – a complete contrast to the persistent, heavy, rain of the previous 36 hours. Out on the bike at 9:30 to Ride to The Pig Shed for our final coffee morning and chat of 2025. A typical low winter sun made riding a little difficult at times, despite the use of a dark visor. This plus the bright reflection of sunlight off a wet road made riding a little more hazardous than usual.
On arrival at The Pig Shed a warm welcome from Verity, a roaring wood fire, and coffee & mince pies (is it nearly Christmas?). The bright, mild, weather encouraged many members to attend – a real buzz in the air as various bike centred chats took place. Then there was a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” to celebrate Waynes’s birthday.
Coffee Morning Meetings recommence on Wednesday 7th January 2026.
The next South Dorset VMCC meeting is the Saturday Breakfast, 13th December 2025, 9:30am, at the Three Compasses, Charminster. Hope to see you there. Mike Davis

Coffee Morning, The Pig Shed, Dewflock Farm 19th November 2025

There are some mornings I wonder about my sanity. It is 4°C and I am riding my Velocette to the Wednesday Morning Coffee Meeting at The Pig Shed, Dewflock Farm, DT2 8NP (https://dewflockfarm.co.uk/). Perhaps my t-shirt declaring, “I am starting to think I will never be old enough to know better”, has more truth in it than I dared to believe.

Whatever, there was a warm greeting from Verity (“Flat white?”) and a roaring woodfire to warm my interior and exterior; coupled with the intellectual stimulation of lots of other bike enthusiasts. I can think of no better way to spend a wintry, cold, November morning.

Come and experience a warm welcome from one and all. 10 – 12am every Wednesday.

Mike Davis

November 16th Run to Crafty Barn & Lakeside Kitchen

A bright, clear, morning. A sign of a change in the weather? Yep – by the end of the day I wasfeeling cold, especially my poor nose!
Arrived early at the Three Compasses; in fact too early! We made a lonely sight.
19 riders had their signatures and money extracted from them by Steve Edgington, the rideleader.
At about 10:30 we set out. The drop off system was used for our 18 mile route to our first stop,The Dorset Crafty Barn. Nobody managed to get lost. An interesting route exploring back lanesvia Chesilbourne, Ansty, Hilton, and the pictures Milton Abbas.
The thatched cottages we passed were built by Joseph Damer, Earl of Dorchester in 1780s. Damer decided to remove the existing houses in the town because they spoilt his view from his manor house. He waited till leases ran out and in the 1780s he demolished the existing cottages and replaced them with new ones further away. He also moved the almshouses. The new settlement was renamed Milton Abbas. Each cottage housed four families.
At just after midday Steve led us on the second part of our journey to The Lakeside Kitchen at Todber via Winterbourne Whitechurch, Winterbourne Strickland, and Manston. The view from Tunworth Down over Shillingstone and towards Salisbury is stunning. I had difficulty keeping my eyes on the road as North Dorset was laid out before me.
The forename Winterbourne of many villages around Dorset refers to a seasonal spring which dries up during the summer.
The return to the Three Compasses took just under an hour (33 miles) on glorious biking roads – a good mix of fast roads, and town riding.
In total 68.3 miles were travelled on the route.
Many thanks to Steve Edgington for organising the route at short notice.

Mike Davis