Rallies

Jean-Francois Helias recorded his MC Dragons' second winter rally, the Neiges 1972, that was probably the crowning achievement for his club and its enthusiastic young members under the inspiring leadership of Kiki Blanchot.

Francois' introductory report of the 1970 Chamois drew compliments from his French compatriot, Michel Baubet

The full report of the actual event was added, with photos from Francois and Gilles Gaudechoux. The rally drew an international crowd of 8,000, forming a vast brotherhood of riders.

We caught up with a few more badges from Francois by adding 24 W Rally Badges. From Wad to Wyvern, there are now 512 badges for 185 rallies on that page alone. How many are on your jacket?

Hans Veenendaal made a swift update to his Rally Listing before taking a short break. Hans will be back at the grindstone soon. In the meantime, there are 140 rallies in the next couple of weeks, so don't let the cold rain put a damper on the partying.

Speed 6

John Ellis continued his search for speed in the sixth chapter of his motorcycling adventures.

After doing the ton on the pillion of a Velocette Venom, John decided that 90mph is a safer speed.

Club Badges

When adding another 47 Club Badges from Francois to our page, I began to think there must be as many clubs as there are motorcyclists.

The answer, of course, is that you belonged to more than one club at one time or another. So, now tell me what clubs you belonged to.
Show me yours and I'll show you mine.

Real Club Night

Next nomadic club night is on Tuesday, 16 June at the Waterside Inn, Mountsorrel. Embers visited there in March, and can recommend it.

Virtual Club Night

Next Virtual Club Night is on Wednesday, 17 June. Some regulars are swanning off on jolly hols. This is your chance to dive in and take over. Just poke the button below, or the one that slides out on our website shortly before 8pm on Wednesday. It couldn't be easier.

Embers

Our first two rides in June were postponed until the following Fridays due to awful weather. Typical English summer. Reports of our dryer cycling are on the June page.

So, it's fingers crossed that we get a good day on Thursday, 18 June because we will be starting from Mercia Marina with high hopes.

Then, on Thursday, 25 June, we are travelling to Kenilworth to revisit roads that we only ride once each year. If the rain keeps off until then, we may set off across fields from the castle.

A German, an Italian, a Frenchman, and a Brit are debating philosophy.

The question arises: what separates man from the animals?

"Technology," says the German. "Other creatures have tools, yet none can match the heights of engineering we have accomplished. It is our industry that separates us from the beasts."

"I disagree," announces the Italian. "It is our food. The creatures of the wild eat, but they do not cook. Humans on the other hand, create amazing dishes and new combinations that make eating a most enjoyable experience."

"I say it's art," claims the Frenchman. "No other being can create art. From our earliest days we have painted, and now we sculpt, write and compose as well. The wild animals cannot ever know what it is like to experience deep emotion when viewing a beautiful piece of art."

The Brit sits quietly sipping his tea. After several minutes the annoyed Frenchman says, "Well, what about you, rosbif? What do you think separates man from the animals?"

And the Brit says, "The English Channel."