Tuesday 10th July 2007    TVPB WORDS JUNE.    THE best tour so far? Those who were lucky enough to spend a week in beautiful Lake Garda certainly seem to think so.
Thanks must go to Timotei and Buzza who spent a lot of time putting the package together - it doesn't just happen!
The weather, scenery, the 'can't do enough for you' hotel and its all night bar, the rides for all groups, and the fun were top notch. The only hiccup was the longish walk from the hotel to the campsite restaurant for the evening meal, but in true bash spirit we all had a laugh about it, well most of us, - especially when the tearful mum burst in to complain about our 'noise' disturbing the sleep of her 'bambinos'!
It was just like the old days with over 40 of us all together again, and will be a hard act to follow.

Also another pat on the back to Tim for the Cheddar weekend. Only off roaders turned up, but they were treated to some excellent cross country trails, and a couple of new tricky, but exhilarating down hill single tracks. And we also had good entertainment from the late night 'domestic' in a certain tent!

And a big thanks to Flossie and Blaster for their generous hospitality over the '100th birthday' weekend. Those who braved the weather to turn up for the Sunday ride, later enjoyed top nosh, including scallops and steak, and free booze, in the modest marquee on the lawn.

Now we need everybody to rally around and support the Devon Bash at Minehead over the weekend of August 17 - 19.
As usual, the entry forms are a bit tardy in coming in. But we cannot firm up the arrangements for camping, meals, a live band, rides etc, unless we have money up front, a mere £35 a head all-in, in plenty of time.
Unless we get 80 registrations by July 14, the bash will have to be cancelled, or severely curtailed. At the time of writing we only had 43, plus two children.
It's a great deal for the money, and some different and varied new territory to explore, both on and off road. And just for Fallen Woman we have laid on a special karaoke and bingo night at nearby Butlins. (But it's not compulsory!) Register soonest with Sticky Dicky, please.

And another reminder - subs of £10 per-person (How much?) were due on July 1. The two Sallys - Mustang and Aunt - will be politely approaching you all, so please be ready for cash or cheques. Probably the best value of any club in the country - two organised rides a week, free food from pubs, away weekends, insurance cover, and the companionship and banter with interesting, witty, well adjusted, intellectually stimulating, civilised, like-minded folk! Or is that the CTC?

Nobody has yet come forward with a new venue for the Christmas party, so the default venues will be either the Starcross Fishing and Cruising Club, or the Abbrook Centre at Kingsteignton. If anybody can suggest and help organise a 'do' at a location that meets all the criteria, please tell Pottsie.
Fallen Woman has already pledged to sort out 'a really, really wonderful' live band she heard recently, but she was pissed at the time!

Brownie points also to Binliner for the super TVPB 'business' cards. A great idea, and well laid out and designed.

Despite the best efforts of a few of our more bolshie bashers, new riders just keep on turning up. And a few even come back again.
Several have been allocated bash names recently, including Malcolm McHendry (Hippie); Richard Boss (Ugo); Alan Edwards (Ego), and Gary (Gary Litter)

Injuries seem to be taking their toll lately, especially among the headbangers. Are they getting too adventurous, or is it just an age thing?
The latest on the casualty list are Ken The Rave, who has had bones pinned in his arm, after a nasty spill at Blandford Forum.
Froggie also crushed a finger at the same venue, and Brains wrenched his shoulder after slamming into a tree in Wales, despite full body armour. The pair are managing to ride on, but for poor Ken it means a couple of months off the bike.
Nice to see an earlier casualty, Squealer, back in pedalling action after her shoulder mishap in Scotland. And Scrubber is making good progress after arm surgery.

The camper van brigade seems to be swelling. Mind you, it is much more comfortable than a tent.
Latest to join the elite are Snakebite and Dusty, with their award winning Adria Twin. It's a beauty, but where's all the money coming from!
Cobbler and Blow Job turned up to Blaster's birthday do in a smart camper, but it was only borrowed. Bit embarrassing then to f...-up the awning while winding it out. Perhaps they just aren't cut out for the life.
These palaces on wheels are now becoming so popular, we're thinking of starting a special camping car section. Who's next?

A couple more diary dates. Cranks are holding their 12th birthday bash at Soudley in the Forest of Dean over September 28 - 30. The usual format of boozing, eating, partying, oh and some cycling around the forest.
Cost is £55 all in, including camping, and full details and a registration form are on www.thecranks.co.uk or call 01453 547808.
The likely venue for next year's Nash Bash is in Wales at the Talybont Outdoor Centre, near Brecon.
Hobo's Backbackers are the hosts, over July 25-27 in 2008. Dormitory style accommodation plus camping. Full details and costs yet to be fixed, but they would appreciate an expression of interest to see if it is worth progressing.
Contact Tony Frost on anthony.frost1@virgin.net

Froggies ride on Thursday, July 19, will be from the Abbeyford Woods car park at Okehampton, with the pub venue to be announced on the evening. The off-road route will be both cross country and semi-tech, and if enough roadies turn up, a Tarmac route could also be provided.
The Adjutant

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