just as a very quick estimate to just get to races, never mind any trackdays or practice we are looking at over 2000 miles and the nearest travelling time being just under two hours and the average being a 7 hour round journey with no traffic.

These are not excuses, but added with the expense and the time factor they dont make it a very appealing option for me certainly.

I was not saying it was making you any less of a member - others may have been suggesting that though? - not me.

I just don't think that distance should be an excuse - simple as that. Once you've committed the time and money (if you can), then another hour each way can't make too much difference can it?

Its a time and money thing - I've no problems with this at all. I've had to compromise on many other things to partake in the DD series and that's my choice, I don't expect or ask for any one else's sympathy or understanding for it - its my choice.

Tim

Tim,

Neither of us suggested you made that comment, however comments above suggested because we didn't attend certain events we're not real members....

Saying that I didn't see any Southern members at the NW Megameet a few weeks ago???

Jon / Lil - I think that Lil did aim that at me as above.

However, we'll park this here as I believe that we are agreeing.
Tim

You're only a real member if you live south of the River Thames .... thats just my unbiased opinion ......

Other than that ..... whens the next "fight thread" starting..... my wooden spoon needs excercising .........

And in Lilys & JPMs defence, they are coming down for 4th July at Brands .. so no question from me on their commitment to this club ......

or in Surrey!!!

I think you should all get back in your boxes! :D

You're all so controversial :lol:

I always feel guilty for not supporting things, like the BMF this weekend. But it is a question of juggling all the demands on your spare time and the costs involved. Priority 1 is getting out on the bike - weather permitting. A ride up to Peterborough today would have been pretty *****ty but if I'd decided to go the weather wouldn't have stopped me. But there's friends, family, college work, the dog, umpteen things to consider and, as Lily said, unless bikes are the only thing in your life, you have to make choices that might seem less than supportive of the club. For which I for one apologise.

Rattler, where's my paddock stand? Any chance of bringing it to Castle Coombe on the 4th. I'll be there supporting. ;):sing::sing:

I'm not, so I guess that means I'm not a real member?? Or do you have to be part of the BHC clique to be 'real'??

some of us have children, families, and - god forbid - interests that AERNT bikes!!

Maybe you should get me expelled and have me flogged in public at the CC DD round.......:rolleye:

how many of the real DSC are going to the BMF...:: [/quote]

Well I'm not going to the BMF nor do I race in the DD series so I guess that I'm not a true DSC member!! Best pack it in now then.....

No need to apologise Ruth just because you have a life outside Ducatis. I get some stick from the Surrey massive for putting my wife before the club when it comes to the amount of time I can spend on my bike and the number of events I can attend. Can't be doing with this 'real club member' ****. Just be glad of my company when you get it I say ;)

A real member of the DSC is 1 who pays their membership fee. Simple.

:lol: I thought you were talking about me then, then i remembered, I'm not married! :lol:

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!

I live and breathe Ducatis,and have done for 15 years+.BUT however much i love my bike and riding,my Wife and children come first.I would love to do ALL things DSC/Ducati/bsb/bsb/gp related,but also want to see my Family.have a good time with them,offset with my love of bikes.It would be VERY interesting to see how many members sourth of the North/South divide would make REGULAR visits to say Croft,for get togethers,meetings and ride outs.I think that those of us in Yorkshire/Cumbria/northeast/North west do a SUPERB job of supporting the club!!Just my opinion and if i've over reated to the post i apologise in Advance!!

We all have different prioritys in life Family/money/work/health,all of wihich dictate what level of commitment we can make to the club.As previously stated,if you pay your subscription you are no more or less a member of this club than anyone else.

I shall prepare myself to be flayed!!:)

Can't argue with that Jasper.

Jasper, you are a truly wise young Ginger-san ....

Dseered,unfortuantely i am going as South as i can!I am going to Goodwood for the Festival of speed on the Sat/Sun.It is a real shame that i cannot do the Lakes,as i am sure it will be a stunning get together.Apart from the Gp,TD and Cadwell BSB,thats my "only" commitments for the year!Hopefully any other meets i can make!

Dibble,Flanks-thanks for the posts.You never know how many people you can Unintentially upset!

nah, i never upset people "unintentionally" .. wheres the fun in that ... lol

[Edited on 21-5-2005 by DIBBLE]

My other half and inlaws come from Shipley, I'm used to directness of you monkeys! :P :frog:

I know Shipley quite well,coming from that area originally.

A little OTT with the reply ...........:puzzled:

But if you want a public flogging im sure it can be arranged....;)

Have you seen the way that Fil treats his bike when it plays up !!!!

http://217.199.188.40/xmb/viewthread...1&pid=185 082

Tim

We go up there once a year. And Shazz's father drags me down the Alma on Leeds Road. He's been drinking in there for nearly 40 years plus years! Normally get thrown out at about 2am! They live about a 1 - 2 miles from Ducati Leeds, which is always a walk down the canel, past Alan Jefferies then on down to Ducati Leeds every Saturday morning we're there. Might ring them about prices on the S4R, John there (think it's John) told me at easter he would better any deal offered, and deliver foc. They get a good words from here as well, and from experiance as well their great. Took the 748 up there in 2003, and had electric problems, and they fitted me in there and then on the day i was leaving, and did not charge me the earth to sort it either. Anyway, I love Whitby, always go there on Good Friday.

Rambling mode off!

peolpe would pay good money for that.....Fil2 being one of them I think:frog:

complete offence taken.......more than harsh!!:pig: border line out of order:yawn:

Sorry lad i got better things to do with my money....:P

As one of the RO's OOp North I hope there is life North of Watford gap.

The demands on time and money limit how much of each you spend on what is a pretty selfish hobby.

We try to organise allsorts of stuff up here, rideouts both local and to other regions meet ups, rides to race meets, nights out, trackdays and so on. Between zero and a dozen or so turn out. I would love to do more but I'm pretty much in the position of most up here, family in tow, luckily reasonably into bikes, and loads of other stuff that takes up time.

Some other regions do seem to get out more as they say.

Personally I have ridden all over the country to do track days, up to Croft as far South as Goodwood and across to Oulton. Been to the BMF once but would love to go again some time. Been on the legendary DSC trip to Misano in 2001 amongst others. I want to do more, a trip to the IOM on the Duke and take it down the the South of France but time/Money does limit what you can do in any one year.

With me RO hat on,
This club does get you out more as they say and just as importantly you can pretty much rely on someone helping you out in all sorts of situations. That's what makes it worth paying the money every year, you put something and you get something back......with interest.

Ray

Gill,Phil, Azzy and myself all made the trip down to the flatlands to uphold NW honour.

Great time whilst there and an absolutely brilliant ride down as well. We even managed to avoid the rain both ways on Fri & Sunday which was a miracle considering the monsoon and hailstones on Saturday.

lad?? like spend it on yer bike.....;)

nah ..gonna see if i can ride or borrow some else's....;).....

[Edited on 23-5-2005 by fil2]