January 2024 Monthly Meeting Minutes
1. Welcome:
David welcomed all the members to the first meeting of 2024. We celebrate a record attendance including many members we have not seen for a long time! Held at Oakdale https://www.oakdaleclub.co.za/
2. Guest Speaker:
David Higgs from BMW Cape Town
David shared the experience he and colleague, Alan Ayers enjoyed at the launch of the BMW R1300GS in Thailand. A few highlights he shared:
– 430 BMW representatives from all over the world enjoyed the amazing “show” put on by BMW Motorrad as well as the incredible hospitality of the Thailand people.
– There were full-day technical training days and days of riding all over Thailand.
– Their view on the new bike? While the current bikes remain outstanding and in a class above the rest, the 1300GS is completely different and in a class of its own.
– Great features e.g. spring-loaded rear seat, new key FOB has an indicator light for battery life, protection plate on crash bar, collision avoidance mechanisms, etc.
– New gearbox position is a bit noisier but allows the bike to be perfectly symmetrical and narrower.
– The parts and accessories of the 1200 and 1300 are not compatible.
– The BMW R1300GSA is expected next year.
– Price ranges between R370k and R470k.
– South African launch will be on 17 February 2024.
Additional Guest Speaker:
Ruhan de Villiers – the only WC Contestant qualifying for the International GS Trophy at the end of this year in Namibia. Ruhan shared his experience of the event in Aberdeen late last year, where the final three men and two ladies were chosen to represent South Africa. He applauded the venue, as well as the event overall as being world class and a true test for all the contestants. Ruhan appealed to the members of the club to support his initiatives to raise funds as he increases his preparations and training for the International event in Namibia.
3. Apologies:
3.1. Andy Froggart
3.2. Jani van der Merwe
4. Ratification of previous minutes: (31 October 2023)
Proposer: Marie
Seconder: Ellis
5. New members: (10)
Name Present
Stiaan Engelbrecht Yes
David Rowley No
Johannes Bayer Yes
Sean Lavis No
Craig Lavis No
Shannon Robertson No
Schalk Marais No
Stuart Loxton No
Jason Finch No
David Pritchard No
Jacques Tredoux No
Andrew Dalrymple No
6. New Bikes:
Congratulations to Bruce MacGregor on his new BMW R1250GSA.
7. Past Events:
7.1. Breakfast Ride on 7 Jan to Die Eike. On this first ride of 2024, 31 riders joined Rouen for an enjoyable ride in great weather. Thanks to Jonathan for sweeping.
7.2. Breakfast Ride on 21 January to the ‘Ou Stokery’ with Simon. Expected a heatwave but turned out to be very pleasand for the 16 bikes on the ride. Thanks again to Jonathan for sweeping.
7.3. Marshal Event on 27 January – Donovan led a group of the BMW Marshalls to support the Banhoek MTB race.
8. Future Rides and Events
– Breakfast ride: 04/02 – De Werf – Geoff. Note the 08h00 departure time.
– February Training Day – date to be confirmed – Arno
– Breakfast ride : 18/02 – Helderberg Motorcycle Museum – David. Special entry price of R50 for the club.
– Overnighter : 24/02 – Lamberts Bay – Ian & Geoff. Tar and offroad option. Bookings open.
– Gravel Ride : 02/03 – Simon
– Breakfast ride : 03/03 : Richard – Sandowns Blue.
– Marshal event : 2-6 March Cape Rouleur. Will require approximately 10 marshals who can make themselves available for the whole week.
– Marshall event: 7/03 – Tour de Cap – Need 5-6 Marshals for a fast-paced event.
– Marshal Event : 10/03 – CTCT – All hands on deck! Need large number of Marshals.
– Kick-Off Club event – 16-17 March 2024
– February Training Day – date to be confirmed – Arno
– 2024 BMWMCC Kick-off Event at Kliplapa 16 – 17 March.
o Accommodation includes a variety of sizes.
o Dinner will be a burger braai.
o First come, first served – limited space.
– Spain – Pyrenees Motorcycle Tour – 6 to 19 June. Details on the website.
9. General
– Lucky Draw – Petrol Voucher: Francois Naude won the petrol voucher valued at R250.
– Keep an eye out for additional off-road rides being scheduled monthly.
– Next Meeting is 27 February 2024.
Join the club https://www.bmwclubs.africa/mrcap/membership-registration-mrcap/
