The Western Region Action Group
The WRAG Magazine

April 2008

Achtung!

Zero Tolerance Speed Cameras will soon be introduced!

The new, German made, cameras look a little different to our normal native version. Hope this assists you in recognising them and in making sure YOU DO NOT SPEED when approaching one of these devices. Please take this warning seriously as you will be unlikely to get another chance.

Slippit Inn Rally

Well! Weather wise we had it all, Snow, Wind, Rain, Wind, Sleet, O’ and did I mention the Wind? It’s a good job we have a few burly members in MAG; otherwise we would have been blown into the next county.

Even the Troll was not immune from the blustery conditions, and was seen hanging onto the Control tent.

But despite what the weather threw at the rally over 300 hardy soles braved the artic conditions and had a great time. The winner of the "furthest travelled" trophy even braved a ferry crossing from the Isle of Man.

Irene our host won the "shortest distance" travelled, when she rode her bike up to the rally site from the house, hope you pass your test soon with flying colours Irene.

The organisers now have the unenviable task of deciding which of the many amusing occurrences to depict on next years rally patch!

The only down side to the whole weekend is the damage done to the Marquee’s, but as luck would have it, we have been offered another similar marquee. So we will hopefully be able to make two good marquees out of the three we have.

Well done Glos MAG and every one who helped. The Troll

Full Throttle Fundraiser

Karl Taylor and James Smart are looking for your help. They are about to embark on a major motorbike ride from the Air Ambulance Base at Strensham Services on the M5 to many shopping centres and venues around the country and are aiming to raise £20,000 for the air ambulances.

As this is a high profile biking adventure Karl and James are keen to meet any biking groups who would be interested in joining him on any of the stages. In particular they hope that you may join them on the departure date to wish them well (where the publicity/news people will be) and maybe even ride with them to Cheltenham the first of many shopping centres he will be visiting.

As you can appreciate this is a noble cause. Every 10 minutes an emergency air ambulance takes to the skies and they rely solely on charitable donations. I hope you and any of your colleagues agree and maybe able to help Karl and James in any way you can.

If you would like any further information please contact Karl Taylor on 01384 378193 or Jason Dennis on 01905 767073.

Where to see them in our Region:

  • SATURDAY 5th April, start Strensham North M5 Air Ambulance base 9am.
  • Meet with other bikers and press, leave 9:30am arriving at Cheltenham 10:30am.
  • Leave Cheltenham for Trowbridge 11:30am.
  • Arriving at the Shires Trowbridge at 1pm (Mid-Wilts MAG will be there with the Regional stand).
  • Leave Trowbridge for Bath at 3:15pm, arriving at Bath 4pm.
  • Sunday 6th April leave Bath for Clifton Down 11:30am, arriving at Clifton Down 2pm
More info can be found at: http://west-midlands-region.mag-uk.org/Charity.php

Trevor Baird

TREVOR BAIRD, MAG's general Secretary, leaves MAG UK's employ on the 15th April for pastures new. I had the pleasure of working with Trevor on the NC and, as Chair, was his employer. He has MAG at his heart and came up through the ranks from grass roots, local Rep, Regional Rep for Northern Ireland, then on to become employed by MAG UK in 2001/2. His dedication, loyalty and hard work have been boundless in all those years, often giving up his free time for MAG. The representation he has made in Government circles and FEMA is unequalled and he will be sadly missed in MAG UK.

We had the pleasure of Trevor & Elaine's company at the Slippit Inn Rally and he had this message: - "I know MAG will continue to be the driving force in rider’s rights and will persist in moving from strength to strength. My plans for the future are to stay within the motorcycle community but those pages have yet to be turned to face the new challenges ahead."

Well, Trev, you've been a trooper, mate, and a true stalwart for MAG & Riders Rights. You are very much admired and your leaving creates a void. We, in Western Region, thank you for everything you've done to further Riders Rights and for the work you've done for MAG UK.

Thank you for your support whilst I held the vice & Chair positions. Keep in touch with us here in Western. Aine

RBLR Weston Bike Nights

Along Marine Parade by the Tropicana at a cost of £1 per bike. Presented by the Royal British Legion Riders and Island Biker. The Bike nights will run from the 8th May to 28th Aug 2008. Open to all bikes.

All money collect on the evening will be given to the Poppy Appeal at the end of the year.
More info

April Events

May Events

  • 2-4 Yorkshire MAG 10th Into The ring 0800 988
  • 6 Notavon MAG AGM Annual General Meeting 8pm
  • 9-11 Middlesbrough & District MAG The Number One Rally - Information: 01642 210159
  • 9-11 Worlds End MCC (MAG Affiliated Club) 8th Short Weak End Information: 07901571101
  • 9 -11 NABD You've Been Nabbed
  • 17 C.M.A Holy Joes Bike Show, Chipping Sodbury
  • 16-18 Bug Splatz MCC (MAG Affiliated Club) The "Get it On" Rally 2008 "Get it in"
  • 16-18 West Oxon MAG's "No Room at the Inn" Rally and Bike Show. Info: Simon 0774 5570913.
  • 17 West Oxon MAG Spring Bike Rob 0790 5003585.
  • 30 - 1 Edinburgh And District MAG Ag Ol Anns An Achaidh Rally http://edinburgh.mag-uk.org

The Motorcycle Action Group accepts no responsibility for the content of this publication and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or MAG.

A Demented Troll Publication