Blackbird BASHes

[russ_fae_fyvie]

Over the years there have been a few BASHes in various places in the UK, my first one was in Keswick way back when !

You'll know of the McBASHes and of course the Thetford BASH but it seems less and less people are making the trips.

The McBASH was good with a limit up to 30 people mainly due to the location and the accommodation. I know the Thetford BASH had more but that was more of a proper Bike Rally and totally different to the McBASH.

However with the McBASH taking a sabattical for a year, Damien has taken up the reins (after plenty of persuasion from McBASHRS) for the first Irish O'BASH.

I was just wondering why less and less people want to join in ?

I know some of our McBASHers make the long trip despite the obvious cost, and not everyone finds it easy to put the cost or the time off work to one side but is that the main reason ?

Or is it that 'we' are happier hitting the keyboards than actually meeting face to face ?

Is it an age thing so that those of the younger persuasion are quite happy to converse on a Forum but not meet ?

Only asking because most of those coming up North over the last 6 years are not, how can I put it, much under 30 ??!!

Everyone who organises these BASHes for us bikers always face an uphill battle to get bodies to come even if its just down the road. So I'd be interested to know why we dont see more of some of you guys at these events and not just for Ride Outs (if they even happen?!)

I'm not here to judge anyone, just wondering ?

:dunno:

Having said all that I am really looking forward to the O'BASH and I hope that we see a lot more newbies coming along to meet the rest of us reprobates !

:yo:

 

[Boggymarsh]

I would love to do this sort of thing but have a family, dogs, chickens and the associated commitments to those things. I have another four years left before I take my job pension and "retire" and so will have far more "me" time to be able to do that sort of thing, and of course by then I won't have to worry about being Plod! :-0) I'm not into "biker" meets but would love to take part in events such as the McBash - similar age group, bunch of loons, nice ride outs and good beer sort of thing.

Anyone who takes time and effort to arrange such events is a star and although I have not yet participated I pass on my thanks to you and John for organising all the things you have done. :bow:

Oh BTW Russ, I have eventually found the 6mm spacer and will put it in the post in the morning. I apologise for the delay and hope that it will help with the resurrection of the "new" 'bird @tu*

 

[bmwdumptruck]

Actually Russ, I need to have words with youd04l1ng, you see its all your fault.

Now I missed the first Mcbash choosing instead to do the Mag rally at Whitton Castle. Now I did enjoy that, however I realised my error the following year, when I made the better decision to go that little bit further and join you at McBash.
The following year I decided to involve Jules and we had our first experience of Mcfaulty Towers. The year after we dragged our mate Rod along.
The next year some then aquantences, now more like good friends, moved to Lochgilphead, so we extended the trip to include 4-5 nights with them before McBash. And then this year we had a rethink as we wanted to visit a few places a little further than a days ride from either Fyvie or Lochgilphead, and so planned a mini tour which did reduce our time with you to one night.

But our problem is, because of YOU, Jules and I have fallen for Scotland big time. The scenery is equal to anything Europe has to offer, the roads are as good and as varied as anything Europe has to offer, and the natives are almost as good at English as the rest of Europe. All this and we don't need a tunnel or a ferrie to get to most of it, or exchange money for Monopoly money, and as I final bonus, no gun toting cops threatening to crush our steeds should we venture 1mph over a given limit.

So thanks mate, :xm:xm:xm

8rfl@

 

[Saffie]

Having only attended one bash and not even on a bike I can only say the following.

Cant wait to be at the Bash again, it was fun although my personal circumstances limited the enjoyment. Liked everyone I met etc..

To answer your question:

I noticed less and less involvement on forums. NOt just this one, every one I have joined over the years. I was absent for a long time due to international travel with work and usually being put in places where internet is still to be invented.
I also noticed the local get together place for bikers turnout has decreased significantly.
Seems people are just losing interest, maybe the dawn of a new era where people cant communicate without typing on a mobile device instead of just visiting friends.

I am hoping to be much more involved next year with the new missus as she is dying to get out on runs, so lets see what the future holds.

 

[Tinytim]

Got to be expense playing a large part in this. Haven't we been in a recession for a few years? :dunno:
I know I cringe at my fekkin fuel bills when I'm out for a decent ride compared to 2005,6 and 7 when I was doing big rides every weekend without fail.

Russ, you say the numbers have diminished over the years..owt to do with gullible, shallow Blackbird owners selling up and moving to what they think are better bikes? p0pc0rn41

"Bashes" ( I'm an inverted snob and that word makes me cringe for starters..can't explain why) aren't everyone's cup of tea either.

As for you Boggymarsh.....if you think that when you retire, you'll have loads of time on ya hands, then think again. It doesn't fekkin work like that. 8rfl@

 

[Jaws]

No idea why.. But it is why I added in the vanners to the Thetford Bash.. Must say it works out brilliantly .. The vanners are as daft as the bikers and everyone seems to have a knock out time !

 

[Saffie]

Wonder if a bigger run would pull bigger crowds?

Just a thought, but when I went with another forum we travelled to germany and surrounding areas and the turn out was huge.

Maybe the idea of giving up time off to see a field hang around go for a little ride, then back home is what seems to be the problem :whi5tl:

F1sh1ing

 

[Boggymarsh]

As for you Boggymarsh.....if you think that when you retire, you'll have loads of time on ya hands, then think again. It doesn't fekkin work like that. 8rfl@

Bu, bu, but everyone has been telling that is when life begins...

 

[damientt]

Well said Lumpy. Does that mean you'll be coming to next year's O'Bash?

 

[russ_fae_fyvie]

God I hate it when I have to agree with Mr Lumpy !!

I have to say though that in the 6 consecutive years I have organised the McBASH it has been an absolute pleasure to meet everyone who made the effort to come and I'd like to think they are more than McBASHers now, especially those who have come more than once, more like biking mates. But they are definitely a dying breed.

Just speaking from my own experiences (and I'm sure John finds the same) I get the impression now that when any future McBASHes or O'BASHers are organised, those coming are more likely to be those who have already been to a McBASH and seen what a good time everyone has. Even some newbies who have been mainly come back again so thats why I'm looking forward to the O'BASH. to meet up with old friends because it seems unlikely any newbie will come, hopefully I'm wrong.

Those who do come and will be coming again are much appreciated.

:yo:

 

[MAcBETH]

It's worth the 1000 miles over the weekend just to meet Scott.

I've been the thetford bash after being a member of bird for 2 weeks. I missed last years McBASH cos I tied the knot this year. I did the McBASH this year and loved both bash's. I've never seen a day ride out organised on here yet.

I would rather live my life in the real world and not on line. I've meet some great people off this forum. I would rather ride than type and am at the great age of 34.

Roll on the o'bash :yo:

 

[ScottyUK]

I've been a 'bird owner for 4.5 years.

I've attended 3 (maybe 2??) Thetford bashes and twice to the unofficial bash of the Crusaders beer festival.

I really intended to do the mcBash for the last two years and thought I was clear to this year but family/work/etc conspired against me.

I also try to fit in a long weekend each year with my local biker mates - trips to Belgium/Germany/track day trip to Portugal etc.

To achieve the attendance above (which is admittedly minimal) is still difficult. I do a lot of work hours plus I have two young lads (5 & 9) which demand Daddy time since they don't see me much during the week.

Add in the family holiday and other commitments that we all have such as wider families, house chores etc etc there's not that many weekends in a year and less in the biking season which is when these events take place.

(Oh and the work motorbike weekend which I try to attend)

To put it into context the ONLY social riding I've done this year are the weekends of my trackdays in Portugal, the Crusader beer festival and a couple of hours at the Ace cafe on Honda day*. I'm a member of my local Advanced group and I've not done any social mileage at all - if you exclude riding to the commitee meetings from work!

I appreciate it's all about priorities but at the end of the day I'm afraid other things in my life do come above you chaps (as much as I luv ya all!)

* - the Honda day was also a Blackbird meet from Facebook and they too ask why more people don't attend.

p.s. I REALLY want to attend the Obash. Trying to get the family hols and work trip sorted so that I can arrange my diary.

p.p.s. Oh and the wife needs to slip in to my priorities somewhere as well ! 8rfl@

 

[ScottyUK]

Oh - does going for a coffee with Andybird last week count?

 

[ianrobbo1]

I go to what meets/bash's I can, and bollox to anyone, wot thinks differently!!:f

so stick that in yer pipe and suck on it!! :-0)

 

[americanexpress]

Bu, bu, but everyone has been telling that is when life begins...

they lied :-0)

 

[andyBeaker]

Oh - does going for a coffee with Andybird last week count?

Interesting that lumpy couldn't be arsed attending the Costa Coffee Bash. I suspect he is not into cappuccino.

To answer Russ's question - personally I have at different times a differinge desire to attend a Bash. I suppose there are two reasons why I haven't. 'Free' weekends are pretty rare in my life for reasons I won't bore you with so I tend to flame out when I get the chance. The second is that I am a little bit nervous of a ride out - I am a self confessed ultra defensive rider and not at all sure that riding in a group would be comfortable for me.

Big respect to all who organise events as I know how frustrating it can be and how people mess you about.

Lumpy makes a good point, albeit badly, about people who ride motorbikes. There are many like me where it is not 'in the blood' and use a bike as an A to B in the most efficient way tool. I am not sure why that is a bad thing?

Don't forget that the number of Bird owners must be diminishing so perhaps Johns spreading the net wider is the future?

 

[Wolfie]

Ride outs attract all types, i have been on 2 bird ones and never again, both times the level of some of riding I have seen has been terrible, and i am a shit rider. Ride outs were never compulsory. Try a bash / do / gathering, until you do you don't know if you like it or not. It also gives you and other a change to see if you or them really are a big as ladyparts in real live as you/ they seem on the Internet.

 

[damientt]

Ride outs attract all types, i have been on 2 bird ones and never again, both times the level of some of riding I have seen has been terrible, and i am a shit rider. Ride outs were never compulsory. Try a bash / do / gathering, until you do you don't know if you like it or not. It also gives you and other a change to see if you or them really are a big as ladyparts in real live as you/ they seem on the Internet.

In my experience, the people I've met at the McBash are c**nts of the first order, but that's all part of the fun. Only joking .. Robbo excepted.

The McBash weekends are now part of my annual holiday schedule and having them to look forward to is part of the attraction. If you haven't been to one, get your travel sorted out for the 2015 inaugural O'Bash (McBash on tour). If you do come, and really don't like it, at least you'll have made the effort and had the chance to meet some genuine c**nts.

 

[ianrobbo1]

In my experience, the people I've met at the McBash are c**nts of the first order, but that's all part of the fun. Only joking .. Robbo excepted.

If you do come, and really don't like it, at least you'll have made the effort and had the chance to meet some genuine c**nts.

Wait till Mr Scott sees what your calling him!!

BTW hope you "Chopper" falls out of the sky!! ;-0))

 

[Red Mick]

I've been on lots of weekend do's with different BO groups, as well as commercial groups. First issue is often camping, which we don't do. B&B accommodation is sometimes available, but I've never managed to get any in time. :bang:
Secondary, is that I don't like "Heavy Metal" I know proper biker should. I'm also not a drinker, which sets me aside .
Thirdly, I'm not a fast rider, so struggle to keep up on faster rideouts, even with my local club.
The fact that I no longer have 'bird' is, perhaps, incidental fl4g71