Devon TRF Group Forum

Wheely · Expert

BMAD 2016 - what no DTRF again (for 3rd year in a row).

Pete · Expert

Wheely wrote:

never really organised at a high club level - and relied on local members

The TRF's obituary (perhaps).

Mark is 100% correct in what he says so eloquently. It does seem wrong for Devon TRF not to be represented at the only big annual bike show in the county. Sadly there have always been more people who just want to ride and expect their membership fee to pay for the things they can't be bothered to do themselves than people who are known for the contribution they make.

I won't be at Paignton this year because I'll be asleep after working nights. It is usually a pleasure to wander around the stalls meeting familiar faces, and it was nice to be able to drop by the TRF stall when there was such a thing because it did present a fairly professional display which the group could be proud of.

Even a very few dirt bikes with TRF literature displayed while parked up on the seafront would give the group a public profile at this well attended event. If you go today or tomorrow take a membership application form and leave it on the bike for the curious to see while you wander around. If it has gone when you come back the group may get a member out of it.

doug9270 · Powermonger!!

Here is my standard answer to this commonly asked question, the officers and volunteers who do the work in this group should be applauded. If you have that much time to waste commenting on here about the lack of drive from the group why not step up and get some members together and organise it.

Wheely · Expert

"Time to waste" - an interestingly objective response I see from an East-side brother. Perhaps all forum discussions could be considered the same.

I do totally respect the work done by offices and other helpers. I've even managed to organise a very profitable event (for DTRF) this year @ Wheeldon.

I was asking why such a high profile event wasn't represented these days by our organisation.

Wheely · Expert

And welcome back Pete. We missed you. Hope all is well.

wackyracer · Powermonger!!

Its all about VOLUNTEERS

no volunteers nothing done

Simple smile

Yep 3rd year in a row

See you next year on the same subject

supertaff · Clubman B

wackyracer wrote:
Its all about VOLUNTEERS
no volunteers nothing done
Simple
Yep 3rd year in a row
See you next year on the same subject

I must have missed the call for volunteers from the Organsiation to promote the TRF at Devons popular, diverse and inclusive BMAD motorcycle festival?

Sticking with Wheely and Pete's positive contribution's, I do hope not to see you next year on the same subject. smile

Post script: I do remember manning a stand there with X Triple and others for half a day (probably 6 or 7 years ago) and there was much interest from folk especially at the freshly muddied bikes. Mostly folk who had little idea about the incredible network of lanes available in Devon and elsewhere nor that the TRF do a great job of keeping them open as a resource for considerate use by all.

hampsterracing · Devon's Best

This post would have been great about a month ago to remind people and give them a chance to do something.

Wheely · Expert

hampsterracing wrote:
This post would have been great about a month ago to remind people and give them a chance to do something.

No it needs more than that. It needs raising 4-6 months before hand at committee level. Our events or marketing man should then make enquiries about getting a free site and in parallel canvas to fill the slots from fri eve to Sunday afternoon - having at least 2 members per session and some reserves or more during the peak times. Equipment should be provided by the DTRF (leaflets and photo boards and etc etc) & either DTRF buy a decent gazebo or a member loans one on the provision that the group will purchase a direct replacement if his gets damaged in any way (as this happened one year and the generous member was left short afterwards)

Obviously if we don't get enough volunteers then fair enough - we tried and failed -- but if its raised at a higher level it will attract greater response from members - and not just more local ones (which seems to be the case).

If we want (or need) an influx of new members then this will go a long way toward it.

We also need some events on the calender - that is also attractive to members old and new - but that's a different matter.

supertaff · Clubman B

+ 1

Trevor Foxon · Expert

I was there on the South Devon College stand for most of the day with my trail bike, with TRF stickers on it. I did speak to a few people and pointed them towards the web site. Tell you what, I will organise a stand for next year if that's possible, there I think I just volunteered.

cheers Trev

supertaff · Clubman B

Never volunteer without first knowing the commitment of the officers and Powermongers.

I remember the goosed little green gazebo (8 persons max) to which Wheely referred and no one could find the TRF advertising board before the BMAD festival days....dirty bikes attracted many people nonetheless.

BTW. Not wishing to waste any persons time but how do you get the tag line Powermonger on this forum?

Pete · Expert

supertaff wrote:
Never volunteer without first knowing the commitment of the officers and Powermongers.

I remember the goosed little green gazebo (8 persons max) to which Wheely referred and no one could find the TRF advertising board before the BMAD festival days....dirty bikes attracted many people nonetheless.

BTW. Not wishing to waste any persons time but how do you get the tag line Powermonger on this forum?

Another few thousand posts should do it

Trevor Foxon wrote:
I was there on the South Devon College stand for most of the day with my trail bike, with TRF stickers on it. I did speak to a few people and pointed them towards the web site. Tell you what, I will organise a stand for next year if that's possible, there I think I just volunteered.
cheers Trev

Your er5 + chair will certainly grab attention because I have never seen another. Still chuckling after meeting you on 191-075

Trevor Foxon · Expert

supertaff wrote:
Never volunteer without first knowing the commitment of the officers and Powermongers.

I remember the goosed little green gazebo (8 persons max) to which Wheely referred and no one could find the TRF advertising board before the BMAD festival days....dirty bikes attracted many people nonetheless.

BTW. Not wishing to waste any persons time but how do you get the tag line Powermonger on this forum?

Plenty of time before next year, how hard can it be?

Wheely · Expert

Yes well done and top job for volunteering Trevor. As mentioned it still needs too level commitment and support - and I'm sure you've helped get the ball rolling. I'd be more than happy to bring a more "normal" enduro looking bike down as well - with fresh dirt if you wish. And will offer a 4 hour slot on the Saturday morning or afternoon if required (& if I get a free TRF sweat shirt

Trevor Foxon · Expert

Pete wrote:
supertaff wrote:
Never volunteer without first knowing the commitment of the officers and Powermongers.

I remember the goosed little green gazebo (8 persons max) to which Wheely referred and no one could find the TRF advertising board before the BMAD festival days....dirty bikes attracted many people nonetheless.

BTW. Not wishing to waste any persons time but how do you get the tag line Powermonger on this forum?
Another few thousand posts should do it

Trevor Foxon wrote:
I was there on the South Devon College stand for most of the day with my trail bike, with TRF stickers on it. I did speak to a few people and pointed them towards the web site. Tell you what, I will organise a stand for next year if that's possible, there I think I just volunteered.
cheers Trev

Your er5 + chair will certainly grab attention because I have never seen another. Still chuckling after meeting you on 191-075

I took it to BMad with Grommet last night, parked it in the middle, we got more attention than all the custom stuff

doug9270 · Powermonger!!

Wheely wrote:
"Time to waste" - an interestingly objective response I see from an East-side brother. Perhaps all forum discussions could be considered the same.

I do totally respect the work done by offices and other helpers. I've even managed to organise a very profitable event (for DTRF) this year @ Wheeldon.

I was asking why such a high profile event wasn't represented these days by our organisation.

Thing is Mark, i have been involved with the TRF for a number of years and put my time and passion into it. I know how much you are involved and the good work you did at Wheeldon i just wish we had more members who would step forward to ease the load.

With a group membership of over 300 it at times frustrates me to distraction that it lies with a very small minority to get all of the voluntary work done.

I agree that this event has not been covered in previous years mainly due to no volunteers available what else are we supposed to do ?

Hoops · Elite

Oh god I wasn't going to post, but here it is...

... for those saying this should've been raised at a meeting for consideration, why didn't you raise it? (Rhetorical question, I'm not really interested). Looks like next year might be covered though

Powermonger - it's just a forum tag related to the number of posts made, that's all.

hampsterracing · Devon's Best

Trevor Foxon wrote:
I was there on the South Devon College stand for most of the day with my trail bike, with TRF stickers on it. I did speak to a few people and pointed them towards the web site. Tell you what, I will organise a stand for next year if that's possible, there I think I just volunteered.
cheers Trev

Well done trevor :)

At the moment we have the Devon TRF banner and info board also some Devon TRF buisness cards and National TRF joining leaflets.

There used to be some lovely photo albums but they dissapeared :(

There are Promo materials avaialable from national but i am not sure how to access these

Roger

Th

Pete · Expert

The display board and banner shown above at the Sandford bike show looked very good,
especially with the old British trail bike to contrast with the modern Honda.

hampsterracing · Devon's Best

It was Yer Tiz rally Pete

i have contacted Sandford bike show for the last three years about a pitch but never got a reply :(

Pete · Expert

Oops. You are correct Roger it was Yer Tiz.

Forgot I went there. Definitely the best manicured camp site I have ever seen on the rugby pitch.

Sandford is a bit more down market but much friendlier without all the back patch poseurs.

TTR · Powermonger!!

I have a memory that Leo Crone may be the keeper of the national TRF display boards - I will PM you his contact details Trevor - and thanks for volunteering!

Brian

wackyracer · Powermonger!!

Its possible to produce another photo album, i've a collection of lane clearing photos spanning a decade, although some aren't PC but do the job to expose a active section of the DTRF

Jez · Clubman B

Pete wrote:
Oops. You are correct Roger it was Yer Tiz.

Forgot I went there. Definitely the best manicured camp site I have ever seen on the rugby pitch.

Sandford is a bit more down market but much friendlier without all the back patch poseurs.

Ha ha, I used to be one of those Backpatch poseurs!!! wink

Was working on the Devon Air Ambulance stall yesterday and I was staggered how big the event is - must have been 1000s there!! Definitely worth a TRF presence here if possible I reckon.

Trevor Foxon · Expert

wackyracer wrote:
Its possible to produce another photo album, i've a collection of lane clearing photos spanning a decade, although some aren't PC but do the job to expose a active section of the DTRF

Will definitely have a display of your efforts Ian

supertaff · Clubman B

wackyracer wrote:
i've a collection of lane clearing photos spanning a decade, although some aren't PC but do the job to expose a active section of the DTRF

That's tremendous, although there's a bit of a whiff in the air associated with "active section of the DTRF" im sure it must just be the vinegar on my chips wink .

May I make so bold as to suggest that a photo album of what are potentially going to be perceived as heavy gardening tasks will not get folk spectacularly enthused to sign up on the day.

May I further suggest a few videos portraying the delights of green lane riding would be a better starting point .... To hook em in?

russell11031967 · Devon's Best

What raise it at a meeting of around twenty people ! Roughly the same twenty people who turn up each month plus a few new members. Think your barking up the wrong tree wheely perhaps you should send a letter to the other members who never come to meetings to know what goes on and see if any of them have a weekend free?? RANTOVER

hampsterracing · Devon's Best

supertaff wrote:

May I further suggest a few videos portraying the delights of green lane riding would be a better starting point .... To hook em in?

Tried video in the past it is very hard to get a setup that works well in bright light outside or under a gazebo/awning.

Any suggestions on this one ?

slip a long · Clubman A

so what happened to the display boards I donated ?

Hoops · Elite

slip a long wrote:
so what happened to the display boards I donated ?

Hi Nic, very long time no see, how goes it? OT I know, sorry

hampsterracing · Devon's Best

slip a long wrote:
so what happened to the display boards I donated ?

We dont know where they are stored !!

i have been trying to track them down for two years

do you have any photos of them to refresh peoples memory ?

supertaff · Clubman B

hampsterracing wrote:
supertaff wrote:

May I further suggest a few videos portraying the delights of green lane riding would be a better starting point .... To hook em in?
Tried video in the past it is very hard to get a setup that works well in bright light outside or under a gazebo/awning.

Any suggestions on this one ?

A QR code on the stand (or a flyer) giving a quick web link to relevant material? People can then easily access video material and watch on personal phones at the stand or when n where they wish

-- Edited by supertaff on Tuesday 3rd of May 2016 07:47:19 AM

TTR · Powermonger!!

hampsterracing wrote:
slip a long wrote:
so what happened to the display boards I donated ?
We dont know where they are stored !!
i have been trying to track them down for two years
do you have any photos of them to refresh peoples memory ?

The old "TRF" caravan?????

youaintseenme · Clubman B

what happened to the display boards I donated ?

The old "TRF" caravan?????

Don't think so )-:

The caravan remains quietly sulking at a secret location that I will happily reveal if you have the secret password

If anyone thinks they can benefit from it they would be most welcome to take it on (-:

Subject to the usual approvals of course .....

I recall loosing most of the cutlery through a gap between floor and wall as I rallied it up the farm access road at Hazlewood, just before I had to fit the spare wheel in the single track road ( obviously no connection )

It still has a working cooker with gas bottle a stainless steel sink and various odds n sods lurking.

The tyres remain inflated and the spare wheel has a tyre that has never touched the tarmac .

-- Edited by youaintseenme on Monday 2nd of May 2016 05:15:13 PM

youaintseenme · Clubman B

Ok so I beat back the vegetation at the secret location and the TRF caravan door was opened for the first time in a couple of years ..........

Sadly no display materials were evident.

A complete gazebo with main cover, side covers and metal frame is still there, as is a caravan awning thats actually for a different caravan but worked perfectly well on the TRF caravan.

I almost switched on the gas to see if the gas cooker would still work.

Inside has held up pretty well and everything is dry and useable, including a first aid kit.

The rear ramp door still looks like it would allow two motorcycles to be rolled in and transported, the tyres are inflated and it could still make a useful event facility ( blatant sales pitch )

Alternatively it could make a trailer chassis ............

pug · Clubman B

I Did mention to one of the Sandford show organisers in the week Mark Knight this post an the no contact from them about a pitch in the show in past years he looked very surprised an said just call the pub...............

Pug

-- Edited by pug on Saturday 7th of May 2016 05:39:05 PM

Trevor Foxon · Expert

youaintseenme wrote:
Ok so I beat back the vegetation at the secret location and the TRF caravan door was opened for the first time in a couple of years ..........

Sadly no display materials were evident.

A complete gazebo with main cover, side covers and metal frame is still there, as is a caravan awning thats actually for a different caravan but worked perfectly well on the TRF caravan.

I almost switched on the gas to see if the gas cooker would still work.

Inside has held up pretty well and everything is dry and useable, including a first aid kit.

The rear ramp door still looks like it would allow two motorcycles to be rolled in and transported, the tyres are inflated and it could still make a useful event facility ( blatant sales pitch )

Alternatively it could make a trailer chassis ............

Can I come and have a look at it at some point, just so I can see what we have

cheers Trevor

hampsterracing · Devon's Best

pug wrote:
I Did mention to one of the Sandford show organisers in the week Mark Knight this post an the no contact from them about a pitch in the show in past years he looked very surprised an said just call the pub...............

Pug

-- Edited by pug on Saturday 7th of May 2016 05:39:05 PM

Thanks i will have a look at this years dates