30 Jan On yer bike: BCI Meet up

For a change, FMM Curator Wayne Harley bonds with some fellow older generation biker enthusiasts…

A few months ago I accepted an invitation from Tony Tilling to meet up with the fellows of BCI (Breakfast Club International), a group of like-minded bikers that have been meeting for weekly breakfast since 1990. This concept was initiated by Brian Hoskins, and Tony has been going strong with its existence ever since. In late January, I again was privileged to join this league of distinguished gentlemen for coffee and eggs and great discussions on motorcycles, parts and great times about our bikes.

The group currently has over 48 members, all with an interest in motorcycles in one form or another. Some had a motorcycle dealership or worked in the motorcycle trade, and there are even a few former racing champions who add a little spice to this group of really interesting guys. This occasion was attended by a group made up John Lee, Allan Turner, Ray Bergman Tony Tilling, Deon le Roux, Piet Swanepoel, Bernie Botes, Lawrence Boshoff (of Track-Mac), Mike Cameron, Allen Brook and yours truly. What I found so astounding is when I asked the guys, “So what do you own?” the flood gates opened up and between them I logged 49 different motorcycles. I’m sure there were a number that I missed, but what a list, which included a 1966 AJS 7R, 1985 Yamaha 500 RZ, 1968 Bultaco TSS250, 1964 Garelli, 1969 Honda CB750, 1976 Suzuki GT750 Water-buffalo and a 2009 BMW HP2 Sport.

The members of BCI are both true biker petrolheads and total gentlemen who still enjoy getting out there and riding motorcycles. And don’t let their years fool you – many of them could still stick it to the younger guys out there…