Come in, make yourself at home.... join the fun!

There seems to be a continuing resurgence in the active membership of this forum, which is a great sign and only to be expected for such a great bike. It is great not only that people are interested in the Thundercat as a bike, but that you are finding your way to this forum and sticking around to get to know us. What I have noticed though is that the ride-outs are often populated by 'old-timers' (with a few exceptions) and whilst it is great to meet old friends and banter about times gone by, it is new members that bring fresh blood to the forum and the meets and help keep it all alive.

I just wanted to throw open the collective arms of the forum to welcome all newcomers and invite you to take a look at the various rides to see which you might be able to join. It could be a weekend away, just a day trip or just popping into the pub for a drink.

One of the common statements about this forum is that it is so sociable and friendly. I can vouch for this, for I was once a newbie, back in the mists of time, and I was made to feel welcome by people who I now count amongst my friends. One telling statistic is that many (or indeed most) of the long-standing members no longer ride Thundercats, but they still stick around here to enjoy the craic. What the influx of newbies has done is increase the Thundercat-riding percentage of the group again, which can only be a good thing!

Every year there are a number of established ride-outs across the UK, that take place around the same time of year. Here’s a summary of what to expect:

• Wee Mac, April - an annual season-opener in Scotland, led by Ross (Rosco), the easiest man in the world to not unlike
• Germany, June - annual German Thundercat group ride-out. In previous years we have been invited and attended in small numbers. Details can be found at our Deutsche brethren’s forum (where English-speakers are welcomed).
• Bishop's Castle, mid-June - another annual fixture riding the roads of mid-Wales. Started in 2009 by Nick (robertcains) and always well-organised.
• Big Mac, July - a second chance to tour northern Scotland with Ross and his clan. In previous years we have been joined by international friends.
• Taste of Lincolnshire (ToL), early Sept - in its umpteenth year now, a real treat in the Wolds of Lincolnshire with a side of Yorkshire sometimes thrown in. Chris (Greencat) herds this one admirably.
• Surf and Turf, late Sept - Chris (Eddie990)'s annual pilgrimage to North Yorkshire and the Lake District.

Each of these is a weekend away, with one or two days set aside for riding. Accommodation is usually in B&Bs, hostels, huts or tents but you’re welcome to just turn up for the day’s riding if you don’t want to stay away from home. There’s always a pub or two involved and I guarantee you will laugh at some point.
On top of this are informal and impromptu weekend meets, maybe a couple of hours and often including a pub, burger van or ice cream parlour.

You'll have noticed there is a very northern bias to the meets. This is partly due to the population density of the group and also because that's where the good roads are. We have met in the South before - the Southern Softies ride of a few years ago took in the Lambourn Downs and Oxon/Berks/Wilts borders and the Big Two (or was it Three?) was held in Exeter. If you want to ride your roads though, step up and set something up!

Of course there's no pressure intended and none should be taken. All members are welcome on the forum, whether simply to read and learn or to get involved and make new friends. I just wanted to make absolutely sure that everyone knows they are welcome in all aspects of the forum and to remind us all of the chances to get involved and maybe earn yourself a numpty point or two.