Business at the meeting of 18th April included confirmation that a candidate for RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) was to be interviewed and that preliminary planning is in hand for a Coastal Path charity walk later in the year. Sadly we also heard that the Inner Wheel Club of Anstruther is to close after 55 years. following discussion it was agreed that an invitation should be offered to any member with an interest in Rotary. 

The talk following business was entitled ‘Bike Packing’. This proved to be an entertaining tutorial on how to efficiently pack a motorcycle for a trek by club member Findlay McLaren, who is a motorcycling enthusiast noted for his regular long distance safaris to distant places.

We saw that every inch was efficiently utilised with panniers, tank bag, roll bag, carry bag, document holder - and no doubt others too. 

We learned that the variety of kit needed for these journeys is quite remarkable. Tent, sleeping bag, tarpaulin, tools, self amalgamating tape, jack, puncture kit, first aid kit, cooking stove, food, folding umbrella, maps - and a kilt! Findlay explained that this latter is particularly useful when changing on the beach.

What was also clear was the sophistication of the modern motorcycle. Findlay rides a 500cc Honda CB500X - and for those of us who rode motorbikes in the 1950’s or 60's the modern machine is sophistication indeed. Electric starter, powerful fuel injected engine (with no oil leaks!) hydraulic disk brakes, antilock braking system, GPS navigation, USB ports and 12 volt electrics with auxiliary outputs.

But heavy - 200Kg plus luggage - hence the need for a jack in case the bike falls over! It was a fascinating talk and Allan Wood expressed warm thanks on behalf of the club.