I’m really tempted to join up, and from searches on here I see a few, including our illustrious leader, are members. But have also noted that my area, South Hampshire, is not covered by an area group. So I’m wondering if it really is worth it for somebody like me who owns older Ducati’s, but not classics, and doesn’t do huge miles. I like the thought of popping along to a monthly meeting, but don’t really want to go to one 50miles away. Is the social aspect of the club the main thing? I see the club forum is very quiet.
I became a member just to the 10% discount on something or another... you get a nice booklet now and again with pictures of bikes etc...straight into recycling
As Viv said why not contact Martyn Edwards ([email protected]) or Mark Gillibrand ([email protected]) to set up a branch local to you. Or if you just want to become a member you could contact Kevin baker ([email protected]) Personally I find being a member worthwhile as it gives you access to a range of discounts across Ducati products and services (parts, insurance, WDW tickets etc) and the savings soon outweigh the £25 annual membership fee. On top of that there is the social side. Being a branch organiser takes about an hour of your time a week, if that. That includes posting articles on the branch Facebook page (which is way more active that the DOCGB site), writing the odd branch article, arranging monthly meetings in a local pub/restaurant, arranging rides as and when it’s suitable, riding and talking shite with like minded people. Additionally for your £25 you get a monthly magazine (Desmo) and every year you’ll get some goodies, like neck warmers, club pins, wrist bands and occasionally caps and T shirts. As I said, I find it worthwhile and it suits me. If you want to know more, either about setting up a branch or just being a member, then just PM me your questions
There used a Hampshire branch that met at Popham airfield. I’m guessing the membership age demographic contributed to its demise. Andy
Our local wats app group is alive and kicking and they meet up regularly for various meet ups rude outs etc
Thanks everyone, I've had another look and the discounts do look like they could be worth the £25 by themselves. I'm really not sure I'd want to set up a local group. For many years I arranged meetings, cruises, the Xmas dinner etc for a boat club, and it didn't fit well with an unpredictable lifestyle in terms of knowing when I could commit time. I do however really like the idea of attending a regular meeting when I'm able to at short notice.
Does the membership tend towards owners of newer bikes, and those doing lots of touring miles? Or guys like me looking after older bikes on a budget that ride shorter distances when they get the time?
I do it for the discount I (allegedly) get on my multi-bike classic insurance from FJ. As a Branch Organiser, Facebook is not compulsory - I certainly don't go near it. Writing stuff for the booklet which I suspect is rarely opened by most and only comes out weeks/months after the event, seems pointless in these days of instant communication. Meetings can be arranged at the Pub / Cafe etc. of your choice. People will probably turn up for the first meeting or two and it will develop, plod along or die, depending on the collective enthusiam. e.g. Some years ago we started a second meeting at the request of those living too far away (20 or so miles) to the south of our regular place and it was well attended for about 3 months. But on a sunny evening in July the two of us who had travelled over 30 miles to get there enjoyed a nice ride out but no-one else bothered so that one bit the dust. I have had some great days out and met good mates through the DOCGB over the years (and some right Knobs) and we have about half a dozen regulars at our local Branch Pub Meet. The age profile does tend to be 50+ Yer pays yer money and takes yer choice.
From my experience as being the branch organiser for West Yorkshire we had all kinds of people coming to the monthly meetings and ride outs. We would get a dozen or so attend the monthly meetings every month and between 20 to 30 on ride outs between Spring and late autumn. But we did have pull of members not only from West Yorkshire but also Greater Manchester, South Lancashire, South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire. Plus we had the support of Ducati Manchester as it was more local than Ducati Leeds. However the North Yorkshire branch I have just set up will be another kettle of fish. We really will just have North Yorkshire to draw on, and because we dont have a local Ducati Dealership right now (there has been one, local'ish, appointed I believe) then the numbers of Ducati owners are few and far between. The first meeting is planned for mid March in Northallerton and rideouts will follow that meeting. We'll see how it goes. Ps. I'm not vaguely interested in the politics that can arise from these clubs and simply want to ride my bikes with like minded people.
Thanks all. I'm going to join up and explore the discounts etc, then see what is happening on the social side
I joined the doc a long time ago. I very quickly decided not to renew my membership. Attended one of their social meetings at a pub in Guildford and have never experienced bike snobbery on that level before or since. Being a despatch rider at the time that didn’t fit in with my world. Some of the group seemed ok but the hierarchy of the group and those that sucked up to them. I would like to think that things have changed in the last 25 years, but on a personal level I would never rejoin. The benefits of membership can and would be worth having for many people. The magazine that Jilly puts together for the group was always a nice read.
Same position really, the nearest groups are 50 miles in either direction for me but I am a member - been to one meet but I am a fair weather rider, and have erratic work schedule so was tempted to setup a group but decided I couldnt commit to it. The book makes a good read for the train to London instead of being stuck in the computer and the discounts help with servicing the track bike so pays for itself
To be honest, my attempt to join the DOC at the Peterborough show wasn't good, got comments about " Oh you've got a rubber band driven bike have you? " from their membership bod ( I had a 900ssie at the time ) so promptly told them where to stuff their supercilious attitude.
