Triumphrat

hans · 01-07-2008

As, I believe, is the case in most other states of Australia, the local RAT group here has been a VERY low key affair. I 2007 virtually nothing was organised by this group.

At the beginning of 07 some of the more enthusiastic Triumphs riders here decided to form their own group which they named the Triumph Riders Club (TRC). The focus was on attracting triumph lovers, organise monthly rides and developing a good social group. The success of this move has been outstanding and proved there was a great need for such a club. We have over 40 members now and the monthly rides generally attract between 20 and 35 bikes. We have organised events including a track day at the local racetrack, Xmas parties and in the process of organising a safe riding skills day.

Recently, however, the local triumph dealer is attempting to reform the RAT group and have put a new person in charge of accomplishing this. This was probably as a result from pressure from Triumph. He is one of the salesman there and someone that I and other riders have always regarded as a friend. It was therefore quite appropriate for our TRC president to offer the RAT group some assistance. We are, after all, on the same team. We offered to advertise their future rides in our club's newsletter. We would all be quite keen to go on their rides and functions as well. We love riding our triumphs.

The reply we received was quite bewildering and is included below.....

Hi Shane, how r u? , hope u & your family had a great "silly season"!! ......thanx for your offer to include the newly reformed RAT SA riding group dates in your calender , however it is Triumph UK policy that all RAT groups run independently of other groups/clubs, so we will not need u to put any dates in your newsletter. U will notice there r not a huge amount of dates as we will be keeping it fairly low key at this stage........this may change in the future however. With regards the "viewing night", having spoken to our head office, we may plan a "night" late Feb/ March to introduce "officially" the new models that have just started to arrive & will b arriving soon. We will post info on our site as it comes to hand. Best Regards,
*********, Bike Sales,
Peter Stevens Motorcycles
221 Franklin st Adelaide 5000
Ph: 82121494; Fax:82127472.

The object of the TRC is NOT to threaten the independance of the RAT group. I just dont understand the reasoning behind this extraordinary attitude by the RAT. Sure only good can come out of frienship between the two groups. Anyway, judging by the responses of TRC members to this attitude, the very worst is happening by causing some animosity!