OMC Committee Members
Oakley Motorcycle Club is governed by a committee elected by OMC members. Below is an up-to-date list of the committee.
Roger Bays
OMC Chairman
Back in early 2005, I was aware that there was a distinct lack of a Bike Club in North Bedfordshire and bored with riding on my own or with the odd friend, I decided to try my luck at starting a small bike club. As I was a member of Oakley Sports & Social Club which had all the facilities a bike club could want, I arranged a first ever meeting on 27th January that year amongst friends and biking villagers. To my surprise, eighteen people attended on a bitterly cold Thursday night and OMC was formed with me voted as Chairman.
Anticipating a membership of 40-50 people - little did I or the original members realise just how massive the club would become. The first year closed with a paid-up membership of nearly 100 and by 2011, we closed the year with a phenomenal membership of 365 from all over Beds and the surrounding Counties making us one of the biggest independent local family bike clubs in the Country!
I have the privilege to Chair and work alongside some exceptional committee members who work tirelessly to ensure this club continues to move forward and provide unrivalled quality of events, shows, ride outs and trips. Long may it continue!
I still ride my 2005 Repsol Honda Fireblade
EMAIL: roger.bays@oakleymc.net
Christine Randell
Secretary
I have been the Secretary of OMC since 2008, and am married to Phil who is the Vice Chairman.
Before I met Phil twelve years ago my knowledge of bikes was somewhat limited, but I now enjoy them very much, going on as many rides-out and biking holidays as I can.
One of my roles within OMC is to be responsible for keeping up-to-date with membership numbers and sending out our weekly newsletters. I get lots of help from the other committee members, who forward any interesting events or ride-out details to me each week.
I no longer ride a bike, but enjoy going on the back with Phil.
The thing I most enjoy about the club is the mix of people I meet, and the friendly atmosphere at Oakley Sports & Social Club each Thursday.
EMAIL: christine.randell@oakleymc.net
Phil Randell
Vice Chairman
I am now in my 5th year on the committee and my 4th year as Vice Chairman of OMC. With our membership numbers increasing all the time, my job on the committee becomes even more interesting and challenging as we try to ensure that our members get what they want from the Club.
In 2012 it is my intension to organise the Easter Egg Run on Easter Sunday again. I have also re-negotiated a deal with Silverstone for the Moto GP, WSB and BSB and will help organise these events. I will again work closely with Peter Lane to get Club sponsors and negotiate discounts for our members in addition to working closely with the committee and members to make our club even better.
My main motorcycle is a BMW K1300S and a there will soon be a new addition to the family: a Triumph 800XC.
EMAIL: phil.randell@oakleymc.net
Bernice Russell
Treasurer
My name is Bernice Russell (known to some as the Evil One) and I am part of a very important female contingent of the club. I joined the club when it was first starting up and have served on the OMC committee since 2006.
I participate in many of our rides-out and help out with the charity events and social side of the club. I like to see myself as a representative of our women members should they have any queries or fears.
My current bike is a black Fazer 600, which is great fun to ride, and I also ride pillion on a Fazer 1000.
The thing I enjoy most about OMC is the social side, I really enjoy club nights, ride outs and the many social events that OMC run.
EMAIL: bernice.russell@oakleymc.net
Peter Lane
Magazine Editor
I have been a member of OMC since 2007. I enjoy the social side as well as biking, and have attended and helped out at many events. I enjoy the odd track day and rides out, but have not been able to attend many lately since a collision in '08 on a Bikesafe course left me with serious leg injuries, but that’s another story.
I started on a Fizzy and have had many bikes since, including a GT185, Fireblade, Busa, R1 and now a FZS1 Fazer (I'm too broken for sportsbikes now but still love them).
I hope to be out on the bike more in the future and meet a few more members... so I'll see you down the Club.
EMAIL: peter.lane@oakleymc.net
Colin Measures
I was a founder member of OMC when it was formed in 2005 and I have served on the committee since the start.
My current roles in the club include:-
Organising the annual rides-out calendar
Leading some rides-out
Organising the odd weekend away
Carrying out safety observer rides
I get an enormous amount of pleasure from these activities, especially seeing improvements in members' riding skills after my observer rides.
My current bikes are a Honda Super Blackbird and a Pan European 1300.
The likeable part of the club for me is the friendliness of all the members. I attend the club meets every week all through the year (except when I'm working or away) and enjoy it very much. I also enjoy the willingness of the committee and its members to help others in the club when needed.
EMAIL: colin.measures@oakleymc.net
Clive Homan
I have been a member of OMC since 2005, thanks to Colin who promised to buy me a pint if I joined, which I am still waiting for. I went on a ride-out the following weekend and never looked back (well only on a life-safer).
I have found joining a club like OMC has introduced me to a whole new bunch of like-minded friends with the same interests, on and off the bike.
I have been a committee member since 2007 and help to run events. I encourage a team effort from members and always try to get people involved. I also lead and participate in a lot of our rides-out.
I have had a few bikes over the years, CBR600, Aprilla RSVR, Honda Pan European 1100 and I'm now on my second Blackbird.
EMAIL: clive.homan@oakleymc.net
Paul East
I bought my first bike, a Puch TS50 for £20 in 1977 and have been riding pretty much ever since with some breaks Whenever I feel that I should grow up and give up biking, I only have to see the empty space in the garage to go out and buy another bike. I’ve had all sorts of machines from pocket rockets to ballistic missiles, bikes I’ve loved and some I will deny ever owning and currently ride a beautiful mint ZX9R.
I enjoy the ride outs because that’s what it’s all about, but I also look forward to Thursday nights when we meet up for a pint. The club is going from strength to strength with nearly 400 members last year and it’s a privilege to be on the committee and being part of the success that the club enjoys today.
EMAIL: paul.east@oakleymc.net
Tony Dawson
I joined the club in 2005 & became more active as the years went by, being elected on to the committee 3 years ago.
I enjoy leading ride outs & have lead quite a few over the years, the biggest being a 700 mile charity ride in 2009.
I started riding in 1976, I've had numerous bikes over the years but now I ride a Yamaha FZR600R.
I hope to be around to see the club grow even bigger & even more successful as the years go on.
EMAIL: tony.dawson@oakleymc.net
Keith Russell
I joined the club together with my wife Bernice in 2005 and shortly after the Committee. I have been riding since I was 16 years old and have had numerous bikes including an XL500, VFRs and a Ducati 996 Toseland Rep.
I currently ride a Fazer FZ1 (the thinking mans superbike!). I attend and/or help organise many events such as shows, rideouts, holidays, social events and trackdays. Over the years OMC has given me lots of happy memories and many good friends.
EMAIL: keith.russell@oakleymc.net
Dave "Gixerboy" Howe
My name is Dave but most people call me “gixerboy”, originally from Kent, moving to Northants in 2006, which is when I joined the club. My biking history started when I was 16 with a Honda Camino, oh the shame of it! Since then I’ve had two C90’s, 1 CB350, 3 CBR600’s and I’m presently riding my second GSXR750, hence the nickname.
Newly elected this year I’ve been asked what I’m bringing to the table? Maybe a couple of beer mats to stop that committee table wobbling in fast right handers?
I’ve been going to the IOM TT since 2004, and have also done 20 or so track days, and want to do some more this year. I really enjoy club ride outs, trips away, and helping out at club events. Come up on a Thursday night and see for yourself, you won’t regret it.
EMAIL: dave.howe@oakleymc.net
