Questionnaire Response :)):

[Smiler]

So you may have seen a few changes around the forum lately?
Our very own Menzies put together a short questionnaire to see what people think of SWB, why they enjoy being a part of this ace forum and also what we can do to improve things too!
I’ve looked over some of your comments and I’ll try and answer these as best as I can – of course, any further conversation is always welcome 
So in no particular order……

*Proper Friendly Rides (i.e. legal speeds, no Rossi wannabes!)

These rides are mostly organised and run by Billinom8s, a lot of care and time is taken in choosing a suitable route that would encourage learner/novice riders but essentially everyone is welcome to come along. Indeed, having more experienced riders on the day can help the more novice riders immensely, but of course what we don’t want is for anyone to feel out of their comfort zone and its imperative that each must ride within their own limits. We do however operate a ‘drop off’ system, where the second bike is responsible for marking junctions or we could lose people along the way! Look out for your fellow riders ;) Its no excuse however for inconsiderate riding, and if at any time any of you are not comfortable, please come and speak to either Billinom8s (he’s usually leading the ride, so wont know whats happening behind him! Lol) or even the TEC (he/she will have the hiviz on, bringing up the rear, oo er…) and we will make every effort to make your day as enjoyable as possible.

*A snazzy logo!


Oooohhh yes please! I think we already have a few ideas in place of how we go about doing this (see the thread!), and of course this will involve you lot….the forum members! 

*More social events.


Theres nothing we like more than getting together! Social events in the past have been anything from Pub Meets, Post Xmas SWB Meal, and of course the MotoGP Sundays that are regularly posted up on the forum. But hey! We aren’t limited whatsoever in how we socialise, and ‘The Management’ would heartily welcome anyone who fancies putting something together (we can help!) suggestions of places to go, groups events etc. We know that SWB members are spread over a wide area (that’s what makes us such a great forum!) and as such, no single event is going to be suitable for the masses. So if you would like eg a pub meet that’s closer to you, maybe do a little research (….you really need me to tell you to go to the pub for a pint?  ) choose a date that suits and get it posted up.

*There seems to be just one person in charge!!!


Well, thank god for that! Hahahaha!
Being slightly more serious, we kind of HAVE to have someone that heads this place up, and we are very fortunate to have Billino8s and Moosey at the helm. SWB is, and always has been, a fairly self-policing forum. We are very lucky that the members and forum users show each other much respect (mostly! Hehe) But when it comes to the stuff that happens behind the scenes, the organising of events, handling peoples queries etc it requires a central point of contact.
That said, any name you see in red or green means they are either an Admin or a Moderator, and you can contact any of us about anything!

*Having a regular presence at some of the local bike meets.


Yes! That would be cool! In fact, if there are any in your area why not post it up on the forum, maybe a short rideout beforehand? I quite like a chilled Apple Tango btw, just sayin’ ;)
(and you can earn some forum points too….)

*More focus on rideouts rather than trackdays.


We know that our online biking community is quite varied – we know that you guys are in to anything from touring to trackdays and everything else inbetween! Yes, there are a few members that enjoy tracktime, but rideouts can be organised by ANYONE. We actively encourage people to post up rides wherever you are. In fact if you’re thinking of organising something but not sure of how to go about it, or would maybe like some help on the day, we are here to help. You need a TEC? Ask! Help in planning a route on Google maps? Ask! Of course this comes with a payment by means of a cuppa or ice cream, we aren’t fussy ;) Your forum, get using it!! 

*Forum layout/function


You may have seen a few adjustments made recently. And these are ongoing, but please bear in mind all this happens because of someones free time, voluntarily given. Cant find something? Contact us 

*Paid up subscribers vs lurkers – the incentives to become a paid up member of SWB.


This one has always been a bit tricky in terms of discounts etc. There aren’t many businesses out there prepared to give discounts readily, but if you know of any that would, let us know.
Subscribers now get the chance to earn Forum Points, which in turn will reward you with some ace SWB goodies  . Check the thread for details and get earning now 

*”We need more female riders!”


Heheheh, well I appreciate that its mostly guys on here, but that’s not to say that lady bikers aren’t welcome (they most definitely are!). I don’t have an answer as to why there aren’t many ladies on the forum, but if we do have any women drop in and introduce themselves I have every faith that you will all make them welcome and encourage them to come out on rideouts and socials.

Ok, that’s pretty much it….other than to say a huge thanks to all those who took the time to fill in the questionnaire, the feedback received was really informative!
– this is YOUR forum, so what are you waiting for? Get stuck in ;)

[billinom8s]

Very well put m'dear.

[ptolemyx]

Thanks for the feedback Smiler.

[Scotty]

Re: “we need more female riders!”

Does SWB have a Facebook page? I’m not a Facetube user myself so from my perspective that’s irrelevant, but it pertains to the point that I’m making.

After returning to the SW recently, Chicky and I have been more active on the Wiltshire Bikers forum. The forum itself is far quieter than it was in days of yore as the majority of members have migrated to the FB page. After introducing herself on FB a number of members replied with welcome messages, but one prick (whom I shall not identify) had to take it further, starting with “shame your [sic] married” and then repeatedly sending inappropriate messages despite Chicky asking him politely to desist. It’s a delicate situation, there’s all the justification needed to tell the sender to go forth and multiply but that would only elicit the predictable “f*ck you I’m only being friendly you stuck up b!tch!” and bad feeling is generated (and no doubt plenty of bad-mouthing done too).

The sad thing is that the relative anonymity offered by the internet emboldens creeps who think that it’s perfectly acceptable to harass any female who appears in a social environment. If there is a SWB Facetube page (or even if it happens via PMs through the forum itself) I would hope that any female members, whether newbies or not, feel that they can report the perp to site management and let them deal with the creep in the appropriate manner.

I’m firmly in agreement with the wish to have more female riders on board, definitely the more the merrier, just want them to feel both welcomed and safe from harassment when they’re here (and anywhere else).

[TLS-Moose]

Re: “we need more female riders!”

Does SWB have a Facebook page? I’m not a Facetube user myself so from my perspective that’s irrelevant, but it pertains to the point that I’m making.

After returning to the SW recently, Chicky and I have been more active on the Wiltshire Bikers forum. The forum itself is far quieter than it was in days of yore as the majority of members have migrated to the FB page. After introducing herself on FB a number of members replied with welcome messages, but one prick (whom I shall not identify) had to take it further, starting with “shame your [sic] married” and then repeatedly sending inappropriate messages despite Chicky asking him politely to desist. It’s a delicate situation, there’s all the justification needed to tell the sender to go forth and multiply but that would only elicit the predictable “f*ck you I’m only being friendly you stuck up b!tch!” and bad feeling is generated (and no doubt plenty of bad-mouthing done too).

The sad thing is that the relative anonymity offered by the internet emboldens creeps who think that it’s perfectly acceptable to harass any female who appears in a social environment. If there is a SWB Facetube page (or even if it happens via PMs through the forum itself) I would hope that any female members, whether newbies or not, feel that they can report the perp to site management and let them deal with the creep in the appropriate manner.

I’m firmly in agreement with the wish to have more female riders on board, definitely the more the merrier, just want them to feel both welcomed and safe from harassment when they’re here (and anywhere else).

Scotty, yes there is a Facebook page, but content is carefully controlled by staff to keep members using the main site.

I would also state inappropriate behaviour from one member to another in any way, shape or form will not be tolerated. No one should be at all worried about reporting to such behaviour to a member of "staff".

[menzies3032]

Scotty, yes there is a Facebook page, but content is carefully controlled by staff to keep members using the main site.

I would also state inappropriate behavior from one member to another in any way, shape or form will not be tolerated. No one should be at all worried about reporting to such behavior to a member of "staff".

Scotty I am one of the admins on the Facebook page and yes as said by Moose only the Admins can post on the page but anybody can comment on a post that we have started. That said we watch all visitor posts and all comments on things we are promoting. If there is anything that is upsetting then we hit the delete button. This is all about having a social environment for people to meet like minded individuals. Anybody looking to cause grief and make people feel uncomfortable is not acceptable and will not be supported or allowed.

[badgerKDD]

Also don't forget, on here we've got a 'Smiler' ... Any inappropriate posts towards female members will be dealt with sharpish by her, God help them....

[Mervin]

Also don't forget, on here we've got a 'Smiler' ... Any inappropriate posts towards female members will be dealt with sharpish by her, God help them....

As shes ok , very often puts her topless pics on facebook , especially in this hot weather

[badgerKDD]

It's been a pleasure knowing you Merv, what song do you want played after Smiler gets hold of you?

[Smiler]

Also don't forget, on here we've got a 'Smiler' ... Any inappropriate posts towards female members will be dealt with sharpish by her, God help them....

As shes ok , very often puts her topless pics on facebook , especially in this hot weather

[menzies3032]

As shes ok , very often puts her topless pics on facebook , especially in this hot weather

That’s it now she is going to get friend requests from all the marshals at Llandow. Shall we tell them now or later that it’s her car that is topless and not Smiler?

[Mervin]

It's been a pleasure knowing you Merv, what song do you want played after Smiler gets hold of you?

Hold on tight to your dreams

[Mervin]

As shes ok , very often puts her topless pics on facebook , especially in this hot weather

That’s it now she is going to get friend requests from all the marshals at Llandow. Shall we tell them now or later that it’s her car that is topless and not Smiler?

hmm dunno , I do enjoy the Mazzy advewntures though

[Chicky]

Sounds like your fb page is well managed. Not sure anyone really moderates the wb one...

[Ruffian]

Almost seems that the forum has gone a bit too serious and scared a few people off,
(The laugh and dare I say "banter" of 2/3 years ago has softened up a bit)

It seems as some of the people are selling there bikes we are not getting the next generation into biking.