Until we all turned up at the Blue Star petrol station, Dartford, I hadn't realised how many people were going from Bexley. (Andy, Lee, Gary, Tom, Ian, Julie, Neil, Graham, Janet, Kevin, and a couple of friends on a VW trike - and I made it unlucky 13).
Setting off nearer to 8pm than 7:30, the run down was quick, easy and dry but as we turned off the M20 and into the rally site we found ourselves on the end of a queue which took some time to progress, while the bikes got hotter and hotter... Once through the gate it was clear that camping space was limited to say the least and most areas already looked chock full.
Luckily we rode on and found a spot with just enough space for our modest array of tents. Gary wisely suggested that he and I share, as we each had sizable tents and there was not enough space for both of them.
By the time we were pitched, the first band of the weekend (Eddie and the Hotrods) had already done their thing, and in fact it was nearly dark. Into the arena then and just time for a couple of beers and some food before the other Friday band came on. They were a good Madness / Bad Manners tribute with the obligatory suits and pork-pie hats (for Madness) and the obligatory 20-stone bloke in a pair of enormous shorts (for the Bad Manners songs). The only disappointment was that the live music stopped as early as 10:45pm, but at least there was a rock disco to follow and the bar stayed open.
Saturday started off fine and being so comparatively close to home proved too tempting for Ian and Julie, who skipped off home for a quick shower and change of clothes. Meanwhile some of us went off the site and round the corner to the pub for a few ales and something to eat. It was very pleasant sitting outside by the river (which we determined was the Medway) with people coming and going. Jacky Lineham rode down to join Gary for lunch and to check that I hadn't been keeping him awake by snoring in the tent.
On the way back we passed the little paddock where the show bikes were assembling.There were a few tasty examples including Neil's Bandit, Gary's T160 and a very low, very black Harley with very wide wheels back and front. There was also a low CBX chop and a ratty black trike with... er a plastic rat on it.
By the time the bands had got going on the Saturday evening, the weather had taken a turn for the worst and it alternated between drizzle and heavy rain for the next few hours. Gary and I decided to queue for some noodles, and luckily the rain had eased off at that point because we reckon we were stood there for nearly an hour! You got a nice big hot tray of food but I'm sure I could hear people fainting from hunger further back in the queue. After that... well it was more music and more beer. The bands varied between OK ("Gurus of the New Millenium" anyone?), good (90% Proof) and brilliant (Dr. Feelgood). The ground didn't get too churned up and nobody got too wet unless they courted it by standing outside for too long.
Sunday morning though it was raining again and there didn't seem to be a lot of point in hanging around, so I found myself riding up a very wet M20 and arriving home well before lunchtime, at which point I realised I'd missed the prize-giving and raffle draw.
Checking up the following Tuesday, I was told that sadly the club did not take away anything this year. Still there was Detling to make up for that (see report elsewhere).