Meeting at 2 o'clock on the Friday, Tony, Dave and myself set off for the rally, we found ourselves weaving through the traffic within a few miles. Reaching our turn-off to the M3 and with the M25 car park behind us the going was good, soon passing Stonehenge through to Shepton Mallet then on to Weston-super-mare, well done to Dave who got us there without a wrong turn.
Arrived about 6pm set up camp, met up with Flip who had been to Wales to finish off the landmark challenge, well done you! Tank was on site, which made five of us. Time to go to the pub a short walk down the road. Found Kev back at the site then to the bar, rock disco and more beer...
Saturday we went on the organised run to a pub, had lunch then took our own ride - Kev, Dave, Flip and I to Cheddar Gorge and - would you believe it - more beer; lost Tony or did we? He just went to find some bungees. Ian and Julie were on site when we got back (luv the tent).
I'm beginning to think we're a bunch of drunks: Well, well, back to the pub for dinner and beer. Saturday evening met up with some good ol' boys from Berkshire, Birmingham & Wolves and some new ones. There was a rock band, more beer and dancing, but it ended all too soon so out into the night air we rolled. A pork roll & coffee was on offer, along with the bonfire. We gathered around with talk of old days when things would explode in the flames. We tried a few lighters pop, fizz not the full visual or sound effects of yesteryear (must have been on drugs back then) it did give us a good laugh, and don't talk about the "BIG PEOPLE" they might be behind you!
Sunday morning, weather still fine, packed up and waited for the awards, no club turn out or best bike for us but Ian did get ladies long distance! (Editor's note: Ian collected it but it's Jan's name on it!)
Said our goodbyes and we were off; this was not uneventful, we seemed to keep it together till the motorway where it became a bit fragmented. Dave's bike was not well so Kev stayed with him riding at the back of the group then they were gone, so we stopped for a petrol and fag break but still no Kev 'n Dave. We plodded on, the going too slow for Ian he upped the ante, splitting the group again and fancying a blat I followed - just don't look at the speedo. Zipping down the fast lane we passed Kev on the hard shoulder? Not knowing he'd had a blow out on the rear and in Hawai Five-O style with sparks flying he'd surfed off the road, narrowly escaping kneecap removal, but we didn't stop 'cos we had a pub waiting for us.
Apart from the mishaps another great weekend: Kev and bike bruised, rear wheel knackered, but hey! Survived to tell the tale. Next trip SPAIN!