My first rally as a member - even Jan thought I was joking when I said I'm buying one - written from an on-site perspective.
Late as ever, a mix of me being delayed at work and Jan's reticence when it comes to wet weather riding, we set off for a dash down to Portsmouth, the plan being to catch up. We decided to stop for a cuppa at the Café where we found the others. Andy and Lee, Ian and Julie, plus Dave's Clark and Jackson. Couldn't help but notice that Andy Adie was leaking claret, and on asking found that he had had a bit of a spill on the way down (if it had been a fight I would have loved to see the other guy) before he had even got onto the M25 - rain and diesel had claimed another victim.
Result: Bike slightly bruised and Rider ("I think I've pulled something in my arm") had started so was gonna finish - the ride down to Portsmouth being un-eventful. We arrived at the site where the Club we were visiting insisted on taking our illustrious leader to hospital for a check-up. Andy now being absent, Lee's tent was erected in double quick time - many hands causing confusion to Lee as all the gear from her barrow ended up in the tent in no particular order.
Tents up we find Tank had already arrived with Phil Loom bringing up the rear, so the club had at least one Classic Triumph to show (and fair play to that well travelled man) - off to the bar, where else? Before long the Bexley TOMCC Country Club arrived - Gaz & Jackie, Lee & Tracy, Tom & Sue, Tom & Gwen, Top Banana, Bob & Rose, Colin & Rucksack (sorry Mags you gotta ride to be a Biker - ownership don't count).
The band being particularly good it wasn't long before strange rhythmic poses were being struck by various club members with the Caped Crusader making an appearance and setting the standard - can that man move. Starting the second set of the night the band had to call a halt 'cos back comes Andy with a broken arm and thunderous applause from all - Respect. (When I grow up I want to be 'ard as Adie.)
Saturday morning woke up with a bit of a head on. Realised that I had made a big mistake, trying to keep up with Colin on the ale - be warned the chap is in fact a Mobile Storm Drain - some of us go to the supermarket for breakfast, which is now on my to-be-recommended list. Back to site and off for a run out to, I don't know where, but it was on the island and I followed the others. But I took a picture.
Lunch was apparently brilliant by general consensus, though I didn't indulge, 'tis what the rest were saying. A large breakfast and a feeling of queasiness (self-induced) had killed my appetite. Back to site, bit of a kip and off to the bar again, the Saturday night band being very much to my taste (loads of Floyd, Hendrix and the ilk) though I can understand it not being everyone's cup of tea. But as a last minute fill in, the Isle of Wight boys being let down by their first choice days from the event, in my humble opinion a lucky find at short notice.
Prize giving saw Bexley taking the best Club turn-out and a personal mention in dispatches for Andy Adie - the gathered throng being well impressed that he had made it with only three fully functional limbs.
Sunday saw the tents disappear in record time, as Andy's bike had to be transported with Ian doing the two-bike shuffle on and off the ferry. Lunch in Portsmouth for a few of us then back to the Pied Bull, couple of wobble juices and home. My thanks to all for making the weekend a grin, all being well will be back next year.