This year Gary had a choice of going to the Concorde Rally with me, or going on a stag weekend to Prague with his mates. I know - what choice? Well it seemed I was off to my first Rally on my own.
I decided to go down on Saturday and I hitched up with Ian and Julie. I had a short ride to their house and as it looked like rain I put on my waterproofs (which I later realised was a very good move). As I arrived Ian was loading up his bike. I had already given my tent and sleeping bag to Tank who was kind enough to take it down for me in his sidecar (and will hopefully put it up for me).
Time for a quick cup of tea, as I was waiting for Ian and Julie when one of many texts from Gary arrived (you know, the one who went to Prague): "Hello, darling, went to a sex bar last nite..." I did not reply; there was not much to say that could be texted before we went.
Time to go - we both set off and I followed Ian doing a steady speed down the motorway. We stopped for a short break then arrived early afternoon, glad that I had put on my waterproofs as it had tipped it down.
On arrival I was glad to see friends there, Tim and Jim from Birmingham & Wolves. The Bexley gang were down the pub - no great surprise - but it was good to arrive and find that my tent had been put up (thanks, guys) and after standing around looking a pathetic woman my bed was blown up by Ian. "I like this", I thought - a good ride down and everything ready for me when I arrive. The gang returned as the pub had shut? I didn't know they did? Anyhow we all set off to find another, which we did. I had a nice meal and a few ciders, remember I said about texts well my next one was while I was in the pub... "In bar drinking all day fit for f*** all luv Gary..." I was so reassured.
We all returned to the campsite to carry on with the drinking and listen to the band. It was not a bad band, a few of us got up and had a dance and a good laugh. Well the band finished and we all went for our free roll then off to bed.
What a great night's sleep the best one yet, I must admit I missed Gary but not his snoring or fidgeting. I had a great lay in and awoke about 9:00 a.m.
In the morning they were presenting the trophies and much to my surprise I had actually won something, Long Distance Female, well I was chuffed. I had just collected my trophy thinking I will have to move some of Gary's trophies out of the cabinet when I heard that Bexley had won best club turnout. I went up and collected that trophy as well.
My next task was to take the tent down (this is usually Gary's job). Well again my pathetic woman look and a general question of curiosity "how does this tent come down" brought my mate Tim from Birmingham and Wolves over to show me just how it is done, he did it so well he even packed it all away in the bag. That left just the sleeping bag, I started to roll it so neatly, but found out from Julie you just stuff it in - why Gary has never done it like that before I never know. All packed up and ready to leave we all set off together following Phil, which is not always a good idea as he was not too sure what way to go either. Anyway we all made it home safe and sound and I had a great weekend on my own but with the company of everyone. Thanks to all who made my first rally on my own a very enjoyable one.
So don't forget, next year come along to the rallies I can guarantee all are welcome and you will have a great time.