Plenty of pictures now on-line
Gary and I arrived at about midday on Friday and joined the usual gang who were getting everything ready. Now that sounds as if there is not much to do but were I to list all the jobs that had to be done this report would have to be in three parts. In short organising for the weekend is a year long job with bands to book, people to feed, trophies to buy and regalia to order. On the day there are marquees to erect, generators and electrics to sort out plus during the weekend games to organise, toilets to clean, a run-out, the gate to be manned and it goes on. The one thing that cannot be arranged is the weather (we do live in England after all), but thankfully it looked good and I am told that our first rally-goers arrived at 8:30 a.m. - now that's keen.
Gary and I were responsible for the catering which I must admit became a bit of a challenge this year. With the positive feedback from the 2rd Legend Rally we had hoped that we could book the same caterers this time round. Unfortunately and for variety of reasons it was not possible so we had to do a bit of searching, some of which was last minute - panic! The burger van from the year before had decided that he was not going to turn up at our rally but had failed to get in touch to let us know. We did not discover this until Gary contacted them in the couple of weeks before the weekend to make sure that everything was all right (b**tards). Thankfully Gary had taken the number of "Munchies" whilst at other rallies and Karl agreed at very short notice to cover the rally for us. A big thank-you to them for turning up and providing hot food at reasonable prices at all hours with a big smile; also for the donation they made out of profits to the Club.
Gary had arranged for the food wagons to arrive at 1:00 p.m. The other caterers "White Ensign", who were brought in to provide an alternative menu other than normal bikers fare, were on site in plenty of time, with no sign of Munchies. Frantic phone calls found them and directed them into the site and Karl and crew were up and running within the hour. The White Ensigns took a bit longer and the electrics for this caterer seemed to cause a few problems but Ian Pocock and Chris Biggs (electrical whiz-kid and bog cleaner) soon had them sorted out. It was disappointing to see the electrics fail especially as they had been told not to plug in the electric kettle on top of everything else but I think the message finally got through. As with all things to do with the rally, it is always handy to have people about who know these things.
Oh!! I forgot to mention that Gary helped out by taking on the job which is within his remit and probably best place for him to be especially around electrics. He held the ladder.
It would only be right to mention that Chris Biggs with the assistance of his son, Alexander, supplied and fitted up the PA, which makes life a lot easier over the weekend. Clear announcements etc at the rally for prize giving, bands starting and compering the Silly Games is something a lot of rallies don't have.
By mid afternoon there was a steady stream of arrivals and the weekend was looking good. We had family members coming: Mike, my brother, who won his ticket at the Halloween Party, brought along a few of his mates as well (good idea giving a ticket away for a prize!!) and my niece Marie with her husband Allan.
Kev had arranged the bands and was busy sorting out where and when they were to play. First up was "Strange Fashion" on the patio. They performed a good set and were well received. They got people up dancing and clapping. Then it was inside where about an hour later the band we had had at our Christmas Party "drrink!" kicked off with "Black Magic Woman" as a tribute to one of their fans who had past away recently.
In the hall Gary hit the J.D. and rumour has it that he yet again took off his top along with my brother and others. We also had a chance to catch up with some old friends who have been coming regularly to our rally, TOMCC branches Birmingham & Wolves, Mighty South London and Berkshire, and clubs such as The Bexley Gropers and The Tsunami Riders. There were also new faces from overseas, France and Switzerland which goes to show that going to other rallies and putting the word about really works. It also shows the power of our website: the Swiss guys had spotted our rally on the 'net and decided to have a look.
The raffle tickets were selling well so I decided to join in and have a dance too. By about 2:30 a.m. we were both shattered and slightly drunk so we retired for the night or so I thought. Ladies you will know what I mean when I say that getting into a tent in the pitch black, slightly squiffy and with a very short skirt on is a tricky affair. I thought I managed it in style only to get stung by a wasp (I won't say where). Flying out of the tent holding myself and near to tears, Gary behind me trying his hardest not to laugh, I returned to the kitchen, where there was light (and first aid). Administering the relieving cream must have looked to an onlooker like some sort of porno film. Eventually we returned to the tent. Gary snoring and me throbbing, the morning arrived without any sleep. It was not funny - not then anyway.
Early Saturday morning it was raining, I got up to open up the hall so people could eat in the dry. Thankfully the rain stopped and we had another good day ahead. "Dutchy" (Chief in charge of the Urinals) had been up and had already cleaned all the toilets. There was plenty to do - Barry and Janneane had organise a well attended run, "Tank" had sorted out the Silly Games and with the aid of helpers both went well. Roy Shilling had been asked to judge the bikes; I walked around the field with him and he had a difficult time coming to a decision for the awards - there were some really nice bikes out there.
Kev's son and his mate "Fertile Fuzz" started the Saturday bands with a set on the patio, which went down well. Then it was inside (the weather had started to turn) for "Tumblin' Dice" a favourite of mine and the occasion for a bit of a jig. Then it was awards time and raffle prizes which we try to keep short and sweet as sometimes these things can get boring. Along with the other prizes the "Richard Cottrell" tankard (which can only go to a Club member) this year was presented to Andy Adie.
The next band up were the "Wild Katz" which was Gary's cue for a stint on the gate. I went in and had a bop with Julie to the band, who as usual were brilliant. Everyone was up enjoying themselves though I must admit that half way through the set I was so knackered I joined Gary on the gate, had a few beers and chilled.
Sunday arrived and with it the job of packing everything away. This always takes time but we were finished by about 1:00 p.m.-ish. The weekend went well and everyone had a good time, again we had many compliments on the rally. The only disappointment for Gary and I was that there were not more Bexley TOMCC club members present. Even if it just to see what we can do with their money. It would be great if members who don't usually attend would come along, it doesn't have to be the weekend, just for the day.
Hopefully we will see you next year
Editor's note: The award winners this year were Long Distance Male: Anthony Blakely (from Switzerland) ; Long Distance Female: Linda Ponle ; Best Club Turnout: Bexley Gropers ; Best Hinckley: Mike Davis, Daytona 750 ; Best Meriden: Chris Moore, Tiger 110 ; Best In Show: Dan Cook, Thunderbird ; Best Trike: Kevin Gill, Yahama V-Max ; Best Combo: Tony Sapoford, Tiger ; Best Rat: Colin Cobbett, T140 ; Gamesmaster: Jeff Addley ; Richard Cottrell Trophy: Andy Adie