Various start points were suggested and the best for me was Chieveley services at 14.00 to meet up with Linda, Kev and Steve from the Poole area. Linda arrived first with Steve and Kev shortly after. Food and fuel taken on board and off we four went M4 East M25 North to junction 19 and on to the Bushey area. I mistook my travel notes and will admit to getting us lost around Bushey as Steve ignored us and went straight on to the site! Sorry folks! Sue and Grumpy from Center 13 greeted us. Once on site we found Neil and Becks, AJ and Joan, Bandit and Mike, plus Jan and Blackie as well as Grasshopper already on site. The Yorkies were close by and Dawn was there as the only representative from the Centre 8. We set up tents and had a few drinks prior to going to the clubhouse to be entertained by “Two Non Blondes” who were absolutely brilliant. The Swedish loved the Abba tribute and many of the Danish and Dutch danced away the night. Alltold there were groups from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Germany and Columbia. A truly International Rally.

Friday was the official start for the rally and Dave and Kate turned up to join us. Dave Halkier had been the first on site and we had a good old codgers natter. The food on site was basic but of a good quality. Steve and I wandered around looking at the bikes and meeting old friends and reminiscing about past events. I had a nice little siesta in the afternoon with a little drizzle to rock me to sleep. Rob Bozas also turned up on site and was busy with his camera. Blackjack Bob had done a superb job of setting up past bike winners which included Linda and Beano complete with trailer. I met Izzy in the evening who I have not seen for about ten years and we had a very quick dance as she was the First Aider on site all weekend. The entertainment was in the marquee and two bands played. “Push” were very good but “Rock Remedy” was a bit too heavy for me.

Saturday dawned with a bus tour of central London available and then a ride out to The Ace Café for those who had not been there in the past. It was the job of some past winners to select ten bikes worthy of “The Chairman’s Choice” and Steve’s bike was selected as one of the ten.

The early evening entertainment was based around circus and there was a workshop to test your skills as well as a superb display of Morris Men continuing the English theme.

Kookie Katana was a big attraction as an addition to “Snake Pix” the professional photographer on site. See the picture of Bob drooling!

That evening the entertainment in the marquee started with “Rock Remedy”. Then came the various awards and presentations. Blackie gave the trophy back to the Germans complete with a couple of Scrumpy logos on it! The best bike out of the ten was selected by Kevin Hoyte as an 1100 Virago which belonged to a lady rider from Sweden with about 50,000 miles on it which was immaculate.

Later we had a group by the name of “Loose Change” and a disco late in to the night.

Sunday kicked off damp as it had rained overnight but another good breakfast beckoned. Pack up was done rapidly as the tent was wet and Dave and Kate with me riding shotgun made our way home. It was great to be led back home with no map reading to do! A good ride home with a total of almost 300 miles for me over the weekend in reasonable weather and good company.

Apparently chaps, if you concentrate and look at this picture very hard you can actually see Calley and Kate dancing!

Magic