Rally Reports
A new page intended to compliment the Gallery pages, reporting on Rallies our
members have attended, and importantly to thank the hard work of all the clubs
without whom the rally season would never happen...
Shoot the Goose 2009
Kyleakin, Skye
"
First time ever going to this Rally and, although there were others I knew going to it,
had to travel up myself. I really need to get some maps to carry on the bike – a
quick scribble of what road numbers to look out for let me down again!
Anyway, got there okay, if later than I’d hoped and was found by Aileen, Steven and Jamie –
always knew my bike was a bit distinctive. Set up my tent by them and was offered food –
knew there was a reason I liked some folk! Weather was damp and windy – site is very exposed.
Took a look about and then a wander down to the village itself. Not a lot happening there,
other than a huge influx of bikers into a fairly small village.
Walked back up to the rally and it was getting damper and wetter – so decision made
it was straight in to the hall. Plenty of space there and good rally bar prices.
Someone had even taken time to (slightly) decorate the hall.
Friday night entertainment wasn’t your usual rally music but was good anyway.
Scottish, but lively and certainly worth listening to.
Saturday morning arrived and it was still wet and windy, so once fully awake took a
wander back down to the village for a proper coffee – where we were straight away
told that the weather was “the bikers fault – it’s always like this when you lot arrive!”
After the cuppa we decided to try a catch a bus across/around the island. However
the price put us off that VERY quickly. Walked back to the site and the others decided
to take a run around on their bikes instead since the weather had turned nicer.
I decided to leave them to it – and guess what, it rained again while they were away!
Spent more time walking about and looking at bikes/talking to folk –
www.skyewheelnuts.co.uk might be worth checking out if you are going to
spend any time up that neck of the woods.
Saturday evening entertainment started with the local youth pipe band giving us some
LOUD music (never have thought pipes should be played inside). However, after that
it reverted to more typical rally music and have to say thanks to the guys who saw to
most of the music that evening – www.belfastrockschool.com – who seemed to have spent
the whole summer simply going from one rally/event to another.
Sunday morning dawned – dull, grey and damp (surprise, surprise). So it was time to
pack up and head home – however I was on my own again as I was heading across country to
Aberdeen – and once I reached Inverness the sun started shining and didn’t stop until
I was back in Edinburgh the next day!
Enjoyed the rally, the folk were great, the entertainment was exactly that and
the bar was nice and cheap. However, the site was very exposed, the weather wasn’t
great and it was a bit far to do solo and in a hurry. Not sure if I’ll go again but
will certainly think about it.
"
Alan QMCC
Shoot The Goose 2009
Saint and Sinners 2009
From Alan..
"Saint and Sinners rally.
First time ever going to this Rally.
Nice easy journey up to it, but the signposting over the last bit
was horrendous – virtually missed the
sign once and did go past them at least twice after that!
However, once there met up with some folk that Will knew – Ally, Tiny and co,
you know who you are. So, able to pitch tents easy enough with plenty space.
Friday night entertainment was good. Especially have to recommend Size Queen –
www.myspace.com/sizequeenrocks
- brilliant and totally entertaining band who were totally in to the music and
enjoying themselves. (see some photos in the gallery). The rest of the night
went well with everyone enjoying themselves and more folk turning up all the
time.
Saturday dawned not too early and thanks to those about I didn’t even have to join in
the beer run in order to benefit from it – my kind of friends! The field had filled up even
more with some very nice bikes and trikes. The usual stalls were there – starting to make a name for myself with some of them –
www.pitstop-cauldron.co.uk being
some of the funnest folk you could hope to meet. Bike show in the afternoon (as
usual) with a good variety and some very nice bikes represented. The axe
throwing looked like fun, but couldn’t persuade any of our crowd to come over
far enough to try a shot so had to make do with watching others being slightly
maniacal.
Saturday evening arrived, along with more friends – some of whom managed to take advantage
of my friends and get a sober run for tobacco – Suzy!!!! The bands were again very good and
the tattoo artist certainly seemed to be kept busy with all the folk going in
and out. Highlight of the evening was the ‘fire show’ outside which culminated
with a bike (apparently) being set alight as a memento of the weekend!
Sunday morning/lunchtime came upon us all – and no-one even seemed to be suffering too much.
Packed up and headed for home with, again, and nice easy run.
Overall, a very well run rally which isn’t too far of the beaten track.
Very good entertainment, fair bar (but only fair) and plenty of stalls/stuff to buy if you want.
Think I’ll be back to this one."
Alan QMCC
Saint & Sinners 2009
From William Thompson
"Saint and Sinners rally.
Alan and I arrange to meet at one o'clock on friday 11 september to go to the
Saints and Sinners rally.
We meet at half past as I was running late. At Alan's house we started out
after filling up at the garage. So at about two o'clock we headed to the forth
road bridge. The traffic was not too bad, the sun was out and it was dry. Alan
lead as I didn't know where the rally was. We stopped for petrol and a rest
near perth. We started out again, as we went along we were taking in the
scenary.
We nearly missed the junction. Then I missed the second one as we went along
the road. We missed the third one so after another u turn we got the forth one
and guess what we missed the last one.
After another u turn we got there.
As we drove in (dodging the children play area) I meet some friend Ally,Tiny
and debby. we decided to set up our tents beside theirs making sure the
portaloo was near by.
After setting up our tents we went to park our bikes. Alan got his bike near
his tent and I parked my bike on the main road as my bike don't like the side
stand. So it had to go on the centre stand. which meant that that was the only
place I could park it.
Then we signed in as I had no ticket. We got to the desk, Alan signed in and I
had to buy a ticket. By luck someone had not come with another group so with
this luck I paid £15 for the ticket not the £25 I was excepting to pay.
After that we went to the burger bar. The prices were not to dear £2.20 for a
cheese burger, £1.20 for a bottle of cola.
After food we went to the hall. The bar was at one side and the toilet was at
the other side. There was a tattooist just beside the bar. we all picked a
table to the right side of the door of the tattooist. We sat there till the
band's started about sevenish. The first band was good. The second was better.
We meet other people in the club. We said our hello's.
I made it to 11 o'clock then I headed to bed.
On saturday we got up at 9ish. We sat about drinking cola until around 11ish
then Tiny,Debby, Ally and I went to buy food and stuff for the barbeque. We
went in Tiny and Debby's car for this trip. After we got back around 1ish we
all unloaded the car of all the stuff for the barbeque.
Alan and I went and had a look at the stalls. After that we all sat around the
biggest tent (it was Tiny's) and wound up each other.
Then other friends of Ally's turned up so we decided to start the barbeque.
Tiny was delegated to do the cooking (not cause he is the best lol). So about
4ish we got stuck into the food. There was a lot of food so there was plenty
for us all. As we all groaned (for our greed) we decided That we would all go
to the hall for the bands. We got there for about 6ish. We got the same table
as the night before. We bumped into a friend of Alan's. She was looking for
someone to go to the garage to get cigarettes. As I don't drink I took her to
the garage for them.
When we got back I dropped her off in the car park and I parked the bike back
on the main road. Then headed back to listen to the bands. They started about
7.30ish. They were good. They stopped playing about 9ish for people to sell
raffle tickets.
The band then started again after a little break. It all ended at about 11ish
to award the prize for the best bike, best trike and best paint job. These
where awarded by the devil and trainee. Then I went to bed.
On sunday I got up at 9ish had some cola and then started to pack up all the
stuff in tent. The sleeping bag, the ground sheet and all the clothes. i then
took the stuff to my bike on the main road and packed it away. Then I came back
to take down the tent. Which I also took it to bike. After all my stuff was
packed away safe I then helped Tiny,Debby and any one else that wanted help to
flatten there tent.
By then Alan was up and packing up his tent. After he loaded it to his bike we
set off. We got to the main road and headed home. We stopped at the same place
as we had going to get petrol and rest. We got to the the shopping centre near
where we live and then we went our seperate ways back home. I had to unpack the
bike. Lucky I have the hard luggage system for my bike so I just had to carry
the full boxes up the stair and unload them in the house. After that I sit down
for tea. That is another weekend over. I think I will be going back next year.
Hope you enjoy reading about my time away and i would encouage Anyone who has
the time to go along to the rally.
Take care,
Will."
NABD by the Trossachs 2009, Callander
3rd year for this rally – and third time at it. Have to say though that I (and
others) was confused by the complete change of dates – they seemed to have
brought it forward by a month.
Got a bit wet getting there and discovered a quagmire on the way in but managed
to negotiate that no problems. Got my tent up and then the rain stopped!
Was there earlier than many but still reasonable numbers were there before me.
Chatted away to a few folk/strangers through the Friday evening. Enjoying the
cheap drink (£5 for 4 cans and £1 a nip can’t be complained about) and the
reasonable band. They were okay but a bit repetitive. Managed to avoid getting
too wet during the frequent downpours by the simple means of staying inside the
marquee.
Woke early on the Saturday and took a wander down to Callander itself for some
breakfast. Busy place even at that sort of time. Back to the site and time for
a look about at the bikes (many), trikes (quite a few) and stalls (basically
none this year!). Bar re-opened about 12 and again was the best place to be
because it was dry the whole time.
Evening approached and the music/life started to pick up. Caught up with Billy
& Tracey – ended up spending most of the evening with them although a few other
familiar faces did turn up. The music was better on the Saturday so had another
good evening.
Up on the Sunday morning to more on and off rain. Got packed up, negotiated way
out of the field and back to Callander for a while – in the glorious sunshine!
And then time for home.
Only saw 2 folk stuck with the mud all weekend – 1 bike and the lorry in to see
to the loos!
Disappointed by the lack of stalls.
But still enjoyed the rally and would go again
Alan QMCC
N.A.B.D. 2009
Hallyracket 2009, Cuminestown
Had never heard of these folk or their rally before going to Furry Boots, but
thought that since it was a 25th anniversary rally it might be worth going to.
Took another Friday afternoon off work (flexi leave is brilliant!) and headed
up the road in the sunshine.
3 hours later (or so) and after a brief detour as I got confused passing
through Ellon I was there. I’ve never seen such a small campsite for a rally!
Just a patch of grass across the road from the bowling club and bikes to be
parked on the road thank you very much! Found a small space and got set up,
registered and then cracked a can and started talking to those around me – or
rather they started talking to me!
They don’t have a bar at the campsite but there was an intriguing large plastic
container full of water and cans just sitting there (see the photo of the
sign). The bar and entertainment was about 400 yards down the road at the local
pub. It must have its best weekend of the year during the rally! Food and drink
was there to be had in quantity – food to take away or eat in – although I
think the kitchen was struggling a bit.
Saturday morning – awoke to more sunshine. Watched quite a few folk take
advantage of the shower facilities provided (shower, shampoo, gel and towel -
£3, hairdryer/straighteners - £1) just across the road. Spoke to a few more
folk and watched more appear and fit their tents into increasingly rarer and
smaller spaces! Silly games and races were held in the football field during
the afternoon – with more drinking. Then back to the pub for
food/drink/entertainment during the evening.
Up on Sunday – more sunshine! Got packed up and departed. Enjoyed the trip back
down the road in the fine weather.
Not sure if I would go again – the pub ended up to busy and a bit chaotic.
However did enjoy myself and would offer the following 2 tips – get your
tickets early cause they cannot sell too many, and get there on the Friday if
you want ANY choice of where you are putting your tent!
Alan QMCC
Hallyracket 2009
BMF 2009, Kelso
First time ever going to the BMF at Kelso.
Had been looking forward to it for a couple of years though cause I could just
never seem to manage to get to it.
Managed to get the whole Friday off work so was able to take my time travelling
down through the day and then had plenty time/space to pick somewhere to set up
tent. Helped to mark out an area for the other QMCC members in advance of them
arriving.
Because I was with folk who had been before I got to know some others easily
enough. We then took a wander round on the Friday before everything got too
busy. A huge site compared to some I’ve been at and it looked like it was going
to be really busy.
Found Spellbound – who painted my jacket last year – and discovered that my
design, which he thought was going to be very dark and moody, was selling like
hot-cakes on coasters and mugs! Spoke away to Herb and promised to return with
the jacket to let him see how it was doing.
Then back to the tents and watch others set theirs up in the sunshine. Managed
to offer a hand now and again, but didn’t exert myself TOO much.
Have to admit, didn’t go to see the band at all on the Friday cause we were all
having too good a time listening from where we were and just chatting all
together.
Woke up the Saturday to yet another fine day (what is it this year about me,
rallies and fine weather?!)
Leisurely morning and then more wandering round looking at the stalls and the
bikes around us.
Felt compelled to buy one or two bits and pieces (everyone was right, there are
bargains to be had there) but managed to avoid excess.
Spent the Saturday evening wandering – listening to the bands, sampling the
beer, chatting to folk I knew or had met at previous rallies (Furry Boots @
Clatt for example).
Sunday morning arrived to even more sunshine! Took our time dismantling all the
tents and gradually everyone went their own way. The only problem was that I
was hoping to meet William and ‘let’ him carry some of my stuff home, but the
@$*& had only gone and had an accident on his way down that morning. Hope he
recovers soon – broken ankle; but his bike seems to be okay!
Honestly though I don’t know if I’ll do the rally again because in some ways it
felt too big and impersonal. However, the folk around me were brilliant and the
event itself was incredibly well organised so maybe it’s just a case of
weighing up the pros and cons.
Alan QMCC
Kelso BMF 2009
Furry Boots 2009, Clatt
First time ever going to the Garioch MCC Furry Boots rally in the wee village of
Clatt outside Alford.
Got there easily enough, in the glorious weather and found a space to pitch my
tent – no bikes by the tents cause the field is too small! Bikes round the
outside of the field, a walkway/road round just inside that and then the tents
in the middle. Mind you, they are just using the local football pitch at the
back of the village hall.
Make some friends easily enough and have a chat. Then time for a wander and
find out what is happening. There are a few stalls set up, but no food vans!
Then I discover that they are using the village hall kitchen to produce REAL
food at decent prices. Mind you I found that out when I found the bar (also in
the hall). A marquee set up next to it for the bands/music.
Totally chilled out on the Friday and then woke up on the Saturday baking in my
tent – it was a scorcher of a day and I definitely got burnt. Rally was sold
out with no more space for anyone (250 tickets only), but they managed to make
space for my folks’ car when they turned up for their first ever experience of
a bike rally! Took my mum around for a look see at the bikes while dad just sat
watching the world go by on 2 wheels (and sometimes 3), and then they left.
On my walk about was handed a case of beer and half a bottle of vodka by a
bunch of guys who suddenly had to go – that made me more friends by my tent!
Got to know ‘Pitstop’ from Pitstop Paints who had come to set up a stall –
their helmets are absolutely brilliant to look at – she drives around in a
hearse!
Music on the Saturday was just as good as on the Friday so the evening went as
well if not better cause now I knew some more folk around me.
Woke up on the Sunday to even hotter weather and everyone just taking it easy
as they dismantled their tents.
Came all the way back in brilliant sunshine; relearning what a sauna felt like.
Would thoroughly recommend the rally to anyone who enjoys a friendly, smaller
type of event – and have to say it was brilliantly organised. Using the village
hall really meant decent food available all the time – as well as toilet
facilities with hot and cold running water – and even SHOWERS for those who
wanted them
Alan QMCC
Furry Boots 2009
Biketoberfest 2008, Daytona Beach
The holiday of a lifetime – Bikes, Beach, Sunshine, Booze, Cheap Food and Even
Cheaper Petrol (£1:75 a gallon)!
Every year the city of Daytona Beach welcomes bikers from all over the USA (and
parts further a field) for two special occasions – Bike Week and Biketoberfest
– and we’ve just been over for the second of those.
We arrived in Tampa on the Tuesday and picked a very nice Harley-Davidson
Heritage Softail. Two days of leisurely cruising across the state took us to
Daytona Beach for the Thursday.
We were one of the first ones there, but already the city was all prepared –
and as for the bikes we had seen heading in the same direction?!
Had a quiet afternoon and evening but gradually the noise levels increased as
more and more bikes arrived.
By Friday morning the whole tone of the weekend was set – the loud rumble of
motorbikes from 7 in the morning until 3 the following morning – all over the
city. Even along the beach!
Mid-afternoon Friday we discovered Main Street. A full ¾ of a mile with two
rows of beautifully cared for bikes in a variety of styles from one off custom
trikes to standard shop bought scooters, with 2 streams of constant traffic
running the full length all the time! Some folk came and parked and just walked
about admiring things, others couldn’t stop driving up and down all day. We
however took a drive up, found some parking, admired he bikes, found the bars
and enjoyed the music. After a walk about for the afternoon in the blazing heat
we went back to the motel, had some proper food and then got a lift back to
Main Street. Bikes, bikes and more bikes – with some trikes, weird cars and odd
looking vehicles that I’m still not sure what they were.
Bars aplenty with cheap beer, good music, indoor smoking for those who wanted
it and VERY entertaining bar maids. Everywhere we looked there were signs
saying “Welcome back bikers!” – on the Hilton hotel, across the streets, on the
shops and bars, even on the graveyard railings!
We spent Saturday doing much the same – along with some riding round the city –
no helmet, no gloves, shorts, shades and sandals were all that was required!
Anything else was too hot anyway!
Sunday we went looking for a special bar – one with a difference! Fancy riding
in to the bar and parking less than 3 feet from where you sit with a beer? Go
visit the Iron Horse Saloon! Okay, I know that most of it is open air but at
the same time it’s such an amazing sight – bikes parked between customers and
the pool table, dance floor, toilets and food! They even have a ‘burnout pit’
in the bar!
Monday, we left and headed down the coast to Kennedy Space Centre where all my
metal badges, rings, etc caused their security guards real problems cause I
couldn’t go through their metal detectors! After that we went down to Cocoa
Beach. Tuesday we headed further down and got through Palm Beach and on to
Lantana. Wednesday was on to Miami – avoid it at the moment there’s lots of
construction and road works in the downtown area! Needless to say we got lost.
Gave up on that and eventually found the route west out of town and then a
motel Wednesday it was time to head across the Everglades. Took a tour round
one of the Miccosukee Tribal Villages but decided against the airboat tour.
Kept heading west – through some very heavy (but oddly warm) rain, and then
north up the coast to Fort Myers. Thursday we headed the rest of the way up the
coast, past Sarasota and back to Tampa. Friday we had to give the bike back and
fly home – back to the dull, cold, damp home country!
I have to say that the folk of Daytona Beach were incredibly friendly and went
out of their way to help. At no point of the trip did we have any problems but
I am sure that even if we had then they could/would have been sorted by the
great folk at Chrome Horse Harley Rentals – Tony and Cindy Waters – they had
even given us their mobile number to call while we were at Biketoberfest cause
they were going too! Having been at Biketoberfest now I can’t wait until we can
manage its big brother – Bike Week – 10 days of the same thing instead of just
3(ish).
Alan QMCC
Biketoberfest 2008
16th Stuffed ‘n’ Plucked Rally 2008
www.scottishroadrunnersmcc.co.uk
Apparently I was a ‘Rally Virgin’ when I turned up but not anymore and what an
experience . . . .
Friday
We arrived to warm friendly faces and glorious sunshine. Tent up and we went to
the marquee where the atmosphere was building. Had a great night listening to 3
great bands and boogying away. Have to mention the on-going pole climbing
entertainment/competition – well done guys! Fell asleep to a guitar strumming
from a nearby tent. Great time had by all.
Saturday
After a soggy night outside, but a cosy warm dry tent, awoke to more rain. Went
to the marquee tent to hear a daytime band. Spent another enjoyable night
listening to 4 more bands. All great entertainment followed by raffle and rally
trophies being presented. Everything very well organised – even the port-a-loos
were still clean after (now) 48 hours!
Sunday
Awoke to MORE rain. Everyone up and about dismantling their tents – spirits
were still high though. End of a great weekend and time for home – with my
first rally badge!
Meeting Lesley, Libby and Toni there was great – “Hi guys!” Felt I got to know
them better and am sure that I would enjoy their company again at future
rallies.
Wonderful weekend experience!
Well done and thanks to Scottish Roadrunners MCC – only thing not under control
was the weather, but hey it added to the experience.
Stuffed & Plucked 2008
Edinburgh MAG Al Ol Anns Achadh Rally
from one of our newer members, Moe...
"MAG Rally WestCalder
well folks this was my first rally and being a rally virgin wasnt sure what to
expect.. but thanks to lesley for taking me along..
weather was good and on sat was SUPERB! all gotsome sun bathing done many
floating aroundin there undies lol....
both fri and sat had great entertainment i danced my boots of or for what i can
remember lol....the food was good plenty of choice and there was plenty
refreshments at the bar hehehe..
mind u lesley had me steamboats b4 6pm on fri lol....
toilets were cleaned all the time i was inpressed
defo a rally not to be missed well organised and friendly people and i made a
few new friends .. justremember to take your avon so soft for the midgies
lol....
well done organisers of MAG and roll on the next one......YeeeeHaaa"
MAG Al Ol Anns Achadh Rally 2008 Slideshow
Rampant Lion Rally
This years Rampant Lion Rally was sold out long, long ago, but Lesley managed
to blag some....
" Rampant Lion Rally Club
2nd 3rd 4th May 08
What a weekend !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The weather couldn’t dampen our
spirits. This rally is a must for anyone that hasn’t been. Good music, proper
toilets, cheep food and beer
Most of all friendly people. All the guys and gals did a superb job to make
sure this rally is not to be missed.
Only one problem tho it sells out fast ( 250 limit ) Tkts end up like gold
dust.
Once again Thanks to everyone at the Rampant Lion Rally Club………
Lesley QMCC "
Rampant Lion Rally 2008 Slideshow
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