Weston super Mare 2023

Despite Lee’s best efforts, there were too many problems with the T5 to risk riding it the 120 miles to Weston. It had struggled to get to Elmer on one of my midweek rides, which is only just up the road from me. So we had to do the drive of shame… which wasn’t what we wanted but at least we got to go to the rally, albeit as car w***ers.

After a lovely lunch in Wells en route we arrived at the hotel at around 3pm on the Friday. After a quick change we met Booty in the bar for some refreshments and then did a short pub crawl along the prom via the York Hotel to Wetherspoons. We saw so many people on the way (Sandra A5s, the VFM security crew, Jonah and Jacquie, Andy Greenslade and Daz – to name but a few!)

Friday Night

We gatecrashed Tori, Rich and Ryan’s table to have a drink and some dinner, ordering from the app because the queue to the bar was going out of the door. It was so lovely to catch up with everyone again and the sun was shining – what more do you need?

I was due to do a DJ set as part of ‘Dave Lloyd and friends’ at the rugby club so I drove up there for our 8pm start. It was my first time doing a proper set, having only done very short guest spots at the Isle of Wight for Steve Foster and Emma Cox in my 40th year as part of my bucket list.

It was a great evening and we played a REALLY eclectic mix to an appreciative crowd. It’s a really great venue and I can’t believe I haven’t been there before, as we usually just go to the pier for the main do.

Both Dave and I managed to boogie too, it was the perfect evening of chatting, playing some brilliant tunes and having a dance. I noticed Lee and Booty’s toes tapping away, so think they were impressed with the music selection too. Thanks again Dave – I had a blast!

Saturday Custom Show

After breakfast at the cafe at the back of the Pavilion we walked up to the rugby club for the usual wander around the stalls. I needed to find a model for one of the new Crusader t-shirts, and luckily Shane Hayter was my willing victim! I thought he would look great sitting on the gorgeous street racer which featured on the rally patch and luckily owner Dave was actively encouraging people to do just that. He was collecting for Cancer Research in memory of the legendary Bill Mac so I gladly made a donation in return for a couple of photos on the scooter.

Shane posed perfectly for me and you can buy the t-shirt here if you’d like one!

Custom Show

Scooters were gathering slowly for the custom show. It didn’t look like there were many entries to start off with but then it filled up just before the 11am deadline.

There were some really eyecatching ones, including a stunning pink Lammie cutdown and a street racer style (many more photos at the bottom in the gallery).

We then headed to the bar for a drink and chat, where it was nice to just sit down for a while (we are getting SO OLD!).

Rideout

Just before 1pm I went back outside where the rideout was gathering. I wandered up and down taking photos of people on scooters which caught my eye. With scooters arriving all the time it looked like it would be a decent turnout to ride around the local area, ending up opposite the pier in town.

I had a final chat with Tori, and couldn’t resist jumping on the pink Lambretta for a quick photo before walking back into town. Tori was doing her best David Bailey impression and tried to get Ness in the background who was having none of it – see if you can spot her below!

We walked back to the seafront, ending up at the York Hotel for lunch, after which we visited the ice cream parlour next door for dessert, which was scrummy! And that was it, it was nearly 3pm and time for us to go. We’d originally planned to stay for two nights but Daniel’s footie season had been extended as his team still had two matches to play – against the same team. It was a double header and if they won both they would jointly win the league, and a win/draw would secure promotion. How could we miss such an exciting finale? So off we went, saying goodbye to Booty and heading back home to Sussex, having had a brilliant 24 hours in Weston.

Weston Super Mare Rally Photos

I took a ton of photos and they’re all here in this gallery. Lots of random scooterists so you might spot yourself! Just tap or click on a photo to open it up and then you can scroll through them using the arrows.