To mix things up a bit we decided to go to the Isle of Wight on Thursday this year, to give me and Lee a day of celebrating our wedding anniversary before the mayhem of the rally properly kicked in.

The weather forecast wasn’t great but we set off from Bognor and managed to get to Portsmouth without any scooter incidents and just a couple of drops of rain. We didn’t see the normal people we bump into on a Friday but instead travelled with Mr & Mrs Booga from the A5s.

Scooter mishap on the ferry

Nothing seems to be smooth sailing for us these days though and our first drama came when we arrived at Fishbourne and were starting up the scooters to disembark. Lee managed to break his kickstart, shearing all the teeth from it when he kicked it over – which he’s already done to three others due to high compression (and a bloody strong leg if you ask me!).

So we let the other scooters and cars go past us while Lee had a word with the ferry marshalls, two of whom kindly gave him a bump start. It worked, and with the chop back up and running we shot off the ferry and rode into Ryde.

Ryde

We parked on the green where there were a couple of dozen other scooters, and then walked up to Yelfs for lunch, which is where we got married 13 years ago! Then we walked a little further up the hill to drop our stuff off at the hotel, before heading back down to the Black Sheep where one of Lee’s old clubmates, Joe Atkins, and his mate Mark the Brummy were having an alfresco Guinness. We settled down for a drink and a chat and then made our way further down the hill to the Cake Kitchen for coffee (water for me!) and the loveliest slice of strawberry cake ever!

It had been dry up til now on the Island but then the heavens opened. We watched from inside as scooterists scarpered and the streets emptied as everyone tried to take cover. It probably lasted 20 minutes or so and then the sun came out again!

The hunt for a kickstart

I’d put a shout out on social media and had a couple of trader contacts I messaged to see if they had a kickstart and were on site at Sandown airfield yet. In the meantime some kindly local scooterists said their mate probably had one so he was dispatched home to pick one up. Sadly it didn’t fit so the search continued.

The short term weather forecast wasn’t great, and Carl Grisley’s app forewarned of heavy showers in 12 minutes time. It was a gamble what to do but I decided we needed to get over to Sandown as soon as possible to get a kickstart, regardless of the weather. Which we did, and as predicted the heavens opened again so I stopped to put on my waterproofs. Lee, however, had left his at the hotel so got a bit soggy en route. At the site I called Scooter Trumps Dave who came up trumps (!) with a new kickstart for us. Lee chucked it on and – thanks goodness – it worked!

Fun and games

We had planned to go on the Sandown SC rideout but by now Lee just wanted to get dry so we filled up with petrol and headed back to Ryde. After a quick change of clothes we wandered down the hill and found a new retro arcade gaming place called Game On in Union Street. We paid our £9 entrance fee and had our pick of the old games, including Centipede, Galaxian and many more. £9 was actually great value as it’s so easy to spend a fortune in arcades, as we found on our recent holiday!

We played Space Invaders on a big screen and virtual pinball. They sadly shut at 8 just as I was going to challenge Lee to a game of table tennis! So we headed to Hong Kong Express on the seafront for a Chinese and then it was back to the hotel for a nice early night, so we’d be refreshed for the morning.

Friday

Booty and Ted had also come on Thursday but stayed in Cowes overnight so we thought it would be a great idea to go over there for breakfast. It wasn’t the easiest journey though, with the main road closed at Wooton, so we had to take a major diversion which included traffic queued up at roadworks – it was a nightmare!

If you didn’t know, Cowes is actually split in two by an estuary, so to go from one side to the other by road involves a 10 mile trip via Newport. But rather than take that route I’d decided it might be fun to take the chain ferry over – but that too wasn’t straightforward. We just missed one crossing and then Lee spent about 20 minutes battling two ticket machines which didn’t really work unless the stars were perfectly aligned.

We finally got on the ferry only to be told by guys who worked on there that we could have paid onboard for our tickets – it would have been helpful if that was made clear at the ferry terminal!

So then it was a quick 5 minute journey over to the other side of the estuary where Ted and Booty were waiting for us to come off. Ted made some strange gesticulations, pointing us in the direction we needed to head for, so we started a magical mystery tour of Cowes. I headed for the café that they had suggested but let’s just say it wasn’t easy to find, with a series of one way streets and pedestrian areas to navigate. Even when we finally found it, Ted and Booty were nowhere to be seen! We finally found them wandering the streets and parked up – it had not been stressful at all. NOT STRESSFUL AT ALL….

We had breakfast in Sails café and then rode back to Ryde, parking up on the green where the sun was out and it was really busy.

It was really nice to catch up with friends and also meet new ones who’ve been following my blog and Instagram. We love the green as it’s a great place to watch scooters riding by, with people arriving and leaving all the time.

Sandown Airport

I was keen to get to the airport where the real action was though, so Lee and I took a scenic route down to Sandown. Andy Gillard had asked to feature his new chopper in ScooterNova and this seemed like a great chance for him to take some photos. So Lee and I spent half an hour cleaning and polishing it, as it had got filthy in all the rain.

While we were doing that my phone rang and it turned out to be BBC Radio Solent who wanted to interview me about the rally. They said I’d be live on the teatime show so we had an hour or so to kill before then which we spent with Andy taking a ton of photos of the bike.

The phone rang about 4.15 and I was live on air, talking all about the Isle of Wight rally, why I love it so much and what’s going on over the weekend. I also explained that we’re not all mods… I’ll listen back to it sometime and post a link, just in case anyone wants to hear me witter on about how much I love riding around the island!

Evening fun

Then it was back to Ryde and straight out for the evening. Ted and Booty were in the Crown so we joined them, and I had a rare cider – or two – or maybe three or four according to them the next day! It’s fair to say I was quite merry and had a great evening. The scooters had started to line up outside Yelfs for that classic rally shot down Union Street with Portsmouth in the distance.

(here are two versions of the photo, one from Friday and one from Saturday)

We also went into Coburgs where Champs and Donna joined us, as well as a couple of Choirboys and Bea and Vicky, who I hadn’t seen for ages.

We then walked back up the hill to the Crown where the A5s had gathered and DJs were playing some top northern soul. There was lots of dancing involved and I also managed to steal someone’s phone by mistake, but luckily used my Sherlock Holmes skills to track it down – eventually. Sorry, Vicky, for my major senior moment!

We headed back to the hotel at a very reasonable time, around 10.30 I think, after a lovely evening.

Friday Gallery

Saturday

Saturday dawned and I luckily didn’t have a hangover. Lee was putting his scooter in the custom show so we went over to Sandown with a plan to get petrol, breakfast and head to the airport. Nothing is straightforward this weekend though and inexplicably Lee’s scooter wouldn’t start after he’d filled it up. He tried everything – we confirmed there was a spark, we knew petrol was getting through, but something wasn’t right.

Some really helpful Welsh mods had pulled over and were going over all the possibilities with Lee. It was also raining but that seemed to be the least of our problems. I tried to find out if there was anyone offering recovery but didn’t get far, but then with the final roll of the dice our new friends offered to try and bump it with Lee. After a couple of goes it fired up and I’ve never been so relieved in my life!

So I jumped back on my scooter and we zoomed over to the campsite before anything else could go wrong.

The main marquee was a hive of activity with Tori directing proceedings. Scooters were being wheeled in, crammed into every possible space and polished to perfection. It was a great turnout and there were lots of classes and trophies, which I lined up nicely on the table, hopefully in the right order for the team to hand out later.

I took a ton of photos and then we wandered around the stalls. Lee bought ANOTHER kickstart so he’d have a backup before he sorts it out properly. And I just bought some bags of sweeties!

Mark, Elliot and Jez had joined Ted and Booty in Ryde and they were supposed to be meeting us for a lunchtime ride but were running late as Booty’s Lammy was playing up. It wouldn’t start for ages but eventually, with Mark’s help, he got it going. We met them at the entrance and I jumped on the back of Ted with Lee riding my Lammy. It was nice to go on the back for a change and we rode the short distance to the Pointer Inn in Newchurch for lunch.

We had a lovely meal and then Ted dropped me back at the site before they then returned to Ryde while we stayed for the custom show results. It was finally sunny so we wandered around the stalls again, bumped into Nita and Steve, and looked around the scooter parking area where there was a repair van set up.

It was time for the results and I was so nervous, yet again, and shaking like a leaf when Tori announced the winner of Best Chopper was World Freak Show! Another trophy for Lee! You can see the full list of winners below, and there was a great mix of scooters who’d won, from Gary Wickham’s multi-award-winning Breaking Rocks to first time entrant 24 Hour Party People.

Full custom show results

First Time Entrant sponsored by Scootering Magazine:
24 Hour Party People
Mod/Accessories : the Ian Higgins (Tubby) Memorial Trophy sponsored by Stockport Crusaders SC
LI 150 – NPH 382D
Vintage Lambretta sponsored by DIARY OF A DETOUR (yes, me!)
LI150 Series 1 : JFL 494
Custom Lambretta sponsored by K2 Customs
Carter USM GP
Restored Lambretta sponsored by Dobbin
LI 150 Series 1 : XOW 421
Best Ridden Scooter sponsored by Essex Scooterists
Peaceful Hooligan
Street Racer Lambretta sponsored by Macc Boys Boxing Club
Retro Tattoo
Mural : the Paddy Smith and Bill Mac Memorial Trophy
Leave Em Laughing
Vinyl/Graphics sponsored by Lambretta Art
Rizla +33 Lambretta GP
Best Auto sponsored by TASSO
GTS : OB05 NEB
Engraving sponsored by Lexham Insurance
Kingsworld
Individual Display sponsored by Scootering
Kingsworld
Champion of Champions : Johnnie Bolland Memorial Trophy
Breaking Rocks
Cutdown sponsored by www.sasclothing.co.uk
Kingfisher
Original Scooter sponsored by Photography UK
828 CPT
Vintage Vespa Pre 1972 sponsored by Stage Gear Rentals
GS160 979 UYM
Custom Vespa sponsored by K2 Customs
Stargate
Restored Vespa sponsored by Medway SC
P200E XAV 300X
Best Chop sponsored by UK Lambretta Choppers
World Freak Show
Best Oddity : Rachel Bradshaw Memorial Trophy sponsored by Mansfield Monsters
Garelli SSJ 236
Street Racer – Vespa sponsored by Distant Echo Scooter Club
T5 F501 GKR
Paintwork sponsored by VFM
GP B650 KUX
Hybrid sponsored by Lexham Insurance
Yambretta XSF 113W
Engineering : Steve Bywater Memorial Trophy sponsored by Olympic SC
LD LDO 729
Club Display sponsored by South West Scooter Clubs
Jet 200s
Plating sponsored by Scooterist Radio
Old Skool Classic Cut
Exhibitor’s Choice sponsored by Crusader Promotions
Lightning McQueen
Punter’s Choice sponsored by SLUK
Breaking Rocks
Best of Show sponsored by ScooterNova Magazine
Bruce Lee

Saturday evening

We were nervous about whether Lee’s bike would start, and although it took its time, after turning the petrol off for a bit and then back on, it finally kicked into life! We rode back to Ryde, once again taking our favourite scenic route via Newchurch and Ashey past Smallbrook and back into town. That view over the hills to Southsea is just stunning, one of my favourites in the world!

We got changed and then had a quick drink in Yelfs before finding the others who were watching a young band called Sharp Class. Sharp Class are three lads, a 19 year old and two 21 year olds from Nottingham and Wakefield, and although we only caught the end of their set they were absolutely superb, with so much passion and energy. They’ve already wowed scooterists at a few rallies including Aberystwyth, and are playing at the VFM end of season rally at Mablethorpe (buy tickets here). We look forward to seeing them properly soon as I’m sure they’ll get booked for many 2024 events.

We then spent time chatting with the Bad Company / Nuneaton gang before heading back to Union Street. First stop was Coburgs again and then back up to the Crown where it was busy but not rammed – just perfect. I had a great dance and must have built up an appetite as I was feeling peckish, so we went out to hunt for pizza. We were going to go to the local place just up the hill but there was a lad throwing up in the doorway so we quickly turned around and ended up at Domino’s (which Lee and Booty swore blind didn’t exist anymore!). It’s wasn’t exactly fast food but eventually our orders were ready (with bonus free garlic bread which should have gone to a previous customer) so we went back to the hotel and ate while watching Match Of The Day. Pizza and football – a perfect end to the day!

Saturday Gallery

Our heroes!

Sunday

I’d hummed and hawed about whether to ride the rideout or just stand and take photos, but eventually decided to ride – but I decided I’d rather be near the front as otherwise it would just take so long to get out of the car park – which wouldn’t be great for my clutch.

So we got to the ice rink car park bright and early, around 8.30am, and not surprisingly were the first ones there! It wasn’t due to leave for another 4.5 hours so we walked back to town where I spotted our Welsh mod heroes from yesterday, who were delighted to hear the part they played to win Lee another trophy!

We went for breakfast with Ted and Booty, and unfortunately the place we wanted to go to wasn’t open until 9.30, so we went to the Black Sheep instead. Absolutely nothing had gone to plan this weekend and it turned out to be a very mediocre meal. Although mediocre was probably a generous description as the ‘toast’ was just bread which had one side exposed to a grill for ten seconds, with no butter on it, and it was all lukewarm at best. You live and learn and we won’t bother going back!

Then we made a quick trip to the green before chilling with a drink and cookie at the Chocolate Apothecary – which is one place I WOULD recommend! Service with a smile and yummy treats – what more could a girl need?

Gathering at the ice rink

By the time we got back to the ice rink car park it was getting busy. Over the next 90 minutes it filled up completely – I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people there. The marshalls did a great job in directing scooters, cars, vans and pedestrians, who were all going in different directions!

We saw a few familiar faces including Sean Robinson who told us all about his Dayton Albatross 250 Continental Twin. The gear change and brake are on a different side than usual and the gear selection was really complicated! It’s a beast of a machine and great to see such an old bike still being ridden.

A side view of a blue Dayton Albatross Twin 250

Then we saw Jennifer Parker who we met briefly in Las Vegas in 2007 but haven’t seen in real life since. Jennifer was originally from San Diego but is based in Prague now, and spends her time taking part in scootering adventures, not just around Europe but around the world. She’s really living her best life and it was great to catch up. We swapped stickers and she gave me a lovely banner which I’ll put on my T5 to brighten it up a bit!

Jennifer isn’t actually wearing a party hat in the photo below – she’s just standing strategically under a road sign which I didn’t spot until later!

Then we caught up with the Parker family, with Lee, Lucy and three of their girls. I first met Lee at the IOW in 2000 as we were staying in the same B&B and I recognised his AF Lambretta from a Scootering magazine cover. He’s still riding the same scooter over 20 years later and they posed nicely for me before I headed off to take some more photos and video.

The best rideout ever (probably)

Just before 1pm everyone started up their scooters and putting on their helmets signalling that it was time to go! Both our scooters started easily (phew!) and I fixed my Insta 360 to my helmet. I know I look like a Tellytubby with it there (probably Dipsy!) but there was nowhere else to fix it on my Lammy and I wanted to capture the experience on video.

We edged out of the car park and then it was the most amazing and surreal experience – riding past hundreds of people, 5 or 6 deep, all with their phones pointed towards us! It was great being near the front as we were constantly moving, so my clutch was very grateful.

We headed along the prom and then up the hill towards Appley, waving at everyone who’d come out to see us. I actually got emotional – which has never happened on a rideout before! The goodwill and happiness aimed at us was overwhelming – everyone was so lovely and cheered us as we rode past – it was incredible.

An official count of scooters at the rideout

Well, when I say ‘official’ I mean that one person bothered to watch the Youtube footage and count all the scooters, taking note of the different models as they rode past.

There were 1409 in total which is just incredible! And that’s just the scoots who took part in the rideout and doesn’t cover the many parked along the route, elsewhere on the island and already gone home. I’d love to get a definitive number for the whole weekend – it must be over 10,000.

Credit goes to Tony Hunter who shared this on Facebook and kindly said I could post it in here too.

Type Of Scooter	Count	Percentage
Lambretta – Manual	448	31.8%
Lambretta – Auto	7	0.5%
Vespa – Manual	403	28.6%
Vespa – Auto	233	16.5%
Royal Alloy	160	11.3%
Scomadi	29	2%
AJS & LML	20	1.4%
Sym, Peugeot, Honda etc	85	6%
Tuk Tuk & Sidecars	13	0.92%
Chop	11	0.78%

Percentages don’t add up to 100% due to rounding!

Back to reality

We peeled off before we left Ryde, taking a right turn and heading to Fishbourne for the ferry. There were some scooters there already and we were joined by a few more, making it a nice little collection for the crossing. It was great to see the Definitely Maybe lads as it wouldn’t be an Isle of Wight rally without travelling on the ferry with them, as we’d missed our usual trip by coming a day early.

There were other familiar faces there, including Dean Percival with Stray Cat and Pete Full Bore on one of his older Lambrettas. We didn’t have to wait too long before embarking, and Lee tethered his scooter to mine again, just in case the boat wasn’t so steady.

The journey back goes too quickly, even with a slight delay due to the crowded shipping lanes, and as soon as we blinked we saw the familiar coastline with Victorious in full swing on Southsea Common.

We headed down but – yet again – we had another challenge! This time it was my scooter which wouldn’t start! Honestly! I tried kicking it over a few times, then Pete Full Bore tried. Lee was too busy keeping his going, so I tried again and – finally – it sprung into life, to a huge cheer from everyone. I felt like I’d won the lottery!

So we rode off the ferry, headed past Fratton Park, down the Eastern Road and off Portsea Island back to sunny Bognor.

It had been a great weekend despite the various ups and downs. Ted and Booty were our wingmen and on great form, and it was great to catch up with so many others, and meet new people too. Even the variable weather couldn’t spoil the fun, and we are already looking forward to the next one!

Support Diary Of A Detour

If you enjoy my content and would like to buy me a virtual smoothie (as I don’t drink coffee or beer!) to help with the running costs for the website then you can do so here. 😊