Despite the dreadful weather forecast I was determined to ride to Sandford this year, after the stick I got from Rick Kaye on the gate after turning up in a car last year (having tried to go on the scoot but got too wet!). So we started early, meeting in the pub for a civilised cooked breakfast with Rob, Lisa, Bill and the other Lisa. We eventually left Bognor at 1pm when the rain had eased slightly but the winds were still blowing at gale force 250! Having led the line of scooters as far as Portsmouth, Lee decided to let Champs take over and made his way to the rear of the pack.
This was a mistake, because after a few hundred yards he had a blowout at 60mph. We carried on in front, completely oblivious, and I didn’t look round for about 10 miles! (This was due to the high winds and my lack of stability every time I looked behind me). Anyway, when I realised he’d gone missing, I caught up with Bill and said I’d meet him at the services, after I’d gone back for Lee.
I came off at the next junction of the motorway and came back on the other carriageway, but there was no sign of Lee for miles. I finally saw him pulling away on the other side of the road but he didn’t spot my wild gesticulations (despite my dayglo jacket) and carried on, heading west. So, I turned round again, and chased him up the M27, finally meeting up with him at Rownhams, and the less said about that the better…..
Friday
We finally got to Sandford at about 3.30 and headed straight to the bar. Not surprisingly, we immediately spotted some Nuneaton Pacemakers warming themselves up by the fire, so we joined them for ‘just a quick one’. Which turned into 3 or 4, when we finally dragged ourselves away to find our caravan and have a quick shower ready for the evening.
Having freshened up, we headed back to the bar and carried on where we’d left off. The first band were The Boss, who played some great cover versions and warmed the crowd up nicely. Their set included classics such as Maybe Tomorrow, 5.15 and various Small Faces, Who and Jam numbers. Then came the main act, More Specials. I’ve seen them loads of times before, but they’re still great! An over-zealous bouncer broke up the ‘fight’ between Johnny and Martin during Concrete Jungle, sparking puzzled looks among the band and causing me and Jo to have a giggle.
They played my favourite, Stupid Marriage, as well as all the usual ones. The rush to the stage for Enjoy Yourself was replaced by some of the younger friends and relatives of the band, and they all seemed to love it! Toby (Modrapheniac) proudly pointed out his son who was having a boogie in the middle of the stage and Johnny was joined by his daughter who was resplendent in a pork pie hat!
After the bands had finished it was time for some serious dancing, and with Emma Cox on the decks we were treated to some absolute classics including The Nolans and Jilted John almost back to back – priceless entertainment! We ambled off back to the caravan at about half two, needing to recharge our batteries to do it all again tomorrow…..
Saturday
Saturday started with someone banging on our doors at what seemed like the crack of dawn. It was actually gone 10 o’clock, and time for Stacey’s breakfast (according to Gary and Champs) so she disappeared off to their caravan for a fry-up.
Lee and I settled for hot cross buns, it was less washing up to do! We eventually headed for the custom show where there were some nice new scooters on display, fresh from a winter spray-job. It was the first time I’d seen Paul from Area 51’s scooter, Dad’s Army. He’d shown me loads of photos at the Isle of Wight but it wasn’t quite ready then. Now it’s finished, and on show and lived up to its promise. He’d got loads of memorabilia to go with it, to make a great display.
After a mooch round the stalls we headed off down the road for some lunch. Lee and Duaine lost a few quid in the fruit machine so, egged on by Terry (who said it was ready to pay out) I put some money in and immediately got a fiver out! The boys were gutted! I hope this bodes well for my holiday in Vegas next week….
We headed back to the caravans for pudding, which came in the shape of Jo’s birthday chocolate cake which was yummy! Time for a siesta – my batteries need more recharging than they used to – and then out for the night.
Saturday Night
Johnny and Nev were DJing in the smaller room, playing some top ska tunes. I stayed to listen briefly before heading to the main room where they were playing some Northern Soul, and I took the opportunity of an early dance. I was joined by my ‘twin sister’ Nita, and gradually the dancefloor emptied, leaving just the two of us! We posed for a quick photo and then I had a rest, saving myself for later (and the embarrassment of dancing on my own!).
The first band were Biff Bam Pow, who played a series of 60’s cover versions, which sounded great, especially as they had a Hammond organ to authenticate the sound. Then it was time for the custom show trophies to be given out. Paul Mason took to the mike and handed them out. Nita got a couple, and so did Paul for his Dad’s Army scoot, including Best Of Show – well done!
Then it was time for One Step Behind, an energetic Madness tribute, whose lead singer didn’t stand still long enough for me to take his photo! They put on a good show to an appreciative audience and were followed by Kev Lock and Emma Cox playing the tunes. We stayed right til the end, not wanting the weekend to be over. I did draw the line at dancing to the Wurzels, but the West Country folk seemed to enjoy it!
Sunday
And that was it, the weekend was over. We had a quick ride home, thanks to the wind. My speedo went off the clock at one stage, which scared me witless, because I’m not used to going that fast on a standard 200!
It was brilliant. Everyone had been so excited about the rally, eager with anticipation for the first weekend away of the season, but our expectations were exceeded yet again. Well done to the Modrapheniacs for all their organisation and to the DJs and bands for giving me the opportunity to dance my socks off!
I didn’t think it could get any better, but I got home and immediately jumped in the car and headed off back up the A27 to Portsmouth for a very important fixture in the footballing calendar. It was an amazing game, a fantastic atmosphere, and WE BEAT THE SCUM!!!!!
Gallery
Old Blue Vespa rally diaries
This is one of the rally diaries that appeared on my old website, BlueVespa.com, back in the 2000s.
I'm starting to put these on Diary Of A Detour so that everyone can take a wander down memory lane and relive the revival of my scooter club, the Midhurst Detours, and the fun we got up to back then.
Here's a handy link to them all, by year, for ease of reference!
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