What to do if you break down
There will always be breakdowns on a rally weekend and even if you prepare your scooter perfectly, and pack a variety of spare parts and tools, you may sometimes need a bit of help to get it back up and running again if something goes wrong.
There are many dealers on the main VFM campsite who sell an array of spare parts, and also stalls which offer mechanic assistance, so if you can make it there then you will hopefully be able to sort out most issues.
There’s also EST in Cowes, where owner Elliot keeps many spare parts and is also available for breakdowns. He may also have a stall on the rally site – his number is 07593 830953 and his address is 28 Somerton Industrial Park, Cowes.
If you can’t get what you need on the island then Portsmouth-based dealer Allstyles Scooters offer a tremendous service where they will take what you need onto the hovercraft at Southsea, which you (or a friend) can collect in Ryde.
allstyles scooters
I love the iow rally especially when the weather’s good…last year we stayed in a fab bnb in Sandown…my only tip is be careful when riding of the manholes in the road there are thousands of them…and dangerous when wet x
Good tip, they scare the hell out of me too! Some of the roads on the island have been recovered in the last few years but many are still bad, like in most places x
The holes have been filled in but it’s still lumpy and bumpy 🤦🏼♀️
This is at the camp
Site at least
Hi you need to change the folly inn location to east cowes. East cowes and cowes are two separate places with a river inbetween them
Thanks, I’ll do that now!
Keep an eye out for the Lambretta Chopper Owners Club ride out
Which we have been doing since the club was formed in 2012. The occurs on the Saturday. Leaving the campsite after the custom show. We leave the campsite and ride down into Ryde with a ride around Ryde then parking on the green opposite the King Ludd.
Thank you, yes we will definitely join you for that. We have seen you before, both at Smallbrook and at the green!
Is the rally still definitely going ahead with the social distancing rules due to covid
We don’t know – nothing is definite at the moment. Until the organisers have the latest government guidelines then they can’t make a decision. Things change all the time so we will have to wait and find out…
Great tips Ali , my favourite rally of the year since I’ve been doing them .
Always plenty to do and normally good weather too !
Thanks for reading! I love riding around the island so much and can’t wait for this year’s rally!
Wightlink now doing scooter discount £41.20 return.
What a lovely page. Great tips and info about our lovely island. Can’t wait for the bank holiday weekend. Fingers crossed for the weather.
Indeed, the sun makes such a difference but it’s usually great weather on the island. Thanks for reading!
Great reading, Lovely to hear so many great things about our beautiful Island. Have you visited “The Cod Father” fish and chip shop on Ryde seafront? We love to have the scooterists in, Its our staffs favourite weekend because of the atmosphere you guys bring! Pukka Pies, Mushy peas and Gravy galore! 😀
Yes, I know it well, love your chips as well as the name!
Wow what a great guide,not going until 2020 but there’s a lot of planning to do…lol,never been before but so looking forward to enjoying the vibe….cheers.
White Windows are the Premier Double Glazing company on the Isle of Wight. Since we began we have completed thousands of Double Glazing installations on the island …
Thanks for a great review of our beloved Isle of Wight scooter rally. For those of you staying in Sandown …don t forget to come and visit us at “Scruffy Jacks” on Sandown Pier…i have been djing the scooter rallies since the 80s and we are open until 2am Friday and Saturday night plus 1am Sunday…playing our usual mixture of Northern Soul, Ska and Mod tunes. Will be great to see all our regular clubs and hopefully some new ones this year. Ride on guys…Dave
Thanks for reading it Dave!
This year it will be my 27th year in the isle of wight scooter rally…I wouldn’t and couldn’t ever miss it …I fell in love with this magical island the first time I set foot on it ..I live in manchester and travel over every year ..there’s so much on offer for everyone I’m a mod and have been since being 14 years old I’m now 48…and all say I should be at Brighton but I.o.w have lots and lots going on for us mods ..as well as stuff for skinheads ..scooterists in fact all genre of scooter rally goers …the isle of wight is a magical,beautiful place with so much to offer ….I for one will never ever miss coming over at least once a year for the biggest rally in the world …I love this place and always will it have a special place in my heart …see you very soon i.o.w….i cannot wait….
I feel exactly the same way! Can’t imagine ever missing it. Do say hello if you see me over there!
Love the write up, great informative so keep up the good work
Brilliant guide, thank you!
For eating out in Ryde I can highly recommend Michelangelo directly located at the „roundabout“. Brilliant italian food, you’ll need to make a reservation.
Have a sunny weekend everyone!
Love your guide Ali. I found it as you have a picture of me on it. I was the banana. Great picture by the way. I just remember Turning the corner at the top of union st and going down in slow motion with people double taking with their mouths open. It was a fun day until it poured down and we got soaked. Great memories.
Wow, thanks for finding me! I love that image of you and am so excited you’ve got in touch
You need to add Union Jaks to your places of entertainment. A new scooter/MOD based pub open on Union Street
hello guys,
I wonder if any of you can help me please?
I joined the rally on Sunday at Sandown on Tank Girl my mobility scooter. However I did not get any images or videos of me. I could only video it from first eye perspective. Is there any chance you folks might have any images or videos of me joining in this event. If so can you please send them to me if not can you possible ask around.
I wanted to show the grand kids in USA that I really did join the rally and it was not someone eles LOL
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.
Regards
Yvonne aka Baboshka
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVYLiDWY_KI&list=PL0pL7CRaQu1Hg2RY5h7yJY7yCsqnx9RFv&index=3
Dazzling to hear such huge numbers of incredible things about our wonderful Island. I discovered it as you have an image of me on it. We love to have the scooterists in, It’s our staff’s most loved end of the week due to the air you all bring. I love this place and consistently will remain a cherished memory to me.
Thanks so much for reading the article!
This blog was… how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something which helped me.
Thanks a lot!
Hi is my 2020 ticket still valid
Hi, yes absolutely. I’ve checked with the VFM team and they are very grateful for your support 😊
fantastic blog very informative thanks to the people involved in setting this up. see you on the Isle of wight tomorrow ride safe every one
Keep an eye out for DJ Scooted and Booted on at both the Solent Inn, Ryde ( Usually the Friday and Saturday night) and also playing 2 days at Ticket to Ryde on the Green. The best ska, reggae and 2-tone DJ on the island that weekend
Hi, will do! Thanks for the info 🙂