Mayhem Madness II

(Thoughts of my first full VSOC rally)

Well I was all set now, having been to the BMF show, I was now dressed correctly (as approved by Anne). I had decided what items I didn’t use/need, and still had too much baggage. Which mainly consisted of Jubilee bunting and flags, though I did still leave a few items at home.

I sorted out how to get a day off by leaving my current job the day before and set off to meet the others. The only thing I was still apprehensive about was the water OOP north (anywhere above the Thames) as it seems to makes normally sane people remove many a garment. Which probably accounts for kilts in Scotland but then I digress.

A quick early morning run down to Gatwick (totally the wrong way for Coventry) then it was back home and on to the bike, to try and meet up with our group who were at the services somewhere on the M40, as is the way I missed them, so carried on regardless, arriving at the site to meet the others. Catching up on the antics of Alex and his latest escapades with “the pig” (only hitting one car on way up) I was allowed to camp in the “non snoring” section , we quickly decorated all areas with bunting and then we went to find the bar, and food.

 The site consists of 3 large fields and a large bar/clubhouse which also holds the cold water shower block (or they were when I ventured over). Finding Mild on tap made me a very happy bunny, a decision was then made to get in a curry, and what a fine decision it was, a veritable banquet for all. In the club house a tattooist / piercer was busy working away and caught a few of our members, being Al & Paul with tattoos  and Christine with her belly bar. The band “jack Daniels” in a large barn type room,  which did nothing for acoustics but there was lots of gossip in the bar  to catch up on.

It was great to meet up with Dave and Sarah from Thames Valley (and congratulate them on there new arrival, a healthy bouncing 1100 for Sarah)

And then it was a case of meeting new and old. I had a fairly early night and toddled back to “the pit”. A cold night bought forth a fantastically bright and sunny day. The run-out was planned to a large market but we just took it easy getting very sunburnt on site, trying to, unsuccessfully, build kites and planning how to immobilise noisy kids on trials bikes. Bets were also taken on how may bikes Alex could hit on his trip out to Wales [0] .  Judging of the bikes then took place and the Cockney rejects can hold their head high with Steve taking best “Rat Virago”. We had a civilised evening meal of bread and cheese and then it was more chat and meeting friends. Dave looked happy resplendent in his new camouflaged bra I am not sure if Otto ever caught him, but it was probably just as well. Otto however did catch Steve which we did try hard to photograph  rescue as a centre. Sorry cannot remember Saturdays band.

The next morning rose too bright and early for some, and the water was still cold. Having had a good breakfast we were all ready for the run-out to Broughton on the Water, after saying cheerio to Les, Mary and Al who were heading home. A pretty little town in the Cotswolds ( yes nearly back home). Musical bikes then took place as Nick, on Anne’s Honda, and Steve traded places. Over 100 bikes (they say 455 people were camping) I think set off. Certainly there were bikes for as far as you could see. Which was fantastic.

As we reached Broughton I got the feeling that they must have thought they were being invaded. Parking up at the British legion were allegedly there was a buffet we found now’t but scraps left. I don’t think they realise how hungry bikers get.

And so we headed off to peruse the town, Steve treated us to ice creams, and a view of a model village, where I think Steve is planning to move into soon, and then to a cream tea. As we mulled over the last of the scones and cream we heard all the rest leave. So it was left for the six of us to ride back alone with Ian and Jacky leading Steve still playing on Anne’s bike, a cracking ride back I must say. 

The atmosphere was quieter on the site for the Sunday evening, with a fair few people having packed up due to a few spots of rain. But this made finding the bar and a table easier. It was a later night to “the pit”  but I slept well, despite the delights of one guy revving his bike to death, to the accompanied yells of “please be quiet” or something similar.

Monday dawned grey, a swift breakfast and then we packed up and headed off through patchy heavy rain to home. Alex showing all a new style of dismounting in a petrol station though. We really will have to get him an ejector seat.

A fantastic weekend. Well done centres 8 and 9 roll on Ely, via Denmark.