NORTHERN RAIDERS RALLY   22^nd to 27^th AUGUST 2001

Well, this was just a normal Bank Holiday weekend for us. Except that is for riding long distances, camping, meeting loads of new people, going to the bar each night, etc.

This was our first proper rally. We went to Kelso last year but wimped out and stayed in a B&B. This year we were loaded to the gunnels with all the requisite camping gear. Our Virago was left at home with starter clutch and starter motor problems. We were on our XJR1300, which we had only obtained the day before we set off – so still not 100% authentic – oh well, maybe next time.

Starting at the usual South Mimms meeting point, four bikes set off up the A1(M) – Jackie and Ian Leading, Steve “look how many pubs we keep passing” Tyson bringing up the rear, and ourselves and Mary the two in the middle. It’s so easy when others are kind enough to work out the route – all we knew was go up the A1(M)/A1 and turn right. 

In keeping with tradition, we broke the long trek north at the Donnington Hotel in Scarborough for two nights R&R – usual hospitality (read big brekkies) from Iain and Lynne. On Friday 24th we made the push north to Hartlepool, the weather up to now had been fine, but as we set off the clouds were gathering.

We were among the first bikes to arrive at the Nuclear Power Station site, and it started to rain. All we could see were lots of pylons, miles of overhead cables and half-a-dozen portaloos. “Where do you want to pitch up” asks Steve – well we were spoilt for choice! We ended up away from the Club House/Shower Block/Bar (v. sensible), but near the portaloos to facilitate a late night dash.

We had borrowed the tent and had only one practice erection (oo-er) at home, but managed to set up quite quickly, just before it rained harder. What else to do next but take in the view (10 seconds) and the check out the bar, I mean facilities (10 hours) – well we were only following our leader!  Looking around you could see the power station itself, plus sundry other buildings all giving off acrid smells, or was that from Steve’s tent?  

As the day wore on, more and more bikes arrived and the place filled up as it got dark – still raining as Anne, Nick, Alan and other Members of SL&S reinforcements set up . We investigated our “welcome pack”, eat the crisps, drank the juice and read all the info. kindly supplied regarding campsite rules (like don’t fly a kite into the overhead power cables in the rain). We pocketed our “free breakfast” vouchers and read the sightseeing info. and then set off for the burger van followed by a night in the clubhouse.  A good night with karaoke (you can’t criticise unless you get up and have a go – NO CHANCE!) plus an excellent band, playing music that only Steve seemed to know.  

Saturday dawns, literally as we get up at 6.15 am, to set off for the showers and an early cuppa. The more seasoned of our group still counting sheep and the men participating in the “who can snore the loudest” competition – jointly won by Steve and Nick, and judged by the girls who of course don’t snore, do they?  

Over (free) brekkie at the perennial burger van, we reflected on how, after feeling a bit nervous, we soon felt at home. We had already met so many nice people the night before. There was not one person who you could not turn to if you needed help or advice. People were always friendly and we were gradually getting to meet all the “characters” of VSOC legend – like Otto, Scouse and various Members of the VSOC Committee.

Saturday’s activities were well orgainsed and the weather getting better. There was a treasure hunt, which involved visiting loads of pubs to get clues from their names (no need to go in, of course), or there was a visit to the historic Maritime area of Hartlepool. Being a cultured lot, we went for the Maritime experience, and dragged Steve with us for his own good. It was well worth a morning’s visit, and established a different view of Hartlepool in our minds, other than the smelly nuclear bit. The best bit was when they fired a cannon without notice – you’ve never seen so many “hard bikers” nearly embarrass themselves! Thanks to our hosts who kindly watched the bikes for several hours.

The rest of the day was spent with a run-out in the countryside, taking part in some of the treasure hunt.  Spectacular roads and views are only a few miles from the Centre of Hartlepool. Then back to the campsite for sleep, shower, change, food, beer, karaoke, band (even better than Friday’s), bed, snore etc. Some people got under the wire to eat out, just for a change from the burger van (which did also serve steak, chicken, baked potatoes, and kebabs). Otto appeared in the disco on his bike – but anyone who drinks a cocktail of Red Bull, Guinness and vodka gets our vote!  

Sunday dawns, (see Saturday above). Looking forward to the organized run-out to Durham and the surrounding countryside – weather now perfect, warm and sunny. Over 100 bikes were expertly marshalled to Durham by our hosts, a fantastic sight. The stop at Durham was only a short one, just enough time to eat, so some people decided to stay and explore this historical place. The majority of us mounted up for the countryside tour, with Steve again reminding us of how many pubs we had had passed. This was great, a long snake of bikes travelling good roads with nice views, in warm sunshine, and being marshalled like royalty across junctions. We wound our way back to the campsite by late afternoon, in time for the scheduled Open forum meeting.

The Open Forum is a chance for anyone to raise any issue with the VSOC Committee and other Members present. It produced a lively debate on a number of topics and it was nice people to be able to get direct feedback from the Committee on the spot. Then back to the campsite for sleep, shower, change, food, beer, karaoke, band (same one as Saturday), bed, snore etc. Continued to make many more friends and soak up so much useful advice on how to expertly survive rallies. There was an uncut video of the Czech trip playing at the burger van, much to the amusement of those who went.  After four hours Tony wished the other video of Daytona with the naked girls good be put back on.

Monday dawns (see Saturday). Last chance to get free brekkie and make purchases from the VSOC and other goodie stands on site. Weather still perfect as we pack up for the journey home. Farewells said and thanks expressed to our hosts, we set off, Steve and Mary head straight home, Anne and Nick go off to visit family, whilst ourselves with Ian and Jackie head back to the Donnington Hotel, along with Pete and Mary and their gang from the south-west.

After one last night of comfort and one last breakfast with Iain and Lynne, we leave Scarborough for home. Simple, just follow Ian and Jackie in a reversal of the journey up. We split up at South Mimms and go our separate ways.

We really enjoyed ourselves on our first rally – it was a great experience. There are so many people to thank, and so many people involved within VSOC who make this kind of thing possible. You have people from our own Centre who looked after us from beginning to end. You have the rally hosts who provided an excellent site with excellent facilities and entertainment, and for whom nothing was too much trouble. And you have the Centre Rep’s and Committee who work so hard in the background.  A big THANK YOU to you all.