BMF 2000     by Les Smith

I suppose the best place to start is in the Kings Head (meeting place of Centre 14), on the Tuesday before the rally. It was a particularly good turn out that gave me the opportunity to break the ice with my fellow members. Everyone made me feel very welcome and there was a general buzz of excitement and air of anticipation about the start of the new rally season, BMF being the first of many. The agreed plan was to meet up at South Mimms services on the Friday afternoon at 15:30. At this stage I cannot wait. At last Friday arrives, after what seemed to be the longest morning ever at work, I skipped off to load up the bike (hope the boss never gets hold of this piece). One final check, tent, sleeping bag and rucksack all firmly in place, I may have overdone the bungee hooks but as this is the first time loading up the bike I was convinced it would all fall off the moment I pulled away, next stop South Mimms. One mile in to the journey then the first shower hit and then it was wet/dry wet/dry all the way round the M25 to the meeting place. Despite the rain and a busy M25 I had forgotten the bike was loaded up it felt really good and the extra load proved to be no problem. As usual I was a bit keen and I was first to arrive, fortunately it was not too long before the Drag Star's and Virago's started to roll in (some nice looking bikes). After a few introductions, a nose bag a quick pee it was time to fill up and set off up the A1(M) for Peterborough (I can remember thinking wow what an impressive sight we must be as we pulled out of the services). There was a bit more of the wet/dry wet/dry weather but as we hit the camp sight the sun came out to meet us and it was then when I began to realise just how big this rally really was. We checked in and set off to the planned VSOC site. We pulled up in to what was a reasonably spacious field and started to pitch the tents. After sorting myself out and phoning home to confirm I had arrived in one piece I emerged to find to my surprise that the field was now full of VSOC members from all over the country, time for some more hello's and a nose at some impressive bikes. Needless to say it was not too long before the lure of the bright lights, music and the thought of a cold beer enticed us over toward the evenings entertainment (what would the night hold ?). A quick burger and chips really hit the mark and then it was time to stock up on a few tins and venture in to the main tent to see what was going on. A case of lager and a case of bitter saw us through a great evening of live bands (nothing too heavy, lots of quality stuff like Queen and Bowie etc), which really got the place rocking. Oh yes, there was also this strange ritual where periodically people (male and female) in varying stages of undress shinning up the main tent poles and swinging proudly in all their glory (or not) from the top of the tent. Then around midnight things started to quiet down and it was back to the tents for a good sleep in preparation for the shopping frenzy and shows in the morning. I ventured out of my tent at about 7:00 am to see lots of people milling about in the early morning sunshine (yes sunshine), the sky was clear and the place had dried out nicely. After a quick wash we headed off to the breakfast tent, £2.00 for egg, sausage, bacon and tomato and a cup of tea, (not bad). Back at the tents we agreed to meet at the VSOC tent at around 12:00 to see how everyone is doing and exchange bargain locations. Then off we went, I was told there would be some good bargains around and as I needed to kit myself out with leathers, boots and helmet I was keen to see if it was all true. 15 minutes later I had managed to lose everyone and had my first purchase, a pair of Frank Thomas boots for £40.00, and it went on from there. By the end of the day I had managed to kit myself out with helmet, jacket, jeans, boots and gloves for £290.To give you an idea of the size of this rally it is impossible to get around all of the stalls, rides and displays in one day. There is so much to see and do. Even if unlike myself you were not looking to buy much there are all the trade stands, the 'wall of death', stunt and display riding, bungee jumping and so much more. Saturday evening, after the stalls closed, it was the VSOC BBQ. This was a really good evening and another chance to get to know more members. I have to say everyone was really friendly and was so easy to get on with. The final hours of Saturday night were spent back in the main entertainment tent for another helping of excellent music, a few beers and more of the strange pole climbing ritual. Sunday morning was really a bit of a re-run of Saturday. Wash, breakfast and a second crack at the stalls you missed on day one. By midday the tents were starting to come down and people drifted off in their own time. Loading the bike to come home was more of a challenge with all the new gear but somehow I managed and the journey home was quite a nice ride. Well that's about it from me, just left to say if like me you were in two minds about going on a rally and doing the camping thing, I strongly recommend you give it a go. I guarantee you will not regret it………… See you at the Next Rally !….Les