OXFORD RALLY……..Singing in the Rain!
The early arrivals on Friday managed to get their tents up before the showers started but had to use lots of tent pegs to ensure their night time accommodation did not finish up at the bottom of the field due to the wind! This was no problem for the experienced campers! Even the marquis went up (albeit shorter than last year due to some poles being mislaid!) Set up with a constant supply of hot water for endless tea, coffee and home-made cake or biscuits – all was ready.
Early evening the pub was invaded for a delicious ‘Rally special lassagne’ or choice from the main menu and a brain taxing quiz led by Dave Andrews, much hilarity ensured as each team competitively kept their score! Two teams drew and a teasing tie breaker question was posed (which bike racer appeared in an opera!!! yes, it was true – Barry Sheene when he was 15) – Ted’s team won and prizes were distributed.
Saturday morning saw lovely sunshine! Everyone assembled for the ride out with Ted leading and Pete taking care of the tail end duties. Eighteen bikes left and wended their way round the delightful Charbury TT circuit, stopping for lunch at the pretty Rose Revised pub by the river……..by which time the rain had arrived as folk hot footed it back to the site to dry out and have more tea and coffee!
After fun and games lighting the BBQ in the rain for those who wanted a true camping experience (the rest dashed to the pub to again sample Windy’s wonderful cooking), everyone crowded into the pub to listen to Pete, the guitarist, who had returned to entertain us with an excellent evening of varied music (is there anything he cannot play or make up the words to?) Fun, laughter and singing ended just before mid night as everyone toddled off to their various beds for a sound (??) nights sleep……some stayed in the B&B rooms at the pub, feeling slightly guilty in the warm, dry rooms!
Sunday morning brought wet tents to dry and pack and the Best Honda in the Show competition. Everyone was given a voting form and trotted round to view the various machines. By 3 points Keith’s 17 year old Pan with over 50,000 miles on the clock won with the Trophy donated and awarded by Dave from MIS at Newbury.
Farewells were said and the journeys home commenced.
Despite the showery weather, fun was had and roll on next year’s event! Special thanks to Steve Gilks, Pete Jordon and Ted German for all their hard work, Mark Clargo for the BBQ (with help from a magic starter pack from Barbara and Alan) and Dave Andrews for the quiz – couldn’t do it without you!
Erica Gassor