Friday
No bike again - it can't be long now...
Everything was in full swing by the time we got to Cheshunt. The lovely ladies at Rally Control, Barbara and Fleur, showed us the way to the camp site and, for the first time, we were told that cars were to be kept in the overflow car park near the Rugby clubhouse. This way the cars and bikes are kept apart which should avoid any accidents.
The Goodies bag was well stocked - Orange drink, peanuts, toothpaste, a mini tube of Solvol Autosol (will anyone mix up the toothpaste and metal polish?), Autoglym polish, Rally duster, Yamaha and MAD catalogues, drinks mat, Rally Patch and for the early ticket buyers, an enameled pin badge - which is very nice, thank you.
The clubhouse was packed with a lot of the regular rally attendees, the disco was playing well and Otto kept his clothes on! All the old friends were re-united and much discussion took place about various bike parts, designs, problems, encounters during the winter months etc. etc. Oh did I mention drinking? The bar was kept busy 'til the early hours, which I'm sure made the manager very happy. Congratulations to all you topers and imbibers!
Saturday
It was one of those mornings that you were glad the orange juice and peanuts were supplied. A little bit of a headache from all the Stella that was consumed. Still, I wasn't as woozy as some. The free breakfast went down a treat with everyone and numerous cups of tea/coffee followed. The ride out was to St Albans, which is an old Roman town. Everyone was to arrive at the Civic Centre at about 12.00, which meant an hours ride through the intermittent showers! Angie and I left the rally site before the ride out, so we could find somewhere to park, have a look around and get to the meeting venue. 
We timed it well, as it turns out, since the pack were just starting to pull in when we got there. 
Lots of the public gathered round as they heard the commotion of 141 bikes pulling on to the paved area of the Centre. There were loads of admiring looks towards the
gathered machinery with questions coming from everyone, asking who we were and what the event was. One lady explained that she was only riding a 100cc scooter and felt a little embarrassed, but we soon explained we didn't care what anyone rides, just so long as they do ride! Oh dear, Otto went and made a huge burn out on the pavement, which didn't go down well with some people.
Back at the clubhouse tattooing was happening, which is a first for a VSOC rally. plently of people took up a new design and many more watched. I was impressed as nobody seemed to flinch, but I still don't want one (yet?).
The evening's entertainment came from a disco and a band called 'Flip Side', who came at short notice after the original band cancelled. They proved excellent with lots of rock covers from various eras - especially when you consider they were only looked about 20 years old. Otto finally gave in and rode into the clubhouse naked as usual, but this time Pat was on the back with another girl Gemma, who are both from Northwest Centre 17.
Tomo, the VSOC webmaster came running in wearing only very pink tights! Now this is where I am shamed as my camera's batteries had run out! If any one has a picture of this PLEASE send it into me and I will post it here.
The raffle was drawn by our chairman John Byrning who, Angie said, looks like Alf Garnett, which caused great amusement around our table. Through out the evening you could get a look at what prize was allocated to the winning tickets and claim if you were lucky. Hooray, I won a pair of leather trousers, which I bet won't fit - typical. Oh well, there's a Christmas present for someone.
As I'd been drinking since about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, I succumbed to the effects and took to my bed a little early - at least it meant I didn't wake to the sounds of backfiring exhausts throughout the night...
A well attended event which is always the case for the first rally of the year. Well done to the Road Runners Rally Committee, who organised a great weekend. The bar staff and caterers did a sterling job. See you all again at the Welsh one in July - which is my birthday weekend! (And you want me to do a report?)
See y'all at the Rock & Blues Custom Show 2001
