Horton Drifter Rally 2006
Well it wasn't the last minute panic we had last year, the only decision we had to make this time
was which jacket to wear. This trip was also going to be a shakedown for our road trip in the states,
with the new tube trunks, so we packed as we would be in a weeks time to test everything out, which is
the main reason for not camping this time. As it happens we really wished we'd camped, especially given
the lack of sleep Friday, but that's another story entirely. We'd had late nights most of the week
having gone to see the first Foo Fighters acoustic gig at Ipswich on Monday night and then I'd had
another night out with the girls on Tuesday to go see the Bellydance Superstars, so we decided not to
try and beat the rush hour on Friday, but leave after. It was about 10:45 when we zeroed the trips and
set off and the miles just flew by. I think this was a combination of the excitement of getting down to
Horton to meet up with everyone again and also because we could talk to each other this time as we'd
fitted the intercoms.
It really wasn't that long before we got down to the M25 and our first pit stop a tad later where we
sat with big smiles on our faces as we saw someone stop and take a picture of the bikes. Further on the
M25 we hit a few jams and had to 'push' our way through. Actually we were pleasantly surprised at just
how many people do give you a bit more space and let you through, especially when a police bike has
just gone down the middle in front of you. The M3 was much clearer, though we did have a bit of a start
when a lorry blew an inside tyre just as we were going past in the outside lane. An almighty bang, dust
and smoke and all we could see then was bits of tyre flying everywhere behind it. Fortunately, I don't
think there was actually anyone right behind him at the time and the guy managed to pull over straight
away. It made us jump so I hate to think what the driver thought.
The A303, aside from the short single carriageway stretches, was also a good road. The worst bit, pretty
obviously in retrospect was where people were turning off to go to Stonehenge. They had some pretty
good imagination back then to have the foresight to erect a mass of rocks to look like a stage set for
a Spinal Tap gig!!. Finally the sign came up saying Ilminster 6 miles and next thing we were at the
Travel Lodge. We checked in and then came back out to unload, heard that familiar sound and looked up
to see a host of drifters pulling in to the petrol station in front of us. We folded our arms and
casually walked over as inconspicuously as we could trying to sneak up and Paul managed to make Butch
jump before we were rumbled. Then it was smiles, hugs and kisses as we said hello to everyone as they
were filling up to go on an ice-cream run down to Lyme Regis.
We got directions for the campsite, got ourselves sorted and refreshed and then set off up the road to
Horton and as we turned into the site, we instantly saw how much effort the guys had been putting into
the whole weekend. Perfectly situated (in spite of Nigel's later rumblings about the loos being too far
away after a few bevies!), the large marquee was set up in the corner, angled to watch the sunset with
benches, chairs and not one but two fridges full of cold beer, soft drinks and milk for tea and coffee.
Bangers and burgers were cooking, neat notes showing how much things cost and what was on the menu for
Saturdays barbecue, along with local takeaway menus and copies of a full 'tourist guide' complete with
UKDOG logo on the front were laid out so everyone knew the setup.
We were mightily impressed to say the least and first thanks have to go to Kevin, Teresa, Bob and Di
for all their hard work and also to the site owners Ken and Shirley for their generous help. Well done
guys, you did us all proud. As everyone rolled in back from the ride it wasn't long before everyone was
just chilling out and enjoying the atmosphere and the warm summer evening, surrounded by a string of
neatly spaced out tents, and taking turns trying out Rex & Mouse's smart sidecar outfit round the field.
I had a lap of honour with Bongo at the helm but I think it must have been Pamela's Mum who had the best
fun of all. I really don't think she wanted to get out and would have been quite happy going round all
night. I met Dawn and Terry, Linda and Graham and Margaret and John from St Ives (who are now on the
list!) and using my intensely sharp powers of observation I quickly sussed that Mona came from
Australia when we started chatting. Don't know where I got Austria from, presumably just cos of Alex..
Anyhow, having just had the conversation about falling of mopeds and saying that these big cruisers
virtually stay up on their own, we decided to run the bikes back to where we were staying and walk
back so we could have some drinks and not worry. The next few minutes I can assure you were quite
embarrassing. I'm just glad I didn't do it in front of Paul! And no Indian John, I can guarantee I
wasn't trying to show off, and yes Rex I do accept your apology for having the wrong kind of grass in
Somerset!!. I really wasn't trying to claim the prize for doing the first doughnut on an 800, and if I
had been I've have failed anyway as I only got half way round. LOL Fortunately there are no pictures
and thanks guys for running over and helping. It was a thoroughly good test of the crash bars,
fortunately I was going extremely slow and the only thing hurt side from a lump of grass pulled up, was
my pride.
Having parked the bikes and walked back to face everyone again (fortunately I could blame the sun for
having a slightly red face!) and found out I'd lost an earring, we spent the rest of the night at the
Five Dials where again we were entertained by Lonewolf's musical talents. More chat, more laughter and
Nigel doing something untoward with MC's tail!! and we eventually left just after midnight, said
goodnight at camp and walked back to the digs under a crystal clear night, stopping to look up at the
exact moment the space station went over. I've said it so many times, but I still find it amazing to
watch it pass overhead, thinking there are people up there. If you've never seen it then look at
'weblink' and you can find out more about it. By now, poor old Paul was beginning to suffer, his
throat was really sore (from a virus infection we later found out), so when we didn't get to sleep till
about 04:00 because of the noisy hooligans screaming and shouting and screeching up and down the car
park, shouting obscenities and kicking over the bins, we were both somewhat knackered the following
morning. How we wished we had camped then.
As we pulled into the campsite on Saturday we saw more Drifters had arrived and the bikes
were all lined up in an arc ready for a photoshot.Paul decided to give the Cider visit a miss to give
him a few extra minutes before the big ride so stayed behind and had a nice chat with Rachael about
upholstery amongst other things, whilst most of the rest of us went out to taste a bit of scrumpy.
Second big thanks of the weekend goes to the outriders, Butch & Bev, Boggy, Bongo and Indian John
(sounds like and old 70's band!!) who held up the traffic (most of it quite happily doing so aside
from someone trying to add Boggy as a mascot!) and saw us all safely round on the rides out. Anyone
wanting to check out Boggy's vest should go to www.tinwolf.co.uk
After a stop off back at camp to deposit any cider brought, we all saddled up and set off on the main
ride out. There were 34 bikes (31 Drifters) that set off in total, including Tony and his daughter Jess
in his gleaming sidecar outfit, Pamela who Gino had managed to charm into riding with him, and Jamie,
Dick, Steve and Caroline. Unfortunately as we found later another drifter owner, Malcolm and Sheila,
would have joined us but for a puncture on his bike after no end of other hassle. Hope to meet you guys
on another rally. Not the only one to have dogged the rally as we later learnt that Silvio had a slight
delay having woken to a puncture on his bike that morning, but he'd been fortunate enough to fix it
before setting off a little later than expected. We all filed out of the campsite less Rex who had some company visiting and made off on
the ride, videoed on the way out by XXXX (ref web).
What a great sight. We stayed towards the back as we always tend to do just to get that fantastic view
of everyone in front as we all wind our way up steep windy hillsides. As in Derby the previous year,
the scenery was awesome and a group ride with all your friends beats London sightseeing for me any day.
I really do need to sort out some kind of helmet cam for the future though to be able to capture all
those memories, otherwise Mona will just have to become the official group cameraman and will have to
come on the rides all the time. For anyone who's not seen yet, she takes excellent mini videos while
riding pillion. There's more pics below, plus
don't forget to take a look at Lonewolf's website diary at
www.moonshiners.org.uk
Having ridden up to Dunkery beacon, the highest point in Somerset, we continued on to a
tiny little tea shop at Horner woods, in the middle of nowhere, where we managed to eat them out of
cheese and ham rolls and munch our way through delicious home made cakes and tea. It was here that we
actually got to meet a few more faces and learnt about Silvio's early morning mechanics. Refreshed and
eager for more we continued with the ride minus Dawn, Terry, Butch and Bev, as Butch volunteered to
escort them on a slightly easier route back to camp. Hats off to Dawn for contemplating any ride with
such back pain, hopefully which is giving you less trouble now, a few weeks later. While on the subject
of pain also, I must note that Nigel's June was also dearly missed on the rally this year. Hopefully
the shoulder will be better and we'll meet up again in September at Hadrian's Wall. Our next stop was
for an excellent photo opportunity after riding up the famous Porlock hill, as the bikes were all lined
up with the coastline in the background.
Through the toll road and on to a few real hairpin bends (cool), then a slow steady descent down to the
coastline towards Minehead. As Paul and I chatted on our intercoms (great idea by the way for numerous
reasons, wouldn't ride together without them now) we suddenly heard someone saying they were going for
a swim. Not me I said to Paul, before I wished them a nice time, then before we knew it, we were having
a chat with some guys on the beach as we rode past, who commented that our bike convoy looked great.
Paul thanked then and said bye as we started to go up the hill at the end of the promenade and leave
the shore behind us. We had one more stop for a quick petrol fill if required at Watchet, where we said
goodbye to John Cinqster as we enjoyed the huge 99's Andy brought us. Thanks Andy, they were most
welcome in that heat. By the time we'd made our way back to camp we'd done a fair few miles and were
pretty hungry and looking forward to the evening's barbecue and entertainment. Again the guys had done
us proud with the banquet of food they'd put on for us all. Thanks also to Caroline and Nick (hope I
got your names right) who also helped with the cooking. Boy I loved that coleslaw too.
When we'd stuffed ourselves enough, Bongo and Paul counted out all the returned voting slips and the
announcements for prizes were done. Alex won best 1500 again and Dave got furthest travelled and to my
absolute delight I pipped Paul by 1 vote to get the best 800 and the plaque proudly sits in the front
room. I take full credit of course, after all I chose the colours, all he did was strip the bike down
and spray it for me, make the screen and design, make and fit the saddlebag mounts and the tube trunk.
Come on! Credit where it's due and all that. LOL I think it might have been MC posing on the bike that
may have swayed it actually, so for a small fee or a giant millipede I'm sure he'd be quite happy to do
the same for anyone else next year. Afterwards Gino then presented Teresa with a carved wooden spoon as
a thankyou. Although we all knew it was for all the effort with the food etc. we still tried to wind
him up by pointing out that he was giving her a love spoon in front of Kev, but he didn't bite.
Oh that reminds me also to say thankyou to Lonewolf for presenting me with flowers from Rex, lest I
forget. Unexpected again but greatly received, they made the journey home a little worse for wear due
to the heat, but they still added a splash of colour in the house for a few days. I do think next year
though it's Paul's turn to get them, cos I really only do what he asks on the web, he really is the
'UKDOGBoss' and deserves credit for getting the whole thing up and running and allowing so many of us
to have made new friends and get together with an extended family at the rallies and rides In my eyes
he's an unsung hero, the time he spends welcoming new members and helping people out with all sorts of
questions on the forum comes from a genuine passion for anything Drifter related and a natural desire
to help wherever he can. I definitely picked the right one all those years ago!
As we made our way towards the pub, we were excited to find out what skittles was all about. Not as I
thought originally, was it a small ball on a piece of string attached to a pole that you swung round to
knock small skittles off a table top board. No, this was a full-length skittle lane, complete with a
dented metal plate on the wall behind bearing the marks of runaway balls from previous games.! Some
people really roll those balls hard! Anyways, for £1 each those who desired joined in the game of skill
and luck where the ultimate winner was the one left after everyone else had lost their three lives from
not toppling a skittle or making a foul by hitting the sides of the lane or the ball not touching the
floor before the dreaded line, the latter being the one rule that appeared to cause the most contention,
laughter and calling into account many people's eyesight!. Suffice to say it was a 'skittle expert'
who won, we won't say anymore about it but Teresa I hope you enjoyed drinking the prize!
We had another game afterwards, no prize this time, just for more fun and laughter and to 'prove' just
how much skill was really involved. Biker Dave proved to be a natural, whilst Jess also showed a lot of
young talent. Terry showed some interesting ball technique (it's not cricket Terry!) and Brian had some
wonderful moves, then Gino amazed us all with his bet with Bongo. If he hit the 2nd skittle on the
left, Bongo said he'd ride back through Wales with him and Nigel. He coolly rolled the ball and
knocked the skittle down, receiving a huge round of applause and yet more laughter. Coming from
someone who found it hard to hit any skittles especially after a few bevies, it was mighty impressive.
Thanks to Matt for his help as chief skittle replacer and ball retriever. Finally it was time to leave
and wonder back down the road when we discovered Lonewolf, Paul Murden and a few others had been having
a musical evening while we'd played the second game. We parked up our bikes behind Alex and Mona's
intimate one man tent and made sure my flowers had plenty of water to drink and as everyone turned in
we again made the mile trek down to the Travelodge and blow me, we looked up and saw the space station
again in exactly the same place. We'd decided to leave the bikes on camp so we didn't have to stay up
all night worrying about them and that night we got a full 8 hours sleep.
After we woke the next morning, we packed up and had a slow amble up the road meeting Di on the way and
Rex a little further on, who stopped and got off his bike to sport his long dark coat and hat and bid
us greetings. (I'm starting to worry now Rex!) As some got on their way, we marched off to the village
hall cross from the pub where we were waited on hand and foot and enjoyed the most scrumptious
traditional Sunday cooked breakfast and on hot plates! Note one of my bug hates is a restaurant that
serves hot food on a stone cold plate. If these guys can do it then a full blown restaurant should be
able to. As we wondered back to camp it was very empty by now and the realisation than another rally
was over began to sink in. Edward was still there but there were few to say cheerio to as we were one of the last to leave. Sorry if we
missed saying bye to anyone but I guess it won't be long before we're all together again at Hadrian's
Wall, courtesy of Bongo's hard work.
As Alex, Mona, Paul and I made our way across the field there was one last quick wave before we were on
our way. The roads were much quieter than Friday and we were soon passing by Stonehenge again watching
people gathering for an early summer solstice chant. Just before Basingstoke we pulled in for petrol
and said our cheerios, re-iterating our plans for lunch at Culvers at Prairie Du Chien in Wisconsin
on Wednesday week at noon ( a time by the way that we hit spot on in spite of all our future setbacks
we'd yet to meet!) We got our way, waved as the roads parted and fairly soon we were off the M3, on the
M25 and I was shouting down the intercom 'Read Arrows at 12:00. Red Arrows at 12:00'. Needless to say,
the Red Arrows were just flying above us in formation, presumably from an air show or a fly past for
the Queen's birthday celebrations. Up the A12 and we were home in no time, sad that the rally was over
but excited that our next adventure was just a week away.
The joys of owning a drifter are endless..
Thanks to everyone for making it such a great weekend - Kev & Teresa, Bob & Di, Matt, Jamie, Caroline & Steve, Dick, Caroline & Nick, Ken & Shirley, Gino, Alex & Mona, Bongo, Boggy, Biker
Dave, Terry, Butch & Bev, Brian Jameson, Sidecar Nigel, Dawn & Terry Holdaway, Rex & Mouse, Pamela &
her mum, Paul Murden, Margaret & John Chapman, Mike (Harley) King, Andy Hills, Lonewolf, Andy Batten,
Edward, Graham & Linda Mellows, Indian John, Mike Howard, Tony & Jess Bryant, John Cinqster, Rachael
& Fran, Silvio, Ted Ashmore, Chris Baker, Peter Corrin.
Apologies if I've missed anyone of the list.
More Pics -
Thanks to everyone who sent us pictures, including Nigel for his excellent Group photo at the top
Campsite
Camp Lineup
Another Camp Lineup
Rex and his outfit
Gino and Bongo at camp
Cider Visit
Ride View
Around Camp
Peter, Tony, Jess, Rex and John at camp
Alex and Mona at the tea stop
Andy at the tea stop
Gino and Pamela at the tea stop
Coast Lineup
Another Lineup view at the coast
Nigel and Jess on Tony's outfit
John, Mike, Dave, Kev and Silvio
Butch, Bev and Bongo at Camp
Me winning best 800
Alex with best 1500
Paul & Nigel
Saying goodbyes on Sunday
More googbyes
MC showing off best 800
Drifters on show
Writeups -
Thanks to all the writers for their contributions
For Lonewolf's - click here
