Dragon Rally

As I couldn’t give my ticket away I thought I’d better make the effort and go.
Pleasant windy100+ mile ride down. I think somewhere in the organisers blurb they said the actual Rally is within a 5 mile radius of the check in point. When I got to checkout and got my ticket stamped, they gave me written instructions and said ‘It’s about 20 miles to the site! They might have a different radius in Welsh Wales.
Not the best field for a Rally...along a farm type track (2 ruts with a raised bid in the middle) for a couple hundred metres, uphill, downhill and the up again. Wet & muddy and not somewhere I’d go by choice, but hey ho, I’ve come this far, so off I go. Made it safely into the field. Nice man told me to go over the brow and down to the bottom of the field....no, said I, I’m not stopping, so I parked up, probably near where gilligaf built his house. Good job I brought that round plastic thing because the bike wouldn’t stand for long without it under the kickstand.
Went in big marquet and got a goody bag.
Back out, drained the remained of my flask, on the bike, slithered to the exit and the tackled the 2 track...being old and knackered I needed to keep both feet near the ground as stabilisers, that meant using the front brake when I needed to slow and I didn’t like it, not a lot anyway....the, my front wheel went into a tyre wide grove and I fell over, oh the shame. Falling in mud doesn’t usually do much damage so I bike was okay. Couple guys came and helped me get the bike upright once I’d freed my trapped right leg. After that I got out the field without further mishap. Guy at the gate told me some had fallen before they even got in the field!
High wind signed lit on motorways. Bum was numb when I got home at 16.30.
244.5 miles with half hour down time. Think I’ll be aching tomorrow, but at least I won’t need to contend with the potential storm. .
To be sure, Dili will have some great tales to relive.
Cheers,Ken.

 

That is dedication to the cause mate. Glad the bike was not damaged and you got home safe...

 

Hope dilli doesn't damage Nudger- technically it's not his anymore...

 

Was it your intention , when you left the house that you would stay, or was it just the state of things when you got there?

 

No, sprinter,
Went to bed Friday night with no intention of going on Sat.
Got up this morning at 07.00 and weather looked okay and not windy, so thought I chance it.
Nothing ready so put tooth brush and spare kecs and a one cup flask in a shoulder bag along with my daily pills and set off.
Didn’t notice any breeze until I’d done about 30 miles and then it was quite strong in open country.
When I bought my ticket few weeks ago my intention was to get B&B, but the weather forecast changed my mind, and, seeing how crap it was to get into and out of the site I was pleased I’d decided to go and return in a day. Really that was due to the weather forecast.
Was a good venue for those who ride scramblers, absolutely made for them.
IF the terrain had been dry it would have made a great difference to ease of entry.
Still, I’m sure glad I went. .
Had Rolled oats at 07.30 this morning then nothing ‘til 19.00 when I’ve had 2 Holland’s Beef and Onion puddings and a Greggs Cheese and Onion Pasty...washed down with Whiskey and Watta.
Did have a long soak in the bath tub first job on arriving home.
Ken.
PS. Always nice to see a great mixture of bikes of all makes, sizes and ages...same goes for their riders too.

 

Good to read your report, thanks.

 

Glad I didn't take my Rocket - wet field - I'd still be there in June..

 

Yes i bow down as well real hard core Bikers. Be safe Get home unharmed.
Regards & Ride Safe
Joe.

 

Camping anyone?

 

It will all be a walk in the park to dilligaf.
Ken.

 

He should have a good chance, he’s tenting at the high side of the field.
Ken.

 

Don't forget - he could remove his landing pad and make an escape route over the sloppy stuff

 

Pick yourself up,dust yourself off and start all over again.

 

I hope you get out and home safely, I was half expecting to hear reports of a DFO after you had become airborne

 

On a serious note - I live in North Wales - highest recorded wind so far is Snowdonia. It is getting worse and the rain is real heavy. Dilligaf - take care mate, there is no chance I would willingly ride in this...

 

So pleased I decided to escape yesterday whilst I could.
Must be pretty grim now if dilli’s not happy.
Ken.

 

It’s either really, really bad or the pub ran out of JD too early!
And the curse of the collapsing tent lives on in the Dilligaf family!

 

Let's hope he makes it out and back home safely.
Love Tucker and Lisa