Modrapheniacs Rally, Sandford Park, Dorset. March 15-17th 2002
The gods were smiling on us as we rode down to Dorset, keeping the rain at bay for the 2 hour journey. Everyone else was already there so we cracked open the Strongbow and settled down for a chat. Watched Top Of The Pops before heading for the bar. More old faces to catch up with whilst Elvis was serenading us in the background, although the only people taking any notice of him were the kids running around, which he seemed to take exception to. It all started to get a bit hazy so I headed for the main room to watch 2-tonics who were a vast improvement on Elvis! Much dancing ensued, took a few photos, including one of their 12 year old bass player who was outstanding. Emma Cox took over the decks once the band had finished and played a great mixture of crowd pleasers and then things got even more hazy. Each time I tried to leave she'd play another great tune but eventually my weary legs took me home although on the way I bumped into Stewart, 2-Tonics manager, and we chatted about tartan trousers and Bognor pubs and probably loads of other stuff but I can't remember! Time for bed....
Saturday dawned and the sun was shining! After a hearty hangover-busting breakfast we headed for the custom show. After taking a few photos I decided I needed a little rest before the rideout so headed back to the caravan with loads of sweets and OK magazine. Amazingly, the rideout headed off on time and was the best organised one I've ever been on. It was very well marshalled and took us eventually to Poole Quay where there were pubs galore! We settled on the Lord Nelson, whose motto was scrawled above the bar "The liver is evil, it deserves to be punished". Rich took this seriously and immediately started punishing his with a couple of pints of Stella. Back to the caravan for a siesta before heading out once again for the night's entertainment.
Saturday evening started slowly, most people finding the weekend's excesses catching up with them. Ready Steady Go livened things up in the main room, whilst Gary 'Scummer' Todd celebrated his birthday with a moan about his team's poor performance against Leicester. Later on the trophies were given out. Northern Monkey got the best in show and planted a soggy kiss on my cheek to celebrate. Hmmmmmm. The Nuneaton Pacemakers won the 'best turned out club' for the second year in a row and I managed to gatecrash their photo for Scootering, thanks to Lee plonking me on his lap! Then came the highlight of the evening, More Specials, for their penultimate gig. They were on top form, as usual, with a blinding set.
Sunday morning. No hangover, hurrah! Packed up and set off, and once again it was dry! Caught up with Area 51 at Rownhams services and decided they looked as rough as us. I suppose that is the price we pay for all this fun, but it was worth it.
A blinding weekend and well done to the Modrapheniacs for organising what I hope is to become a traditional curtain-raiser for the rally season.