International Rally 2002 (Denmark)

14-16 June 2002  (Friday)

(Report by Nick Lappage)

Didn't we have a wonderful time the day we went to Denmark? The trip to the ferry, the Black pigs that were heavy - and all for under a pound you know! Or is that Euros and Danish Kroners now?

Whatever... All I know is that 134 (yes 134!), of us Brits travelled over to the continent to have a fantastic time at a party hosted by the Virago MC Club (Denmark). This was my first time at an International Rally and the first time I'd ridden abroad, so I knew I'd be up for a treat - and I wasn't disappointed.

I travelled over with Centre 9's group from Hull to Rotterdam, up through Holland and Germany  and arrived at the rally site at about 4.30pm on the Friday. We were greeted by a grand bunch of hosts who proceeded to adorn us with a bright green string band on our wrists, gave us our rally patch and bike stand and showed us on our way. Already plenty was happening, what with tinnies in most peoples hands and old friends greeting each other, discovering what had happened over the past year in their respective countries. As we were erecting our tents , there was an almighty roar of engines, just by the clubhouse. I asked what was happening and lo and behold there was a dyno test being run on any bike that somebody brought along. For just 100DK and you could let someone you've never met, take your bike up on a ramp, onto a rolling road and rev the nuts off it in top gear to get a maximum power reading. All purely for your own satisfaction that you could prove who's got the loudest exhaust, cos everyone's  bike has almost the same power when it comes down to cruisers. Of course I had to have a go... 55BHP was the result, but I didn't pick up the ticket. No need my friend I know what it does... 570 miles on my thin saddle and all the horsepower seems to go to my backside!

Beer's what's needed after a long ride. That's one of the certainties in life (death, taxes and a nurse being the others). And there was plenty to go round. It's a nice thing about Denmark - they brew remarkably strong lagers (5.8%abv) and not a drop of Carlsberg to be seen. That must be like Australians drinking Fosters. Still it seems to have had the correct effect on our East Anglian mob. Cheers and the same to you!! You see? One foot on foreign soil and it's bums out for the lads. But I suppose it's all in the best possible taste. Nice one mate and I'll do the same for you one day I'm sure.

The best place to park your bike was on the hard standing (slippy gravel to you and me), but that had become extremely full and any latecomers parked theirs by the tents - the campsite was almost full as well which is always a good sign for a rally organiser. There was a splendid array of bikes around especially Bo's blue custom 1100 Dragstar which was up for sale for just about £15,200 GB Pounds. Yes you read that correctly. Remember that the Danish Import taxes are very high. So you've got to hand it to Bo, he's created a lovely example. Extremely low and loud!

If you wanted a beer from the bar, it was all done on a voucher system, which is a great idea. Hand over 100DK and get a voucher for 10 beers. You could even pay for your French Hot Dogs with it. You see? No messing with all that change - just a quick swipe with a marker pen and the pain's all over. I'll take this point to thank all the ladies and chaps who manned both the bars over the weekend. Glad to see you all kept smiling. Believe when I tell you they would not stop serving on Saturday - it must be the first time I've left a bar voluntarily. Friday was very different though - We had to shut up at a "decent hour" (don't ask me when it was) because there was a biker wedding on Saturday and some football match or other. Oh yes, the World Cup match between Denmark and England.

Spir hosted the presentations on Friday night although this photo does look like he's the singer in a rock band with his minder beside him! He's a great guy though. I haven't a clue what the prizes were or what they were for, but everyone seemed very happy.

Oh, by the way, this young lad is the man that sorts out all the patches for the club, so hopefully a few of us should have our 99%er patches through soon...

Now there was plenty of cheering and waving through the night. Everyone was having a superb time, but where's Phils' hand going?

The Hen night proved popular for the girls. I managed to get a camera sneaked into the club house for your ladies viewing pleasure, but this was the best picture I got given. From the other photos it seems he managed to get his kit off and spill oil over the floor (hmm.. sounds like me working in the garage.) Oh and there was something about him and a candle but you'll have to ask the other ladies as it's, apparently, all very secret. Ssshhh.

Now, I've learnt my lesson about photography and lent my camera out for another time to Nicky, a guest from C9. Guess who she is!!! No prizes - but think of self portraits...