Solent's Mad Axeman Rally IV - Southampton

22nd - 25th August 2003

(Words by Ian Thoburn)

Ah Southampton "Sur le mere" another nice easy post work ride for a soft southerner, (why can't we have some of those nice long runs to rallies like the northerners have? I wanna go play up north! Does the Wirral Vikings next May count as north?)

So there I was at the site my poor overladen bike worried it may loose the will to live, as the sidestand slowly sank into the rock hard ground. Bag after bag after box was slowly unloaded from poor Blodwyn, and then I found a few square inches to put up "the Pit", space was very much at a premium, at this record breaking rally, which even split the rejects camping areas into two distinct groups. However this did mean more excuses to gossip on the way over and back.

It was than put up the gazebo time, and the phrase is "DOH!!!". Guess what silly so and so had left the poles at home? It was good to see Helena, our latest member, make it down on her 125 and she seemed to be enjoying her first rally. Mary who also made it down on her 125 having only just passing her CBT in the morning could not stop smiling either.

There was a veritable plethora of stalls on the site with a good variety of wares for sale. Katie the Airbrusher (who did my jacket in the spring) was also busy all weekend.

A yomp and a half away, all burgered up, we reached the bar, who had a goodly choice of ales though a tad pricey I thought. The band that night belted out a few good tunes but is the way I missed most socialising outside.

As the night progressed well into the small hours, the entertainment progressed to a "chill out" tent where the axemen had laid on canned refreshment at a good price. I toddled back very late.

Saturday morning and I felt rough, yep I had lurgi, so it so it was out with the Lemsip and chill out for the day. Some others went out for the rideout to Southsea (oops did your L plates Fall off Helena?).

We relaxed in the sun, going red and drinking Pimms which was certainly the way to be. I am not so sure Pimms and Lemsip go together very well as I sooo had to retire to my tent. On awakening I stupidly volunteered myself for Tug of War (volunteered to be anchorman naturally). The Southern Alliance (Rejects, Vultures and Crusaders) fought bravely but lost in the first round to the eventual runners up, well done to the Axemen for winning.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in light shopping, and watching Julie try anyone's bike who would lend her one, I think her days of 535 ownership are truly numbered. The evening came and a good meal served by the club lifted my spirits (who mentioned JD and Jamesons) though was it the lethal combination of Pimms and Lemsip or could I see a classroom of St Trinians Girls, 30 "Rogers" of varying shapes, sizes and sexes, some very scantily clad axemen doing rocky horror.

Nice N Cheesey were the group that night (last seen at Coventry 2002) and they thumped out a goodly selection of tunes. Again I socialised until the wee small hours.

There was also a tattooist on site who seemed to be doing a roaring trade. Testing of an impromptu seating arrangement area was also interesting as Les flew several feet into the air, as I bounced on the other end. Once again into the chill out tent, where the party carried on in good form, with dancing, drinking and "nails" until the small hours.

Retiring late I woke up Sunday feeling a tad better but knew I was pooped and serious lurgi was on the way. Poor Blodwyn was loaded to the hilt again and I made my farewells and wobbled off into the distance., Sadly missing Sundays run out to Beaulieu. The following week saw me generously pass the cold all round work.

A cracking rally roll on the next, Axemen 5 anyone?

Ian.