With the COVID 19 restrictions being eased and The Greedy Goose all prepared for social distancing, Oxford decided to go ahead with their 2020 Rally. With all the other rallies cancelled, we were looking forward to seeing all our friends again – probably the only chance we will get all year!
The format was slightly different, with social distancing, only six bikes allowed on a ride together and no communal marquee. We had to bring our own coffee, tea and food, unless eating the meals from the pub, and of course, drinking the beer! Fortunately, The Greedy Goose were well prepared and had plenty of clean showers and loos. With lots of space for the tents and wooden ‘pods’ for those who didn’t camp, all was prepared for the 28 people from a variety of branches.
Friday evening, after everyone had arrived, the pub did take away fish and chips which was very tasty, and a distanced outdoor “Ted arranged” Quiz took place – just for fun!
With numbers increasing for the ride out’s, four in all were organised – Pete took one group to Hampton Ferry at Evesham, Ted led to Crickley Hill with great views over the Glouscestershire countryside, Chris took a trip round the Cotswolds with a lunch stop at Stratford upon Avon, and Mark stepped in at the last minute with a ride to Stoke Bruene canal boat museum. Logistics worked well with staggered starts. Everyone enjoyed the run they chose to ride on, and arrived back at camp safely with smiles on their faces.
Saturday evening The Greedy Goose prepared a wonderful BBQ whilst everyone got prepared for a game of Aunt Sally – the two teams fought hard but the result was a draw! There was some very strange technics from those who had not played before, but it all went well and no one got clobbered on the head with a stick!
After a lovely dry day, Saturday night it rained with one or two tent occupants getting a bit damp, but all was dried off in the sunshine on Sunday as folk prepared to wend their way home after an unusual but fun rally.
Roll on next year!
Erica
