Friday the 19th to Sunday the 21st of June 26 saw Claire & Dave J meandering their way from Wiltshire, East along the A303 & the M3 then South down towards Plymouth & the coast arriving at the Solent rally at The Ship & Anchor pub, in Ford, Arundel, W Sussex. Just over 70 miles from home. After a busy week working, Claire J once again ably drove the motorhome with Dave acting as co-pilot. Arriving at 1815 in just over 2 hours, inclusive of a stop at a level crossing to permit 3 trains to pass in front of us on Station Road, frustratingly just 2 minutes short of the camp site.
On arrival at the pub, Dave filled the motorhome’s water tank & Claire watered the 🐕 s. Then it was a case of quickly saying our ‘hellos’ as we connected up the electric lead & the dog 🐕 fence around the motorhome before scrounging a few surplus chips 🍟 from the earlier food run & finally getting some well earned beauty sleep 😴 💤 .
Saturday morning was cool, grey & slightly drizzly, 🌧️ despite several weather forecasts that the whole weekend would be a scorcher!🔥🥵
Anyway, it was time to enjoy Barbara P’s breakfast bacon baps & socialise with the Solent rally crew.
Being only slightly late to the party (this time) tents were already erected and motorhomes parked & levelled for the weekend.
The Saturday morning ride out saw Dave Irving giving a short brief to the 10 riders 🏍️ with only minor heckling from the Beds’ HOC Sec, Graham: ‘yawn, I’ve heard it all before’ Seymour.😩😁 Dave I then set off & led the way.
The Honorary President & myself took the opportunity to stay on site & await the arrival & catch up with 3 more Wilts’ HOC members; Andrew Y, Alan W & Rob G on their 🏍️ 🏍️ 🏍️s.
Their arrival found us catching up over a cold drink as by now the temperature had risen 🥵 substantially & heading off on a stroll with our dogs 🐕.
By all accounts, Solent’s Saturday ride out was a success too, with everyone enjoying the route & riding their bikes from ☕️ & ice cream 🍨stop on to the next comfort break.
Saturday evening was a self-cooked BBQ with fresh salad, & French bread supplied & prepared by Barbara, Jax, Pam, Sue & a few more willing volunteers.
We all then sprung a surprise on Claire in the marquee by singing a HOC rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for the following day & presented her with a signed card. She declined the offer of the bumps…😁
Following this there was more socialising and rehydrating to be done in & around the marquee.
Sunday morning was a repeat of the previous day’s breakfast routine with bacon 🥓 baps & tea / coffee ☕️ aplenty. Oh go then, I’ll help Claire 👩 finish hers!😋🤪
One or two individuals (including us) departed the site in good time before the predicted full heat of the day arrived, so packed up & said their goodbyes for now.
As usual, It’s been a great couple of days catching up with old friends & meeting a few new ones.
Despite deciding not to bring our bikes for this rally, we thoroughly enjoyed Barbara & her team’s hospitality & relaxing in sunny 🌞 Arundel.
It’s safe to say that we’re already looking forward to the next rally. Standby Graham B & East Mids…! 🚐 🏍️🤓
By Dave Jolly
