HOC National Rally write up.
Friday the 18th of Sept saw 9 Wilts’ HOC members set off for the HOC National Rally driving & riding ‘ooop norf ‘.
Resisting the urge to re-tie the knot as we passed Gretna Green & 400 ish miles, roughly 7 hrs or so later, we arrived separately at Craig Tara Haven Holiday Park, Ayr, KA7 4LB.
After caravan keys & welcome packs had been collected from Reception & travellers had settled into their temporary homes; Friday evening was a case of meet & greet rehydrate & a catch up with good friends.
Saturday morning dawned with fine & bright weather & found members formed up for the planned rideouts.
Graham Brown (East mids) kindly lead the longer ride
And Murray Wiltshire (South Wales) the shorter route.
Fortunately, the Scots’ weather gods smiled on the riders throughout the majority of the day.
Wilts’ riders choose the shorter route which proved excellent with the 23 riders / bikes thoroughly enjoying the variety of different roads and scenery.
The flowing road along the sea front to and from the first stop at the café at Wemyss Railway Station & Café was a real joy to ride.
The 2nd stop took riders over the mountains, giving stunning views on the approach to ‘Cheesecake Cottage’ where we enjoyed some very tasty cakes.
The final stop was at an optical illusion.
Here, the road appears to climb uphill – but is actually the opposite with gravity rolling the riders down the deceptive downhill slope!
After this, it was a short ride back to the site for admin & Saturday evening’s entertainment in the main restaurant/pub for food, drinks and a comprehensive quiz courtesy of Chairman Marcus.
Sunday was a sunny & bright
day. Here, Jimmy, Darren and Andrew chose to ride some fast, flowing roads & enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and Loch Lomond.
Claire and Dave J opted for the challenge of the HOC management organised treasure hunt.
This proved to be a 4 hour excursion following various clues around the local countryside. It was both fun & educational with challenges requiring photographic evidence of completion on route!
Monday morning was a case of pack up and depart the site.
Another great HOC weekend socialising with like minded friends old & new was had.
A huge THANK YOU to the organisers & all who made the effort to travel the long journey ‘ooop norf’! & back home
.
‘Till the next time..!
Andrew Young
