It's raining when Emma putters into view on her trusty ER5. I
hate setting off in the rain. Still nothing we can do about it so
off we go, Lindsey, Emma and myself in a soggy little convoy
splashing though puddles towards Bishop Auckland. From there to
West Auckland, Toft Hill and the Weardale Cafe to meet up with
Lynn, Derek and Michael who, against all good sense, are stood
dripping by their bikes as opposed to sitting inside the nice
warm cafe! I'm not allowed a stop for a coffee and sticky bun but
urged on to the rally site.
On site and the rain continues so we slither our way round till
we find Auora and a couple of the lads. Party time... The tents
are erected and sun comes out just as we crack open the first
beers, what more could you ask for? After a couple of hours
Lindsey and the girls head off towards the bar (oh yes, Witton
Castle has a proper bar and everything) so I wander off in search
of the Darlington Contingent.
Mike "YMCA" j ever so pleased cos he's just found shirtlifters-r-us on his wap phone.
I'm just settling in to talking bollox with Mikej when Dav
arrives; he's come up on Hilly's old XJ900 (up for sale, bargain
at half the price etc etc). Due to a combination of mud, tall
bike, short legs and a very responsible approach to not wanting
to devalue said bike (much) further could I move it. In a word
no, at this moment in time it was taking most of my cognitive and
dexterous abilities to stand and mumble, riding was quite out of
the question. Fortunately Mikej was a bit more with it and
scampered off to do the deed.
The remainder of the evening involves whisky, more beer,
chocolate and an alleged chip butty.
The Anti-Bev in a rare moment of sobriety
I feel rough but am made to feel immediately better when I realise Lindsey feels worse. No sympathy, should know better, a woman of her age etc. A ride out seems like a pointless idea so we just mooch about, look at the stalls, look at the show bikes (some good, some bad and some indifferent), circulate and generally have an easy time of it. Lindsey again scarpers off to the bar with Bev (not to drink they tell me) so I catch up with the Darlington people again. The weather keeps changing it's mind; during one sharp, short shower everyone stands up. Why? I don't know, I suppose it presents less of a target. I've no chance of making it to shelter in time so just sit it out, it's not cold. And at last the sun is over the metaphorical yard-arm and I can have my first beer of the day, so along with Lindsey, Andy, Jo and Gilly it's off to the Castle bar. It's quite busy so we wander out of the courtyard and site on a wall overlooking a pond. I've been coming to Stormin' for most of the 90's and I never realised all this existed, just goes to show... The rest of the evening is traditional rally entertainment, eg drinking, listening to bands and talking gibberish.
Andy and Jo (not in that order but it's better grammer) about to enter the Witton Castle Come Dancing event.
We're woken quite early by the sound of people leaving the site. This always happens and how they manage it is beyond me, I'm not sober enough to ride that early in the day. Still it starts me moving in the right direction, ie towards the kettle which eventually leads to breakfast and full wakefulness. As I'm packing my tent and other meagre possessions I realise I've enjoyed Witton more this year than I have for a long time. The atmosphere is back to what it should be; happy, relaxed and amusing - I'm looking forward to next year already.
Found your picture on the Bikers Club website? Odds are
this man is guilty.
Or should that read this guilty man is odd?
Lots of bikes, lots of tents, lots of people, lots of hangovers
I can think of lots of scathing cutting comments - but
he's bigger than me so I won't.
Except possibly ... no too harsh, too cruel.
and finally the rare sight of a hung over Giddy pinching tent pegs, packing his tent and then wobbling off home.