Isle of Wight International Scooter Rally
Fri 22nd - Mon 25th August 2003

So we're on the green in the middle of Ryde and it's only about 10am, nothing to do but sit and relax. What a great feeling to be there, watching as hundreds of scooters arrive at the years biggest scooter event, wandering around admiring scooters and women (you know who you are), taking pictures, and of course waiting for the King Lud to open.

As midday approached we separated and went off to sort out our digs but agreed to meet back on the green again which we did and just chilled on the green until about 3.30 or 4pm when the rest of the Pilgrims arrived. What a great sight, Tom, Wendy, Dave and his mate Martin, John and Alan from St. Ives, Lee, Bill and Faye, Paul and Rachel and anyone else I have probably forgotten. It was an invasion, watch out IOW!! Apparently no one had any great problems on the way down other than Dave having a few clutch problems but he got there, that's the main thing. After meeting and greeting everyone it was their turn to sort out their digs as Squirrel, Pete, myself and the others lolled about drinking until we decided to freshen up for the nights events.

So that first night, and after Squirrel and I got a kebab, we all met up in Wetherspoons for a couple of drinks, well, several drinks. The place was heaving so we went and stood outside with the drinks and to watch the scooters (and women) going by. Mind you, that first landlady was a pain chasing us back inside, so we compromised and stayed on the steps. Well, it was technically on the pub property.

After that it was off down the street to the Yelfs next door where several barmaids were ogled at, I tell you that Ashley, I have never seen a kid so keen to get on with puberty!

Anyway, next stop, after dragging ourselves away and resisting the temptation to go into the do at the hotel (£7 to get into what was essentially a disco that you could hear in the bar anyway) off to the Ice Rink on the front to see The Selecter.

As we entered you were struck by two things, no not the swinging doors! First, the coolness rising from the floor and second, there was no ice. Took me ages to realise that the ice was still there, just that they had covered it with some flooring. Mind you I had been drinking so before much more ado we headed for the bar. Again busy as heck but worth the wait.

As the music was pumping and we were a drinking all was well and then The Selecter came on stage. They were great, not completely my music but listening to a live band, there's just something about it!!

I have to admit I headed home about midnight but know many others were there (including Squirrel) until late. He did his, now habitual, trick of following the band into the dressing room and no one batted an eyelid until he asked for an autograph and some piccies. Nice one.

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