I get asked this question all the time, especially by riders who are relatively new to the scooter scene.
The truth is, I can’t tell you. I can only tell you my opinion - which type of rallies I like best and why.
I really dislike camping, yet my favourite scooter rallies are the camping rallies when everything is held on the one site. Sounds strange, huh? I suppose it is but there are things about camping rallies that I really love, that don’t happen to the same extent at city or hotel based rallies.
For me, what makes the rally extra enjoyable are the other people in attendance. If there’s a good crowd, that you get on with, or get to know it can make that particular rally really memorable. At camping rallies, there’s lots of sitting around, talking, getting to know people time. You all have your tent pitched at the same site. You spend the rally weekend hanging out with your fellow scooterists, sitting talking, drinking, eating and laughing, from when you first get up in the morning, till last thing when you finally crawl into your tent for sleep time. During that time you get to know people pretty well, especially your campsite neighbours. I’ve made friendships that have lasted for years and years that way.
I like to drink a beer or two, and when camping, love that my tent is never more than a few foot steps away. Camping rallies with big bonfires are great. The conversations and shennanigans that start up amongst the people sitting round the bonfire are priceless! The brave souls who do the naked rides always make me giggle like a loon.
Of course camping rallies always entail a walk to the bathroom, but I’ve actually come to enjoy that. I always end up noticing a Vespa or Lambretta parked by some one’s tent that catches my eye, and stopping to ask questions about it. Not every scooter is parked out in the main area.
City rallies, or rallies where people stay in lots of different hotels are great, don’t get me wrong. I love the craic, but you spend a lot more time running from event venue, to event venue. Its not all on the same site and all that running around gets me a little tired and stops me from relaxing as much. Depending on the city, hotels can put a severe dent in your pocket book, as can getting a taxi from the evening event back to your hotel when you’ve had a drink. All that running around cuts down on your hanging out time, and I often find myself saying to people “we never got any time to chat”.
Of course, being a girl, I do like to try and look my best, and some camping rallies can test a girl’s patience in that respect. However, I’ve come up with strategies to appease my vanity. Bottled water, baby wipes and those facial cleansing towels are great. I can usually find somewhere to plug my beloved hair straighteners in, and if not, hair ties come in handy. A rechargeable lantern for my tent works wonders and in case it gets cold at night I pack some Thermacare heating pads. (I can hear the boys laughing already).
I do miss the convenience of a hotel when camping. I suppose my ideal here in the USA would be to have holiday camp rallies like those they have in the UK. I attended the Woolacombe 2007 rally in September last year. The organisers, South West Scooter Clubs, take over a whole holiday camp, and everyone stays in the chalets and caravans onsite. There’s even camping if you insist 
. I stayed with friends in a 3 bedroom chalet. It had a kitchen, bathroom, dining area and living room. It even had a washing machine and tumble dryer, which came in handy when Buster got gunked by King Kurt. People kept dropping by and visiting each others chalets. The evening events were in the holiday camp’s ballroom, and another large room was used for the Northern Soul room. Because it was all on the same site I got to meet lots of old friends, and get to know loads of new ones, just like a US camping rally, but I had all the conveniences of a hotel, and my hair was perfectly straight every day!! The trouble is, the Holiday Camp idea never really took off over here in the States.
Camping rallies have become less and less common these days, and I’ve really come to lament that trend. So come on, US scooter clubs, don’t let the traditional camping rally die!!
As for rallies this year that we’ll be going to? Well, Niagara for one. We’d hate to miss that, especially as this year is Ian Whalley’s last one as an organiser. Pittsburgh Vintage Scooter Club what are you guys doing this year? I heard rumours that there may not be a camping rally. Please say that is not so. Let us know huh? We’re booked to fly out to California in April for The Unforgiven Scooter Club Hedonism Rally.
Right now I’m not sure what else. Last year I rode up to Boston for the Boston Stranglers rally, but I’ve made no definite plans for that this year. There’s so many other rallies I’d like to go to, but we can’t close the shop every weekend to go. Any suggestions?
Anyway, getting back to the topic on hand, pick a rally and go. Talk to as many people as you possibly can and chill out, relax and enjoy yourself. Rallies are supposed to be fun, and don’t forget that!!
-A
