MAKIN\\\\ BACON RALLY

The forecast of a weekend of unusually good British weather and happy experiences of previous years saw people arriving steadily through Friday for Makin Bacon VII. The venue had returned to Stoke RUFC the original site of the rally. Though the organising club, the Hogs Bollocks is a small Potteries based Harley owners club the rally is open and a warm welcome is extended to riders of anything with two or three wheels. After visitors had paid their £12 in and been given their welcome drink and raffle tickets by early evening the carpet of tents had crept across the field. Word has got about this rally with visitors now coming from Scotland, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and all over the Midlands. Clubs attending included Uttoxnions, Harley 18, Rattlers & many more. There were a few trade stands and Becky provided a great selection of food all over weekend with even fresh lettuce and tomato being available, though you have to shuffle off and eat it in secret!.

Once their tents were up people were chilling out in the warm evening sun, shaking off the working week and getting down to some black belt quaffing as the DJ started up and the music spilled out over the field. The Friday band was Skorched earth and their two sessions of rock covers were well received. The band were tight and the lead singer, Maggie has a great voice and delivery. Post band the carousing continued with plenty of people who should know better whirling like dervishes and thrashing about on the dance floor.

Everyone was greeted by the sun on Saturday morning but the sun looked to be the only bright thing about as people emerged late from their tents seeking coffee, bacon and Ibuprofen. There was a local ride out organised for midday but the exertions and consumption of the previous evening reduced it to only a couple of takers. Plan B was instigated and a quick run over to the RAF Cosford was made to ogle some real big boy’s toys and have a cuppa and a bun. The alternative to not going out is to stay and return to the bar, but having been found previously lying face down with a mouth full of grass at 5pm I opted for the bike.

Five o’clock saw the games begin. Most of the competitors were a bunch of annoyingly energetic and enthusiastic kids apart from a ‘grudge’ heat in sack race and the relay race. Others were happy to sit, can in hand and watch while taking in the rays. After the games the three judges commenced work on the task of debating the various categories.

Around seven the music fired up once more and the evening’s festivities commenced, with Hogs Bollocks leading the way in a nauseas array of Hawaiian shirts, shorts, shades and garlands. Sod tides in, get the beers in is a much better idea. The band for Saturday was Rough Diamonds from Shrewsbury. Their first session was a great rendition of Free covers which brought us to the raffle and bike show prizes.

After the interlude Rough Diamonds continued with their second session, notching things up a step with a series of mainly Bad Company numbers. DJ Ady (Retro Road Show) followed the band and provided sounds to get hammered on (his first but definitely not his last bike rally!) with more drinking and dancing till things ground to a close around 1.30am. All in all a great evening.

This was the best Makin Bacon yet: best attendance ( 120+), best weather and best atmosphere (best use of best even!). As people left for home on Sunday morning there were lots of waves and smiles and promises to return next year. Bring on Makin Bacon VIII in 2011