MOONSHINERS M.C.C.
"UNPLUGGED" 1998
20TH 21ST 22ND MARCH. 1998
Although this was the third
"unplugged" rally, the Moonshiners have been holding
their "Bogsate" rally from 1987 to 1992. The only
reason we stopped having the "Bogsate" rally was the
extortionate price of the site. I only hope Sandwell
council are proud of themselves.
For this years rally we moved the site from Whitchurch,
some 50 miles away, to Hampton Loade, only 20 odd miles away and
with the added bonus of the Severn Valley Railway. There
always seems to be an affinity between bikers and steam
engines. The sight of these great monsters hissing, puffing
and steaming away was certainly awesome. Some of the steam
trains were impressive too!
By Friday afternoon things seemed to be getting up steam.
(I think I’ve been standing too near the lines again).
The grub tent was up, the booking in tent was up and numerous
little erections had sprouted up all over the field. The
pub on the site, The Unicorn Inn, had a rather pleasant habit of
not closing quite on time, if you know what I mean.
By early Saturday a few people were taking advantage of the
railway and went for a scenic chuff into Bridgnorth. At
least this gave us a chance to organise the grub for later on.
This rally is held along the "trad" rally lines
with no disco and no band. More of a glorified camping
weekend really. So, as they say, we made our own
entertainment. By 10 o clock the whole pub was
involved in "sing a long a rally song"
As well as our
"cordon blurgh" cooking the pub did a fine trade in
food. It also did a fine trade in beer as several people
fell foul of the dreaded Beer Monster. By midnight we
decided to fire up the field kitchen seeing as drunken bikers
always get the munchies after 12 o clock. Somewhat opposite
to Gremlins. Always feed them after midnight, let them get
wet (with beer) and keep them away from bright lights, especially
if they have hangovers.
By 2 a.m. most of the little Rallytubbies were fed, watered
and put to bed.
Sunday morning and I was rudely awakened by a great
belching, hissing and farting. "Thank God. Only
a steam train"
Once more we manned the kitchen to feed the hungry
masses. Well, the 65 people who booked in.
Having said our goodbyes we shifted into Womble mode and
tidied up the field.
To those who came. Thanks. Hope to see you all again
soon.
Cheers.
^..^
Lone Wolf.