Originally attracted by the Jampot Advert – Then at the July NW Club meet, Dave Ascroft’s rendition of his and Rose’s 2014 participation in the Arran Rally resolved me to go. An Email to the Scottish section confirmed there was space available and welcomed me.
The Panniers would not fit easily on my recently purchased bike so they were put aside for renovation later. The Rear carrier that had also been part of the Bike purchase went on quite easily so along with a set of throw over I could carry all I thought to take.
Thursday 16th
Started from home soon after 10:30 allowing for a B&B stop if needed. Playing it safe on the 350 I tracked up the A6 through several tailbacks until I approached Carlisle where I ventured onto the M6. Left the motorway for Gretna and passed the Cafe we stopped at returning from the NW section camp last year at Moffat. Skirted Dumfries, Kilmarnock, Irvin and on into Ardrossan for the Caledonian Macbrayne Ferry to Brodick (Arran). Progress was faster on the much less congested Scottish roads.
16:40 saw me stepping off the bike fatigued but in time for the last Ferry. There ahead of me another Bike and Rider quickly recognised as “Rob from Orkney” the long distance award winner at our NW Alternative Rally 2014. He with the same objective but on this occasion riding an ex police BMW.
During the crossing I used the time to have a meal and plenty of fluids. I had ridden all the way with only a single Petrol stop to stay ahead of the forecasted Winds and Rain.
Meanwhile Rob (Scottish Section) reported our approach to the Rally site owners, also Scottish section members Ian & Pauline Leitch. They suggested that we go direct to site that day, so we did. The site was in fact the spacious Gardens at their Homestead not far from the Ferry landing.
During the Welcoming I was shown the Breakfast brewing & food provisions and facilities in the Conservatory and Kitchen adjacent area, Toilet/Shower along with the large and well equipped Garage/workshop. Beer, Lager and Bottles of Wine had been laid on for the evenings.
I got my Tent pitched just as the rain was starting but not before being Midged – A quick application of the recommended “Smidge that Midge” brought an end to that. In the background others were busy erecting a Marque/Gazeebo
Friday 17th
Helped out with a small motorcycle job in the Garage that morning. Time to spare in the Afternoon so I leisurely walked through the Golf course then along the foreshore into Brodick proper.
By that evening quite a few more participants had arrived and so I met more new friends at the on site BBQ & Bonfire – whist soaking up some of the Tennants Lager.
Furthest travelled and from Denmark Jens Peter Hansen had arrived on a late Matchless Twin.
There were several other Guest’s from England including Lesley Wright, Alan Jennings (Warickshire) and Clive (BSA OC) The latter I mention since it turns out that his friend produced “The Flying Millyard “a 5 litre Vee Twin Motorcycle project – Which l’d seen as an exhibit then being ridden around the arena at Stafford, earlier this year – this amazing machine produced in a c1920’s format and utilising 2 Barrel/Cyl head, Push rod Assy’s from an air cooled Aero Engine.
Probably a Dakota
Saturday 18th The Organised Ride
The day started off dull and damp but developed into a nice Sunny day. An 8:15 start, and led by Ian Leitch on his BSA A65L. North around the Coast to Sannox then over the Boguille (a 200+ metre climb) to Lochranza and the Cal Mac ferry for the near hour crossing to Clanoaig in Kintyre. From here down the East Coast to the Network Tea rooms at Carradale for the mid morning break. Then onto Campbeltown and a brief (Petrol) stop. Next West across the Peninsula to Machrihanish for Lunch at the Old Clubhouse where they were Staffed ready for our cooked food request’s Back across on Arran we rode the Southerly coast road from Lochranza back to Brodick.
The Coastal and Inland scenery was unspoilt and quite Spectacular – The few motorist’s that we met on the very narrow and undulating lanes invariably pulled over to a halt enabling our safe passage. On my reckoning we covered about 80 miles.
That evening after a Fish & Chip supper delivered to site we again socialised over drinks.
Sunday 19th “Exhibition of Cassic, Modern, & Off Road motorcycles and other Interesting Vehicles”- This event held in conjunction with The Arran Heritage Museum Rosaburn. Rally members who included their Motorcycles getting free access – A warm sunny day and well supported with some finely executed projects/restorations. These included a WW2 Jeep, an immaculate Red “E” type Jag & a 4 Cyl Diversion engined Trike – the latter being very popular with youngsters having their photo’s taken sat in it.
There was a wide range of Motorcycles from Arran and beyond some in regular use, some pristine.
Mid afternoon the Brodick Pipe Band made a playing entry – Then in assembly entertaining with a variety of Pipe Band sets. Whilst enjoying one of the last available Venison Burgers I was caught by surprise to hear the Reg number of my AFS G3 announced at 3rd place (Rosette) in the Classic Bike section! This really more a tribute to Bill Jeffries who I believe undertook the bulk of the restoration to a high standard before I got the Bike – Thanks Bill also Dave Benion, 2nd place going to Steve Glover (Scottish section) for the 1935 Francis Barnet that he procured as a box of pieces from Carnforth. First (An elegant Crystal Glass Trophy). awarded to Chris MacIntyre (Scottish section) for his very fine early c50’s Single of our Marque.
Other Class awards:- Best Motorcross/ Off Road Bike, The Connor Smith Memorial Trophy; Best in Show, The Arran Museum Trophy, and The Best other Motorcycle excluding the above 1 – 3 Rossettes.
Sunday evening, gathering and Dinner at Corrie Hotel
Taxis were organised so that we could enjoy Drinks with the 3 course Dinner. In the background Soloist and Acoustic Guitarist Mike Bailey provided a background of music and song. He was then followed by Nationally renowned Tenor Soloist PeterWilson who also sang several song’s finishing off with the Classic. “Scarlet Ribbon” As we came to the close a local Dignitary (Ronnie Logan, Organiser of the evening) made a short Speech Thanking the Rally event Organisers and for our participation in their Community. It was a Grand occasion.
Monday 20th
Some light rain meant we packed our tents wet. On leaving I thanked those available for all who had worked to make and provision the Event. For me, putting aside the 3rd place award, I rank this event at the top end of my Rally experiences.
After a last minute shopping session around the Terminal I was squeezed onto the 11:00 Ferry joining a group of the other mainland bound Rallyist’s
On the way home in rain I made several breaks – One of these at Thornhill the same place we had visited during the NW club Moffat Outing 2014. Through Gretna, then onto the M6 in light traffic only exiting at J 31 Blackburn – Back home for mid evening the Bike performed well over the 500+ miles aggregating to near 1300 since acquiring the machine and getting it on the road for the 2014 NW Alternative Rally. The Ride to Arran was the longest single ride I have done in year’s, but the bike’s riding position, Steering & handling made it easy.
Dave McKenna