Thumper Club Forum

Club House => Events/Meetings/Rideouts => Topic started by: steveD on December 09, 2016, 06:11:33 PM

Title: Dragon Rally
Post by: steveD on December 09, 2016, 06:11:33 PM
Who is going next year and if so does anyone want me to book the bunkhouse or is it The Bruce Pollard rally on the Friday evening this year?
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on December 10, 2016, 07:56:18 PM
Me and Steve are aiming for Bruce Pollard rally on the Friday night hopefully  ;)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: trophydave on December 11, 2016, 03:15:29 PM
I will be at the Dragon and am staying at Swallow Falls on the Friday night.
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: indiantim on December 13, 2016, 06:38:16 PM
Bruce Pollard rally for some of us, the pub has a rather small camping area from memory!
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Richard on December 13, 2016, 09:18:27 PM
I think I fancy the Bruce Pollard this year, mind you the bunkhouse is tempting. 
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Guzziless Steve on December 13, 2016, 09:38:45 PM
Bruce Pollard rally for some of us, the pub has a rather small camping area from memory!

Hope the camping area is not too small as seem to be quite a lot of people planning on attending it this time.  I can always sleep in my sidecar if worse comes to worst!
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on December 13, 2016, 11:24:52 PM
Will that not be a bit intimate Steve, with me in their already  ;)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Smithy on December 14, 2016, 09:51:04 AM
I'm going again but can't do Friday due to other commitments. Be nice to meet up at the Dragon though.

Ian
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on December 14, 2016, 10:12:35 AM
Yep, well all pitch up at the Dragon together. I really enjoyed last year  :)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Guzziless Steve on December 14, 2016, 01:04:50 PM
Apparently some people pitch up at the Giler Arms on Friday and then stay there Saturday night as well, just visiting the Dragon site during the day.
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on December 15, 2016, 08:34:52 PM
Well, I don't like to plan things too much, so I'll play it by ear. Once I'm of the ferry, I'm committed. Everything after that, is a bonus/ adventure  :)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Guzziless Steve on December 16, 2016, 09:55:41 AM
Will that not be a bit intimate Steve, with me in their already  ;)

You and the Enfield?
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on December 16, 2016, 07:55:21 PM
Yep, I'll be on the Enfield  :)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: steveD on December 22, 2016, 10:25:46 AM
Well I've just checked the Bunkhuse for availability and its not booked . So I've left a message with Sam to have one of the rooms as Johnno also wants a bunk.
I have a feeling that the Bruce Pollard may well be quite full next year as there has been some disquiet about the thieving going on and also the price of tickets.
Notibly the price is now £25 per ticket and they sell about 2000, so where does £50.000 go?
There have been fewer amenaties at the last few rallies, ie no marquee, which is why I normally prefer to stay at my tent rather than be crushed into a small area. This I know has been bantered around the ABR club.
I would have preferred to do the Bruce Pollard rally but at the moment I do not know of my work schedule and would prefer a good nights sleep on the Friday evening.
Steve
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Guzziless Steve on December 22, 2016, 04:14:16 PM
Must be expensive Mars bars and bits of slate I guess!  Also wondering about space at the Giler Arms given we will be arriving quite late on Friday?
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Guzziless Steve on December 22, 2016, 04:16:58 PM
Notice the Conwy Club website says the following about the site for next year: "The site has been chosen and as requested by many of you it is a new back to basics site."  That suits me to be honest.

Also says not sold out yet but not many tickets left.
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Richard on December 23, 2016, 02:18:59 PM
The back to basics ones always leave me happier. 

Hardstanding, metalled tracks, indoor bar - not my favourites.

Richard
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on December 23, 2016, 03:05:04 PM
Just finalised my travel arrangements, £101 with Irish Ferries using Nutt Travel. Dublin Holyhead on Fri 10th 2.30pm fast ferry, return Mon 13th 11.50am fast ferry. So all travel will be in daylight, yipee  :)
Fri night, Bruce Pollard Rally at Giler Arms
Sat night, Dragon Rally
Sun night, bunkhouse at Platts Farm
All welcome  :)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Steffan on December 23, 2016, 06:13:32 PM
There you go, I was almost tempted to make a return to the Dragon, alas but then when I checked my diary I am already booked to be in a much larger muddy field elsewhere.  ::)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on December 24, 2016, 08:45:38 PM
So looks like there's six of us coming over for Dragon. Me, Guzzi Steve, his son Loughlin on his 125, Gerry, James, and hopefully Geordie  :)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: guest1270 on January 01, 2017, 08:21:42 PM
I see there's been some questions about capacity for camping. The Giler has the backfield, [which we haven't filled before] as well as the second area behind the carpark and near the fishing lake as well. If you're planning to camp it would be good to have an idea of numbers so we can let the Giler know. They've always pulled the stops out to feed people and to make sure there's enough drink even when we've been less sure about numbers. We're expecting a good turn out from the French contingent again this year as well as the usual culprits but there's always room for more and it's always a grand evening [or two if that's your fancy] with a lot of good food, company and a drink or two. If you can give an idea of numbers then Dave and I will pass them on to the Giler. This'll be the 6th BPMR and a chance to see old friends and new as well as remember why we do this! I even think I'll manage an outfit this year. Happy New Year to you all, Ian T.
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Richard on January 02, 2017, 05:45:26 PM
YESSSSSS.

I have the weekend off work and shall definitely be there.  Pollard the night before too :-)

Richard
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Guzziless Steve on January 02, 2017, 07:22:02 PM
Thanks Ian, should be six from Northern Ireland turning up probably needing space for four or five tents I should think.

I see there's been some questions about capacity for camping. The Giler has the backfield, [which we haven't filled before] as well as the second area behind the carpark and near the fishing lake as well. If you're planning to camp it would be good to have an idea of numbers so we can let the Giler know. They've always pulled the stops out to feed people and to make sure there's enough drink even when we've been less sure about numbers. We're expecting a good turn out from the French contingent again this year as well as the usual culprits but there's always room for more and it's always a grand evening [or two if that's your fancy] with a lot of good food, company and a drink or two. If you can give an idea of numbers then Dave and I will pass them on to the Giler. This'll be the 6th BPMR and a chance to see old friends and new as well as remember why we do this! I even think I'll manage an outfit this year. Happy New Year to you all, Ian T.
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: steveD on January 04, 2017, 02:28:56 PM
Bunkhouse booked for the Friday evening.

5 so far so there is still space available. I will contact the XT660 crowd to see if anyone else wats to join in.

ME
Simon
Johnno
Gareth
Graham

Contat via this thread is good if you wish to join in!

Steve
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Guzziless Steve on January 04, 2017, 02:49:17 PM
Leave it tidy, looks like we are stopping there Sunday night!
Bunkhouse booked for the Friday evening.

5 so far so there is still space available. I will contact the XT660 crowd to see if anyone else wats to join in.

ME
Simon
Johnno
Gareth
Graham

Contat via this thread is good if you wish to join in!

Steve
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Silverfox on January 04, 2017, 06:08:53 PM
Thanks Steve,

Yes me, GC and Simon are all up for Platts Farm, I think Simon still thinks there are more pubs in the village that need exploring!!!! Think he could be right so we should all tag along!!

Gareth
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: steveD on January 04, 2017, 08:13:34 PM
Leave it tidy, looks like we are stopping there Sunday night!
Bunkhouse booked for the Friday evening.

5 so far so there is still space available. I will contact the XT660 crowd to see if anyone else wats to join in.

ME
Simon
Johnno
Gareth
Graham

Contat via this thread is good if you wish to join in!

Steve


I just might join you! :o
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Silverfox on January 04, 2017, 08:30:28 PM
Never doubted it!
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on January 04, 2017, 10:56:26 PM
Good job Steve, looking forward too it  :)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: 002 on January 06, 2017, 12:21:52 AM
Once again...not sure If I will be going to THE dragon !
 Father been in Hospital for the last 5 weeks....due out any day !

But due to go back in 4 to 5 weeks.

Would prefer if The Dragon went back to basics...muddy field,marquee or barn and No "Entertainment" !


Jethro
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Oldandwornout on January 06, 2017, 02:20:58 PM
Thanks for the invite on xt660.com Steve , afraid work means I can't make it this time but will defo meet up at some time hopefully at the thumper rally in June if not before?
Cheers Mark
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: steveD on January 16, 2017, 04:26:00 PM
Bunkhouse booked for the Friday evening.

7 so far so there is still space available. I will contact the XT660 crowd to see if anyone else wants to join in.

ME
Simon
Johnno
Gareth
Graham
Rick
Ricks mate

Contact via this thread is good if you wish to join in!

Steve
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Silverfox on January 20, 2017, 04:03:31 PM
Details for the checkpoint have just arrived, not far for us to go!!!
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Guzziless Steve on January 20, 2017, 04:03:50 PM
I see that the checkpoint this year is at Bangor services, just off the A55 not far from the bridge.  I hope this doesn't mean that the site is on Anglesey!  The new checkpoint is not so handy for the Giler Arms but very handy for those staying at the bunkhouse on Friday night.  May need to rethink doing the Bruce Pollard on Friday?
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on January 20, 2017, 08:12:21 PM
I'm still for the Bruce Pollard rally on the Friday  :)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: steveD on January 21, 2017, 02:52:17 PM
I'm still for the Bruce Pollard rally on the Friday  :)

.....are you still intending to stay at the bunkhouse on the Sunday evening?

Steve
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on January 21, 2017, 07:44:45 PM
Yes, that's the plan  :)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: steveD on January 22, 2017, 01:16:20 PM
Yes, that's the plan  :)

I spoke to Sam at the bunkhouse the other day just to confirm numbers. I did mention that you would need a place for the Sunday evening and she said that was ok. I will stay as well to keep an eye on you!

I will confirm with Sam.
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on January 22, 2017, 01:28:25 PM
Excellent mate. I had hoped to stay at the YHA in Conwy, but its closed, so I reckon a taxi or bus into Conwy on the Sunday, for a few swallies in the Albion  :)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Richard on January 25, 2017, 11:14:39 PM
Room for two more at the Bunkhouse ?

Myself and Steve Foy - managed to speak to him this evening at the archery club and we're both up for it.

Richard
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: steveD on January 26, 2017, 08:34:49 PM
Yep no problem Richard. Ill add you two to the list.

Steve
Simon
Johnno
Gareth
Graham
Rick
Ricks mate
Richard
Steve Foy

Cheers SteveD
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Richard on January 26, 2017, 10:12:37 PM
Ta. I foresee much of that bottled West Indian Guinness in my future.
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Guzziless Steve on February 08, 2017, 11:18:59 AM
How is the bunkhouse for space on Friday?  The fast ferry from Dublin has been cancelled so have to get the slow boat which means not getting into Holyhead until about six. Not sure I fancy riding up over the hills to the Bruce Pollard on frosty roads in the dark so the bunk house is sounding a better option.  Presumably we can still throw the tent up there like last year if the bunks are taken?
Weather looking good for the weekend!
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: steveD on February 08, 2017, 09:27:26 PM
How is the bunkhouse for space on Friday?  The fast ferry from Dublin has been cancelled so have to get the slow boat which means not getting into Holyhead until about six. Not sure I fancy riding up over the hills to the Bruce Pollard on frosty roads in the dark so the bunk house is sounding a better option.  Presumably we can still throw the tent up there like last year if the bunks are taken?
Weather looking good for the weekend!

Shouldn't be a problem with a bunk. See ya there.

PS Timbo will probably be on the same crossing.

Cheers Steve
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Guzziless Steve on February 09, 2017, 09:43:47 AM
Yes, travelling with Tim.  We still may end up at the Bruce Pollard - Tim is still keen to go there.  Going to make up our mind when we get off the boat.  Not 100% sure I want to head up into the hills in the dark in sub zero temperatures only to have to backtrack down to the check point on Saturday but will see how it goes!  Will no doubt catch up with everyone on Saturday if we don't see you Friday.
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on February 09, 2017, 05:06:30 PM
B###### ferry company, have cancelled our ferry back as well, and put us on the slow boat to China! That means travel home in the dark as well as on the way there.
Anyway, flip flops, Bermuda shorts, hammock, and mozzy net all packed  :)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on February 12, 2017, 10:53:38 PM
Well Thumper chums. A great weekend was had by all, and well done to Guzzi Steve's son, Loughlin, who for his first big bike run, rode his 125 to the Dragon and back. And, believe me, the journey back tonight from Dublin was no mean feat. 120 miles of constant wind, rain, and sleet, in the dark. Its a while since I've done such a brutal, nasty bike journey, but my Enfield took it all in its stride, well slowly in its stride  ;)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: tommy on February 12, 2017, 11:06:36 PM
good to hear your home safe tim the weather here in dublin is really horrible all day that was a tough bike ride ya just did eh  tommy
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: timbo on February 12, 2017, 11:26:11 PM
Aye, not a huge amount of fun, but an achievement of some sort Tommy. Even wore an open face, but if I hadn't had a neoprene face mask, I couldn't have done it  :-\
Loads of Irish guys over for the Dragon, one fella from Galway on a Heinkal Scooter! Some of the lads who hadn't been before said they had a great weekend, but the Dragon itself was s###. I think they were expecting all bells and whistles, but the Dragon is famous for having nothing. Just a field full of people trying to keep out of the weather  ;)
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: tommy on February 13, 2017, 12:01:23 AM
 i,ts on my bucket list that rally for sure  tommy
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Smithy on February 13, 2017, 10:42:13 AM
Hi Timbo

Sorry I missed you, I was pitched opposite the beer tent near the big straw patch. I was looking for a green German coat but saw quite a few; that's what I like about the Dragon, no poncy coloured leathers.

I had a great weekend doing all the traditional Dragon things, fighting off the weather as you say, falling over in mud and looking at some great well used bikes. One guy I chatted to had owned his A65 for 39 years and it was modified to be a serious bit of kit.

The F650 performed faultlessly there and back though like you I rode through a fair amount of wind and rain, but totally worth it.

My favourite bits were walking in to the McDonalds at Whitchurch and seeing the look on the face of the girl serving when she saw all the mud and my kids telling me off because at nearly 60 I should know better.

Ian
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: mthee on February 13, 2017, 11:07:22 AM
Just a field full of people trying to keep out of the weather  ;)

I was looking for a green German coat but saw quite a few;


So, it's a field full of German Polizei? Good job the magic mushrooms are out if season! Congrats at beating the weather!
Title: Re: Dragon Rally
Post by: Guzziless Steve on February 13, 2017, 11:18:38 AM
Myself and Loughlainn got back in one piece.  Was a nasty ride up home from Dublin for sure.  Glad I have today off work to recover!  Nearly didn't get out of Dublin when the jobs worth in the toll booth at the tunnel was refusing to let Tim through because his bike stalled and took a short while to get started!  Quite liked the new site this year (http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/Emzedder/dragon%20sunrise_zps8aiinr2d.jpg)