Are ABR Rallies a thing of the past ?

[Stewie]

Everyone likes a change of venue....why has no one done a french mini meet in northern France ....

Going over soon to reccy some larger Gites rather than camping, routes nearly all done (thumbs)

[Stewie]

So what the difference between a rally and just a meet if any, and who's counting numbers anyway as long as the people that turn up have a good time the rest will wish they had gone (thumbs)

[ratass]

So what the difference between a rally and just a meet if any, and who's counting numbers anyway as long as the people that turn up have a good time the rest will wish they had gone (thumbs)

well said

[Bernard Smith]

So what the difference between a rally and just a meet if any, and who's counting numbers anyway as long as the people that turn up have a good time the rest will wish they had gone (thumbs)

well said

Interesting question.

I think a motorcycle rally has multiple live rock bands, copious amounts of alcohol, and there are scandalously underdressed women wandering around.

A motorcycle meeting has only one of the three............ :laugh:

[Stewie]

I think a motorcycle rally has multiple live rock bands, copious amounts of alcohol, and there are scandalously underdressed women wandering around.

A motorcycle meeting has only one of the three............ :laugh:

Well no need for me to go to any more meets, as that's just an average weekend down this way.... :whistle: :laugh:

[Africa John]

John, I think though that your event was not pay at the point of sign up? It was pay if you turn up, is that not right? Assuming that's the case then it's hard to plan anything if you're not taking money at the outset for bookings.

Hi Mike

About 10 people paid in advance which put enough funds in for Danny to stock up. From Thursday night he was feeding and watering people at breakfast and tea. Otherwise everyone would have had to feed and water themselves. Some folks want it all laid on but not pay in advance in case they decide not to come due to the weather forecast which is the risk we had to consider.

[PaulinBont]

No I don't think the ABR Rallies have had their day to be honest.

Some people like to get together with like-minded people , have a few beers around the firepit and chew the fat about bikes, trips, equipment and put a face to the names on the forum. For some, communal camping and talking borrox is de rigeur and that's fine.

Other 'ABR minded people' prefer to plough their own furrow, explore on their own and enjoy their solitude and that is perfectly fine as well in my book. It's a bit like the debate about going away on organised tours, in a group or on their own-it's all horses for courses really.

Please don't knock the organisers if the Rally didn't work for you, they put a lot of effort into arranging things to the best of their ability, in their own time and at their own expense, both financially and in terms of 'lost' family time'.

Don't blame them if the weather isn't perfect and camping isn't your thing. Organise your own ABR Rally (after all there are 52 weekends in the year) in whatever way you think will make a perfect gathering, whether it is a bunk house, a nice campsite within walking distance of a pub, live music, a bonfire, real ale, bring your own accordion/guitar/banjo or your own stories. Organise a mixture of guided road rides and off-road trails so that you can share your local knowledge with people who are from other places and may not be familiar with your area, and above all , enjoy.

Just get together, meet friends old and new, tell a few yarns, share the pleasure of adventurous motorcycling with like-minded people, please tell the organise if you can't make it after putting your name down, it is only good manners after all.

If communal Rallies aren't really your thing and you prefer your own company (a bit like me), well that's fine-go and do it and have a great time.


Long may the ABR gatherings continue (thumbs)

[Tramp]

Everyone likes a change of venue....why has no one done a french mini meet in northern France ....

Going over soon to reccy some larger Gites rather than camping, routes nearly all done (thumbs)

Check out the french legality on whos responsible as ride out leader even thought a uk organises event of friends....somwthing to do with the main rider...but thats another thread...

[Redmurty]

Build it they will come (thumbs)

so the first flush of youth has died, so things will settle down until people sort what they want to do. If you have an idea float it. Personally I won't go to the one's that are close to home I would rather go and see anew part of the country.


In the past people have tried to organise a French ABR meet it didn't get a lot of support from the ABR staff at the time so it never got done

cheers Spud

[Mac 60]

I was at Ullapool for thr ABR get together and had an absolute ball. Crossed over from N Ireland Thursday morning. Meet another forum member on the boat then meet Red Eric just north of Cairnryan and the three of us had a great ride to the meet. Friday started off wet but we where in the North of Scotland and prepared for rain. Eric led a ride out which was great fun despite the weather which made some views look very dramatic and forbodeing. Sat was a beautifull day the temp averageing 14c. Fullerton kindley invited us N Irish lads to tag along for a ride out over the Pass of the Cattle in splendid sunshine. Sunday was another cracker of a day which made the 300 mile ride to Troon for the evening ferry home enjoyable. As i said id an absolute ball as i went there to ride my bike which i did covering over 1000 miles in the best location the UK has to offer. Iam not a big drinker but had a few each night and had a good time chatting to new and old faces. I guess my point is the whole thing is what you yourself make it. You can sit at home bitching about lack of numbers, lack of naked danceing girls, Lack of heavy drinking, lack of craic from your armchair or get on your bike and ride which is what its all about. IMHO