The Glevum Stax SC’s Lower Lode rally is one that we’ve looked forward to since the last one back in 2019. All those that attended left with such great memories… even if they were a little blurred! After the cancellation of 2020, finally, the tickets could be dusted off.

We headed towards Tewkesbury in search of some normality (if normality can ever be used with a bunch of party hungry scooterists?!) especially after we’ve all had to endure so many months of lockdowns and restrictions.

Just like buses, we have waited ages for a rally and then they all start to arrive together. After we were lucky enough to attend the SWSC’s excellent Farmyard Bash we then had a choice of rallies, with Stax and Bangers ‘n Mash on the same weekend. The remainder of August and September continue to be really busy with rally options on every weekend, doesn’t that sound and feel good after the shit we’ve all had to put up with!

Before our rag taggle band of usual suspects descended on the lovely riverside venue at the historic Lower Lode Inn, we met ‘Bananaman’ Darren Simmonds en-route on his new scooter motorcycle thingymejig – a monster Honda 750 (image in the Rallery later if you want to see it). The old Honda step through really has evolved.

We had a lovely ride, zig-zagging across the Cotswolds with the old yellow fruit and my riding buddy Staff, stopping at various points of interest as he was visiting places doing the VCB’s Regional Riders Competition. It’s a nice way to see the countryside if you’ve got the time.

After a warm welcome by those lovely Stax crew, we grasped our free Stax pint glass, met up with the rest of our crew and threw the tents up ready to party. This year the small boat that usually ferries people across the river to shorten the walk into Tewkesbury was not operating so this meant that most remained on site for the full weekend to enjoy the entertainment.

Friday’s entertainment consisted of alcohol, handshaking, alcohol, hugging, alcohol, chatting shit and dancing whilst trying not to spill alcohol! There was a lot of catching up to do and those lucky enough to be there partied hard into the early hours of Saturday like only scooterists know how to. The tunes were provided by Scooterist Internet Radio’s (SIR) very own Smashy and Nicey, Jay Watson and Dave Lloyd, they didn’t disappoint – with some top tunes keeping the dance floor bouncing.

Lifesavers

Mentioning SIR there are many scooterists that owe their sanity to the DJs who have entertained us virtually throughout our barren rally less year (and a bit). Dave, Minxy and Blake Porter also need a mention as the driving force behind SIR. Thank you to you all. It was also great to see so many SIR regular listeners meeting in person for the first time after forging friendships virtually, more hugs!

Saturday and the usual Stax fun and games take place, with tunes and a live singer in the background as the yard of ale kicked off with Stax legend Dicko showing everyone how it’s done… slowly. Followed by Silly as Sheep SC’s, Tops… even slower! Several more willing volunteers necked a free 2.4 pints of warm beer before the winner was confirmed, Essex Roadtramp’s Jim Moulder in a rapid 46 seconds and no dribbling.

Top dog

Next up was the eating competition, with dog food and a load of other stomach-churning culinary ‘delights’ being scoffed, with Dougie Poole licking his plate clean to win the shiny Stax dog bowl trophy. Strangely no one wanted to hug Dougie to celebrate. Next up was a game involving balloons, cucumbers, dry humping and flying bodies. Credit to everyone that took part, you certainly entertained the crowd. The image of Ian Long dry humping Jim Moulder will last with many of us I’m sure.

There wasn’t a custom show, instead, there was a chance for us all to wander the campsite to vote for our ‘punter’s choice’, with the lovely Series 1, Il Bastardo picking up the trophy. Although my personal favourite was another gorgeous S1 with some subtle details that really caught my eye, Ian Bugby’s Airmax is one to see in the flesh to really appreciate the paint detail & effects.

What did the Romans ever do for us?

Saturday night at Stax rallies is fancy dress and this year the theme was togas and all things Roman. Given the amount of people that got into the spirit of it, I can only assume there was a lot of stripped beds in scooterist households. This all added to the top party vibe that was evident all weekend as everyone was up for it with the shackles now off.

As the night drew to a close we discovered the cheese section on the jukebox in the old Inn, credit to the landlord he cranked it up and joined in. Another lovely ride home the following morning seeing a few more landmarks along the way after a perfect weekend of scooter merriment!

Thanks

Massive thanks to all at Glevum Stax, plus Jay and Dave from SIR (pictured above), the staff at the Lower Lode Inn who also got into the spirit of it in togas and lastly our fellow scooterist party animals. We are back people! Bring on the IOW, Mersea, etc. and let’s do it all again! Ride safe & enjoy!

Words: Shaun Hodgkin
Photos: Shaun and Jane Salcombe

Plenty more photos in the Ralleries below…

Rallery by Jane Salcombe
Rallery by Shaun