Well after almost two years of the maddest of rollercoaster rides, rally (and life) wise we finally made it to the SWSC end of season rally at Warmwell.

November isn’t conducive to camping so the SWSC rather sensibly hire the Warmwell Holiday Park and all its facilities, rather nice lodge type chalets, a ski slope for those that want to break limbs but without breaking their scooters, a restaurant, little shop and an arcade for the little, and not so little, ones.

I’ve always enjoyed Warmwell, it’s just so… well, typically SWSC. Great bands, a great venue and great people, who I always enjoy catching up with.

My Friday started off with an easy 70ish mile ride, well of course I had a bit of a hiccup (remember kids, it’s ‘unscheduled roadside maintenance’ not a breakdown if you can fix it by the side of the road!) but was soon sorted. The rest of the ride was uneventful with the last few miles around fun windy roads to put a little grin on my face.
Once settled into the chalet and the alcohol unpacked it was time to relax, and what better way than to test said alcohol!

The afternoon soon became evening and it was time to head to the venue, catch up with friends, many of whom I haven’t seen for months, and of course more alcohol, lots of alcohol.

The band, The Decatonics came on stage at about 10:30 and played a blistering set, I’m not sure if I’ve seen them before, but I definitely want to see them again.
The rest of the night flies past in a blur, but by the time I head back to the chalet I’ve had a great time.
Look closely at this one, scooter boys may get older but two-stroke is in their blood! Yes, the engine does run…
Saturday morning arrives with a rather woolly-headed bump, but nothing that a full English (and a few paracetamols) at the restaurant couldn’t fix. The carpark had filled up with scooters, both for the custom show and quite a few day-trippers, it’s good to see so many this late in the year.

I had a stint on the gate (which is actually a door, but you know what I mean) during the day and I could hear The Killertones doing an afternoon set next door, it’s always nice to have music while you work.

Back to the chalet, get changed, and back to the bar, from here things are just a little hazy, but I do remember HeavySol being simply amazing. After the band it’s off to the Northern Soul room, it’s absolutely bouncing, no dancing for me, I’m not THAT drunk, but more catching up with everyone, more alcohol, and just having fun, it was the best of nights and frankly exactly what I needed. I’ve felt a little jaded rally wise since we’ve been coming out of lockdown, and I suspect I’m far from alone in that, and possibly reflected in the numbers being down that I’ve noticed as a bit of a feature of post lockdown rallies. But this rally, this night… BEST. NIGHT. EVER!!!
Sadly all good things must come to an end, and it’s back to the chalet and sleep. But sleep with a Cheshire Cat grin on my face.

Sunday’s home time for me and it’s an easy, if a little cold, ride home.
Unfortunately because of this, I miss the Sunday Party night… Again. I’m getting a little bored being told I’ve missed the best night, so if we make it there next year (sadly not) I’m definitely staying for the Sunday night, you never know I may even dance!

I have to say well done, and thank you to SWSC for all the hard work they put in, they never fail to deliver, and this weekend has definitely been a crowning glory of the year.
See you all at Sandford next year.

Words and photos: Booga

Have a flick through Booga’s Rallery below…

New venue for 2022

South West Scooter Clubs announced earlier this week that Warmwell WON’T be on next year due to price rises for accommodation and a few other issues. Don’t despair though, they’ve secured a new venue for 2022 and will be announcing it (and how to book) on their Facebook page this Sunday. Could it be a move back to Finlake? Let’s hope so, it would be a welcome return.