We’ve waited for two long years, (like many rallies) to get back to the biggest rally in Northern Ireland. I’ve been to many of them so was not going to miss this one when it was announced last September.

Renegades put the word out for a group booking on Stena Line and loads of clubs got in touch from Birkenhead, Ormskirk, Southport Sandgrounders, Salford Knights, Browny’s Breakaways, El Pres from Liverpool SC, Oldham Globetrotters, Rochdale, Salford Knights, Stoke, Chopper Club UK…the list seemed endless. The great thing was a group booking reduced the price, no deposit was needed until January (£20) and the final balance 15th April (ish) – so it was easy to get your name down, rather than booking solo and paying 100% at the time of booking. The great thing about Stena Line is that sidecars, solo scooters and scooters and trailers are all the same price. We started with 48 names and unfortunately, closer to the time we lost a few, but still managed 42.

We set off early doors, down the East Lancs Road, watching the Everton hoards hoping they could clinch Premiership survival on their last home game. I was on my Li150 Special and sidecar, which would not start, so ended up bumping it, but happily, we all made our way to the ferry. The last time we went my sidecar lost its rear wheel, so I was personally happy getting there. Thursday night ferry, on the party boat – a few in cabins at the last minute, the rest on seats, drinking our way across the Irish Sea.

The ferry docked at 6.30, so we cut the short journey in half as Ivan from Northern Ireland arranged a breakfast buffet at 7.30 for 40 riders at the Dobbins Inn, Carrickfergus, where the Breakaways were staying. A brilliant Ulster fry, with loads of seconds, tea and coffees – enough carbs even to fill up Aussie. A beautiful early morning ride to the Maghermorne Sailing Club and tents pitched.

As it was just 10.00 at this stage, the idea was a train, into Belfast for a good old-fashioned bar crawl and to see Raff from the Crusader days. Collecting “breakaways” en route in Carrickfergus. Next stop, Brennan’s Bar, Duke of York and a skin full of bevvies and take away pizza, culminating in a torrential rain storm. Lucky for the journey home, Shaun Salmon bought a couple of bottles of “Buckies” (Buckfast), to warm our cockles back at the site.

Friday night was a quiet one, with DJ spinning the tunes, catching up with old friends and new ones after waiting two years for the rally. The Aces looked after us impeccably, and at the sailing club the bar staff were quick and the drinks very reasonable – £3.50 a pint and similar for spirits and wines.

Saturday woke, so a quick butty from the butty van, a few teas on the stoves and getting everyone up for a breaky in Carrickfergus. It’s a great town with plenty to see. We were fortunate enough that there was a Canadian Guards parade, march and band on that day – reminiscing about fighting together during WWI. Dobbins, Wetherspoons and a few other bars, mixing with historic walks around the harbour and King William’s Castle.
Rush back to the site to capture the coveted gymkhana trophy, (with no Smyth from the Animals, it was going to be easy). Except H started spraying all the riders and Lynchy from the Knights won it and the case of Bud, which he shared and all drunk.

The most important activity was the tug of war, with the Renegades there in full force, we took on the Salford Knights and the Animals fae Naboombu together, gave them a chance – but we were victors, another case of Bud and shared with all. The parts fair and stalls were good, A2 Aces ensuring there were bare essentials to get everyone to the ferry. Renegades sponsored Best Sidecar/Chopper trophy, which was deservedly won by Shaun, with the first outing of his chopper and Colin’s Series 2 bagged one too.

Scottish Cup final on the TV, trophy awards at halftime and a second-half win for Rangers set everyone up for the night.

A quick snooze and the night was ready to start. Two live covers bands – Jam Pact from Belfast and Resurrection (Stones Tribute) – both were absolutely amazing. The Saturday night is always jam-packed, the dance floor full of rally goers. The drinking, dancing and catching up went on to the early hours until at last I fell into my tent.

Up early for a 10.30am ferry, everyone made it problem-free. All in all a great “wee club rally”, ferry included, all like-minded scooterists having a great time. With the success of this year’s rally, they have secured the 21st June 2023, to grow it even further, get your tickets and see you next year.

Words and photos: Doug, Renegades SC

Doug’s A2 Aces Rallery can be found below