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HOLIDAY IN HOLLAND 2001
After a quick squaddie shower and a hasty bungee of kit to the P2, myself and
Kev eventually set off from Osnabruck for the Holiday in Holland at about 4pm on
the Friday. It was to be the first long trip for the scoot so we took it easy
at 60-65mph all the way.A couple of hours and a couple of wrong slots later we
eventually stumbled across the town of
Borculo,
still searching for the
promised “to the run” signs
we decided to stop at the pub, to find it already
full of like
minded scooterists. We must have looked lost as almost all
of the
people on the patio area pointed and shouted in
unison “ITS THAT WAY!”
Just outside Borculo was the campsite “Kirkemeier”, we were met by Borgo of the Hidden Power Scooter Club at the gate where we received our goodie bags. Borgo took one look at my pride and joy (scooter) and promised to give me all the help possible to get it roadworthy again! -What did he mean? It made it didn’t it? – Just!- on closer inspection I found that the threads had gone for the barrel studs, not good, but decided to fix it tomorrow as the bar was already open.
We eventually found our pitch amongst the masses, Gaz “scouse” Williams (QRL) had kindly put up our tents for us as he had traveled a bit earlier than us. We found Gaz showered, changed and cold beer in hand so thought we had better catch up and grabbed us a cold one!
The music was not due to start until 10pm so we soaked up a bit of the atmosphere on the campsite for a while. Being my first European rally- in fact my first rally anywhere for about 14 years – I didn’t know quite what to expect. I don’t know if it was because we were in Europe but there was something different about the whole event, It was very reserved – no shouting – fighting – or bikes held on full throttle until they pop, not that I’m condoning any of that behaviour, it was great without it!
Looking round the campsite I found a good mix of Brit, Dutch and
German scooterists, maybe I am biased but the Brits seemed to be
the best turned out,
European vespas seeming to be a bit more
radical and street racer style.
After a scorched burger and chips we set off for the bar and music, 3 rooms to choose from and we sampled them all, every taste was catered for from 60t’s Mod to Northern and Ska.
After a couple of hours though I burnt myself out and retired (drunk) at 3am – only to find Gaz had wimped out before me (sorry Gaz but it deserved a mention!)
Waking early Saturday to a hangover that would have killed a civvie I set about fixing the P2. I must have looked a proper sorry sight as Scotty from The Animals Fae Naboombu took over with his amazing engineering spectacles and did a good enough job to get me home. – Big up to Scotty and the Animals Fae Naboombu, also to Borgo for his valuable assistance although I’m sure the glasses helped a little! (you had to be there)
Not wanting to risk the ride out I stayed at the campsite and took photos from the entrance. Truprint seem to be taking there time with developing so will follow later.
After the ride out was a custom show, again I may be biased but the Brits far outshone the rest, a particular Lammie with a Gillera motor caught my eye, classic looks with reliability – hmm - almost like a vespa!
A rolling road service was provided by Planet Scooter, which was very popular and drew in a bigger crowd than the custom show, although not as big an audience as the “Beer’n’banana” races. A spectacular performance from all competitors including a self-induced vomit show from the Animals fae Naboombu entrants…..well done!
Another burnt burger with chips and it was time to don Haiwian shirts and fancy dress as a 70’s night was organized in the main hall, along with a surprise for a guy on his stag weekend – the YMCA dance will never be the same again!
Raffle tickets were drawn for various prizes the main prize being a Vespa Primevera, which I didn’t win I might add!
The other bars were a mix of all sorts of music but mainly Mod and Northern. I managed to stay alive long enough to boogie to my fave tune “The Snake” before retiring to the almost too quiet campsite at half past three ish in the morning. As I had forgotten to break open the cyloom earlier it took a while to locate my tent but seconds to drift into unconsciousness when I did eventually stumble into it.
Awaking early Sunday we packed up, said our thank you’s and good bye’s to Borgo and the organizers and headed off home, wishing I had bought Adac cover.
The scoot managed to make it to 2 miles from Osnabruck before losing any power…..Phew!
Altogether a great weekend had by all.
It only rained for a while on the evening but not enough to spoil it – in fact it would have to do more than rain to spoil the Holiday in Holland!
An excellent turnout of roughly 700 scooters, with people traveling from all over Europe on Lammies, Vespa’s, twist’n’goes, motor bikes and cars.
Congrats to Speed Demons and Hidden Power Scooter Clubs for a job well done – see ya next year at Holiday in Holland number 10.
Please Note: The scribe of this piece holds no responsibility for incorrect info or events as he was exceedingly drunk for the whole weekend and his memory is obviously a little shady.
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