The home of automatic scootering

Mablethorpe VFM Rally

VFM (Value For Money) is a major contributor in organising rallies and although the majority of its events take place ‘olde’ school during the regular season, it tends to start and finish the year at a purpose-built holiday camp. This was the second time we had found ourselves heading east to the Mablethorpe Golden Sands Haven camp – the infamous TV-featured site proving a lot better in the flesh than expected, and actually provided one of the better events of the previous season. Being mid-November it was never going to be a ‘shorts and shades’ party, but after a chilly blast through the ‘flatlands’ we were soon entering the main body of the town along with its arcades, shops and pubs. Here we joined another group of autos for the 1.5-mile approach along the seafront before arriving at the gates of the site.

As per the previous year we had pre-booked a chalet, so once we had collected the keys and site map from reception we eventually found our home and parked up. The chalets, although basic, are clean, warm and to be honest a lot more homely than many of the B&Bs we’ve used this year and ‘split’ between six of us worked out at less than £20 a head.

By the time we had ‘thawed-out’ the site had started to fill and groups of machines could be seen chained together outside the rectangular blocks. The main hall was a hive of activity, with stewards directing people towards the entertainment and a good ‘scrum’ around the bars. Being an ‘onsite’ event, everybody is kept together; however this does not mean you are restricted to one form of entertainment. Three different music locations – including live bands – means there is something for everyone.

By Saturday morning many of the available chalets were taken and outside the main hall a ridden custom show had sprouted. With various models and makes on display, it was good to get some ideas and check out the fantastic artwork. Inside a parts fair took place with the usual clothing, memorabilia and accessory goodies. This was as always really busy (as of course were the bars by midday). Throughout the afternoon the organisers had arranged two very talented young guitarists and even a hypnotist to keep the audience ‘mesmerised’!

We decided on a change of location and took a ride into the town; here scooterists could be seen spilling out of the various food and drink outlets bringing the ‘sleepy’ town alive. By the time we returned to the site at around 9pm, the main hall was packed and we were treated to another ‘fine’ night! Last orders came around 3am when we staggered back to the chalets for some much-needed beauty sleep.

The ride home was a little subdued, but with no mechanical problems and fine weather, it gave time to reflect on another great season. Thanks to the BSRA and all the alliances and clubs that have made it so. By the time you read this hopefully you’ll be full of festive cheer and eagerly awaiting the start of the 2012 season. See you ‘pulley powered’ in sunny Morecambe!