Ox Rally

Based on the commemorative badges from the Ox Rally in my collection, it appears that there were only four meetings in total—from the first in 1978 to the last in 1981.

None of these four badges mention the name of the organizing club, which I’m therefore unable to specify here.

Fortunately for collectors, however, each badge does indicate the year of the event. What’s more, the design changed every year.

In my personal opinion, these four badges are artistically outstanding — they rank among my favorites in terms of aesthetics. The design featuring a motorcyclist riding an ox with particularly impressive horns is simply splendid.

28–30 March 1980 - 3rd Ox Rally near Yeovil

The third Ox Rally unfolded near Yeovil, Somerset, from 28–30 March 1980—coinciding with the Fools Rally, as recounted on this site by Tony Noble of the Manchester 17 MCC.

A panoramic view of Yeovil

Tony Noble had taken part in the Fools Rally on Friday the 28th, before setting off the next day to join the Ox Rally.

As I mentioned in the Fools report, I came across the account he wrote in one of his club’s newsletters quite by chance.

So, without keeping you waiting any longer, let’s turn to Tony, who will take you through his personal experience of the rally in his own words.

- Jean-Francois Helias

Now this was better! The sun had been shining for most of the journey down, and when we drove onto the rally site it was dry — at last! The field was huge, and although already fairly well populated, there was still plenty of room for camping.

We arrived about 5 p.m. (having stopped off for a beer on the way, of course) and were disappointed to find we’d missed the trip to the local cider brewery that afternoon.

The Ox Rally is something a bit special compared to others — a roast ox on the spit (well, roast beef really), where everyone gets a butty and a pint of cider; a folk group singing dirty songs (at a rally? surely not!), and a huge bonfire to keep the evening chill away.

We paid a visit to the local pub, but were set back a little to find we were drinking Toby Light! As you can imagine, we didn’t stay for many. Back at the site, the group was in full swing, the bonfire was blazing, and the food and drink were being dished out.

First things first — we headed for the beer tent and were shocked when the price of a round was announced, until the barman told us it was 35p deposit on each glass!

It was obvious from the start that this was a well-organised rally — I’ve never seen a rally so alive at night before.

Next up was the Miss Ox competition, where all the girls within about ten yards of the stage were carried up — willing or not — to compete. Each girl was interviewed, and the crowd voted by cheering afterwards.

Paul was having a great time knocking over jacket potatoes near the roast ox and generally making a nuisance of himself, while Sue was being chatted up by some strange bloke trying to persuade her to go to a rally in Scotland next September.

The night rolled on, and before we finally turned in, we held a wellie-throwing competition. My throw landed on a Triumph, and Sue’s hit Paul in the throat — not sure who won that one.

That strange man turned up again later to tuck Paul into bed (for details, see Paul), and we all collapsed into our tents laughing.

The next morning brought sunshine again, and we all had that familiar feeling — not wanting to go home. But eventually, we packed up and made tracks, stopping off at Bath on the way back, just scraping enough money together for a pint and a game of Space Invaders each.

To sum up our feelings about the Ox Rally — we all say...
It’s a good un!

- Tony Noble

1981 - 4th Ox Rally

Alan Wilson, Crazy Keith, Woodsey, Trotsky, Cat, Woolfy and me went to Ox Rally which was held in Somerset.

Cannot remember much more than this apart there was a large amount of scrumpy consumed over the weekend.

- Dave Ranger

Tony Partridge is the name ... rode with the Bell MCC from Borehamwood ... we won all the trophies, lol ... enjoyed the rally ... seems ages ago now ... still doing rallies ... ride with the Wheelbikers now ... we are off to Bailwood Rally next weekend ... will be good ... up at Hull way.

- Tony Partridge