Eagle Has Flown Rally

Last year's White Tail Rally was held by The Isle of Mull MCC at the Rugby Club just a short ride from the Craignure Ferry and was a superb event.

                   

- Steve

For whatever reasons, this years event was renamed and switched to Northumberland and was equally enjoyable and once again we had the Oban to Barra trip and the Rally at the Edge to look forward to.

George Perrin and son Kris rode over from Llandudno on Thursday 12th September, to my place in Saddleworth. The three of us then set off around 1300hrs once the Perrin's had been watered and nicotined!

We jumped onto the M62 at J22 Eastbound. The last time we went along this stretch there were road works and a 50mph speed limit that seemed to go on forever but thankfully it was now clear. We joined the A1(M) Northbound and stopped for fuel at Boroughbrige. After a sandwich and coffee we rejoined the A1(M) turning off onto the A697 towards Rothbury, which is where, in July 2010 the standoff and death of Raoul Moat took place after a huge manhunt.

After a lengthy diversion due to a road closure, we got to The Eagle has flown Rally around 1615hrs. We met up with Brian Weekes and wife Phyl. They had travelled from the Bristol area up to Dornoch in the highlands a week earlier to visit relatives. Plan A was to meet in Oban for the short crossing to Mull. The change of venue put paid to that. A few others had also arrived on the Thursday and it was a nice enjoyable evening of chat and banter followed by a curry back at the tents.

Next day - Friday 13th - the five of us went into Rothbury for a look around this pleasant little village. After visiting the chippy, charity shop, Co-op etc, we ended up in The Queens Head Inn. We went back to the site via the Rose and Thorn pub and had another enjoyable evening in Clennell. There was a band playing in a separate room to the bar. They didn't sound too hot but in fairness I think they had a couple of new band members. From here it was another fine curry and sleep ready for a reasonably early start for our trip up to Oban on the Saturday (14th).

An excellent Rally even though I was on iced water throughout due to medication.

- Steve Giddens