The Isle of Wight scooter rally is almost upon us, so here are a few updates for those scooterists looking to travel over there for the August Bank Holiday weekend. The Isle of Wight Scooter Rally has carved itself a place in scootering folklore as the biggest of its kind in modern times. It attracts scooterists from all over the United Kingdom, Europe and the world, all eager to experience the Great British scooter rally. And having attended scooter rallies in other countries I can understand why American (as well as Australian, Japanese and other) scooterists from far and wide come to see how we do it. In some countries they’re lucky to get many more than 100 or scooters at an event. Turning up at the Isle of Wight and see 6000 scooters all on one small island for a single event, and your mind is blown.
For 2014 the focus of the Isle of Wight returns to the campsite, putting a stronger focus on the scooters and scooterists who make it what it is. The main organisers, the VFM* Scooter Collective, have said they feel it’s time for a bit of a change, and this includes no longer using the Ice Stadium in Ryde as their centre of entertainment for scooterists.
The campsite remains at Smallbrook Speedway stadium near Ryde, but this year the site has been expanded to bring everything under one roof. There will be large exhibition hall at Smallbrook, which will accommodate the International Scooter Show tying in perfectly with the enormous dealers market which is already situated in the Stadium. There will also be a large marquee hosting all sorts of entertainment during the daytime such as live music, weird cabaret and more, with former Inspiral Carpets’ frontman Tom Hingley acting as compére on the Saturday.
There will be more focus on interactive displays too apparently, so hopefully those day-tripping up to the campsite will notice a huge difference with lots more to see and do.
Evening entertainment will be onsite over three different venues, including extra bars and the huge exhibition hall with guest DJs from all over the UK, live bands and a variety of music with per usual a dedicated Soul zone.
Buses will be running throughout the rally weekend, day and night, to the site from Ryde available for those in digs in town to get to the site, and also for those camping at Smallbrook who want to go into town for a change of scenery. There will also be a bus to and from Sandown in the evening too (You can guarantee a place by phoning Rick on 07885499556, single £3 Return £5).
The facilities on site will also apparently be improved this year with the addition of luxury showers alongside those already in th clubhouse, as well as extra toilets too.
The scooter ride out will take place on Sunday as usual with the destination for 2014 apparently somewhere new (fingers crossed!).
Finally, ticket for weekend camping as well those just for evening entertainment are available from VFM with more details available here. Day tickets will also be available on the gate, subject to capacity.
And for all scooter rider crossing the Solent to the island, VFM have also arranged a discount with Red Funnel ferries on their route from Southampton to East Cowes. Just book online and you get it automatically. And unlike a certain other ferry company, Red Funnels discounts apply on the Friday and Monday, rather than days of no use to man or beast!
We wish you all a safe ride over and we’ll see you on the Isle of Wight.
STOP PRESS – SEE FIRST PHOTOS FROM THIS YEAR’S EVENT HERE.
