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The AFSC at ‘Ferien im Sauerland’

 

By Rob McLauchlan
 

AFSC (G) attendees:

Rob McLauchlan, Johno ‘the Greek’ Johnstone, Uggy &, Jeanette, Steve Evans,
‘Ravey’ Dave Gibbs & Andy ‘as in Düsseldorf Andy’ Gruenwald.

Having had some seriously fantastic weather of recent, we were not disappointed over this weekend. Conscious from last year that the ride from Herford to Ronsahl is a little time consuming (an almost 500 Km round trip to be precise), a day off work was suitably sorted! Around 1100 hrs, thinking safety, both Johno ‘the Greek’ and I paraded in ‘Power Ranger’ order. Following a quick smoke and 10lb in body weight dropped through sheer sweat, we quickly nipped indoors and re-emerged in the ubiquitous Dr Martens/Jeans/Flighty combination and set off on the first leg of our journey towards Paderborn/Sennelager. This rally was to be a particular challenge for me as it was the first time my newly restored/attached sidecar was to be seen outside of Herford. For those who have done it, they will know that there is definitely a ‘knack’ to piloting a Combination, one that I intended to get fully to grips with over the particularly challenging terrain that this run provides.
 

Johno and I made the 60 or so Kms to the RV in good time (about 1 hr and 25 mins with a couple of smoke stops) and more importantly, no kerbs clipped, cars scraped or more worryingly – no flipping the sidecar! After the usual exchange of banter and several smokes, we set off for Ronsahl. The weather was absolutely terrific and coupled with the fantastic scenery to be soaked up en route, the ride down was nothing less terrific. As you leave the flats of Westfalia/Nord Rhein behind and get into the twists, curves, steep inclines and declines of the Sauerland, you really have to push your little Italian Shopping Moped to the limits! The sidecar took some dragging up some of the hills (2nd gear on more than one occasion), but it got there – eventually. Now this could have had something to do with the plethora of beer and luggage on board! With plenty of stops on the way, we all arrived safely in about 4 hrs 30 mins. Having gone through the SOP of ‘Bashering Up’ – we were straight on it ensuring that the sidecar would be suitably lighter for the return journey. Not long after, the remainder of the AFSC (G) arrived with Ravey looking good on his SX ‘Cutdown/Modity’ (sorry Dave – couldn’t resist), Düsseldorf Andy, Steve, Uggy and Jeanette. What was impressive was the sheer amount of scooterists from all four corners of Germany who turned up at this run. By 2100 hrs, all 250 patches had gone (and they were only given to those who rode there) – and more kept arriving still.

Having sat there for a fair while, shooting the shit and generally catching up and feeling suitably ‘oiled’ it was time for a canned shower, change of clothes and to go and see if this rally sold cold beers! ………………………………it did! Now for those who have not experienced the German/Euro scene, German runs are normally quite small events with limited attendance. The Hidden Power pull out all stops and can seriously organize a great run. Less the obvious lack of showers, the on-site facilities were excellent, great food, COLD beers with a small amount of trader stands too and all reasonably priced. One notable thing was the obvious reduction in beer price to that of last year. Perhaps someone cottoned on to our affectionate nickname of the ‘Hidden Agenda’ of last year. Seriously though – well done for keeping it affordable. The venue for the nighter was (as last year) – superb with DJ’s Stromberg & Hoffi playing a great selection of tunes to keep the floor packed until the small hours. A great night was had by all working on that age old German tradition of ‘last man standing, knock off the lights’ – I bailed out around 0400 hrs (with a marker pen face painting – cheers) and I do believe Ravey knocked off the lights!

By 0900 hrs, Saturday morning, the heat was so unbearable that even those with the worst of hangovers were up and about. Ravey, Uggy, Jeanette and I decided to head down to the open air pool in Kierspe to get a proper scrub down and some breakfast. Unfortunately, it was closed down so after eating most of the menu in McDonalds and abusing the facilities to get washed, we decided to do what army scooterists do best – back to the camp site and back on the lash! Another great afternoon was had drinking, eating, piss-taking, drinking and drinking. I decided to pace myself a little though as last year there was only one nighter for me at this rally! Throughout the afternoon were the fun games although I think the steep hill race was the only one that caught our attention. It was most amusing seeing a Heinkel Tourist trying to climb a 1:7 grassed slope from a standstill – perhaps I should have entered the combi! There was also the usual Custom Show and to be honest the quantity of entries was pretty disappointing. On sight were well in excess of 250 scooters, 50% or more of which were extremely nice and only about 20 in the show across all categories.

Having been rooted to our spot at the bar for far too long, again time to scrub up and change for the nighter (and I made it this year)! Again, an excellent night – some were a little worse for wear following the afternoon session, but still made it. DJ’s Buxton, Sunny (the Dancer) Driever & Stromberg kept the floor packed in similar fashion to the previous evening. Düsseldorf Andy was on top form having clearly had his beer spiked with something ‘chemical’ and Ravey’s efforts earned him a prize for being ‘Best Gay Dancer’! Following the presentations for the Custom Show winner (almost a prize every time), it was time for us to say goodbye to two of our ‘Stalwarts’ – Ravey & Uggy. Guys, on behalf of all your scootering friends here in Germany, thanks – it’s been a pleasure and we will see you both UK side in the very near future. The remainder of the night (for me) was a blur, but at one that was marker pen free!

rising slightly later the following day to ensure a clear head for the slog back, most attended the traditional German breakfast. After saying our goodbyes, we hit the road for the equally scenic ride back at around 1230 hrs. Unfortunately, my scooter less than performed on the return journey – continuously stalling most of the way. Evidently, it’s worth giving the carb a clean every now and then! The route took us back via the famous Mohne See and it’s since repaired Dam, Soest and Detmold! Again, apart from the frustration of the scooter’s lack of performance – a fantastic trip with breath-taking scenery. Johno and I eventually (and I mean eventually) arrived home around 1945 hrs – knackered but both feeling a weekend well worth it. On behalf of AFSC (G), a massive ‘big up’ to the Hidden Power and we’ll see you again next year. Next stop………………………………….TMSC – Bosel, see ya darn there!

 

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