GEMS BMF - Hop Farm, Paddock Wood

14th to 16th June 2002

Sorry bike you'll have to stay at home this trip, car loaded to the gunalls with banners coffee, tea bags, plastic cups, merchandise, camping gear and all. Suspension groaning we moved off at 07:10am Sat 15th June 02, arriving at destination Hop Farm at 08:00am.

Gagging for caffeine ingestion we look for the intrepid mobile café, plenty on site but not one open Ahhhhhhh. Loos closed for cleaning so dying for a drink and legs crossed we decide to start arranging the marquee. As in all adventure stories the cavalry arrived just in time in the guise of Alan and his generator up went the cry 'put the kettle on' spirits renewed preparations were soon completed as all the Saturday volunteers arrived.

Only one thing was missing No Dragstars on parade only Virago's. Two tickets were provided for entry into the cavalcade of bikes, so Phil and Charlie kindly offered to take part (what press ganged! never). Charlie got out of the arena pretty sharpish and left Phil on his own when some bloke with a microphone appeared. They both picked up a BMF free gift for their efforts, a plastic side stand coaster, Ruth and Alan's dog (name escapes me. Sorry Ruth) thought they tasted delicious and worthy of a good chew.

Everything was set for a good day, things started slowly to begin with due to some football match or other but soon got into top gear with visitors drawn to our Marquee by the first rate location and display of Bikes by which time had grown by one DRAGSTAR. At this point we had better mention the Centre XV banner it looked quiet pretty I suppose, Yes Sid it did get noticed and commented on.

By close of play AT 1700 we were all ready for a pie and a pint but feeling pleased with ourselves for a successful first day. For those of us who camped over on Saturday night (fools) sleep was not an option, courtesy of the Renegades all night party. Therefore Sunday commenced at 0600 blurry eyed, not even the morning wash and brush up drove away the sandman. Breakfast at the noodles wagon at 0630 (egg and bacon butties washed down with a Large strong coffee). Early birds Ron and Tracy arrived at 0745 and the day started in earnest with two Dragstars on parade (as can be seen I'm not biased at all). As the day went on we managed to accumulate 15 immaculate bikes plus Charlie's Honda parked round the side, Alan even nicked one of the Renegades show bikes (that'll teach 'em). GEMS was a success all round, new friendships formed and old ones renewed.

We departed at 1720 exhausted and elated.

Written & contributed by Tazz & Jan