So this wasn’t your typical rally. No massive fields, no endless rows of tents or engines revving at 3am. But honestly? It didn’t need any of that.
Llanharran MCC’s 10 – year anniversary turned out to be the perfect excuse to do what we do best – ride bikes through Wales, take the long way everywhere, and end up somewhere with a beer in hand.
The Riding
The weekend kicked off proper on the Friday at Kez’s place. Few beers, decent curry, the usual nonsense – stories getting better with every pint and plans getting looser by the minute. No stress, no rush… just a bunch of us settling into the weekend the right way.
Saturday morning started where all good Welsh rides should: Caerphilly Mountain, at the Mountain Monster Shack. Breakfast, strong brews, and that early buzz of knowing there’s a full day of riding ahead. Helmets on, engines fired up, and off we went.
The route took us carving through the South Wales valleys, the kind that twist and dip through old mining villages that feel like they’ve got stories in the walls. Up towards Hirwaun and then onto the Bwlch, which delivered as always. Big views, fast stretches, and, somehow, what may or may not have been a few full moons making unexpected appearances. Let’s just say, some sights can’t be unseen.
Second half of the run took us down toward Bridgend, pulling in at Thunder Road for a brew and a bit of a catch-up, bumping into the Welsh Coast MCC guys along the way.
That’s the thing with these weekends, you never really ride alone. There’s always someone you know, or someone you’re about to know. From there it was out to Ogmore-by-Sea: fresh air, waves crashing, a quick breather before carrying on to Barry Island. Of course, you can’t go to Barry without at least mentioning Nessa. Some went looking. Not sure anyone found her, but there were definitely a few impressions flying about.
The Party:
By the time we rolled into Llanharran MCC’s anniversary do, things were in full swing. And from that point on… well … things went a bit Twin Town.
Beer flowing freely, people laughing louder as the night went on, and the kind of games that probably seemed like a good idea at the time. Pegging made an appearance (no explanation needed, those who know, know), and at some point “VeeVee” was unleashed – never a calm moment once that happens. A prospect might have had a slightly harder time than planned and a metal horse definitely didn’t sign up for what it went through. But like they say – ask no questions, get no lies.
Somewhere in the madness, OGRI MCC took a moment to do things properly. We presented Llanharran MCC with a token of respect – a handshake, a thank you, a few shots and recognition of hitting that 10-year milestone. It’s no small thing, and it deserves to be marked. Especially for a club that’s always shown up to our own Summer Rally consistently and been solid people from day one.
After that, it was back into the chaos. Conversations drifting all over the place, half of them making no sense but feeling important at the time. Music up, people dancing like nobody was watching (and even if they were, nobody cared). Just one of those nights at the Ponta-Rosa.
Summary:
By the end of it, it wasn’t about whether it was a rally or not. It was about the ride, the people, and the reminder that this is what it’s all really about – getting together, having a laugh, and making the kind of memories you’ll only half remember but never forget.
Massive thanks to Llanharran MCC for putting it on and for the hospitality. Here is to another Ten years and more for them.
Good people. Good ride. Slightly questionable decisions.
Wouldn’t change a thing.
Kez
