Trigger Happy

Avoice from the Young Guns SC YGSC members Jamie and George attended the nine National Rallies this year, here’s how they got on...

Eager to find out more about Jamie and George’s adventures, I caught up with them both at Bridlington Trade and Custom show, the final national rally of the season. What made you decide to do all of the national scooter rallies together? Jamie:

It was around this time last year we were in our mate’s workshop tinkering with his classic Volvo, and decided we needed to get back onto more rallies. After I got with my now ex-girlfriend, I drifted away from the rally scene and was craving to get back doing the miles.

George: I hadn’t done as many rallies as Jamie and when he had his little hiatus there wasn’t as much opportunity to hit the road together. I think we both just needed an excuse to get out and about and the challenge of the BSRA was just that. Of the nine BSRA Nationals, which ride was the best and why? Both:

Our favourite ride was the trip to Kelso. We left on Thursday and had arranged to meet a pal at a campsite in Carlisle. We rode through Kendal, over the hills and through Shap to Penrith. The views were stunning! After our overnight stop, we continued as a group over the border to Scotland. The route home (along the Ullswater Lake) was amazing. The weather was great, so we stopped for an hour on the lakeside just chilling. What was the most challenging aspect of riding? Jamie:

My biggest challenge was top speed. As you probably know from the previous issues, I’ve been riding a Scomadi TL125, whereas George was on a Vespa GTS125. In the right conditions, his can have 10mph on top of mine. It’s annoying, watching your mate slipping into the distance, even though he does wait for me eventually! I love the Scomadi, its only downside, in my eyes, is its relatively low top end.

George: We got lost… a lot, and often found ourselves in a Maccies trying to figure out where we were going. As much as I love Maccies, I didn’t plan on stopping in all of them. What was your favourite aspect about the rallies? Jamie:

For me it’s the variety of people who attend. I’ve made so many friends through the scene and have made even more this year. It’s always great to catch up about how each other’s journeys were and to hear about various projects etc. Each rally attracts different people and there is a distinct north/south divide which makes it even more interesting.

George: Riding, laughs, people, music, beer… not necessarily in that order. Having now attended all of the nationals what do you think could be improved? Jamie:

To be honest, there isn’t much I’d change. But if I had to make a suggestion, I’d like a bit of 2000s ska/punk played (think Rancid, Mighty Mighty Bosstones etc.). Also, I’d like to discourage camper van parties. I’m not fussed on campers attending, so long as they are away from the main scooter campsite. Please support your rally! It’s not cheap to run and a lot of time goes into the planning, so it’s a shame some barely step out of their campers at the event.

George: I’m with Jamie, I don’t think there is too much wrong with the rallies as they are, the only thing I’m not keen on is camper vans. After all it’s the scooter scene and a scooter rally. Any tips or tricks you’d suggest for anyone else considering competing in the BSRA Championship? Jamie:

If you’re going to ‘go at it alone’, just make sure you have a set route planned. Oh, and make sure you have a recovery card. You probably won’t need it, but it’s peace of mind during the trip. If you plan to ride in a group, learn each other’s riding styles and have a leader who knows the route. Having a tail marker to help when changing lanes, or to report any breakdowns to the rest of your group, is also a good move.

George: Having done so many miles this year it’s really highlighted how important it is to maintain your scooter, even with a modern GTS. With that in mind, my dad has made sure mine’s been regularly serviced, including changing the belts. Also, when you are riding so far, the weather can change quite significantly and I don’t think I could have done without decent all-weather gear. After all we do live in England and the forecast can often change… Finally, what challenges do you guys have in store for next season? Jamie:

I’ve set myself a few challenges for next year, the first of which is to pass my bike test; I’ve been riding on L-plates for almost eight years now. I want to start doing a few European rallies and need a full licence to do so. The second challenge is to restore my V100S to a high standard. I want to have it ready for the Belfast VWD custom show. Although I don’t plan to do all the nationals next year, I’ll still do plenty. However, I fancy a change and would like to do some smaller club rallies too.

George: I haven’t agreed anything as of yet so who knows what 2018 will have in store. Either way it should be another great year of scootering though!