Rally Reports: EuroLambretta & VWD
Once a year the big two single marque clubs hold their European rallies and for the second year running… Stan managed the double.
The big two single marque clubs’ annual European rallies; and for the second year running Stan managed the double!
Eurolambretta, Soria, Spain, June 7-10
First on the grid was Eurolambretta. Organised by the Club Lambretta De Espana, this was based on a campsite, which turned out to be a mixed blessing. With cabins snatched up by early birds months ago, most were left with the choice of lugging camping gear across Europe, or finding a suitable B&B. This meant that attendees, myself included, found themselves in accommodation miles from the event. For Brits used to spending time in the Costas, Soria was a revelation. Even first rate accommodation was inexpensive and a meal that would empty a bank account at home cost no more than a pizza.
We’d approached from the industrial north, which wasn’t the prettiest of routes, but Soria had been well chosen as it offered some fantastic riding. This was fortunate, as other than the ride-outs and a superb custom show on Saturday, there was little to do on the campsite beyond having a beer or two. If that’s your thing, fine, but it felt more like a large UK club rally than an international event. One thing that was lacking was workshop facilities and credit’s due to the LCGB who worked tirelessly, not just for their own members but also to help those in distress from further afield.
This isn’t to say that the Spanish clubs were disorganised, far from it.
Friday’s ride out passed through some beautiful scenery but, thanks to a police outrider who definitely hadn’t entered into the spirit of things, it was conducted at a very sedate pace. Saturday’s ride was much better paced, taking riders up a beautiful twisting mountain road. The day was summed up by Tino Sacchi, who said: “It’s perfect, apart from the weather.”
I wasn’t the only one to have been caught out by the local climate. At 1100m, Soria has more in common with the Lake District than Benidorm and my waterproofs saw more use than I’d expected. There was also a roaring trade in jets for engines that needed leaning out due to the altitude!
I’ll admit to being one of those seduced by the food and drink off site, but I’m assured that both Friday and Saturday’s entertainment more than met expectations. Even the gala dinner kept speeches to a minimum and served food that, on the whole, was hot and hearty. Last year’s anniversary celebrations were always going to be a hard act to follow and the locals made great efforts to ensure everyone felt welcome. A nice touch was in Eibar, where visitors taking the opportunity to visit the old Serveta factory could pick up a free ‘goody bag’ from Avia filling stations.
In many ways Eurolambretta was the opposite of Vespa World Days, but ironically shared some of the same challenges.