In With The New Red White and Blue Rally, The Travellers Friend, Thatcham 2017
Disillusioned with scooter club politics, the Red White and Blue Crew set out to create an alternative. It was a popular decision.
It all began when Alan Wright, Alan Dallaway (‘Dally’) and Simon Short (‘Shorty’) posted on Facebook that they were riding out to a pub. “We’d become disillusioned with the politics of local clubs and the invitation was to anyone interested in scooters,” said Alan. “Surprisingly 35 scooters turned up.” The Red White and Blue Crew has grown considerably since then with almost 300 followers on Facebook and around 50 people attending the weekly rideouts around Basingstoke, Reading and Newbury. “Our philosophy is very simple, if you like scooters you’re welcome.”
One of scootering’s great debates is about the presence of cars and kids on rallies, yet we’re also concerned about where the next generation of enthusiasts is coming from. Red White and Blue’s willingness to accept anyone seems to have successfully bridged that gap. Over the course of the rally I spoke to former bikers and quad riders who’d been welcomed at rideouts and transitioned to scooters, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
Bolstered by the success of the weekly rideouts, the next step was organising a Christmas party and, spurred on by that success, the next logical step was a summer rally. “I was riding past The Travellers Friend at Thatcham and it seemed to call me over!” said Alan. “The landlady couldn’t have been more helpful. Camping, barbecue, live music, breakfasts – the answers to all those were all ‘yes’.”
Arranging a rally is easy over a few beers in the pub but translating that into reality is an entirely different business. There was a lack of showering facilities at Thatcham but if
you’re a rally-going scooterist who doesn’t travel with wet wipes then frankly you’ve only yourself to blame! Showers aside, this was a belter of a rally. Pitches were available for around 200 people and by Saturday evening scooters were being herded together so that more tents could be erected. The sun shone, temperatures rose and there were plenty of bar staff on hand to cater for the thirsty.
The rideout to Carnaby Scooters was well supported and full marks to the owner, Richard, for putting on refreshments with all proceeds going to the rally’s chosen charity, Teenage Stroke Victims, which would ultimately benefit to the tune of £1550. Live music was provided on both evenings along with DJ sets covering everything from punk to rare soul.
For an inaugural rally this was a stunner and at £15 a head it was also exceptional value.
It’s a bold statement to make but in my opinion the Red White and Blue rally represented all that’s best in grassroots scootering. Plans are already being made for next year’s rally so keep an eye on their Facebook page as whatever you ride, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.