August 21-25…
We set out for the North Circular Road, midday on Thursday, August 21, later than we wanted. It was a quick run down to Portsmouth, where we just made our 3:30 ferry. Waiting in the Queue were my mates Tony and Pete from the Aces High S.C. in Sussex, along with Tony’s girlfriend Claire. Just like old times…
A short ride to Smallbrook Stadium, and we were at the VFM campground, where we were given comp. camping. We set up camp with our Brighton friends, and set off for Tesco, where we got amenities, along with some healthy fare Stacy set up buffet-style on my Vespa seat. A few bottles of cider, some grub, and catching up with mates well into the evening was a good first night.
Day 2, Friday, August 22, we rode into town to explore the seafront and get some breakfast. Back at the campsite, Stacy took my PX for a spin. A pretty mellow day culminated with a coach ride to town and a “do” at the Ryde Ice Rink, featuring “Secret Affair” on the main stage, and a mechanical bull as well. Stacy gave it a go. I wasn’t so bold.
Day 3, Saturday August 23, we set off to town for the amazing custom scooter show. “Hippy Killer” was my favorite. We also managed to get over to the dealer fair at the stadium racetrack, for badges, patches, etc. Stacy got a nice blue bomber jacket. I joined the Vespa Club of Britain. After making some new friends and getting some sunburn, our night plans put us back into town for a few drinks at The King Lud, followed by more live music at the VFM show.
Day 4, Sunday August 24, brought our first bit of rain. We were prepared, with rain suits, but it managed to burn off by noon. First order of the day was laundry in town. We finished up just in time to make it to the island rideout. Thousands of scooters, all riding in parade formation across the island, with the locals cheering us on all the way. The rideout was followed by a supplemental ride, thanks to Fay and The Bar Italia Scooter Club. We ended up having an early supper at the White Mouse Pub, followed by a lengthy ride back to camp, just in time to get ready for the final VFM do at the Balcony Club, where we said our goodbyes and had our last drinks.
By dawn on day 5, Monday, August 25, we were up and packing on very little sleep. We bounded off just in time for the next ferry to Portsmouth. There we would await a Brittany Ferry to Caen, France. It had been Stacy’s first Isle of Wight and my third. Up to 20,000 scooters…there’s nothing else like it. It’s something I’ve heard described here as a once in a lifetime thing. That’s certainly not ringing true for us. W just may do it again next year…
Full pics at: http://scoot.net/gallery/2008/08/iow/VESPASTIC/tinyindex.html
