Yet another record year!
Lousy wet weather in the summer with large areas of the country affected by flooding but that doesn't stop the intrepid RBRer!
We even had two extra social events, the first day meet in Cambridgeshire to kick-start the event and a camping weekend in the Peak District in lieu of the abandoned National Rally.
Both were successes and no doubt will be repeated in some form.
There are active discussions with regard to organising a RBR "6 points tour" or "Lands End to John O Groats" watch the web site for more info.
A total of 173 submitted photos this year compared to 163 people in 2006.
What's more 25 people achieved 100% ALL ROUNDERS. + 13 more who visited ALL locations but got a couple wrong.
Ok I give up the rally is just getting too easy, or you lot are getting much better!
For those who like statistics and such, 255 people entered this year, 15 more than last year. With all the points being accrued by the all rounder's made the average score 939 (855 in 2006), for a GOLD award.
The most visited landmark this year was Gloucestershire and Denbighshire tied with 124 visits with 114 visits. The least visited was Aberdeenshire 2 with only 54 visits. The most popular Scottish landmark was Inverclyde with 75 visits.
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Entrants of note
100% All Rounder's
Graham Flint, Bob Badger, Gary Philips, Neil & Ro Gomersall, Neil Hodgson, Gordon Tuck, Ian Woolley, Michael Smith, Julie Wallis, Jon Abbott, Ian Orchard, Gordon Cook, Robert Shaw, Rosemary A Spence, Colin Lewis & Monika Schoenleber, John Douglas, Tony Richmond & Dorrie Poland, Tony & Mary Skerritt, Ian West, Mike & Teresa Davies, Spencer Robinson, Paul N Huff, Tracey O'Niel, Edward Cocoran, Barry Bowley
All Rounder's
Jim Waugh, Mike Richardes, David Sandford, Martin Hayward, Laurence J Swain,
Tim Stiles, Jack Milton, Steve Thorndale, Jim Josey, Nigel Hayman, John Fleming, Norman Castle, Philip & Samuel Harrison
There are way too many people to discuss all the above individually.
I was doubly impressed that Laurence Swain after last year clocking up an all rounder on his lovely BSA A10 in his first year. This year he did it all riding a 1948 BSA M21 side valve dispatch riders bike, again to gain an All Rounder award.
Remember this has a rigid rear frame, just a couple of springs in the saddle; also the front forks are girder type. Definitely a sedate and hard ride, you don't need the latest technology bike to enjoy this event BUT you do need a robust posterior! Well done. What's the challenge for 2008, perhaps a 1950's moped or auto cycle perhaps?
Philip & Samuel Harrison have been doing the RBR this year raising money for Macmillan Cancer support and so far stand at £1,500.00. He was riding a Buel!
There was another gent John Goodwill riding a Honda Revere Painted one side PINK and wearing a PINK day glow bib, riding to collect funds for cancer research. His goal was to raise £500 and is still a bit short so if you would like to help you can donate at http://www.justgiving.com/RBR_Goodwill_4_Charity only until end of January 2008.) Please let me know how much you finally raise, well done!
Some good news I received a note from Lynne, Ray Humphrey's widow. Ray sadly died of pancreatic cancer last year. He was riding in the 06 RBR to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research. She is well and has kept up her bike riding and has been out on a couple of runs with our own Bobbi White.
From the letters I have received accompanying the photos; the majority of participants thoroughly enjoyed this years rally. Many said that the landmarks were relatively easy to research and locate (the internet strikes again).
Bloopers of the rally
Just one small one this year, Merton Pumps being not in the village of Merton whoops they are in the next village HILTON. We had checked the pumps on a government website. However the quote was for the parish not the actual village. Fortunately they were only ½ a mile away. In Scotland that would be less than a typical RBR "near". Some LM's have involved a greater "short walk" to visit.
Problem Landmarks
Prestolee Packhorse Bridge
A short walk finds the required bridge complete with its name carved on it. However there are a number of other canal and river bridges in the area to confuse.
Long Bridge (Packhorse Bridge)
Again plenty of choices to make here but only the one Long Bridge..
Auchindoir Church
This has caused some debate around the RBR group. The intended LM was the listed monument of St Mary's Auchindoir. This is a well maintained ruin and cemetery. However there is also the "new" St Mary's Auchindoir, a 19 century church by the Manse in Rhynie, that is still in active use. For detail of both see Website here so both are acceptable.
To add even more confusion there is also the disused Auchindoir North Parish Kirk, this is not listed and of no historical or architectural interest (according to the only web site we have found referencing it), and is not shown on any OS maps even though the Cemetery is.
Auchindoir Church has a tourist sign at the road junction stating ½ mile. The North Parish Kirk is approximately 100 yards from the sign and within sight of it. It's an easy mistake to make and I might have made the same error. However the Kirk has no signposting and 100yds is NOT ½ mile. St Mary's is marked on most maps where the old Kirk is not. It's a tight call BUT many people did go the extra few yards and checked and found the St Mary's. The 100% award is supposed to be that bit tougher and more pedantic.
Thank you etc
A very special thanks must go out to Graham for his sterling work on the website. Also to every one (to many to list) who have contributed with suggested new landmarks helping to keep the rally going. Keep them coming in.
Trophies will be presented at the dinner in February or posted to those who don't attend.
Season's greetings
Roll on 2008!
David Hancock
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