🏍️ Bike Rallies: 70s & 80s vs Today
Same spirit. Different knees.
⭐ 1. Purpose & Culture
THEN: Rebellion, tribe, and escape
Rallies were basically:
“Let’s disappear for a weekend, drink like Vikings, and pretend Monday doesn’t exist.”
It was a tribe — muddy, loud, slightly feral, and proud of it.
NOW: Community, nostalgia, and social events
These days it’s more:
“Let’s have a lovely weekend, see old mates, and be in bed before the dew settles.”
Still brilliant — just with fewer hangovers that last three days.
⭐ 2. Organisation & Facilities
THEN: Minimal, improvised, chaotic
Facilities were… optimistic.
Toilets that wobbled. Barns that leaked.
Entertainment powered by a cable that definitely wasn’t waterproof.
And nobody cared — it was part of the charm.
NOW: Professional, planned, and comfortable
Showers! Food! Hotels!
You can even book online instead of sending a cheque and hoping for the best.
It’s still a rally — just one your spine approves of.
⭐ 3. Entertainment
THEN: Loud, live, and late
Bands that shook the pub windows.
Discos run by a bloke with two speakers and a dream.
Games that would get you banned from every social media platform.
And campfires that lasted until someone fell in (usually Dave).
NOW: Curated and varied
Tribute bands, DJs, Rock & Blues, proper stages, proper lighting.
Ride‑outs, displays, trade stands, control tents.
Still lively — just less likely to end with someone streaking across a field.
⭐ 4. Bikes & Gear
THEN: Raw machines & bodged repairs
If your bike didn’t break down, were you even at a rally?
Repairs were done with:
– a spanner
– a mate
– and blind faith
Gear was whatever didn’t smell too bad and kept the wind out.
NOW: Reliable, tech‑heavy, and diverse
Modern bikes rarely break…
(Unless it’s a triple — then it’s character‑building.)
And if you don’t fancy riding?
Trailer it. Or bring the car. We’ve all seen it.
⭐ 5. Crowds & Atmosphere
THEN: Young, rowdy, tribal
20‑somethings with more attitude than sense.
Mods, rockers, scooterboys, skinheads, psychobillies — all in one field, somehow not fighting.
Chaotic, hilarious, unforgettable.
NOW: Older, calmer, mixed
The same people — just with better tents, worse backs, and a strong preference for staying warm.
Still friendly. Still fun.
Just fewer trousers lost to mud pits.
So…..who remembers the ‘then’ rallies? What kind of adult themed games can you remember that usually took place?
Cheers Julie