Norwegian Moto Guzzi Spring Rally 2008
The campsite at Verdens Ende was already full of Guzzi friends. I staked a quick claim on a piece of well rutted land in the parking spot of a cabin. Dag prefers more comfort and headed for the Austevoll cabin where our two gravel-riders had been quaffing beers since 3 O’clock. We arrived at 8, so they were a happy crew. We joined them as soon as possible and were an extremely happy crew by the time the Indians arrived. But they learn quickly, and in no time at all we were all making as much noise as the rest of the crowd.

I was greeted by my friends from Netherlands and Germany when I pulled up. It was great fun seeing them again. For the Dutch guys, this was their 5th Norwegian rally. The German guy had turned up almost by accident two years ago and enjoyed himself so much he has been back every year since. After a good round of catching up and maybe a beer or two, I went looking for someone I knew from the Illuminati forum only – Pat.

But he had been studying Trappist culture all afternoon, and that meeting had to wait. He isn’t the sort of guy you wake up suddenly. When he finally came with rolling gait around the camp restaurant and bar, I was glad I hadn’t. He looked ever bit my picture of a grizzled regular army veteran. That impression lasted – a friendly, quiet guy who you just know isn’t going to take any crap. We had some fine talks, especially the second evening when the Akavit was broke out. We killed that Indian between rounds of draft Ringnes and Leffe.

Saturday followed the usual pattern – breakfast, a late-morning group ride, the 3-minute official Club meeting, dinner… all mixed with different smaller stops for cake and such. The band arrived around 10 and played till 2. But this wasn’t the night for excessive exuberance. There was a long ride ahead of most everyone, and we all needed to be fit for the trip. As far as I know, no one has ever lost their license on the ride home… so we know how to balance the scales.


To page 4 ~ to the beginning ~ to the Photo album