VOC Tri-National Rally
31st May - 3rd June 1996
Day 1 - Friday
Ramsgate will never be the same!! On Friday 31st May at 9.00 in the Morning, Ramsgate was filled with the spectacle of 70-odd glittering Viragos of all denominations, rumbling through the town to the car-ferry.
It was a sight to see all the bikes laden with tents, sleeping bags, flags and colours,
with riders from all over the country. It was good to see John and the lads from East
Midlands, the Yorkies, North London, West Country and others.
The South London and Surrey Crew were supported by 6 bikes carrying 8 of us - one 1100,
four 535's and a vintage.
We were heralded onto the Sally Line ferry at about 9.30 and parked 3 bikes deep, which
were duly lashed to the deck. If anyone had any fears about damage to the bikes, they were
quickly reassured as the crew lashed the bikes securely but considerately around the sides
of the deck.
A calm 4-hour crossing to Ostend was punctuated by a briefing from John, Kevin and Mandy
on the route, riding conventions, fuel stops etc., and an average but expensive meal.
Stops for fuel with over 70 bikes had to be carefully planned, as it could take over an
hour each time we stopped if we were not careful, so a system was devised where the 535's
refuelled first whilst the 750's and 1100's rode on a further 15 or so miles (larger
tanks), and we reformed at the second station before we moved off. At least, so theory had
it .....
Disembarking at Ostend a half-hour before schedule gave us hope that we could complete
the 5-hour+ journey before nightfall. We caused quite a stir with the locals who stood and
stared at the bikes and waved to the bikers. The Belgians are friendly people, and
generally accept bikers in a better spirit than the average Brit.
We set off promptly and headed towards Mons. Our route would then take us via Namur,
Charleroi, Marche, Bastogne and Ettelbruck to our destination - Diekirch.
Having got lost (yes, let's not mince words and say we took scenic routes ........), we
were met en route by the Dutch VOC. It was a great welcome as we rounded a corner to see
them waving, sounding horns and cheering. The Dutch led us to the camp-site Camping Op de
Saur. This was one of those rare moments in life when you feel tired and hungry, but
something good happens which lifts your spirits.
When we arrived at about 10.30 pm (local time), it was quite dark and we attempted to
pitch our tents in the dark. The Dutch bikers were very friendly and we were all ashamed
that we could speak no Dutch whilst they all speak fluent English, so to make up for it we
offered to teach them all we knew about drinking beer etc. A burger and chips and a few
bottles of Diekirch beer later saw us crashed out for the night.
We had covered nearly 250 miles that day in Europe and it was a hard ride. Some bikers
were a bit weary and had a little good natured grumble, but at the end of the day I think
that we should all have expected it to be hard - it's a long way! To get 70-odd bikes and
riders safely over to Luxembourg in one piece was a feat for John, Mandy and Kevin and I
think they deserve a resounding cheer from us all !
Day 2 - Saturday
We learned that it usually rains in the early
morning in Luxembourg and today was typical. Peering out of the tent we got a fine view of
the mist enshrouded mountains which surrounded the site (which was huge).
A morning walk into Diekirch along the river bank was followed by an afternoon run (the
weather had brightened up, and the rain had ceased) to Luxembourg. 
A biker from Luxembourg parked next to the line, and he asked us where we were staying, so
giving him a map, he told us that he would see us later ... which he did.
That evening, we had a barbecue organised by the Dutch VOC. I have never seen so much food in my life - huge pork steaks, sausages, steaks, salad, bread and suspicious looking parcels wrapped in bacon (reputed to be hamster) were piled up on enormous tables in a marquee. You just cooked for yourself on a massive barbecue, and sat down to eat and drink with the others at long benches. It put me in mind of a medieval feast! The Dutch VOC really did us proud, and we intend to repay their kindness and hospitality. Some of the Dutch bikes were very impressive, and this one:
was the winner of "best bike" in Holland.
A band started at about 8.00pm, and the place came alive with people bopping in the aisles to blues, rock & roll and even country music (how they got away with that I will never know). Much alcohol was consumed that night, but (dancing on the table and discreet, tasteful moonies aside) the whole thing finished in the early hours of Sunday Morning without anyone getting out of order or causing the least trouble, although incredibly, the site owners booked us all in on an adjacent site to families etc. who I hope were not too badly disturbed by the noise.
Day 3 - Sunday
Remarkably, the camp-site was alive with people at 8.00 am, and
it was raining again. We "mooched" around for the morning and assembled for one
of the afternoon run which the Dutch VOC had kindly recommended for us. The route took us
by a magnificent fairy-tale castle on an enormous rock, towering above a tiny, cobbled
village nestled in a valley. We all took it easy riding through the village in case we ran
over one of the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty or whoever else must have lived there.
Very soon we crossed the border into Germany. I have never been to Germany before and have
never seen a place which is so well-kept and clean. I don't know whether dropping litter
is a capital offence in Germany, but not only is there no litter on the streets, but there
are no litter-bins. That is how confident they are that people will take their rubbish
home.
We had a brief stop just inside the Luxembourg border before returning
to the camp. 
Many of the UK bikers had decided that they would halve the return journey and camp to cut down the mileage in one day, so they had left by the time we got back. This left 24 bikes for the return run. The Dutch were beginning to pack up and leave so they could get home for work on Monday.
That evening, we all went into Diekirch for a meal, which rounded our visit off nicely.
Day 4 - Monday
We were awoken at around 5.00 am by the radio in John's back-up
van which was pounding out the classics. Everyone was packed and ready very quickly, and
we left for the return to Ostend at about 6.30 am.
The roads were clear, and it was a bit cold, but magically was bright and there was no
rain. We had covered 99 miles by the first fuel stop, and having a smaller group enabled
us to keep a tighter formation and minimise the risk of getting lost.
We cracked on, and then had a half-hour stop 80 miles from Ostend, where we arrived at
about 11.30 am. It had been a brilliant ride, and I am sure that the others who went back
a day early would not have found it such a strain as the journey down.
The bikes were duly loaded and lashed, and we set sail on time
in the blazing sun. During the crossing a helicopter approached the ship and we were
treated to the spectacle of an emergency exercise where 2 people were landed on the Boot
Deck by winch, and then recovered whilst the boat was steaming at full speed.
After a meal and a kip, and clutching a bottle of duty-free Asbach German brandy (if
anyone from Asbach reads this, I am open to bribes to plug the stuff!) we landed ahead of
schedule at Ramsgate and disembarked within a few hassle-free minutes.
After much waving and sounding of farewell horns we made off towards home in small groups
through the traffic jams and road works (a stark difference from the easy riding of the
past few days).
It was a fantastic trip. The rally was an ambitious project, which had an equal chance of success and failure, but turned out to be a trip which I am sure we will all remember fondly for the rest of our lives. I am equally sure that it has caused endless hours of worry to the organisers. Credit must go to John Bryning and Bet, Kevin and Mandy many others who who helped make this a memorable trip, and our thanks goes to them, our hosts, the Dutch VOC, and all our friends and fellow VOC riders who made this trip so memorable.
Bryan Payne - June 96