As we passed through Telford the sky cleared and the sun came out .Unfortunately this only lasted for a few minutes then it was back to wind and rain for most of the rest of the way.

We were a bit surprised to arrive at the rally control in fairly good time, in the past this has taken ages. A quick cup of tea and we were off to find the farm where the Dragon was being held. A chug up a farm track, through the farmyard and onto a windswept muddly field and there we were. Any chance of shelter against the far drystone wall had long gone so we pitched up somewhere not too far from the gate, hopeful of getting out O.K. in the morning.

Pitching the tents was a bit difficult due to the wind, but we got them sorted out with a bit of help. Just after pitching up the people we had breakfast with rode onto the site, so much for taking big bikes as our two little 'uns had arrived first.

After the usual standing around we went for a look around the site. At least this year there was some shelter in the shape of a barn so you get out of the worst of the weather. We collected our rally bags, badges, slate coaster, chocolate etc and had a hot soup.

After a bit more wandering around we decided to go to the pub. Well,it was cold, windy and raining on and off. The only problem was the nearest pub, about a mile away was closed, so we ended up walking three miles in all to the next one. We weren't the only ones, as the afternoon wore on the pub steadily filled up with bikers. After a few beers it was time to head back to the rally site. Faced with a three mile walk into a strong headwind and rain in the dark I rang for a taxi (yeah I know, lightweight)

Back on site I bumped into some people that I know and spent some time boring them stiff with my usual beer fuelled rubbish. Before I knew it it was time for bed.

Sunday morning came around far too soon. Not surprisingly after a night on the beer I felt dog rough. I felt even worse when I looked out of the tent and saw snow. B*88*r. I was also freezing cold, having managed to get my sleeping bag tied in a knot somewhere around my legs, hence ending up only half in it.

Packing up in these conditions was not fun. I was seriously tempted to leave the tent behind.

Somehow getting off the field I managed to loose Julian. I saw him over by the gate as I headed that way, so was convinced that he was in front of me. There was quite a hold up getting down the road from the farm to the road so by then I thought that he would be miles in front somewhere and I had best zoom off, remember we are talking MZ zooming, to try and catch up. As you may have guessed Julian was not in front but by the time this entered my head I had gone a fair way and so kept chugging along steadily.

The run home was cold and windy, there was the odd flurry of snow but in the main it was dry. I think the worst part was coming up the M42, the same as last year. The cross wind was very strong and by this time I was very cold and had to stop near Ashby for a warm. Due to the wind I cut across country to the Fosse and then home arriving mid afternoon.