The Herbignac Rally 2008



I have been invited to this Rally for several years, and this year I decided it was time to give it a try. My mate Dave agreed to do it with Maggie and me.

Les Culs Sales apparently means salty bottom, their reckoning is that after a lot of riding, your backside becomes salty. How they know this I don't know (it's probably a taste thing).

On the afternoon of Thursday 8th May we all set off to Portsmouth, to use the LD line to Le Harve. We stopped at a pub on the A34, then had a quick one at a pub in Portsmouth that Dave knew that BSH use. The ferry crossing was uneventful, a good smooth crossing.

We put the tents up in the rain and went over to the bar area. Where we were asked if we wanted drinks. Does a bear shit in the woods? Of course we wanted drinks!

The ride through France on Friday morning was great - brilliant sunshine. After several hours riding, about 270 miles through France, we arrived at the rally site. As we did, the rain started. We put the tents up in the rain and went over to the bar area. Where we were asked if we wanted drinks. Does a bear shit in the woods? Of course we wanted drinks! We were given beer I tried to pay but this was on the house. Everyone at the site came over and welcomed us. My French is poor to say the least I tried my best to communicate in French they tried to do likewise in English.

After an hour or so, the rain abated and we all had a walk up to the village Herbignac. We had a few drinks in the local bars and at the last bar met up with some other English bikers, from the London area and Newcastle. One of them had done the rally for the last 17 years. This is where we were introduced to a bottled beer called something like Desperados. A shit drink that is a mixture of beer and Tequila. The rain was intermittent, so it did delay us getting back to the rally, well that's our excuse.

After a few hours, we returned to the rally site, the rain had now more or less stopped. The club then cooked up a huge paella in a pan that must have been 4 or 5 foot in diameter. We were invited to eat it, looked really good, but we had eaten at one of the bars so declined. As more people arrived they were all introduced to us. Everyone was so friendly. The hospitality was amazing. People you'd never met came over and shook hands and nothing was too much trouble. Rock music was belting out the PA system the drink was flowing. Drinks were by way of tickets. A ticket was 1 and half Euro. Dave and I bought 5 tickets but had difficulty using them as people just kept buying us drinks.

Saturday morning a continental breakfast with coffee/tea was provided all for free. Also beers and Ricard were being bought for us all. Saturday was a heavy day, brilliant sunshine, lots of beer and Ricard. We went out for a ride to a local village and sat by the sea eating our dinner. On the night, there was a hot tea provided of soup and then lamb with vegetables and cheese and bread. Both Ricard and wine was provided with the meal. All free. When one bottle of wine finished another appeared. Later that night a couple of bands were on, one a rockabilly band and one Celtic style band, which is typical music for the area. Again the locals and club members had us up dancing and singing. Both bands were excellent. All in all a great night.

Sunday morning and out for a ride. About 50 motorcycles went for a ride out with a Local leading. All the junctions were covered by outriders, we rode through villages where the locals would come out to see us and wave. After about 50 minutes we arrived at a car park overlooking the sea. A large table had already been set up with a selection of cold meats and wine was provided, yet again all free. It's like they are just so pleased to have you there with them nothing was to much trouble.

The frames of the bikes had been cut, the top of the frame had a CV joint welded in, while the down tube had a spring welded in. The rear wheel was deliberately buckled.

On the return to the site the tug of war rope appeared. It seemed that the French lads wanted an England V France tug of war. I am pleased to report that on this occasion England was victorious. (Twice). A little later on and it was time to be fed. They used professional outside caterers, a van would appear with the food. On this occasion it was pancakes stacked up with seafood and salmon between the pancakes. To follow there was a chicken and pasta dish, with bread and cheese to follow. Delicious. Of course wine was provided all for free. Some of the French lads were playing on a couple of pedal bikes. The frames of the bikes had been cut, the top of the frame had a CV joint welded in, while the down tube had a spring welded in. The rear wheel was deliberately buckled. Now I had been drinking, but despite their requests, there was no way I was up for riding those contraptions. Of the night, no bands but music was played though the PA. A quieter night than Saturday but that was just what was needed. A couple of the French lads, that visit England regularly, took my address so we could go for a pint when they were close. A French chap said "If you want to stop some extra days then you can stop with me". I explained I had to leave Monday as the ferry was booked.

Monday morning breakfast and coffee provided, no charge. It was time for us to say our goodbyes. A sad, sad time. I really didn't want to return. The hospitality and friendship they shared with us all has to be experienced to be believed. We all agreed that we will be doing this rally next year and will try to extend our stay in France for a week or so. All in all, terrific value for 30 Euro.

Well, back home now, just over 900 miles on the bike over the extended weekend, just some brilliant memories to look back on. Dave has just left my place, for a ride back to York. See you next year Dave.

One last thing. It was explained to me that you can only come to the rally on approval. The person who invited me was responsible if there was any trouble. I was responsible for Dave. This way everyone gets on and if there should be a problem, they will not return to the rally nor the person who was responsible for them.

Steve & Maggie


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