I have never been on a rally, dont know what they really are about. Thinking of going on my first one next week in cheshire, but I want to be prepared for one, so if anyone could tell me what goes on on, is there entertainment or do you just make your own. Any info would help me make my mind up if they are really what I want next weekend.
Thank you
christina
Christina, in my experience there's no expectation at all.
Some rally's might have an agenda; social evening get-to-gether, sporting event or the like, but there's never any need to partake if you're not interested.
Ring the marshall of the rally and they'll advise on whether any 'social' has been planned for the weekend in question (are you attending a CC or C&CC group rally?).
We're not big rally'ers due to the nature of Mrs G7's work; we will use a fairly local rally as an excuse for a weekend break (depends on commute distance to her parish for work). I just treat the rally as a cheapish chill out weekend and meet up with friends, many of whom are keen rally folk and attend pretty much all those that we do.
The one important factor though you might need to consider is the availability of EHU (some rally's might supply) or if you're happy to run off the battery for the weekend. If reliant on battery, are you prepared for such use? Gas for fridge, heating etc., and even back to a hob kettle if you're used to using electric.
All you can do is try a few and see if they are your cup of tea. We have been rallying for 4 years and do about half a dozen a year. They vary from relaxing weekends, but most of these have a social of some sort, to larger rally's, often over a bank holiday where there may be a marquee with music etc. Most rally's have a bit of something for everyone.
Make sure your battery is fully charged, and have reasonable amount of gas and you will have no problems for a few nights.
We now have a solar panel to charge the battery and go away without electric for full weeks but there is no point going to that expense until you know you enjoy rallying.
Thank you for your replies, The place we are thinking going to are just starting up rally weekends, this is the 2nd rally they are getting up. So its all new to them too. Ive got plenty of gas and a new battery so thats all fine. May try this weekend see how it goes for the future.
We used to rally a lot,. but the last few years, cercumstances have made it increasignly difficult to get weekends. Some rallies have things laid on others don't, it's entirely up to the rally marshal. Some rallies on the other hand are advertised as being anniversary rallies or so forth which will almost certainly have something laid on.
It's entirely up to you whether you join in or not. The other ralliers will respect your privacy if you don't want to join in, but will normally try hard to make you feel welcome if they do see you.
Most rallies have no EHU, but this is not usually a problem for the beginner provided you remember to use gas for everything, including the fridge and heating and make sure you have a fully charged battery.
If you do have a problem, you won't be the first one, so don't be afraid to ask for help. If you did find you flattened your battery, ask someone for help. Many ralliers keep a spare battery which they would lend you.
If you do enjoy it, it might be worth investing in a solar panel and changing your lights to LEDs which will enable you to manage a few weeks without EHU without any issues.
You will probably have to use your own toilet and shower too, but probably worked that out yourself.
I rally alone and am always made to feel extremely welcome on site (I rally with the CC)
They vary as to what is on offer - sometimes there are quizzes, social events and get-togethers, sports other times there will be nothing organised at all. You are free to join in as much or as little as you want and there is no pressure.
It is very rare for there to be EHU at a rally so make sure you have plenty of gas and a fully charged battery.
I would say give it a go and see how you like it. Personally I really enjoy rallying but I know it's not for everyone.
Just go and experience it for yourself. Rallys come in all shapes and sizes, some have planned entertainment some you do your own, some are quiet, some are jolly and full on--it all depends where you go and who with. We have rallied for 17+yrs and we have only had 1 bad one, it has never put us off, we just choose certain ones. Go give it a go, you never know you may never look back and have a different outlook on rallying. ENJOY. cheers
P.S.... if you do take to rallying it is worth while investing in a solar panel, we are out in the van every other weekend, we even do a week in winter for new year-no EHU, you have gas,I presume you have a fire/heater, good sleeping bag/duvalay/quilt, chair, kettle, cup and a smile. you will be pleasantly surprised.
I must admit I am quite looking forward to going but dont want to be antisocial if I dont join in, Ime a watcher not a participant and just want go use the caravan to be honest rather than play games and stuff, but I am going to ring the site and ask what entertainment if any they have, I also wonder if the rules about dogs on leads still applies too, my poorly 12 yr old dog couldnt cope with other dogs messing about with him at the moment so this in another thing I am wondering abut because on C&CC sites I know that is a strict rule from past experience
Dogs on leads at all times, you do not have to join in anything, you can watch, walk round or even just sit in your van/awning doing nothing but chillin. There are no rules that say if you attend a rally you HAVE to do anything. many people use them as just a get away and relax meet. enjoy. cheers gary
One other point. Please, if you choose to keep yourself away from everyone else, don't then complain that they were all being unfriendly, as there is a fine line between being unfriendly and respecting your privacy.
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Topic: rallys?
