The Wallace Rally
(2011 rally details will be posted as soon as they are finalised)
The Wallace Rally is named after local hero William Wallace who defeated the English army nearby at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The rally was first held in 1992 at Stirling Rugby Club in central Scotland and has been an annual event since that time. The Rugby Club is in a uniquely scenic position next to
the River Forth which sweeps in a wide arc around much of the perimeter of the site, and has views of Stirling Castle in one direction, and the Wallace Monument in the other. Leading eastward from the monument are the Ochil Hills which look beautiful in the setting sun, and you can enjoy a pint while admiring the view from the bar windows. The facilities are excellent with two bars – one for dancing and watching the bands, the other a smaller quieter bar in which to have a good natter, a restaurant, and modern toilets and showers.
Stirling city centre is only a ten minute walk away and has plenty to see and do as well as the usual supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and pubs. Tourist information is normally available from the booking in tent in English, German and Dutch. An open-topped city tour bus runs regularly and you can get on and off wherever you like to visit the various attractions.
Further afield there is some stunning countryside within a short ride from Stirling. Join the organised ride out on the Saturday or explore the Trossachs and nearby lochs at your own pace. One visitor described it as “The best ride out I have ever been on in twenty years of rallying.” Again there are many places to visit such as Linlithgow Palace or the Falkirk Wheel, and if it is your first trip to Scotland then a whisky distillery tour should be on your “to do” list. If you have the time then why not stay in the area for the rest of the week to explore?
Other attractions of the Wallace Rally are live music every night, silly games with prizes, trophies for furthest travelled male and female riders, and best bike trophies in different categories. You don’t even have to go to the trouble of entering a show; our team walk round the field and consider every Harley’s merits. Most years we have a piper or two on site at some point, and do try to include some Scottish music when booking bands to give some local flavour to the event. On Saturday night many rally goers dress in tartan with many of the men (whatever their nationality) wearing kilts, but this is not compulsory.
The rally has a reputation for excellence and many visitors return year after year. We do recommend booking in advance as we have a strict limit on numbers and wish to avoid having to turn people away at the gate if the site is full. Please see elsewhere on the website for prices and booking information, and we hope to see you in May!
