Secret Diary of an Away Trip

This weekend just gone, for the first time in the 2008/9 season, I packed my bags to head off to follow the Giants on the road. The away trip is a strange beast. It isn't something done often on a whim and generally the planning for the trips starts weeks in advance.

For this double header weekend in Newcastle, the thought of going had originally surfaced way back in July when the fixture list was released. Within the first few hours, flight prices for here, and other weekends including the traditional Edinburgh pre-Christmas trip were checked, hotel availability sought and forum posts made asking who else was planning to go and could they advise on hotels, bars, where best to fly to and from.

Being from Belfast, the only club not located on the island of Scotland/England/Wales has create something of a different psyche for the Giants away supporter. It's not a case of an hour or two down the road in the car or train. It's flights (as short as 35 minutes to Edinburgh or Newcastle), or bus, boat, bus (several hours to Edinburgh, but much more affordable!). For this reason the Giants fan seems to be much more die-hard when on an away trip, with even the quiet timid ones at home becoming more vocal and noisy on the road.

For Newcastle last weekend, I'll be honest, it was a bit of a last minute decision. The excitement of the home game finally tipped me and the following day I was scouring the internet for the cheapest flights. Eventually all was booked, and accommodation organised, fortunately with fellow KotGer Patrick Smyth who now lives in the area.

Before I knew it - and these weekends tend to sneak up on you before you know it when you're enjoying the hockey the team is playing - it was Saturday and a few last minute things were being thrown into the bag, hoping none of the essentials are missed.

The flight lands and the fun really starts. Off to find the hotel or B&B, but do you have time or will check in even be open yet? A quick decision is made and whatever is decided generally involves what will allow the fan quickest access to the bar! The first round is ordered and old friendships start to reform as catch up gossip, talk of the team so far, the expectations for the games takes over. If you don't fancy the bar, each city holds many other attractions and places like the Edinburgh Dungeon, the various shopping centres in the likes of Manchester and Sheffield, or other tourist spots get checked out.

Next up is the trek to the rink. What time do you head? Always good to get there early - we like to claim our traditional seats as Newcastle is a venue we often visit. as you walk up you wonder will there be many fans? Will you be the only one? But Newcastle has good transport links from Belfast and a decent number are there, perhaps 50 or so. In you go, grabbing some of the local speciality cuisine which can vary from place to place, stovies in Edinburgh being favourite, but this weekend it was the hog roast in Newcastle. With the seats claimed, the action is almost upon us and a few new chants are trialled during warm up and prior to face off.

Watching the game isn't much different, but there can be new things to deal with. Poor sightlines, extreme coldness, or even the slightly less than welcoming natives. The new experiences are all part of the road trip adventure. The game passes quickly and a first defeat of the season is inflicted - not what was expected after thrashing the same team just a week before. No matter, it's only a defeat and the night is still young.

One of the highlights of away trips is the bonding with not just your fellow fans, but the chance to get to know fans of other teams. The EIHL and UK hockey family in general is small but close. After most games many Newcastle fans mill around to chat in the nearby Globe bar, which is the equivalent of Rockies here in Belfast - the post game pub. Heated disagreements about game incidents are discussed and debated at length, while discussion on which of those new chants formulated earlier in the day and during the game worked and didn't also ensues! No matter the opinions however the hockey draws you together and by the end of the night new friendships have formed and as the bar closes we have the next night to look forward to to do the same again.

In Newcastle it was easy - no travel was required due to back to back games, but on some trips it's another early start on the Sunday to get from one venue to the next. More travel plans have to be made in advance, but it's worth it and all adds to the road trip feel to the weekend. Once more hotels need found and pre game feeding and drinking spots claimed, or for others seeing a new city or town for the first time a chance to have a look round and explore a city you maybe never would have been in if it weren't for hockey.

Early evening comes and you get a chance to do it all again. This time revenge is sweet and you get to cheer a victory. Another important thing to remember is you can't go expecting your team to win every away game. It's a different mentality to being at home, going from generally favourite to underdog no matter who you play. Once more there are incidents to debate, this time of a more serious nature than the night before, but as usual it is friendly discussion and the links started are further strengthened.

After hockey talk and further exploration of the city, it's almost time to get back to reality. A quick sleep and early morning to get to the airport to fly home and head to work are a real come down. But there's always one thing to perk you up - it won't be long til you're doing the same again.

If you haven't yet made an away trip, give it a shot. Not only will it help support your team, but who knows what it will hold in store for you. New life long friendships, expanded horizons or a trail of (worthwhile!) debt are all possibilities. You won't regret it. I promise!

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