IMPORTANT: This weekend

The weather forecast is holding.

Anywhere between 12 to 16 degrees, and partial cloud to full sun - depending on what you believe.

If it's anything like today was, it'll be heavenly!

It is also becoming apparent from conversations I have had with a few people that we will be over at Bellingham sooner than expected - so I am putting Kielder Water as a definate route spot - we will be going there.

The scenery that way is stunning and the photo ops (as Rhys mentions) will be fantastic.

Quick question - have people had any thoughts on whether we eat at the Pub or take a Picnic?

Hi Paul, and good to see another new member for the Northeast!

We'll certainly be trying to make these runs regular occurrences throughout the summer so we'd be delighted to see another member along next time.

If you keep watching this forum you'll see any announcements about weekend runs.

p.s. You don't need to have a BMW to attend...if you've got any car available to you at the weekend, you're still welcome to come along!

A few pointers/guidelines for Sunday

Because there are a number of first-timers on this run I thought it might be useful to publish a few pointers/guidelines about what to watch out for, things to bear in mind, etc.

It's up to you whether you take any notice of these, but doing so will generally mean everyone has a better run/day out and it keeps us together as a group.

1. Fuel...silly though it may sound, make sure you have a decent amount of fuel in your car to begin with!   We can make a fuel stop en-route but if you forget to tell anyone (like I did last time) you end up getting left behind and then everyone has to wait for you, thinking you've got lost....etc

2. Convoy....it is very easy for the convoy of cars to become seperated by other road users and also because of stopping/starting at junctions and roundabouts.   So, cars in front of others should please take note of who is behind them....and if they disappear for more than 30-60 seconds or so please let the rest of the convoy know by a double flash on your headlights...we'll then slow down or stop until the delayed vehicle is able to catch up.    We don't want anyone getting lost, left behind, or feeling they're not part of the run.

3.  Driving....the driving style...well it'll be pretty much what it was on the Whitby Run I'd anticipate...so that's enthusiastic but responsible.  Please don't go upsetting other road users with ridiculous or dangerous over taking maneourves..it doesn't serve any of us well and doesn't do the club much good either.

4.  Tail gating....PLEASE...dont!  Members or other road users.

5.  Problems...if you encounter a mechnical fault or breakdown en route please make sure you flash the car in front of you to let them know.  The convoy will stop COMPLETELY if anyone suffers a breakdown and everyone should do their level best to get someone out of a difficult situation.  This depends on something else too....that is all members keeping a regular eye on the car behind them....because it's pretty useless if someone is flashing you and you don't notice....

6.  Twisty bits...it's fair to say that when it is safe to do so that we'll enjoy ourselves on twisty roads...and there are a good few of them on this route!  If you feel you're losing pace or are uncomfortable with the pace...back off....don't try pushing it and end up totalling your car or causing any form of accident.  Just back off and the rest of the convoy will pass and then wait for you.

7.  Chavs/Charv's/Whatever and baiting...if someone comes across our convoy and tries baiting any of us into a race...IGNORE THEM.   In fact just laugh at them...

8.  Refreshments....if you need to stop for these OR for a 'convenience' stop then just let the convoy know and we'll stop at the next opportunity!

9.  Picnics....it's a picnic run now.  So bring one for you/your passengers.  Don't bring pork pies.  If you do, I'll stand on them.  If you don't know why by now, well I'm not telling you!

10.  Speed camera's.....a word of warning....these exist on our route...particularly near Otterburn and Kielder.  I shall have my RAII onboard so if I slow down all of sudden for some reason....don't overtake unless I indicate....just in case!!!!!

11.  Important.......introduce yourself to everyone!!!!!

12.  HAVE A GREAT DAY!