Ok, I have now been able to get 'out' for this Sunday....

So, we have some choices to make.

Do people still on the Lakes Run to proceed?

OR

Do we want to map out a shorter route, say a circular of up to 100 miles?

Feedback below please, and then we can move it forward.

Please presume the following regardless of which run it is:

1 - 9.30am meet for departure within 30 minutes

2 - stop at 11am-ish for refreshments/break somewhere

3 - 12.30-ish, lunch break

4 - 13.30 back on the road

5 - 14.30 refreshments/completion stop etc (could be changed depending on route of course)

Feedback asap please - want to know what we're doing by the end of today.

I am up for either the lakes or the Kirkby Stephen - Settle run.

My preference would be the Kirkby one.......the roads will be a bit quieter with good photo areas where we can get the cars without 100's of others in the way! If we go for this I can give you a hand with the route Chris. You could shorten it by going from Dent down to Hawes and up to Richmond.

I am off to the airport in an hour, back on thursday....so lets have a good response and destination. I don't want to come back to find it cancelled or i will be going on my own

as feed back goes here it is

a shorter run of say a 100 miles will suit me best[dont know what others think ] but iam happy to do a longer one

9.30 would be ok .but a 30 min set off time say 10.00 .would allow for peaple getting lost/not putting clocks forward/etc etc

14.30  sounds good as a finishing time

and if we end up going to the lakes   i could get good info as were to go there   as i have good freinds that live there most weekends ...and they know were good foody places are etc etc

and my pass has been given for sunday    so iam even going to try to not run a hectic saturday of work   as i will need to up early with the birds  so i can get to the meet point [with out getting lost ]

iam well and trulely    in on this one ..and mrs pma  mite come aswell if shes shopped out by sunday

C11 XFF wrote:  I don't want to come back to find it cancelled or i will be going on my own

that will make two of us going on our own  ..so you will have at least another bmw with you 

Count me in     I have never been on one of these "runs" before, but am looking forward to it, and to meeting you all (who turn up!).  I have no prefernce on route, duration, etc., so will go with the flow.

I am based In Chester le Street, but am happy to meet anywhere.  I think that "The Bear", aka Paul (another newbie), is also interested, so it looks like the numbers are growing!!!

Look forward to seeing you Sunday. 

Ok, keep the feedback coming.

I am in touch with Mick (baur320) as regards where we'd do the run, and might well come back to you Cliff for a few details.

A cut down Hexham-Settle circular could be a go-er, or the Lakes could still be on (but that's a longer day and I'm conscious of many first timers, so a shorter route might be better).

Anyway, keep watching.

i agree with the shorter route   there will be  a few virgins around so got to break them in gently  ,,come to think of it ....ive never done a car run out before   ...so be gentle with me guys

is there a meeting point  planned yet??????

Nothing yet - because it'll depend on destination/route.

It'll be relevant to the vast majority of people though, and easy to find.

I am free all day so time doesn't really matter to me, I will follow the leader cos both the Lakes and Settle are good in there own right.

Mark, I will meet you and Cliff again if you like

so whats the "bobby moore" [score]on this one????

rhys   as posted on other thread      ....tagging along is the  easy route for me to find the place in question

and them pda things are far tooo much for me to work out too

as there hasnt been a set meet point    will one be annouced shortly

or is there little intrest on this one.i hope not as this will be a good day

Just hang in there - we'll certainly have a run of some kind, I'm just waiting to hear from Mick for an opinion on the shorter run.

+++ CONFIRMATION +++ CONFIRMATION +++ CONFIRMATION ++++

1.  The Lakes Run is CANCELLED.

2.  The Settle/Kirky Run will be scheduled for a later date due to our wanting a high number of members on it, and because it is a long run that isn't suited to a good few first time attendees.

BUT

3.  The Weekend Run is ON.  This will be a circular route of anywhere between 80-120 miles (ish) and I shall publish details of it tonight.

Looking through the thread so far we could have EIGHT (8) runners - and that's a decent show so you are assured of a laugh and plenty of 'keep the lead car' in sight fun (whomever that will be, we don't know yet!).

So...please, please, please ensure you keep the day free if you've expressed interest.  It'd be a shame for it to collapse at the last minute due to late drop out's.

Coasting wrote: So...please, please, please ensure you keep the day free if you've expressed interest.  It'd be a shame for it to collapse at the last minute due to late drop out's.

on sunday morning the car will be full of shells finest and raring to go .

the forcast is excellent for sunday

the route [iam sure] will be excellent

the peaple on here are excellent

infact it will be an excellent  day out    ..and of course getting out of cutting the grass/diy/the wife/gf naging etc  is a bonus too

as of now i will not be returning back till late saturday so will have no net access ..so iam hoping there will be loads of posts saying  ."iam off on sunday"

see you all later      iam off to crack the work whip

Can't wait for the route to be published

I have invited my nephew who is really looking forward to the ride out

It will chear me up no end too as I had my mobile and wallet stolen this morning  

320ci wrote: It will chear me up no end too as I had my mobile and wallet stolen this morning

What!  Where the hell from?  Sorry to hear that. 

Cancelled cards and stuff quickly I hope?  Don't forget mobiles can be traced if they have switched it on (unlikely I know).

Any clues as to how it happened or who the git might be?

Ok boys and girls, sorry for the lateness of this but I've tried constructing a route that is as interesting (in roads as well as anything else) as possible - whilst having to bear in mind the number of first-timers on this run.

So here it is.

Route length:  86 miles

Approximate time:  3.5 hours to 4.0 hours

Meet location:  Laybay just before Newcastle Airport (from A1)

Route format: Circuit

Proposed meet time: 9.30am

Proposed depature time: 10.00am

Estimated time of arrival BACK at Newcastle Airport:  2.30-3.00pm

Various stops along the way for breath and whatever.

Lunch in Bellingham at around 12 noon-12.30pm.

Various stops en route back on edge of Northumberland National Park.

Here is the map....

I have never personally done all of this route.  However, it follows a scenic line, over many interesting and different roads, and I am told Bellingham has a decent pub for lunch - which is what I'd be proposing to do when we get there.

En-route back we can stop for refreshments again of course - be they brought by ourselves, stopping to buy them, or whatever people fancy in all honesty.

+++ PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE ASAP +++

When replying please state:

No. of people in car

Your first name (makes it easier rather than say...Hi there MuppetMaster, KinkyDoo or whatever your user name is!).

Hi Coasting, Paul here, will be attending, 2 in the car. Do you mean the lay-by on the dual carriage way leadind to the Airport from the A1 ? If so I think I'll turn up about 9.45 so there will be other cars there by then and I don't miss it !

The-Bear wrote:  Do you mean the lay-by on the dual carriage way leadind to the Airport from the A1 ?

That's the one!  You won't miss us and we'll keep an eye out for you.

Rhys wrote: Will be me and missus, have a guess at my first name, tin't hard

John?

Aw no, you're that Rhys bloke...I remember you now...

Rhys wrote: Yep, bit of a treck

Yes it is for some, but we'll stick to what we promised and ensure we move the runs around the locations so everyone gets a fair turn at a set-off point that is close to them.

We'll rotate.  No worries.

Running count :  5 cars, 8 people

This doesn't include Cliff, Mal or Graheme yet, as well as pma1ums all of whom we're pretty much 99% sure will attend.

Note on the weather.  Unfortunatey the forecast isn't holding up too well but it depends on who you believe really.

The BBC reckon it's a full sun day with 15 degrees now the max temp and 10 the minimum.

Whereas WeatherOnline (and they are usually a LOT more accurate than the BBC) have it down as 11 degrees max and 5 minimum with it being cloudy most of the day and rain starting on Monday.  I mention Monday because you often find they bring the long range forecasts forward and the rain sometimes creeps into the day beforehand!

I hope not because a sunny, if not warm, day makes a big difference to the mood and general pleasure of this type of route (country lanes etc).

Route for those heading South afterwards

Those of you that are heading South after the run might want to note we will probably add in a split point at Heddon on the Wall.  This is very close to the A1 and allows for you splitting off to depart South rather than head back North.  

There is also a Shell Garage there (selling Optimax) so it's strategically a good place to have.   We can discuss it on the day, but I'd envisage we will probably stop there to split and save some of you guys a double-back section (unless you want to do it!).

Kielder Water

This is only 10 minutes from Bellingham - and very scenic.

The route timings are probably less than I have shown, so we could well end up there sooner than we expect. Hence, I'll be proposing that either before or after lunch we take the detour to Kielder and we can rattle off some nice shots of all of us/cars gathered together.

Incidentally....The Cheviot Hotel, Bellingham, is where I was thinking of for lunch but you're just as welcome to bring food, pack a picnic, whatever - just let is know what you'd like to do.

If you want to organise for us all to opt out and have a picnic up at Kielder then I'm fine with that - not a bad idea actually, but I'm easy with either.

Hi Chris, It will be me and Sarah in the car.

Mark, Dave are we going to meet in the Aycliffe Maccy D's again?

Coasting!  Tim here.  I will be there, just me in the car (cockneys! everyone hates us!!!, no mates!!)  Looking forward to it!

CIIXFF wrote: Mark, Dave are we going to meet in the Aycliffe Maccy D's again?

Cliff, yeah should think so, Mark?

Running count:  8 cars, 13 people

Looking good folks!

For the record, I'll be on my own yet again as the wife has now used this as an opportunity to go shopping with the kids.....what a shame I'll miss it...hehe.

Waiting to hear from Graheme now, possibly Mick (depends on work commitments at moment, but a slight possibility he'll get there), AndyS and anyone else that wants to go!

320ci wrote: CIIXFF wrote: Mark, Dave are we going to meet in the Aycliffe Maccy D's again? Cliff, yeah should think so, Mark?

Just spoken to PMA he is coming up with Rhys, how about we all meet up at Durham Services for 08.45 to get away by 0900????

I think that would tie in better for everyone???

Saves me going South to go North

floody wrote: Just spoken to PMA he is coming up with Rhys, how about we all meet up at Durham Services for 08.45 to get away by 0900????

Ok 08.45 Durham Services it is then Mark.

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 Coasting, new member here. I wish my e30 320 cabriolet would arrive in time for Sunday, but won't get till next week. Will definately join in in future though!

Cheers, Paul (North Tyneside!)

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!

Sorry guys as per my previous post on the other thread it is my weekend with my son in Reading this weekend so can't make the run! I can't beleive it! and such a great turn out at last!! Please please PLEASE have another one soon!

Guess where the next pork pie I see is going?

Not down my neck.....but up a few members rears....

With the numbers attending I suspect we are going to be better off going down the Picnic route....because The Cheviot is apparently normally busy on a Sunday and there are already 13 of us!

SO

ALL ATTENDEES:

BRING A PICNIC FOR YOURSELF FOR WHEN WE GET TO KIELDER.

WE CAN STILL STOP OFF AT A PUB OR ELSEWHERE FOR REFRESHMENTS WHENEVER WE WANT.

Floody wrote: ANYONE SOUTH OF NEWCASTLE The meeting point for PMA, Rhys, Cliff, Dave, Mal, E46acs and myself is Durham Service's at 08.45 to 09.00 Hope I didnt miss anyone?? Is that O.K with you lads???

Floody.  Durham services is actually South of me. Paul (aka The-Bear) & I are meeting up in Chester-le-Street (as that is where we live(ish)), so we will meet you all at starting point by the airport.

Looking forward to meeting all you guys 

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!

Grahame_Vincent wrote: Kielder!!!! Take your mountain bikes then you can work off the pies!!

At least our rear bumpers will be safe this weekend.....

floody wrote: The meeting point for PMA, Rhys, Cliff, Dave, Mal, E46acs and myself is Durham Service's at 08.45 to 09.00 Hope I didnt miss anyone?? Is that O.K with you lads???

Yeah thats ok with me Mark

ello guys

just got back from doing the odd spot of work [m62 was empty of cars and the law ;so late night fun was had ].and i come back to loads of good post responses from top peaple         what a good result..........

this is going to be a right good day out  and well planned .so pats on backs and pork pies to the peaple that have made it happen

if its still ok with rhys to meet him at our said point ?? ...then we shall proceed to  durham svs for 8.45 to 9 am .[let me know rhys as me and the mrs pma will have to get in our coffins early on saturday night] for 7.30 am meet [to the bus] and then to travel to durham svs to meet the guys that are coming ..if it helps mrs pma did ask herself why she was making the "effort" to come rather than do her fave past time "shopping" but as she has had a week in barcelona doing "shopping"  as far as iam concerned she has no credits left to "shop" lol

floody      are you getting me a six pack ?????? or could you buy me a six pack for my over large belly??? id be most gratefull if you could get me either  ..as "beggars carnt be choosers" can they ..

coasting     brilliant work   ...keep it up

il be glad to meet you all .it will be fun

Fellow drivers.  I am going to have to bow out of tomorrows drive.  My car has been at the garage having the front discs replaced as I had a warped disc.  I was supposed to get it back yesterday, then today, but no, it's going to be Monday.  To say I am pi**ed off is an understatment.  I will start a whole new thread to have a rant about the grarge, and the 4 attemps they have had at fixing this!

Anyway.  I am sorry I am now going to miss tomorrow, I was really looking forward to it.  Not just the driving, but meeting you all and have a good crack.

Coasting, thanks for organising, I hope after your hard work I am the only "no show" for tomorrow.  I WILL be on the next one.

I hope you have a good time, and look forward to meeting you all next time.

Paul (aka The-Bear), if you don't pick your message, obviously I won't be meeting you at the Red Lion in the morning.

HAVE A GOOD DAY GUYS!

Ok, thanks for letting us know in advance.

Look forward to seeing you on the next run hopefully.

Running count (adjusted):  7 cars, 12 people

Make that 8 cars & 14 people.

I've persuaded the Boss to join in for the trip (at least for most of it). Depending on how the time goes we may have to cut & run at some point but we'll see how it goes.

Hope there's enough room in this layby!

I have got a "loaner"....................  It's a Vauxhall Monterey!!! (an Isuzu Trooper with a Vauxhall badge). They use it for towing the trailer when transporting 'nice' motors.  I didn't mind at first because it was only supposed to get me to the office & back.  But for a "drive".....   AND, they have a showroom FULL of (about 10) shiney TVR's which they won't let me near ....

I feel like getting a t-shirt made up with: "They have a showrrom full of TVR's, and all I got was this dirty, noisey, diesel farm vehicle!"

AndyS wrote: Make that 8 cars & 14 people. I've persuaded the Boss to join in for the trip (at least for most of it). Depending on how the time goes we may have to cut & run at some point but we'll see how it goes. Hope there's enough room in this layby!

Superb!

As the man says....

Running count :  8 cars,14 people

Goldryder wrote: I shall look forward to seeing the photos . Sounds like it will be a fun day, even if the weather does give you grief,

if it rains   then there will be the photos of sidways cars rather than gleaming cars  .

it will be fun .shame you can not attend ...

e46 ......just take a t.v.r off them and say its only fair for them messing you around 

shame you carnt make it    ..see you on the next one  

Sorry you can't make it Tim, I had a scare when my oil light came on today, luckily just needed topping up, but will be taking some oil with me just in case. Hope to see you at the next meeting and no doubt there will be plenty of pics to see....

Catch you on the next one mate

As Chris knows, I don't think that I make it guys, because I'm at work on Teesside very early in the morning.

Hope that the weather stays fine and that you get plenty of pics posted on here tomorrow.

Andy, incase I get finished early (which reallistically I doubt), can you leave your mobile on just in case I get a flyer.

Thanks

Mick

Tut tut....and I even polished the tailpipes on mine tonight....

Shame on you.....

rhys   and floody  lolololololol

you should see my car  ive pratically lived in it for the last week ..  so dont you both be going out early sunday am to clean your motors..because at least my car will feel at home    its crying   out for a valet .....and a lot more   ..but as its a work mobile  .it aint getting my wallet thrown at it

so rhys  .when i see you in the morning look out for a bmw motorhome ..then you will knows its me

It's be good if you good join us Al.

It's a 10am departure...so if you get up in time make sure you get to the departure point before then!

Goldryder wrote: Just crawled out of bed and its very overcast outside...hope they took their galoshes with them

Actually a map & a compass would be more useful.

Captain Pork Pie led us into the Northumbrian Triangle where we were nearly lost for good! Then he remembered he had sat nav!

Me & The Boss had to quit early & now it's gone all sunny.  Wonder if the others made the promised land before the fuel ran out .  .  .

The route was great though the pace was a little er... spirited.

Organising a run is not as easy as it looks. The MG & DTW lot have it down pat with picnic tables & directions but we're still on the vertical part of the learning curve!

I'll make sure sure I do plenty of planning for the July Drive 'n' Dine.