tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33260645392622414682024-03-16T18:50:55.298+00:00BlatterA dreadfully dull account of a car-obsessive's doings & goings.BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.comBlogger727125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-87786981242735389672024-03-14T17:29:00.002+00:002024-03-14T17:29:43.370+00:00More Tyred<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQP8w-sPQHOOhh78g1fD1vAff-ozoIS4sZwvYXVoJCteoaV8FwR63whTKbPN8D6ijkz7sWWkx48cVPaA5JiIkWuJ3xNxTE_LSsNCtJPrloSPTkQ3vQzkgijSsmBQYVn0wpe0PU9wVNtVg8mAw_370o9QOsUKwV-QMR3tpfSbqagzuUSGUBxCkxs3n9bJo/s4096/IMG_20220416_150725845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQP8w-sPQHOOhh78g1fD1vAff-ozoIS4sZwvYXVoJCteoaV8FwR63whTKbPN8D6ijkz7sWWkx48cVPaA5JiIkWuJ3xNxTE_LSsNCtJPrloSPTkQ3vQzkgijSsmBQYVn0wpe0PU9wVNtVg8mAw_370o9QOsUKwV-QMR3tpfSbqagzuUSGUBxCkxs3n9bJo/w400-h300/IMG_20220416_150725845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> The wheels are back - so of course it's raining. It was a lovely spring day when I picked them up four hours ago.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>here it is when the 185/60s were new</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmc_Hy80x52rm_AsQhF3__JCYgCyan8VgmcwwpI-BjXj9DDpr-F9XE1oyqcLovjGV9Brg_SXWqbuKAMw6XXi3oRb2eNsvgqqphjfX636mRrXXyDlg2tdPBRHLmj8l1xM6PZrjMtxcETcVG2tJVSeN0bXRa8FFeFlAo5OP3pEOsGjn3T18T_qyCg48Sptn/s4080/IMG_20240314_164249712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="4080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmc_Hy80x52rm_AsQhF3__JCYgCyan8VgmcwwpI-BjXj9DDpr-F9XE1oyqcLovjGV9Brg_SXWqbuKAMw6XXi3oRb2eNsvgqqphjfX636mRrXXyDlg2tdPBRHLmj8l1xM6PZrjMtxcETcVG2tJVSeN0bXRa8FFeFlAo5OP3pEOsGjn3T18T_qyCg48Sptn/w400-h180/IMG_20240314_164249712.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>And this is it today. You'll have to take my word for it that it looks MUCH better with the narrower, taller tyres on.<div><br /></div><div>It's also raised an inch, so when I have time I need to re-adjust the speedo & lower it 1/2" to reduce the arch gap even more. To do that I may need to buy shorter springs for the front, but that's a job for another day.<br /><p><br /></p><br /><p><br /></p></div>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-43462659567113029262024-03-07T19:10:00.003+00:002024-03-07T19:10:42.029+00:00Tyred<p> Yes, yes I know I've had all winter to notice, but I've been "distracted" & it wasn't until I took the Stylus into work after taxing it (£££££££££) that I noticed the front tyres were down to the wear bars. This was chiefly because I'd swapped them with the rears after noticing the limited slip diff was wearing them rather quicker than I was expecting. The rears (was fronts remember) are fine, but unfortunately I need to replace all four as I'm getting the tyres I want, replacing the ones that came as a deal with the wheels.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhpP8VpZFSP6G_nVIxrgp4ZOtKYbC1auEjV6W8bu5Vl87X75PVewff5qYPxBSHIMBvfCU7mpXTktiHuCG6mXqRVkAWRleD5IRLLZHMLdQn22K6GmCN74nNHfdnBD5n60oRZy3Il6hVZDv1nmRL9Frcg7RZDKHJUBHMG4MfbAhaabzeF6b6sirzgL2yFGQ/s3840/IMG-20240305-WA0000.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhpP8VpZFSP6G_nVIxrgp4ZOtKYbC1auEjV6W8bu5Vl87X75PVewff5qYPxBSHIMBvfCU7mpXTktiHuCG6mXqRVkAWRleD5IRLLZHMLdQn22K6GmCN74nNHfdnBD5n60oRZy3Il6hVZDv1nmRL9Frcg7RZDKHJUBHMG4MfbAhaabzeF6b6sirzgL2yFGQ/w400-h225/IMG-20240305-WA0000.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>So off will come the Yokohama 185/60x13s & on will go Uniroyal Rainsport 175/70x13. Half the price, twice the life, more or less as good in the dry (In road conditions), much much better in the wet. Also 10mm narrower, 25mm bigger in diameter.<p></p><p>Anyway, here it is in the car park at work. I took it in after checking the weather forecast as I rolled out of bed at 06:00. No rain.</p><p>By 09:00, the rain alarm on my phone went off & the weather radar showed a whole storm coming from the south. So I moved it into the underground car park whose ramps are too narrow for the leviathan electric 4x4s that infest most of the parking spaces. Why do seemingly intelligent people spend £100k on a car that doesn't fit in a parking space??</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_heQRihlzPHEiMKSSn0zYZaHCoNy72wJGkcZ7lV-X06NY-ojXF3j8moUuA-hzwE5ZorAubdojq_4tMUduCnFNxO_Ri8HZNsSdGETKJr-ntfemd81OO8-kRvFXQelGXJtHIonWz00VIp920KKfDmOyoWV2f3guRFaC3qsDIt4T9UqZruqViEBw9Gcz6cSn/s3840/IMG-20240305-WA0002.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_heQRihlzPHEiMKSSn0zYZaHCoNy72wJGkcZ7lV-X06NY-ojXF3j8moUuA-hzwE5ZorAubdojq_4tMUduCnFNxO_Ri8HZNsSdGETKJr-ntfemd81OO8-kRvFXQelGXJtHIonWz00VIp920KKfDmOyoWV2f3guRFaC3qsDIt4T9UqZruqViEBw9Gcz6cSn/w400-h225/IMG-20240305-WA0002.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>But the big news is of course that the Stylus is back on the road & I'm having a few of those "sh1t this <i>really</i> is fast" moments. Nothing scary, just squeeze the throttle pedal & it's doing 70 before I've had time to look down at the speedo.<div><br /></div><div>It's booked into "Wheels Day", the Surrey Street Rodders annual display of anything interesting on wheels, this year it's in Newbury - not actually in Surrey at all then. In fact, I've only known the Surrey Street Rodders hold it in Surrey once. It's on Good Friday & is usually a fantastic car show if you want to attend. <br /><p><br /></p></div>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-47775999296578001312024-02-12T20:48:00.000+00:002024-02-12T20:48:13.894+00:00Two Wheels<p> I may have mentioned I'm slowly refurbishing the bike I built when I was 18. It's a bespoke-made touring bike made for me, so while it's cost a hideous amount of money, it is one of my favourite things.</p><p>One of the difficulties was the brake lever "hoods" - rubber items that go over the brake levers. They were pushing 50 years old & shattered when I took them off. Replacements are available, but out of stock, but I managed to find a pair BUT, the cable adjusters that poke through the rubber hoods are supposed to have rubber covers. mine were similarly brittle & strangely - in spite of being a much simpler shape, are not available at all.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpE266P1XoGqSAAMV_EPGqcaNrZN5VJcmcvT7rDvaqlqBFHK6KrczwhGhCnWjqKGDjCyt0o-iDjml7Gcdk3NrZj1rUa6h1nbVFJv9LMLjrIBRM8mPke-VpOT5F-vUL4_S7ZJcRtQs34TVjeMkEx52hKD5gM4y5oUNYrZN4AUvOmSToUz98Bl7DLm0FqFQ/s2160/IMG-20240212-WA0003.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="1933" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpE266P1XoGqSAAMV_EPGqcaNrZN5VJcmcvT7rDvaqlqBFHK6KrczwhGhCnWjqKGDjCyt0o-iDjml7Gcdk3NrZj1rUa6h1nbVFJv9LMLjrIBRM8mPke-VpOT5F-vUL4_S7ZJcRtQs34TVjeMkEx52hKD5gM4y5oUNYrZN4AUvOmSToUz98Bl7DLm0FqFQ/w358-h400/IMG-20240212-WA0003.jpeg" width="358" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpE266P1XoGqSAAMV_EPGqcaNrZN5VJcmcvT7rDvaqlqBFHK6KrczwhGhCnWjqKGDjCyt0o-iDjml7Gcdk3NrZj1rUa6h1nbVFJv9LMLjrIBRM8mPke-VpOT5F-vUL4_S7ZJcRtQs34TVjeMkEx52hKD5gM4y5oUNYrZN4AUvOmSToUz98Bl7DLm0FqFQ/s2160/IMG-20240212-WA0003.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpE266P1XoGqSAAMV_EPGqcaNrZN5VJcmcvT7rDvaqlqBFHK6KrczwhGhCnWjqKGDjCyt0o-iDjml7Gcdk3NrZj1rUa6h1nbVFJv9LMLjrIBRM8mPke-VpOT5F-vUL4_S7ZJcRtQs34TVjeMkEx52hKD5gM4y5oUNYrZN4AUvOmSToUz98Bl7DLm0FqFQ/s2160/IMG-20240212-WA0003.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>However, I've recently been experimenting with flexible 3D print filament & the OnShape on-line CAD system & the upshot is.......<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Pretty good I think<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdwtTR_m-1e3F8olx9kXBrgQErGAhYvJvJTAX4e_jqtjagRlJZDnbCPYAYfvJtE5d9PQSJzYn4ZMMa7hGCLmEUPxG_t50f5e1_K7ufzHF80BPiCWjg6ch3RmMXyGQ-C3rsyoIU1ulniXLiSPqdL7MD6_7IlMYQX4ONRr6lfWkSAJgnJcPUA92gqAWRpyc/s3840/IMG-20240212-WA0006.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdwtTR_m-1e3F8olx9kXBrgQErGAhYvJvJTAX4e_jqtjagRlJZDnbCPYAYfvJtE5d9PQSJzYn4ZMMa7hGCLmEUPxG_t50f5e1_K7ufzHF80BPiCWjg6ch3RmMXyGQ-C3rsyoIU1ulniXLiSPqdL7MD6_7IlMYQX4ONRr6lfWkSAJgnJcPUA92gqAWRpyc/w225-h400/IMG-20240212-WA0006.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p></p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-15954077655933649772024-02-12T20:31:00.002+00:002024-02-12T20:31:50.989+00:00Other Things<p> With the Stylus back on its wheels, once again other things have come to my attention, mostly visits to places.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIr0X80ThxunRsCVJm3qSv6S_mzk8TVVfOe1EstioVo4Ub2D98ne2i650y4djUNLOkmLak1UbgDODqoeNEj_xNjYDTgU2NqcxjXELja1RNH4BG_e0ZCwfp2_ZnyOLkY-BwuTT25RhqhRz-8juCPjhdOc4PerfZzWUyVmIsks8JcvLhlV5FfiFYARs_uiX/s1555/IMG_5695.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIr0X80ThxunRsCVJm3qSv6S_mzk8TVVfOe1EstioVo4Ub2D98ne2i650y4djUNLOkmLak1UbgDODqoeNEj_xNjYDTgU2NqcxjXELja1RNH4BG_e0ZCwfp2_ZnyOLkY-BwuTT25RhqhRz-8juCPjhdOc4PerfZzWUyVmIsks8JcvLhlV5FfiFYARs_uiX/w400-h300/IMG_5695.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I've been to Duxford to look round the planes with my girlfriend, arriving before the sun was properly up & getting some good photos as they wheeled a Mustang out<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRDLTDPn6pc/Zcp40vIrBAI/AAAAAAAAFRs/qNrrOlicp9kX---8n45Wbry099ScNAFUwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1555/IMG_5692.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRDLTDPn6pc/Zcp40vIrBAI/AAAAAAAAFRs/qNrrOlicp9kX---8n45Wbry099ScNAFUwCNcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_5692.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Yes, that's frost in the far fields, it was freezing.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPWg2YVRR6XtkKCVNHWP7l_-mIN1JDSr8ZC5718Dk4aC1PyMf7CmLlZvCK8Dv_-7NmEYuebqPeVlHA1ci4P0IN9QT_gzSXt1Q0al6pnm4-WTG4CGs_I3VXFWpCF0fiLJKaq6tfdMQ2wzIywdilsWdRKp1dYPYi5doqaunXCr_EFIWfpox5nZVVii3sLUG/s1555/IMG_5734.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="1166" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPWg2YVRR6XtkKCVNHWP7l_-mIN1JDSr8ZC5718Dk4aC1PyMf7CmLlZvCK8Dv_-7NmEYuebqPeVlHA1ci4P0IN9QT_gzSXt1Q0al6pnm4-WTG4CGs_I3VXFWpCF0fiLJKaq6tfdMQ2wzIywdilsWdRKp1dYPYi5doqaunXCr_EFIWfpox5nZVVii3sLUG/w300-h400/IMG_5734.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />We walked around the main hangar - the one we missed last time, then into one of the flight sheds where as my girlfriend is a member of the Catalina Society (& strictly speaking so am I now), we were invited behind the ropes for a chat with one of the pilots, which was interesting, then back to the main hanger for a talk about photo reconnaissance - which we'd missed because I'd loused the time up.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>But, one of the nice volunteers gave us a good talk about a pilot called Warburton who flew 400 PR sorties & took some of the most important aerial photos of the war.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzZ4PgCB656pjXgAShQzcuCCS-q_l0ijRpoJzpj-485880Jq6rxcesX_u8ZsGWDHjbk8XI3E1aLpNCXLVjwgMXxZ-xMVTBO49Ajy3QXvmX1gM_vE1cuS7MwJta0TIiH3D6y7pq6zYxll6OloVvlASqSeJtN0VDb9OmvhZFBZggCxyeLDyxGpUlIbzte89/s1555/IMG_5784.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="1166" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzZ4PgCB656pjXgAShQzcuCCS-q_l0ijRpoJzpj-485880Jq6rxcesX_u8ZsGWDHjbk8XI3E1aLpNCXLVjwgMXxZ-xMVTBO49Ajy3QXvmX1gM_vE1cuS7MwJta0TIiH3D6y7pq6zYxll6OloVvlASqSeJtN0VDb9OmvhZFBZggCxyeLDyxGpUlIbzte89/w300-h400/IMG_5784.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>More recently we went to the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar where they make / restore / fly Spitfires, it was a Christmas present to my Girlfriend & she thoroughly enjoyed (other girlfriend's opinions are available). It was supposed to be a 3 hour tour, it actually took 4 1/2 hours which meant we missed out bub tea & by the time we got back to my house it was midnight & we were "really quite hungry".<p></p><p><br /></p><p>A very interesting trip though.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQxjHa-wHj7jsEcsJsuIcs8ID7NYkXYdRWl1OhG0RzXy1I3Avm6vjI3dTEOwr7tbktpOP3ZeBSF4FB2ljHb0G4mnWIna0-Hnq_t_U7wnj4_EnO7FQYVo9BMghva83hR_8ja5uQZsDXno4xad4uGKcYErrxG1O3rkuk1mlf2mFT6jZs_1sDb9yQEHB-26I/s1555/IMG_5792.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfCAZNcM7RvB2BYr4Lp09hZu5aui4jZEQfJujrYfVqBRPbF21Xcm4ZP6f3vNP6zPJqGT8f7ZTa8Aahrs9sHaaQJG37r4hH1JeTaa8Q6YU_2gUB7EajAOAyF3F6LErENhx8KpoIm2XUMmMpJOWFRhOYSRGGh750xX9OmzGREypzts0bFJCICLnWteKSwJK/s1555/IMG_5773.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1555" data-original-width="1166" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfCAZNcM7RvB2BYr4Lp09hZu5aui4jZEQfJujrYfVqBRPbF21Xcm4ZP6f3vNP6zPJqGT8f7ZTa8Aahrs9sHaaQJG37r4hH1JeTaa8Q6YU_2gUB7EajAOAyF3F6LErENhx8KpoIm2XUMmMpJOWFRhOYSRGGh750xX9OmzGREypzts0bFJCICLnWteKSwJK/w300-h400/IMG_5773.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmUBtW5ooaCq61vu-b_fTdE201xK3cb9SLQEYIGWnpj4GTQYjsblOBWa2hzxq2F-Zy9iWvhnVHgsGy_V0JW8pjv1_fVivMDI1VYRJ6g3wj-P25yuiqyIlJc7FOHDTePOiXP7IzF0vrBsaVGFacbTe6NDNy7t7TZsniztTvQDCwBhK72aJMSb9RInQVCvz/s1555/IMG_5792.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmUBtW5ooaCq61vu-b_fTdE201xK3cb9SLQEYIGWnpj4GTQYjsblOBWa2hzxq2F-Zy9iWvhnVHgsGy_V0JW8pjv1_fVivMDI1VYRJ6g3wj-P25yuiqyIlJc7FOHDTePOiXP7IzF0vrBsaVGFacbTe6NDNy7t7TZsniztTvQDCwBhK72aJMSb9RInQVCvz/w400-h300/IMG_5792.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Quite a lot of engineBlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-10094583778990925542024-01-30T19:25:00.000+00:002024-01-30T19:25:38.522+00:00Ground Clearance - It's A Good Thing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzM4kDGRhIOR0Ul6C5L5cbLDqqrSw86kPB7f5pRTIOpZn09rVqo3XXe5K1qWe881SU2PY5WqEwdsb5dnUfiCdsvuQ6xjibR3i5WNlQL4QV2cRbY_TDJzbahf2XVt4nLnB-IP7S7R7UttRYaFos2nqAJAKw62ZFNau0zCjsZd914bCTJv5pnktGNK-7cGjW/s4080/IMG_20240128_151611987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="4080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzM4kDGRhIOR0Ul6C5L5cbLDqqrSw86kPB7f5pRTIOpZn09rVqo3XXe5K1qWe881SU2PY5WqEwdsb5dnUfiCdsvuQ6xjibR3i5WNlQL4QV2cRbY_TDJzbahf2XVt4nLnB-IP7S7R7UttRYaFos2nqAJAKw62ZFNau0zCjsZd914bCTJv5pnktGNK-7cGjW/w400-h180/IMG_20240128_151611987.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Firstly the titanium skid plates are fitted on both trailing arms, painted & ready to fend off anything that comes their way. Also the newly refurbed Protech shocks are back on the car, with the the brass spacers my lovely girlfriend re-drilled on my Brother's lathe. They had been bored to 1/2", so when fitted to a 1/2" bolt they seized on just enough to stop the bolt coming out at all, meaning I had to take the trailing arm off the car & put the whole thing in a vice to get some proper pressure on them. Shouldn't be a problem now they're 13mm bore (sigh).<br /><p></p><p>Also getting done this week, was the Panhard rod. It's been a bone of contention since I bough the car. Jeremy Phillips designed a beautifully elegant Panhard rod chassis mount, a previous owner decided they knew better & welded on an ugly fork fitting which hit the ground at regular intervals. I suspect this is the reason the car had REALLY stiff springs on the back. I'd already shortened it by an inch, but it was still catching the ground at full bump. A look from the side showed it was bent & ground off at an angle by asphalt the length & breadth of the UK. It was only a matter of time before it either got ripped out of the car, or started grinding away the rod end.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJY8WsSkyypzOs21W5QEFpOrTcffLGDYCF3nVI9E5nm4GuCtbAnByLi0tevF9-2JadREq7nZwK1F7vDdDJV_1vMkPLVN-Kx4m4UJkdKPrKAadRNDU5euhyrL_PGudoyXGa2PYzEq1N66pIkkQYQhkvCMYlcTTyUTfzpbVcRVzDJ7OodXm6gE6oRj30ApC/s3033/IMG_20240130_171841317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3033" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJY8WsSkyypzOs21W5QEFpOrTcffLGDYCF3nVI9E5nm4GuCtbAnByLi0tevF9-2JadREq7nZwK1F7vDdDJV_1vMkPLVN-Kx4m4UJkdKPrKAadRNDU5euhyrL_PGudoyXGa2PYzEq1N66pIkkQYQhkvCMYlcTTyUTfzpbVcRVzDJ7OodXm6gE6oRj30ApC/w242-h400/IMG_20240130_171841317.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>It looked like it might be easy, there was already a big bolt through the original hole in the rear bulkhead & the bracket - presumably someone didn't entirely trust their welding. All I needed to do was put a 2degree bend in the Panhard rod & bolt it on as JP had intended. No, the big bolt that came out looked different because it was an M12. The reason for that was because the 1/2" hole in the bracket & the 1/2" hole in the chassis didn't quite align. There wasn't space to drill or ream it from the inside of the car & I didn't want to start from the outside because the cutter would be pulled into line with the 3/8" thick bracket.<p></p><p>I called into the fantastic Margnor Fasteners & bought a 1/2" UNF bolt 6 1/2" long & took it straight to my Brother's, where I turned the head off the bolt & turned it down to 12mm & cut an M12 thread on it, I now has a shaft with a 1/2"parallel section for the rose joint, a 1/2"UNF thread on that end, a step & a 12mm dia section for the chassis & an M12 thread on the other. It fitted perfectly, so I cut the horrible fork bracket off & bolted the Panhard rod up. At full droop, there was 1/4" clearance between the Panhard rod & the diff & everything lined up nicely. As a bonus there's much more clearance around the shock absorber - it was a bit close to the old bracket.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkp4nsMfDcv_rBudN4YN_U7-0DlBgGHSsFAunYMHEP7LeHMNic0ev1ogHV74RcpLcEWic1HruOs-mkM0Jy_t4Kx2ZxGhqcXqXYwWRr3C6jYIipqNj-O0S7YT0i9TMV2OPMwxTzvwZ-d3RAabePlpYjO1j9J7DVBeEDib6ySG-Lk3lqSv0Ee2Yepo1WmQdC/s4080/IMG_20240130_174043314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="4080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkp4nsMfDcv_rBudN4YN_U7-0DlBgGHSsFAunYMHEP7LeHMNic0ev1ogHV74RcpLcEWic1HruOs-mkM0Jy_t4Kx2ZxGhqcXqXYwWRr3C6jYIipqNj-O0S7YT0i9TMV2OPMwxTzvwZ-d3RAabePlpYjO1j9J7DVBeEDib6ySG-Lk3lqSv0Ee2Yepo1WmQdC/w400-h180/IMG_20240130_174043314.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The car is now back on it's wheels, but looks a little high. I'll leave it a day or two to settle before I start adjusting things.<p></p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-14247351188149241222024-01-23T19:31:00.001+00:002024-01-23T19:31:29.368+00:00New Year<p> For the reasons expanded upon in the first of this year's posts (& because it's been 'kin chilly), not much has happened in the garage, but there are stirrings.</p><p>This evening I've re-built the shocks ready to go back on the car & done something about the rear trailing arms. They pass under the axle to both connect to it & the rear shocks. this means they're not far from the road. Unlike the Panhard rod bracket, they move with the axle, so only hit the ground if for example a wheel drops off the paved surface into a gully. They have however got quite scraped up since they were painted only a year ago. So the solution was to make up a pair of titanium skid plates.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpD49PeFgOs0ghPyJ9FS4neL_QF7mmx3kp9OXy5s_vu2dAuMc-RWW0MPUGXWv0NDQafkYzq21T9N0vjofetsLU92f70G2D0qZeByawhE_NCXiEBaZulgmFaZJcp15wCFwFMy9oHTL0r2hxsxLp9Bj4ntTnBGEVhfUZDudhGBbnmomFrEDpDh1s3c7Ue93s/s4080/IMG_20240123_181713639_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="4080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpD49PeFgOs0ghPyJ9FS4neL_QF7mmx3kp9OXy5s_vu2dAuMc-RWW0MPUGXWv0NDQafkYzq21T9N0vjofetsLU92f70G2D0qZeByawhE_NCXiEBaZulgmFaZJcp15wCFwFMy9oHTL0r2hxsxLp9Bj4ntTnBGEVhfUZDudhGBbnmomFrEDpDh1s3c7Ue93s/w400-h180/IMG_20240123_181713639_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I've only done the first one as the other is still on the car, but it's bonded on with tiger seal & has four chicken rivets just in case. So next time a wheel drops off a kerb there could be an impressive shower of sparks.<br /><p><br /></p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-10243835020812809072024-01-17T21:08:00.004+00:002024-01-17T21:11:45.110+00:00Protech Shocks Recommendation - Again<p> Last year I took the Stylus' front shocks back to the makers - Protech - for a re-build as the front suspension was clicking as the rocker arms changed direction. I was very impressed both with the service (both shocks re-built while I waited) & the price. As I'm messing with the rear suspension this year I arranged to take the rear pair in. I called them up "would you be able to service them this afternoon while I wait?" "yes sir I should think so". We agreed a price & I set off at lunch time, arriving at Melksham about 1:45.</p><p>I explained that I'd had to free off the adjusters as they were stuck & that they'd been set up for track use, so I wanted them re-valved to factory settings, then set off in search of coffee & cake.</p><p>Around 3:00ish the phone went with a message that the shocks were ready to pick up. I drove back to collect them & the chap said "We've had a bit of a 'mare with these, the adjusters were seized onto the brass valves which were seized into the bodies. We've sorted it all out, but we've had to put on all new bodies, adjusters, etc as well as all the seals & oil, so you've really got a new pair of shocks, only the top mounts & shaft are left"</p><p>I took a deep breath "OK, how much do I owe you then?"</p><p>"Oh there's no change to the price we agreed"</p><p>It's not often you get service like that. It's even rarer in the specialist car parts market.</p><p>Some years ago I replaced the factory Spax shocks on the Fury with a set of Protechs & immediately noticed a difference - I'm not the Stig & things really have to be noticeable for me to notice. Many people who passinged & followed that car commented on how it seemed to float on it's suspension - while still cornering like a bastard.</p><p>I was very pleased indeed when I found out the Stylus also had Protech shocks. So I was already impressed by the product, but on both occasions I've returned shocks for re-build, the service has been fantastic. I can't say fairer than that.</p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-38982819303029740382024-01-17T20:46:00.002+00:002024-01-17T20:46:36.073+00:00New Year - New Post<p>There's not been too much going on car-wise to report. That's not to say nothing's been happening elsewhere in my life, I've actually been very busy, I had a long weekend in Yorkshire with M'Girlfriend, Northumberland with M'Girlfriend, Wells with M'Girlfriend. We had days out to museums many & various & it's all been very very lovely. But today I shall report on the Brooklands New Year's Day Meet - that I attended with M'Girlfriend.</p><p>Open to anything interesting (at least more interesting than the Cactus), the event is very good except that they charge everyone - even those bringing "exhibits" full entrance fee - which is a bit of a cheek as Brooklands is very expensive to get into & would be deserted on New Year's Day if it weren't for the meet cars.</p><p>However, it's a museum, so we <i>would</i> be spending the whole day there & would only leave when even the souvenir shop had shut.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1Mllt4GYykLxN1PW_xT0GlkgqGLyDenYVEXLpWlXGiu7P14BQR1_LsyId7Zv7qSmVJZrTfSQgccXuHLfhm3kQAP_NjXF3faLWkfrsjsZnRhzfyoXs9uWXpLL2Agf7_xVVCUYKalJAvimsNlLOfnq3smTAlZdgn9Z3l2iLLM41SBvyCO8pXQeXavxv3bJ/s1555/IMG_5578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1Mllt4GYykLxN1PW_xT0GlkgqGLyDenYVEXLpWlXGiu7P14BQR1_LsyId7Zv7qSmVJZrTfSQgccXuHLfhm3kQAP_NjXF3faLWkfrsjsZnRhzfyoXs9uWXpLL2Agf7_xVVCUYKalJAvimsNlLOfnq3smTAlZdgn9Z3l2iLLM41SBvyCO8pXQeXavxv3bJ/w400-h300/IMG_5578.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As soon as we cleared the entrance hut the cars were lined up, with Hot Rods to the fore.<div><br /></div><div>A black '40 Ford Pickup & a '33 Ford Tudor. Being British we tend to pronounce this "Chewda" as in Henry VIII, but it's a two door & the four door version was called a Fordor, so I suppose it should be pronounced Twodor.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WseEZFHI_vJh2UliTHhkgziG4x3UqjMOOh2rt530aGK8BpApwc8mFUH0L9vgZ8qFn2c9IH36j597b2-ZlC2-MsTPDkMI_b1-VHRl2kCWUBkFdDalvdeS7rEdZZ_o6Hxo5MZRHXRRy48GZL_i1FY2ROPjNRaU9U5l6dp4XJk-l8-b9As6YWUMr0yHyuGR/s1555/IMG_5579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WseEZFHI_vJh2UliTHhkgziG4x3UqjMOOh2rt530aGK8BpApwc8mFUH0L9vgZ8qFn2c9IH36j597b2-ZlC2-MsTPDkMI_b1-VHRl2kCWUBkFdDalvdeS7rEdZZ_o6Hxo5MZRHXRRy48GZL_i1FY2ROPjNRaU9U5l6dp4XJk-l8-b9As6YWUMr0yHyuGR/w400-h300/IMG_5579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Still in the subject of UK / US pronunciation, this is a Merc.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not in fact a Mercedes, but a Mercury - Ford's up-market brand. It's been chopped & lowered, shaved, skirts added etc, so it's not how it left the factory, but it is a thing of beauty.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpKVrZPnyW5dUjTKo_WyvLLm-aSu75YvlA61E6AdvjRIXZ94Axk7iKgMvCoVgzGv8HafmnlPBuEvXi1dJ2wOGxkqY5fYHIW50RvNdji7h6QNoTxa4LRmXaFmkOsdjNrkGTIm9GpsvFaLJo7dpDUgCaTN1zNowOpIGEoH2JeTPRNAZADzzuReoPzXvWlGZ/s1555/IMG_5580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpKVrZPnyW5dUjTKo_WyvLLm-aSu75YvlA61E6AdvjRIXZ94Axk7iKgMvCoVgzGv8HafmnlPBuEvXi1dJ2wOGxkqY5fYHIW50RvNdji7h6QNoTxa4LRmXaFmkOsdjNrkGTIm9GpsvFaLJo7dpDUgCaTN1zNowOpIGEoH2JeTPRNAZADzzuReoPzXvWlGZ/w400-h300/IMG_5580.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Borgward it said.</div><div><br /></div><div>Never heard of a Borgward. It's German & has dollops of Volvo coupe & Karmann Ghia in it's styling.</div><div><br /></div><div>It would make a spectacular lead sled.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebxefBnhVowU_Bc63A7IWzNkyFLj5_byqW9cTrrzTLRRcFP3KDzJPFVGy6nvCWjudOzb9LT2Q9lWlSBAr8BY4NzoUjJGISH7C6zMpO6QrTK_YR1OHH6oPi_7fWS4y-9MhGcE6hG7XD9QgQQi52oC5RF-o1MFYVmhm3NrwpKoiARmkEqCzL4Sby2mRLZx8/s1555/IMG_5581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebxefBnhVowU_Bc63A7IWzNkyFLj5_byqW9cTrrzTLRRcFP3KDzJPFVGy6nvCWjudOzb9LT2Q9lWlSBAr8BY4NzoUjJGISH7C6zMpO6QrTK_YR1OHH6oPi_7fWS4y-9MhGcE6hG7XD9QgQQi52oC5RF-o1MFYVmhm3NrwpKoiARmkEqCzL4Sby2mRLZx8/w400-h300/IMG_5581.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Nice Anglia.</div><div>Simple.</div><div>Lotus Cortina wheels & lowered a little.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrttskLVtUZHv-yNIJiHhWfEG0F6png62jmhYNAe5Folec0fEDCNQ3ykXQERwxyT-6u3EP9NSrqWNMMO7BYLWYFZ26IEskV1skki2TQ3UoXzC8rZHzUwKl-vzg3al_JxuYHXeBYWmd9ZxxXlBjuBpeKdcX97dRru5KCvvnpzRRYFq6n1bbE3MX4WafieqN/s1555/IMG_5584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrttskLVtUZHv-yNIJiHhWfEG0F6png62jmhYNAe5Folec0fEDCNQ3ykXQERwxyT-6u3EP9NSrqWNMMO7BYLWYFZ26IEskV1skki2TQ3UoXzC8rZHzUwKl-vzg3al_JxuYHXeBYWmd9ZxxXlBjuBpeKdcX97dRru5KCvvnpzRRYFq6n1bbE3MX4WafieqN/w400-h300/IMG_5584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lancia? it was very very nice & just modified enough.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqLrA6QfGmzHpd0Tiv4_m3aVdlyy4YqkByrKFCc9TylhcTiOSdTro6dzhvpenxMACsXn-Bx-HhpmhkdbiL5v3mt8Lpe4ut-YagQuaDyHiSSh4V-tuNXoT2CTQNdZln8mjasTHPTbQD7_Ge6bRUNejd_SecnvV2ilvqJI0x_t9JvsH9k77Y8RumzdzNKWe/s1555/IMG_5587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqLrA6QfGmzHpd0Tiv4_m3aVdlyy4YqkByrKFCc9TylhcTiOSdTro6dzhvpenxMACsXn-Bx-HhpmhkdbiL5v3mt8Lpe4ut-YagQuaDyHiSSh4V-tuNXoT2CTQNdZln8mjasTHPTbQD7_Ge6bRUNejd_SecnvV2ilvqJI0x_t9JvsH9k77Y8RumzdzNKWe/w400-h300/IMG_5587.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Nicely modified NSU Prinz.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not sure I've ever typed those words before.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfvzIH7ZAnPZYCekK390akG97p0oWO6e-ul4-Ue1f6nHIiPP8_hiD452baesh2A6kBcDqQmlIhQ50fJ3cuzQNiiew9q1HXTXQC3w-EQX2MHurDH7kdgEvlWNouUL1NNqlLLn2Kx6vyqbhtiMuVT9Vt7gC__0YV1rcw_rihp2ZEqCI9M_Kzhbz0P3h2XM2/s1555/IMG_5588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHfvzIH7ZAnPZYCekK390akG97p0oWO6e-ul4-Ue1f6nHIiPP8_hiD452baesh2A6kBcDqQmlIhQ50fJ3cuzQNiiew9q1HXTXQC3w-EQX2MHurDH7kdgEvlWNouUL1NNqlLLn2Kx6vyqbhtiMuVT9Vt7gC__0YV1rcw_rihp2ZEqCI9M_Kzhbz0P3h2XM2/w400-h300/IMG_5588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Outside the main building was a collection of '30s cars - mostly British. This MG was nice<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlNcfNWd27hZVu_Kd5JTuGSkp5ba1E6o0knDS61KejVSVX5HBlGTE7KNqvQBigdWfXsJrmP81-zLv36668SR9Ik3UscR2gnGgIojCs3B-8QYPt00bEA6PcRcsdv6qP3pbY1q7z4h7GrNioUOqpD1QZrfAx7JLmqXe-360v_spC8fky61mQyrG8DcHBHnd/s1555/IMG_5589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlNcfNWd27hZVu_Kd5JTuGSkp5ba1E6o0knDS61KejVSVX5HBlGTE7KNqvQBigdWfXsJrmP81-zLv36668SR9Ik3UscR2gnGgIojCs3B-8QYPt00bEA6PcRcsdv6qP3pbY1q7z4h7GrNioUOqpD1QZrfAx7JLmqXe-360v_spC8fky61mQyrG8DcHBHnd/w400-h300/IMG_5589.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This (what ever it was) was nicer, it just had a better look to it<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ451uCANdbsbAeCFBP1NqAfo-6DUrZdbgxpRlzc5mHFvTskCc4SKO3h6atd8CxP2-C_AJCp3-h6urBgNjy5AWCA5wX3V3ZXuoy_idGwE25OV4y7faGSLEzZP2aeyMPHxfDhUh6Lch7DjMrmTCl9ybROTjcpL6MBvZ3vya3LctIDGrFiktPfozcYzRCN1/s1555/IMG_5590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGZ451uCANdbsbAeCFBP1NqAfo-6DUrZdbgxpRlzc5mHFvTskCc4SKO3h6atd8CxP2-C_AJCp3-h6urBgNjy5AWCA5wX3V3ZXuoy_idGwE25OV4y7faGSLEzZP2aeyMPHxfDhUh6Lch7DjMrmTCl9ybROTjcpL6MBvZ3vya3LctIDGrFiktPfozcYzRCN1/w400-h300/IMG_5590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>One of those cars that goes so far off the ugly scale, it comes back to beautiful from the other direction. The saggy windows REALLY shouldn't work, neither should the colours, but somehow they just do<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnPlG7CfU5buDG9NK7H4sjgwud-F9CgTffLz3zg91ZXULMbtZ88Zb97HS4gvqP4NtNeU2NudFKcTPj6uSELQJEIRfEa3qWI28U3Q3NTuOUtU-zxiajA8v4sTJbsPNR9tOcgJUSH3iG1LOBdlV4-xiRYslVafFk2MDrRPti_KAzVH9gEPsoHSJ1qMda9b7/s1555/IMG_5593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnPlG7CfU5buDG9NK7H4sjgwud-F9CgTffLz3zg91ZXULMbtZ88Zb97HS4gvqP4NtNeU2NudFKcTPj6uSELQJEIRfEa3qWI28U3Q3NTuOUtU-zxiajA8v4sTJbsPNR9tOcgJUSH3iG1LOBdlV4-xiRYslVafFk2MDrRPti_KAzVH9gEPsoHSJ1qMda9b7/w400-h300/IMG_5593.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A Bristol.</div><div><br /></div><div>As with most Bristols, it almost looks really good, but somehow just misses.</div><div><br /></div><div>Things like the top line of the boot not aligning with the rear window annoy me out of all proportion to the visual effect.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfhgKV7CTwEUU4Cwhfx3D_Nc7_IcZ4891JZbwA7YBQn8cyzeuqfW9_Qmon3UIAQSM6SqZ3ceTgNWTj_7UvToRcv7CLuEnvhe07wXPq3kKhJ_UXemFRaLw0kcD90i-XWt8XXoD3pZGBA6U4S976kF46l6fRUanamUUfYwXAlPAEQU13ADkkHyMo5X8Sx7R/s1555/IMG_5595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfhgKV7CTwEUU4Cwhfx3D_Nc7_IcZ4891JZbwA7YBQn8cyzeuqfW9_Qmon3UIAQSM6SqZ3ceTgNWTj_7UvToRcv7CLuEnvhe07wXPq3kKhJ_UXemFRaLw0kcD90i-XWt8XXoD3pZGBA6U4S976kF46l6fRUanamUUfYwXAlPAEQU13ADkkHyMo5X8Sx7R/w400-h300/IMG_5595.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>There was a time when these cars simply WOULD NOT be seen next to each other, each of their owners would rather poke wasps up their ar5e. But time mellows.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIcyNEmVUbO7Szl2ySE-MECqyaK9y2MCybN4CIABLti4PTlYhPHsxfYEgirmNgkK0Y9XuoHoVBn1j7hP0hHp7DnciQCtc3JuUhKHkQ8hlkVAgSo35_Lx05WU0bpax3K7RgdxZjv7DATA5MBYHVgKzZdeE_vci4uQJaAPdjzBYWwgiEA9QHcqERhdAnqEP/s1555/IMG_5596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIcyNEmVUbO7Szl2ySE-MECqyaK9y2MCybN4CIABLti4PTlYhPHsxfYEgirmNgkK0Y9XuoHoVBn1j7hP0hHp7DnciQCtc3JuUhKHkQ8hlkVAgSo35_Lx05WU0bpax3K7RgdxZjv7DATA5MBYHVgKzZdeE_vci4uQJaAPdjzBYWwgiEA9QHcqERhdAnqEP/w400-h300/IMG_5596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A GT40 is always welcome at any event, this very retro one was lovely<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIC37oyr38z4tVF4x49dwG1udeiZs3zSB3Gs0S8Mqm-gudGaqj1KFCyWsKtDzgL11gSEQ_WhF9ZyEI3hfM7jNWFf9D08MQyxRUVQds_FDC6dS_v9xl1Nfu40Op41IgcCrDTVvbctwPD8JDwRwG5kMI6lCkSnsxoZSBzcF2w9QIk1X_aAfuVyEWFCUlUapZ/s1555/IMG_5597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIC37oyr38z4tVF4x49dwG1udeiZs3zSB3Gs0S8Mqm-gudGaqj1KFCyWsKtDzgL11gSEQ_WhF9ZyEI3hfM7jNWFf9D08MQyxRUVQds_FDC6dS_v9xl1Nfu40Op41IgcCrDTVvbctwPD8JDwRwG5kMI6lCkSnsxoZSBzcF2w9QIk1X_aAfuVyEWFCUlUapZ/w400-h300/IMG_5597.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I wonder how many bog standard '57 Chevys there are left? Not many I'd wager<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tg-9vUUy9GH9sMatfctYDC0RvLxfevC-vpVtEEiVrXoUmXuBtg8ad4PJ0R1qxgGz5nuFaTKpv0DBCMf4aEZzKeFOhlZv4TVZpQGAU6zAlLn4ZC5fr9TOG-B0N5x-FZhCqcfYXKtRmJypAvbQayVmilIPaJapKoQ6A7ToveltCGGD9TgDCYMoGeqytnze/s1555/IMG_5598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tg-9vUUy9GH9sMatfctYDC0RvLxfevC-vpVtEEiVrXoUmXuBtg8ad4PJ0R1qxgGz5nuFaTKpv0DBCMf4aEZzKeFOhlZv4TVZpQGAU6zAlLn4ZC5fr9TOG-B0N5x-FZhCqcfYXKtRmJypAvbQayVmilIPaJapKoQ6A7ToveltCGGD9TgDCYMoGeqytnze/w400-h300/IMG_5598.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This one had the "Continental Kit" spare wheel carrier & the owner had wisely moved the exhaust outlets from through the bumper (where it just rusts the steel off the inside of the chrome) to just beneath the bumper<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fxNAjbFKa1QgMJ94xdSTBQvnWG5yV6SyzYGSS95T5-9d0ekrD9ujEXrJKDfT6uMyzWtBsxGTB4NoNHsLK9p3yBV87X9yRGt_N4uRatOpd0rygoINtNpl13KUDVazscOQyrWwUiUPV9eatLsu4p6uHIgiy7D0x6e0A4xDIyO8EwTU7yRtqclJ6iCTokb9/s1555/IMG_5599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fxNAjbFKa1QgMJ94xdSTBQvnWG5yV6SyzYGSS95T5-9d0ekrD9ujEXrJKDfT6uMyzWtBsxGTB4NoNHsLK9p3yBV87X9yRGt_N4uRatOpd0rygoINtNpl13KUDVazscOQyrWwUiUPV9eatLsu4p6uHIgiy7D0x6e0A4xDIyO8EwTU7yRtqclJ6iCTokb9/w400-h300/IMG_5599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Will there ever be a better looking "family car"?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVotQiehSZGqW68RRmE8hIvPLMI6XPnYQyjf1yhkfnPYBvbvifwVkaUubCeMioMn0EJLR6oktxYWddnZWW6D7wJAGgF6pWQq7UU1Dif-yAk6ciyNmn4LL1x9IzzMMa2C0BUHk19SvLrHSI46Oug5s0Bc6crFrgyp-wjNqzKBx_plt4_XhPWTWKgYw7V_Uo/s1555/IMG_5601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVotQiehSZGqW68RRmE8hIvPLMI6XPnYQyjf1yhkfnPYBvbvifwVkaUubCeMioMn0EJLR6oktxYWddnZWW6D7wJAGgF6pWQq7UU1Dif-yAk6ciyNmn4LL1x9IzzMMa2C0BUHk19SvLrHSI46Oug5s0Bc6crFrgyp-wjNqzKBx_plt4_XhPWTWKgYw7V_Uo/w400-h300/IMG_5601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Looks like it fell off a scrap wagon, sounds like thunder in the mountains. Just superb.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2pb3R_KJLp20nQLMO9gD9SxJFHjeKaLMU97yLdZGrHjZc68UEmDdd1RKSQC6M6UjEmSC0CaMDU1O25ryae4sVmWc-oumXLniZjwqI9EKUykJJvb6ytPUoWEL-4dT0ZTTAFc9jmPf3su7rPk20-ZxsPBtF_aoxAMqxjdii-gKUpT0uC6ElESM1zULCMgR/s1555/IMG_5602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2pb3R_KJLp20nQLMO9gD9SxJFHjeKaLMU97yLdZGrHjZc68UEmDdd1RKSQC6M6UjEmSC0CaMDU1O25ryae4sVmWc-oumXLniZjwqI9EKUykJJvb6ytPUoWEL-4dT0ZTTAFc9jmPf3su7rPk20-ZxsPBtF_aoxAMqxjdii-gKUpT0uC6ElESM1zULCMgR/w400-h300/IMG_5602.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Hmm - Weirdness on wheels. The paler one is a Thunderbird. The mid '50s T'birds were gorgeous, what the hell happened?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn_l22QUwj4n89TRatwwhkPuxtAhV79D8AncpBub2COGcQ4Bb5mZUGeFZ_thg8lQWh43aeAZHG1lwP1OTl16FfASshBkyfhNHDDWnQZ9hM6lIXEuQ0dnx0R10dubyxeMLJadkIDlPdb_K0_BsbDev5G6bdT2jofu5v9C1VCivAckNKndCAwAfDP1pSNzq/s1555/IMG_5604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOn_l22QUwj4n89TRatwwhkPuxtAhV79D8AncpBub2COGcQ4Bb5mZUGeFZ_thg8lQWh43aeAZHG1lwP1OTl16FfASshBkyfhNHDDWnQZ9hM6lIXEuQ0dnx0R10dubyxeMLJadkIDlPdb_K0_BsbDev5G6bdT2jofu5v9C1VCivAckNKndCAwAfDP1pSNzq/w400-h300/IMG_5604.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Genesis.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Chevrolet Suburban is now a leviathan SUV & is more guilty than most of starting the appalling obsession for enormous rolling blights on the landscape, but here we see where it all began with a reasonably pretty small (by American standards) estate car.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM8xeYIbwC4-5EB8r22MYfaKIrts0kiNci0Kc1CKXhGmB70vSaH8Hw2vwPWTiJloJ_IyUNUuq0IOtYUN27o7rttW5UR-SI-jXaYvUHZelQPzqgjof0F5wF8e1smNYGeTHgRXDu12qYDnKwvNCyE9h0_dMqbhNTdMwSiXvfEy4N82byhEYpxHpFvB6qdm8/s1555/IMG_5607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM8xeYIbwC4-5EB8r22MYfaKIrts0kiNci0Kc1CKXhGmB70vSaH8Hw2vwPWTiJloJ_IyUNUuq0IOtYUN27o7rttW5UR-SI-jXaYvUHZelQPzqgjof0F5wF8e1smNYGeTHgRXDu12qYDnKwvNCyE9h0_dMqbhNTdMwSiXvfEy4N82byhEYpxHpFvB6qdm8/w400-h300/IMG_5607.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>'33 with a LOT of engine going on. Beautifully engineered too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPww2Ayt2ZSBb_sLIWUECR1_2k7zxULOaSPdR5Cffp0R1pNRWyn49rIv1XwKm-uUqm8g9Oe4UkeomBA3UQk2n1oLTYND5AwudJIQRmEGl0tTt0KWZjPzTudbCNDszQEl9LuseajOIpUO1Wujo6QNAk9UCaOKhxfEOHPvyq-H6KvJm1kqcuL5Fp3k5a9fSY/s1555/IMG_5608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPww2Ayt2ZSBb_sLIWUECR1_2k7zxULOaSPdR5Cffp0R1pNRWyn49rIv1XwKm-uUqm8g9Oe4UkeomBA3UQk2n1oLTYND5AwudJIQRmEGl0tTt0KWZjPzTudbCNDszQEl9LuseajOIpUO1Wujo6QNAk9UCaOKhxfEOHPvyq-H6KvJm1kqcuL5Fp3k5a9fSY/w400-h300/IMG_5608.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And at the other end of the scale ....</div><div><br /></div><div>Not what it seems at all, this is an Allegro shell dropped over a VW beetle floor pan.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the words of Dolly Parton "It costs a lot of money to look this cheap"<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwX2-hJutvbkvY2qFnFqpc3vbMb2lrHTH6_7WIMAUciRrhC3sy1fF2lLso8J_tydEeW-9tACilfNLIiLWTEvC0qRyj_SxqrLw_V3amAB1KuKM9VW3zTHqvBPPUtl7OHIR89rNlJBXwQ5wG9tBVPwn7YR6yd05pR7LKZ191OexTynMX4Yi_9l89G52yZt6/s1555/IMG_5610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwX2-hJutvbkvY2qFnFqpc3vbMb2lrHTH6_7WIMAUciRrhC3sy1fF2lLso8J_tydEeW-9tACilfNLIiLWTEvC0qRyj_SxqrLw_V3amAB1KuKM9VW3zTHqvBPPUtl7OHIR89rNlJBXwQ5wG9tBVPwn7YR6yd05pR7LKZ191OexTynMX4Yi_9l89G52yZt6/w400-h300/IMG_5610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Not many MkII Zodiac soft tops left, or Consul Capris for that matter.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj4OTzwpziDQfzU3Vcr7XmKo79j22h-0y7VNl5C27tf6esqw74G2z0YMNekEQ8Wkrm-vRzZLHMNxNFqNHC6P5ZIK89tKFtA8IW-dUwK1zL_2YuNZjojmCrWbj_fORacbIBlaOLlssIgCwSPH1BqrD25uABDhTAkA_xvrnVIIhH6WncU68ph1S0bfrgdKp/s1555/IMG_5611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwj4OTzwpziDQfzU3Vcr7XmKo79j22h-0y7VNl5C27tf6esqw74G2z0YMNekEQ8Wkrm-vRzZLHMNxNFqNHC6P5ZIK89tKFtA8IW-dUwK1zL_2YuNZjojmCrWbj_fORacbIBlaOLlssIgCwSPH1BqrD25uABDhTAkA_xvrnVIIhH6WncU68ph1S0bfrgdKp/w400-h300/IMG_5611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Every thing I said about the yellow one - again.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepb3_KnbNVzSvVE5loy0qSlnN5tfGqM9oIbUquy4yT_Hc3OxR2lKrfBJiV2d36YglJn8_Qa_AF_wNVABJF3p5Tt5T4f-33yyqyHGiNZuIzGjjK7UCWSCpYyeirwQTghFrxL6J-8ruY14vRrzshBot-I4nuzmCPDYt3lVn0wFDs-nRbB0RhQ7Q44IKVrQn/s1555/IMG_5612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepb3_KnbNVzSvVE5loy0qSlnN5tfGqM9oIbUquy4yT_Hc3OxR2lKrfBJiV2d36YglJn8_Qa_AF_wNVABJF3p5Tt5T4f-33yyqyHGiNZuIzGjjK7UCWSCpYyeirwQTghFrxL6J-8ruY14vRrzshBot-I4nuzmCPDYt3lVn0wFDs-nRbB0RhQ7Q44IKVrQn/w400-h300/IMG_5612.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Might be the same type of Bristol as above? But canary yellow? Really?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUUq74-qwDANs6xQLmee2mM6rYKIK9wo1cuOKh7c4zSX2ySdT9lRRFbau8s2rk_Pp89ntASGL8BG9EHRpEt6jx7RV4Yw5DUG2LTpf_9C6VVyAVSehYVmnSizMIuXJMxfSQ3gfg_MJWhXS7gcMN1A82F6BdabhPGbgc75SwvFqtgz6VImeBt5c_fFcR-yh/s1555/IMG_5614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUUq74-qwDANs6xQLmee2mM6rYKIK9wo1cuOKh7c4zSX2ySdT9lRRFbau8s2rk_Pp89ntASGL8BG9EHRpEt6jx7RV4Yw5DUG2LTpf_9C6VVyAVSehYVmnSizMIuXJMxfSQ3gfg_MJWhXS7gcMN1A82F6BdabhPGbgc75SwvFqtgz6VImeBt5c_fFcR-yh/w400-h300/IMG_5614.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Normally referred to as a "Devon" that name only really applies to the four door, which makes this a Dorset (I think - maybe a Somerset).</div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever, I really liked this, it had been pushed just about as far as you could go without looking ridiculous. Put lairy paint on it & it go right over, but plain old English white pulls it back. Even the '59 Cadillac tail lights look right.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LpyLao_O6ZvNphYAFWOPQDsKRcSHsvEvzokEF72P2Apic0JD5LW8aiNDyGRD5Fspfwm_HTWxDtWWjwXwpsMf5DCwdfzW4YJ2yNQGA7M59THxqwqa4iROFnLsu_DMjvABsxZ__dbMJ9sVFzx3JhkdlWvLDzTxjo2OaeUYe5vo9obIWsjibIGE0uaE74Jv/s1555/IMG_5615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LpyLao_O6ZvNphYAFWOPQDsKRcSHsvEvzokEF72P2Apic0JD5LW8aiNDyGRD5Fspfwm_HTWxDtWWjwXwpsMf5DCwdfzW4YJ2yNQGA7M59THxqwqa4iROFnLsu_DMjvABsxZ__dbMJ9sVFzx3JhkdlWvLDzTxjo2OaeUYe5vo9obIWsjibIGE0uaE74Jv/w400-h300/IMG_5615.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYnKYaauub51hnWrqA8pZFNcDrJWExNucFz17srLDnZfK6ArQqmuCewsgrO1dDcO3oDuT6tJm61xuxLtPHrVtYMLMMVHyYbLyCyz360EYPgPuIAl3aywKFbWERhtiKtLYKkhhW1r4XFL1wTwuoyAoSF1u4OMLO27sagjE9Qep79Rp8GmOHpq6heN9DQFk/s1555/IMG_5616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYnKYaauub51hnWrqA8pZFNcDrJWExNucFz17srLDnZfK6ArQqmuCewsgrO1dDcO3oDuT6tJm61xuxLtPHrVtYMLMMVHyYbLyCyz360EYPgPuIAl3aywKFbWERhtiKtLYKkhhW1r4XFL1wTwuoyAoSF1u4OMLO27sagjE9Qep79Rp8GmOHpq6heN9DQFk/w400-h300/IMG_5616.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig_QxCD9bHqDa6PVtvB1gnCDUyUvADGB2WE8QbKGwkHTJBeIINN_YHlklc996gaPE5Wkb_sdJW6JS7D2APGSQ7pVQk07ykQ7QQLcPxQodOMzxroAYOtUVqc3ddpBGE3A652RxjenTCwtLjcfKb793aC3TZq6buTOSEJGS6xU6yWsDR2sIiJE-63e7L-Ov/s1555/IMG_5618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhig_QxCD9bHqDa6PVtvB1gnCDUyUvADGB2WE8QbKGwkHTJBeIINN_YHlklc996gaPE5Wkb_sdJW6JS7D2APGSQ7pVQk07ykQ7QQLcPxQodOMzxroAYOtUVqc3ddpBGE3A652RxjenTCwtLjcfKb793aC3TZq6buTOSEJGS6xU6yWsDR2sIiJE-63e7L-Ov/w400-h300/IMG_5618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lincoln Zephyr.</div><div>Lincoln was another of Ford's premier brands & in recent years hot rodders have discovered the unloved relic from the '30s & given it a new lease of swoopy life. This one looks like it's about to get some paint, but a big thumbs up to whoever bought it along.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGewI0aPSwrExkcdkwGl0QL8D24mwADUyxuUFvgT7_n-v3NEblgbmo756Et9tICZEAgF-FeoOpwfYTWgtuLgT4TbDwxhpaidnYHk8TxXcSMc-noV_unB5Z2LJgFufNSHG8NoB42F3Xy4YXlDyTOArL2SMLx5odpOlUHwEbrpajRvBis_LjoXg4ywJXhSb9/s1555/IMG_5620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGewI0aPSwrExkcdkwGl0QL8D24mwADUyxuUFvgT7_n-v3NEblgbmo756Et9tICZEAgF-FeoOpwfYTWgtuLgT4TbDwxhpaidnYHk8TxXcSMc-noV_unB5Z2LJgFufNSHG8NoB42F3Xy4YXlDyTOArL2SMLx5odpOlUHwEbrpajRvBis_LjoXg4ywJXhSb9/w400-h300/IMG_5620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>There can't be too many '30s pick-ups left in America surely?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmxfTdFR2kncoO0yECODOS1Pf3Lwn1Z6MSAxpkRY8I0zr3fP2WCGSoS2vUiFkYBHd-oYZkidaVU-hgMba9p1PdzMvL4OrNk0vdee1SYjZAjiuAdMT_5tb4Bn23W0rAeNOAxzzI5d3N1T2TUUYA9yYOCnm9lkgZRkUT-BFZ0hTc1mK0fOieV2Y6DdItztf/s1555/IMG_5621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmxfTdFR2kncoO0yECODOS1Pf3Lwn1Z6MSAxpkRY8I0zr3fP2WCGSoS2vUiFkYBHd-oYZkidaVU-hgMba9p1PdzMvL4OrNk0vdee1SYjZAjiuAdMT_5tb4Bn23W0rAeNOAxzzI5d3N1T2TUUYA9yYOCnm9lkgZRkUT-BFZ0hTc1mK0fOieV2Y6DdItztf/w400-h300/IMG_5621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><div>Just enough chrome.</div><div>Just the right stance.</div><div>Just gorgeous.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDdNHTrlmSZcRRNkCur62-B1DMkoKmzJ2q9DgKR6F4DHKi3Ye551k6A60wP5ElBGHT0W4h4Ai7OqnDey5mNXzEmtZqgwpYIuteOPOxCCDethSTrxMIBfVn7OapYL_PKmZIO93c6uFbL2Yc3wYkGD2VP2AHHoFwT9Gcg1MpOeKJAkh5jJcElltesvl_rIb/s1555/IMG_5622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDdNHTrlmSZcRRNkCur62-B1DMkoKmzJ2q9DgKR6F4DHKi3Ye551k6A60wP5ElBGHT0W4h4Ai7OqnDey5mNXzEmtZqgwpYIuteOPOxCCDethSTrxMIBfVn7OapYL_PKmZIO93c6uFbL2Yc3wYkGD2VP2AHHoFwT9Gcg1MpOeKJAkh5jJcElltesvl_rIb/w400-h300/IMG_5622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6IyEumNM95lVEGEX7L8SrsgQj4_pOXCbyXvMNrboDo2dpUv5BXWrBTyajEoxzThXy0qG5ROQy7RFWjrDy1pcgFxZhsUYMTfhHRxVeFoq3i7vII6WA4HFgrUvWkIAT8vQZf-TpjoLtLoIWJzaTL6co7iIgN4lJwieQBjdK7hv7_UW32-fLlEKFOrWf1G9/s1555/IMG_5623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6IyEumNM95lVEGEX7L8SrsgQj4_pOXCbyXvMNrboDo2dpUv5BXWrBTyajEoxzThXy0qG5ROQy7RFWjrDy1pcgFxZhsUYMTfhHRxVeFoq3i7vII6WA4HFgrUvWkIAT8vQZf-TpjoLtLoIWJzaTL6co7iIgN4lJwieQBjdK7hv7_UW32-fLlEKFOrWf1G9/w400-h300/IMG_5623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This was interesting - & difficult to photograph due the the constant 5 deep crown around it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Obviously a real '57 Testa Rossa would be tens of millions & unlikely to appear anywhere without a heavy security blanket.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid34dKwIunJls27c_tazfSM9sBEayj7ezQdfYjWmuQjeHAuGv9btz3gNOoopLPADTkwII7lZwnF1G8-wMhjoCkt3E2Cbgur82yc5U3UZXPzOCzjKeJcxg6ayWGfA7VOHvDijzz0hdhbioTM1kJPbjr-Qfyxz4g20fKPKZLPt5Zvt3ihfnJ_ernQyHq-k5/s1555/IMG_5625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid34dKwIunJls27c_tazfSM9sBEayj7ezQdfYjWmuQjeHAuGv9btz3gNOoopLPADTkwII7lZwnF1G8-wMhjoCkt3E2Cbgur82yc5U3UZXPzOCzjKeJcxg6ayWGfA7VOHvDijzz0hdhbioTM1kJPbjr-Qfyxz4g20fKPKZLPt5Zvt3ihfnJ_ernQyHq-k5/w400-h300/IMG_5625.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The owner of this one was saying is was a hand-wheeled aluminium body on a '70s Daytona chassis / mechanics.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOwXqcV68_dOAauk0QuaLEx4oV8JI3cFb9T-Qf1jdZHM9k35Lo_HpK7sa-rlZ1tcuJY7dRDEU-ghl3hsdQv0YwhN1_9RxF0V4q0TrbvYU3egWlMVapRFRZctcQ-En_Uum9H7aWy6-kt_U1v3hdR4ZHspmtuWCQzDW-uFyyQ2jb_rZE4nXaZfwnQ91rikQ/s1555/IMG_5626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOwXqcV68_dOAauk0QuaLEx4oV8JI3cFb9T-Qf1jdZHM9k35Lo_HpK7sa-rlZ1tcuJY7dRDEU-ghl3hsdQv0YwhN1_9RxF0V4q0TrbvYU3egWlMVapRFRZctcQ-En_Uum9H7aWy6-kt_U1v3hdR4ZHspmtuWCQzDW-uFyyQ2jb_rZE4nXaZfwnQ91rikQ/w400-h300/IMG_5626.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Now a Daytona is not a cheap donor car, so I'm guessing that this replica is probably worth more than my house.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rhN1zeuqw0G3HPUpQTa298wvZHG3eNc0_9bs1apb_EhqmfiluYVrvJOEN7i78nV8xoCC5e4NZ2SrqaEnmni7ZiGjKXZHics9KZ2gfANfyVLr2JXMk_NmzSp3vEtVizKRCdSJDoyJqJeyB7233yCns8-Pe6QYtguk8VxOk3DBZ8cQzSp1u1EMf_kzOMfn/s1555/IMG_5628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rhN1zeuqw0G3HPUpQTa298wvZHG3eNc0_9bs1apb_EhqmfiluYVrvJOEN7i78nV8xoCC5e4NZ2SrqaEnmni7ZiGjKXZHics9KZ2gfANfyVLr2JXMk_NmzSp3vEtVizKRCdSJDoyJqJeyB7233yCns8-Pe6QYtguk8VxOk3DBZ8cQzSp1u1EMf_kzOMfn/w400-h300/IMG_5628.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The other two were very nice, but the Gulf livery clinches it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Orange wheels - It's the future.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBGwhulas0zXNPvYFGjl2Rkqud16BpJOs0ah5FI1HWhF7VJ3qxGMY4lM_p-Zf01jSWyj_UcCkXS4Sd60jKw3pd-Ryx9IOsc5kApbumaAGf7zb7jLiqwo6qOkhzxzhl9bP62kN2PYSJiyh5GMdjigaS-xpkN-Tt2u0WT5WudmuFj6gfu5n-7NtiXAAcxdV/s1555/IMG_5629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBGwhulas0zXNPvYFGjl2Rkqud16BpJOs0ah5FI1HWhF7VJ3qxGMY4lM_p-Zf01jSWyj_UcCkXS4Sd60jKw3pd-Ryx9IOsc5kApbumaAGf7zb7jLiqwo6qOkhzxzhl9bP62kN2PYSJiyh5GMdjigaS-xpkN-Tt2u0WT5WudmuFj6gfu5n-7NtiXAAcxdV/w400-h300/IMG_5629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDhDalYLWy-4vgTegA7OqyycoIAgahW0bnw8_-e1dNqcaaylm6YXQ6qxdkFuyqpJIJk7wr0-2srZFeKdYmFUzfuC1UxyOIWzAfeEUIjoQDAIiO_T_h1f38GuigJvxglOlRtzy3-YqGeyxKiJcaNwMHJl_23CZobgtPVsFG7uT_TjhXWyu9f6m0EygFlk9/s1555/IMG_5630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDhDalYLWy-4vgTegA7OqyycoIAgahW0bnw8_-e1dNqcaaylm6YXQ6qxdkFuyqpJIJk7wr0-2srZFeKdYmFUzfuC1UxyOIWzAfeEUIjoQDAIiO_T_h1f38GuigJvxglOlRtzy3-YqGeyxKiJcaNwMHJl_23CZobgtPVsFG7uT_TjhXWyu9f6m0EygFlk9/w400-h300/IMG_5630.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Reliant made proper cars once.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8yMqs4ekkGQmPA8C_P4HHquBH85H8d3FAPKaIgCp5sZItYaXvrzVYrZklobiLAd0mfKQaxZkknagGnSKOR-XgncH0esZHPQca-lKRryxtnju7BleKYjiezMtwNPoc06kiWy1OS0rvTSi0u76e5BFONS5xq7RWutBUPZ-p1SKGe17YD6j1JuSC1eLAZOr/s1555/IMG_5631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8yMqs4ekkGQmPA8C_P4HHquBH85H8d3FAPKaIgCp5sZItYaXvrzVYrZklobiLAd0mfKQaxZkknagGnSKOR-XgncH0esZHPQca-lKRryxtnju7BleKYjiezMtwNPoc06kiWy1OS0rvTSi0u76e5BFONS5xq7RWutBUPZ-p1SKGe17YD6j1JuSC1eLAZOr/w400-h300/IMG_5631.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Now THIS!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've always had a soft spot for a MkI Zodiac & this is easily one of the nicest.</div><div><br /></div><div>Drag race style tube chassis, with the bodywork blended round the tubes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Full roll cage built mm perfect into the interior even including a tube running behind the front seats connecting the door pillar tubes. All with smoothed welds & painted to match the body colour. Workmanship was superb.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUEs9nkB-DIB64yRfe1ZfYvSqq9ttAZ5b9OEpSQg2TEjlxG5ZS5qnL92YwOZfUI710m9U4xhCCxeMW8Zvl1K1fS8YsNo79Y16sgFXEYL2JPXYrPEJAqEODRekuZuXxsJbLmGLiGDlFT37FaKvOfMm_bl7hEHjcbgcED41mIkoQHm-7P7XkjcFN_bRg1yQ/s1555/IMG_5633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUEs9nkB-DIB64yRfe1ZfYvSqq9ttAZ5b9OEpSQg2TEjlxG5ZS5qnL92YwOZfUI710m9U4xhCCxeMW8Zvl1K1fS8YsNo79Y16sgFXEYL2JPXYrPEJAqEODRekuZuXxsJbLmGLiGDlFT37FaKvOfMm_bl7hEHjcbgcED41mIkoQHm-7P7XkjcFN_bRg1yQ/w400-h300/IMG_5633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And up front a "big block" 7 1/2+ Litre V8<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLMD63EdsSJgZqdC0t3yvlKiKjL7zwstoV-9MiUJ13MIE2Ra8PfHus4bPfVBGo0_Bek63DKBwpAj_jdO4F5ORcBbKdky-yCL-V5-ejq-fT6ruwuORv_fmhyphenhyphenbjmsAhAkuPnAH3PLnvuR_RHNJIdETiCt7E_MfCABrfiB3Hx3RpuAsw1ffS3ikwW2CBXaE-/s1555/IMG_5634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLMD63EdsSJgZqdC0t3yvlKiKjL7zwstoV-9MiUJ13MIE2Ra8PfHus4bPfVBGo0_Bek63DKBwpAj_jdO4F5ORcBbKdky-yCL-V5-ejq-fT6ruwuORv_fmhyphenhyphenbjmsAhAkuPnAH3PLnvuR_RHNJIdETiCt7E_MfCABrfiB3Hx3RpuAsw1ffS3ikwW2CBXaE-/w400-h300/IMG_5634.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Model B 3-window coupe. Lovely.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z5BVSxhYL4GR-FYxGd3rzWkHyhACoMfaoUG2prLDUGoX0gPPOZGV1gXEPK_jTziJb4CUU58lxHkH32smuUBgfsox2PGUitHUFeZDwJIERkBa8043XzHLSgcKFWRX3sS0oHUoo9qY5GeM_81-9kbI70Bd-EhQOj0eaqN_KNiTC9V7XNTF2geNvluK16-w/s1555/IMG_5635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Z5BVSxhYL4GR-FYxGd3rzWkHyhACoMfaoUG2prLDUGoX0gPPOZGV1gXEPK_jTziJb4CUU58lxHkH32smuUBgfsox2PGUitHUFeZDwJIERkBa8043XzHLSgcKFWRX3sS0oHUoo9qY5GeM_81-9kbI70Bd-EhQOj0eaqN_KNiTC9V7XNTF2geNvluK16-w/w400-h300/IMG_5635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>If you're going to waft down to the south of France, is there anything better?</div><div><br /></div><div>Probably yes, but it is pretty damn stylish.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjshlWJArj7jay06K9h5vn_cvctdfbnF6m5zOJsqlSTOS-zdrdjOVShIlUZLrojQwngEKGDtxy-wuTNqnDoR-ycX4ntoBhk057EcLeGwyX11cqDQ-aVkDm05IKDl8_yJOG_6z_nQh1JHZmJ40pDu2muyuLsFb0if6Qum7o4zR_xAK73UW_8b_TaTrywY9/s1555/IMG_5636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjshlWJArj7jay06K9h5vn_cvctdfbnF6m5zOJsqlSTOS-zdrdjOVShIlUZLrojQwngEKGDtxy-wuTNqnDoR-ycX4ntoBhk057EcLeGwyX11cqDQ-aVkDm05IKDl8_yJOG_6z_nQh1JHZmJ40pDu2muyuLsFb0if6Qum7o4zR_xAK73UW_8b_TaTrywY9/w400-h300/IMG_5636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivkxTy79Aa1bYKRkMEMWBRdCW8jyz1Zk5KKdBTuOdYqzUKJ5rYwET0UNj9ggCDkKTRItizvd7MNC79oURnwkZHnNzJT8ygovq9pfPVn1egYXnORgNnz1zetaAFwTFPzzPR6sd6MDnkFfeUYaPsCxV8bcQsRIHrUfm3CnrW-zlNXMvScCgDLUPal2yCYW1/s1555/IMG_5637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivkxTy79Aa1bYKRkMEMWBRdCW8jyz1Zk5KKdBTuOdYqzUKJ5rYwET0UNj9ggCDkKTRItizvd7MNC79oURnwkZHnNzJT8ygovq9pfPVn1egYXnORgNnz1zetaAFwTFPzzPR6sd6MDnkFfeUYaPsCxV8bcQsRIHrUfm3CnrW-zlNXMvScCgDLUPal2yCYW1/w400-h300/IMG_5637.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I do like a big Healy<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZ5dVE9rjwTAtrEXWcH1dseNIFUeyQ-eYKMFMC00iGDr_pTU00sYMxWabkg4DTno5acaAuu3Ch0c8Bf3dJazAHxAqO1DG8mSmRuOuIsenC727Ev7HqNAl18IYcA1E42B_JtxZPZV7vs4Cyl67wS0ZTEV3CGsJcVeT7rUrrHjL8NvCsySjQb060ot0TooG/s1555/IMG_5638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZ5dVE9rjwTAtrEXWcH1dseNIFUeyQ-eYKMFMC00iGDr_pTU00sYMxWabkg4DTno5acaAuu3Ch0c8Bf3dJazAHxAqO1DG8mSmRuOuIsenC727Ev7HqNAl18IYcA1E42B_JtxZPZV7vs4Cyl67wS0ZTEV3CGsJcVeT7rUrrHjL8NvCsySjQb060ot0TooG/w400-h300/IMG_5638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>V8 Pilot. '30s American styling on a '50s British Ford.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKwWTq86MpT02Zd3q_RGK0fyEz2yE85B2dr9NqbmENUj6nrv4gE1XHJHZURk7FJCHwr4Y2yG1ek9EtsEbQahQwuMz-U9LhdWBvzujh3FsuBtIlPlB6rn0bMBYDZA-f1VFt7DpEY3Iyeeekb7x2N0FEJnpKFeoQldYFxYawqvMMNUlvJKcakBDcdAEWq0g/s1555/IMG_5639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKwWTq86MpT02Zd3q_RGK0fyEz2yE85B2dr9NqbmENUj6nrv4gE1XHJHZURk7FJCHwr4Y2yG1ek9EtsEbQahQwuMz-U9LhdWBvzujh3FsuBtIlPlB6rn0bMBYDZA-f1VFt7DpEY3Iyeeekb7x2N0FEJnpKFeoQldYFxYawqvMMNUlvJKcakBDcdAEWq0g/w400-h300/IMG_5639.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Why didn't Ford do this??</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a Consul Capri made Lotus.</div><div><br /></div><div>No, there never was such a thing, but will you just look at it?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJRyJi3viGY1xNiw4LBbI0p3-6koQ82NwZ7D1bxbnCgytPAktMxMybpsrQGQdQtjDKZnBiojcmBQMtE6UKT_jMdrn8kyGrx0IzpjlpXDJgltfUVKn6cmW6XGhon4L3jP-IHNSS__anrd2JzExAT8_WIKYw74d78aOyjWyeQYN_Oj_Vwq-LhDHbv727SoH/s1555/IMG_5640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="1555" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJRyJi3viGY1xNiw4LBbI0p3-6koQ82NwZ7D1bxbnCgytPAktMxMybpsrQGQdQtjDKZnBiojcmBQMtE6UKT_jMdrn8kyGrx0IzpjlpXDJgltfUVKn6cmW6XGhon4L3jP-IHNSS__anrd2JzExAT8_WIKYw74d78aOyjWyeQYN_Oj_Vwq-LhDHbv727SoH/w400-h300/IMG_5640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>That <i>is</i> a fantastic looking car!<br /><p><br /></p></div>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-28302281325358851182023-10-31T22:22:00.003+00:002023-10-31T22:22:45.160+00:00Been Busy<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFhrbwhG1hmXdee4rHKQI6t0sUvq79Br8bHIe3CAGyOM1lT028L8xQuDRZ0m9uFdPzjhJ6B5aeAvvNfTtJychcnd5yiHxAdB9-3AOqSALSLDQajULf_DxOPKZXCv9ngCGJHuXAUxbhy5DENEEiBZiGQDQV3LRkYjIgy9fxyQf3kydyznY4vrMlGs9amAr/s1503/IMG_4861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1503" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFhrbwhG1hmXdee4rHKQI6t0sUvq79Br8bHIe3CAGyOM1lT028L8xQuDRZ0m9uFdPzjhJ6B5aeAvvNfTtJychcnd5yiHxAdB9-3AOqSALSLDQajULf_DxOPKZXCv9ngCGJHuXAUxbhy5DENEEiBZiGQDQV3LRkYjIgy9fxyQf3kydyznY4vrMlGs9amAr/w400-h300/IMG_4861.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Yes I know I've been absent for a while. Truth is the Stylus has barely left the garage since it's return from Wales & it's now SORNed, so that's it until spring 2024.<p></p><p>Part of the reason for the lack of blog action is that there's now a lady in my life & that tends to alter one's perspective on what's important, but predictably (for me) she's not your "normal" woman & is every bit as interested in cars & planes as I am, so I've been visiting museums with her, which has been <i>brilliant</i>.</p><p>Last weekend for instance we went to the Bubble Car & Micro Car museum somewhere near East Kirkby Airfield (where we went a few weeks back to see their Lancaster & Mosquito taxiing). It's only a small museum - but then it only needs to be as the exhibits are tiny.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rEKrtZO5UfgI5m77Ekt_0TzeuQ0u5Jlhj6BmbhbIYy066sr4kWSUEA4eMEYox3zzYJnXi2U9JvcBcJ1fICWNyc3hyPC83HB0QodUXCwHEBRlZ2z2Nac1pe8VXxHcjh43tZPodn6jcRO-8SS58Wehca4JW1C1DKBhYhV6UEO8IRe5OGSJiwehh93FI7gu/s1503/IMG_4853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1503" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rEKrtZO5UfgI5m77Ekt_0TzeuQ0u5Jlhj6BmbhbIYy066sr4kWSUEA4eMEYox3zzYJnXi2U9JvcBcJ1fICWNyc3hyPC83HB0QodUXCwHEBRlZ2z2Nac1pe8VXxHcjh43tZPodn6jcRO-8SS58Wehca4JW1C1DKBhYhV6UEO8IRe5OGSJiwehh93FI7gu/w400-h300/IMG_4853.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>There are a few odd things about the cars - OK, there's lots of odd things - but one of the things I find odd is the tiny tiny wheels, especially when the styling is - shall we say "compromised" anyway, tiny tiny wheels aren't helping the look.<p></p><p>The Messerschmitts & Heinkels get away with it as they're not trying to look like cars as such, but some of the others would've benefitted from having 12s, this Bond for example.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVnmi9D63XmWw06ONRh5B6Ruc4iaJypy20vMqt29no_fG6zaoS247N-fEh4W3BFvqmWk5WBOaZFhq04-mJJl0If0oKfTOsJRT6-4yWKTyoDuwDlvK_xROmQ3sav9L6nhXeyYlSY51ugZ8T7oHqCUQ1EAMEcE5UlgIdgzIsmkwseZEvQe3D7QFwkuI9F32/s1503/IMG_4860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1503" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVnmi9D63XmWw06ONRh5B6Ruc4iaJypy20vMqt29no_fG6zaoS247N-fEh4W3BFvqmWk5WBOaZFhq04-mJJl0If0oKfTOsJRT6-4yWKTyoDuwDlvK_xROmQ3sav9L6nhXeyYlSY51ugZ8T7oHqCUQ1EAMEcE5UlgIdgzIsmkwseZEvQe3D7QFwkuI9F32/w400-h300/IMG_4860.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Some of the car's backs didn't match the front, like this one ......<p></p><p><br /></p><p>Utilitarian front......</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwth6_ZP1OpcBWlMMRb9LnD2XXRD6Y6q_IgeOtQys6v3mIH1BoxqzfHgUSKn3NZQV-Oo70MAYvBMIA3iKQxzFULPwOLQWUnj_069Y92GbhegVJI0NmAFlv5fRv3n198Jo9WAARc3kjJ_WsNkdy_VvCdYgwacckMxxf61Ki0yxgeEny0OcVRy4gFpJ0JKp/s1503/IMG_4851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1503" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwth6_ZP1OpcBWlMMRb9LnD2XXRD6Y6q_IgeOtQys6v3mIH1BoxqzfHgUSKn3NZQV-Oo70MAYvBMIA3iKQxzFULPwOLQWUnj_069Y92GbhegVJI0NmAFlv5fRv3n198Jo9WAARc3kjJ_WsNkdy_VvCdYgwacckMxxf61Ki0yxgeEny0OcVRy4gFpJ0JKp/w400-h300/IMG_4851.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Swoopy back.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDJeWSpNcj575qww0gC4nqfacUspy5UuZC0Fp2ayq54tQx_yQTDvsNJoe_XbHWmFutETpZymf1GmFWfXDZ320F59ZptrJctFuCizzjh2oNga0tB1wyf-51E2wYBByfgwcBc-KOF6faVpF6mo4DpVIDNveYdoV-2aZsGai0h5-CxVsm281sTO67cJJjxvh/s1503/IMG_4850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1503" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDJeWSpNcj575qww0gC4nqfacUspy5UuZC0Fp2ayq54tQx_yQTDvsNJoe_XbHWmFutETpZymf1GmFWfXDZ320F59ZptrJctFuCizzjh2oNga0tB1wyf-51E2wYBByfgwcBc-KOF6faVpF6mo4DpVIDNveYdoV-2aZsGai0h5-CxVsm281sTO67cJJjxvh/w400-h300/IMG_4850.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Having said that, some were really quite nice, I liked this, though the name "Meadows Frisky Family Three" might put some off.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiKe5fNkGgWSGmFphXUIZ-_65w5C1CxaMYr_N5WspU1CAxOpghu6srHxllvIdom1Agc2OE7ZmXVwAnDLPKtourtDBF8ndZLzmnGj72cxnptLGn2PmVVPzJpiRIKjhSnXmBSo4-j6e3l6yXpSabGxHBjFvETOg-1KMUUHQe4xVDr6HQwpBdLuzTZLFXGaD/s1503/IMG_4856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1503" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiKe5fNkGgWSGmFphXUIZ-_65w5C1CxaMYr_N5WspU1CAxOpghu6srHxllvIdom1Agc2OE7ZmXVwAnDLPKtourtDBF8ndZLzmnGj72cxnptLGn2PmVVPzJpiRIKjhSnXmBSo4-j6e3l6yXpSabGxHBjFvETOg-1KMUUHQe4xVDr6HQwpBdLuzTZLFXGaD/w400-h300/IMG_4856.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This NSU was probably the best styled car there (in my opinion)<br /><p>I could live with that shape - not sure I could live with the performance though</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnfjcvtI4EIcoLlwf9s8FmItwAl_v_G25c7IFrovejK5EGHzoYxiHe0Y4gurEoXR7YMIHjVQRvyoemYOENMpSEHtLmYR1bc6nfNfRZ9je5bcjHJQ4bEdre1Sedbucd8xi6o-xV25Pe-uyaqjDQldgIacALYHyN5MFElOnsB3IFoQPSSvOTdMseeDYtPO2/s1503/IMG_4857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1503" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnfjcvtI4EIcoLlwf9s8FmItwAl_v_G25c7IFrovejK5EGHzoYxiHe0Y4gurEoXR7YMIHjVQRvyoemYOENMpSEHtLmYR1bc6nfNfRZ9je5bcjHJQ4bEdre1Sedbucd8xi6o-xV25Pe-uyaqjDQldgIacALYHyN5MFElOnsB3IFoQPSSvOTdMseeDYtPO2/w400-h300/IMG_4857.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But it does knock most modern cars into a cocked hat styling wise.<div><br /></div><div>So all in all an interesting afternoon, interesting to see what happens when you design a car from a completely different point of view.</div><div><br /></div><div>The museum also has cabinets full of what I suppose must now be called "Historical artefacts" or to put it another way "Stuff my parents had". ordinary things, hair driers, cameras, curtains, if you're my age it all looked <i>horribly</i> familiar.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFU82wwejTNgkG8SyPcxNRPpeB8HoZwG1MXsNFNuqN1QUxV3tVt15qcYuCFoNFEzYAf-YRAYLeOKXje15k5rFiT_08HHqW6EJmf-qVHSJcqGTZO0nV35osxLTnhOTVKj1VPRf6Pev17nHDA3esVF3mHNcpO2Q5MXnu1wLQZdIDpfWfTOCj2jLneKvHkKe/s1503/IMG_4867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1503" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFU82wwejTNgkG8SyPcxNRPpeB8HoZwG1MXsNFNuqN1QUxV3tVt15qcYuCFoNFEzYAf-YRAYLeOKXje15k5rFiT_08HHqW6EJmf-qVHSJcqGTZO0nV35osxLTnhOTVKj1VPRf6Pev17nHDA3esVF3mHNcpO2Q5MXnu1wLQZdIDpfWfTOCj2jLneKvHkKe/w640-h480/IMG_4867.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-73708667792915137992023-10-04T21:56:00.002+01:002023-10-04T21:56:56.579+01:00RogueRunners Wales '23 - Day 3<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7r1Z_l7j0ht4GycIOPb24P0l4ULotm44NSkVukkGWhOItdMvjzHmyXODhiSVkQ2XltR0rvpT_RAI7nRBslvmh-mgEuwRhkJ1rVJm3boGzNaLCH3reGWrTXsUrOXmq7Hh4s-nkMbiHhWMAuBMUpgwoZLL0JZx-URPfaP0d6wfVEKTvQDN7eSmA8m4oNNT/s5184/IMG_4261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7r1Z_l7j0ht4GycIOPb24P0l4ULotm44NSkVukkGWhOItdMvjzHmyXODhiSVkQ2XltR0rvpT_RAI7nRBslvmh-mgEuwRhkJ1rVJm3boGzNaLCH3reGWrTXsUrOXmq7Hh4s-nkMbiHhWMAuBMUpgwoZLL0JZx-URPfaP0d6wfVEKTvQDN7eSmA8m4oNNT/w400-h300/IMG_4261.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Day three again saw us heading off to breakfast, but a few of us took a little longer & I ended up leading the second group. I noticed the first lot head out in a different direction, so thought nothing of it when my SatNav took me the same way. Except no breakfast came in sight! The twit (me) had loaded the wrong route - the one without the breakfast stop. Eventually I pulled over & we re-organised ourselves, deciding to to go on to the very pleasant Dyffryn café where the décor was nicer, the breakfast was cheaper & the staff were better looking (or so I was told - can't say I noticed myself).<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazImSa7ceoTj6t9XpZlCR5vjNUfZePXppP5gN_PWvTbC85IddrQ_O2A951idj35WCd2ILz797C0tYOj_cJnlqY6rl_4A5kCpi_xixoOQsUwXMt_t7knqkF-3CLnkhIrsB-3cHVG1NBAFVa57_TWtlzEdiqW9cIIihKgMzP961Mp_IodaVpJFHn2o5Njk6/s5184/IMG_4265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazImSa7ceoTj6t9XpZlCR5vjNUfZePXppP5gN_PWvTbC85IddrQ_O2A951idj35WCd2ILz797C0tYOj_cJnlqY6rl_4A5kCpi_xixoOQsUwXMt_t7knqkF-3CLnkhIrsB-3cHVG1NBAFVa57_TWtlzEdiqW9cIIihKgMzP961Mp_IodaVpJFHn2o5Njk6/w400-h300/IMG_4265.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>By now the weather was on the turn, the hoods were up & the cars were getting muddy. We were now in two distinct groups about an hour apart as we wove through the centre of Wales where the scourge of the new speed limits had been more reasonably applied. Elan valley was as ever very nice, as was the cake in the Two Hoots café at Devil's Bridge. I'm not sure the same could be said for the entertainment or the wasp infestation though.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7LP7keRTkaLDH-wnipqVqWH0Akm2aUpCHLUL5e_gQ1NrEfwKtIS7DaxOQjWb_rE8c0j2T2RLnr9SL2gMR_UORA-enlSza4qcD5SR5sVFeZkOFABnd-EATbey-ureL_fExkN36NAhb2Qkr-tJHmzCJleaHERMlbInJEPOTDU0xvj1rrwUcaeWTizsEYpz/s5184/IMG_4280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7LP7keRTkaLDH-wnipqVqWH0Akm2aUpCHLUL5e_gQ1NrEfwKtIS7DaxOQjWb_rE8c0j2T2RLnr9SL2gMR_UORA-enlSza4qcD5SR5sVFeZkOFABnd-EATbey-ureL_fExkN36NAhb2Qkr-tJHmzCJleaHERMlbInJEPOTDU0xvj1rrwUcaeWTizsEYpz/w400-h300/IMG_4280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>By & by we reached our destination, the Roast Ox, where the welcome was warm & we settled in to wait for our compatriots. Occasional raspy engine notes sent me to the window, camera in hand, but there must've been a local rally on as interesting old cars appeared & disappeared from & to seemingly random directions, no two cars arrived & left by the same roads, so who knows what was going on. Certainly not the drivers.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjov1MJkzl_Sj-wvYXFVMSgjnLi67ZLbH8glzPoEb17OkUKVR33kh2muCKgBRm9eIAKw4Qq3nefTWMY9Y7wngwo1LFZ738UqeSC6DS23Qnc6RCz7-CWSeHB5nzY9ot9ZsZlg81w0HhcU5vrahyhT-CMlv74B9ZeyNt3fgTFzsn8wmteStcheZgvrRZQ4sx4/s2020/IMG_4276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2020" data-original-width="1464" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjov1MJkzl_Sj-wvYXFVMSgjnLi67ZLbH8glzPoEb17OkUKVR33kh2muCKgBRm9eIAKw4Qq3nefTWMY9Y7wngwo1LFZ738UqeSC6DS23Qnc6RCz7-CWSeHB5nzY9ot9ZsZlg81w0HhcU5vrahyhT-CMlv74B9ZeyNt3fgTFzsn8wmteStcheZgvrRZQ4sx4/w290-h400/IMG_4276.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>Eventually our brethren arrived through the rain as I was starting to feel the effects of what would turn out to be Covid. But not knowing this at the time I sat with everyone & had a very very nice tea - I am deeply sorry to those I unknowingly infected.<br /><p></p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-84880237872581332722023-10-04T21:17:00.003+01:002023-10-04T21:17:51.115+01:00Where Was I? RRW '23 Day 2<p> Oh yes - Wales.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhveB1J2CWfEmAtzSQxBfuY_rKB83IJMRUvHjvEQIB1K1iAMv6cMg7kPe4DKpidfaYNXBQab7Sw8cvg2RJfF_xp8A4Q1eTrEOqnzRTfCxClmezhrp8FFiKP_3HtKcMLtp0pxE6tuyYO02GCbMNxag55kcr2s4W_97eSNFbIaX1ik0UHd4V30cbdSa01lmT/s5184/IMG_4236.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhveB1J2CWfEmAtzSQxBfuY_rKB83IJMRUvHjvEQIB1K1iAMv6cMg7kPe4DKpidfaYNXBQab7Sw8cvg2RJfF_xp8A4Q1eTrEOqnzRTfCxClmezhrp8FFiKP_3HtKcMLtp0pxE6tuyYO02GCbMNxag55kcr2s4W_97eSNFbIaX1ik0UHd4V30cbdSa01lmT/w400-h300/IMG_4236.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It's all got a little hazy because I bought a souvenir back with me - Covid.<div><br /></div><div>I probably picked it up in the Premier Inn in Cardiff, at least I knew of no-one who was poorly before I went to Wales & at least four of us had it when we came back. But on with the story, we got up bright & early on the Saturday & drove off to the breakfast venue through the countryside on 20mph roads (long story), having eaten we headed out on a pleasant run through the Welsh lanes & at some point we called in for our usual coffee & cake stop at the Ffestiniog railway but the café was closed for an event. We weren't feeling any love coming from Wales by now.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9dWqxGIWf5ddBSBEk5ZfqCSUCOFfmUMN0NtldcvlJeS5H71WEfO0s_-lBgNqAcPtMhDl1pi7T5XER4tvRKZj0-IVSgNbo2-bIM5jS0YE-1p6h9J513GSV4ib6vCy0myRdQFrax-cmcnFxEOa8Lc9xiZqkykRdpjWhqCiGIIX2AdBIjTSQ4xusKWYnI_E/s2039/IMG_4241.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="2039" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9dWqxGIWf5ddBSBEk5ZfqCSUCOFfmUMN0NtldcvlJeS5H71WEfO0s_-lBgNqAcPtMhDl1pi7T5XER4tvRKZj0-IVSgNbo2-bIM5jS0YE-1p6h9J513GSV4ib6vCy0myRdQFrax-cmcnFxEOa8Lc9xiZqkykRdpjWhqCiGIIX2AdBIjTSQ4xusKWYnI_E/w400-h308/IMG_4241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We carried on around Snowdonia (or whatever it's called this week), the trip was notable for a couple of things, there were a few car clubs about, we saw a bunch of Celicas parked up near Betws-Y-Coed & a bunch of supercars - more of which later. Also Neil saw Harlech Castle, which he managed to miss altogether last year. Big Grey thing it was - the size of a large building. We carried on down the coast as far as Barmouth before turning inland, once again I stopped & took a few pictures of my travelling companions going past & eventually we arrived at the very pleasant Conwy Falls Café for more refreshments.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGir_p_KPIM4FP_ja9QxCnLqX_6UTJppg8Kr74vqJTibrnOmqY6Zk_V2nK0dMtQizRK0nPTcyeKy6XY3FaVOS-9Pq94g7IdE0kfyWc7dUR4gd5Ym52A5ZvPmvot0hl4tpb8iBovqCxFwt6lt3I4LpX1PGpbA7ro98KXz8MT4KU_XCYJ8U8pJjuBFxoeG0L/s5184/IMG_4248.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGir_p_KPIM4FP_ja9QxCnLqX_6UTJppg8Kr74vqJTibrnOmqY6Zk_V2nK0dMtQizRK0nPTcyeKy6XY3FaVOS-9Pq94g7IdE0kfyWc7dUR4gd5Ym52A5ZvPmvot0hl4tpb8iBovqCxFwt6lt3I4LpX1PGpbA7ro98KXz8MT4KU_XCYJ8U8pJjuBFxoeG0L/w400-h300/IMG_4248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After that we headed back to Mold & back to the hotel, but on the way we found a nice spot & Neil launched his drone, which made a few nice scenic passes & then we drove off under it, which looked really good in the footage. After that we wended our way along some spectacular roads which hadn't been festooned with signage & cameras (yet) & arrived back at the hotel with a little more time to prepare before tea than we had yesterday.<div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow we'd be heading south To the very nice Roast Ox.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLRvTurwxrZaag7dimlSIHsyuMBHefWsecAmPL5-xhcTkCXy9dSq2xJvnIOG_UKHLcCCEypp1QPdDVqpQ5Kmvm14_S_d7AJ7fAtSuExPxzjWwYyGBNLcUF3ipV53u7CMQMDGRAHhy5e46i8vypiWsBxb-sMuscDTQPfR1yyW8fMX4J9HtyxCGbR6-La3j/s5184/IMG_4252.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLRvTurwxrZaag7dimlSIHsyuMBHefWsecAmPL5-xhcTkCXy9dSq2xJvnIOG_UKHLcCCEypp1QPdDVqpQ5Kmvm14_S_d7AJ7fAtSuExPxzjWwYyGBNLcUF3ipV53u7CMQMDGRAHhy5e46i8vypiWsBxb-sMuscDTQPfR1yyW8fMX4J9HtyxCGbR6-La3j/w400-h300/IMG_4252.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div></div>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-77301923650396794602023-09-19T18:18:00.003+01:002023-09-19T18:18:45.252+01:00RogueRunners Wales '23 Days 0 & 1<p> The first thing to note about RRW 23 was the timing - the previous weekend had seen temperatures of 30c across Britain. The weekend we went to Wales it tipped with rain - not constantly, but <i>quite</i> a lot. Also it was the weekend when "all of Wales" went onto 20mph speed limits. The implementation of this was chaotic at best.</p><p>As I understand it, the word from the Welsh gov't was "put a 20 in the towns unless it's a major road with lots of traffic" - which undermines the "safety" argument - isn't that exactly where you <i>would</i> want the 20?</p><p>In the middle slice of Wales this seemed to have been done with a descent dollop of good sense, 30 limits on the approach, 20 limits in the built up areas where the pedestrians were, but in the north, there were times when we were driving in between fields for miles on a 20 limit & in the south, south of the Black Mountain (which has it's own ridiculous speed limit issues) there is ribbon development of a number of towns on a major A road for about 10, maybe 15 miles - a 20 limit has been slapped on the entire thing.</p><p>Add to that the signage - which was appalling for "Safety" signs...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWe613t4b3q0OY5w5AXHj8hZ0qmtOTv1z_5W7xyoPh9hFB6O0OqFlJv6h8Cf06EUC8qu5yt5f1VvHgyH_0-9Fw8aoezhARuw_IBexEINlzZU1EfKyGCIexWo5kjWglVvU83yet4USJFIMLcavrZGJG9dLp7hyPRH3gvfSRg6Hb-J24YTcgjERKy_wDSef/s1501/IMG_4230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1501" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWe613t4b3q0OY5w5AXHj8hZ0qmtOTv1z_5W7xyoPh9hFB6O0OqFlJv6h8Cf06EUC8qu5yt5f1VvHgyH_0-9Fw8aoezhARuw_IBexEINlzZU1EfKyGCIexWo5kjWglVvU83yet4USJFIMLcavrZGJG9dLp7hyPRH3gvfSRg6Hb-J24YTcgjERKy_wDSef/w400-h258/IMG_4230.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>20 one side - 30 the other? I noticed 3 examples of this as well as "20" painted on the road between signs saying "30", "20" signs followed by "30" on the small repeater signs. "20", "30" & "40" signs within a few dozen yards. It was a mess & I can't see any prosecutions sticking until they sort it out. I tried to keep the cameras on in case any NIPs come through.<div><br /></div><div>But - onto the road trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>We assembled at the Cardiff North Premier Inn which has a whizzy new QR code check in system - which doesn't work, so then you use the alternative "booking Ref" method & it keeps asking if you want another guest in the room with you (what are you offering? - got any photos?), then it demands your phone No. - why? I'm checking in! Then it demands your country of residence in spite of the fact that it presented me with my address & post code. But the biggest issue was that I had to put in my car reg to get free parking - on the check in terminal? No, there was no mention of it there, there's a separate terminal five yards away. The only people in the place to help with this were the bar staff - who had other things to be getting on with.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBq6wNK7iGs6Jgl58e8pVIRSbtYqQ25tdzIqXMln9I3Enc1ItE-Hdymgmkp6w3t8RVSxRlBmkYUkkmDqz_hi2sw271Xjh-1F0sPsFCEpw0T3ct3hz9zWY39sogxUVS3x2oloIIGMaHPjMI-wAcPOwt1TEkSN-QQaLQX4wHFdCpbcehKeS-yAYmKO2bJvX/s2015/IMG_4197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="2015" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBq6wNK7iGs6Jgl58e8pVIRSbtYqQ25tdzIqXMln9I3Enc1ItE-Hdymgmkp6w3t8RVSxRlBmkYUkkmDqz_hi2sw271Xjh-1F0sPsFCEpw0T3ct3hz9zWY39sogxUVS3x2oloIIGMaHPjMI-wAcPOwt1TEkSN-QQaLQX4wHFdCpbcehKeS-yAYmKO2bJvX/w400-h260/IMG_4197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The following day we set off on the trip proper, but the Cardiff area is pretty car - hostile & just north of it is the Heads Of The Valley road which is STILL being built. The seem to have told TomTom that the new road is open because the SatNav was desperately trying to show my position on it in spite of the fact it clearly wasn't open - in some places it wasn't built! But we did escape that & made out way up to the Black Mountain road, one of the best driving roads in the UK, so the authorities have seen fit to slap a 40 limit on the entire length of it with average speed cameras. In previous years there's been quite a buzz with bikers in large numbers at the cafe's at both ends & ice-cream sellers in the car parks at the top.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4EcQzgKPVc0U4e8AY7Exm9sdEpCHgG1wjkvd32UAHVQ3pGGqu5gE60-60OdA0PdD7f_B6GwNT3xTv6-UGLSUS_prrjxDOqc6BPe0j1jo_uTBeP36ePcDvVpVFuHRO0-GTZ4irS7W5e6Ph6XIvIAhARgjXJuefmaTswySlfFuzz6Buz2Zxgwf-4FheT00/s5184/IMG_4194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN4EcQzgKPVc0U4e8AY7Exm9sdEpCHgG1wjkvd32UAHVQ3pGGqu5gE60-60OdA0PdD7f_B6GwNT3xTv6-UGLSUS_prrjxDOqc6BPe0j1jo_uTBeP36ePcDvVpVFuHRO0-GTZ4irS7W5e6Ph6XIvIAhARgjXJuefmaTswySlfFuzz6Buz2Zxgwf-4FheT00/w400-h300/IMG_4194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This year it was pretty much deserted, no bikes parked up in the village cafes at the south end, no ice-cream sellers at all & the café at the north end had about a dozen bikers sitting round looking miserable. So well done, you've made it safer by making it unused, but you've also done a bunch of people out of a descent income as well. Scotland has many challenging roads, they linked them into the NC500 & the local communities are reaping the benefit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Strangely the limit over the mountain is 40 where it's wide & open with good sight lines, as soon as you're off the mountain (heading north) it's a 50 limit on a winding road past people's houses & drives. I can't help thinking they've got that the wrong way round.</div><div><br /></div><div>We wended our way north through the Welsh heartland taking in the Elan Valley which is always a good drive & eventually arrived at our hotel in Mold. Maybe it was tainted by out experiences earlier in the day, but the Beaufort Park Hotel seemed pretty down-at-heel. Last year is was saved by the helpful & attentive staff, this year they seemed surly & lacking humour.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, Day 1 a little disappointing then, but were we downhearted? Well yes, obviously 😄</div><div><p><br /></p></div>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-41109926099125745282023-07-20T09:33:00.000+01:002023-07-20T09:33:08.641+01:00Not Been Here For a while<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4GP65B_3fmlpFHNl_Bfd5DSKewA_THTmr5IweeFrwSLcdD0lgSvfpVIJ8sREzj3rftw-sh1alxkCxeQw9qrQCDoUI7I7zioGOAM_87LI4nOL_fjto0jd9vAGA6FBYvnkwmhmJ-hkOWKCdLxq9saFju_ZQXdMWzg5xT35rtBKx1EZR2GL9vROHystG4aa/s5184/IMG_3408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4GP65B_3fmlpFHNl_Bfd5DSKewA_THTmr5IweeFrwSLcdD0lgSvfpVIJ8sREzj3rftw-sh1alxkCxeQw9qrQCDoUI7I7zioGOAM_87LI4nOL_fjto0jd9vAGA6FBYvnkwmhmJ-hkOWKCdLxq9saFju_ZQXdMWzg5xT35rtBKx1EZR2GL9vROHystG4aa/w400-h300/IMG_3408.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>I'm afraid my attention has been focused on other things, it's been mas busy at work & the Stylus has only been out of the garage once in the last three weeks, to my Brother's house & that was mostly to give it a run out. So what have I<br /> been doing? Quite a lot of sleeping after busy days at work, quite a lot of tidying up & finishing off the bathroom in preparation for my son & his family coming south for a week, starting to build my road bike back up again after having the frame refurbished, going out visiting Brooklands & the excellent Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop (yes, that's actually a place) with a friend - doesn't sound a lot down I come to write it down, but I've hardly set foot in the garage because of it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqewNQnHin7eJtxhthraI_F0PVIN4ZSicz2fmR1HRCZ1FOrmv1o0ShepiL5GyJm35vMQmEKesu3iKtq7Qx7EQB78eEoNGEacGAtKYgX6w7-ryxsqRJLrVAdBfsGL76pM-RJhw0xenk9ZA0LH_u-5Thy-xy8DHvlPrYvU_BloAnqGibIBrH5Kjvfg8YMAA/s5184/IMG_3419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqewNQnHin7eJtxhthraI_F0PVIN4ZSicz2fmR1HRCZ1FOrmv1o0ShepiL5GyJm35vMQmEKesu3iKtq7Qx7EQB78eEoNGEacGAtKYgX6w7-ryxsqRJLrVAdBfsGL76pM-RJhw0xenk9ZA0LH_u-5Thy-xy8DHvlPrYvU_BloAnqGibIBrH5Kjvfg8YMAA/w400-h300/IMG_3419.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>There's a bit of a story across the two places, here we have a Sopwith Schneider (replica) in the Brooklands "Aircraft Factory" & as the name implies it was built for (& won) the Schneider Cup before the first world war.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4LNI4f0jJ4hGWrgVeBYxJCFRT9dKSm6McEsner3RBCArAJn-QhzRMTAjXDEcoRwPBpL7DfLGaSsQ0ny61tPCwph4XvRkQhjqziH3wrzl3Rt2RBRrQZGZo-QFzCeV0EeL95ike08XpWKRfnvEKZhkdS4hlAyRXw0wo1VqomGDLb9lpbZfheatZRSuUCRx/s4096/IMG_20230708_113733999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4LNI4f0jJ4hGWrgVeBYxJCFRT9dKSm6McEsner3RBCArAJn-QhzRMTAjXDEcoRwPBpL7DfLGaSsQ0ny61tPCwph4XvRkQhjqziH3wrzl3Rt2RBRrQZGZo-QFzCeV0EeL95ike08XpWKRfnvEKZhkdS4hlAyRXw0wo1VqomGDLb9lpbZfheatZRSuUCRx/w400-h300/IMG_20230708_113733999.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>When fitted with wheels rather than floats, it became the Sopwith Baby (because it was small) & when fitted with a machine gun on the outbreak of war, it became the Sopwith Pup - here's on in the Museum of Army Flying.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNwN2KIzVLKbCpNN42botg0fuVOG-PSMyVRHCOBHd_mgVaBVT3dbMOvThFsNwljE9mnEpzrXLq9Rt3d41QVXrpJNyNHXGvj2_D7qwaB3NLRmEInS8AmqeZevPvES1pgWR_2EePNvzSshhTZHP53EOe_CmWYtPJzRxEQ7Hy0XOWGxD-zezOJZJpo-VopIZ/s5184/IMG_3424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNwN2KIzVLKbCpNN42botg0fuVOG-PSMyVRHCOBHd_mgVaBVT3dbMOvThFsNwljE9mnEpzrXLq9Rt3d41QVXrpJNyNHXGvj2_D7qwaB3NLRmEInS8AmqeZevPvES1pgWR_2EePNvzSshhTZHP53EOe_CmWYtPJzRxEQ7Hy0XOWGxD-zezOJZJpo-VopIZ/w400-h300/IMG_3424.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Fast forward 50 years & the Sopwith company became Hawker & they were flying this, The P1127, which became the Kestrel, which became the Harrier - The Finest Aeroplane Ever Flown, as we say at work.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYPFNOw1jEd_RQhNmIg1zPPJLmTVzXvQ0qUN45ZoNFSRZEkCvPXgTL3b6ex5qUmhw251Al49O_9Bnh2E7k-lHHIozr6V-gbiOOYGkQauJQZ5pnCCSc_5TCca_3g4_wbCcgq5iN49jHTkCpT0CTSzDKxKkHAx3QoxX1Stq84HDk_BqQ1ItdfTpoOB_Ugpt/s5184/IMG_3414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIYPFNOw1jEd_RQhNmIg1zPPJLmTVzXvQ0qUN45ZoNFSRZEkCvPXgTL3b6ex5qUmhw251Al49O_9Bnh2E7k-lHHIozr6V-gbiOOYGkQauJQZ5pnCCSc_5TCca_3g4_wbCcgq5iN49jHTkCpT0CTSzDKxKkHAx3QoxX1Stq84HDk_BqQ1ItdfTpoOB_Ugpt/w400-h300/IMG_3414.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>One of which - this very airframe in fact, won the Transatlantic Air Race in 1969.</p><p></p><p></p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-35858489019215690742023-06-19T22:46:00.001+01:002024-01-17T21:40:36.328+00:00Britain's Bonneville<p>Everyone's heard of Bonneville Speed Week. Flat salt pans, HotRods (& other things) modified by heavily bearded blokes in sheds for that one sublime record breaking run.</p><p>The UK has something similar. It's different, but it's good & it's gaining a reputation.</p><p>Pendine in south Wales is a small village quite a long way from anywhere, but it has two clams to fame. Three rocket sled tracks, one used to test ejector seats & seven miles of very hard packed smooth golden sand ideal(ish) for driving very very fast on. So it's all about the speed in Pendine & it has a museum to prove it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTcpnFpKGzqHPk6gNFayFfFVfHa1QKiprupkOc2y1qmPwKQ0LRZsLbJKRPq9LW5vSrwGc91BMd2w3KMNEjYtuVdq9ZRnwKz2ShCkCERMxHgaEVJPqnNw-fFsH37bDiCzWKIwLamMmGue4TCzsda4MmxF_mcA7nG8CUJ-lYcJPScN8mXJ8tPmYnvmIeM_a/s5184/IMG_2473.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTcpnFpKGzqHPk6gNFayFfFVfHa1QKiprupkOc2y1qmPwKQ0LRZsLbJKRPq9LW5vSrwGc91BMd2w3KMNEjYtuVdq9ZRnwKz2ShCkCERMxHgaEVJPqnNw-fFsH37bDiCzWKIwLamMmGue4TCzsda4MmxF_mcA7nG8CUJ-lYcJPScN8mXJ8tPmYnvmIeM_a/w400-h300/IMG_2473.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Once a year when the tide times are right, the Vintage Hot Rod Association comes to town to run speed trials up the beach. It all gets a bit special because there are rules controlling both the "Vintage" & "Hot Rod" parts of that, so you're going to need a car made before the 1940s & for preference you're going to need it powered by a flathead V8 with the right transmission & suspension.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkaHH8XAUMG5PHbuhzunUiCy_3EeqgKWalb2zHvsqtsNSJnMof7SQUSktQ3naLecmLNQ-F8JXTk9BRThXGjicuUTiIJ44O7sBIelNIqspDinOWM29hyx6fItCnHJtL6ciu3dJxAQlFNiQ8qi9ef4cuFG1NULhCILZbSyZvsx0M98yRTF-R0NtRjcRXHbY/s5184/IMG_2489.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkaHH8XAUMG5PHbuhzunUiCy_3EeqgKWalb2zHvsqtsNSJnMof7SQUSktQ3naLecmLNQ-F8JXTk9BRThXGjicuUTiIJ44O7sBIelNIqspDinOWM29hyx6fItCnHJtL6ciu3dJxAQlFNiQ8qi9ef4cuFG1NULhCILZbSyZvsx0M98yRTF-R0NtRjcRXHbY/w400-h300/IMG_2489.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>What all this means is that it's pretty certain that most teams could go faster if they ran the tow car up the beach, but that's not the point. It's all about the heritage & the early land speed record attempts mixed with a little Bonneville spirit, and this year I heard the twang of American accents, so hopefully those people enjoyed it - it's a long way to come.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhwvlZGa5Q1Vx8IqmMtmQ5LwVcIyRsl99IG3K6OVZrStTisimdp974G22T7yQo0IYJwgkbpPrHkOx959Q302_zHLGGC0famDF1QNUpt5pvxBoOtH0pM_rjJQxFo0GyGdedhUAb3Ahww9W4ZfuhnxfLQMq_RzjCs4EUWliwmDO8Yt1e41JZOm5AX6cwB3T/s5184/IMG_2520.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhwvlZGa5Q1Vx8IqmMtmQ5LwVcIyRsl99IG3K6OVZrStTisimdp974G22T7yQo0IYJwgkbpPrHkOx959Q302_zHLGGC0famDF1QNUpt5pvxBoOtH0pM_rjJQxFo0GyGdedhUAb3Ahww9W4ZfuhnxfLQMq_RzjCs4EUWliwmDO8Yt1e41JZOm5AX6cwB3T/w400-h300/IMG_2520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />But the event doesn't disappoint. There's no razamataz. The VHRA are there to run the cars, if the public want to watch, that's fine as long as they keep to pretty much one rule - KEEP BEHIND THE TAPE.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtAMc5cJuLbBrkJwRjZfvRffLsIAuardDh4HU3YUIgTBBgg33jmdiBC1Ky5fDUmXZ1tnqp3CG8Y1PagVsMxlrhMUPpPl9yEquHuWaXOBhyPQhPPUvp6cE9kjLfTZVf1rLjCoqW-vbirHRAtU-ugs6irzIs4O1LxIFbXhKmKyxoDwITNtMohyy6aAk9j7P/s5184/IMG_2457.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtAMc5cJuLbBrkJwRjZfvRffLsIAuardDh4HU3YUIgTBBgg33jmdiBC1Ky5fDUmXZ1tnqp3CG8Y1PagVsMxlrhMUPpPl9yEquHuWaXOBhyPQhPPUvp6cE9kjLfTZVf1rLjCoqW-vbirHRAtU-ugs6irzIs4O1LxIFbXhKmKyxoDwITNtMohyy6aAk9j7P/w400-h300/IMG_2457.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Plenty of visitors arrive in interesting cars, so they are parked up in one line (if you wish) for the public to see, so I took the Stylus as I wanted a pic of it on the beach to go with the one I took of the Fury in 2019.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcjZKFxCEt6qDbastFK4JlhwKvO0ZBD95cZIwpL9_K2_eRs0F436ozJPN2ZDOzAtnTBfxgW6Ky_4SeAFQKK6VtoFA6uckz6ILsRQyBrDGBDMU9Dk4fsbFTt6jd5ZRnOOHtteOc2_EysF9__mPBjB-r__3erQIRjjPqDM0apPm3jeZ5BbBXjF6aaWZJ34m/s5184/IMG_2680.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcjZKFxCEt6qDbastFK4JlhwKvO0ZBD95cZIwpL9_K2_eRs0F436ozJPN2ZDOzAtnTBfxgW6Ky_4SeAFQKK6VtoFA6uckz6ILsRQyBrDGBDMU9Dk4fsbFTt6jd5ZRnOOHtteOc2_EysF9__mPBjB-r__3erQIRjjPqDM0apPm3jeZ5BbBXjF6aaWZJ34m/w400-h300/IMG_2680.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />There were plenty of people, but somehow the village never seemed crowded, I'd gone with a good friend & we went into the very nice ice-cream parlour on the prom & only waited a couple of minutes to be served, it was all very relaxed.<p></p><p>But you don't want to red all that, you want to know about the cars.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>They split relatively easily into a few groups for descriptive purposes:-</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgMIUl0_4SLNak6rdTSvRXYe5BbT8pF87pZvBGUO9sh5Mt-fgq2Sy5G7KrcvkWTkZa6whRqhN_0ANoBv_t810sXREBF2mqDSlS1-bT3PNJBF-VogRH4PE6MR2xOK2Z5Q_0kUg7Dk3fSirDam-nvYbbvoGy14FIkOyJCHgXQozLxlHERVghqxwgb0t7Mse/s5184/IMG_2538.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgMIUl0_4SLNak6rdTSvRXYe5BbT8pF87pZvBGUO9sh5Mt-fgq2Sy5G7KrcvkWTkZa6whRqhN_0ANoBv_t810sXREBF2mqDSlS1-bT3PNJBF-VogRH4PE6MR2xOK2Z5Q_0kUg7Dk3fSirDam-nvYbbvoGy14FIkOyJCHgXQozLxlHERVghqxwgb0t7Mse/w400-h300/IMG_2538.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Immaculate late '30s saloons - not too many this year, if you had one, would you run it over a sand / salt water mix?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kWM9RDXo_QtbgllvKtxg0ViHD6MhaoQIwt-c4rvAVRKqpGzEcu2On2Rm6kUeg9I6j3GqlfqvXvKv_CdEANROqTwicdtJx08SZO7B8Yq2Y1k4SZP1uxqJ8RmT9XjqVj2TORUoud-G6K84neU3PU4-JhOrlh2rSBkmdCiX9VQyKl9Vwabyyg_PVWUbtT5v/s5184/IMG_2466.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kWM9RDXo_QtbgllvKtxg0ViHD6MhaoQIwt-c4rvAVRKqpGzEcu2On2Rm6kUeg9I6j3GqlfqvXvKv_CdEANROqTwicdtJx08SZO7B8Yq2Y1k4SZP1uxqJ8RmT9XjqVj2TORUoud-G6K84neU3PU4-JhOrlh2rSBkmdCiX9VQyKl9Vwabyyg_PVWUbtT5v/w400-h300/IMG_2466.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Hot Rods in the classic sense. Road going cars with proper paint, interiors etc. The above also applies here.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1h7ovJH-EXzBuf2ELaevpMdNPJHXrlVGAVSyXk25IA3_J4MOvv8CYJ6HDZrTSDInPxCgvD3bjrhVD-UM3UlJS8kF27zVainLTW9_qLdR6nmUqmYpRHaWi2hPMtEjDgY81-xxNpNSq6F9-HJR_NbeYxf3rTDkC046Pk6WQS_cphad9dDP49X3tR99Blf0/s5184/IMG_2723.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1h7ovJH-EXzBuf2ELaevpMdNPJHXrlVGAVSyXk25IA3_J4MOvv8CYJ6HDZrTSDInPxCgvD3bjrhVD-UM3UlJS8kF27zVainLTW9_qLdR6nmUqmYpRHaWi2hPMtEjDgY81-xxNpNSq6F9-HJR_NbeYxf3rTDkC046Pk6WQS_cphad9dDP49X3tR99Blf0/w400-h300/IMG_2723.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Hot Rods in "less original" condition. There's a rust theme here, not rat rods as such, but bodywork that's very much only there to keep the sand out.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt635Hi7Z0yIWZS286m98-mJxQ5PHOEC_fnRLMugfhR7ZX0Aj4Zro2DaO-ZLx36LQ5Xq9IhmZUUAw3zMQjtMpXhzZkPuE2YFQbrtqHgXyH_i0IIQvNM3AeL3yedcgEve5FWHxt3TE9enFg_QuFINQmoOhaSsi55MyLXwkYV8N93In-z9Ww1sSgDUbq8H-M/s5184/IMG_2531.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt635Hi7Z0yIWZS286m98-mJxQ5PHOEC_fnRLMugfhR7ZX0Aj4Zro2DaO-ZLx36LQ5Xq9IhmZUUAw3zMQjtMpXhzZkPuE2YFQbrtqHgXyH_i0IIQvNM3AeL3yedcgEve5FWHxt3TE9enFg_QuFINQmoOhaSsi55MyLXwkYV8N93In-z9Ww1sSgDUbq8H-M/w400-h300/IMG_2531.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Original race cars from the 20s & 30s<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDmv7U4JWgjEAv99tU_SIWFLhh3WI4r6MMxE-CWi1MEazyeylHEbfRV3VzCXNavtbx1jPQum_Hf4i8nZsfYTyBrljFSaTLM9vRMPsCoNqLbCIB5oLQVRqfS_9Ti6-wqqD14ESbsBgEfp0cEfmc2dnD1yNhScxgZ-SfDIWGnVdZ9nnE5Lgx37s9ITl9Fa5/s5184/IMG_2667.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDmv7U4JWgjEAv99tU_SIWFLhh3WI4r6MMxE-CWi1MEazyeylHEbfRV3VzCXNavtbx1jPQum_Hf4i8nZsfYTyBrljFSaTLM9vRMPsCoNqLbCIB5oLQVRqfS_9Ti6-wqqD14ESbsBgEfp0cEfmc2dnD1yNhScxgZ-SfDIWGnVdZ9nnE5Lgx37s9ITl9Fa5/w400-h300/IMG_2667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Streamliners - specially built from original pre-40s parts & enclosed in an aerodynamic body - traditionally made from old aircraft drop tanks, hence their other name - "belly tank racer".<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPlYmTo6aBepkjoUMdWschkzXgTg5EX5hYRqsPcB6b_7d_etI6TE6BqDY7ip0o6FkxpdN1QXF-qep7RcYfroJhCyE-GXVvd4I8pp3TOXCjj3mFEnNyZjn8_hqBmkkfrN2u8uGJbrRAZdhZkKCIBbB3BljENdnHiQXEORFmL6-Y9-S-APqE3b5WLt7nfX3/s5184/IMG_2524.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPlYmTo6aBepkjoUMdWschkzXgTg5EX5hYRqsPcB6b_7d_etI6TE6BqDY7ip0o6FkxpdN1QXF-qep7RcYfroJhCyE-GXVvd4I8pp3TOXCjj3mFEnNyZjn8_hqBmkkfrN2u8uGJbrRAZdhZkKCIBbB3BljENdnHiQXEORFmL6-Y9-S-APqE3b5WLt7nfX3/s320/IMG_2524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It works like this:-<p></p><p>As soon as the tide has retreated past the track zone, the competing cars are gathered in the pit area & come out one by one, are waved off by the flag girls - who always seem to be having more fun than anyone else - & accelerate up the beach to a speed trap that measures their speed over 110 yards, then they slow & the next car runs, simple. Except that these are mostly engines that won't rev over 5,000 rpm & have the original three speed gearbox, so they have to be geared REALLY high, so getting them off the line is a skill in itself. Then accelerating hard while keeping the back behind the front, on sand is also a bit of an art. The fastest cars are clearing the trap at around 120, most won't get over a ton & some struggle to see half that. But it really is the being there & taking part that's the thing & while watching some old cars accelerating quite slowly won't be for everyone, there's other things to do & the cars just keep going up & back, so you can wander off, have a drink & an ice-cream, look at the constantly changing "interesting car" park & wander back to soak up some more atmosphere while wondering at the fact that this sort of thing is even still allowed today.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlHmZlFapMRFsSOLdgQLXKa0ypW44tMpe0zZSUROcIcpgTyJjnWrr_4dCWTEzX4MrRWprR6LnpK-6nSQuhXWgk3mC9NFooxaMwO-y92MK8MqiFmAihzJUTWC_AkAhystUB8bmhKuz4SWX3_kX8vQ8ZqmSLSGBCqrKgZdI2REf1if2izPZ4E1xFbSazsoJ/s5184/IMG_2582.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlHmZlFapMRFsSOLdgQLXKa0ypW44tMpe0zZSUROcIcpgTyJjnWrr_4dCWTEzX4MrRWprR6LnpK-6nSQuhXWgk3mC9NFooxaMwO-y92MK8MqiFmAihzJUTWC_AkAhystUB8bmhKuz4SWX3_kX8vQ8ZqmSLSGBCqrKgZdI2REf1if2izPZ4E1xFbSazsoJ/w400-h300/IMG_2582.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />It was also good to see that the village had benefited with a re-built museum, new prom with beach showers & loos, these things make it a more attractive destination when the events aren't on, so helps keep the money coming in, though the electric car charging points didn't see any use <i>at all</i> that I noticed in 2 1/2 days 😂.<p></p><p>We spent the first day wandering up the track photographing the cars at various points until the last runs of the day after which everything has to be packed up at lightning speed, all the cars, the pit fences, the tapes & supports, timing gear, EVERYTHING - because the tide IS coming in. The following day it all has to be set-up again as the sea retreats. The second day wasn't as sunny, we watched the cars, looked along the display line (several people asked me about the Stylus) & went in the small but well laid out museum, then it was time to pack up & go home. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJz1I_VWEJh3Wm0jRnRbSJEoXkDmR9Ey4hXga1yVGB9ZgqNexsjlYlI1xFkOY6Ud_oaA0Db_I4Q6ZsR5_Jm7EOs3cRjjj6rvaUecg9biCtuv0Q_MFmVY5MzwNf3tt5pFVXXzCD3NaKWT3UT2OHaVvWswFX5cWFekJIZovaTp21Bqzy5Epglgz9TkCY4dTt/s3840/IMG-20230618-WA0011.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJz1I_VWEJh3Wm0jRnRbSJEoXkDmR9Ey4hXga1yVGB9ZgqNexsjlYlI1xFkOY6Ud_oaA0Db_I4Q6ZsR5_Jm7EOs3cRjjj6rvaUecg9biCtuv0Q_MFmVY5MzwNf3tt5pFVXXzCD3NaKWT3UT2OHaVvWswFX5cWFekJIZovaTp21Bqzy5Epglgz9TkCY4dTt/w400-h225/IMG-20230618-WA0011.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>I'd collected a bike frame from repair on the way, but it wouldn't fit in the the car with the roof on, but it'd be <i>fine</i> - it wasn't & I suffered biblical rain on the M4 on my way home, but necessity is the mother of invention & after finding a petrol station to hide in, I found that actually, if a little cleverness was applied the frame <i>would</i> fit in a horizontal fashion & I was able to put the roof up & continue my journey. <p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNfkEe1ADnqrd1qQyFbx-f6fojj1gILPZKa3kvZtT1VcO8H6WjOuuHOyu-F-hlFEClVO_jN4pHR150jVK6nEYTc9po02r48sF1ORpB5X-NqV9WjawuK-gA1KNRFUFuZfaQLVSTNEwebs3yAiiQAoI4so_ATuhLrZCmEMsl0vvPa5S4KPHbic9_soYTT7j/s5184/IMG_2962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNfkEe1ADnqrd1qQyFbx-f6fojj1gILPZKa3kvZtT1VcO8H6WjOuuHOyu-F-hlFEClVO_jN4pHR150jVK6nEYTc9po02r48sF1ORpB5X-NqV9WjawuK-gA1KNRFUFuZfaQLVSTNEwebs3yAiiQAoI4so_ATuhLrZCmEMsl0vvPa5S4KPHbic9_soYTT7j/w400-h300/IMG_2962.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JNoVjm9N7QHy9TSP11SS3tLZBqSfAfqqIofROzz1Za2wRVKIryyD4qLbNiwIfNlc1p2-9Ti7gMp1NVodmk4REMCDyWIsZRRF_8lR0ZXbxNxLtyaAQ-m4KNide1WdKxWW05XI2lg2AWkGlPSJ6jEAoWYEP9F0dSfY9svo41wPBFdkq0wrTvCD232qgF7Y/s5184/IMG_2989.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotYShfhZ0fZkhqwVkOX2R23u4wwQ_ZeJrf227zqeQFZEdoeaGFenOgGqLFArF-emm3w_5qVYt7px1SO6jDVXf8m6AxYXE-TDuQo-CmidZ3K64Y_8Rq26rVG8D5aFSUO2ifJuKoUbvzjzeH0RHxZFBsuVV-rGVSj-QrLNMULTNzOJ98WaB5KVzmtaoKQ/s4096/IMG_20230529_131204274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotYShfhZ0fZkhqwVkOX2R23u4wwQ_ZeJrf227zqeQFZEdoeaGFenOgGqLFArF-emm3w_5qVYt7px1SO6jDVXf8m6AxYXE-TDuQo-CmidZ3K64Y_8Rq26rVG8D5aFSUO2ifJuKoUbvzjzeH0RHxZFBsuVV-rGVSj-QrLNMULTNzOJ98WaB5KVzmtaoKQ/w300-h400/IMG_20230529_131204274.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>When I got back to the garage I took off the injection, but all the connections onto it & the coil pack seemed secure, so I reassembled it & started the engine & noticed the fuel gauge was showing none at all where it had been showing 1/4 full. I took the panel out of the boot floor, then the access panel from the top of the tank to look at the gauge sender & whoa! All the POR15 tank sealant I'd sloshed round the tank after finding the small leak had peeled off in sheets & quite a lot of it was wedged in the exit hole.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnMmN3iaanjAUm0gYStua2KP89V-F1mkP7Bno6vCnUQsibLpRrcWQU0QLP6xaX5OyZ2lRb4crXu-TVNTO9RMkOK6Mjczaq3fW2tNvx8Z6U0mU-DCTyZPSe28ZJSNAUBhgFokkv3cgvw5dCNKv8NgUBkkwx0d25Mjlhcq0E_5BE_1wngBAa1HfO5Y1qg/s4096/IMG_20230529_131226093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnMmN3iaanjAUm0gYStua2KP89V-F1mkP7Bno6vCnUQsibLpRrcWQU0QLP6xaX5OyZ2lRb4crXu-TVNTO9RMkOK6Mjczaq3fW2tNvx8Z6U0mU-DCTyZPSe28ZJSNAUBhgFokkv3cgvw5dCNKv8NgUBkkwx0d25Mjlhcq0E_5BE_1wngBAa1HfO5Y1qg/w300-h400/IMG_20230529_131226093.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This was a "disappointing thing". I didn't have the access to clean it all out & while I could get most of it out there would always be some I couldn't see or couldn't reach ready to peel off & block the exit again.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4y1kJ8oZFDdf1DbPvxcs6mYF0Dy0Tklbm51V81ujksfeyy5a23gFDZx8dvxc3yUO8E-Jzzrv7qcGi4715Pk1v9K9d0BraUWe7r55KqExmU5AH5TmKcwL7ZrnZEU_D81Mquwkcq5jonT6w753hiHUbWRKJeS2v-tHFaLjXEmcmBy6E2ttYFPTXBX7nw/s4096/IMG_20230529_141003169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4y1kJ8oZFDdf1DbPvxcs6mYF0Dy0Tklbm51V81ujksfeyy5a23gFDZx8dvxc3yUO8E-Jzzrv7qcGi4715Pk1v9K9d0BraUWe7r55KqExmU5AH5TmKcwL7ZrnZEU_D81Mquwkcq5jonT6w753hiHUbWRKJeS2v-tHFaLjXEmcmBy6E2ttYFPTXBX7nw/w300-h400/IMG_20230529_141003169.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I flushed through the tank as well as I could, cleaned the filter & went for a drive. After 100 yards it was better, after 200 yards, stuttering, after 300 yards it didn't have enough power to move & I had to push it back onto the drive.<p></p><p>This wasn't looking good.</p><p>Again I had it all in bits & cleaned it again & reassembled, again I took it round the block, again it was pretty bad after not very far at all.</p><p>What to do?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EtY0F3sYQ-Z41acAdjlf_VEhTYG4a8l1tpDpsyOvBg4k85FqyzsuDUeA_Jjio2irnZerJHDNIffwRStyGeD_SPr-j2ys93wauDYulRKD9BLCpy7K3MYdz_jRysRVncWuJRXJBItYAfdsV3p6gj9SjmlYPR3xRa1DSsI7hFQto7RwmfCiUvYNiHY2xg/s4096/IMG_20230530_183553885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EtY0F3sYQ-Z41acAdjlf_VEhTYG4a8l1tpDpsyOvBg4k85FqyzsuDUeA_Jjio2irnZerJHDNIffwRStyGeD_SPr-j2ys93wauDYulRKD9BLCpy7K3MYdz_jRysRVncWuJRXJBItYAfdsV3p6gj9SjmlYPR3xRa1DSsI7hFQto7RwmfCiUvYNiHY2xg/w400-h300/IMG_20230530_183553885.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I thought the No.1 problem was that I couldn't clean the inside of the sump that feeds the filter & pump, so the sealant lining it could at any time peel off & block the exit pipe. I opened the hole into the sump to a slot, packed it loosely with cotton fabric & held that in place by drilling both sides of the slot & lacing between the holes with locking wire - that will keep any peeled sealant away from the exit.<p></p><p>I also ordered a new fuel filter to be on the safe side.</p><p>I re-built it all & took it out - with the same result, fine to begin with, rapidly deteriorating.</p><p>I fitted a fuel pressure gauge & that showed very poor pressure, I took the pipe TO the filter off - petrol gushed, I took the pipe FROM the filter off - barely a dribble.</p><p>But the thing was, I could never clean the medium size bits out & they were just the right size to get through to the filter & clog it. Then I had a brainwave. If I could attach a gauze over the exit hole, there wouldn't be enough "suck" to hold it there & it would get washed off at the next corner when the fuel moved about. I couldn't rivet it through the tank skin, but I could rivet it between the tank & the exit sump as both are wet areas.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJWPC5Ol1uomGDY6BTT-pDBCEgWMF954Yo3EgxohbOkjFJBLma-4Sg2L-TJB7fnfSPUN8UZtO1z55NOw0AG-a03YX5MF8-bcsMCnq_gXT3G8Q2o-fZ5YbQz3wCN7utWzW1vbhMe9JirmuuW2DJdT3wza4gY8JT04g52LpFvsXWle6slg5TFuYTykzNQ/s720/Screenshot_20230530-083300.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="720" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJWPC5Ol1uomGDY6BTT-pDBCEgWMF954Yo3EgxohbOkjFJBLma-4Sg2L-TJB7fnfSPUN8UZtO1z55NOw0AG-a03YX5MF8-bcsMCnq_gXT3G8Q2o-fZ5YbQz3wCN7utWzW1vbhMe9JirmuuW2DJdT3wza4gY8JT04g52LpFvsXWle6slg5TFuYTykzNQ/w400-h268/Screenshot_20230530-083300.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />What I needed was a mesh - a stainless mesh - a strainer - a tea strainer!<p></p><p>A quick search of e-bay found this for a few £ & when it arrived I riveted it into the main tank floor.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVdIkNE1xw_EEtNj2N8CVftEMzdTEYI33lC7CPiMaFzKNON5MaU0X8Oc-Ejub1JAnKBWWiFB3UDoOtby-ZdtlzB2qqk877p5iVhMMVXjavnlt2AG0L5sv3JawWOKp-PGRoy-bhy2gWFE9jK4F1-vfyNVfzW8L11yb_FuyEc4VpbLIiwY6s9IASV5VEQ/s4096/IMG_20230605_173204209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVdIkNE1xw_EEtNj2N8CVftEMzdTEYI33lC7CPiMaFzKNON5MaU0X8Oc-Ejub1JAnKBWWiFB3UDoOtby-ZdtlzB2qqk877p5iVhMMVXjavnlt2AG0L5sv3JawWOKp-PGRoy-bhy2gWFE9jK4F1-vfyNVfzW8L11yb_FuyEc4VpbLIiwY6s9IASV5VEQ/w400-h300/IMG_20230605_173204209.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />AND IT WORKS!<p></p><p>OK - it works so far, but there's no real reason why it won't carry on working.</p><p>The car is actually much much smoother - it was idling at 600 rpm until I adjusted it up a bit so I could hear it.</p><p>So fingers crossed a disaster has been averted by a little ingenuity & a kitchen utensil. </p><p><br /></p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-74054952198474269092023-06-06T16:40:00.002+01:002023-06-06T16:40:39.606+01:00RogueRunners '23 Epilogue<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">RogueRunners '23 (sigh) what can I say?</span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Well, it was a long way to go & a long way to come back from, all the travelling south of a line from Liverpool to Leeds was just a grind, particularly in an open car.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We also had a few reliability problems with one car off the road for two days & mechanical issues with two others (not including the Elise's fob battery).</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">BUT</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">That sort of thing is all part of the adventure, we could've all gone in two front wheel drive turbo diesel hatchbacks, which would've been warmer, quieter, had more luggage space, been cheaper etc. but that wasn't the point. Yes the motorway miles were dull, but the other roads, especially those north of the Great Glen are superb & the cars we take are ideally suited & just come alive. The technical issues (as long as no-one has to go home on a truck) provide a puzzle to be solved, with people contributing ideas, tools, emotional support & help.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The scenery in the north of our sceptred isle is the equal of any views, anywhere on the planet & seeing it going by from an open car enhances the effect.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">BUT</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">As ever, it's the people that make the trips so special. There are no egos among the rogues, There are no rules on our tours, people drive the roads at the pace they are comfortable with & we all get together in the bar at the end of the day. Technical problems are dealt with, decisions are discussed & agreed, stories are recalled & celebrated, (and some beer is consumed).</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Each year the group changes with some people coming on their first tour with us, just joining us for a couple of evenings, or unable to make it this time round, but the atmosphere of co-operation & mutual enjoyment - & a certain amount of gentle mickey-taking - is always the same & we keep coming back for more!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">RogueRunners '23 - The Nae ORD'inary Tour was another <b>outstanding success</b> & plans are already afoot for RogueRunners '24</div><div><br /></div>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-65362981968549855422023-06-05T21:52:00.002+01:002023-06-06T16:43:34.528+01:00RogueRunners '23 - Day 10<p>Day 10 – Proper South</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BnZHIO73NmCUxsWnvAtg6CUoNfzD_N1A55kzGO0HSnMh6Mjw_k-s8YR57grnERYpI2PTUdCmVbU8BbPGwzMOlwRjgHywzXr8uVXWVHqefxQG3tY4pnpvdJjZC8MM3e4ZKigdwNvLeRtMAUVViWOlggRaUKD8GitbjvwozqgFqsg-wPylAERiuDxJMg/s5184/IMG_2312.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0BnZHIO73NmCUxsWnvAtg6CUoNfzD_N1A55kzGO0HSnMh6Mjw_k-s8YR57grnERYpI2PTUdCmVbU8BbPGwzMOlwRjgHywzXr8uVXWVHqefxQG3tY4pnpvdJjZC8MM3e4ZKigdwNvLeRtMAUVViWOlggRaUKD8GitbjvwozqgFqsg-wPylAERiuDxJMg/w400-h300/IMG_2312.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Yes, I’m afraid it’s all over for another year, but there was
still a little blatting to be squeezed out yet & just south of Harwick we
took the B6399 which is always good, passing back into England as we cross Kershope Burn. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEvft2Exfcu39wAB4iZjxf7EX-9GOQPQY8j1YUT5h-f7EfNjfcldUxhwqco2h07H0PfNlH5Ewj1bRDHdpn0X_uB54sFi9TP3PeCE8HwOjr4g4is35n6O1jt3TuiW0V19gM4aF7N_HU3xfcOhwdNzHsCwuAvaJOr5W7xqQrtKEtEm_mETN220qrPntLA/s5184/IMG_2313.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEvft2Exfcu39wAB4iZjxf7EX-9GOQPQY8j1YUT5h-f7EfNjfcldUxhwqco2h07H0PfNlH5Ewj1bRDHdpn0X_uB54sFi9TP3PeCE8HwOjr4g4is35n6O1jt3TuiW0V19gM4aF7N_HU3xfcOhwdNzHsCwuAvaJOr5W7xqQrtKEtEm_mETN220qrPntLA/w400-h300/IMG_2313.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After that we took a
variety of minor roads eventually passing through Haltwhistle – scene of last year’s tour & then two of us called in for a coffee in a biker cafe & waved frantically while the other two of our number drove past - or was it three? An orange Elise was hot on their tail so that was Graham yes? Odd as he had set off before us.<p></p><p>Refreshed Linda & I continued south through Raise & Hartside Pass! Oh yes. At this point we were photographed - not by the local constabulary, but by a chap who photographs bikers & anything interesting & posts the pics on a website should you wish to buy one (I did) & there in his record of the day's traffic was an orange Elise - but not our own GB's, so maybe it wasn't him we saw from the coffee stop.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Next on the agenda was Penrith for a fuel stop where the way in caught out at least two of us, then we hit the A6, because here, it’s quite smooth & wide, but all the traffic
is on the motorway.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh4QLO3uoC-PTf_9AKobyu8pQKfeByjTxes5-xyYvgBZSEGxOxD4OSEvT0_30e3bt_fQLTdo-ZZY6H7EIXqUv9qXU6KayX4S85npwlOgvdxN3REzLlrnuajDfvrw5flwWec8hjIxxxsB1_GElyQ4lCJtzbNoKn_NzTeXaFnjnvIH25mJB15Q2HUxKGg/s3840/IMG-20230528-WA0007.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOh4QLO3uoC-PTf_9AKobyu8pQKfeByjTxes5-xyYvgBZSEGxOxD4OSEvT0_30e3bt_fQLTdo-ZZY6H7EIXqUv9qXU6KayX4S85npwlOgvdxN3REzLlrnuajDfvrw5flwWec8hjIxxxsB1_GElyQ4lCJtzbNoKn_NzTeXaFnjnvIH25mJB15Q2HUxKGg/w400-h225/IMG-20230528-WA0007.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We joined the M6 at Shap – because Tebay – yes it was a cake
stop & buying cake to take home was the
order of the day. Off the motorway again & taking the minor roads, we made
a couple of wide sweeps through the dales, visiting Hawes & Aysgarth, We stopped for ice cream at the Wensleydale Ice Cream Parlour (Lemon Meringue Pie AND Mint Choc Chip if you <i>must</i> know) & then it all went a bit unfortunate. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRP8zXwXgkU789jKnUdYm3PEAUDgpH1uNjhdmwei8ljLQiDs_UECcQYIjvFV-7-QLV0LAz2R0qafVyT2LaxdVUDqkT1a0ZX7dHJwsMl6ZsxC1SJrx6KHZMkc4IzxlZ2ysMmq5TLQJxdGEvB9rGB9beFqk2ZyA2ZRWg7dqir_tp0XFLHXY_0ksFGpCpQ/s3840/IMG-20230528-WA0012.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRP8zXwXgkU789jKnUdYm3PEAUDgpH1uNjhdmwei8ljLQiDs_UECcQYIjvFV-7-QLV0LAz2R0qafVyT2LaxdVUDqkT1a0ZX7dHJwsMl6ZsxC1SJrx6KHZMkc4IzxlZ2ysMmq5TLQJxdGEvB9rGB9beFqk2ZyA2ZRWg7dqir_tp0XFLHXY_0ksFGpCpQ/w400-h225/IMG-20230528-WA0012.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>There was just constant traffic dawdling along, then we got stuck behind - would you believe - a double decker bus - on narrow lanes - in the Dales?<div><br /></div><div>Then there was an air ambulance in a field just off the road, but finally we joined the A1 just north of Leeds & after that I’m afraid it was pretty much A1 all the
way, lightened at one point by a Sprinter van passing us with Ayrton Senna (OK, probably someone wearing a replica crash helmet) leaning a long way out of the passenger side giving us the thumbs up.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The
garden centre that marked the beginning was long closed when we got there, so we bade Linda a fond farewell on the A1 & stopped for petrol, I thought I probably had enough to get home so just waited & the final three of us escorted each other until the ways parted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">As it turned out I <i>may</i> have had enough fuel to get home, but chickened out & bought an expensive couple of gallons in a motorway services, then spilt most of in on the garage floor trying to solve a fault. but that's a story for another day</p></div>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-88257661900145301982023-06-05T21:16:00.001+01:002023-06-05T21:16:50.593+01:00RogueRunners '23 - Day 9<p> Bit of a different one today.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaE4N75_VLqR7PA391B8MwgfLB7hZncVPxz9fmFPctmWw7Vk28nwbDxBJJ-Bb49TQsJo0IOTWZbjGnGDzRKyxMSWkRt4EW25wtclOH6mL05DwOpJtcX06xqhtCc-qH4cxxKPxx6JBE7HpEvbES-3tp2jsg5e83nxAxh9Re6U3-z07fZYxmaVF8peZfg/s5184/IMG_2303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaE4N75_VLqR7PA391B8MwgfLB7hZncVPxz9fmFPctmWw7Vk28nwbDxBJJ-Bb49TQsJo0IOTWZbjGnGDzRKyxMSWkRt4EW25wtclOH6mL05DwOpJtcX06xqhtCc-qH4cxxKPxx6JBE7HpEvbES-3tp2jsg5e83nxAxh9Re6U3-z07fZYxmaVF8peZfg/w400-h300/IMG_2303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I had written a route over towards Girvan in a long & a short version, but I headed 1 1/2 hours north to visit my family. Gorgeous as all of them are, you won't want to read about them on a car blog, so I shall restrict myself to saying I pulled onto the first motorway behind an Edsel! (google Ford Edsel). As you can see, the motorway is peppered with "useful information", one I saw said "don't get distracted while driving" - what like, by reading a large sign that <i>might</i> be giving me important information you mean?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFjcvGE_Ik3VMJOxlB36BmDY4UIWBgV_WHtMEhAaSXTxZwvUT6fEhRIbAhUcK8YupvUASSt3Dp3qArdDd1hAhOqrqy7geubtcgNoyK38Pufo3ol_7E3I6CFvBqbw-0UGcpipjUgEEeG5vlMTd2udUO6x-ex1gZ2YFXAW4rlX25Xe3iqPNTRcu_d50Dg/s5184/IMG_2308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFjcvGE_Ik3VMJOxlB36BmDY4UIWBgV_WHtMEhAaSXTxZwvUT6fEhRIbAhUcK8YupvUASSt3Dp3qArdDd1hAhOqrqy7geubtcgNoyK38Pufo3ol_7E3I6CFvBqbw-0UGcpipjUgEEeG5vlMTd2udUO6x-ex1gZ2YFXAW4rlX25Xe3iqPNTRcu_d50Dg/s320/IMG_2308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then I stopped in North Queensferry to take the picture I was running too late to take the day before. This one goes with a similar one I took of the Fury in 2015.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QAkD8WlX9paqtr0WH3BYWIQ_WPYw3V4Zy252krA346-0wbriHVYOiu-V3FKjJVgYLEI8R79ystRwQOakhKiVDg4H0HMFluzYd6KviS7ZOVVrhkxDj1rf7h1agCBESPkdD8EqpyR8WUUymvIssLVaaPfqWYUvXuqm1YcNflL6icbdYKyZ4Rdptk3sTg/s1501/IMGP6000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="997" data-original-width="1501" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QAkD8WlX9paqtr0WH3BYWIQ_WPYw3V4Zy252krA346-0wbriHVYOiu-V3FKjJVgYLEI8R79ystRwQOakhKiVDg4H0HMFluzYd6KviS7ZOVVrhkxDj1rf7h1agCBESPkdD8EqpyR8WUUymvIssLVaaPfqWYUvXuqm1YcNflL6icbdYKyZ4Rdptk3sTg/s320/IMGP6000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Generally it was a good journey with decent A roads & I did some overtaking - which was nice.👍<p></p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-60970806884991559732023-06-05T19:52:00.000+01:002023-06-05T19:52:09.508+01:00RogueRunners '23 - Day 8<p> Heading South</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLNARUc_Yv_3vyiMCmUz6r8VwbHxBjMgLMi0PPVE672Rk7VfvYkjGnLKLaczKEl3kstOUmQTne57BiPZULKQ1DHuNpeq66zdk7p27WcAPmVxZTo-PuA_-QdAQWLja2bCLAlZ7jOlXc9f3XBp7jOVJjdRx5jAWnre3FmCOEXzyP5gnz3id5RatImEn0w/s5184/IMG_2281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLNARUc_Yv_3vyiMCmUz6r8VwbHxBjMgLMi0PPVE672Rk7VfvYkjGnLKLaczKEl3kstOUmQTne57BiPZULKQ1DHuNpeq66zdk7p27WcAPmVxZTo-PuA_-QdAQWLja2bCLAlZ7jOlXc9f3XBp7jOVJjdRx5jAWnre3FmCOEXzyP5gnz3id5RatImEn0w/w400-h300/IMG_2281.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We packed up & set off from the Ord Arms Hotel, I was having trouble with the cameras & ended up at the back - even more so when I got caught at the first lights & then went straight on at the Tore roundabout - it was only Richard following me & saying "you turned off the roundabout too soon" that gave me any clue where I was.<p></p><p>So Richard & I were playing catch up from the off. But catch up we did - at the A9 which was closed after a fatal accident, which unfortunately goes to show that the rigidly enforced speed limits are maybe not the answer.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiHNnLeCXWEkRZ2dPkwuu8XEfZj_OpJ4yVDzG1fc8hIXxsEw3OgmuterdeLOW_5Kd8Nw1TOW8LGxRGs5bkjbLjp5ARdZJIpydU9iQCMsGOwZKwcx2BKZo5q6yDLMq65ZN1cyqL-87xOCpxOKZ8dFFRxITOtfrCS9Ek0T-CHk1lOsGggh6iCtqSGxBNA/s5184/IMG_2284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiHNnLeCXWEkRZ2dPkwuu8XEfZj_OpJ4yVDzG1fc8hIXxsEw3OgmuterdeLOW_5Kd8Nw1TOW8LGxRGs5bkjbLjp5ARdZJIpydU9iQCMsGOwZKwcx2BKZo5q6yDLMq65ZN1cyqL-87xOCpxOKZ8dFFRxITOtfrCS9Ek0T-CHk1lOsGggh6iCtqSGxBNA/w400-h300/IMG_2284.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT the A9</td></tr></tbody></table>So we turned round to get us away from the queue & asked the SatNavs to avoid the A9, which to be fair they did - by taking a tiny tiny road across a moor for 10 miles. It was all going quite well until eight cars going one way, met four going the other in the one place where there were no passing places for a mile in each direction.</p><p>Having sorted that out & got back to a road with a white line in the middle, things improved & after quite a while we successfully negotiated the "Bridge of Doom" going south & celebrated with cake & coffee at the Bothy at Braemar. Richard & Robert arrived late after changing a wheel on Richard's car after the tyre got shredded.</p><p>Then Roger & Steve headed off for Steve's house on the west coast, Robert & Richard abandoned the route to find a Quick Fit & have the tyre replaced, leaving Linda Graham & myself on the route. A little while later Graham had SatNav issues & headed for the hotel direct, leaving two of us to tackle some pretty good roads & the Edinburgh rush hour. But we made it to the hotel in time for a freshen up before supper & a well earned sleep.</p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-57151066367309407582023-06-04T18:44:00.001+01:002023-06-04T18:44:26.034+01:00Rogue Runners '23 - Day 7<p> Day 7 - hmm - bit of a disappointment.</p><p>We set off from our hotel on a schedule, we had to be back by 14:00ish as we had a tour of the local distillery booked.</p><p>We headed out of town & soon found ourselves following a coach on the road to Drumnadrochit. This was bad news as it meant the coach would be going all along the north shore of Loch Ness. Coaches have been something of a bane on some of the routes on this trip.</p><p>I managed to get past the coach & after a while, the others did too, but then I was stuck behind something else doing 30 on a 60mph road.</p><p>Along the north shore we were again held up, but I got past & called "road's clear" several times, but no-one appeared in my mirror.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhv8E8dVv1ajo7Pu8V0kszsWi2msqsEhMRWxj2bZ5EdOBwVdnf9PHeuX1LcYaE8FF09F2eJ5czkruEYVDr3fCXOHIN7Gj-ReI1imQv46HoEXE8aMIjmRkL-ZygUhlmF0QB90GJV4tMDdpWojMC85-YBv0o7Nk0VNOxjDxS2zk5uQf6aTZcUz-t9vSCVQ/s5184/IMG_2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhv8E8dVv1ajo7Pu8V0kszsWi2msqsEhMRWxj2bZ5EdOBwVdnf9PHeuX1LcYaE8FF09F2eJ5czkruEYVDr3fCXOHIN7Gj-ReI1imQv46HoEXE8aMIjmRkL-ZygUhlmF0QB90GJV4tMDdpWojMC85-YBv0o7Nk0VNOxjDxS2zk5uQf6aTZcUz-t9vSCVQ/w400-h300/IMG_2264.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Leaving the Loch side I stopped in a layby & took some photos, no-one appeared, I drove off calling "anyone hear me" over the radio - no-one replied. I drove on again & after a while yellow appeared behind me & I hailed it on my radio but got no response. About this time I realised my radio wasn't working.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihv-BAMJBY1JBTQwq3z7rL_NA4owLU6KTIexAX63ljgAFDT85zbdYxW4C1J47RXX0BIKAr7iBo5In9tml57jhVlkIWnrBESkO3xpRkMKXKqoypW3WK-yGFGMnLRx5iECPStm_37vKSh8ZJDCPJPHHl71KG4s1cgvtCpSCXXhJG8GVpIcLFGXBNA0u_sg/s5184/IMG_2274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihv-BAMJBY1JBTQwq3z7rL_NA4owLU6KTIexAX63ljgAFDT85zbdYxW4C1J47RXX0BIKAr7iBo5In9tml57jhVlkIWnrBESkO3xpRkMKXKqoypW3WK-yGFGMnLRx5iECPStm_37vKSh8ZJDCPJPHHl71KG4s1cgvtCpSCXXhJG8GVpIcLFGXBNA0u_sg/s320/IMG_2274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We were at least all together at the cake stop where I encouraged a small French boy (with parents & grandparents) to sit in the Stylus.<p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7DlLDvuIAxz9gEpM1WTPDW2-W3H4GB8WIJQZhDJBrLHAwLVu3qyOsMckHGTrEBj4WvqKqRxT1gq0R8ymHF61aHO_xJ-4l3eLWfAFJBTOw9eqk815nGRoDcF6ieMVE3G5OHU4-peZvEN9YJXSbc3_MH1srJtZ9qcWnBW_5dbCyVU4qa-AJw7nJJgjwA/s5184/IMG_2277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7DlLDvuIAxz9gEpM1WTPDW2-W3H4GB8WIJQZhDJBrLHAwLVu3qyOsMckHGTrEBj4WvqKqRxT1gq0R8ymHF61aHO_xJ-4l3eLWfAFJBTOw9eqk815nGRoDcF6ieMVE3G5OHU4-peZvEN9YJXSbc3_MH1srJtZ9qcWnBW_5dbCyVU4qa-AJw7nJJgjwA/w400-h300/IMG_2277.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Not a real coo</span></td></tr></tbody></table>After that we rolled on along some roads with twists, turns, undulations & stunning scenery, almost always behind another vehicle doing 30 on a 60mph road. Eventually I got free of the traffic at a junction where the SatNav showed the line to follow going both ways, but it said "turn right". This section was planned as a loop though a scenic valley, but after four miles, the "Turn Around Where Possible" message suggested it had all gone wrong.</p><p>On my return from the T.W.E.R.P. I met Richard & Robert coming the other way, but time was pressing as the ETA was now almost half past two.</p><p>I followed the route to the A9 which was just horrible with average speed cameras on all but the dual carriageway sections & while getting safely past a lorry in preparation for turning left in a mile & a half, I noticed the camera van. Was I over the limit? I didn't <i>think</i> so, time will tell, I suspect not as the speedo reads higher than the SatNav.</p><p>So I rolled into the hotel car park at 14:10 having not re-fueled to save time & we sauntered to the distillery for our tour, which was the high point of the day, pleasant & informative & when we staggered back to the hotel, Steve had arrived from Dunnoon, a curry was ordered & the banter flowed.</p><p>But we're moving south again tomorrow, so with much packing & organising to do, we retired early.</p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-71780937303783736782023-06-04T18:19:00.000+01:002023-06-04T18:19:35.771+01:00RogueRunners '23 - Day 6<p> What can I say about day 6?</p><p>It wasn't just EPIC - it was the very EPICentre of EPIC!</p><p>236 miles of diving heaven. We headed north out of town on a route similar to yesterday's but with a minor de-tour to take in a couple of hairpin bends I'd found. After that we endured the A9 & it's traffic for a few miles, but today I was content to just sit there because I knew what was coming.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3iD79Ve-XU2X4C2FDiHfvHmog4NGjozF8JABmRCdCT6F1ytcFMO0J3phj6STzEchbco6rszlPfaxCFWtKlP_lQ8m1JWWUphuXAub74s4CWpOLeViDbszLQl5gx9cpWSrJKwQh-IWqEEy21eAlEEdEwwfEMc1Y08BPnFdVTgljMn15XCQLR2OaYDa0g/s5184/IMG_2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3iD79Ve-XU2X4C2FDiHfvHmog4NGjozF8JABmRCdCT6F1ytcFMO0J3phj6STzEchbco6rszlPfaxCFWtKlP_lQ8m1JWWUphuXAub74s4CWpOLeViDbszLQl5gx9cpWSrJKwQh-IWqEEy21eAlEEdEwwfEMc1Y08BPnFdVTgljMn15XCQLR2OaYDa0g/w400-h300/IMG_2086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />On the minor roads, we got stuck behind an artic, but managed to get past, then took a smaller road which was good driving, but put us behind the artic again. We pulled in for coffee & cake at a cafe Linda had found - I don't <i>think</i> the attached soft play area was what appealed to her. When we arrived at Lairg, the very same artic was unloading comestibles into the shop as we refueled. It was only 40ish miles in to the journey, but fuel stops can be unreliable in the northiest of north, so keeping the se7ens topped up was the order of the day.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRe5KQgLSfTB3agmj7XVyjIb577c2Fevb9r_q7fOgJXu2KJFu0knsVw0bJPATzQdihkFxJCOHhT9_prY-U38jGcVr75uET1v6KZQTXcKAa4PtOAP57JApUj6_SINr6m_mQTO9NxsJKggvzf856uJYl_DlT6gjXmU1wAbMN5ZWQsX1KnCmSqSKmTL70A/s5184/IMG_2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRe5KQgLSfTB3agmj7XVyjIb577c2Fevb9r_q7fOgJXu2KJFu0knsVw0bJPATzQdihkFxJCOHhT9_prY-U38jGcVr75uET1v6KZQTXcKAa4PtOAP57JApUj6_SINr6m_mQTO9NxsJKggvzf856uJYl_DlT6gjXmU1wAbMN5ZWQsX1KnCmSqSKmTL70A/w400-h300/IMG_2089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />The next target was Altnaharra, but unfortunately the road that was so EPIC yesterday was infested with vehicles that wouldn't pull over to let us past, so I stopped to mess with the cameras & as I suspected the van that had been in our way was there in the pub car park at Altnaharra.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u5EUrZ5kAYSUNSrGk_0x7-d8c7RtqoGK0_y2RrWy4Kut_xYGWm9xX6chde6tC401PTQeeZAVYzOB9QKuwN2knVujNZG9RjAy7ExV83xGk7tio5bFPubMKdLHObzR3n29NX2Zw6Bxq3FKJsvIjHeDsegW4MnMNMVJFP-RbYGvJNj313Cv1JTcp-KDMA/s5184/IMG_2109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u5EUrZ5kAYSUNSrGk_0x7-d8c7RtqoGK0_y2RrWy4Kut_xYGWm9xX6chde6tC401PTQeeZAVYzOB9QKuwN2knVujNZG9RjAy7ExV83xGk7tio5bFPubMKdLHObzR3n29NX2Zw6Bxq3FKJsvIjHeDsegW4MnMNMVJFP-RbYGvJNj313Cv1JTcp-KDMA/w400-h300/IMG_2109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We turned off the north / south road just to the far side of Altnaharra (where there was a proper full size red deer stag eating someone's front garden) onto a very scenic, very winding road & I stopped again re-arranged the cameras but the one now fitted in the nose only recorded 15 seconds of stationary gravel before switching off.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNkhJv1tjMgb-3TobzhuH36_YYYagggSuGvSANUT5SMzrX7kqvBeq0jEWLEAe1_h6_NzewljGt84YqUllSuKmtjMDgs5iLBxpXCRJdtGTqSGI7-8wxs7siMYniL5rBGFV-tx4qZPowoNAnYLRWpTjSus7jn1yDYgYB9dh9Yf1fRV1ahxe3bqYaaoBCg/s5184/IMG_2119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNkhJv1tjMgb-3TobzhuH36_YYYagggSuGvSANUT5SMzrX7kqvBeq0jEWLEAe1_h6_NzewljGt84YqUllSuKmtjMDgs5iLBxpXCRJdtGTqSGI7-8wxs7siMYniL5rBGFV-tx4qZPowoNAnYLRWpTjSus7jn1yDYgYB9dh9Yf1fRV1ahxe3bqYaaoBCg/w400-h300/IMG_2119.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Eventually we arrived at the north coast & turned towards Tongue, though we never arrived because I'd again taken the route on a short detour for a couple of hairpin bends & a sea view.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjO_hbP2uw2DjQY0Rem13kfkHwL56dHNOUSFb-czD_jE0iU2eVZtLrymILaeW1Glc_0amf4K0ajRzexZCmX78nvdSaHBPSfefh3oxVlyL6jChReHfFTuEyE4yD7n5tGuc4b2qoGDipJRVXuwg3UPB0h85rhEY6PR6dz8NPNNZGiU0jH-fxseC4KBSAg/s5184/IMG_2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjO_hbP2uw2DjQY0Rem13kfkHwL56dHNOUSFb-czD_jE0iU2eVZtLrymILaeW1Glc_0amf4K0ajRzexZCmX78nvdSaHBPSfefh3oxVlyL6jChReHfFTuEyE4yD7n5tGuc4b2qoGDipJRVXuwg3UPB0h85rhEY6PR6dz8NPNNZGiU0jH-fxseC4KBSAg/w400-h300/IMG_2187.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The road across the top of the country is wide & flowing & we passed hamlets with spectacular beaches & azure seas, but as we rolled into Durness to refuel the Se7ens again, we realized that Richard's 2B wasn't with us. He was hailed on the phone & said the car was making an odd rotating noise & he'd pulled over to investigate. Having re-fueled, the others went on to the refreshment stop at Scourie & I went back to find Rich.<p></p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtV_KNmXyGy7a7g_BaYAfix2FILXCfPMkIZppgR0qcMybn3ACuh6691wjZ2ejAxQr4MJqZYT7rY276Vb1qVZicXiJPLh5uMlu41ufikWP6DcD7-NnyU1GHDV96ewQFueZR_07ZALs1jSblXkEhvkv4E63CudrrejjKX9e3OI_Bj4r6z8TkxAAuCZajQ/s2592/Rock%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtV_KNmXyGy7a7g_BaYAfix2FILXCfPMkIZppgR0qcMybn3ACuh6691wjZ2ejAxQr4MJqZYT7rY276Vb1qVZicXiJPLh5uMlu41ufikWP6DcD7-NnyU1GHDV96ewQFueZR_07ZALs1jSblXkEhvkv4E63CudrrejjKX9e3OI_Bj4r6z8TkxAAuCZajQ/w400-h300/Rock%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Rock........</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I had no doubt he could sort the car out, but 10 miles from Durness is 80 miles from any population centre worthy of the name & just having someone there with you takes the stress away.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbM-8RLM4QEQi6FNQU9eTr8dLw3jN3meBSXMc0dQxXtUDjUvAk9Cs-hrlLS1LjT7tshJK2F71wQMqXD2GIi-LhaTzCaSRN3_iRQKNWMwCbR6JEmvIKkHJ5wQvX38bfvAqOlQBF_bZpWZpWSduFZMUBY9Mxy1y0zblR3IIUb5HN23QfSv5GdNvdSucbA/s5184/IMG_2192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbM-8RLM4QEQi6FNQU9eTr8dLw3jN3meBSXMc0dQxXtUDjUvAk9Cs-hrlLS1LjT7tshJK2F71wQMqXD2GIi-LhaTzCaSRN3_iRQKNWMwCbR6JEmvIKkHJ5wQvX38bfvAqOlQBF_bZpWZpWSduFZMUBY9Mxy1y0zblR3IIUb5HN23QfSv5GdNvdSucbA/w400-h300/IMG_2192.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...........how does it just stay there??</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_teKz2n4bs73VTgWLvH1aHcsmvHW_QllRnWGEsuln80VXt4bjY4dyhRDKoFPx2M5_WYy-JMKrA0FYKZ5v0U6pL742VLcL1b-l2rv6oNLCsDOmlPfYajcKq9OQ4GVsH2xemxu3XbIYuMOvlCeT1Y-PrvIBlnnJs1HD0nKyqXbsRuoj2XO3Jt-GlHfaQ/s5184/IMG_2199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_teKz2n4bs73VTgWLvH1aHcsmvHW_QllRnWGEsuln80VXt4bjY4dyhRDKoFPx2M5_WYy-JMKrA0FYKZ5v0U6pL742VLcL1b-l2rv6oNLCsDOmlPfYajcKq9OQ4GVsH2xemxu3XbIYuMOvlCeT1Y-PrvIBlnnJs1HD0nKyqXbsRuoj2XO3Jt-GlHfaQ/w400-h300/IMG_2199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We rolled the car back & forth & decided it was something loud but minor & it would be best to take it into Durness where there was hard-standing, loos, food & drink if required & there Richard sorted it out (It was just a dis-used sensor rubbing on the prop-shaft), refueled we headed for Scourie ourselves. The road south is spectacular, but busier with campers than I've seen it before, then Richard came on the radio saying "problem". I stopped & saw in the mirrors he had pulled in a little way behind.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z_eLQDHBzSXjqaK6eluWJOYnKAXYQ0vqRkojsLdVZtLnMAoVRyJvETk7ULHxlxzPPf5Y1_QVbLoH3to6XNw5U3orQKLZ1HC7hurzhgxlfKGkw2dp4aHHAIWIxr0iB8tYjb9I-irkyEwJA0TU1XPWf6TzRHOSEAWGNAmmJPs9cVrHQu2EiG0fSY3Bzw/s5184/IMG_2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z_eLQDHBzSXjqaK6eluWJOYnKAXYQ0vqRkojsLdVZtLnMAoVRyJvETk7ULHxlxzPPf5Y1_QVbLoH3to6XNw5U3orQKLZ1HC7hurzhgxlfKGkw2dp4aHHAIWIxr0iB8tYjb9I-irkyEwJA0TU1XPWf6TzRHOSEAWGNAmmJPs9cVrHQu2EiG0fSY3Bzw/w400-h300/IMG_2226.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This time a throttle cable had snapped, but again Rich soon had it sorted & we rolled into Scourie where Linda & Robert were still waiting.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIA9sClO7e6u0XJDYmHGVpaufEWVc97Mf4YXSH4-SE7QRRZDuNf6PqZ_8_gT5wOzGmkZPHdPYuWPI_HbThuu-DgOkN7E9l7BVxIiyl6LCQk1X4OkZsZr-WmxT5B4aOwjoayJKcaBg15QKMADZgtWtUiMSeWOGmfQc-4V-MQY1YhyLbyVw0L-ZeTo4Sw/s5184/IMG_2240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIA9sClO7e6u0XJDYmHGVpaufEWVc97Mf4YXSH4-SE7QRRZDuNf6PqZ_8_gT5wOzGmkZPHdPYuWPI_HbThuu-DgOkN7E9l7BVxIiyl6LCQk1X4OkZsZr-WmxT5B4aOwjoayJKcaBg15QKMADZgtWtUiMSeWOGmfQc-4V-MQY1YhyLbyVw0L-ZeTo4Sw/w400-h300/IMG_2240.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />After an ice cream, we set off again, setting a "good pace" taking campers & saloon cars in our stride & after another 50 miles of fantastic roads, through properly breathtaking scenery, in beautiful weather, we arrived in Ullapool where Linda refueled to lay the ghost of her last visit where the car overheated due to a dead radiator fan.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MyFoRF0dhd7INy2Lnb-27wAURJgofRk4UnGBNJi2YwlkLT5EpLR7hWCASFp74Mx1DfZMUD3J62Sd8MDyavYcG1UaQE9KQfmPu4IUsrWfUGsnJL27sRfCudCwwgY2pTul6szyyBV3WCkYOt2Ki-m4JNfwlW50ruZ-9CneVCDsespAzl_XSY665f31DQ/s5184/IMG_2254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MyFoRF0dhd7INy2Lnb-27wAURJgofRk4UnGBNJi2YwlkLT5EpLR7hWCASFp74Mx1DfZMUD3J62Sd8MDyavYcG1UaQE9KQfmPu4IUsrWfUGsnJL27sRfCudCwwgY2pTul6szyyBV3WCkYOt2Ki-m4JNfwlW50ruZ-9CneVCDsespAzl_XSY665f31DQ/w400-h300/IMG_2254.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We set off again over the final section of brilliant road, slowly Linda & I drew away from the others & eventually arrived at the Muir of Ord petrol station, I stopped, Linda rolled along side, we looked across at each other & both said together "THAT WAS EPIC!!"<p></p><p>And it was.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmKKL4hH0kbAWiB-4Y9YtRA4pxmiyS6rorXtNVKYlY_2jXNaKMqReWFvIzSCzMPn8vUOee8zBN1otR4xoIR9gXz4-kc2XNcVEd76E9MM7xRhOsRroBECqqGubd8xdSr6sfBzSVj0GXCzMMOZP_zTyqLGdXu9It3x7TaG5HPuD-3nUmROIxOcck63ZcQ/s4096/IMG_20230524_180824294_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4096" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmKKL4hH0kbAWiB-4Y9YtRA4pxmiyS6rorXtNVKYlY_2jXNaKMqReWFvIzSCzMPn8vUOee8zBN1otR4xoIR9gXz4-kc2XNcVEd76E9MM7xRhOsRroBECqqGubd8xdSr6sfBzSVj0GXCzMMOZP_zTyqLGdXu9It3x7TaG5HPuD-3nUmROIxOcck63ZcQ/s320/IMG_20230524_180824294_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Back at the hotel we arranged the cars neatly for some photos for the hotel website, ordered up pizza & retired to the bar.<p></p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-3562452148744217652023-06-02T18:44:00.000+01:002023-06-02T18:44:22.049+01:00RogueRunners '23 - Day 5<p> Epic day.</p><p>Heading out on the A9 the sky was dull, but the scenery was good, running as we were along the east coast. I had thought this section might be a little dull, but the views kept us interested & the straights became overtaking opportunities.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3rDwwMLonCtKcSMBJkyYdHqFa0-9do5_bCtCA3pB58WmCBljAA9Yk0v1Cf3KhJjiiHnkTEUJmzuDrtuHcjO3LK4nl2adfHjPLTFgOnK-9fCeX9mE4iT8jor9sHFUhNepZg6yCQTVs4Iegc5xxPA8gZTEe-8Bv47FITusOAk_tTd-ot2CuBJE7nthLA/s5184/IMG_2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3rDwwMLonCtKcSMBJkyYdHqFa0-9do5_bCtCA3pB58WmCBljAA9Yk0v1Cf3KhJjiiHnkTEUJmzuDrtuHcjO3LK4nl2adfHjPLTFgOnK-9fCeX9mE4iT8jor9sHFUhNepZg6yCQTVs4Iegc5xxPA8gZTEe-8Bv47FITusOAk_tTd-ot2CuBJE7nthLA/w400-h300/IMG_2061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I was carrying Robert as his car was still at the menders, but fortunately as the road was better I only scraped once. We stopped for coffee & cake at "The River Bothy" which I hadn't been sure about, because while I could find a presence on the interweb, StreetView wasn't showing anything much. but I needn't have worried, a full car park, a lovely location, a cake counter groaning under the weight of exquisite fayre all added up to a real gem of a place.<p></p><p>Back out on the road & the A9 was now wide & fast with sweeping turns & much better than I'd imagined. We turned inland & zig-zagged agross the flatlands <br />for a while, noting that even roads that just connected farms to the road network still had a much better surface than those in Surrey in spite of the climate.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr_2StHqGetvuN6sPOfOMx_JyjnUFyLgR22d7LNMvjVU9GxVb0oIcnsjyqNPw4D2Hp281eTRnCrzTxx3FpPUmgVPV9yTdCrInS1BNm8F6lzjb8bClWpUbPznC17v3FOkXEbuR2FWb22nnqF-q-E3Vs9nbU-q9xSeuCQpL6Ph0VKhN3Ys1nVLQRQKLlg/s5184/IMG_2072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdr_2StHqGetvuN6sPOfOMx_JyjnUFyLgR22d7LNMvjVU9GxVb0oIcnsjyqNPw4D2Hp281eTRnCrzTxx3FpPUmgVPV9yTdCrInS1BNm8F6lzjb8bClWpUbPznC17v3FOkXEbuR2FWb22nnqF-q-E3Vs9nbU-q9xSeuCQpL6Ph0VKhN3Ys1nVLQRQKLlg/w400-h300/IMG_2072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Last time we were at John o' Groats it was a quiet almost desolate place, but now the NC500 has gained a reputation, it was buzzing, car park almost full, new buildings, lots of people milling about, eating drinking & buying stuff, so it seems that merely by linking up existing roads, someone has injected an awful lot of money into the local economy. But disapointingly, you can't get a car under the signpost anymore, the adjacent photo is as close as you can get.<p></p><p>There were a few spots of rain, so we put the hoods on while we wandered, but they came off again before we moved off heading west & the weather improved, we de-toured around CastleTown for no better reason than a Nepolionic fort on the nort coast sounded interesting, then re-joined the main route. Winding & twisting as the landscape gets hillier with glimpses of fine sandy beaches, this section is a joy as well.</p><p>We re-fuelled at BettyHill at a "local shop for local people" - it was quite strange & my suspicions that it had no price displayed were realised when I asked the price & was told 20p/l more than anywhere else we'd seen! Just a top up then I think!</p><p>At Tongue we turned south onto the fast single track road through Altnaharra, a gaggle of touring bikers pulled over to let us through which is unusual, & we "cruised" south to Lairg & then across towards Inverness at a cracking pace.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNkikYsxZeASOKULJSI1DNruyDoop9uZ6NysTZ72nsTedQ9A5Ixgyb00WSjI-V9D2NJ40BMuizKb5JOfoqDENf3eIODY32fCJXdQyRIQon5p29qlNWUikvSTIQCV-ngnIqPQKMQ2n909QmUgrc5eG4RFNPn4y3h1p2iiv6w4YRsEEQPfSHYd-QpC3UA/s5184/IMG_2081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZNkikYsxZeASOKULJSI1DNruyDoop9uZ6NysTZ72nsTedQ9A5Ixgyb00WSjI-V9D2NJ40BMuizKb5JOfoqDENf3eIODY32fCJXdQyRIQon5p29qlNWUikvSTIQCV-ngnIqPQKMQ2n909QmUgrc5eG4RFNPn4y3h1p2iiv6w4YRsEEQPfSHYd-QpC3UA/w400-h300/IMG_2081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Just before we arrived back,moU8dW<p></p><p> Roger came over the radio to say Robert had heard from the garage & his car would be ready to pick up at 6:00. I looked at the SatNav - ETA 5:58. Perfect.</p><p>Then we were taxied into Beauly for tea at the Priory by Pam again.</p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-35846893199449927312023-05-31T20:54:00.003+01:002023-05-31T20:54:57.623+01:00RogueRunners '23 - Day 4<p> A mostly good day.</p><p>Yesterday ended with investigating the braking issue on one of the cars which led to the discovery that the brakes were OK, but the wheel bearing was destroyed allowing the wheel rim to move about an inch.</p><p>There was nothing we could do apout that in a hotel car park car was moved to a local garage 1/4 mile away where I was pleased to see an MGB up on a ramp firstly because it indicated the guy was a proper mechanic, secondly because that was another MGB that wouldn't be holding us up. We kept out fingers crossed for the guy fixing it because it's a VERY long way home on a lorry.</p><p>So Robert came in the Stylus with me & we set off on a short route out to Applecross as it was now quite late. There were some "issues" going round Loch Ness. The car ahead of us just sat at a junction while all sorts of lorries, vans & a coach got ahead of us.</p><p>At one point the coach slowed to a crawl so the people could take pictures of Loch Ness, there was a chevroned area, but it didn't use it, just sat in the road in our way at a walking pace.</p><p>One of us did manage to get past which left me behind it, at Castle Urquart there was wide are it could've used to allow us past, but again, the highway code was ignored. Then it slowed, moved towards the kerb & I thought the driver was at last letting us through so moved to overtake - there were road works & traffic lights! But the gods of blatting were smiling on us & I'd only got as far as "Oh Fu..." when the lights went green & I was able to pass the coach easily.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvg5bFW8DwMujfuyiJytJu6B-5LYptsINX1W6nD9F1t5B82gcTHrAJewiwSSBai1XiQoQDlW5g263d1vpxZNbSeKb96HWegzh2gMhbahASuS0Eg_9L70DTcSTDZ_Z5_XBatiOFPBXq0AgK1G1XcTGQ_-c9RmwZBSp95nIny4HTLAWRASyT6DYqofiDg/s5184/IMG_2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvg5bFW8DwMujfuyiJytJu6B-5LYptsINX1W6nD9F1t5B82gcTHrAJewiwSSBai1XiQoQDlW5g263d1vpxZNbSeKb96HWegzh2gMhbahASuS0Eg_9L70DTcSTDZ_Z5_XBatiOFPBXq0AgK1G1XcTGQ_-c9RmwZBSp95nIny4HTLAWRASyT6DYqofiDg/w400-h300/IMG_2036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />We re-grouped on the wide smooth road heading west, occasionally stopping for photos, the Stylus was occasionally grounding with the extra weight, so I sat with the Elises at the re-fuel stop & while tinkering I found the vacuum hose to the MAF sensor had come adrift while I was rummaging in the engine bay on the way north yesterday.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrDgqOMqGTUPA9iqvBrq0kQRrUs1V-GNF6U18phEQWLKw5fx95nKkFa6FHSHoOBFAcH7zjGqyk0vg92ihvZlQMRf3miisNIla4gToYlOXmCywIwFCTvz-PvaS6C3YMsPKFWlzonL-E1ghB7rQiVSeAFsLUATi-EZohi_fzqcnE_Zwq_tbKRfMcN1Zrg/s3840/IMG-20230522-WA0009.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrDgqOMqGTUPA9iqvBrq0kQRrUs1V-GNF6U18phEQWLKw5fx95nKkFa6FHSHoOBFAcH7zjGqyk0vg92ihvZlQMRf3miisNIla4gToYlOXmCywIwFCTvz-PvaS6C3YMsPKFWlzonL-E1ghB7rQiVSeAFsLUATi-EZohi_fzqcnE_Zwq_tbKRfMcN1Zrg/w400-h225/IMG-20230522-WA0009.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Re-attaching that stopped the rough idle & the popping on over-run, so it was a more serine ride up to the Applecross Pass road, where we had one of the best runs up & down that we've ever had, traffic wasn't too bad, there was no cloud at the top & apart from someone taking a very large camper up the far side as we were going down (signs warn you against attempting this) we had no hold ups going down.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpYagwHnlgrVEeDjqYyTdSEWvbwvi3U2EBP1j_K8pzEiGYE9mW6MazbNiCL5R6D0YmAtGH07-H21VpMsbLjsIWKyXPnZ-iqqqhjENpdenSYX0VqxApTVv38H188d6CbgXtt5_XLB3yDQ70dKaA69qxNF9yFUqqtuoMe2JfW6DFEElFzVXDDMIEFLppQ/s5184/IMG_2047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpYagwHnlgrVEeDjqYyTdSEWvbwvi3U2EBP1j_K8pzEiGYE9mW6MazbNiCL5R6D0YmAtGH07-H21VpMsbLjsIWKyXPnZ-iqqqhjENpdenSYX0VqxApTVv38H188d6CbgXtt5_XLB3yDQ70dKaA69qxNF9yFUqqtuoMe2JfW6DFEElFzVXDDMIEFLppQ/w400-h300/IMG_2047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />The car park & pub at the coast was mobbed, so we drove north up the wonderfully undulating road round to Shieldag which was still pretty busy, but we were able to get coffee & cake in the little cafe overlooking the island & after a chat & some photos we headed back along the A road east. It's a again a lovely wide twisting ribbon of tarmac, recently re-surfaced (in white, which was weird).<p></p><p>The only problem came towards the end when six cars going east just fitted in a passing place, but five campers & a car going west tried to get past at the same time, completely blocking the road.</p><p>The rumble back to the hotel was very enjoyable & we all got refreshed as were we planning on an evening out in Inverness with Pam a good friend of mine who's a local.</p><p>However, the local taxi wasn't answering the phone, apparently the Inverness taxis charge both ways for both trips meaning a bill of about £120 & the last train back was too early. So instead we went into Beauly & had a very nice meal, in a hotel Pam suggested.</p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-22354956467339310902023-05-30T20:13:00.001+01:002023-05-30T20:40:25.045+01:00RogueRunners '23 - Day 3<p> Day 3 is a little clearer in my head - & not necessarily for good reasons. We all set off heading for the proper north - to Inverness - and beyond! as Buzz Lightyear so nearly said</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Robert was still having trouble with his car, but we set off
along the A7 & some local byways, arriving on the outskirts of Edinburgh
where most of what I can remember is how shockingly bad the road surfaces were.
There was one road with speed humps, but it was difficult to tell where the
humps started & the pot holes ended.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt2EngJK8OCreMFNu-71lBrerfvn4sOaZcBW5ndz813QGupdGAx7pgnq8UBcd8Z9asJFXxwroY2aUXUJsPsmDcmyJJlgN2h4iSMSAS25OIcFFUY_zMTBJwWJFZLbpEGAU0vUcv2Jauk0-2ffATO5d_nh62h9um2fniHSx_F46FG-_NeR3CKABS87XTg/s5184/IMG_2025.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYt2EngJK8OCreMFNu-71lBrerfvn4sOaZcBW5ndz813QGupdGAx7pgnq8UBcd8Z9asJFXxwroY2aUXUJsPsmDcmyJJlgN2h4iSMSAS25OIcFFUY_zMTBJwWJFZLbpEGAU0vUcv2Jauk0-2ffATO5d_nh62h9um2fniHSx_F46FG-_NeR3CKABS87XTg/w400-h300/IMG_2025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We all parked together under the Forth bridge at
South Queensferry where an extremely enthusiastic woman sat in the Stylus so
her brother could take photos.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After that it went a bit down hill. Most of the journey was good - we got over "The Bridge Of DOOM!" (it's a particularly pointy bridge so you can't see if anythings coming towards you until you're perched on the top).The weather closed in
& after refueling in Perth we headed for the Cairngorms & Glen Shee.
It's a fantastic road winding through the mountains & we stopped for
refreshments at the ski lodge which seemed to be full of painfully thin,
extremely fit looking outdoor types looking miserable.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz6_1t9n477Z3c3euOEiCYB1KWlfg7WmXeX-0sWwN58DRZQ49ugjCmwzDFQt662oNjo3xY8cT-bD-P4ut-WCKsV88v_rn_9rA74M0gTobtOe-dYLRKPUQbBuSuDWpHRFKV0wh3jg_43M66-xRsvirfjVJ5iCdkjPlsQMNaHQbTbN5QkaH82trfHtong/s5184/IMG_2028.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz6_1t9n477Z3c3euOEiCYB1KWlfg7WmXeX-0sWwN58DRZQ49ugjCmwzDFQt662oNjo3xY8cT-bD-P4ut-WCKsV88v_rn_9rA74M0gTobtOe-dYLRKPUQbBuSuDWpHRFKV0wh3jg_43M66-xRsvirfjVJ5iCdkjPlsQMNaHQbTbN5QkaH82trfHtong/s320/IMG_2028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />By this time we'd lost the two Elises, so We took some
photos outside & as the rain started properly, I fired up the car to find it
only running on two cylinders. We headed down the mountain & by the time we
reached civilisation the rain had stopped & we pulled into a petrol station
where the Elises were just finishing a re-fuel stop.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I fiddled with the Stylus & managed to get it running a
little better & with a hundred miles still to go we headed gingerly out
onto the road again & what a road it was. It even managed to impress me
through the stress of the car not running properly. I looked behind me at one
point & realised that while I was stressing & not paying attention, I'd
got ahead of the others, but decided to press on as the car was running
tolerably well, though that meant I HAD to stick to the route so if the car
did fail I would at least be found, so I was driving the middle-of-nowhere
single track roads on my own with a sick car. Not a good feeling.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But the miles ticked by & eventually I found myself on
the outskirts of Inverness - over the bridge - onto the Black Isle - refuel at Miur Of Ord - the hotel (sigh). Only then did I look at my phone & find
that Robert had run out of brake pad (or so they thought) somewhere along the
way, but shortly afterwards he came squealing & grinding like a freight
train into the car park & the last two followed close behind.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p>The Repair Crew set to & took down the part No.s of the
brake pads & from that found the donor car, but in trying to remove the
wheel, we realised the pads were fine. The problem was the wheel bearing. There
was a “proper” garage just down the road & we took the car in, he made some
notes & after a couple of days it was mended.<br /></p>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3326064539262241468.post-62563540297478617682023-05-30T19:48:00.002+01:002023-05-30T19:48:27.314+01:00RogueRunners '23 - Day 2<p>I have to admit to Day two being a bit of a mystery. As I sat down to write this I could remember very little about it.</p><p>I know it was a loop out from Selkirk & back, I remember we went east, I'm pretty sure it was epic - because it always is with the Rogues.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMwG9JxO1YJx3LyJtRgJuGKMJ8u9zWG_RBTvolpMBc9kS4-aN7qeqOgjKajbmgNpG-FE87JfXHja4lTWAYTVfG4MRC8oaCgKUHaKIwodJa5dJbAecREwhXLTsMVMBwY4RDpeGLFbH0pDHhhC6tqIlS9uf7RjcBqfhNizdm6zhaoa99mQNu0dE2Npsfw/s5184/IMG_1995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3888" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMwG9JxO1YJx3LyJtRgJuGKMJ8u9zWG_RBTvolpMBc9kS4-aN7qeqOgjKajbmgNpG-FE87JfXHja4lTWAYTVfG4MRC8oaCgKUHaKIwodJa5dJbAecREwhXLTsMVMBwY4RDpeGLFbH0pDHhhC6tqIlS9uf7RjcBqfhNizdm6zhaoa99mQNu0dE2Npsfw/w300-h400/IMG_1995.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />But as I start to go through the pictures & the pace notes it comes flooding back. We headed due west into England To the coast at Alnwick, but on the way there, one of our brethren had called for a wee stop (we were still in Scotland at this point) & after a mile or two, I found the ideal spot, secluded, picturesque (for those who didn't know where to look), perfect, but too late, a stop had already been had.<p></p><p>We moved on, crossing the border into Northumberland, passing through Alnwick & Seahouses, past Bamburgh Castle from the opposite to usual direction & away west, stopping for cake before going back into Scotland around Coldstream.</p><p>At some point we past the lake of the devil sheep. We came this way last year, the road passes a dam, runs up the side of the lake (possibly loch) & then up a steep hill where last year I fell flat on my face in the road while attempting to photograph my car. But I remembered there were a small number of "devil sheep" & sure enough they were there again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKHVBW-0TQQ2pwiDyeki-b_THlSWe_xyTst7GMjEAWkKxEtPlPN-He_0a4fh7rjO7V7fyCVHWjEaL2wdqtJFpMvLJ2rVtm5nnr_EV-3rc71eh-mYx9wA5Nc8GZLAV7gbd2oh6tXK05CdwncE9-r98VnHdQliixoogVTpfU6Xtp1nlFAEmZmFx_uopUg/s5184/IMG_2011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUKHVBW-0TQQ2pwiDyeki-b_THlSWe_xyTst7GMjEAWkKxEtPlPN-He_0a4fh7rjO7V7fyCVHWjEaL2wdqtJFpMvLJ2rVtm5nnr_EV-3rc71eh-mYx9wA5Nc8GZLAV7gbd2oh6tXK05CdwncE9-r98VnHdQliixoogVTpfU6Xtp1nlFAEmZmFx_uopUg/w400-h300/IMG_2011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After the steep hill there are another two lakes, or reservoirs, or lochs & it's all very scenic, with good driving & little traffic. By now we had passed Selkirk to the north & turned to head back.<div><br /></div><div>We were looking for refreshment, but there was none to be found until we rolled through a small village & found a pub with a prominent OPEN sign. We parked up & went in, trying not to be put off by the large stuffed badger under a bench seat as we entered.</div><div><br /></div><div>Apart from the stuffed badger, it was a nice place & we supped our coffee & reflected on the days driving.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs87ukk0_npMsHOZhgCPJjypU76tcqZghETpTQU4pbbRqoWuIgLDrcS_RnsMP1mDD5rnP5Xe0ttxJZmUWm-LxQvDCogRyUubIj7MViw68Q2-TR3qxM45jTkG-yOuAzIvXwvvHZqAft5ZI5BMxQK_3NSiBnidGLi3ET4UIiL-DpdZ4ii2OYmMlMBjSrFA/s5184/IMG_2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3888" data-original-width="5184" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs87ukk0_npMsHOZhgCPJjypU76tcqZghETpTQU4pbbRqoWuIgLDrcS_RnsMP1mDD5rnP5Xe0ttxJZmUWm-LxQvDCogRyUubIj7MViw68Q2-TR3qxM45jTkG-yOuAzIvXwvvHZqAft5ZI5BMxQK_3NSiBnidGLi3ET4UIiL-DpdZ4ii2OYmMlMBjSrFA/w400-h300/IMG_2018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />After that is was a short hop back to The Glen, a good meal & some sitting round in the bar telling stories & remembering memories - which it seems I then forgot.<br /><p><br /></p></div>BlatterBeasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06001008215129643714noreply@blogger.com0