RogueRunners '23 (sigh) what can I say?
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.
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).
BUT
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.
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.
BUT
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).
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!
RogueRunners '23 - The Nae ORD'inary Tour was another outstanding success & plans are already afoot for RogueRunners '24
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