Tim Bancroft Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Well just got woken up by the start lights hire company man who could not find 'The Plough' (He'd be no good on the RBRR then). I don't know supply lights that did not work and then the b##tards woke me up! Does'nt matter as I am still on a high.Anyrate on to more positive things- what a fantastic weekend- does owning a Triumph and taking part in an event get much better?The answer is no THE RBRR IS THE BEST CAR CLUB EVENT IN THE UK-FACT!Right plaudits as follows:Derek Pollock- For thinking this idea up in 1966 and being so helpful. (Les Mils who thought it up with Derek passed away a couple of years ago).Nigel Abdullah: For the route and his help at the start and finish- I am sure we will not forget his day glo clothing at the start and seeing him riding around on his push bike!John Millidge: The club's treasurer for his willingness to marshal at Perth and help out at Conon Hotel and Stirling.The start marshals: Barbara Aldridge, Dennis Carter, Bob Banks, Bob King, Dave Jenkins and a big thanks to Barry Gibson for getting to the start so early to help out.All the other marshals- too numerous to mention.The following Club members who were of particular help: Andy EverettAndy and Sarah JohnsonCraig GingellDale BarkerDave LangrickDave Pearson and all at Canley ClassicsEllis StokesGraham ReeksJames CarruthersJason ChinnKeith BennettMark and Jo McLeanMartin RandleNigel GairSteve WaddinghamTim HuntBTW how sad that both Steve and Craig had too retire.I reckon that 250 people were involved in this years RBRR- crikey!73 starters and 7 retirementsMy mistakes:1. Not having a central control2. The start lightsCan't think of any other apart from continuing to enter the event in a GT6- thought I'd get that in before messrs Randle and Stokes mention this fact! If anyone has any constructive ideas on how to improve the RBRR please mail me on: timbancroft61@hotmail.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raider Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Tim, apart from the persistent use of a GT6 I can't see that you made any mistakes at all.I may make one or two observations perhaps in the fulness of time but for me there's nothing wrong with the event.In fact, this event and the use of these cars is what it's all about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted User Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Tim the event was TOP QUALITY! thanks to everyone involvedMy only comment at the moment would be to have a start finish venue outside the M25 can we move the Plough some where easy to get to! I have set off a new topic Highs and Lows for some RBR specific tales! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raider Posted October 4, 2004 Share Posted October 4, 2004 Ok - one comment.Did we have to have the stop at Avon Country park or whatever it was?It felt like a real pain - I would prefer if we ditched it and went straight to Goodwood which was great.Then we can be back at the Plough a little earlier too which would give more time for socialising.Just like to add a note of thanks to the marshals who had to put up with alot as you can see from this pic at Goodwood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Bancroft Posted October 5, 2004 Author Share Posted October 5, 2004 Martin,The reason for the stop at Avon Heath was that every past RBRR, the Southern Area of the Club turn out at Combe Blissett near Salisbury to cheer the cars on from the roadside (which I thought was terrific). As we did not use the services at Fleet this time because we were going to Goodwood I realised that we would not pass through anywhere suitable for them to cheer from,therefore it was felt that a stop at Avon Heath would be good. I personally think that AHCP was fine, it was nice to see John and Diane Payne, John and Bridget Snook, Charles Colvin and all at the stop. remember that this local group of the club is the most active and I felt that they deserved some recognition. Also they more or less organised everything at the stop as well.While on the subject of stops, anyone got an idea about any suitable replacements for Blythe,Oswestry and Gordano. Difficult as they are all night stops and therefore it might be difficult to find a more suitable stop that is more interesting from a motoring stand point that would be open. Also perhaps we should put a stop into the route between Carlisle and Liverpool- now what do you say to that Martin?Yes Goodwood was great- excellent work by Bob King, Dave Jenkins, Graham Ramsay and Dave Gilding.Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 Stirling -> Oswestry deffo needs a stop - 278 miles is a long one.Also Perth seemed a silly stop - only 30 miles out of Edinburgh?! Better off having something to split up the Perth -> JoG leg, as that was a bit of a long one.Oswestry - pah... don't talk to me about Oswestry... worst bit of the trip for us - of course next time it would be ok... but there must be somewhere better than that... it just seemed really off route and out of the way - I do need to look at the map book to see where it really was though!Having gained so much knowledge from this RBRR I have a few ideas etc for the next one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Bancroft Posted October 5, 2004 Author Share Posted October 5, 2004 All thoughts and suggestions are most welcome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MWF Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 I think everyones personal experiences is going to differ in terms of directions, sleep and other problems so certain checkpoints are going to stick in their minds as bad. For instance when James and me made the run down to Owestry we were making very good time and despite the distance it was simple high speed journey, if we hadn't have got lost it would have been a good run.I think peperation and experience will always make a major difference on this event, perhaps the drivers book should include some tips on what to take. James and me would have found things a lot easier if we had got ourselves a proper map holder with light, clock, timer etc... and had a working odometer LOL! I know these things are down to common sense but some of us are more niave than others.With that in mind I found the route and checkpoints fine but feel the directions sheet could have done with being refined. For instance the Owestry checkpoint did seem to confuse a few so perhaps the directions would need looking at here. I also found quite often we were having to try and calculate the total distance for each section in our heads, perhaps this should be supplied. Another consideration could be listing major petrol stations as they appear on the route. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted User Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 If you ditch the stop at Perth, there are 24 hour petrol stations available just off the A9 at Aviemore, 80 miles further north and Tomatin a further 15 miles north of Aviemore located directly at the side of the A9.There are also petrol and services at Dalwhinnie, 55 miles north of Perth but they are a bit off the A9 and may only be 24 hour during the summer.If you wanted to stop at Aviemore or Tomatin, Highland Car Club are a very friendly and helpful bunch and could be relied on to help out with marshalling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 A few thoughts...Can we have RBRR plaques instead of stickers? for a start its one less thing to stick to your paintwork (me? hypocritical?) and also we can stick them on the rear bumpers - that way we can identify fellow RBRRers from a distance off. If you could make them reflective (illegal? maybe...) then that would be even better.The drivers book - now this could be improved. My "thing" is visual communication... so there are lots of odd bits that could be improved. Some visual representation of the route would be a good one - for planning out who drives how much. See below...I'll have to have a chat with you at some point when I've thought of all the other things... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caroline Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 The sticker removed some of Rupert's door paint. A war wound, I suppose.I thoroughly enjoyed it from the "I'm sitting at my desk on the PC reading people's text messages" point of view. Good plan. [caroline]Finding the Dartmoor hotel was a bit of a problem. Some indication of the distance to it from the previous road book instruction could have helped.Overall had a super time, and saw lots of nice shiny cars in the rear view mirror [barry]Run time was 48 hours 10 mins, consumption 39mpg, cost £220 fuel including getting to the start from Bradford. Not got back yet as off to France...Time to plan the 10CR then! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greeks Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 Agree with James on the Rally Plates, actually, as they will be good souvenirs too! Perhaps it makes it look too much like a race, though?In future, send me the postcodes of each stop and I can draw large scale maps ... it's one of my roles at work so i have 'MapInfo' to do these things.Personally I didn't have a problem with the roadbook ... but then I'm used to rather more cryptic instructions than the roadbook had! ;DUse a hairdryer / warm water to get the stickers off, and it shouldn't be too bad! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Bancroft Posted October 5, 2004 Author Share Posted October 5, 2004 Stickers: I see no reason to change these- especially important that we display the Charities details. If worried about paint loss, use masking tape. No need to put stickers on the back of the car as we all know what a Triumph looks like even in the dark.Mileage distances: We can all subtract, but yes we could put this in.Petrol stops listing: No chance, do remember that we should all fill up at the control stops, the only dodgy bit is the leg from Perth to JOG, luckily there are a couple of Garages in Wick that are open- this was not the case 6 years ago. If crews are concerned maybe a bit of prep. work by them before the event on the net could help.Oswestry: OK, I will go up there and look to improve directions for the road book.Car Prep: I think Andy Pearce and others discussed this some time ago on this forum and in 'Club Torque'- but yes I will include some comments for next time.Keep them coming, suggestions are welcome.The one suggestion I can make will be to send some decent sausages to one of the breakfast stop establishments before the next RBRR- I am not into cardboard!Also bear in mind that the 10CR will not be as formally organised, Martin wishes all crews that take part to be a bit more self sufficient- good idea that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellis Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 I agree Tim... whilst plates are a nice idea, they wouldn't look right on all cars (mine for one)... and yes, it would smack rally and that opens a whole new can of worms (especially with insurance).Stickers if applied correctly will come off without taking paint off - it's like most things, all in the prep work. This time, I gave the car a good coat of polish and smeared a thin layer of Vaseline on the doors before applying the stickers. I removed them yesterday, each came off in one piece and after a light polish, you wouldn't know they've been on there. Now believe me, the paintwork on my car is thinner than the hair on my head, so if it worked for me, it should for anyone. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted User Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 I can tell you now the metal rally plates cost a fortune about £15 per car and ordering them is a pain as the CRA seeem to have the suppliers booked up for ages!An all ternative in the plastic coragated syle but again I think the are quite expensive,I seem to remember we had them on the 1996 RBR,cable tied to bumpers this agin can be a pain restricting air flow to cooling radI dont think much on the run needs changed,apart from sending some decent cumblerland sausage up to JoG and getting black pudding on the menuRemember the route is advisory only-its up to you to keep fuel in the tank and make the most of conditions to get to the controls when they are openI would be willing to compile a guide to preparing a car for the run with ideas/input suggestions from other members Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 The plastic ones arent expensive - the TSSC had some made up for the trip down to Le Mans Classique this year... they were about £3.50 each.The thing that put the plaque in my head was seeing a Healey on the way to Avon Heath with one on - it just looked more classy...James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted User Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 True maybe a revamp of the design of the CT stickers? someting a bit more retro lettering ?targa rustincana had a nice 60s stlye designAnother thing that might improve the RBR is intruduce a driver etiquete? ie if you see a crew on the charge let them go,pull over slow a bit knock your nearside indicator on when its good for them to go, if you want to get on a charge flash the car in front indicate off side you want to pass?agree a code at the start? dont know just thinking aloud here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 Agree on the redesign... they do look a bit dated...I'll happily do any graphic design work for CT... Im good with stuff like that... something I can contribute to the events... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted User Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 why dont a few of us get together over a pint and see if we can come up with a design that High Comander Tim would give the ok! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raider Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 A halt between Carlisle and Liverpool? If you look back I did suggest this and I think we could get some Pendle and pennine members to help man it. So, good idea and let's look into it in 2006.Driver's etiquette - I agree Andy. When it's obvious a car wants to get past you why don't people pull over or indicate to let them pass? We are all in the same club so surely we can help each other out here.One other thing - as I don't live too far away (a mere 80 miles) I have thought about making some "pace notes" for the Corbridge to Jedburgh section - would anyone be interested? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deleted User Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 I think it would be something worth briefing at the drivers meet,as it does get tiring being a lead car in a gaggle of cars pushing on, as your trying to spot the in coming,speed cameras etc etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellis Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 I agree about the driver etiquette, as Mr Raider and myself suffered Triumph road rage once or twice and then got stuck behind several others who couldn't take corners... :-/ Having said that, we're all adults and people really shouldn't need to be told how to behave... The event is there to be enjoyed by everyone, so if you want to take it easy move over, but think of others when overtaking. ;)I know Tim and Nigel worked really hard on the route and stops to make it all fit in the given time. Now what I'm hearing is everyone suggesting to take out Perth... then everyone saying we need another stop on the Stirling to Oswestry leg because it's about 270 miles... Edinburgh airport to John O'Groats will be over 250 miles (or there abouts). About the only suggestion I would say is maybe move it to Inverness ?? I do agree the Stirling to Oswestry leg is long, but it's also on Motorway so time-wise it's not that bad. Swings and roundabouts really...I'm just conscious that people have been doing this for years and enjoyed it immensely... the phrase in my head is something along the lines of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted October 5, 2004 Share Posted October 5, 2004 My idea was to take out Perth and replace it with a stop half way between Edinburgh. Perth just seems so silly because its so short. Makes more sense to have one halfway don't you think?I agree the Stirling to Oswestry leg isnt too bad as its all motorway - I think we did that one wrong - I did that entire drive - rightly or wrongly we were using the stops as driver changes. It was really a case of bad planning on our part - we didnt realise how long that leg was.I agree on the if-it-aint-broke sentiments... this was the first time I've done it - I don't want to seem like some meddling first timer... they were just my thoughts on it...Regarding the design - we could certainly do that sometime - need to research some of the rallyesque plaques. Regarding sticking them on over tieing them on - depending on the car... double sided sticky take is easy :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johanne Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 Thanks are due to Southern Area member Duncan Luther who went home from Avon CP to collect a windscreen for Richard Brake's 2000 which had a shattered screen a few miles away, and to the other Southern Area members who helped Richard fit it, particularly Neil Harris who also went home for a tarpauline to protect the interior from the rain until the screen was fitted.I hope Richard and his crew reached the finish OK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 Was bored today - and meant to be doing my uni work...Yes its a total rip-off - I just wanted to see what it would be like :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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