coventry kid

Can I just say huge thanks to Chris and the team for organising this weekend's Coast to Coast. In the absence of a roadworthy Triumph at the moment, I was invited to join Stewart Marsden as co-driver. Amazing scenery and route, good company, nice dinner and breakfast, and altogether over 800 miles in the Dolomite Sprint. Thanks to all involved. Roll on the RBRR (and a car to do it in!)

Thanks both. I emailed my chum and asked whether the garage can send a picture. Will pass on the advice in the mean time. Cheers M

Thanks Clive. I will see whether I can get a picture. Its a second hand tale so I am only intermediary! But agree, a trawl through ebay with the old one on the desk would probably find something close. Cheers M

Evening all. A friend recently had his modern serviced, and spotted a Stag awaiting attention. Apparently, it has had a Ford Granada engine conversion some time ago, and the engine mounts are shot. The garage has tried Stag mounts and Granada mounts, and neither fit. Has anybody experienced this conversion, and any clues as to which mounts would fit? Cheers all. Mark

It's such a shame. Lands End is such a landmark on the Rbrr, and after the achievement of finishing that gruelling M5/A30 stretch, the last thing you want is to be confronted with a queue of 40 minutes and nowhere to 'go'. I wonder what other LEJOG events do? There must be hundreds of places in that part of the world that can cater for Sunday morning breakfasts, but I dare say a much smaller number that could handle 100 cars and 250 punters. Scratches head in a slightly dozy fashion.....

Couldn't agree more. Thank you to all involved in the Rbrr for giving us all the chance to take part in this amazing event. Some things get better with age, and I think the Rbrr is one of them. Probably the best of our eight rbrrs, notably due to the company this weekend. As always, we are already looking forward to 2016, which says a lot about this Rbrr phenomenon. Thanks so much to all involved from car 57. Mark and Jo McLean

Our first Rbrr was 2000. Carl Shakespeare talked me and mrs Mc into entering the event, and we seem to be totally addicted to it. Maybe there is some kind of subliminal brain washing trick that The committee use? Even Mrs Mc, who has no real interest in the cars, is addicted. The driving is a big part of the appeal, especially the sense of satisfaction and achievement when you see the Plough ahead after 48 hours. The camaraderie is something else: we have been lucky enough to have experienced only minor problems each time, but when we have, there has been no shortage of support and encouragement. The charity angle justifies it to all those friends and family who believe that we have lost our marbles. What is bizarre is that the day after each event, when the tiredness has been partially slept off, the drivers' minds genuinely turn to the following event 2 years hence! As my 8 year old son would say, it's 'epic'!!

I've been meaning to look into the original question this week, but have been snowed under with tax returns. I know that there is provision for charities to claim gift aid if they sell donated goods, but this is quite different to 'donating' the fuel. Current hmrc concessions for charities are very narrow, and I have a feeling that this would not be possible. Otherwise, why not 'donate' the cost of a car rebuild to take part in the event; the line has to be drawn somewhere. If I get chance I will look into it further before Christmas, but likely to be the new year.

Welcome Matt and the team. Whatever the Rbrr brings you, I can pretty much guarantee you won't regret your entry submission. Great choice of vehicle too, well suited to this kind of event.

Mrs McLean and I have been taking part together since 2000. In fact, since 2002 it's about the only time we get 2 days 'quality time' without children!! We think the same, and I can therefore trust her implicitly with the car, and with all the normal challenges of the event. Really hoping she can get the time off work for 2014.

Team McLean entry winging its way South as we speak. And for once, we already own the car that will be taking part. Can't wait!

34.2 mpg which I was very pleased with, given the half a ton of spares and tools in the boot!

Glencoe is always atmospheric and uplifting, but I have to say that following Roy Lacey's GT6 through Wales was an absolute last. Those roads are what Triumphs are made for!

Pm sent Stuart. Cheers, and glad you made it.

Mrs Mc and I only take water, fruit, and the odd bar of choccy. I remember the first year when we found a coffee called Rocket Fuel, with stimulants in it. We had consumed a flask between us before JOG, and 'enjoyed' a couple of tins of Red Bull too. It kept us awake when we should have been resting. But one lady had consumed 2 litres of Asda's own brand Red Bull type muck, and two flasks of Rocket Fuel coffee, and she had uncontrollable shakes at JOG. Watching her chasing her breakfast around her plate at JOG was hilarious, and a little scary! (eek)(eek)(eek)(eek) Nope, since then, just healthy stuff. Mrs Mc also now has a gluten and dairy allergy, so she also put in a batch of home made pasta salad while I enjoyed sarnies at Conon Bridge.