Northern Drive-Out - Sat 10th August 2019

[mariner]

Hi Norm,

Hope you all survived the weather today and apologies for not meeting up with you all in the Kielder area as planned.
I know I said rain or shine I'd be there in my car and I nearly got there.
My route approaching Bellingham from the east was very wet lots of standing water and some flooding was probably pushing my luck getting through in some places.
About 1130 I was within half mile of Bellingham to find road completely flooded at least a foot deep over quite a long stretch.
Decided to retreat and head home as my alternatives if passable would add more time and I'd just be too late to meet.

rgds Bob

rgds Bob

[Longtimefan]

Bob, absolutely b---dy marvalous, quite a few of the party didn't get any further than Bellingham either and finished up spending most of the day there, gracing the local hostalries with there custom, and they were all in modern vehicles. As Norman commented in his address to those assembled for dinner, this must be the first drive out organised by the SEC that didn't have a single Stratos, replica or otherwise, attending.

BUT HE HADN'T RECKONED ON YOU. I THINK A SPECIAL MEDAL SHOULD BE STRUCK !!!!!!

Robin

[ah_sprite]

they were all in modern vehicles.

I guess a 50-year old MGB counts as a modern car, but only to those of a certain age

[Normb666]

Well that was an event and a half, wasn't it? "Wet" doesn't really cover it...maybe we're the wrong SEC - shoulda been "Speedboat Enthusiasts Club"!

Big Thanks to all who attended the inaugural Noah's Ark Rally - I really appreciate you showing such faith in my organisational abilities, and also your inability to take any notice of the weather forecast. As noted by Robin, this was probably the first SEC event where there were no Strats at all (apart from Bob's valiant effort, but a fail is still a fail, haha!) Congrats to all those who completed the whole route, cos it was something of a challenge - it was more akin to fording rivers than going through a bit of water across the road! I was particularly impressed by what Porsche call a "shower cap" on my 987 Boxster Spyder, which despite being out for two nights in some seriously heavy rain and being inundated by passing traffic, refused to let in a drop of water.

Many commented on the route itself being spectacular, with fantastic roads (which are now amazingly clean after a thorough washing...), so I think we should re-run it and have another go at it, maybe in the Summer next time
Of course, that means another visit to what turned out to be Not-So-Fawlty-Towers, as they seem to have upped their game considerably this year. We even had our own banqueting room for the evening meal, whether for our protection or the safety of other guests wasn't said, but the hotel was actually great value for money.

Despite what I said when giving my wee speech last night, I really did have an ace time, and once again, thanks millions to all who came (or almost made it...Bob). I didn't get to have a good chat with everyone for one reason or another, so apols to anyone who thinks I might have snubbed them. Maybe we should do a full week in future... noooo, could you imagine!!!

Cheers, Guys and Gals!

[David J]

Once in a life time drive with biblical amounts amounts of rain the roads around Kieider akin to rivers with small lakes at the bottom of every depression in the road, water was even bubbling out of the carriageway on the A68. Many thanks to Norm and everyone for making this weekend so enjoyable.

Funnily enough the crap weather added an extra dimension to the drive that will never be repeated again I doubt.

David & Pat

[Bernard]

Well... Boxster rinsed off and back in garage... it's roof too did not let in 1 drop of water... clever those Germans !
Great weekend that will live long in the memory banks, great company with laughs all the way.
Hope you all got home safely
Thanks again Norm !!... great weekend
Cheers
Phil and Helen

[Neil63]

What rain? Epic adventure. Great event, Great company and quite simply a hoot. The weather perversely actually made for a great experience. Norm once again Thankyou for the time and effort in organising. (The Sheep must of thought I was a Forest Fan turning their backs on me!)
Fab Time all the best
Neil & Debs

[ah_sprite]

Thanks to Norm for organising another weekend of hilarity... even the weather was laughable! We both had a great time and can't wait for the next one. Maybe it'll be snowing next time?

Bob, shame you didn't get to Bellingham, you could have had lunch on a railway carriage with Sara and myself, along with a load of Belgian Porsche owners who were stranded too. Not to mention the group of riders on 60s and 70s BMW motorbikes...!!

Didn't take many photos but Sara took this one which I think probably sums it all up:



Thankfully MEG took everything in her stride, must say I'm glad I changed my mind at the last minute and left the Stratos at home!

[ah_sprite]

PS... I took this photo on one of the practice runs... this is what the horizon was supposed to look like on Hartside!