…and then there was one…

[Stuart Davis AO - Devon Cornwall & Somerset]

Bit of a last minute drive out this one, involving some ‘down to the wire’ negotiations my end as to if and when I could be released on parole after a week of decorating our bedroom! I definitely thought I deserved it anyway! 🤣

 

After some discussion, we decided that @Matt_S and @markat would meet at Re:Fuel for a quick cuppa at around 9.30am, then we would all meet up at Ralegh’s Cross at 11. Plan from then was to head for Exmoor, with Matt peeling off for home at some point, and Mark and me carrying on to Lynton for a break before heading home. My curfew was 2pm…. The clock was ticking!

 

After the grind to get through Taunton, I had a fabulous blat up to Ralegh’s Cross, pushing on as I was running a bit late due to a fuel stop. I was thinking the chaps would be there already, tapping watches but no, I arrived to an empty car park at about 11.12, 12 minutes behind schedule. After five minutes or so, I heard the noise of a single Westfield, and Matt pulled up alone. Worst fears were quickly allayed, no accident but Mark’s cycle wing stay had apparently let go in spectacular style, resulting in a flying wing and the end of Mark’s day, from a driving perspective anyway. Mark, glad you got to meet Matt at least, and hope you get the car sorted and we get to meet soon.

 

After a quick pit stop, Matt led off on a fun section heading for Wheddon’s Cross, where he turned off left and headed home, and so three became one. I’m beginning to wonder if my deodorant isn’t up to the job? 🤣🤣

 

What followed was one of the most enjoyable drives I’ve had for a while. The car was going beautifully, driver was actually pedalling quite well; with the changes I made to the pedal box last year I’m able to do credible heel and toe changes, or rather ‘foot and another part of foot’, changes; whatever they are called it worked though I doubt the name will catch on! 🤪 The road was clear most of the way across Exmoor, great fun, and I arrived in Lynton at 12.15, thinking I had bagged myself a 15 minute break. Ha, not a chance! The time home showed as having increased to 1 hour 45, so without getting out I headed up Countisbury Hill towards home.

 

The return journey wasn’t quite as much fun; more traffic and the route not as good. Regardless, still enjoyable and I always love the final section of the A30 down into Crewkerne, starting at the wonderfully named Mangle Cave Hill and consisting of a series of sweeping downhill bends, interrupted by a 40 limit through a village, then opening up again for a final blast down into the town.

It became a race against time, would I make it back before 2? Would I still have a full set of man bits by the end of the day if I was late? The tension was palpable (although I’m using a little poetic license here because I actually pulled into a lay-by at the top of the hill to allow plenty of space to the cars ahead), then I hauled down to the 30 limit entering Crewkerne.

 

I pulled into our driveway at 1.58pm, expecting praise for being slightly early but no. Mrs Stu’s car was nowhere to be seen; she had headed for the beach with the short person and the ginger furry one! 🤪

 

I managed to wash and dry the car, and get a coat of paint on a radiator by the time they returned so all is well 👍. 

 

Anyway, a grand drive out on some wonderful roads. Despite being a 34 year old car, with only 135bhp it’s a heck of a lot of fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[markat]

I'll be there for the next one @Stuart Davis AO - Devon Cornwall & Somerset

I need to thank @Matt_Sfor being my wingman that day too, quite literally, as he helped me collect the remnants from the roadside 😳. I'm just glad it didn't damage anyone or their vehicle. 

Onwards and upwards, new wing arriving Thursday and stronger brackets in progress. Need a new front tyre too, might have to do some man maths to work out whether 13 inch wheels would be more "cost effective" long-term 😉

[Stuart Davis AO - Devon Cornwall & Somerset]

2 hours ago, markat said:

I'll be there for the next one @Stuart Davis AO - Devon Cornwall & Somerset

I need to thank @Matt_Sfor being my wingman that day too, quite literally, as he helped me collect the remnants from the roadside 😳. I'm just glad it didn't damage anyone or their vehicle. 

Onwards and upwards, new wing arriving Thursday and stronger brackets in progress. Need a new front tyre too, might have to do some man maths to work out whether 13 inch wheels would be more "cost effective" long-term 😉

 

Good stuff Mark, glad you got sorted and home. I've been the beneficiary of the WSCC crew pulling me out of a ditch so I know how good it is to have company and support! See you next time 👍