Aug 1 (Sun): Herts Blast

RobBruce · Post by **RobBruce** » Thu 08 Jul, 2004 23:25

Apologies for the short notice, but I've been up to my eyeballs........

Anyway, who fancies a "Herts Blast"? Sunday Aug 1st, 0930hrs.

Meet at M1 Junc 9 - just north of the junction on the A5 there's a Harvester with HUGE carpark. Then a genteel trundle around some of the local roads, spot of lunch at v pleasant pub, followed by more genteel trundling. On to a good 'photo stop', and then trundle back to the start point.

ZZZEMMCO and Bloke have trial run the route with me, and think it will suffice....... and only two Gatso's in 140 miles! Not bad for my first attempt.

If anyone is up for it let me know, and I'll post a menu etc.

spokey · Post by **spokey** » Fri 09 Jul, 2004 00:25

I'd love to, mate, but I'm worst man that weekend.

Next time, for sure!

Bloke · Post by **Bloke** » Fri 09 Jul, 2004 03:42

Ill Be there for sure!!!

Bloke

TonyCal · Post by **TonyCal** » Fri 09 Jul, 2004 05:37

Will still be in Belgium so cant make this one guys, Sorry.

Zmeagol · Post by **Zmeagol** » Fri 09 Jul, 2004 08:02

Yes please. Hopefully new ride by then.

Tim

Larri · Post by **Larri** » Fri 09 Jul, 2004 08:18

I am pleased to say that all three of us will be attending (first time this year for the non believers

)

Miss M · Post by **Miss M** » Fri 09 Jul, 2004 08:49

I'm a definite maybe, will see who else I can round up from Z4um ...... but 9.30 on a Sunday? what's wrong with you???

Simmer · Post by **Simmer** » Fri 09 Jul, 2004 10:32

I'm up for it, should've been run in by then

Runroadster · Post by **Runroadster** » Fri 09 Jul, 2004 18:56

we'll be there

nice one Spokey.

RobBruce · Post by **RobBruce** » Fri 09 Jul, 2004 21:11

Miss M wrote:...... but 9.30 on a Sunday? what's wrong with you???

0930? That's a late start! I was planning on a 0730 start cos I know a real good place for cooked breakfasts/brunch.

It was (politely) suggested that 0730 might be a teeny weeny bit early for most on a Sunday

Still, I'm impressed that so many can make it at short notice. It should be fun. I may run it again (or similar) at the early time, for any die hard breakfast fans!
Just gotta remember where I put the bloody menu now..........

mikey j · Post by **mikey j** » Sat 10 Jul, 2004 21:48

Sounds good to me...it would be rude not to attend as its only down the road from me.

Hope tos ee you all there!

Miss M · Post by **Miss M** » Sun 11 Jul, 2004 17:34

RobBruce wrote:0930? That's a late start! I was planning on a 0730 start cos I know a real good place for cooked breakfasts/brunch.

7.30!!

I'm now a definite but will apologise in advance for being grumpy at that time on a Sunday morning......a quick zoom in Zeddy and some rock music will cure me by 10am

RobBruce · Post by **RobBruce** » Sun 11 Jul, 2004 22:07

Miss M wrote: I'm now a definite but will apologise in advance for being grumpy at that time on a Sunday morning......a quick zoom in Zeddy and some rock music will cure me by 10am

Oh come on it's not THAT early. Glad to see you're a definate, and thanks for the post on Z4um. Sunshine, top down and loud rock music......how can you be grumpy??

Quite a bit of interest now, so I will dig out the menu and post it middle of the week (and phone the pub).

Alfie · Post by **Alfie** » Mon 12 Jul, 2004 10:47

Hey Rob....

Definitely interested, but we're at a party in Wolverhampton the night before, so 9.30 is gonna be tough!

Smoke me a kipper.....

Cheers!
Alfie.

Bloke · Post by **Bloke** » Mon 12 Jul, 2004 15:15

Aha,

So Alfie is a Red Dwarf Fan,

so in Ace Rimmers own words,

you will be back for Breakfast! then!!!

See you at 9:30 at the Herts Blast!!!

Bloke

Miss M · Post by **Miss M** » Thu 15 Jul, 2004 11:37

Hi Rob

Can you add Mikey J to the list, he's one of our newbies with a Z4 so be gentle

RobBruce · Post by **RobBruce** » Thu 15 Jul, 2004 17:05

Be gentle?? Mwahaha!!

'Course we will. Right, spoke to the (new) pub owners and they have agreed to set aside some tables for us, and possibly some car parking space too!

The sandwich menu is as follows:

Smoked salmon & cucumber - £5.25

Sausage & onion }
BLT }
Praw & lemon mayo } all £4.95
Home cooked ham }
Chicken & mayo }

Mature cheddar & tomato }
Tuna & cucumber } both £4.50

All served on crusty white or granary with salad and coleslaw.
Bowls of chips are £1.50 each.

We can pre-order these individually, or the pub will put on a large mixed platter of them all, whichever we prefer.

I reckon that individual orders are probably easier, but open to suggestions.

Can anyone interested please PM me with the usual details - car, passengers, vrm, mobile etc etc and food choice, or email me at rob.bruce@btinternet.com

Cheers

Rob

Alfie · Post by **Alfie** » Fri 23 Jul, 2004 13:40

Hey RobBruce.

Any more info on this?

Maybe a map of the route and a list of cars?

Cheers!
Alfie.

sjl · Post by **sjl** » Sun 25 Jul, 2004 00:17

RobBruce · Post by **RobBruce** » Tue 27 Jul, 2004 22:52

Sorry for the delay........ work has been hectic and I've had no time for anything.

Looks like a dozen or there abouts so far. I don't have Autoroute so a map's a bit difficult.

Was thinking of doing "pace notes", but Tim has offered his Autoroute services - although this somewhat spoils the surprise!

Will update will full list of runners and riders shortly. Still room for more (the Home Counties are a big place!). Need everyone's food orders asap though.

TTFN

Rob

sjl · Post by **sjl** » Wed 28 Jul, 2004 09:21

Rob,

I would really like to see the route before committing.

Thanks

Simon.

Bloke · Post by **Bloke** » Wed 28 Jul, 2004 20:36

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=0008

Looks like the weather is going to be a blinder for Sunday guys and Gals

Bloke

Zmeagol · Post by **Zmeagol** » Thu 29 Jul, 2004 08:51

Olivin is now run in (1250 miles in 4 days). Looking forward to Sunday.

Tim

Larri · Post by **Larri** » Thu 29 Jul, 2004 11:12

Way to go Tim - local miles or have you been a wandering anywhere nice???

Zmeagol · Post by **Zmeagol** » Thu 29 Jul, 2004 12:05

Close to 700 miles yesterday for business meeting in Harrogate and back. 15-hour day. Some Red Bull consumed.

Tim
__________________
Der Adler ist gelandet

ZZZEMMCO · Post by **ZZZEMMCO** » Thu 29 Jul, 2004 12:25

So Tim, that was Zmug refreshed, and what was your Tipple?????

mikey j · Post by **mikey j** » Thu 29 Jul, 2004 16:34

I can defiantly make this run now.

Is it an all day thing?

RobBruce · Post by **RobBruce** » Fri 30 Jul, 2004 20:05

Sorry for the delay with info guys. Changing jobs so been rather busy. Have run the route again today, this time with pen in hand. Hopefully Tim can still assist with Autoroute map when I send him the directions.

Those going so far:

Bloke
Zmurf + ?
Giles/Larri - I need your food orders!!
Simmer
Runroadster
Mikey J
Miss M(osh)
Alfie & Diane
BartS and Sarah
ZZZEMMCO

[Ed: err, plus Rob I hope]

Further update once I've emailed Tim

Cheers
Rob

Zmeagol · Post by **Zmeagol** » Sat 31 Jul, 2004 08:11

Provisional route map (awaiting Rob's signoff)

Tim

sjl · Post by **sjl** » Sat 31 Jul, 2004 08:27

Tim,

Thanks for posting the route.

Think this topic should be renamed Bucks Blast

Zmeagol · Post by **Zmeagol** » Sat 31 Jul, 2004 09:01

Or even Herts/Bucks/Northants/Beds Blast.

Are you coming tomorrow?

Tim

BartS · Post by **BartS** » Sat 31 Jul, 2004 12:40

thx rob for posting the route, very familiar roads, did not realise its more of a beds/bucks route...effective passing our house/village during the route.

total mileage does not seem that much, am I right?, we'll be finished by lunchtime if we do the same speed as last week

see you all tomorrow

Bart

ZZZEMMCO · Post by **ZZZEMMCO** » Sat 31 Jul, 2004 15:13

Did --- did someone call ??? -- Bucks BLAST here , ahhmmm -- short cruise !!!!!!!!! , No NO, a little side visit-Whipsnade-BIG CATS --,Elephant Safari ????? Memsahib on way to Woburn to meet up with ------ Rhino-- more a BIG 5 Trip--A Bit into the Unknown, via Bow Brickhill with lemon tea on the verandah--A blues x 2 at the front-- and an Imola RED pushing---

this aint no Miss Daisy sightseer .

RobBruce · Post by **RobBruce** » Sat 31 Jul, 2004 16:16

sjl wrote: Think this topic should be renamed Bucks Blast

Hey! I live in Herts, that's where it starts and finishes, so it's a HERTS BLAST, ok?

Ran it yesterday (in the rush hour) and totals 100 miles round trip. Trust me, you won't be done by lunch time! (Probably 1630)

This ain't no Miss Daisy sightseer! How true - will post further details later tonight. However you will need a bottle of water, a pound coin and some sunblock.

One last hint - Know your Highway Code roadsigns. Especially the "sharp bend" warnings...............

Rob

Miss M · Post by **Miss M** » Sat 31 Jul, 2004 18:30

Where did the genteel trundling go?

I bought sunblock about two hours ago especially for tomorrow......now where did I last see my highway code book?

ZZZEMMCO · Post by **ZZZEMMCO** » Sat 31 Jul, 2004 19:53

Now Now !!!. Miss M, dont you go fretting , cos your Sunblock will be just fine, helps when you need to stick the pages open , of HM "Highways & Byways of Herts & Bucks -- the Alternative " according to your tutor for the day, Mr Rob.

Genteel progress is assured !!!, as you Park-Up before your afternoons cultural adventures - OOooohhhh is it Millbrook??, Santa Pod??, or a quickie------------ at the MK Go Kart track ??.

RobBruce · Post by **RobBruce** » Sat 31 Jul, 2004 21:31

ZZZEMMCO wrote:Genteel progress is assured !!!:twisted:

Oh yes. Be assured, this is not a sight-seeing tour of the countryside. Most of the roads are national speed limits, and generally not straight lines.

There are some seriously chocolatey roads on this route - there are also one or two challenging ones that WILL catch out those not paying attention.

A few rules of the run for tomorrow:

1) 30 means 30. Likewise 40 and 50. People live in these villages, so respect that and don't show yourself up.

2) Bikers use these roads too, especially Sundays. Keep an eye out

3) National speed limits are aplenty - use your discretion as to your speed. Just remember 100+ means a ban!

4) There are sometimes plod in the villages - kill your speed early.

5) ** Do not drive beyond your ability ** There are a few challenging roads tomorrow. Read the road and the signs WELL.

6) You put it in a hedge or yourself in a box, don't say I didn't warn you!!!

Aside from that, it will be quite quick, it will be fun and bloody sunny too!
I will let you know tomorrow of a few bits particularly to watch out for (including where the Gatsos are!).

Looking forward to a good BLAST

Rob

RobBruce · Post by **RobBruce** » Sun 01 Aug, 2004 00:31

I've had a couple of email enquiries about late entries for the Herts Blast. Just to confirm - YES - all welcome, even if you decide last minute.

I'll be calling the pub in the morning to confirm the food orders, so all will be sorted just before we leave.

See you all there!

Rob

mikey j · Post by **mikey j** » Sun 01 Aug, 2004 17:21

Rob, top day well organised looking forward to the next!!

Mike

Miss M · Post by **Miss M** » Sun 01 Aug, 2004 18:08

Thanks Rob, had a good time and I will treasure the deer poop from Woburn Abbey for several days at least!

Was good to finally meet so many people I know by name only, sorry I couldn't stick around longer....but thanks for a warm welcome!

johnmckenzie · Post by **johnmckenzie** » Sun 01 Aug, 2004 18:44

Piccies, anybody?

garyw · Post by **garyw** » Sun 01 Aug, 2004 22:17

Hi to everyone from today, great to meet up once again, well done to Rob on organising this event. Great weather too.

Garyw

Bloke · Post by **Bloke** » Sun 01 Aug, 2004 22:54

Piccies Here

viewtopic.php?p=18636#18636[/url]

Simmer · Post by **Simmer** » Mon 02 Aug, 2004 08:33

Thanks Rob, good blast, good to catch up with so many again.

Alfie · Post by **Alfie** » Mon 02 Aug, 2004 13:20

Yep....
Thanks Rob for a neat day.
Nice lunch, good stop at Woburn and some fun stretches.

Shame about some of the others on the roads!
We met all 50 members of the National Tandem Club on one country lane.
That shows how unlucky we were at times!

Whoever peeled off at Woburn or before missed the best drive of the day.
The last 20 minutes back to the start point was edge of the seat stuff for the five remaining cars!

Thanks also to Tim (as always) for helping out with the planning.

And a VERY special thanks to Bloke for posting so many pictures of me!
(You g!t....!)

Cheers!
Alfie.

RobBruce · Post by **RobBruce** » Tue 03 Aug, 2004 22:08

Just wanted to say a big "RESPEC" to thse of you who turned up on Sunday.

It was my first ever cruise, not to mention the first one I organised! I did not expect such a big turn out - so THANKS.

I would, however, like to apologise for the following:

Horses; Cyclists; Pedestrians; Cyclists; Skateboarders; Overturned Combine-Harvesters; Cyclists; slow Mercedes; W&nk£r signs; and nancy-boy Focus RS drivers. Oh yeah....... and cyclists.

Despite them, a good time was had by all. BIG UP to ZZZEMMCO and Bloke for helping me with the pre-runs - despite Bloke's sieve-like memory, and his constant laughing at every junction!

Mikey J - nice one. Hurrah for Sat-Nav. Also big thanx to Tim "Meguiars" Zmeagol for the Auto-Route.........

There were a few requests to run the route again - this time in early morning with a breakfast stop at the Super Sausage. If enough are interested I'll happily sort it out again.

Giles - this time stay at the back! It's hard enough leading without trying to stay ahead of a CSL!

Seriously - THANKS. Had a great time and it was good to finally put faces to names. If anyone is half-thinking about planning a cruise JUST DO IT. It's bloody good fun, everyone helps out and has a great day. We even have a resident David Bailey in Alfie!

Cheers

Rob

PS Where's all the photos?

Alfie · Post by **Alfie** » Wed 04 Aug, 2004 08:44

My SLR camera is old fashioned FILM which, if you can remember your history, needs to be developed. I got one film done yesterday with a CD as well, so as soon as I get a bit of time, I'll tart some up and attempt to post them on here.

Unfortunately, just missed the photo opportunity of Giles 'turning wine into water' behind the crate at the start point! Never mind, I'm sure there'll be lots of other opportunities!

A.

mikey j · Post by **mikey j** » Wed 04 Aug, 2004 16:41

Rob,

I'd defianatly be up for a morning blast minus the tandems etc

see if we could do the whole route in under 90 mins....

garyw · Post by **garyw** » Wed 04 Aug, 2004 22:27

Rob I do remember on the morning briefing that you mentioned two Gatso's on the route

Now I noticed one of them and I am hoping that it was whilst we were lost that we didn't pass the second, OR should I be watching the postman closely

Garyw

RobBruce · Post by **RobBruce** » Thu 05 Aug, 2004 07:55

garyw wrote:Rob I do remember on the morning briefing that you mentioned two Gatso's on the route
Garyw

Just got in from 27hr shift, so sorry for short reply............

1st one was in the 30's in Aylesbury. 2nd on A505, front facing as you went from ***mph down into 50's.

Hopefully you slowed in time for that one

Cheers
Rob ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

zroadster.net

Aug 1 (Sun): Herts Blast

Aug 1 (Sun): Herts Blast

Nice one!!

Herts Run

Middle of the night.

Update?

Lubrication Not Castrol !!!!

blimey, virtually passing our own place en route

Bucks BLASTER calling,

Life is FULL of Surprises !!!!!!!!!!

Re: Life is FULL of Surprises !!!!!!!!!!

Late Ones

Ta.

Muchos Gracias

Photos