The Moog

Write up now on FB

Not bad company to be in then ! One of the chaps I was chatting to after the event was saying he was on a run of weekends doing the rallies, his C2 was fully setup for targa.

Results are in ... Not troubling the podium any time soon We missed a few boards which let us down. Will know better for next time!

I would probably be up for that - I think my club did a nav training last year and nothing is scheduled for this year.

Last night was the navigation rally. What can I say but what a hoot. For anyone who hasn't tried it, I highly recommend it. The premise is simple - get from point A to point B within the speed limit. The hurdles are that you get penalised for being too early, penalised for being late and penalised for approaching the checkpoint from the wrong direction. Along the way there are signs with numbers or codes on them. Miss these and guess what - you are penalised. It's mostly B roads, in the dark and being Scotland it is flooded/rutted throughout. The other cars were pretty much rally prepped with massive front lights We took part in beginners category that got us a marked map If you go for Novice (next level up) these are the type of instructions you get These have to be deciphered and plotted on the move. Some of the rules It's incredibly difficult to convey the fun that is had. The first half took about 2 hours, in which time it is unrelenting. Navigator has by far the hardest job, being chucked about, trying to read a map, keep eyes open for signs and then watching the clock. We finished back at HQ around midnight to a feast of rolls and cakes. Managed to finish without breaking the Merc and still speaking! My major issue this morning is that I fancy doing more in future but don't think the turbo Mx5 will cut it. Might need to upgrade to more of a rally car.

Existing in the land where sausage is square, hangover cures are bright orange and it mostly rains, exciting times come in many forms. I have signed up to my first navigation rally. What is that I hear you ask ... Well it is literally a rally (so driving cars, no placards here) where the focus is on the navigation (reading a map, like a paper TomTom.... You know like Waze.... No you can't ask siri) Open to all.

Should we hold out hopes for a Pleasurewagon Charity HQ to be funded, before turning into a luxury spa/Wills WVO emporium?

I am in Glasgow today but can come and help after work. Might have a car you can borrow if needed - will just have to stick you on insurance. Also heading back down to Accrington on Sat - so could give you a lift if none of that works

Winner overall was the guy in a G reg Astra. As normal I didn't trouble the leaderboard in anyway! I am thinking about having a go at the 3 sisters Autotest in December if anyone fancies that.

Really enjoyable day

40 cars turned out today. Excellent morning session

Over the weekend I did another job on the van before festival season. One of the most annoying things on the MH was the fact that with swivel seats and leisure battery under drivers position, your eye line is right at the top of the windscreen. With a long drive this becomes really flipping annoying. Luckily you can buy reduce height seat bases so this was the plan. You can see the difference between the two bases. Remove the battery and the handbrake mechanism. Before bolting the new one in Next job was to relocate the battery. There is space in the compartment next to the water boiler which never gets used. Plus it means the cabling can easily be rerouted A distribution box was added with fuses for the battery charger and also the diesel heater controls. Then seat installed with a little faffing Followed by tidying up cables Makes such difference to the height as you can see here Quite pleased with the job. Will improve driving immensely. Still left to do is a few jobs on bathroom to finish it, build a dog barrier for between the front seats and remove the old sideways seat belts. Oh and fit air bags at the back

Holy Autotest Ressurection .. Moving north of the border, I have had to join the local club - Saltaire Rally Club. I have entered the next Autotest on 13th August in Errol. It is on an airfield so should be a hoot! If any one fancies coming to have a go it is £35 for a full day days fun! https://www.saltirerallyclub.co.uk/events The next one after this is 11th October

What a buy!

Holy thread resurrection Now I am up in bonnie scotland, I have been looking for some autotesting. I am planning to enter the Autotest in Errol, probably in an i3. My nephews are up so they will coming with me. https://www.saltirerallyclub.co.uk/events Anyone else fancy it?