The next F-Ball Rally.....

[NothernDan]

So, number one, I am “rebranding” the events after some negative press 😎 ( I jest!)

Number two, I am already thinking about the next one.

Would kind of like to prove the point that the Dales route can be done and is a winner but a great cat burglar once told me never to return to the scene of a crime. Anyhooo, here are my learnings and observations based on feedback so far. Wherever the next one is:

1. Starting at a friendly local dealership seems to be a winner
2. We need Walkie Talkies and nominated sub groups with a walkie talkie holding group leader. I’ve now got 8 Motorola TLKR T80 Extremes with all the associated gubbins. These things are about £55 a pair so should you feel the urge, buy some. More can only help
3. Looks like densely populated and popular tourist hotspots, although beautiful, are a surefire way to split up any groups as parking will be at a premium. With that in mind larger pubs etc on the outskirts may be better end-of-leg rendezvous destinations
4. We all like a nice bit of scenery

So with the above in mind I’ve been researching the following potential locations;

1. The Lakes - a very long drive to get to location for some of us though, potentially meaning two overnights
2. Yorkshire Dales - Not as far and some awesome roads 
3. The Peak District revisited - Derbyshire MK2 with some improvements as above
4. Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and the Welsh Borders
5. The Cotswolds- I can hear @Flytvr and @Big Rat typing their responses already!

Whats your thoughts people? Any preferences?

[Flytvr]

Once again Dan, credit to you for stepping up to the mark.

Cotswolds - forget it. Roads are busy and rubbish - one of the reasons my car is mainly a garage Queen.

Walkie talkies.....you don't need to spend much. Here's an example. Don't forget that the range will be way less than what is quoted by the manufacturers, especially in wooded, hilly, built up areas.

Good luck!

 

 

[Arqum]

I'd be up for options 2,3 and 4 Dan. Looks like I'm gonna have to invest in a Gopro now! LOL

[NothernDan]

1 hour ago, Arqum said:

I'd be up for options 2,3 and 4 Dan. Looks like I'm gonna have to invest in a Gopro now! LOL

The brand new 7 Black's look awesome!

We can record ourselves getting lost this time!! 😂

[Arqum]

21 minutes ago, NothernDan said:

The brand new 7 Black's look awesome!

We can record ourselves getting lost this time!! 😂

Exactly... Lol

[Womble72]

I’m easy, the only thing I would point out is “the lakes” would need to be the very top, lots of tourists and ramblers, anything above Penrith to make it enjoyable, u can get to lower Scotland too......think I’ll get a mast for the radio 😂👍🏻😂

[NothernDan]

49 minutes ago, Womble72 said:

I’m easy, the only thing I would point out is “the lakes” would need to be the very top, lots of tourists and ramblers, anything above Penrith to make it enjoyable, u can get to lower Scotland too......think I’ll get a mast for the radio 😂👍🏻😂

Fully agree mate! I was brought up 16 miles North of Keswick and know the roads and locations very well up there. My only concern would be the distance for you, @Peter P18 and anyone else from further south than me (Hertfordshire). It's a good 5 hour drive from mine so it would definitely be overnight Friday and Saturday to make the most of it.

I reckon a "mid-country" location work best for most of us and I'm keen to make sure it's not a kille distance before we even start the tour.

The other thing to consider is the nearby continent! You can actually drive to Paris quicker than Cumbria from my house. No joke!!

 

 

[Womble72]

4 minutes ago, NothernDan said:

Fully agree mate! I was brought up 16 miles North of Keswick and know the roads and locations very well up there. My only concern would be the distance for you, @Peter P18 and anyone else from further south than me (Hertfordshire). It's a good 5 hour drive from mine so it would definitely be overnight Friday and Saturday to make the most of it.

I reckon a "mid-country" location work best for most of us and I'm keen to make sure it's not a kille distance before we even start the tour.

The other thing to consider is the nearby continent! You can actually drive to Paris quicker than Cumbria from my house. No joke!!

10 minutes ago, NothernDan said:

Fully agree mate! I was brought up 16 miles North of Keswick and know the roads and locations very well up there. My only concern would be the distance for you, @Peter P18 and anyone else from further south than me (Hertfordshire). It's a good 5 hour drive from mine so it would definitely be overnight Friday and Saturday to make the most of it.

I reckon a "mid-country" location work best for most of us and I'm keen to make sure it's not a kille distance before we even start the tour.

The other thing to consider is the nearby continent! You can actually drive to Paris quicker than Cumbria from my house. No joke!!

 

 

I’m in the lakes in November for a long weekend, got family in Penrith, now in Carlisle, my uncles a petrol head @68 but like u say it’s a long long way 

[NothernDan]

11 hours ago, Womble72 said:

 

Never, I’m from Aspatria, midway between Keswick and Carlisle. I know Penrith and all round there really well.

[Stuno1]

Love the effort here. Can’t wait to get a rcf and join the fun!

[Flytvr]

Poll seems to be favouring the South at the moment. I guess you've done the North - now time for the South! 👍  

[Womble72]

I’ve chosen to abstain from voting as I’m easy, I’ve no personal preference and I’m happy to support the effort of those that put themselves out to arrange the events, my only opinion is “the more the merrier” 👍🏻

[Womble72]

1 hour ago, NothernDan said:

Never, I’m from Aspatria, midway between Keswick and Carlisle. I know Penrith and all round there really well.

My family used to own “Beacon Bank” on Beacon edge, they built a house in the grounds and sold off the Manor House, due to age and being in a conservation area the grounds became to much to upkeep, they’re now in Cumwhinton on the outskirts of Carlisle.....love it up there 👍🏻

[NothernDan]

2 hours ago, Flytvr said:

Poll seems to be favouring the South at the moment. I guess you've done the North - now time for the South! 👍  

😎France it is then!! 

[Martin F]

12 hours ago, Flytvr said:

Poll seems to be favouring the South at the moment. I guess you've done the North - now time for the South! 👍  

I must be blind as I can't see a southern option 

[Big Rat]

@Martin F I have talked with some to do ‘A South ‘ meet next year for those who do seem to get forgotten, namely the south east/ west members.

I made mention of Cheddar Gorge - the mendip hills - Salisbury plain was what I suggested.

The idea being small groups pre agreed meeting places - I suggested Haynes motor museum (big car park) restaurant- Sutherland BMW M car specialist and lots of posh stock McLaren and so on again big car park and cafe next door.

Its all early days yet but just an idea.

Big Rat

[NothernDan]

31 minutes ago, Big Rat said:

@Martin F I have talked with some to do ‘A South ‘ meet next year for those who do seem to get forgotten, namely the south east/ west members.

I made mention of Cheddar Gorge - the mendip hills - Salisbury plain was what I suggested.

The idea being small groups pre agreed meeting places - I suggested Haynes motor museum (big car park) restaurant- Sutherland BMW M car specialist and lots of posh stock McLaren and so on again big car park and cafe next door.

Its all early days yet but just an idea.

Big Rat

I like that idea!

Following the posts and suggestions and the general southern favour on the poll I've been looking at a few ideas too. I've been researching a potential route between;

Palace House/Beaulieu Abbey

Windsor Castle

Blenheim Palace

Probably in reverse order to that show above. A royal flush of palaces and castles! All with big carparks and lots of local hotels and pubs.

Early stages yet though as Mr Rat says.

Perhaps we can combine forces on the next one my dear rodent friend! At least we'll both have someone to blame when it all goes wrong!

 

[Big Rat]

@NothernDan Combined it is...... blame oooh yes I like that usually followed up with some sort of harsh punishment......😆

🐀

[Flytvr]

20 minutes ago, NothernDan said:

I like that idea!

Following the posts and suggestions and the general southern favour on the poll I've been looking at a few ideas too. I've been researching a potential route between;

Palace House/Beaulieu Abbey

Windsor Castle

Blenheim Palace

Probably in reverse order to that show above. A royal flush of palaces and castles! All with big carparks and lots of local hotels and pubs.

Early stages yet though as Mr Rat says.

Perhaps we can combine forces on the next one my dear rodent friend! At least we'll both have someone to blame when it all goes wrong!

 

Excellent.Can't wait!

[Big Rat]

@NothernDan Dan fully accept you knee deep in fatherley duties at the moment I’ll pm you and some time acceptable to yourself I’ll come over your way and we can devise a cunning plan........ I don’t have children but the Farley’s rusks  and hot milk are on you 🤗

🐀

[Arqum]

Don't forget the Gripe Water @Big Rat

[Big Rat]

@Arqum 😂 Oh I guess the list is endless..... after that last 2 days roofing I could do with some calpol and my back rubbing......

🐀