NothernDan

Awesome news Pete! Looking forward to meeting you st last. Sorting out final route, hotel and costs for the night today so will post more details ASAP. I’m well pleased with the interest and uptake on this event!! #ifyoubuildit-theywillcome (“field of dreams” for those of you who have no idea what I’m talking about).

Hey all, a few more from the Gumball 2018. No Lexus unfortunately But some stuff that I actally have no idea what it is!?!?.

Hahahahaha! Love it!!

A small price to pay! Apparently Lexus Derby are handing out free steaks on the 29th!

He didn’t @Flytvr but he did say we did more miles in one day than you’ve put on your RCF since you’ve had it! 🤣 #getitoutofthegarage!

‘Twas a good day Ratty, the proper Blat will be even better!!

Awesome! The more the merrier!!

They said the same thing about my eardrums after today @Bluesman

What is this alien technology you speak of?

Then the rest of the day was taken up with me trying to stop my ears bleeding thanks to Remus, BMW and @Warrington guy

I'd should be so lucky!! This is what happens when you work for a bank and you're too tight to pay for a personal phone! The only app i can download is the lloyds online banking one!!

Evening all!! Recon mission complete and I'm glad I did it. Not only 'cos i had a grand day out with @Warrington guy AKA "ASBO Dave and his mobile crowd terrifying machine" . Holy Pizzle, that thing makes every other exhaust I've heard sound like the one you get on a 1976 Austin Allegro. So, RAC routefinder can f@(&ing do one as far as I'm concerned. Stupid system. The positive is that we get 2 hours back that I didn't think we had before. So, the route will definitely start at Lexus Derby where Centre Host Alex is looking forward to receiving us on the day. Just awaiting final rubber stamp off the centre principal on Monday but this should not be a problem. The sales manager was keen to line up his LC's for us including a hybrid and 2 V8s, one being the limited edition yellow one they have in the main showroom. Very nice. I'm going to adjust the route slightly given today's findings but here's a quick summary of what definitely will be involved; Event will be on Saturday the 29th September (for both day trippers and overnighters) and Sunday the 30th September (for overnighters only). The starting point is Lexus Derby – Orient Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8BY – 01332 426 185. This is on the North side of Derby but easily accessible via the M1 - A52 - A6 and puts us very close to the A6 for the very start of the journey. Meet there any time from 09:00 onwards on Saturday the 29th with a view to leaving in convoy as close as possible to 10:00 or 10:30 at the latest. As before, arrive with a full tank! £5 penalty for anyone with less than 3/4's!! Starting at Lexus Derby - A short 5 minute drive past the Derby City Football ground and onto the A6 towards Matlock then on this road for about 20 miles via Duffield, Milford, Belper, Ambergate, Whatstandwell, Cromford, Matlock Bath and into Matlock. Beautiful scenery, the heights of Abraham, loads of old mills etc. This first main leg of the journey takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic. When we get into Matlock it feels like you are driving past everything and heading out of the village but it's a big one way system and the main access point to the village is on the North Side. I reckon we could stop at Matlock for Bacon rolls and coffees and a toilet break (for all you pensioners!) or just blast on through to Buxton. We'll assess what people want to do on the day and take it from there. This puts us at Matlock for about 11:30 if we leave Derby at 10:30. Lets assume a half hour stop in Matlock (TBC). The next leg is where RAC screwed it all up as from Matlock to Buxton only takes about an hour, not the 2.5 hours RAC reckoned it would(!) and is about another 25 miles, not 75 as previously advised. Excellent stuff.... 1.5 hours regained for more Fast-A-road-action So, from Matlock we’ll head on up the A6 towards Bakewell via Darley Dale and Rowsley and on towards Buxton passing through (or past) Ashford in the Water, Brushfield, Taddington, Blackwell, King Sterndale and into Buxton. I had a really clear run on here and there is a good section just past Ashford in the Water of open dual carriageway. I promise I definitely observed the 50mph speed limit all the way. The number in the red circles is a 'minimum' limit right? Here's where I met Dave today so I lost track of timings a little but lets assume we'll get to Buxton at about 13:00. Lets take a stop here for lunch so please take a look at The Green Pavillion café and the Royal Oak Tavern which both get good reviews, or any others you fancy (suggestions below), again we can decide on the day. Let’s assume an hour and a half to stop here to fill empty/greedy bellies. From Buxton, leaving at about 14:30 with energy on board, we’ll leave via the A6 again, heading through the following landmark locations on the way via The Hope valley towards Hathersage. We'll go via Fairfields, Dove Holes, Chapel-En-Le-Frith, Sparrow Pit and on towards Castleton, Past the Blue John Caverns and down the awesome Winnats Pass towards Castelton and Hathersage. It'll take us about an hour to do this section so we're at about 15:30 now Now from here on is still TBC as we've effectively got two extra hours to fill. Dave and I ended up doing a blast through Ringinglow, the outskirts of Sheffield then all the way along the Snake Pass with lunch at Ladybower Reservoir. Most of that route I liked but bits we could easily lose. I reckon we'll end up with a blast across the A57 to Glossop then cut back in towards Chapel-En-Le-Frith for the overnighters. Leave it with me and I'll confirm in the next day or so. Much fun was had today, many bystanders were terrified (Remus M4 style) and at least two portions of chips were consumed. 10 hours and 400 miles later I'm back home. Watch this space for more news as it happens!!

All looking good on here gents! Seems like the numbers are building up nicely. If you guys are all arranging a meet on the M1 then I get on just before Newport Pagnell services so we could meet there if that works? I;m not on WhatsApp (stupid Blackberry) so keep me in mind when you are arranging the final meet for the Southern travellers

@Womble72 might be worth reaching out to @Cezar B and @Arqum if they are meeting before Newport Pagnell services. If not I’ll see you all there!

Ta Sean. Apparently they just done the snake pass end to end in brand new blacktop 🙄 We’ll find out this Saturday on the recon mission. I’ll keep you posted.

Absolutely awesome Paul! vote vote vote vote vote! 😃 Stick your vote on the poll above chief so I remember how many rooms I’m looking for at “ye olde 420 horses and coachman inn”. See ya then! looks like there’s a bit of a northbound convoy being out together too if you’re heading up the M1. I think there’s more details in the Detailed route thread. It’ll be standing room only soon at this rate 😎

Hey Bob, we’ll more than likely be doing a route along snake pass on day 2. Where’s home for you? Do you know any good routes from Hethersage or Glossop, I’m open to suggestions.

Hey Sean. Gald to hear you’re in the maybe camp. Do you think you might be an overnighter or just a day tripper? Been looking at hotels/inns etc for the overnighters and pretty much everywhere is limited availability so it would be good to know which option you think you may go for so I know how many rooms I’ll need to find as a minimum. Cheers fella!

Looking good so far and still loads of time for news to travel amongst the ranks! 5 definite attendees so far are as follows, some as overnighters, some as day trippers; @NothernDan @Cezar B @Arqum @C.B + his mate in the E63 We've got 3 potential day trippers either voted or active on PM/comments on this thread; @Warrington guy @Big Rat @Bluethunder And still awaiting new responses from a few previous voters; @Northern isf @bobmc @GibletPH I reckon if we can get to 10 or more for the day trip that would be awesome result. Have I missed anyone? Apologies if I have. Actually quite enjoying this little mission! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!

Quality! #exhaustporn

All good, I could easily meet you at Newport Pagnell services on the way. Let’s sort a time out nearer the day!

Hey Cezar. When we get a bit closer To the date let me know if you want to convoy it up there on the Saturday morning. It’s about 2 hours from mine according to Google maps so about 1:45 in real life. I’ll be aiming to get there as close as possible to 9. Not sure where you are but I’m not far off junction 10 of the A1, Baldock services. I could meet you there and head up together if it’s an easy route from yours up the A1. Dan.

Hi all! Doing a recce of the route this Saturday, leaving Lexus Derby At 10. Let’s see how it goes down!

Excellent stuff Craig! Keep us posted! P.S. that’s an awesome emoji, might start using that one myself!!