smiffy220 Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 I'm determined this year to get the Pistachio one out ready for the National Drive it Day on 26th April. I've texted about 9 local members to me that I have numbers for, and hoping some more will see this and commit to commemorate this national day? I haven't decided on a plan yet, I think we'll see what interest there is first, but I'm thinking a run out somewhere maybe through Kent and Essex, possibly into Suffolk, and a nice lunch etc? Open to suggestions. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colinebrooks Posted January 27, 2015 Share Posted January 27, 2015 Come the other way east & west sussex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smiffy220 Posted January 27, 2015 Author Share Posted January 27, 2015 We can look at routes, just covering members from Norfolk round to where you are is difficult. Got one coming from Sussex way already, Jay will tell you, its not that bad a run up to where we are! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davo Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 Looking foward to this,it will make a nice change to get out and drive our cars as a group instead of just parking up !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smiffy220 Posted January 29, 2015 Author Share Posted January 29, 2015 Looking foward to this,it will make a nice change to get out and drive our cars as a group instead of just parking up !! Was a fun drive to the AGM last year Brian. Only 3-4 interested at mo, nobody else want to join us? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gt/e paul Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 shame I shall have to miss out on this. it would have been nice to have a convoy driving about it a group. I doubt I shall be manta driving this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paris gte Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 Yes Dave the AGM was good do you want me to bring a tow rope that way you might be able to keep up this time!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smiffy220 Posted January 30, 2015 Author Share Posted January 30, 2015 Yes Dave the AGM was good do you want me to bring a tow rope that way you might be able to keep up this time!! Oi oi, no need for that Karl!! Lol. Could be a good way to save fuel mind. Not sure I could hack the noise being that close behind your car! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dom400 Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Sorry didnt get back to you earlier, put me down for a potential YES! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 I would love a drive it day is it only in essex? Drive it day is so exciting, you never know what classics are on the road that day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smiffy220 Posted January 30, 2015 Author Share Posted January 30, 2015 Not just in Essex Jack, but trying to cover as much as possible of the South East area. Members from other areas only too welcome to join though! Thought process so far:- Meet up 10am ish for a 10.30 - 11am leave, perhaps somewhere that does a good brekkie in West Sussex? A nice drive, avoiding motorways where possible, through Kent and into Essex. (I know that means a motorway crossing, hence why I said where possible). A drive up through Essex stopping for a pub lunch somewhere, then hopefully ending up just into Suffolk. Have an idea for an end venue, need to chat to someone first though! So far:- Me Jay (Monk GTE) Brian (davo) Dom (Dom400) Karl (paris gte) hopefully Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Sounds fantastic, also if I lived nearer and you were going in your Green Manta I would at least be able to drive with another one which I cant do round where I live because there are none on the roads so I like the idea of that. Problem is its a very long way from me, I think you are around 3 hours away so that would be getting up at around 6:30 in the morning for me to be there on time. I want to come but maybe if there is a drive it day nearer to me? Enjoy yourselves but unfortunately I cant see me being able to make it. Let me know what cars you see and how many Mantas are out in the wild Jack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smiffy220 Posted January 30, 2015 Author Share Posted January 30, 2015 Sounds fantastic, also if I lived nearer and you were going in your Green Manta I would at least be able to drive with another one which I cant do round where I live because there are none on the roads so I like the idea of that. Problem is its a very long way from me, I think you are around 3 hours away so that would be getting up at around 6:30 in the morning for me to be there on time. I want to come but maybe if there is a drive it day nearer to me? Enjoy yourselves but unfortunately I cant see me being able to make it. Let me know what cars you see and how many Mantas are out in the wild Jack Just a suggestion Jack but:- Travel down to West Sussex on the Saturday and book into a cheap Travelodge type place. Attend the event and if we end in Suffolk it should be at a reasonable time in the afternoon, so just a drive straight across the A14 and up the M1 home? Just a thought mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Yes good idea I will think about it and get back to you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gt/e paul Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 have fun and enjoy jack if you do decide to do it ,it really will be a drive it day for you coming all that way. unfortunately I am unable to take part so will not see you but you will see me at billing in july manta or not. its a shame as I had always fancied doing this event. but needs must I am afraid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Will do Paul I look forward to showing you my Manta and hopefully you will like it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smiffy220 Posted January 31, 2015 Author Share Posted January 31, 2015 have fun and enjoy jack if you do decide to do it ,it really will be a drive it day for you coming all that way. unfortunately I am unable to take part so will not see you but you will see me at billing in july manta or not. its a shame as I had always fancied doing this event. but needs must I am afraid. Always bring one of the other cars Paul, doesn't have to be your Manta? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smiffy220 Posted February 7, 2015 Author Share Posted February 7, 2015 Looks potentially like just the 5 of us then? I'll make a start on a route and keep you updated. Anyone else interested in joining us? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MANTAMAN Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 Just to throw in my 'four penny worth' how about a multi start point? Your part of the run starts at somewhere in Sussex with breakfast, you then proceed north through the Dartfijord tunnel arriving at a set time at thurrock services. From another breakfast starting point, perhaps somewhere in the south midlands another convoy starts to meet at Thurrock, perhaps convoys from other starting points could follow the same plan From Thurrock everyone travels in convoy to a location in Essex ( or where ever ) for an afternoon meal. I would love to do this but i propably will be otherwise engaged ( i always seem to want to be in two places at once, if only i could clone myself, though that thought might scare the lot of you !!! ) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smiffy220 Posted February 12, 2015 Author Share Posted February 12, 2015 Just to throw in my 'four penny worth' how about a multi start point? Your part of the run starts at somewhere in Sussex with breakfast, you then proceed north through the Dartfijord tunnel arriving at a set time at thurrock services. From another breakfast starting point, perhaps somewhere in the south midlands another convoy starts to meet at Thurrock, perhaps convoys from other starting points could follow the same plan From Thurrock everyone travels in convoy to a location in Essex ( or where ever ) for an afternoon meal. I would love to do this but i propably will be otherwise engaged ( i always seem to want to be in two places at once, if only i could clone myself, though that thought might scare the lot of you !!! ) Good idea Ian, I'm looking for a suitable finish venue and put an idea to Simon. Might have to get you or another to organise routes for multi start points though? Many members in your area be interested? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MANTAMAN Posted February 13, 2015 Share Posted February 13, 2015 I might have to deligate this onto someone else, i will probably be elsewhere on this date. The first part need not be too formal, just an assembly point then onto the main assemble point ( Thurrock ??? ) by the easyest route. The second part from the midday assembly point can be more interesting, and if everyone had a handout with the route on to the afternoon meal stop then people would not have to keep the Manta infront in sight all the time, plus if they knew the location of the meal stop and got totally lost they could go there dirrect. It does not have to be someone from a particular area to organise a start point, someone from a long way off can make a stop at a convenient starting point to gather together everyone for a convoy to the midday assemble point. Jack - which way would you head south? M1 or A1 ?? we could put you in charge of them from 'Oop norf' and the midlands. just off the top of my head, if you were coming down the M1 then Toddington services are good because there is junction 12 half mile north of it, someone from north of london could double back into the services. On the A1 there is a service stop north of Baldock on a roundabout under the A1, a main road from the west and from Cambridge connects there. One thing i have learnt from experience assembling people for a convoy, is as soon as people get out of thier Manta's at a stopping point and start chatting it takes three times longer than you would ever imagine to get everyone to stop talking and get back into thier cars. So if for instance you tried to call in at every service station down the M1 you not get the convoy to Thurrock before midnight !!! Any morning convoy must only have only one starting piont, a departure time rigidly addeard to that has allowances for traffic and time at midday for the grand assembly. The grand assembly must have a set departure time and anyone who can not stop chatting gets left behind or everyone will be eating when they call last orders !! I have been on a few 'drive it day' classic events and all of them have had a route map / book and set start time because they know without these half the drivers will not stop chatting till tea time and half will never find their way to the finnish !! hope this works out because i think you have come with a great idea Smiffy, shame i will probably be somewhere else ( not car related ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monk gte Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 Just a idea for sussex/Kent route, maybe from m25 onto a22 south, forest row then the b2026 up through ashdown forest, it's a nice drive with loads of lay-bys for a few pics, ends up in Edenbridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smiffy220 Posted February 23, 2015 Author Share Posted February 23, 2015 Just a idea for sussex/Kent route, maybe from m25 onto a22 south, forest row then the b2026 up through ashdown forest, it's a nice drive with loads of lay-bys for a few pics, ends up in Edenbridge. Looks good to me Jay, thanks. Just need a meeting venue, any ideas anyone? Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 This is such a great thing to do but I don't know if I can actually get down there or not due to distance. I don't know which way I would come down because I have never been that way before so I would have to go by which way the sat nav took me. Never been in a Manta convoy so this for me would be thoroughly enjoyable and I will have to see if I can get down there first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davo Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 (edited) Ok for Kent section how about from edenbridge we pick up the A264 towards tun bridge wells,onto A227 then onto A20 up pass brands hatch then onto the dartford crossing,ready to head over into Essex. Edited February 24, 2015 by davo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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