Mazda Rotary Club

Update 28/02/2014:

Overview
Date: Sunday 9th March, 2014
Time: Early Start, 0645 meeting, 0700 leaving... Breakfast around 0900...
Start: Car park next to Chorleywood Cricket Ground (https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=z32a-9uOV6y4.k8wN1LQx7aMo), Rickmansworth Road.
End: Silverstone Racing Circuit, Paddock Cafe.
Post Breakfast: Historic Tour (https://www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=99&t=56378&p=802212#p802212)
Route: Chorleywood (J18, M25) to Silverstone Motor Circuit, Paddock Cafe (http://goo.gl/maps/zbS2x); via Aylesbury and Buckingham. (Subject to change).
Return Route: Silverstone to Chorleywood (http://goo.gl/maps/5XCi6); via Mursley, A4146 (Stoke Hammond bypass), Ivinghoe, Tring, Ashley Green, Ley Hill & Latimer. (Subject to change - Rendezvous points TBA).

Starting point
A relatively convenient starting point of Chorleywood, just off J18 of the M25 - very convenient to get to!

The starting point is a car-park just next to the Chorleywood Common and Cricket Ground (https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=z32a-9uOV6y4.k8wN1LQx7aMo), on the A404.
Note: This is the second car-park you come to, not the first smaller Cricket ground carpark iteself. It is clearly visible from the road, but is hidden by trees on Google Maps.(Nearest address is: Chorleywood Cricket Club, The Common, Rickmansworth Rd, Hertfordshire WD3 5SG, but that only gets the general area. )

This is easily reached by those from the Surrey / Sussex AND Bucks / Herts and even Essex folks!! :D

There is a Shell Garage nearby - please ensure you have enough fuel for the Journey!

Route
My proposed route is on Google Maps (http://goo.gl/maps/zbS2x).
(Note: This is work in progress, subject to subtle changes.)

This route is about 53 miles, approx. 1h45m driving. 2 hours leaves time to keep any convoy together, and I have marked a couple of rendezvous/re-grouping points I think are suitable.

Once I have settled on the route, I will publish TomTom Itinerary and Garmin GPX files of the major way-points. I will list postcodes and coordinates of the Start, End and Rendezvous. I will write some basic driving instructions.

Somebody mentioned Chrome2Phone for Android phones - I have downloaded but not tried in anger, but one of the most annoying things I find about Google Maps, is despite there being a "Route" there - Navigator will NOT follow this... If you have better experience, please let me know how that works!!

I will ask for volunteers on the day who I hope are both familiar with the local roads and have a Sat-Nav to help corral the group, as mid-pack and tail-gunners.  (Thomo, Ann/Neil / Noozhound?? :))

Given the size of the uptake, and some folks preferences for a more spirited or leisurely pace, I will consider whether two separate convoys are best?

Route Directions Overview
The route follows some great A, B and C roads, and passing a few decent sights (Chequers, Stowe) on the way...
Towards Silverstone to finish at Silverstone Circuit, and use the new Paddock Cafe, within the centre of track.

Starting in Chorleywood, we follow the A404 towards Amersham, and then the A413 Amersham Bypass, and A413 towards Great Missenden and Aylesbury.
Turn off at Great Missenden. We shall attempt to Rendez-vous here - there are parking spaces at the roadside, and if necessary - two car-parks.

We head cross-country here - Rignall road for some wonderful B-road twisties, past Chequers, popping out onto the A4010 into Aylesbury. I try my utmost best to avoid the worst of Aylesbury - back roads via Bishopstone, but inevitably popping out onto the A418 into Aylesbury, and across back onto the A413 and out towards Buckingham.
There is a Rendevous / re-grouping point here, near the large roundabout into the new housing and parkway station.

The A413 is probably my favourite road in the area, despite being a fairly main road, it is usually traffic free, affords wonderful twisty bits with exceptional views of Aylesbury Vale and superb overtaking opportunities. It passes through a number of smaller villages, before entering Buckingham.

Head straight through Buckingham (not via the horrible bypasses), and turn left in the historic centre, to the A422 Brackley Road, then almost immediately right onto the Stowe Avenue. This wonderful bit of tarmac is very straight and a NSL; but beware the undulations, severe camber and limited visibility towards the crest; then savour the view towards Stowe Monument on the way back down. A centre-line is recommended - but remember to get back into the left for any oncoming vehicles! Then, remember to slow before the sharp left-hander. We will Rendezvous here on the road up towards the monument. (probably an ideal photo opportunity??).

After regrouping, we follow the road past Stowe House (National Trust) and through Dadford, before finally popping out right at the main Silverstone entrance!

Destination
We should be able to re-group on the slip-road leading to Silverstone; depending on the traffic and mood of the security guards; we may be able to organise a group photo under the Silverstone sign!

Then enter the complex, straight across the roundabout, over the Bridge (over the circuit) and over the next one as well, into the car park on the left, where the new Paddock Cafe is.

Cafe
Silverstone have confirmed the Paddock Cafe should be open from 0730 on Sunday 9th, and we aim to be there for 0900.

I am in contact with Silverstone, and hope to get more details of the menus available, and whether they cater for some of our member\'s special needs. I will post up contact details as soon as I have them! I hope that we can pre-order so that there is less delay when we arrive.

Further more - I have asked about suitable location for joint photo opportunities and also whether their Historic Tour would take a group booking (that would cost folks though!).

Guidelines
I will publish guidelines later. (oh heck, here are most of \'em).

• Safety is the no. 1 criterion.


• Always be able to stop safely, on your side of the road, in the distance you can see to be clear.
  
  
• It is definitely NOT a race and NOT a rally; but it will be a safe, spirited drive!


• With more than 12 cars in a convoy, there is plenty to advocate Plod into action, should they think there is anything antisocial or dangerous going on.


• Ensure *at least* a 2 second gap to the car in front. When stopped, leave enough space (tyre and tarmac) in case you need to manoeuvre.


• Abide by the rules of the Highway Code, and observe all speed restrictions, traffic signs and traffic signals. (damn you, Bucks County Council & the Nanny state!)


• Drive according to the road and weather conditions, the condition of your vehicle (tyres & brakes), and well within your own comfort zone.


• Slow for bends, use the "Limit Point" of your vision (see rule 1)... The car may be able to handle blind bends at high speed, but *you* cannot *see* what is around it! Slowing means you have more fun later -- accelerating!


• Don\'t be tempted into driving quicker than is safe or that you are comfortable with; just because somebody else may be driving more quickly than you. Rendezvous points, and major junction etiquette will allow catch-ups.


• Do not take unsafe risks; especially at junctions and with any overtakes. Only overtake if you can see you have the clear space to complete the manoeuvre safely. Definitely do NOT simply follow somebody through an overtake, without checking first (let them complete fully, before you commit!)


• Consider all other road users, do not endanger their lives, yours or your passengers.


• Early mornings are likely to attract dog walkers, pedestrians, cyclists and the horsey set in rural areas; Slow down, give them space.


• Those with modified exhausts & intakes - please consider residents of populated areas, and club reputation; but b*****r the livestock in fields! :twisted:


• There are beautiful views and lovely twisties en-route, so it is a pity to miss the views, and have fun on the twisties - what our cars are designed for! :D


• I will plan a couple of places to pause to allow the group to catch-up, and we will have a protocol for any major junctions.


• On the day, I\'d like to nominate a lead driver (me! :) ), a tail-gunner, and probably somebody in the middle of the pack as well - who have reliable satnav or know the route. This will help maintain the group.


• The idea will be for the person in front to keep the person behind in view as best as possible; and the rear-gunner to ensure nobody gets lost / left behind. At major junctions - the leads & middle will help corral the group back together if it gets very split up (it can happen).


• That said - it will be early in the morning - hopefully the weather will be fine, roads clear... and there are few Speed Cameras... :twisted:


• If it necessitates, we can form two groups with lead and tail, if there are folk who want a really leisurely ride...

BONUS:
I have ALSO planned a different route BACK to the starting point, using some nice twisties! :twisted:

This route is about 48 miles, approx. 1h30m driving. (Option to detour slightly and stop off at Ivinghoe Beacon and / or Ashridge estate?).
See this Google Map (http://goo.gl/maps/5XCi6) for an example route back.

List
Unless otherwise noted, drive there and Breakfast are assumed
[list=1]

• SeanP (Sean - RX8OC/MRC) Historic Tour, Convoy Drive Back
  
• Thomo (Alan - RX8OC)
• NoozeHound + 1 (Gary & Jaqui - RX8OC) Historic Tour x2,
  
• PaulRX-8(231) (Paul - RX8OC)
• AMH + Neil  (Ann - RX8OC/MRC) Historic Tour x2
  
• Ian.Mothersole (Ian - RX8OC/MRC)
• Harrizone (Ray - RX8OC/MRC)
• GreySilver Beast (Nigel - RX8OC/MRC) Historic Tour, Convoy Drive Back
  
• Freeman38 (Leigh - RX8OC) Joining on Route
  
• SeriousSam + Soph (RX8OC) Breakfast Only, Historic Tour x2, Convoy Drive Back
  
• WGimenes & Missus (Wagner & Kimberley - RX8OC)
• Etmd76 (Dimitris - RX8OC) Historic Tour
  
• Mr_Melia + 1 (Mark & Millsy - RX8OC)
• SardonicGorilla (Duncan - RX8OC/MRC) Historic Tour,
  
• Beasted (Luke - RX8OC) May Passenger with SeanP
  
• Matt_SW (Matt - RX8OC)
• Riko and Mrs (Riko and Ines - RX8OC) Historic Tour x2,
  
• Chris_r (Chris - MRC) RX-7
  
• noop (???? - MRC) RX-7

I\'m definitely interested in this, nice and local to me as well

Is this going ahead? As a new RX7 owner, I\'d like to attend.

It definately is still going ahead - there are quite a few cars and the option to have a tour of Silverstone if we get enough takers.

I\'ll get Sean to update this thread with the full details.

Hi Chris, noop...
Yes, this is definitely going ahead, and will finish at Silverstone Racing Circuit - for Breakfast at the Paddock Cafe (in-field).

Presently 18 cars / about 21 folks from the RX8OC are intent on doing it!

I have separately organised a "Historic Tour" - which will cost £30pp and we need to fill a minibus of 16 folks (12 so far confirmed)... Please let me know if you would be interested in that.

I am trying to get menus and prices for food - so we have some idea and in case there are special dietary needs (please also let me know!).

I\'ve updated Sean\'s first post with the up to date information.

Cheers Ann... Please could you copy the "List" and the "Overview" from RX8OC again... I\'ve updated them with more information :D

I guess you can put MRC next to my name aswell then :)

I can\'t do anything ;) Ann may be able to oblige (and update lists from RX8OC as mentioned above)?

Appologies I\'ve been away and can\'t access the OC website from work. I\'ll update tonight or tomorrow.

Should be all done - let me know if anything looks wrong.

Thanks Ann!

Anybody else here up for it?

Anybody here interested in the Historic Tour @£30 per head. We need to make up the numbers to 16 confirmed, if that is to take place.

Breakfast Menu
Paddock Café Breakfast
Club breakfast - £6.50 - choose any five items served with hot buttered toast
Grand prix breakfast - £7.75 - choose any eight items served with hot buttered toast and a hot drink
Bacon roll - £4.75
Sausage roll - £4.75
Egg roll - £4.75
Egg on toast - £3.25 - two fried eggs on hot buttered toast
Beans on toast - £3.25 - baked beans on hot buttered toast
Toast and jam - £1.95 - two slices of hot buttered toast with jam
Cereal and milk - £1.75

Breakfast items
Back bacon
Cumberland sausage ring
Free range fried egg (v)
Flat mushrooms (v)
Grilled tomatoes (v)
Baked beans (v)
Sautéed potatoes (v)
Glamorgan sausage (v)
Toast and butter (v)

(Ann could you add this to the first post).

I plan to let them know the breakfast choices ahead of time (Thursday or Friday)... So - MRC only folks, please let me know your choices here... Those on RX8OC please do so over there...

We still need numbers for the Historic Tour @£30 per person... We have 12 now and need 16 to make it work. I will need to know by Monday latest and also collect money ahead of time to make the payment on Thursday latest.

Folks, just to let you know - this is all on for tomorrow. Best to see the updated first thread at the RX8OC for the routes etc.

http://www.rx8ownersclub.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=99&t=55337

Looking forward to it. We will leave 0700 sharp from Chorleywood, but there will be catch-up time en-route at the rendezvous points.

Had a great run and Silverstone tour this morning - huge thank you to Sean for organising it. Great to get an FD along as well. :Thumbs-up

Neil\'s photos are here: https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/100088644024501606351/albums/5988834173280289313?cfem=1

Really enjoyed it as well, although did manage to take a wrong turn on the way back and lose everyone lol.

Quote from: chris_r;875349Really enjoyed it as well, although did manage to take a wrong turn on the way back and lose everyone lol.

Don\'t worry Chris, Sean went a different way to his planned route back so there was a bit of confusion.

You were in front of us and I think you waited when we were stuck behind the horse box turning right up to Stowe but my other half then got board and took me down some back lanes which got the Rex very muddy!

Sorry Chris ... I *thought* there might have been a FD missing somewhere... We paused at Stowe for a few minutes, but when I phoned Ann - who couldn\'t hear me - I eventually picked up they went a different way and promptly forgot about the "other" red car! :(

Anyhow - I hope that didn\'t ruin your enjoyment - the remainder of the route might have!

TomTom royally screwed with the route I had planned... hence the long pause at the start as I frantically tapped buttons to check the route... I was convinced I should be turning right, yet TomTom insisted on going left... THEN when we reached Buckingham, it started directing me back towards Silverstone to hit the waypoint I had programmed in!!
TBH, the route back wasn\'t that great -- some good parts but quickly descended into single track lanes with lots of pedestrians, cyclists and oncoming 4x4s as we approached Chesham and Latimer to get back to Chorleywood. I had not recceyed the route - just picked what I THOUGHT was a good route. Lesson learned. Next time we shall Keep It Simple, Stupid (that\'s me, not you!) and just follow A413 back - it\'s a wonderful drive in any direction! :D

Don\'t worry Sean it was a fab run up first thing and everyone enjoyed the Sliverstone tour so that\'s the main thing. :chat

That\'s alright, the run back was good managed to not get stuck behind anyone for the best bits of road. It\'s the first time I have really taken the car on a longer run on some decent roads.

I\'ll definitely be coming to the next one