Thank you all for your kind words - I feel that we were particularly lucky with the weather. Richard and I got caught out in a short, sharp downpour on the return leg from the Barrel, but then again we didn't leave there until at least 6.
I do try and make our runs good fun - just a bunch of nice people having a leisurely Sunday out. We get E-types of all series, specifications and conditions and I love the fact that everyone turns up and has a good natter. Plenty of Forum members have been in the past, and I would love to that to continue. Apologies if I didn't get to speak with you all that much as I was a tad rushed off my feet, particularly at the Grouse and Claret!
This year in particular, having 20 Es in one place made for an impressive sight - 25 jaguars if you include the lovely XK150, the XJS, The XKR and the F-pace which joined the party - along with Paul Brown's usual supporting crowd (mob
) and a Triumph Stag! There was a moment where everyone was in their cars and ready to go, all engines running and I happened to walk right through the middle of the car park - that buzz from knowing you were part of making it happen was great.
We had a few hairy moments with interesting last-minute route change, owing to the problems up at Whaley Bridge, but the slightly shortened route did not spoil the day, far from it. It's been quite a while since we'd headed up the Manifold Valley so we made a return this year, coupled with those fabulous roads on the ridge as you cross the moors to meet the A53.
It becomes progressively more difficult to find "new" places who are willing to accommodate ca. 40 people without deposits, but you can always call in favours. I used to work with the management at the Grouse and Claret when they were at the Greyhound in Higham, and it was the easiest phone call I've ever made. They have the perfect location and a great car park for starting the run. Thanks again to Paul, Tina and the rest of the staff for your hospitality - especially given they squeezed us in between breakfast for the residents and the Sunday carvery onslaught!
For dinner, we returned to the Barrel Inn at Bretton. Diane and her staff just take a large booking (particularly given the size of the place) in their stride, and the food was excellent. Notwithstanding clearing a full Sunday roast, the words "cheesecake of the day" cannot be ignored on the dessert board
Special thanks to Paul Brown (not all heroes wear capes) - who solved an issue with an overheating V12 at Wetton Mill whilst laying in a slightly muddy grass verge. John's V12 still retains its title of being the only car to have been on all six iterations of the run!
Run finished up at the Barrel
The only bad bit of weather all day..
See you all again next year! Incidentally, we're planning an informal breakfast meet at the beginning of September, will post some details separately. Oh, and if you took any good photos - let's see them!
