| Scanning through
the events page on the NSRA web site, 'Model A Keith' had posted an invite for
rodders to attend a day out at the famous hill climb circuit in the
Midlands. |
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With the weather
a complete wash out this summer it was a welcome surprise to find this Sunday a
clear fine day. Three of us were to make the trip up country (well for us), so
leaving home at 9 o'clock I drove onto Reg's house, met up with him and we
proceeded onto Rich's home at Wickwar. So now the three rods - an 'A', a
'B' and a Dorset aimed towards junction 14 of the M5 motorway. |
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Cruising at a
steady 70 mph all was well until junction 12 when the motorway warning
signs were showing 40 mph and that the outside lane was closed. We all
pulled over into the inside lane and joined the slow moving traffic. After what
seemed like ages we were diverted off at junction 11 as the whole northbound
carriageway was closed. The police were sending everyone into Gloucester -
we headed off in the opposite direction towards Cheltenham.
Three in
line we followed Rich through the countryside and tried to rejoin at junction
9, but here we still found the road closed. After losing the A-road for a while
(another story) we regrouped and headed off onto the B4079. We did see some
glorious countryside and eventually reached the circuit at about 12 o'clock.
That meant 3 hours to cover about 80 miles.. |
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We bought our
discounted NSRA tickets (thanks 'Mrs Keith' - she had been sat waiting for us
all morning) and proceeded to the allocated spot. Here we met Keith and three
other rodders who had turned up. Sorry I didn't get your names, but after that
trip it was just nice to get out and walk for a while. |
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Needing
refreshments we headed to the food/drink area. The frustrating trip had got to
all of us, but here the view more than made up for it. With separate bar,
canteen, and hot drinks stands I think with the 103 years this event has been
running they seem to have it sussed. And this was just the pit area. The whole
scene reminded me of a smaller scale Goodwood, with vehicles from the 1930's
upwards all around. Many were waiting for their practice run up the famous
twisted hill. |
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At about 1
o'clock practice stopped for dinner and we looked over the newly restored
watermill and grounds. This is an ideal place to bring the wife as I'm sure
they would not be bored, the views alone being worth the trip. Later we walked
the hill, and with toilets, refreshments, and seating all along the track I
think the owners have the total package for a good day out. |
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After watching
the timed runs and various classes you do get to realise most of these cars are
road cars driven to and from the track, the owners just getting as much
pleasure as they can. Next a trip around the car park seemed a good idea, and
we were not let down at all - from E-types to Rollers to one off's and the
odd Bugatti thrown in. |
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One car that
stood out was a Bentley look-a-like with Jag power and many hotrod touches (see
pic). As time drew on after a good day out we headed back to the west country,
this time missing the motorway completely. Thanks to Keith for organising the
visit - I'd recommend all rodders to attend a hill climb meeting as I think you
would be well impressed.
Phil |
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