Basingstoke PHers - Another Pie and Drive?
Discussion
It has been suggested that we Basingstoke PHers get together for a short drive out and a spot of nosh in the pub again.
The date being April the 10th.
I thought perhaps we might do the very original "Pie and Drive" route which takes in the A339 to Alton and some pleasant B roads (including a couple of tiny ones) before getting to the Gamekeepers pub in Mapledurwell.
Now I haven't asked the pub yet...I thought I'd guage opinion on whether or not people are interested first.
So. Sound off, please. Who fancies a drive out on Sunday April 10th ending at the pub? If enough people want to go I'll go ask the landlord and publish arrangements for booking tables and so on.
The date being April the 10th.
I thought perhaps we might do the very original "Pie and Drive" route which takes in the A339 to Alton and some pleasant B roads (including a couple of tiny ones) before getting to the Gamekeepers pub in Mapledurwell.
Now I haven't asked the pub yet...I thought I'd guage opinion on whether or not people are interested first.
So. Sound off, please. Who fancies a drive out on Sunday April 10th ending at the pub? If enough people want to go I'll go ask the landlord and publish arrangements for booking tables and so on.
It'll be a real nostalgia trip, Don. 
I have very happy memories of that day. It was gorgeously sunny, I had only recently got the TVR and only recently joined PH, and it was a grand day out.
I still have the photos hosted here
Edit: Somewhat tame turnout given current PH meets, eh?
However, fairly groundbreaking at the time, I seem to remember.
>> Edited by JonRB on Tuesday 15th March 12:17
I have very happy memories of that day. It was gorgeously sunny, I had only recently got the TVR and only recently joined PH, and it was a grand day out.
I still have the photos hosted here
Edit: Somewhat tame turnout given current PH meets, eh?
However, fairly groundbreaking at the time, I seem to remember.
>> Edited by JonRB on Tuesday 15th March 12:17
Sign up people!
I'm always up for a drive. 
Plotloss said:
If you could arrange another badly driven Cavalier to slow us all down so 40 odd TVR's roll past a scamera van at 40 in 60 that would be marvellous...
Yes, that was pure class. Anyone notice that CarZee made rude gestures to the camera van after he'd passed it, the big wuss.
madrabbit said:
Sounds good to me. Haven't been out on a PH run yet. Have you got a start venue organised yet?
Yes I do. If we do the run as it was three years ago (almost to the day!) we'll start at the Basingstoke Leisure Centre (first car park on the left) and then do a loop.
So there's enough interest! I'll post up the route and go ask the landlord if its OK!
Plotloss said:
Don, best keep the route to email just in case eh?
Hmmmmn. Maybe best. There again - the route can be enjoyed at legal speeds for the very most part anyway...
I've still go a copy of my original post and my Autoroute map of it! I'll dig 'em out and make 'em available...
I would come, but Im going to
www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=270162
maybe we could try and meet up, that would swell the numbers, both meets will be very near
www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=270162
maybe we could try and meet up, that would swell the numbers, both meets will be very near
srebbe64 said:
You know I'll be there Don!
Excellent. I'll be calling the pub tonight. I reckon I'll try and time our little drive so we end up at the pub just a few minutes before it opens. That way we can have a brief tyre kick - and still get a table for lunch!
I'll let you know what the landlord reckons and publish plans shortly.
Basingstoke Pistonheads Pie and Drive.
Sunday 10th April: The Plan.
OK. So its the same plan as last time! Although I don't have permission for us to climb on the roof to take pictures! I'm amazed we were allowed before!
I need to give the Landlord an indication as to numbers so SOUND OFF on this thread please. If you want lunch (I do!) we need to BOOK. I think it may be best for you to book with the pub yourselves if you're coming.
>> Edited by Don on Tuesday 22 March 11:39
Sunday 10th April: The Plan.
Don_Last_Time_Slightly_Updated said:
10:45am. Drive Time. Approx 1hr
We meet at the Basingstoke Leisure Centre. First Car Park on the left after entering the complex. I can put up a map if people don't know the area.
Drive (roughly) the following route. Out of Basingstoke down the A339 to Alton. (Listed in Tiff Needell's Best British Roads special in Autocar.). This is the quickest bit - which can be enjoyed at legal speeds . Watch out for drivers losing patience with numpties and overtaking where there isn't an opportunity. If we get stuck behind an impassable queue - we get stuck. By repute bikers love it so we may meet some of them. Oh: the local coppers know its a good road so its worth bearing that in mind whilst flooring it in the straights...especially as we met them last time!
I can provide an Autoroute version of this route if you mail me through my profile.
Scenery's lovely rolling Hampshire hills etc etc. We get to Alton and almost immediately turn left back towards South Warnborough up the B3349. The first section of this road is quite quick. Once we turn left off the B3349 for the villages its a different story. These are real little country roads chosen for prettiness not speed. Relax: cruise. The route passes through Upton Grey requiring a tight left then right for Tunworth. The next section is scenic in a villagey sort of way - thatched roofs, Hampshire redbrick construction, etc before we get out of the village and follow a (very) twisting road looking for signs for Mapledurwell. On a sharp left hand bend the route turns off into a junction on the right signposted Mapledurwell. A short way down the next road and its a left turn, also signposted Mapledurwell, that's very easy to miss. The route follows the road into picturesque Mapledurwell - the Gamekeepers being on the right.
After we've stopped for some refreshment its easy to get back to the beaten track. Turn right out of the pub car park and follow the road back into Basingstoke.
NB: My Chimaera had no trouble at all on all of the roads used. Some are a bit rough though and some can, obviously, be a bit muddy. These ARE country roads after all. So don't get too upset if the pride and joy gains a few muddy smears. No lasting harm will be done. If its wet: be please be careful particularly where that bane of country driving is present - poo.
11:45am Arrive Gamekeepers. www.thegamekeepers.co.uk
Park the cars up. There is plenty of room for a good few cars if we arrive early enough. Photo opportunity? Beer. Chat. Nosh. Bugger off to wherever you need to get back to.
OK. So its the same plan as last time! Although I don't have permission for us to climb on the roof to take pictures! I'm amazed we were allowed before!
I need to give the Landlord an indication as to numbers so SOUND OFF on this thread please. If you want lunch (I do!) we need to BOOK. I think it may be best for you to book with the pub yourselves if you're coming.
>> Edited by Don on Tuesday 22 March 11:39
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