Is anyone else finding it harder to drive for fun?
Discussion
Yes you can always invariably find decent driving roads irrespective of where you live whether the South East or Scotland.
Main problem I find is that those complaining rely too much on brain dead Satnav and either can't read maps/can't be arsed to dig out a map and explore it to find the best driving route for their particular journey.
I am in the Midlands next week and always enjoy driving the cross country route from Manchester across the Derbyshire Dales rather than taking the tedious and highly frustrating M6 /car park route.
Main problem I find is that those complaining rely too much on brain dead Satnav and either can't read maps/can't be arsed to dig out a map and explore it to find the best driving route for their particular journey.
I am in the Midlands next week and always enjoy driving the cross country route from Manchester across the Derbyshire Dales rather than taking the tedious and highly frustrating M6 /car park route.
Shrimpvende said:
I share the OP's frustration. Everyone seems to be a cyclist now since lockdown and there are far more people out walking than there ever used to be. This isn't a problem in itself, but it's the fact that (especially during lockdown/summer months) there were a lot of clearly inexperienced cyclists out with no idea of what they were doing on the road and sometimes out with the whole family, kids wobbling around onto the wrong side of the road out of sight of the keen father upfront...a recipe for disaster on the narrow lanes round here! Same for people walking in groups sticking to the left with no thought of the blind bend they're dawdling along in front of - there must have been some very near misses.
The other thing that really spoils it for me now is other drivers and the notion that using your dashcam to dob people in is your utmost civic duty. I was genuinely shocked to watch a few videos shared about on facebook from local police forces showing dashcam clips of very minor/not particularly dangerous stuff and the multiple points and large fines dished out as a result, at the end of the video encouraging everyone to send their clips in to their dedicated dashcam email address!
If I'm out for a drive on open, well sighted NSL roads around me in the peaks then I'm likely to (safely) overtake a few people. More recently I've noticed that no matter how legal the move, how slowly I actually pass them I get flashed, waved at, and some point to what must be a dashcam. As much as I used to enjoy going on drives like this, I really get fed up of the idea that someone could shop me in for going a little bit quickly in a very fast/noisy car in a location miles from anyone where I can see for a good mile or so up the road. I'm not talking about speeding through residential streets or driving like an idiot, just enjoying the car and the roads where I can without being silly.
As we all know largely thanks to Brake et al overtaking is now seen by most motorists as being sheer lunacy and you are invariably viewed as the Devil reincarnate should you dare to pass anyone even if they are a moronic and dangerous dawdler holding up traffic which is more often than not the case.The other thing that really spoils it for me now is other drivers and the notion that using your dashcam to dob people in is your utmost civic duty. I was genuinely shocked to watch a few videos shared about on facebook from local police forces showing dashcam clips of very minor/not particularly dangerous stuff and the multiple points and large fines dished out as a result, at the end of the video encouraging everyone to send their clips in to their dedicated dashcam email address!
If I'm out for a drive on open, well sighted NSL roads around me in the peaks then I'm likely to (safely) overtake a few people. More recently I've noticed that no matter how legal the move, how slowly I actually pass them I get flashed, waved at, and some point to what must be a dashcam. As much as I used to enjoy going on drives like this, I really get fed up of the idea that someone could shop me in for going a little bit quickly in a very fast/noisy car in a location miles from anyone where I can see for a good mile or so up the road. I'm not talking about speeding through residential streets or driving like an idiot, just enjoying the car and the roads where I can without being silly.
I wouldn't worry in the slightest about the uneducated incorrectly thinking car noise is indicative of speed and as for being shopped to the police for potential speeding by an over zealous dash cam nerd you are overtaking the mere fact that said nerds dashcam will be uncalibrated means the chance of a conviction in the right circumstances even for excessive speed remains almost impossible.
I retired just over 2 years ago, and bought an ISF as a last V8 before they disappear.
It's obviously a very fast piece of kit, but I just couldn't enjoy it. Poor road surfaces, being stuck in 47 mph queues, and getting flashes when I did manage to overtake took their toll. Plus the dash cam warriors began to worry me.
I was driving a familiar road in the wife's Aygo, and realized I was having more fun carrying speed around corners than I ever did in the ISF.
So, I part exchanged it for a hybrid RC coupe and now waft about.
Still fancy a bit of fun, so may buy a Swift Sport or Twingo 133 over the winter to do some track days.
It's obviously a very fast piece of kit, but I just couldn't enjoy it. Poor road surfaces, being stuck in 47 mph queues, and getting flashes when I did manage to overtake took their toll. Plus the dash cam warriors began to worry me.
I was driving a familiar road in the wife's Aygo, and realized I was having more fun carrying speed around corners than I ever did in the ISF.
So, I part exchanged it for a hybrid RC coupe and now waft about.
Still fancy a bit of fun, so may buy a Swift Sport or Twingo 133 over the winter to do some track days.
SidewaysSi said:
I have no idea where some of you live and drive but seems like you are tripping over people, cyclists, animals etc. Yep, if I were you I would just give up on driving too.
Meanwhile I will continue to enjoy great drives where I make fast and unhindered progress minutes from my door in the SE...
Agreed. I often search out different ways to go for a 'spirited' drive rather than sticking with the sheep on the main roads. Once you have built up a bit of knowledge of your local area I'm sure you'll find many relatively empty roads to enjoy. The one good thing about the general public is that they are all unadventurous and would rather sit in a traffic jam for 2 hours, because that's the only route they know, rather than find another way. Meanwhile I will continue to enjoy great drives where I make fast and unhindered progress minutes from my door in the SE...
I tend to find that after 19:00 in my neck of the woods you've got the place to yourself (most of the time).
KPB1973 said:
In 30 years of owning performance cars, I've never once fancied doing a track day.
I'd rather do the speed limit on quiet open roads than high speed on a track. For me an enjoyable drive is about the scenery and the opportunity to explore.
Each to their own!
I'm the same as you. What irks me about track days is that there are actually more rules and regulations to adhere to...than what you get out on the roads. Track days therefore have never interested me for that reason. The only thing you seem to gain for me with a track day is smooth tarmac. I'd rather do the speed limit on quiet open roads than high speed on a track. For me an enjoyable drive is about the scenery and the opportunity to explore.
Each to their own!
As said it is each to their own.
SidewaysSi said:
I am a driving enthusiast and have done hundreds of trackdays but I am a bit bored of them to be honest.
I like to slide my car at will so going on a trackday isn't always ideal for that. Also they need far more planning than just grabbing the keys and going for a balls out thrash on the road...
I get far more from driving courses than I do going round and round on a circuit.
As you say most tracks look at you unkindly for sliding around. Plus you have to put silly silencers on if you have a loud exhaust, along with having to overtake in a certain way, and you can't race other cars either. I'll stick to the road thanks! I like to slide my car at will so going on a trackday isn't always ideal for that. Also they need far more planning than just grabbing the keys and going for a balls out thrash on the road...
I get far more from driving courses than I do going round and round on a circuit.
Track days are mean't to be fun...but they suck all the fun out of them. So they just don't make sense to me.
fastraxx said:
SidewaysSi said:
Is this a main car and do they include 6 trackdays in your policy? Who are you with?
Not my main car, no but it's REIS - but quite a few companies offer this.cerb4.5lee said:
SidewaysSi said:
I am a driving enthusiast and have done hundreds of trackdays but I am a bit bored of them to be honest.
I like to slide my car at will so going on a trackday isn't always ideal for that. Also they need far more planning than just grabbing the keys and going for a balls out thrash on the road...
I get far more from driving courses than I do going round and round on a circuit.
As you say most tracks look at you unkindly for sliding around. Plus you have to put silly silencers on if you have a loud exhaust, along with having to overtake in a certain way, and you can't race other cars either. I'll stick to the road thanks! I like to slide my car at will so going on a trackday isn't always ideal for that. Also they need far more planning than just grabbing the keys and going for a balls out thrash on the road...
I get far more from driving courses than I do going round and round on a circuit.
Track days are mean't to be fun...but they suck all the fun out of them. So they just don't make sense to me.
Hence driving on road is cheaper, more spontaneous and often just as satisfying if you know where to go..
cerb4.5lee said:
As you say most tracks look at you unkindly for sliding around. Plus you have to put silly silencers on if you have a loud exhaust, along with having to overtake in a certain way, and you can't race other cars either. I'll stick to the road thanks!
Track days are mean't to be fun...but they suck all the fun out of them. So they just don't make sense to me.
Not my experience at all.Track days are mean't to be fun...but they suck all the fun out of them. So they just don't make sense to me.
Driving on the road around here (north bucks) is for the most part, not enjoyable at all. Purely because its too busy. The only time its any good is between midnight and 4am.
Sadly, i like sleeping, so its not something i do often.
I will however travel long distances to drive on decent roads. ie, highlands, switzerland or italy.
Did the A68 from the A1 to edinburgh a few weeks ago. Fantastic. Followed by a detour over the cairngorms. Even more fantastic.
Good roads do exist, but hard to enjoy in the south east.
I dont mind the occasional track day, but i would never take anything half decent, my lack of talent, or worse, others lack of talent mean a good risk of a crumple i can ill afford. Also very hard on the car. And hence costly.
Nothing beats a good drive on deserted roads IMO. I guess unless you live in one of those deserted areas, then you have to put in more effort for the reward.
Sadly, i like sleeping, so its not something i do often.
I will however travel long distances to drive on decent roads. ie, highlands, switzerland or italy.
Did the A68 from the A1 to edinburgh a few weeks ago. Fantastic. Followed by a detour over the cairngorms. Even more fantastic.
Good roads do exist, but hard to enjoy in the south east.
I dont mind the occasional track day, but i would never take anything half decent, my lack of talent, or worse, others lack of talent mean a good risk of a crumple i can ill afford. Also very hard on the car. And hence costly.
Nothing beats a good drive on deserted roads IMO. I guess unless you live in one of those deserted areas, then you have to put in more effort for the reward.
SidewaysSi said:
Hence driving on road is cheaper, more spontaneous and often just as satisfying if you know where to go..
I've got quite a few decent and very quiet roads on my doorstep so I'm fortunate in that respect. 
The main roads around me are poor, but because I'm rural the rest of the roads are great fun for sure.
I feel pretty tired of driving.
I always liked to go for a drive out, but over the years it has become far less enjoyable and basically a chore.
I guess living in NW London is one part of the problem, but to get to any decent roads it seems to take a 1 hour drive in itself - especially given the recent proliferation of 20mph zones everywhere locally.
Going to visit my Dad and brother up near Leeds I used to drive all the time. These days a trip up the motorway seems to involve miles of 50 or 60MPH roadworks with average speed cameras, even in sections without speed cameras, there's inevitably someone sat in the outside lane doing 65-70mph. It used to take under 3 hours, now it's commonly well over 4. Most times I visit now, I'll take the train - 2 hours 20mins from Kings Cross and it's relaxing, can read a book and even have a beer on the way.
If driving in the country and you come across one of the increasingly rare NSL roads which haven't been dropped to 40mph, inevitably you come up to a line of people doing 40mph and continuing the same speed through 30mph villages.
Last year we did a tour of Ireland, and that was a lot of fun, but it's hard to justify keeping a decent driving car for maybe a once a year road trip, and the odd trackday. So much so that I'm seriously considering selling the Noble and using the additional cash to retire a couple of years early at 53 rather than my originally planned 55.
I fear the exciting and interesting age of motoring is rapidly drawing to a close and being replaced by cars simply being devices to get from A to B with as little effort or driver involvement as possible.
I always liked to go for a drive out, but over the years it has become far less enjoyable and basically a chore.
I guess living in NW London is one part of the problem, but to get to any decent roads it seems to take a 1 hour drive in itself - especially given the recent proliferation of 20mph zones everywhere locally.
Going to visit my Dad and brother up near Leeds I used to drive all the time. These days a trip up the motorway seems to involve miles of 50 or 60MPH roadworks with average speed cameras, even in sections without speed cameras, there's inevitably someone sat in the outside lane doing 65-70mph. It used to take under 3 hours, now it's commonly well over 4. Most times I visit now, I'll take the train - 2 hours 20mins from Kings Cross and it's relaxing, can read a book and even have a beer on the way.
If driving in the country and you come across one of the increasingly rare NSL roads which haven't been dropped to 40mph, inevitably you come up to a line of people doing 40mph and continuing the same speed through 30mph villages.
Last year we did a tour of Ireland, and that was a lot of fun, but it's hard to justify keeping a decent driving car for maybe a once a year road trip, and the odd trackday. So much so that I'm seriously considering selling the Noble and using the additional cash to retire a couple of years early at 53 rather than my originally planned 55.
I fear the exciting and interesting age of motoring is rapidly drawing to a close and being replaced by cars simply being devices to get from A to B with as little effort or driver involvement as possible.
Christ, why is everyone so bloody miserable on here?
I live in the terrible Southeast, and I still love going for a drive. I had to visit a site this week about 15 miles away - near-enough empty, twisty country lanes both ways.
I took the Chevy out on a Sunday morning a couple of weeks ago just to drive a loop of country lanes on my doorstep - 30ish miles of bloody good fun!
Cheer up you miserable sods!
I live in the terrible Southeast, and I still love going for a drive. I had to visit a site this week about 15 miles away - near-enough empty, twisty country lanes both ways.
I took the Chevy out on a Sunday morning a couple of weeks ago just to drive a loop of country lanes on my doorstep - 30ish miles of bloody good fun!
Cheer up you miserable sods!
NDNDNDND said:
Christ, why is everyone so bloody miserable on here?
I live in the terrible Southeast, and I still love going for a drive. I had to visit a site this week about 15 miles away - near-enough empty, twisty country lanes both ways.
I took the Chevy out on a Sunday morning a couple of weeks ago just to drive a loop of country lanes on my doorstep - 30ish miles of bloody good fun!
Cheer up you miserable sods!
Not trying to be so negative, but where exactly in the terrible south east are you that you can get up to drive a loop of country lanes on your doorstep? I live in the terrible Southeast, and I still love going for a drive. I had to visit a site this week about 15 miles away - near-enough empty, twisty country lanes both ways.
I took the Chevy out on a Sunday morning a couple of weeks ago just to drive a loop of country lanes on my doorstep - 30ish miles of bloody good fun!
Cheer up you miserable sods!
.... because there are sod all country lanes on my doorstep, or within easy reach.
I live between Harrow and Wembley btw, so feel free to point me to these idyllic roads just round the corner?
C n C said:
Not trying to be so negative, but where exactly in the terrible south east are you that you can get up to drive a loop of country lanes on your doorstep?
.... because there are sod all country lanes on my doorstep, or within easy reach.
I live between Harrow and Wembley btw, so feel free to point me to these idyllic roads just round the corner?
Well, if you insist on living in London it's your own fault really. Were you expecting driving Nirvana when you moved there?.... because there are sod all country lanes on my doorstep, or within easy reach.
I live between Harrow and Wembley btw, so feel free to point me to these idyllic roads just round the corner?
monkfish1 said:
Did the A68 from the A1 to edinburgh a few weeks ago. Fantastic. Followed by a detour over the cairngorms. Even more fantastic.
Good roads do exist, but hard to enjoy in the south east.
Agree with the spirit of all that, but I wouldn't normally expect to choose a low number A road for a fun drive - much more fun to be had on lightly trafficked and policed unclassified roads.Good roads do exist, but hard to enjoy in the south east.
SidewaysSi said:
I am a driving enthusiast and have done hundreds of trackdays but I am a bit bored of them to be honest.
I like to slide my car at will so going on a trackday isn't always ideal for that. Also they need far more planning than just grabbing the keys and going for a balls out thrash on the road...
I get far more from driving courses than I do going round and round on a circuit.
What sort of driving courses do you enjoy? Do you think that driving courses eventually become boring?I like to slide my car at will so going on a trackday isn't always ideal for that. Also they need far more planning than just grabbing the keys and going for a balls out thrash on the road...
I get far more from driving courses than I do going round and round on a circuit.
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