Long driving weekend - anything I should know?
Discussion
After a couple of months of (very) happy ownership, I am taking my 111R on its first long trip this weekend - a 700+ mile round trip to Scotland. I have planned a route that generally avoids motorways and have scheduled some stops along the way etc. I have even convinced the wife that it's a good idea, although I suspect she is just humouring me.
Any words of wisdom from seasoned Lotus tourers? The response "firstly, don't take the Lotus", which I got from some of the guys at work wasn't helpful.
B
Any words of wisdom from seasoned Lotus tourers? The response "firstly, don't take the Lotus", which I got from some of the guys at work wasn't helpful.
B
Edited by boomshanks on Tuesday 12th May 11:41
One obvious; take a phone and the list of dealers, if you break down or blow a tyre then it can be a long walk and wait even if you have recovery insurance.
Good lane discipline can avoid detailed attention from the plod if your right foot is a bit heavy.
Fill the windscreen washer bottle with a good bug remover brew, it is no use filling with plain water half way through the journey.
And I do 600 mile stints regularly, and it really is a breeze with the hood down (remember the sun screen).
IanB
Good lane discipline can avoid detailed attention from the plod if your right foot is a bit heavy.
Fill the windscreen washer bottle with a good bug remover brew, it is no use filling with plain water half way through the journey.
And I do 600 mile stints regularly, and it really is a breeze with the hood down (remember the sun screen).
IanB
My other half loves a decent long run in the R. She even encourages me to take her out in it at weekends as she loves being in it. I've never had a moment's discomfort or trouble from mine. Longest single stint I've done is only 250 miles but it was faultless. You won't even notice the distance; just keep a scarf handy so you can take the roof off whenever possible!
Thanks guys, all good hints. Good call on the sunscreen and windscreen washer fluid - i'll make sure of those (they were both things I had not thought about!).
chevronb37 said:
My other half loves a decent long run in the R. She even encourages me to take her out in it at weekends as she loves being in it.
My wife hasn't really been in it since I had the induction kit fitted. Reckon she might be asking me to turn back before we hit Newcastle. It'll be too late by then of course Why not go the whole hog and do a proper job...
4.5K door to door in 9 days....taking in Sant Agata on the way round.
I needed a holiday after that one mind.
Helps to take a few small tools if you have room...even just a screw driver etc.
Just incase of daft things i.e. knocking the wires out the rear light cluster causing the bulb to fall into the unit. Meaning it has to be uncscrewed. Easily done if your stuffing bags in the boot.
4.5K door to door in 9 days....taking in Sant Agata on the way round.
I needed a holiday after that one mind.
Helps to take a few small tools if you have room...even just a screw driver etc.
Just incase of daft things i.e. knocking the wires out the rear light cluster causing the bulb to fall into the unit. Meaning it has to be uncscrewed. Easily done if your stuffing bags in the boot.
boomshanks said:
Thanks guys, all good hints. Good call on the sunscreen and windscreen washer fluid - i'll make sure of those (they were both things I had not thought about!).
chevronb37 said:
My other half loves a decent long run in the R. She even encourages me to take her out in it at weekends as she loves being in it.
My wife hasn't really been in it since I had the induction kit fitted. Reckon she might be asking me to turn back before we hit Newcastle. It'll be too late by then of course 
She'll be fine, buddy. My other half managed to fall asleep in mine not so long ago! How much difference has the induction kit made? I have a few spare pennies this month, but think I need to buy a banger to get me to work before I start modifying the R...braddo said:
Take some foam earplugs, especially if you've just added some louder induction. The elise turns into a very comfortable long distance cruiser once you have dampened the noise little! Your other half will sleep all the way to Scotland.
Brad
Best advice (other than mobile and RAC/AA card) and one that I was about to type. Worth every penny, and you won't scare the locals at the other end by shouting at them when you arrive!Brad
Thanks guys, I'll invest in some ear plugs today. My wife told me last night that she was thinking of taking a cushion to sit on! I'm wondering whether it's the life for her. She might be in for a shock if she makes me choose between them.
chevronb37 said:
How much difference has the induction kit made? I have a few spare pennies this month, but think I need to buy a banger to get me to work before I start modifying the R...
A lot, seriously, loads. It is only just noticable at tickover and lower revs, but open the taps and it sounds like a racing car! For a £200 mod it was well worth it. If you're going to Buckles this month I'll take you for a spin (if I manage to make it!). Now saving up for the Larini and my work here will be done (for a month or so...). boomshanks said:
Thanks guys, I'll invest in some ear plugs today. My wife told me last night that she was thinking of taking a cushion to sit on! I'm wondering whether it's the life for her. She might be in for a shock if she makes me choose between them.
My girlfriend likes a cushion for long journeys as well. Can't understand it personally as I've found the Elise seats to be amongst the most comfortable I've tried. In fact, if it wasn't for the noise I'd almost say it makes a good GT car.chevronb37 said:
How much difference has the induction kit made? I have a few spare pennies this month, but think I need to buy a banger to get me to work before I start modifying the R...
A lot, seriously, loads. It is only just noticable at tickover and lower revs, but open the taps and it sounds like a racing car! For a £200 mod it was well worth it. If you're going to Buckles this month I'll take you for a spin (if I manage to make it!). Now saving up for the Larini and my work here will be done (for a month or so...). nick_j007 said:
Does anyone have any handy solutions for carrying water bottles in the cabin?
Is there for example a neat clip on holder that would allow me to drop a coffee cup into it?
Ta.
Nick
Can't help with the coffee cup, but I always carry a bottle of water sitting in the gap between the seats against the rear bulkhead. Stays in place no problem and easily reached for a sip of water whilst driving.Is there for example a neat clip on holder that would allow me to drop a coffee cup into it?
Ta.
Nick
boomshanks said:
Thanks guys, I'll invest in some ear plugs today. My wife told me last night that she was thinking of taking a cushion to sit on! I'm wondering whether it's the life for her. She might be in for a shock if she makes me choose between them.
Yeah, I should be at Buckles dude. Would be awesome to check out the induction kit, cheers. £200 is nowt really, is it?!chevronb37 said:
How much difference has the induction kit made? I have a few spare pennies this month, but think I need to buy a banger to get me to work before I start modifying the R...
A lot, seriously, loads. It is only just noticable at tickover and lower revs, but open the taps and it sounds like a racing car! For a £200 mod it was well worth it. If you're going to Buckles this month I'll take you for a spin (if I manage to make it!). Now saving up for the Larini and my work here will be done (for a month or so...). Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff