Basingstoke PHers (and anyone else) April Drive
Discussion
Basingstoke Pistonhead Readers April Showers Run.
Sunday 14th April: The Plan.
10:30am Meet
Meet at Spruce Goose Car Park in the Basingstoke Leisure Centre. Not the most beautiful of venues to meet up but everyone from Basingstoke knows where it is - and everyone from outside can find it. Contact me if you need directions/help - you can e-mail me from my PH profile. Its a nice big car park. I propose we meet up as close to the Spruce Goose as possible.
11:00am. Drive Time. Approx 1hr. www.dwmhughes.demon.co.uk/bigmap.jpg
Drive (roughly) the following route. Out of Basingstoke down the A339 to Alton. (Listed in Tiff Needell's Best British Roads special in this months 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, although I've never seen them, its worth bearing that in mind whilst flooring it in the straights.
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. It was wet and horrible on Easter Sunday when I scouted out the route and I did manage to lose rear wheel traction under brisk acceleration - and this was quite entertaining! If its wet: be please be careful particularly where that bane of country driving is present - poo.
12:00 noon. 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.
LOGISTICS.
The Gamekeepers need us to book ahead - and as soon as possible. So I need a reasonably accurate idea of the numbers involved. So if you want to come - please say so now.
So...Who's up for it, then. Replies on this thread. Don't chicken on me now or I'll feel like a right twit. If anyone has any additional suggestions please feel free to HELP.
LETS HOPE ITS SUNNY!
Sunday 14th April: The Plan.
10:30am Meet
Meet at Spruce Goose Car Park in the Basingstoke Leisure Centre. Not the most beautiful of venues to meet up but everyone from Basingstoke knows where it is - and everyone from outside can find it. Contact me if you need directions/help - you can e-mail me from my PH profile. Its a nice big car park. I propose we meet up as close to the Spruce Goose as possible.
11:00am. Drive Time. Approx 1hr. www.dwmhughes.demon.co.uk/bigmap.jpg
Drive (roughly) the following route. Out of Basingstoke down the A339 to Alton. (Listed in Tiff Needell's Best British Roads special in this months 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, although I've never seen them, its worth bearing that in mind whilst flooring it in the straights. 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. It was wet and horrible on Easter Sunday when I scouted out the route and I did manage to lose rear wheel traction under brisk acceleration - and this was quite entertaining! If its wet: be please be careful particularly where that bane of country driving is present - poo.
12:00 noon. 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.
LOGISTICS.
The Gamekeepers need us to book ahead - and as soon as possible. So I need a reasonably accurate idea of the numbers involved. So if you want to come - please say so now.
So...Who's up for it, then. Replies on this thread. Don't chicken on me now or I'll feel like a right twit. If anyone has any additional suggestions please feel free to HELP.
LETS HOPE ITS SUNNY!
Thanks for the reply, Keith! We can travel over to the Spruce in convoy - being neighbours an' all - if you like.
Jon: does this mean you're coming...and is that 1 or 2?
I had actually meant the car parking in front of the Travel Inn but we could use the top car park. I'm just concerned that there's a landmark that people can find easily.
Jon: does this mean you're coming...and is that 1 or 2?
I had actually meant the car parking in front of the Travel Inn but we could use the top car park. I'm just concerned that there's a landmark that people can find easily.
Thanks for the support people. Can you make sure that you let me know (on this thread, please) how many cars/people you will be bringing as well as updating your Pistonheads event thingy.
I now have 11 people and 8 cars confirmed - mostly Tivs. I also have indications of an additional 3 cars and 5 people. I'll call the Gamekeepers today and give them approximate numbers.
I'll post with any info from the pub when I have it.
I now have 11 people and 8 cars confirmed - mostly Tivs. I also have indications of an additional 3 cars and 5 people. I'll call the Gamekeepers today and give them approximate numbers.
I'll post with any info from the pub when I have it.
quote:
Hi Don,
I would like to come but cannot commit yet. does the pub need to know even if we do not want to eat?
Anyone else planning to go from the Andover area?
Simon
You'll be very welcome, Simon. I am going to have to give the pub "rough" numbers anyway so...but I do hope you can confirm at some point.
OK everyone. Got confirmation from the Gamekeepers. They are now expecting us. Sean (the boss). Has (bless 'im) agreed to rope off 10 or so car parking spaces - and will do more if I let him know. So anyone hesitating at the moment get onto me now!
He even suggested that we could go "up on the roof" to get some pictures. (This - I gotta see!).
He was also at pains to point out that a TVR Tuscan group has had 36 cars there. SO LETS PUT ON A SHOW EH?
He even suggested that we could go "up on the roof" to get some pictures. (This - I gotta see!).
He was also at pains to point out that a TVR Tuscan group has had 36 cars there. SO LETS PUT ON A SHOW EH?
cockers.
This is a PHers Drive then Pie. All marques are welcome but it will be mainly Tivs because Pistonheaders are mainly Tiv owners.
I'm half Tiv and half Porsche myself and may bring 'em both. Lotus, Porsche and anyone's *interesting* P+J are welcome as far as I'm concerned. Not to be elitist but we want the photos to look good!
This is a PHers Drive then Pie. All marques are welcome but it will be mainly Tivs because Pistonheaders are mainly Tiv owners.
I'm half Tiv and half Porsche myself and may bring 'em both. Lotus, Porsche and anyone's *interesting* P+J are welcome as far as I'm concerned. Not to be elitist but we want the photos to look good!
quote:
Hmmm well I was kinda thinking of coming along Don, guess I'll have to park the MG round the corner while you're taking the pics eh?
MG: Classic British sports car: most welcome. You didn't mean a Montego did you?
You know what I mean. No offence to anyone. At all. B***y hell.
Let's hope next weekend is a nice as this one is scheduled to be! I'll update Sean at the Gamekeepers with numbers who will be eating/car parking places required after this weekend. If we're roughly right it'll be fine, I'm sure.
Will anyone need directions or help to get to the start point? Contact me if so. I'm away this w/e but will be back Monday and will reply to any e-mails then.
I'll try and photocopy some directions/address/phone numbers of the pub for the day in case anyone gets lost.
Otherwise I'll look forward to seeing you all at the Spruce Goose/Travel Inn car park. I still think the one at the front although smaller will be better for people to find. The schedule is at the beginning of this thread.
Will anyone need directions or help to get to the start point? Contact me if so. I'm away this w/e but will be back Monday and will reply to any e-mails then.
I'll try and photocopy some directions/address/phone numbers of the pub for the day in case anyone gets lost.
Otherwise I'll look forward to seeing you all at the Spruce Goose/Travel Inn car park. I still think the one at the front although smaller will be better for people to find. The schedule is at the beginning of this thread.
quote:
Don,
After all that MG mud slingingI won't make it on Sunday. Car is in the paintshop still and won't be out for the weekend. Bu**er. Have a good one guys.
Sorry to hear that mr_tony! Hey...I saw a fantastic MG V8 last Sunday. Bloke in it and I (in Chimaera) were grinning furiously as we travelled in convoy down the A34. Boy could it shift too...
Right everyone. I currently think that there will be about 20 cars and a few more people there. 14 or so people will be eating. If you are unsure if I have counted you properly get in touch.
Sean will reserve some tables for those who want to eat so we can sit together. Logistics - wise everyone will settle their own account, of course: Sean is aware.
I'm told that to get all the cars in a photograph - which we can take from his ROOF
we will need to double park. Apparently Sean normally goes out to direct cars in as we start to arrive.
Food wise there will be Sunday Roasts (choice of three!), a Fish option and a Vegetarian option so all diets should be catered for. Apparently Baguettes and so forth will be available for those who want something lighter. I intend to call Sean prior to our drive with final numbers for a sit-down Sunday Lunch - as long as I am not too far out it should be fine....
I will bring along some copies of the map and telephone numbers as I mentioned before.
I am really looking forward to meeting you all - lets make the inaugural Basingstoke Pistonheads Pie and Drive a success.
Sean will reserve some tables for those who want to eat so we can sit together. Logistics - wise everyone will settle their own account, of course: Sean is aware.
I'm told that to get all the cars in a photograph - which we can take from his ROOF
we will need to double park. Apparently Sean normally goes out to direct cars in as we start to arrive. Food wise there will be Sunday Roasts (choice of three!), a Fish option and a Vegetarian option so all diets should be catered for. Apparently Baguettes and so forth will be available for those who want something lighter. I intend to call Sean prior to our drive with final numbers for a sit-down Sunday Lunch - as long as I am not too far out it should be fine....
I will bring along some copies of the map and telephone numbers as I mentioned before.
I am really looking forward to meeting you all - lets make the inaugural Basingstoke Pistonheads Pie and Drive a success.
quote:
Right, just printed off the meeting location and the big map etc.
It shall be my first PH meeting so I am looking forward to meeting all of you there.
Don, is the initial meeting place signposted when I get off at J6 of the M3?
Matt.
Matt. E-mail me right away and I'll 'mail you directions to the meet point. They're in Microsoft Word Format so should be easy to print etc..
Well. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for coming. Sean at the Gamekeepers was obviously happy to see us all and I know I certainly had a good time. The power of Pistonheads....remarkable.
I threw a little web coverage together to remind us all...and make those who couldn't come jealous!
www.dwmhughes.demon.co.uk/PieAndDrive/PAW_FRAME.HTM
I threw a little web coverage together to remind us all...and make those who couldn't come jealous!
www.dwmhughes.demon.co.uk/PieAndDrive/PAW_FRAME.HTM
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