NORTH EAST 'HOONS' - 27 July and 3 August

[Swiftly]

Looks like everyone had a great days run

I think so Nick - one of those good days when the traffic is on side (weather excepted!)

Great to hear Paul, I really enjoyed the drive last weekend

 

[paulgs1000]

Well thanks Nick.

I think this weekend's run went very well - the weather didn't spoil things at all. Just getting the best out of the road and conditions made for a very smooth run. Quite a lot of mess on some parts of the road though - the rain must have been heavy in the West!

 

[paulgs1000]

A few more photos from the day I missed

Hands up - did Poppy put her hand up? :?




Poppy getting in her Dad's car. . .



Weather conditions when we arrived at Hartside!

 

[AndrewP]

Thanks again Paul and Steph, some great roads and we really enjoyed the run and meeting some new faces - well worth the trip down !

 

[Chezsherman]

Well I must say I have really enjoyed the last couple of months firstly meeting paul and Steph on our first hoon, then joining everyone on the Sunday national run where paul and Steph introduced me to everyone. And the last 2weeks have really topped it off for me I can't wait for our next NE outing. This forum has brought a new light to owning a z4 so I thank you for that. I've met paul and Steph a few times now who have become new friends and grumpybri which I've now met on three different occasions. Thanks again to them and everyone else I've met through my hooning experience,

Here's to the many more in the future

Thanks again

 

[paulgs1000]

Well I must say I have really enjoyed the last couple of months firstly meeting paul and Steph on our first hoon, then joining everyone on the Sunday national run where paul and Steph introduced me to everyone. And the last 2weeks have really topped it off for me I can't wait for our next NE outing. This forum has brought a new light to owning a z4 so I thank you for that. I've met paul and Steph a few times now who have become new friends and grumpybri which I've now met on three different occasions. Thanks again to them and everyone else I've met through my hooning experience,

Here's to the many more in the future

Thanks again

It's been a pleasure getting to know you too Craig and thanks for all your support.

You couldn 't have summed up better why Steph and I enjoy the Forum - nice one!

 

[GaryWright]

 

[paulgs1000]

Thanks Gary - first stop and check at Ponteland.

 

[Overthehillnhoj]

Paul and Steph apologies late in my comments. Many thanks for your efforts organising a great day out despite a few episodes of inclement weather!

Great to meet a like minded group of enthusiasts one of whom i find lives only 4 miles away!!

Round trip of 227 miles and everyone of them enjoyable

Glad everyone enjoyed the day - so did we - another satisfying and enjoyable run for us - thanks to all that attended.

A good turn out again with Chezsherman and Grumpybri back for their second week of the run - great to have them there to spread the load and support new members which included GaryWright and his girlfriend (with his very nice Sterling grey 2.2 with unique alloys and a light green hood - all worked together very nicely ) and Overthehillnhoj (in his very clean light silver grey 3.0si - at first I thought it was white! Very impressive nhoj! ). It was also brilliant to have GNC72 ( in his Monaco blue 3.0i with light leather interior which really stands out ) who we had got to know at the Nationals along with his wife but today he had his daughter Poppy with him. Nice to meet you Poppy! 8)

Found out at 8.30pm the night before that part of our route had a charity ride organised - nothing on the 'traffic' or 'what's on' internet sites! ) It didn't effect the first part of the run and despite one tractor we had a fairly clear run and were able to enjoy the back roads to Hexham where we met AndrewP and his father (they had been delayed by a serious accident which had blocked the road only a few miles from the start but which detoured them for miles ) in their Silver Grey 3.0si with Red leather - very nice! The rain held off at this point and we were able to enjoy the usual warm reception and sit outside to enjoy a cuppa at the Wentworth café 8) before setting off onto the A686.

The forecast showers hit us on the way up to Alston and intensified as we headed for Hartside Cafe. The rain turned the run into a good test of smooth but effective driving - tricky conditions on this challenging road but everyone coped marvellously and we all were able to make the most of the road, even in the difficult conditions and ended up elated as we headed for lunch.

The weather improved slightly and roofs were down again for the descent to Melmerby, our carousel around the village green and return. All I can say is that we benefitted from the weather keeping the traffic light and what a road - even in wet conditions it's brilliant. Even more enjoyable when I remembered this was the first time that some had ever driven the road - we had a great run through!

We all met up at Hexham again after a satnav submission (shouldn't always trust it! :? ) and a comfort break by one attendee which led to a wrong turn in the middle of the group. You know the situation - one second everyone's in your mirror - the next ? All was well though and we set off for Derwent Water. No stop at Blanchland this run and some discussion at the dam about the impact of the potholes hit on the way. :thumbsdown: The weather improved as we made the most of the North perimeter road (another clear run through) and even the pothole we'd mentioned in the briefing had been filled (hazards on, speed reduced, all on the right hand side of the road - and there it was neatly filled with tarmac!)

A stop before the A68 and it was great to see smiles and nods all round as we said our farewells and headed for home.

Have to say the standard of driving was superb in very demanding conditions - after the rain through the night, the early roads were greasy and slippy :!: . Later, on the Hartside run, conditions were very tricky yet we made the most of the road despite this - flowing and smooth technique required throughout. There was also a surprising amount of debris on the road to Blanchland :!: . Nevertheless, smiles were in evidence throughout the day, everyone enjoyed themselves and everyone went home safe.

Thanks to Grumpybri for offering to support with the sweeper role throughout the day (good to have an experienced hooner in that role Bri 8) - much appreciated ) and thanks to Chezsherman for taking the middle position to help out with the 'newbys' 8) - cheers Craig!

Lovely to see new faces on the run fit in so well 8) and our longest travelled attendee has to be AndrewP and his Father - really impressed you made the effort to join us and unfortunate that you had the delay but I know you enjoyed the route - saw you in my mirror most the way!

I'm tired now - after two weekends of planned hooning. As Craig said afterwards over tea at our house - 'We just want folk to enjoy themselves - that's the biggest worry'. He's right.
So it's well worth all the effort when days come together and we get to share the experience of making the most of our Zeds on some of the best of our roads with some great company.

Thanks to all those that have joined us - it's been fantastic and we're already discussing more runs so hope to see you all again!

Paul and Steph.





At Derwent Water Dam






Didn't get many on the road photos - here's a couple when we pulled into Lumley Castle - just held out pointed back and hoped!



Jumped out the Zed at Melmerby to get a quick photo as we did our carousel - the Zeds looked fabulous running up to the turn - I had to take a shot!





Conditions improved and the cloud lifted a little for our run down to Melmerby and back



3.4 litres of Grunt!



The Zeds looked terrific and even in the poor weather attracted attention - this is at Hexham.

 

[paulgs1000]

Hi John,

Thank you - it was great to meet you and have your very nice 3.0si with us. I hope you'll join us for some more runs in the future.

Saw you taking some photos on the run - you going to post them up when you've got a minute?