End of Tuesday
The day just got better after my last blog. Firstly a group of cyclists doing the John o Groats Lands End thing gave us a donation before we left Dalwhinnie. Our stop took us about an hour and a half by which time we were in danger of going over time so it was a great opportunity to give it some stick on some really good Perthshire roads as we hammered South.
As we got close to Arrochar we were lucky not to be nabbed by a speed cop with a radar gun (One of our group in an Aston Martin was sadly not so lucky)
Then on to the famous “Rest and be Thankful” hillclimb course for a single run.
I was delighted to manage 4th place overall being beaten by a Porsche 2.7 Carrera, an MGC and a 3.5 Rover engined MGB GT – all in the hands of serious competitors who don’t have terminal cancer! A wonderful experience to be treasured.
On to Gourock for the night’s stop.
Wednesday
Off in the fog to attack some great roads in Ayrshire with lots of testing navigation which Jim handled very professionally. As the morning went on the sun came out and gave us some fantastic views over the hills.
We finished this section in good time and meandered down to Portpatrick for a lunch beside the harbour – very pretty!
We then assembled at the ferry terminal with all the other cars for the crossing and had an official photograph taken before we left. I took the opportunity to don my green Macmillan wig and to hassle all the cars on the quay for donations – they were mainly Irish and very generous.
We then had a brief drive to our hotel in Antrim, The Comfort Hotel, where the staff were extremely helpful, friendly and welcoming – best yet by a mile which is how I am able to to this blog – Thanks to the girls behind reception – you are stars!
Some missed points I should catch up on
Thanks to my nephew Bruce and girlfriend Ailsa for their donations as we passed through Invergordon.
Thanks to Chris at GCR – this car is going really well and is keeping up with the best of the pack – it is a joy to drive.
Sory about lack of photos i will try to get some more internet access to load them asap.
Enjoying this event so much – the atmosphere is wonderful and the organisation is excellent!
The Start at Cape Wrath
The lighthouse at Stoer point
Hungry Cars at Gourock waiting to be fed!
May 3, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Sounds fantastic! wish i could be there, though i highly doubt could even match my dad’s navigational skills never mind top them! Sorry i missed you when you were here!
Good Luck for the rest of your journey
Catriona xoxox
May 7, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Teef:
Thanks for the postive comment kidder!!
Now head down for a 1st!!
PJ (Dublin)
May 13, 2007 at 7:47 am
For Teef read “Bean – don’t even know my own kids’ names!!!
May 23, 2007 at 10:51 pm
Dave:
Your nieces – Bean, Teef and Pinz – are all very proud of your achievements on the event and wish me to pass this sentiment on to you. I can only concur – we are very proud of you boy for competing such a long and difficult week.
Hope you enjoyed the route set out by Dennis as much as I did.
LB (Jim)
May 23, 2007 at 10:58 pm
PORTPATRICK INFO NOTE:
Just a “plug” for the excellent ‘Beachcombers Cafe and Amusement Centre’. Firstly for an excellent light lunch with nice clean facilities but also for putting some dosh in the Macmilllan can. As we shared an interest in the RNLI, we reciprocated accordingly.
Recommend its pleasant harbour location for any snack partaking!!