National Road Rally

Managed an entry for the acu National Rally this year - normally on me hols somewhere hot & sticky when it's on.

Anyway, it was hot & sticky today but mission accomplished for a daytime gold award hopefully.

Daz sorted out a schedule for the 280 mile route around 12 control points, starting as per the rules at 12:00 and finishing before 22:00. it was pretty much spot on. No disasters on route and no getting lost either apart from the last control in Rotherham where the current road works & diversions span us around a bit. We actually knew how to get there but the cones conspired against us but got there in the end.

Its called 'preparation' and Daz was only about 15mins out at the end

 

End result

 

Did a bit of homework and we had sat navs with the control points locations in but used good old maps and old school written directions for chosen routes with a quick conversation between points confirming what route to take. Just as well as Dazs sat nav threw a paddy just after we started and didn't want to partake in the day's activities in any meaningful fashion after that.

Old school, who needs sat nav.

 

No hanging about on this event apart from the 10mins or so at each control point and the scheduled breaks you have to have - ours was at the American Embassy at Accrington (quarter pounder meal and Mcchicken sandwich I think)

Best bits were the road from Elland across to Rochdale on the A58 and then the A680 and the evening ride through the Peak District rom Ashbourne over to Snake Pass at Ladybower via Millers Dale, Tideswell and the B6049 to Hope Valley and Bamford.
Nightmare traffic in Harrogate as usual - note to self avoid going through Harrogate at all costs in future. The bit from Keighley down to Halifax also seemed to take forever - glad it wasn't a week day.
A good day after all, the weather was a major factor and I'll definitely be doing it again.

Squires café at the start

Halifax control point

Accrington just outside the American embassy

A forlorn Warrington at the Lymm services lorry park

Whitchurch at the Raven cafe

 

Best control points are at a pub

Ashbourne in the early evening, free drinks & sweeties

For some reason Daz is asking what I reckon the dimensions of the big orange Halfords sign are!!

Tideswell at the Anchor Inn



We lost each other between Ashbourne & Tideswell but Daz got there first so looks pleased with himself

Rotherham, the last one and they seem to be gearing up for an all night party