The Birdlip Test Route

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CovSprint · #1 Post by **CovSprint** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 1:17 pm

Just to guage interest on a potential Summer event... 
 
I had this idea of organising a Summer run for TDC members using some of the old 'Birdlip Route' from Coventry, through the Cotswolds via some testing hills, and back to Coventry. 
 
Its likely to be an all dayer, with a lunch stop, and I am proposing at least 2 start points to assist people coming from afar. 
 
Expected total mileage 100 miles. 
 
Was thinking of putting it together on the basis that entrants buy a suggested route, a list of potential stopping points, and a rally plaque as a package, and raise some cash for charity. 
 
Charles Cattenach has done the legwork so far, and has come up with the bones of a potentially great event. 
 
Just wondered what interest there is on the Forum for an event such as this, before we start talking about the nitty gritty. 
 
Cheers all. 
Mark

Carl · #2 Post by **Carl** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 5:52 pm

I'm sure we would be up for this, as long as it doesn't clash with Classic Le Mans <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"> . Were you planning to be Sprint-powered in time ?

2F45T4U · #3 Post by **2F45T4U** » Sat Mar 18, 2006 12:32 am

... Aww I want something really far! 
 
Remember the Dolomite advert where they take the Dolomite to...... the Dolomites. That would be awesome <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /happy.gif ALT=":D">

1300dolly · #4 Post by **1300dolly** » Sat Mar 18, 2006 3:12 am

i will go as long as you sprint boys take out two spark plugs and leave your handbrakes on so i have a chance to keep up.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /laugh.gif ALT=":lol"> As for adam going to the dolomites, who will take the support 18 wheeler with spare panels, welder ect.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /smile.gif ALT=":)"> 
Justyn

redrichie · #5 Post by **redrichie** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 5:24 pm

I'd be up for this, date and car willing of course...

Matt Cotton · #6 Post by **Matt Cotton** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 9:18 pm

Yeh, this sounds like a great idea. I spoke to Charles at the NEC and he was very enthusiastic about the idea. 
 
May be worth an article in p.c or equivalent?

CovSprint · #7 Post by **CovSprint** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 2:35 pm

Thanks for your responses guys. 
 
To deal with a few of your points:- 
 
1. If the Sprint isnt ready by June, you will find me rocking away in a mental hospital somewhere! 
2. This event isnt a race! Spirited driving is optional.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"> 
3. I dont want this event to be too big. If we get too many cars involved, it may become unmanageable. The plan was to try it this year, and maybe raise a few quid for charity, then if successful, consider doing it 'properly' and applying to the RAC and insuring it in future. 
 
All I can say at this stage is to watch this space. 
 
Mark

Dave Wilson · #8 Post by **Dave Wilson** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 5:07 am

Would be up for that Mark

dollybird72 · #9 Post by **dollybird72** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 9:40 am

Put my name down for this - would be most interested and a drive through the Cotswolds sounds great. 
 
Now, which colour car should I take? Decisions, decisions. 
 
Susie<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D">

alun n · #10 Post by **alun n** » Fri Apr 21, 2006 10:59 pm

The one to match your shoes of course Susie! 
 
Count me in. 
 
[hangs head in shame for failing to organise the March March to the Marches...next year]

Michael G · #11 Post by **Michael G** » Sat Apr 29, 2006 9:30 pm

Sounds great! We would be interested.

dollybird72 · #12 Post by **dollybird72** » Sun Apr 30, 2006 12:31 am

Mark 
 
Have you a charity in mind already? 
 
Any news on this event? 
 
I can't wait! 
 
Susie<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif ALT=":D">

CovSprint · #13 Post by **CovSprint** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 2:01 pm

Hi all. 
 
Here is a copy of what is going in the next magazine (if I have met the deadline<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif ALT=";)"> ). 
 
Details still a bit sketchy, but I really want to get this event on the calendar for this year - it will be great. 
 
Please do not post interest on the board, as I rarely get chance to look at it these days. Please phone me to register your interest instead so that I can take an address for the info packs. 
 
Thanks. 
 
Mark 
 
The Birdlip Route 
 
A couple of years ago, I organised a short driving event which used part of the pre-war Triumph test route. However, there was a much more lengthy and demanding route also used by Triumph post-war. This took in three testing hills, one of which is at Birdlip, and hence the name. This route was retraced by one of the popular classic car magazines a few years ago, and after an appeal for any information in Dolly Mixture, Charles Cattenach from Bristol got in touch with a copy of the article. 
 
Charles has since spent many hours going over the route, and suggesting alternatives where roads have been replaced, built over, or turned into motorways. At this stage, I have a fairly comprehensive route with tulip diagrams in key places, and notes of places of interest and refreshment facilities. Charles has put in a lot of effort, and I wish to thank him and highly commend him for his efforts so far. 
 
I want to take the planning a stage further, and organise what I think will be a very enjoyable event for TDC members, using their cars on an historic route, with opportunities to stop off at places of interest en route. I do need some help though…. 
 
Firstly, I need to know how many members might be interested if the event is organised before the end of the nice weather this year. To register your interest, please call Mark McLean, TDC Coventry Area Rep, on 024-76678525 (calls before 9.30pm please). I will put you on a list of interested parties, and send information packs in due course. No obligation of course. 
 
Secondly, I need help in marshalling the start points. I am not talking lots of work, preparation or effort. Just a member who is prepared to ensure that all of the cars get away at each of the starting points. See below for the proposed route, and please give me a call if you are able to help. 
 
Here is an outline of the proposed event: 
 
•&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Likely to be held end of August or early September; 
•&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Likely to be a modest entry fee, including a donation to charity, which will include a proposed route, and details of the starting points. Possible inclusion of a rally plaque for the event; 
•&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Route of approximately 100 miles passing near to Coventry, Kenilworth, Warwick, Stratford, Evesham, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Winchcombe, Broadway, Chipping Norton, Ettington, Barford. 
•&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Multiple start points to avoid lengthy journies to Coventry before even starting the event. Suggest Gloucester, Chipping Norton and Coventry. If you might be able to help with any of these start points, please get in touch. 
•&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Relaxed and informal event, with only a suggested route. Details to be included of places of interest to stop. Possible arrangements with such places for displays of cars etc. 
 
At the time of typing, I can not offer any further details. However, I want to publicise this in the magazine at this stage so that we have a chance of staging the event this year. By the time you read this in the next Dolly Mixture, a final proposed route should be in place, a final date should have been decided upon, and information packs will be available. 
 
Please get in touch with comments, suggestions, or to register an interest. 
 
Many thanks. 
 
Mark McLean

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