BrumJim
Forum Stalwart (won't take the hint and leave...)
- Location
- Selly Oak, Birmingham
The story is this:
After the last couple of birthdays that got lost in the mêlée of bigger things to worry about, my Mum decides that it is time that I have a birthday that I enjoy, and so promises me a driving experience in any car of my choosing, within a reasonable budget.
So, being a petrol head (confessions can be found elsewhere), I am delighted with the choice. However it is a bit of a small child in a sweet shop type experience, and after much thought, re-consideration, and pontificating, I chose an Aston Martin experience at the Bruntingthorpe aerodrome/race track in Leicestershire, and booked the day for 17th October, some three months + after the day, but looking forward to the day big time.
So, how do you get from Birmingham to Bruntingthorpe for a driving day?
Correct! - on a push bike:
www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=23928
Yes, a couple of detours due to missed junctions. Ho hum.
And the conclusion:
My mum was mad as I well underestimated how long it would take me to get there (45 mins longer). I also got part way before realising that I had packed a margarine container full of margarine (OK, olive spread, but you get the idea), rather than a used and cleaned margarine container with a cereal bar, small mars bar and apple. And all the way there before I realise that I had packed both!! I was also the only person that day to cycle to their dream driving day, and possibly the only person ever to do that. The girls on the reception desk were from Solihull, so new exactly how far I had come and thought I was brave/mad/dead fit to achieve that.
Gave up cycling home, and went on the train at Rugby station instead (was dark, getting late, and legs complaining.
BUT, wouldn't have done it any other way. The weather was perfect - cool, but dry, and a bit of sunshine. My new bike performed well (Specialized Allez 16), and I had a good excuse for a 46 mile ride that I wouldn't have done otherwise.
So, great ride, great drive, and not feeling too carbon-guilty for the whole experience. And I did something a bit different and a little bizarre. Top weekend!
After the last couple of birthdays that got lost in the mêlée of bigger things to worry about, my Mum decides that it is time that I have a birthday that I enjoy, and so promises me a driving experience in any car of my choosing, within a reasonable budget.
So, being a petrol head (confessions can be found elsewhere), I am delighted with the choice. However it is a bit of a small child in a sweet shop type experience, and after much thought, re-consideration, and pontificating, I chose an Aston Martin experience at the Bruntingthorpe aerodrome/race track in Leicestershire, and booked the day for 17th October, some three months + after the day, but looking forward to the day big time.
So, how do you get from Birmingham to Bruntingthorpe for a driving day?
Correct! - on a push bike:
www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=23928
Yes, a couple of detours due to missed junctions. Ho hum.
And the conclusion:
My mum was mad as I well underestimated how long it would take me to get there (45 mins longer). I also got part way before realising that I had packed a margarine container full of margarine (OK, olive spread, but you get the idea), rather than a used and cleaned margarine container with a cereal bar, small mars bar and apple. And all the way there before I realise that I had packed both!! I was also the only person that day to cycle to their dream driving day, and possibly the only person ever to do that. The girls on the reception desk were from Solihull, so new exactly how far I had come and thought I was brave/mad/dead fit to achieve that.
Gave up cycling home, and went on the train at Rugby station instead (was dark, getting late, and legs complaining.
BUT, wouldn't have done it any other way. The weather was perfect - cool, but dry, and a bit of sunshine. My new bike performed well (Specialized Allez 16), and I had a good excuse for a 46 mile ride that I wouldn't have done otherwise.
So, great ride, great drive, and not feeling too carbon-guilty for the whole experience. And I did something a bit different and a little bizarre. Top weekend!
...Did you miss much being late? I'd be happy just being insured on my Mum's fiesta for a day so I could go for a drive...never mind a nice swanky Aston. 
