tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86276871114473344932011-07-08T14:45:21.312Z2 DRIVERS presents A LONG DISTANCE PRODUCTION "criMINIlly insane?" raising money for MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT and CHILDRENS HOSPICE SOUTH WEST starring DENNIS THE MINI A LONG DRIVE LANDS END JOHN O'GROATS and SKEGNESSSihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.comBlogger931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-13926573711078172702011-07-02T12:07:00.002Z2011-07-02T12:10:25.828Z

"We didn't want to do that."The perils of predictive text showed their ugly head while doing the day 5 blog in the very early hours of this morning. Aside from the few spelling mistakes that I know are in the blog, instead of me decorating Lotty's bonnet, it was almost published as me decorating Lotty's boner...Later on this morning (8am, since I know you're wondering) after greasing Jock's

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-90013171170416312602011-07-01T19:11:00.001Z2011-07-01T19:12:36.751Z

"They have different rules up here... we might just get away with it..."Morning in Moffat was a solid victory for the SCRAM (Scottish Council of Revolutionary and Angry Midges) who attacked us as soon as the tents were opened. Everything was put away very quickly and we hid cars till setting off for breakfast at Dumbarton.Along the way we passed through such delightfully named places as Boghead..

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-2118374920330161732011-07-01T09:04:00.001Z2011-07-01T09:04:57.933Z

"If we do what they're expecting us to do, then they won't expect us to do it, because that's what they think we'll do. I think."Morning came, better weather than expected but still darn early. This year we decided to head for Blackpool, to make a bit of a change.It was shut. There was nothing to see except a bit of a rusty erection. The tower is not looking good these days, and a lot of the

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-8784930512104922542011-06-28T21:49:00.001Z2011-06-28T21:49:47.914Z

"I overheard some of them talking..."Late news from the camp site: we're still not sure of the context in which this was said, but at some point last night, Michelle walked past Terry and Linda's tent, just as Terry announced "It's not hard..."So this morning we had our long run to breakfast, a hefty drive from Steart Farm up to Bridgwater.Carol and Michelle found that their CB aerial mount was

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-24889542625613112282011-06-28T11:57:00.001Z2011-06-28T11:59:36.652Z

"Everywhere we look, he's on to us. Can't hang round here..."We managed a bit of a lie in this morning (notwithstanding David's phone pumping out Radio 2's breakfast show) and had little to do before heading off to Morrison's in Bideford for our own breakfast at around nine. I had a few comments (once I had some signal) that wheresdennis.co.uk wasn't working, but this was purely down to me not

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-84547832962610219812011-06-27T08:51:00.001Z2011-06-27T08:53:53.378Z

"Damn, outside ain't so nice..."Morning came (as it typically does) and the weather had improved a little. Not much, but enough that we could tell once the midst had burnt off it was going to be hot.Breakfast was had: bacon butties, Shreddies and custard creams (!) and the topic of conversation moved to people's plans for the day.As there are so few of us doing LEJOG this year, we hadn't been

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-63658641241317794352011-06-26T21:51:00.002Z2011-06-26T21:57:31.087Z

"I've got us a car for our trip. Might be a bit of a crush with our kit in, but it'll do. Going to get John from his safehouse early... stay away from the motorways and the traffic cops..."So, by 7am I'd picked up David, the kit all packed in Dennis the night before. He decided to drive the first section of the route we'd planned, as he knows the roads so it would give him a chance to get used to

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-17534432360154592152011-06-24T12:56:00.002Z2011-06-24T13:01:41.235Z

Dennis is packed up now with everything we're taking with us; David's TomTom is being updated in preparation and we've worked out our route.This year it'll be a combination of previous routes, heading over to Derby and on to the A38. Of course for the exact route we take, you'll just have to watch us on wheresdennis.co.uk and see where the roads take us...

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-39078059149462015312011-06-23T05:39:00.002Z2011-06-23T05:45:14.914Z

Well, all the tools and spares have fitted in the car again, still leaving room for drivers and kit. Getting good at this after 5 years...Andy@Acespeed worked his magic again and has now "repaired" Kwik-fit's attempt at tracking. It feels much better and now self-centres, plus with us doing LEJOG for charity, Andy has donated the fee. Spot on bloke, he is.Last few tweaks to do tonight before

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-1711239697456564922011-06-21T08:44:00.003Z2011-06-21T08:54:07.078Z

Right, all the web stuff is now live:The main website (our hub, if you like) is HERETrack us live HEREDonate to Macmillan Cancer Support and CHSW HEREAnd don't forget to follow us HERE 'pon this very blog...

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-55185460626772063722011-06-16T20:35:00.002Z2011-06-16T20:48:26.025Z

So, once again it's been a while since the last post on here. In that time, I've been a little busy. Here's the updates, anyway:- so firstly, I'll not be accompanied by Vince. Circumstances have arisen which means he can't make it this year (gutting).- secondly, though Vince isn't really replaceable, I have arranged another co-driver, David, one of the Skegness Mini Owner's Club. Still not sure

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-20027535558329529412011-03-22T19:39:00.001Z2011-03-22T19:39:15.477Z

... but that should soon be changing... Yes, 2011 will see Dennis attempting a 5th Lands End to John O'Groats, but there's a change in co-driver: instead of Tony, I'll be accompanied by Vince from Exeter. Yes, geography is no obstacle when it comes to LEJOG... However, having a working car is sort of a necessity, so I'm currently hard at work with a gearbox rebuild (now complete, except for the

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-65957232024855775582010-06-29T18:41:00.003Z2010-06-29T18:53:17.619Z

... and what a fantastic run it was - from Dennis' performance, to Maisie's sickies and then on to Bug's head music, the dull moments were few and far between. I'd even risk saying that it was the best I've been on so far, and of course I'm full of the desire to do it again next year. For now I'll have to settle on doing the Grand Tour in August; not quite the same but it will have to do. At

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-89780058453236855292010-06-29T18:30:00.003Z2010-06-29T18:41:28.053Z

Yes, OK, I know, it's a bit late, but with one thing and another the - relatively short - blog post for the last day is now here.So, having set my alarm for 0600, I got up at 0445. Some had already gone from the campsite, some were getting ready to leave, so I managed to say some goodbyes.I nipped to the loo and on returning, Tony was also surfacing and with little else to do we cracked on with

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-72275799477114167152010-06-26T17:16:00.001Z2010-06-26T17:18:38.766Z

OK, before I begin, there are some edited highlights of last night's post-blog activities which need to be reported...Firstly, it has been established, as absolute fact, that you are never more than 50 yards from one of Barry's ex's.Secondly, it's not the World's best idea to ring your girlfriend at ten past eleven, then pass the phone around in a clock fashion, asking random people to speak to

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-90495692138314572652010-06-24T18:40:00.001Z2010-06-24T18:49:09.842Z

Hm. Glad I wasn't driving first this morning. Not hung over, just a little woolly feeling. Up at 0600, tents all away and ready to go at 0700, set off and parked just outside the campsite for 1/2 hour while the Student's second car decided to throw a wobbly.Eventually, ignition issues were identified and Terry produced a legendary box of tricks which seemed to work enough for us to get on our way

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-9510903433845791892010-06-24T18:39:00.002Z2010-07-23T00:15:32.090Z

The birds didn't bother us so much this morning, as the double glazing in the Travelbodge managed to block them out - plus there weren't that many round the motorway.We managed to assemble in time in the car park, with Bug's Prozac gland working overtime. No one has yet figured out any other explanation for the high level of cheeriness...And so, it was time to roll up a short bit of motorway,

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-70892084392498286792010-06-22T20:20:00.002Z2010-06-22T20:31:07.561Z

Bleh! 0555? no way am I getting up yet...OK, it's 0600, got to shift and pack everything up. After coffee, of course... for some reason (which I can't see being alcohol related as I only had one) I felt a little hung over this morning, but it was probably due to lack of kip thru the night. It was a lot cooler, and as a reuslt the inside of the tent was soaking with condensation. Luckily though it

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-6048102662695645272010-06-22T20:15:00.000Z2010-06-22T20:16:39.173Z

The longest day started early. Very early. why is British wildlife so darn loud?We headed off to Morrisons as normal, breakfasting quickly then headed off to the Children's Hospice South West again. THis was more of a flying visit than on Sunday, and we all squeezed round the fountain for a few photos. Unfortunately the lack of a rear view mirror in Dennis was a major factor in the spare wheel

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-19636704138311051872010-06-21T18:37:00.002Z2010-06-21T18:44:15.300Z

If only all drizzle was lemon...Sunday morning arrived eventually with the sound of birdsong - although we'd escaped the Gulls of Westward Ho! we had attracted the attention of plenty of other birdy type things. Early. Again. Oh well, the rest of the night's sleep had been good, if a little slanted due to the choice of pitches, but it could have been worse. At least the weather had been good to

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-88978117553291762962010-06-21T18:36:00.001Z2010-06-21T18:50:49.214Z

An early start at work saw me and Tony with everything packed into Dennis and we left the back door at about 0702, once again waved off by a throng of, er, none.Straight on the A61, wondering whether the waypoints that TOny had set would work OK. We had a few curious changes of route on the way, thanks to things like TomTom's most up to date maps not knowing about the 2 year old changes to the

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-24458812646621406972010-06-18T18:39:00.003Z2010-06-18T18:42:17.785Z

... give or take, and Dennis, Tony and myself will be on our way down to Devon.We're taking most of last year's route down the A61 and A38, hoping to be in Bristol for about 1300 where we'll be meeting up with another team, and cruising to the camp site from there.With any luck we'll have a couple of hours or so to get the tents set up, then it's off for another barbeque 8-)More, as ever, to come

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-76044333112141598552010-06-10T21:19:00.003Z2010-06-10T21:28:43.732Z

... will see me and Tony heading off on Dennis' 4th Leeds - Lands End - John O'Groats - Leeds run, and we're almost, nearly, sort of, just about, mostly ready.First order of business was a bit of leak-proofing after last weekend's heavy rain coming back from Skegness, which saw the stereo temporarily go into "full of water mode", turning the volume down to nothing, then jumping between CDs 5 and

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-2232166053084152282010-05-23T21:48:00.001Z2010-05-23T21:48:21.304Z

... and with less than 27 days left before we leave, this weekend'sgood weather has seen the list of jobs rapidly diminish.It's not totally diminished of course, but all the big stuff is doneso there's only little bits left to do.Roll on June!

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-61704706652693276202010-05-19T21:27:00.008Z2010-05-19T21:43:10.699Z

You all need these (not steenking) badges!Apologies to the Blazing Saddles fans, but since I started doing the designs for these, I can't get that scene out of my head 8-)Anyway, I came up with 3 designs, and we got a batch of 100 made. They've been selling like hot cakes, except for the facts that they're not hot, they're not cakes and (thankfully) no-one's been trying to eat them...The first is

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-16375922566720344442010-05-16T21:34:00.003Z2010-05-16T21:44:23.786Z

... until we go - well, just short of 5 weeks now.The "list of things that really should be done before we go" is decreasing, which is good, but it doesn't look like the new engine bits are going to be on in time. Ho hum. At least there won't be the extra weight of the Minibum this year.As they promise a slightly better return on donations, we now have a Virgin Money Giving page which handily

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-8962586795415660712010-05-02T22:18:00.000Z2010-05-02T22:19:01.957Z

... before we go and so far things are looking good...I've pretty much finished the website (even though we'd officiallylaunched it) with some subtle tweaks this morning including anaddition to the "who" said so you can post of see what we look like.The new chilled cup holders in Dennis appear to be working well,taking bottles, cans and/or a mix of both.Still no word on the engine fettling bits

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-88917547809733649752010-04-19T22:29:00.002Z2010-04-19T22:35:37.192Z

... this 'ere blog, may I take the opportunity to apologise for being a little remiss in not updating it with little bits of pre-LEJOG trivia as I have in the past.With 60 days to go, I have now finished the website for this year's run.Dennis is door-plaqued and in fine fettle for the run - with a little more fettling to come if one of our supporters, MiniSpares North can get the parts ready ;-)

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-40246081273866182222010-02-21T08:50:00.002Z2010-02-21T08:52:08.953Z

Dennis is MOT'd and freshly dashboarded... door plaques are on their way... lejog2010.dummett.net is being built and myself and Tony are doing it all over again.More news in the coming days/weeks/months - only 117 days to go!

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-61436455601356442822009-06-28T22:02:00.003Z2009-06-28T22:05:35.061Z

As I write this I'm a bit tired, having still not recovered, so please forgive its tardiness and any spelung mistaxes...FridayThe last part of our journey started, as usual, with the morning. This was a slightly later morning than previously; the run today was not the longest, and was probably one of the most straightforward so we got to have a lie in for 15minutes or so.While I'd been writing

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-53251018804924090022009-06-25T20:07:00.004Z2009-06-25T22:02:59.464Z

Yes, once again this is a double post for two days worth.WednesdayThe morning found us all packed and ready to leave Charnock Richard services, for a short trip up the M6 and on to the A6 heading for breakfast at Kendal. Morrisons were a bit more efficient than yesterday, getting our breakfasts ready in time this time.By the time we'd got to Morrisons it was obvious that the combination of my

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-51012141837991413962009-06-23T20:04:00.005Z2009-06-23T21:27:15.799Z

OK, so now we're in Charnock Richard, it's about time to do a proper blog post. This one will be for Monday and Tuesday, but first as bit that got missed from Sunday.It appears that the bloke who does the LEJOG stickers for the windows had fat fingers when making them - this year we mostly all have stickers saying "LEGOG 2009". So, any ideas for what this actually means?Anyway, up early on Monday

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-28883277054361753302009-06-22T22:48:00.002Z2009-06-23T20:02:34.341Z

As you may have guessed, Monday's update is a bit late. In fact due to one thing and several others it will probably end up being lumped together with tomorrow's update from the relative comfort of a motorway hotel...In the meantime, amuse yourselves with the following question, which is not mistyped: what is LEGOG?

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-17718938884087387372009-06-21T21:30:00.002Z2009-06-23T20:01:35.671Z

After a great response to our fancy dress at work on Friday, we were ready to leave before 0700 on Saturday morning.Progress was good for the most part, the slowest part being the 18 miles of the M42 and our new route through Bristol City centre (best described by saying it in a Sean Connery accent).After a few funny looks, particularly when stopping at a Bus cafe and a Burger King, we were well

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-19291535476810768972009-06-21T13:18:00.001Z2009-06-21T13:18:49.537Z

A fuller post is to come later, but basically we got down here after10 hours, set up, went to a bbq, had a few beers, slept, got up andwashed some mini buses...-- Sent from my mobile device

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-49068144494972139282009-06-19T00:14:00.001Z2009-06-19T00:15:12.698Z

Dennis and the minibum were all packed earlier this evening, apart from mine and Tony's clothes.It's now less than 30 hours before we leave, the excitement's building... Weird thing is, I seem to have more room in Dennis and the minibum than I did last year, but the same stuff's gone in. Must just be getting used to packing it all 8-)

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-59667015757923686242009-06-16T15:14:00.002Z2009-06-16T22:28:12.071Z

Ah, don't we just love Minis...5 days to go and after sorting out the tools and spares we're taking, I decided it would be best to do a bit of a light service.An inspection of the front brakes led me to think that they would probably have not got us safely to the bottom of Porlock Hill, even if we'd got down to the start...So after another quick visit to Mini Spares North, Dennis is now sporting

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-16338129871411925812009-06-08T23:51:00.002Z2009-06-08T23:57:47.479Z

Coo...Since the last update, Dennis' new coat has been completed. Public unveiling (i.e. to those who are doing the run with us) will be on Saturday 20th June, coincidentally the day on which we leave Leeds and arrive in Westward Ho!. Only 11 days or so now.Also, I've managed to fix the live GPS tracking on the "where are we" page on the website - good old directory name problems...Not much left

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-81965722667895609712009-05-27T06:53:00.001Z2009-05-27T06:53:20.859Z

... of primer, anyway.More acrylic-based fun to come soon 8-)

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-83989615669562983812009-05-22T23:27:00.003Z2009-05-22T23:30:38.391Z

... to go until we leave. In fact, in 28 days and 6 1/2 or so hours we'll be setting off from the back door at work.Now that the sill's all fitted and painted up, and a combination of scaffolding and tarpaulins have taken over most of the driveway, the preparation's almost finished for the new paint job; just have to work out exactly what I'll be doing...Sponsorship's a bit slow this year (

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-91210117836655817662009-05-04T20:42:00.002Z2009-05-04T20:46:57.796Z

... and unfortunately some impromptu bodywork has had to be done over this weekend.Having sorted out a nice set (or two) of new wheels, I was in the process of taking the old ones off. Due to one reason or another, I was trying to use the factory jack to lift the car, but it wasn't sat quite right in the jacking point on the sill.Net result was a need for a new sill, which is what I've been

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-32091038403075096692009-04-20T22:23:00.005Z2009-04-20T22:29:01.797Z

Well, over the last week things have moved on:the Ready Bed is now proven, should get a better night's kip on the run nowthe top and bottom ball joints are sorted, which is nicespent some time acuttin' an' agrindin' an' aweldin' and came up with a new spare wheel carrier (pics here) - much better than 2007's versionthe first official info email has been sent out at work, so we're now officially

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-10112105052516797902009-03-14T21:37:00.003Z2009-03-14T21:40:49.091Z

Oh yes, less than 100 days to go... first word of this year's run escaped to some people at work on Friday. More "sponsorship persuasion" to be done soon.Aired out my tent today. It needed it, seeing as it's not been opened since I left Inverness last year... and the cool thing is, a Ready Bed fits in it, so I'll be a little more comfortable this year.Hoping to do some cuttin' and agrindin' and

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-47303339701496919012009-01-27T08:41:00.000Z2009-01-27T08:42:11.818Z

... yes, we're doing it again!This year however, I'll be the short, fat hairy legged one, as Paul has decided to pursue other pursuits so his place has been taken by Tony.Preparations are going well - the insurance is sorted and yesterday Dennis scored a hat-trick of first time MOT passes (yay!).There's still a list of mechanical preparations to do, of course, not least a new paint job. Details

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-63340279746162142332008-06-30T23:42:00.005Z2008-07-06T15:40:33.542Z

OK... taking the format for 2007:Total miles covered: 1977.3 (2007: 1979.4 - we had a different route to the start and end points)Average fuel consumption (fully laden, two occupants): 41.2mpg (2007: 43.3mpg, but this time we were towing the Minibum)Total tanks of petrol used: 7.2 (2007: 6.9 - see above)Total oil used: 1000ml (2007: 200ml - there's been a leak since the gearbox was rebuilt...)

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-76434663069885189702008-06-30T23:30:00.002Z2008-06-30T23:41:28.077Z

Up not quite as early as expected on Saturday, due in part no doubt to the cumulative effects of Old Engine Oil ale and Grace drawing on my trousers thinking they were a blackboard.Tents were packed away (that pop-up tent was a fantastic idea) and Dennis and Minibum were packed up ready for the journey back. As is traditional in these things, we had slightly more room in the Minibum than when

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-54692224274707507102008-06-30T23:03:00.004Z2008-06-30T23:20:32.436Z

The last day of the LEJOG run itself. After checking over Dennis in the morning, and readying ourselves for our final Morrisons breakfast, we headed out in our previous position as car 14. The Minibum was locked up on the campsite as we didn't need to take it with us, so we didn't need to tail the lead car any more.We fuelled ourselves and Dennis, and set out on our way up the east coast of

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-23817822251195969212008-06-29T21:38:00.003Z2008-06-29T22:05:43.606Z

Thursday meant Moffat to Inverness, one of the longer days and also one of the most enjoyable. Team Three Bob Hustlers moved up to second position in the convoy with the Minibum on, which made it much easier to make an effort to keep up with the others, to paraphrase Camp Freddy.The day involved getting to Dumbarton for breakfast at Morrisons, of course, arguing with tractors on gravel rally

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-6841529480191104362008-06-28T22:15:00.001Z2008-06-28T22:18:21.285Z

Bear with me on these. Brief coverage of today was get up early with headache, pack away with headache, say goodbye with headache, drive 400 miles with headache, unpack with headache, go to bed with headache. Which is where I'm headed now...More news on the missing days of LEJOG (and the missing Moo and Teef) will be posted tomorrow.

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-16125461787706729242008-06-25T23:36:00.000Z2008-06-25T23:37:21.774Z

Wednesday is our shortest day and it started well, getting washed up and out to the car for 0730 to set off. We left the services and headed for Kendal, the breakfast stop.The run to Kendal was good, with no problems - apart from some signage issues meaning we became split up heading for Carnforth.Other than this, traffic was light and we were soon on our way to Shap and Penrith.Shap, and its

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-90618604564421020082008-06-24T21:18:00.001Z2008-06-24T21:46:32.851Z

Another early start, this time with the tents down and packed in the van and the trailer hitched up.Wagons roll and we're off to Bridgwater for breakfast, via Lynton and Lynmouth and their associated hills, and of course Porlock Hill, the one I really wasn't looking forward to.In reality, Countisbury Hill should have been the one to worry about; with it being so long, I couldn't get the run-up I

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-24663927660119824922008-06-24T20:57:00.002Z2008-06-24T21:15:51.186Z

Monday morning came early, with the Sun streaming onto the side of my tent and turning it into a small oven. My alarm had gone off at 0700 so I got up, ready to get off to Dartington Crystal (the official start point this year).I wasn't feeling too hot due, I think, to the pizza at the Sunshine Cafe. There was apparently a problem with one of their curved thingys, which were actually square

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-14818932379045417282008-06-24T20:48:00.000Z2008-06-24T20:57:12.881Z

We took over the visitor's car park, our tasks were assigned and the materials organised (including a couple of tons of Autoglym products) and we got to it. First job was hosing down the minibuses, which Barry took to with aplomb. A hose might have been better though, and luckily one was provided...Sponging next, taking several people several attempts to clean each section as Barry was determined

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-67080899402528830442008-06-24T05:10:00.001Z2008-06-24T20:47:53.150Z

Hello, and welcome to anyone who didn't read these posts during last years LEJOG - and for those that did, well you already know what to expect!This is the inaugural post of the 10th anniversary LEJOG Charity Mini Run, organised (as ever) by the North Devon Mini Register. This post covers Saturday and some of Sunday, due to the general level of tiredness (!) and some minor technical difficulties

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-76889289165536156822008-06-23T03:56:00.000Z2008-06-23T03:57:14.320Z

... Are half done due to tiredness. Well, ok, they're all done as days, but I'll be posting on here tomorrow morning once I've finished writing the posts...

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-90389754204463759722008-06-17T22:32:00.001Z2008-06-17T22:42:03.970Z

Everything bar the tools and spares we're taking has been done.The Minibum's ready, Dennis is ready, the last of the stickers have gone on (Martin House logos went on tonight).And the best bit: it looks like I don't need to buy a jerry can to take fuel down with us 8-)

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-29928725141787509602008-06-14T21:43:00.003Z2008-06-14T21:48:41.821Z

... we should be sat relaxing with a pint after having driven down to Devon without incident. We'll be enjoying the close of the summer solstice, next to the sea, happy that the tents are up without issue, the whole day having been glorious and warm, ready to start the run itself on the Monday.Or...This time next week, we'll be frantically trying to wade through 6 inches of rainwater to get the

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-7118224796927536442008-06-08T23:07:00.004Z2008-06-09T21:28:09.906Z

... and the trailer's nearly finished. It's all painted, there's a few bits of trim and wiring to finish off, then a bit of grease to the suspension and it's done.Dennis is nearly ready too - still need an oil change and to finish off the trailer wiring, wire up the CB etc etc.The sponsorship's not going as well as we'd like, but then we haven't been ramming the trip down people's throats every 2

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-57425508762048064122008-05-20T21:21:00.002Z2008-05-20T21:23:43.495Z

With the welding work finished on the trailer, I'm getting on with filling and priming. We sent out the official launch email at work today, and Paul's been drumming up Facebook support too.Just hope the rain holds off so I can finish the prep - and a dry week for LEJOG itself would be good.

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-51024486629803160602008-05-13T23:20:00.004Z2008-05-13T23:27:15.854Z

The weather's been good so I've been able to crack on with the Minibum. With only 38 days left, time's getting tight.Here's some links to pics of the progress so far:Day 1 and 2Day 3, 4 and 5Day 6, 7 and 8Day 9 and 10Or if you're on facebook, go here.More to do: the wiring and painting of the trailer, sorting out the drawbar, finishing the towing wiring on Dennis, building the new spare wheel

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-67536458396425573532008-05-01T21:40:00.002Z2008-05-01T21:42:50.669Z

Yes, just 50 days til we leave on the run.And thanks to a very wet April, the Minibum's not finished, neither is all the wiring in Dennis. There's still a service to be done and we've not got the t-shirts printed yet.But apart from all that, and a general lack of publicity so far, preparations are going swimmingly and the excitement is building.With any luck the bank holiday weekend will be dry (

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-91277245332897649832008-03-24T21:13:00.001Z2008-03-24T21:13:28.699Z

Well, build has started on the new Minibum trailer, only to be cut short by the weather. Some pics can be seen here:http://www.flickr.com/photos/14968136@N00/sets/72157604123669100/ The internal bracing is mostly complete, next stage is to cut the boot floor and deepen it, then remove the 2 years worth of surface rust.More to come if the weather holds off...

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-5895406366499698862008-03-12T22:05:00.002Z2008-03-12T22:12:26.882Z

Right, for this year's Leeds - LEJOG - Leeds, we'll be raising money for Martin House Children's and Young People's Hospice near Wetherby and the Children's Hospice South West.And preparations are well underway:Dennis is MOT'd and ready to gothe new Just Giving pages are up (though with no donations - yet) as can be seen to the rightI'm doing the website (pretty much as I type)we're looking for

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-85510702383630736642008-02-05T13:00:00.001Z2008-02-05T13:00:03.608Z

The 2008 LEJOG - we're currently working on the site and other updates- watch this space...

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-79768081166613817142007-07-13T01:18:00.001Z2007-07-13T01:23:01.896Z

Yes, we are still here. The run itself might be over but that just means the video is being distilled...Here's the first two parts of the video for day one:part 1part 2Technical details, for those who are interested: the original video has been deinterlaced and resized to 16:9. The frame rate was decimated from 25fps to 1fps (dropping 24fps in the process) then reset to 25fps, giving the

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-91537969401158657232007-06-30T20:17:00.000Z2007-06-30T20:21:15.093Z

The pictures are still on Paul's camera but should be on the net in the next week, and in the meantime, here's some facts and figures for Team Three Bob Hustlers:Total miles covered: 1979.4Average fuel consumption (fully laden, two occupants): 43.3mpgTotal tanks of petrol used: 6.9Total oil used: 200mlMorrison's breakfasts eaten: 12Cigs smoked: don't askAlcohol consumption: also, don't

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-27269181325209602892007-06-30T19:50:00.001Z2007-06-30T20:12:30.081Z

The weirdest thing about the voyage home is that we reached the front door at first direct exactly 7 days and 12 hours after we'd left - we pulled up at 1900 this evening. But how did we get back? read on...When we got up the weather was good. It was warming up, there were clouds but blue sky was visible and there was no sign of rain. We managed to get our tents away and the car packed by 0830.

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-39854598335903600992007-06-30T19:39:00.000Z2007-06-30T19:45:01.860Z

Well, this is the last post covering the LEJOG run itself. There will be one more post later covering us heading back to Leeds, but until then, here's what happened yesterday...Friday morning was fine and dry. Just in case, I pinched myself, made as sure as I could that I wasn't in some kind of parallel universe and looked again. Fine and dry.So off we went to breakfast at Morrison's: a mammoth 6

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-82247736731427574932007-06-29T18:52:00.001Z2007-06-29T18:52:47.394Z

So, we left Hamilton in high spirits even though the rain was still coming and headed for Dumbarton, for the traditional Morrison's breakfast.At one point, along Loch Lomond, we found Firkin Point. We didn't bother asking what the Firkin Point was; we thought better of it.We had a short stop around the loch for loos and photos, then carried on along the side of them on a fantastic bit of road.

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-47649618568404438492007-06-29T06:35:00.000Z2007-06-29T06:36:08.910Z

After a midge-filled night on the campsite in Moffat, the morning saw us mostly rain free and not regretting Grace's birthday celebrations, so we were able to get the tents packed up and in the van. The first stop was planned to be the Hamilton office of first direct, but before that, on the road through Moffat town centre, Lino decided the spare wheel carrier needed a slight cosmetic adjustment.

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-21841236274015419682007-06-29T06:18:00.000Z2007-06-29T06:19:09.030Z

Due to technical difficulties last night, yesterday's update is being written today. Today's may also be written today, barring the technical difficulties of last night recurring tonight.Watch this space. Well, not for too long or your eyes will go funny.

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-17938385476560553982007-06-27T20:55:00.001Z2007-06-27T20:55:39.023Z

It's a short one today, as Wednesday has been mostly uneventful for most of us.Wednesday morning greeted us at 0530 to get ready to leave the newly-but-not-very-well-refurbished Welcome Lodge in Charnock Richard.By 0700, accompanied by drizzle, we set off up the road towards bonny Scottishland. Some had fanbelts squealing, others had no lights, but all of us were desperate to get to Morrisons for

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-52426155848093006342007-06-26T21:55:00.000Z2007-06-26T22:20:08.910Z

... Westward Ho! to Charnock Richard!Today started early again, the Frog chorus snoring in the chalet keeping one of our party awake most of the night, though all of us were unsettled at some point. At least we didn't have tents to take down, except Terry; he braved the conditions to continue his "grizzly LEJOG" whilst some of us were enjoying our "luxury LEJOG".We set off at about 0700, heading

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-31385437309755741102007-06-25T20:40:00.001Z2007-06-25T20:40:48.692Z

There's a theme to this post: wet and windy, and it's largely all you need to know.The day started wet, then windy, then wet and windy; then, as changeable weather does, it became windy and wet and windy, with some more wet. Then some of us got up and headed for Terry's tent for cups of coffee and chats before getting ready to go.Breakfast was to be at 0800 at Morrisons, so we all assembled there

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-62784815972190325012007-06-24T22:40:00.001Z2007-06-24T22:40:41.271Z

... in Good Morning Vietnam, it's wet. Damn wet. So wet I saw a man in a North Devon Mini Register tee shirt float down the campsite...It's 23.35, we're back from the lounge, none of us wanted to leave due to the maelstrom which is the British weather.I'm so glad I fitted that Marigold glove over the distributor - or I don't think I'd have got off the site in the morning. I just hope this rain

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-41945984432533461002007-06-24T20:22:00.001Z2007-06-24T20:22:49.457Z

Woke up this morning at about 0230. Then 0330. Then 0430. It got a little damp here as the rain began to fall, and the drumskin cleverly disguised as a tent did its job admirably. In other words, it was darn loud.After rising at a more civil time (0630) I went for a wander up the coastal path towards an old house in some state of disrepair. I'd heard rumours that it was the better shower block,

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-50356780315637423422007-06-23T21:43:00.001Z2007-06-23T21:43:32.061Z

Well, we got here... NO BREAKDOWNS!Pics to follow, but this is how it went...We set off at 0700, waved on by a throng of one, and got straight on with going back to my house to pick up the front of the stereo - not the only thing I'd forgotten, as it turns out...After a largely uneventful 10 hour 50 minute drive through some of the finest roadworks that Britain has to offer, and some of the

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-21106138629488745372007-06-21T22:23:00.000Z2007-06-21T22:42:19.164Z

... is Dennis, pretty much all ready to go.Everything is now packed up (except Paul's tent and bits) so all we have to do is jump in and go.

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-61979360496981344642007-06-19T22:27:00.000Z2007-06-19T22:36:44.048Z

We're nearly ready for the off.2 of our 3 corporate sponsors now have their stickers on the car (first direct and Somerford Mini) and I've worked out where everything is going to be packed.The sponsorship is going well too, after Paul and myself started the Big Push this week - we've raised nearly £1200 overall, including the cash from HSBC. Thanks also to No 1 Radio School, RAF Cosford for their

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-4150971721866291322007-06-03T20:55:00.000Z2007-06-03T21:13:33.486Z

The door plaques are on, the transfers for CAT and Martin House are now alongside (or underneath) the CHSW logos on the door plaques, our first corporate sponsorship sticker is on the car and there are two more to come.The CB is all wired up and working - just need a little tape on the aerial lead where it runs inside the car.The parts box from MiniSpares North has been collected and checked, and

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-82161168145687500032007-05-20T20:47:00.000Z2007-05-20T20:51:29.915Z

Sorry for the pun in the title... To help cover some of the costs of therun, we've gone into the home-made fridge magnet-cum-car sticker market.Here's 18 of them drying out after their lacquer coats. They're available now, £2 each, stick 'em wherever you have ferrous surfaces 8-)

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-54983102761622933612007-05-10T22:00:00.000Z2007-05-10T22:02:33.409Z

The CB aerial has arrived - so this weekend's job will be to fit the whole thing and see if it all works ok.I'm also in the process of creating some magnetic car stickers which we hope to sell to help finance the run and boost the totals for both charities. The design is done and the first test print has been successful - now I just need to waterproof them...

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-82321397117897650532007-05-10T21:49:00.000Z2007-05-10T22:00:02.638Z

AceSpeed of Shipley have once again worked their magic setting up the suspension. Many thanks to the guys there who also had chance to do a little bit of fettling, the need for which only a fresh pair of eyes could see.

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-62073961068438258052007-05-03T14:28:00.000Z2007-05-03T14:33:39.165Z

One of the requirements for the run is to choose a team name.Following numerous discussions we have decided on the following:Three Bob HustlersWhere this came from is up to you to discover.

PKnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-57580904415229470402007-04-29T22:50:00.001Z2007-04-29T22:51:45.806Z

A hasty rebuild of the top and bottom ball joints on each side, after one was found to be looser than a very loose Loosian from Looseville, Loosania...The fitting of a slightly overpowered 600W inverter so we can charge the camcorder battery on the way and actually use the thing outside the car...The first trial of fitting the tools in the boot... (and the taking of pics of fitting all the tools

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-4379758557555705982007-04-29T22:07:00.000Z2007-04-29T22:37:13.840Z

Took a bit of time sorting out what tools to take. Although we have AA cover, we're effectively unsupported on our way down to Devon and coming back from Inverness so if anything does go wrong (which it won't), then if we can fix it ourselves we're in a better position to avoid returning on the back of a breakdown truck.So here, in no particular order, is the cause of most of the weight in the

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-38743982248135805092007-04-20T10:10:00.000Z2007-04-20T11:12:21.455Z

Well, after a quick trial, both myself and Paul are confident that the camping gear (and of course, minifridge) will fit in the back of the car.The boot has gained a fair chunk of space now for tools and spares (and beer and cider), as I've built a spare wheel carrier; this fits onto the tow bar and rests on 2 brackets on the boot lid. It's hinged so we can still use the boot, of course.And the

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-69012244587213207122007-03-23T20:55:00.000Z2007-03-23T20:57:32.317Z

Looks like it's back to the drawing board... I bought a replacement video camera as the original wasn't quite working the way it had in the past. Unfortunately, the dimensions of the new one, specifically the tripod mounting point, are not the same. If the weather's OK tomorrow I'll be building a new mount 8-(

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-67919840239917345072007-03-18T21:22:00.000Z2007-03-18T21:25:25.222Z

Had a bit of a play this weekend trying to put together a camcorder mount so we can use a camcorder in the car on the run.Still some vibration probs to sort out, but it's getting there...

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-42213468506053242942007-02-28T23:37:00.000Z2007-02-28T23:42:15.325Z

Well, we've got what should be the whole route now and I've been pondering over it for a bit.A colleague suggested a "breakdown sweepstake", where people could push a pin into a map of the route and whoever's pin is nearest the site of our first breakdown would win. There'd be a prize for the winner and the rest would go to charity.Of course, there will be no winner, because of course, there will

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-27858225106287766562007-01-20T20:38:00.000Z2007-01-20T20:46:20.446Z

Well, M & D Motors of Yeadon took a good look at Dennis today and declared it fit for the road.I now have 12 months MOT after no fails and a single advisory - pitted brake discs - which will be rectified next weekend. Aside from the rolling maintenance system (ie weekly items of servicing over the year rather than all items on one day) there's nothing else that needs to be done to Dennis before

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-29647729296742796992007-01-16T08:41:00.000Z2007-01-16T08:51:07.026Z

There should be a similar sight on the lejog run...

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8627687111447334493.post-8651758101170265042007-01-15T23:14:00.000Z2007-01-15T23:16:31.607Z

Dennis is in for this year's MOT test next weekend.Plenty of routine and preventative maintenance over the last 8 months should mean it'll sail through, and anything that's pointed out but not a fail can be replaced in time for the run.Fingers crossed...

Sihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966374025503717133noreply@blogger.com0