Valentines Drive (13 Feb 2005)

After the big turnouts in January, things were back to normal for our latest drive - we had a 6 car convoy! Interest from West London Area members had been rather lacking, but when I posted a notice on the club forum we soon gained some members from other areas who lived near our starting point of Amersham Old Town.

With weather conditions somewhat mixed to start with, there was a 4:2 split between hoods down and hoods up in the group. The sun made a welcome appearance during the morning and this persuaded another of the group to drop the roof.

Our route took us through the counties of Berkshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. In the morning we passed Whipsnade Zoo, while in the afternoon we skirted round Woburn Safari Park. Just a shame we didn't have time to pop in and visit either of them!

There were some great views of the countryside along the way, with birds of prey, chickens and horses and riders to watch out for!

Some of the roads were narrow and twisty (the best kind!!), and everywhere there was a lot of standing water - not too clever when you're driving an open top car. Thankfully nobody was soaked and we did our best not to splash the Sunday cyclists and ramblers.

Half way along the route we had our lunch stop at The Royal Oak on the B656, near Hitchin. Here everyone tucked into a good helping of food and drink before we set off on our way again.

Thanks to those who came along and made it a fun day. It was great to meet some new people from a different area.

Report: Bob Pain. Pictures: Kevin Brown & Bob Pain