I was watching a couple of reprobates cheerfully trying to torch their neighbour's hedge last night. Now, normally in my line of work, such wanton vandalism would make me spring in to action, tackling the scallywags, but not this time. My mind was on other things, Windy 500 type things. Besides, they were both pensioners and they seemed to be enjoying themselves, setting off fireworks in to a force 10 gale to impress the kids. Early November is the only time of year that you can get away with such blatant arson.
Yes, I have been bullied in to organising another Windy 500 event, and hence my mind was elsewhere, plotting, scheming and dreaming of pleasant weather, rugged mountains, camp sites and good friends. Another trip in to the unknown (well for most of the participants, not for me). A veritable smorgasbord of experiences, coupled with some amazing roads and scenery. Just like last time, only better, if that is possible.
For those who were following my previous blog
http://the38bustoweymouth.blogspot.co.uk/ (and I know there were several hundred) then you should have a reasonable grasp of what to expect from a Windy 500. Mystery, adventure, foreign travel, tortoises and some weird and wonderful vehicles. Well, we should be able to promise you most of these things (swap bearded mountain goats for tortoises and we should hopefully be able to comply). For those who are new to the concept, I'd advise you to read the blog from last time around.
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The Silky Smooth Highway's of Albania.
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So, 4 months since we made it back to Blighty and what has changed ? Well, Jezebel has had a few ups and downs. We returned to the continent in July to visit Belgium with Team Milly and a pack of children and still all was well with the old girl. Mechanically, she had been a dream on the trip around Europe. OK, we had the issue of the roof hanging off, highly dubious brakes and the squabbling windscreen wipers, but she had taken everything we had thrown at her, including some ludicrous mountain roads.
Back in England, she started to develop a cough, misfiring whenever I put my foot on the accelerator. On our wedding anniversary in late August, Jezebel disgraced herself once more and had to be towed home. Lo and behold, it was Mike from Marsh Road Garage doing the honours once more.
"You'll need a new engine" was his comment. Again. I'd heard that before the last trip. Since that diagnosis, I'd changed the oil and she had run like a dream. Once more, with a tune up from Crypton Tuning and a dodgy inlet manifold pointed out and replaced for under a tenner, she was back up and running smoothly.
She's had the odd blip since then, but currently, she is still good to go and looks nailed on to be command HQ for the second Windy 500 next June.
Behind the scenes we have also had some changes. The directors have multiplied from 2 to 4. Joining Jo and I around the board are Team Milly, Jim and Lucy. Having shown their abilities to construct vehicle interiors, plan routes and produce chocolate fondue, I'm sure they will be invaluable members of the organising team.
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Nowhere in Holland
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There were plans for a 'Round Britain' Windy 500 in 2014, but the pressure built to cross the channel once more, so that is what we are doing. "So", I hear you ask, "where are we going ?" You should know better than that. The route is under wraps. That's the beauty of the Windy 500. Mystery and surprise all the way. Last time we very generously revealed two roads that we would be visiting, the Transfagarasan Highway in Romania and the Stelvio Pass in Italy. This year, we aren't. I did however give a quick glimpse of a road we are likely to visit in 2014, and here it is...
So far, two teams have told me they know where it is. Both are adamant that they know which road this is. Both have given different roads. I'm not confirming or denying either answer. I was asked by poor old Mark from Team Trauma if there were going to be any hills on the route...... Amba wasn't a big fan of hills.
We have eased the rules a little for those who had some concerns about finding a vehicle for under £500. There are now two categories of participant. The fearless, intrepid Gold Standard entrants will still have vehicles costing under £500 (or over 30 years old). The slightly less bold Silver Standard entrants will have an extra £1000 on their budget to play with, or can have a vehicle of any price as long as it's over 20 years old. Having taken on board some of the feedback from the last one, the Windy 500 of 2014 will only be 16 days (2 weeks and a weekend) instead of 23 days.
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A Broken Brothel.
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So, who is coming again on the next one ? Well, we should have several new faces to blend in with the rabble from last time. The Mowlam Mob were first team to commit for Round 2, as well as Marc of Team Freedomscaping, hoping to drag his poor, sorry mobile brothel past the third day this time. The Mothership of Team Milly will naturally be there (phew, power !) and John with his Lotus ( though he isn't quite sure about his team members yet) . Team's Trigger and Newlywed (though they can't really be Newlyweds a year on can they ?) will have the issue of how to cope with the blossoming relationship between Tasha and Craig which is likely to distract him from his chauffeuring duties. Still awaiting news from Team Trauma who are considering their options plus Team Swannie, Team Wessex Properties, the Wham Boys and others.
Charity fundraisers are being planned. The Mowlams are off like a couple of excitable children with a night of music and fish & chips at Wellworthys in Weymouth next weekend. I'm working on a few ideas, including a charity cook-off between teams Newlywed and Milly, but that won't take place until the weather gets warmer in the Spring.
So, 7 months and 10 days until we line up again. Who else fancies a quick spin around Europe ?
