Yorkshire: Wakefield meet and run

[Steve and his 244]

Hi all, ive organised a couple of meet ups before, and im going to organize another one, but this time I think make it a meet and run.

Im going to need some help in organizing this, and planning the route for the run etc - so suggestions welcome...

The initial meet up would be in the Wakefield (West Yorkshire) area and then go for a run in the afternoon and possibly end up back at another venue to end the day.

Whos up for it?

Steve

[john h]

Steve

Yes, subject to dates being OK... and can I have a lift in your car?

Cheers

John

[Steve and his 244]

Hi John, PM sent.

[capt jack]

Hi Steve

I'd be up for that.

How about a run - a treasure hunt maybe - along the Dearne Valley, ending up at Brodsworth Hall (just off the A1 near Doncaster)?

Cheers

Jack

[Steve and his 244]

Hi Jack, what exactly is a treasure hunt? That sounds like a decent run also, the only other suggestion I had was to go a run to the east coast to somewhere like Bridlington or Scarborough and have a bit of a photo shoot at a few places. We would have to work out a more scenic route than the A64 though!

Steve

[capt jack]

Hi Steve

A Treasure Hunt is usually done over quite a short course because it involves a lot of stops! 15 or 20 miles can be plenty!

The basic idea is that each car includes a driver and at least one observer.

At the start point, each observer is given a list of basic clues to all the stopping points along the route – it could be straightforward instructions or something a bit cryptic. There is also a Treasure Hunt riddle to solve, with further hidden clues to pick up along the way.

For example, if the first stop is a pub the hidden clue might be some reference in the pub’s name to the next stop. Each car has to follow the route, calling at each stopping point and picking up the next hidden clue that can only be found by actually visiting the stopping point. No cheating allowed!

Usually a circular route is chosen, and some cars sent off in one direction at staggered intervals, and some going the opposite way round, with everyone meeting back at the start. That way you only need basically one team of 2 or 3 marshals.

The winner is the car that correctly identifies all the clues, and solves the riddle.

It isn’t a race, (that would make it technically a rally – which would be illegal) so there’s no need for anyone to break any limits. It’s more a test of navigation, observation and puzzle-solving. On a sunny afternoon, with quiet roads and some well-chosen stopping points it can be good fun – with an element of competition thrown in too. Prizes for oldest participating car, or cleanest or dirtiest, etc can add a bit to the day too. Picnic, pub grub or a visit to a place of interest can be factored in to suit!

It needs some careful preparation, and obviously a lot depends on the weather, but it does get everyone doing what their cars were meant for – driving!

Cheers

Jack

[tt82]

id be up for this, providing i dont end up working the weekend in question.

[Steve and his 244]

Hi Jack, as much as that sounds like it could be fun, I think it might be a bit out of my depth just yet in organizing that. Im worse than captain slow when it comes to a sense of direction and knowing locations! I think if we just go a nice scenic run it would be good.

tt82, hope you can make it! I'll decide dates when I can and post up asap.

Steve

[acshortt5]

I'd be up for this. I've also done a treasure hunt before so if you want to do one and need any help steve please ask. (I'm off work all this week).

Might not be able to do it this weekend as my engine is currently in lots of bits - in the middle of doing the PCV system and replacing some other stuff. (but I'm having fun and at least I've finally found my air leak at last!)

[sebasteeno]

Think i might be up for this, work permitting of course