PEAK DISTRICT RUN - SUNDAY 2nd MAY 2004
Kyle the dog came as well
Hiya,
Went on the Peak District Run on Sunday. To the people that know me I got
lost straight away. When I reached the M1 Junction 24 roundabout it started, but
I only did one and a half complete circles this time before chancing my exit
which by a stroke of luck was the right one to Stoke on Trent. I was running a
bit late due to horsey slow traffic so did a steady 85-90 all the way to Meir
where the run started. I was told to turn off at the Meir junction and go to
Tescos car park, easy for ordinary people, not for me. After trying every road
exit possible and asking 4 people, I eventually saw it in the distance and was
very relieved to see MR2s lined up as I was late by now. 6 cars started off led
by local couple Kevin and Barbara, straight away we were on very narrow country
lanes heading up into the hills. Some fool (only joking) had given me a map with
instructions written down, but I had made sure that I was in the middle of the
pack so I didn’t get lost, which was a good idea as I hadn’t the foggiest where
we were. I had visions of getting separated and going round in the middle of
nowhere for days on end until I ran out of chocolate bars. Anyway we went up and
down some very steep hills and lovely hairpin bends, ideal for the nippy MR2.
One bend was so sharp and the exit so steep there was loads of squealing tyres
by everyone. We passed lots of people out walking, most stopped to take in the
sight of 6 brilliant MR2s going past and we got quite used to having children
counting 1-2-3-4-5-6 as we went by. Our speeds were only 10-30 mph at most but
it seemed quite fast and exciting due to the narrow roads and bends. Our first
stop - not planned as I think we were all a bit lost by now (I certainly was)
was just after we had gone through a very long single lane very dark tunnel,
with lots of hooter blowing and revving engines. It was great fun, I hope nobody
heard me screaming. After setting up the BBQs and club banner we had a very nice
picnic with all the cars lined up on a small embankment. It was fun listening to
all the children on bikes going throuht the tunnel making silly noises. Anyway
after the picnic we went back through the tunnel. I made sure that I was in the
middle of the group again, great fun, I loved it. We then came to Tissington,
the first place I had recognised all day and had a short loo break and ice cream
(cheers Fred) Then we were off to Carsington Water, Loads more steep hills and
tight turns until suddenly we came to a wide ford crossing which was crossed
with much excitement and worry of stopping in the middle or lots of water coming
through the doors etcetera. After a stop over at the reservoir and a lovely walk
with Rachael, Doris and Barbara to the Seven stones Island, we all went on our
ways home. I followed Tom as I was still totally lost until we got onto the A50.
An absolutely fantastic day out, great roads great cars, great people.
I recommend you all to come on one of the trips.
Many thanks to Stuart, Richard and especially Kevin for leading us all the
way through the unknown and safely out the other side. A great big THANKS to you
all. My total mileage was 145 miles from Loughborough back to Loughborough, this
includes all my extra lost miles, every one of which was very exciting.
Isabel, Loughborough
