*Bucks Breakfast Run* - Gilks Cafe - Sunday 23rd June

[SeanP]

After the success of previous Bucks Breakfast Runs, the poll last year and getting superb feedback (viewtopic.php?f=242&t=86950), I've actually pulled my finger out and done some planning:
We've decided at the MK meet last night that a planned Breakfast Run is "on"!

ANYBODY is welcome to join us for this exciting & scenic run, and some yummy breakfast at the end of it!

Details
Date: Sunday 23rd June, 2024
Times: 0730 Start 1, meet Amersham, leaving 0745. 0845 Start 2, meet Buckingham, leaving 0900. 1015 Arrive Gilks Cafe, Breakfast 1030.
Start 1 0730: Amersham Tesco Superstore, 19 London Road West, Amersham, HP7 0HA.
Start 2 0845: Buckingham Starbucks*, MK18 1SH (*Beware Entry to Starbucks from A413 London Road, not A421 as Google Maps would have you believe!)
End 1015: Gilks Garage Cafe, Banbury Rd, Kineton, Warwick CV35 0JZ.
Breakfast 1030: Booking confirmed with reserved use of the rear car-park.
Routes: See below! Amersham -> Buckingham -> Gilks
Return Route: See Below!
Distance: Total Driving time is about 2h15m (about an hour each section). Total distance about 75 miles (each direction!).

Attendees: 13 People, 10 cars

• SeanP (Sean) - Mazda RX-8 R3, Diamond Grey - Amersham
• JoeP (Joe+Lilly) - Mazda MX-5 Mk3.5, Red - Amersham
• Nickp47 (Nick) - RX-8 R3 or Lotus Elise - Amersham
• DrewR3 (Drew) - Mazda RX-8 R3, Crystal White - (RV Chequers ~0800)
• AMH (Ann + Neil) - Mazda RX-8 R3, Aurora Blue - Buckingham
• Fab66 (Mark + Rachel) - Mazda RX-8 40th anniversary, Crystal White - Buckingham
• rx8hunter (Dan) - Mazda RX-8 PZ, Black - Buckingham
• Toug (Quentin) - Mazda RX-8 231, Titanium Grey - Buckingham
• Brendan Ko - Mini - Buckingham

Full Route Overview

Screenshot 2024-04-21 151149.png (642.84 KiB) Viewed 558 times

Route Section 1: Amersham to Buckingham
For anybody who wishes to join me from further South; this will be via Aylesbury and A413. Approx. 1 Hour driving.
Two possible routes - we can decide on the day which to take:
A) Most direct, A413 most of the way, small twisty detour via Chequers.

Screenshot 2024-04-21 144818.png (465.19 KiB) Viewed 562 times

B) More twisty, avoids Aylesbury via Cuddington.

Screenshot 2024-04-21 145321.png (481.8 KiB) Viewed 562 times

Route Section 2: Buckingham to Gilks Garage Cafe
Buckingham to Gilks Garage Cafe via Whittlebury, Blakesley, Preston Capes, Priors Marston & Fenny Compton. Approx 1h15m Driving.

Return Route: Gilks to Buckingham, then back to Amersham!
Or just hit the motorway if you've had enough!
Neil Carter has kindly donated an exciting return route from Gilks to Buckingham.
Gilks B4086 / B4100, Banbury (outskirts), A422 Middleton Cheney, B4525 Helmdon, Wappenham, Abthorpe. Silverstone Village, Silverstone Circuit, Dadford, Stowe and Buckingham.
After another Coffee Break at the Starbucks, I can lead a convoy back to Aylesbury via the A413 and back towards Amersham. I might take some random roads back from there - but you can follow me or just split your own routes back to your own destinations! (Let me know!)

We now need to gather numbers and confirm them - and who's coming from Amersham, who we'll pick up in Buckingham!
Please respond below whether you intend to take part, how many in car, and whether from Amersham or Buckingham.

Driving Routes, Keeping together
The Google routes linked above are what I will be using to navigate; please share and use them for your own navigation too!
Now, however, that some of the way-points need to be deleted on approach, as they may be slightly off-route; I will typically hit the "X" an cancel next way-point and "Continue Route" about 1/2 mile before each. Proximity (to the starting points) is required to use the routes.

If you get hopelessly lost - just plug in the final destination - "avoid motorways" and hopefully we'll see you there!

On the day, I'd like to nominate a lead driver (me! ), a tail-gunner, and probably somebody in the middle of the pack as well; who have reliable satnav or know the route.
This will help maintain the group. Nominees (only) should drive with headlights on. Others, please refrain from headlights and fog-lights, unless conditions dictate.
Try to drive to keep the person in front and the person behind in view, as best as possible.
The rear-gunner to ensure nobody gets lost / left behind.
At major junctions: The leads & middle will slow to help corral the group back together if it gets very split up (it can happen).
Otherwise, try to proceed to the next way-point or meeting point.

Driving Guidelines
We want to have great fun driving our cars on some fantastic roads. Our cars are very capable, but please ensure that you drive SAFELY and Responsibly. Some driving advice below.

• Stay Safe! Have FUN!
• Always be able to stop safely, on your side of the road, in the distance you can see to be clear.
• It is definitely NOT a race and NOT a rally; but it will be a safe, spirited drive - making use of the best features of our cars.
• With a number of similar cars in a convoy, there is plenty to draw the attention of Plod, should they think there is anything antisocial or dangerous behaviour.
• Ensure *at least* a 2 second gap to the car in front. When stopped behind another vehicle, leave enough space - view of tyres on tarmac - in case you need to manoeuvre or they roll backwards.
• Abide by the rules of the Highway Code, the law by observing speed restrictions, traffic signs and traffic signals. (Damn you, Bucks County Council & the Nanny state!)
• Drive according to the road and weather conditions, the condition of your vehicle (tyres & brakes), and well within your own abilities and level of comfort.
• Slow for bends, use the "Limit Point of Vision" (see rule 1)... The car *may* be able to handle blind bends at high speed, but *you* cannot *see* what is around them! Slowing for bends means you have more fun -- accelerating out of them!
• Don't be tempted into driving quicker than is safe or that you are comfortable with, just because somebody else may be driving more quickly than you. We will follow some etiquette at major junctions, allowing catch-ups.
• Do not take unsafe risks; especially at junctions or with any overtakes. Only overtake if you can see you have the clear space to complete the manoeuvre safely. Definitely do NOT simply follow somebody through an overtake (or junction), without checking first. Give them space to complete fully, before you commit!
• Consider all other road users, do not endanger their lives, yours, or your passengers.
• Early mornings are likely to attract dog walkers, pedestrians, cyclists and the horsey set in rural areas; Slow down & give them space (use the full width of the road, where safe).
• Those with modified exhausts & intakes - please consider residents of populated areas, and club reputation; but b*****r the livestock in open fields!
• There are beautiful views and lovely twisties en-route, so it is a pity to miss the views; have fun on the twisties - what our cars are designed for (keep your eyes on main-beam, on the road ahead!)
• BE SAFE, HAVE FUN

Edits 21/04/2024: Routes slightly altered Starbucks Buckingham instead of Tesco Superstore, Buckingham. Overview added. 24/04/2024: Reformatted, added driving advice. 27/04 Attendees List at top

[Leck3000]

Not sure how many this could affect but it is in the catchment area, April 21st is Bicester Scramble which I will be attending.

[AMH]

The 21st April is good for us.

[SeanP]

Bumped! This is now on - 23rd June. Please re-read first post and respond if interested.

[Ollie]

You know pond house bbq is 22nd of June Sean? Just incase you were attending again this year.

[Fab66]

Mark & Rachel from Buckingham


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[SeanP]

You know pond house bbq is 22nd of June Sean? Just incase you were attending again this year.

Bugger. It seems every date I try to choose clashes with 'something' so yes I would have liked to attend that (and no doubt Joe in his mx-5), but I'm keen to do a brekky run too! So have to give it a miss now. Possibly rules out others from the brekky run too, buy c'est la vie!

[SeanP]

Well being on the 23rd works for me....I can attend, as will be staying in work at Benson that weekend to attend Pond House. That's Sunday taken care of aswell as Saturday. What an epic rx8 weekend I shall be having.....I will come and meet you at the start near High Wycombe, its about 35 min from me.

[SeanP]

Well being on the 23rd works for me....I can attend, as will be staying in work at Benson that weekend to attend Pond House. That's Sunday taken care of aswell as Saturday. What an epic rx8 weekend I shall be having.....I will come and meet you at the start near High Wycombe, its about 35 min from me.

Sounds excelllent! (Assume then you return to and come from Benson in the morning!?)

I've personally more-or-less ruled out fitting in the Pond BBQ, because I'd intend to drink / stay over the night etc. and I'd probably too drunk induced to drive that early in the morning anyway! Plus then a large distance to start that early in the morning!

I supopse we could just attend the BBQ / not drink / return home - like you fit in an epically full weekend of driving! :-D

*that said* it is 'only' 1h15 approx from PH to Buckingham start point, also along some nice twisties; if anybody DOES fancy more spirited driving, meeting in the morning! (Approx. 2 hours to the Amersham start point - a bit of a stretch!)

OR - only half an hour from PH to Gilks if folks wanted their own mini-run and meet for Brekky!?

(I'd need to be very careful with numbers meeting there - there is limited parking spaces & we need to confirm numbers with them!).

[SeanP]

I will return from Dan's in the evening. I'm happy to not drink/alcohol free to have a comfy bed in the evening tents and sleeping on the floor I try to stay away from these days. Have a little lay in until 9ish and then drive out to you in morning.

[toug]

Just got this, thanks Sean for sharing from the other post.
June 23rd looks good for me, will join from Buckingham though, Amersham is a bit too far for me to be there in time

[SeanP]

I will return from Dan's in the evening. I'm happy to not drink/alcohol free to have a comfy bed in the evening tents and sleeping on the floor I try to stay away from these days. *Have a little lay in until 9ish and then drive out to you in morning.*

Does that mean that you intend to make you way to Gilks directly for Breakfast? (Noting we start from Amersham about 0745 and from Buckingham about 0900!).

P.S. This has fixed it for me - I'll still attend the Pond House BBQ on Saturday too - stay away from alcohol and return home!

[Ollie]

You stay away from alcohol. Good joke Sean.

[SeanP]

I will return from Dan's in the evening. I'm happy to not drink/alcohol free to have a comfy bed in the evening tents and sleeping on the floor I try to stay away from these days. *Have a little lay in until 9ish and then drive out to you in morning.*

Does that mean that you intend to make you way to Gilks directly for Breakfast? (Noting we start from Amersham about 0745 and from Buckingham about 0900!).

P.S. This has fixed it for me - I'll still attend the Pond House BBQ on Saturday too - stay away from alcohol and return home!

Apologies Sean, I just saw the 1030 time and thought we were leaving then. Is it possible if I tag on at that Chequers way point. I cross the m40 on the Chinnor road so that likely works best for me from here. I know it's not an official RV point, but if I await you guys there from approx 0815, if some kind soul could flash me out to join the group?

Other wise I'll head to RV 2 for 0900hrs.

[SeanP]

Apologies Sean, I just saw the 1030 time and thought we were leaving then. Is it possible if I tag on at that Chequers way point. I cross the m40 on the Chinnor road so that likely works best for me from here. I know it's not an official RV point, but if I await you guys there from approx 0815, if some kind soul could flash me out to join the group?

Other wise I'll head to RV 2 for 0900hrs.

I'd predict we'd be at chequers around 0800 if you could make it that little earlier... There's a decent little driveway patch in front of the main entrance, on the bend of Missenden Road - with a good view of our approach... BUT it may depend on whether PM or others are in residence if you could get away with parking up there for a few minutes (might be moved on by Special Branch!)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kz7xrNuaXXWebuNs5
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jCo9dwXDnxj8SmPn6

[SeanP]

Bit of a Bump for any more interest from the OC fold?
I think that @nickp47 expressed an interest at the Oxon meet.

[Leck3000]

I dont think I will do this after all. If anything that weekend I will do the PH meet on Saturday. Its a shame as it looks to be great but not sure I can make it all work that weekend but may be a last minute if plans change

[Nickp47]

Yes I am probably up for it but will confirm for sure asap

[Fab66]

Looking forward to this!


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[SeanP]

Hi Folks, only a week away now. Can everybody give their final confirmation and I'll ensure that Gilks are ready to O receive us.

[SeanP]

I dont think I will do this after all. If anything that weekend I will do the PH meet on Saturday. Its a shame as it looks to be great but not sure I can make it all work that weekend but may be a last minute if plans change

I plan to do PH BBQ as well (so does Drew from what I know), but will return home (and not drink alcohol).

[SeanP]

Yes same plan as me, I just can't bring myself to sleep on the floor in a field knowing a comfy bed is only 45 min drive away. 0% beer for me, going to grab some of those Erdinger from the local Waitrose in Wallingford on way. I noticed they sell them the other day, thats the actual beer tasting one we have at the Oxford Meet.

[toug]

I’m still in from Buckingham! Looking forward to this

[SeanP]

Call out on this one.....Condor of Might? Mags? Josh? Lemon? Leck3000....any of the Oxford locals want to tag on. I'm RV at 0800 just on from our m40 turn, NickP are you also joining me or going direct?

[Nickp47]

I’m half an hour away from the start at 7.30 so I’ll go there. I was hoping to have some bits done to my R3 so I could bring that but not going to happen so will be in the Elise.