CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

[Citroenmad]

Activas and V6s should only be driven for pleasure and then you really appreciate them...

It certainly does make you appreciate a car when you don't use it often, then when you do you are remembered why you like it all over again.

I had a few of ours out for a drive the other day, I really enjoyed myself My Activa has been sat for four weeks now, so that could do with a bit of a run around. Though im reluctant to take any of them out if the roads are even a little salty.

[CitroJim]

Robyn returns to Uni in Aberwytwyth tomorrow and is taking her Pug 206 back with her. I'm going with her as it's her first really long trip and I'll be returning home via train.

We're going via Bangor as we're also taking Greg, Robyn's intended, who's at Uni in Bangor. There I'll bid a fond farewell to Robyn and Greg and meet up with Paul (Citroenxm) for the rest of the day and then see if I really have a first class train ride home for £35 as my advance booking with the TrainLine promises...

Today we've been giving Robyn's 206 a good once-over and a service. The 206 was a bit difficult to MOT last time due to high emissions that was not really nailed by replacing the cat. Following an earlier PP2000 diagnostic I saw the oxygen sensor signal was static so ordered in a new one. I fitted it during the service and after a good warming run I was pleased to see PP2000 now shows a nicely cyclic signal Robyn has always said the car was a bit thirsty so hopefully it'll now be a bit more frugal for her.

Following the service, entirely at her own bidding, Robyn transformed the interior of the car from KFC skip to palace and then washed it It was like watching a concours preparation as Robyn kept on at it with the chamois and various potions and even got some moss off around the sunroof surround. I must admit the Pug has scrubbed up very well... I think she was very proud of her work!

I took it for a test drive along my familiar test run and was staggered to discover bumps in the road I didn't even know existed It's been a long time since I've driven a tin-sprung car and it was not a good experience

Xac called around to see us I'm sure he'll tell of his work today in another part of the forum

[CitroJim]

Excellent day yesterday We set off in Robyn's 206 with her, her intended and I along with all their luggage destined for Bangor. The little 206 gamely got us there with no fuss at all. Robyn drive most of the way and I was able to enjoy the stunning scenery along the North Wales coast. Shame some is lost as the A55 goes through a series of tunnels but never mind. I really enjoyed the tunnels too...

Robyn's driving was absolutely excellent

Once Robyn and Greg were happy and settled I met up with Paul (Citroenxm) and enjoyed a most delightful afternoon Paul took me across the Menai Suspension bridge a couple of times and then a tour of Anglesey A stunningly beautiful place indeed Paul then took me to the location where he does his car work and has his collection of cars and spares stashed away. Very good indeed. I envy you Paul, having a place like that.

Then it was home courtesy of Arriva Trains Wales and Virgin Trains. I have to complement both companies for providing me a good comfy ride home in clean trains that were bang on time. The only downside was a lack of first class accommodation on the Arriva train between Bangor and Crewe but it wasn't very crowded so no worries. I was glad I went Virgin first though. There were only two other passengers in my coach and yet standard class was bursting at the seams...

I was disappointed the train ride between Bangor and the Welsh border was in darkness. I bet the views from the train are absolutely staggering.

I'm going back in the Spring for a few days to see the place properly...

Again, big thanks to Paul for your excellent hospitality; it was very much appreciated, you make a great cup of tea!!!

Today Robyn will be driving herself from Bangor to Aberyswyth.

[Xaccers]

Virgin trains seem to be 1/3 first class, I'm sure the one back from Euston has at lease 4 first class carriages with not even enough ticket holders to fill just one, while everyone else is crammed dangerously in the remainder.
They even stand at the doors of the first class carriages like bouncers so you can't even spread out into those spaces, supposedly for health and safety, but in 2nd class that apparently isn't an issue.

[CitroJim]

I've wondered for years why there always seemed to be far too much First Class and never enough Standard forstly on the old BR InterCity and now on Virgin. I guess all the other TOCs are the same... And why has Arrive Trains Wales have no First Class at all? Taffys not good enough for it?

I don't understand why when First is near empty and Standard is chokkers they don't upgrade certain souls and allow them to sit in First, albeit without the freebie coffee, snacks and Wi-Fi perhaps?

All the TOCs need to rethink this or maybe there is a reason. Steve (Trainman)?

Oh, and should have said. It was lovely to ride in Paul's Xantia after the journey in a 206 - heavenly

[CitroJim]

I can stop chewing the parental fingernails off now Robyn's just called me to let me know she's got to Aberyswyth safely after an enjoyable but long solo drive.

She may be 19, a good and sensible driver but she's still my little girl and I like to know she's OK. I guess it's called being a dad

[Deanxm]

What! you let her take the V6? god i would be chewing my finger nails down to the knuckle too Jim!

D

[Xaccers]

I've wondered for years why there always seemed to be far too much First Class and never enough Standard forstly on the old BR InterCity and now on Virgin. I guess all the other TOCs are the same... And why has Arrive Trains Wales have no First Class at all? Taffys not good enough for it?

I don't understand why when First is near empty and Standard is chokkers they don't upgrade certain souls and allow them to sit in First, albeit without the freebie coffee, snacks and Wi-Fi perhaps?

All the TOCs need to rethink this or maybe there is a reason. Steve (Trainman)?

Oh, and should have said. It was lovely to ride in Paul's Xantia after the journey in a 206 - heavenly

If the train out of Euston is particularly crowded and they are feeling generous they sometimes allow standard passengers to use 1st class until MK, however they quite often only mention this just before the train departs meaning really the only carriage that benefits is the first one after 1st class because the rest are too packed to make your way through.

[CitroJim]

Took the V6 and the Activa out for a spin during the week. It was a lovely experience driving both after such a long while away from them...

Roll on summer when I can start using the Activa a bit more. It does not go out in salt and the V6 is now only used for the 'Somerset runs'...

It is a pleasure to drive them though

The ride out in the Activa was unintended. I had a dental appointment on Thursday afternoon. I rolled up at the appointed time and the receptionist said

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm here for my check-up.."

"Ah, but you called us earlier today and cancelled it. You even made a new appointment for next week!"

"Did I?"

"Yes, you cited work commitments as the reason."

"What time was this?"

"about 10."

"I didn't. At that time I was too busy committed to my work to call you or anyone else.."

"Yes you did.."

"No, honestly I didn't..."

"Well who did then?"

And so it went for several more rounds where the appointment system was examined for similar names (none) and other cocked-up appointments (none so she says). It was going a bit like a Two Ronnies sketch

Somehow the dentist's appointment system got its knickers in a twist and that was that. I was at a loose end. Knowing the owner of the Corsa that normally blocks my Activa in was at work and as consolation for not having a dentist gaze lovingly into my mouth that day I took the Activa for a spin instead...

It drives just like Cris570's Only with about a third of the urge though

And no weepy rear ram this winter. How odd...

[Chris570]

I took the Activa for a spin instead...

It drives just like Cris570's Only with about a third of the urge though

I can fix that for you

[Deanxm]

I took the Activa for a spin instead...

It drives just like Cris570's Only with about a third of the urge though

I can fix that for you

You really should, mine was running 11 psi when you took it out Jim, you dont even have to run extra boost just get rid of that bloody ecu controller!
Im sure between you and Chris a nice hidden setup can be put into action with no pipe cutting so it can go straight back to stock if you wish later on and you will never know it was ever tweeked......................
Yours is the best Activa about Jim and with a little more urgency it will be absolutly perfect

D

[CitroJim]

It's no good Dean, I've got to do it You and Chris between you have spoilt me now for a standard Activa...

I reckon I can leave the old boost controller piped up and looking as if it's all untouched and still install a manual controller... Plumbing in a hidden recirc valve may be a bit trickier though

I don't quite want the urge your has Chris as frankly that was a bit too much for me but a bit more pep would be just lovely....

[Deanxm]

I used a recirc out of a Saab ecotec 2.0t, took me a while to find the right re-circ as some where too big or had the wrong port layout but this one is perfect and silent!, all the ports are there on the Activa to pipe it up and it fits perfectly, ive got some rad hose connecting it as the hoses only need to be about an inch and a half long and it looks totaly stock, there is a lot of compressor stall type noises without it if you do full bore gear changes, Gareth said it wouldnt cause any harm from memory but the re-circ just made the engine sound much happier.

D

[Chris570]

It's no good Dean, I've got to do it You and Chris between you have spoilt me now for a standard Activa...

I reckon I can leave the old boost controller piped up and looking as if it's all untouched and still install a manual controller... Plumbing in a hidden recirc valve may be a bit trickier though

I don't quite want the urge your has Chris as frankly that was a bit too much for me but a bit more pep would be just lovely....

Girl

I'll sort you out with what you require

Remember you can always turn the boost down should you require it. Be aware though that turning the boost down too far will result in flowery decals being affixed to the car as well as a copy of Bridget Jones' Diary being placed in the glovebox

[Xaccers]

It's no good Dean, I've got to do it You and Chris between you have spoilt me now for a standard Activa...

I reckon I can leave the old boost controller piped up and looking as if it's all untouched and still install a manual controller... Plumbing in a hidden recirc valve may be a bit trickier though

I don't quite want the urge your has Chris as frankly that was a bit too much for me but a bit more pep would be just lovely....

Girl

I'll sort you out with what you require

Remember you can always turn the boost down should you require it. Be aware though that turning the boost down too far will result in flowery decals being affixed to the car as well as a copy of Bridget Jones' Diary being placed in the glovebox

Not to mention a "powered by fairy dust" sticker appearing on the tailgate
I'd be impressed if a book could fit in a Mk1 glovebox!