The CXM Rally is no more, arise the...

jwalshe · Unread post by **jwalshe** » 31 Jul 2011, 01:29

Now if I could take a photograph like that, life would be complete...!

Part of my reason for coming to the event is to tempt myself back into a CX but having driven from Birmingham to Bristol today and back, I'm giving some serious thought to keeping this Activa. It's just breathtakingly good - can't get over how motorway curves and sliproads are dispatched with so little fuss not to mention the comfort of the big leather armchairs. Keep having to look at the speedo! Cruise control would have been a welcome addition, for safety more than anything...!

Citroening · Unread post by **Citroening** » 31 Jul 2011, 07:46

robert_e_smart wrote:Are those Prestige seats coming again Franklin?

Well funnily enough Robert, at the end of last year's rally we gave them to Dom - so he's got them now!

But, I think there's a set of Series 1 GTi Turbo and/or Series 1 Pallas Seats in the barn.

robert_e_smart · Unread post by **robert_e_smart** » 31 Jul 2011, 09:12

But, I think there's a set of Series 1 GTi Turbo and/or Series 1 Pallas Seats in the barn.

Good, good! As long as we have furniture for the gazebo!

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 31 Jul 2011, 11:25

jwalshe wrote:Now if I could take a photograph like that, life would be complete...!

I thought you'd taken it using the self timer

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 31 Jul 2011, 18:50

Been out for a (very) long drive in the Activa today recceing the convoy drive. I've found a great destination and have two possible routes to it. One of about 30 miles and the other of about 12. Both are scenic and both hardly touch built up areas or main roads except where necessary or it adds to the experience.

The destination offers a fairly quick blat back to the rally site along mostly main roads should that be wanted.

Both routes comprise far more left turns at junctions than rights and no right turns out onto main roads unless absolutely unavoidable. So far, just one on a quiet B road. I've also tried to avoid really congested little villages where cars are parked twenty deep in the road.

Question is, is the consensus for the long or short route, given that the long one is over an hour's run from the rally site due to the twistiness and smallness of some of the roads. Please give me your thoughts.

Although I'm keeping quiet about the destination, I think it'll go down well. there's some interesting stuff to do there (all free) and it's perfect for a picnic.

Robyn and I will test drive it soon to test the navigation instructions. If Robyn can find it then anyone will be able to

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 31 Jul 2011, 19:11

I would be up for the longer route

Toby_HDi · Unread post by **Toby_HDi** » 31 Jul 2011, 20:18

Are there any tunnels?

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 31 Jul 2011, 20:42

Toby_HDi wrote:Are there any tunnels?

Umm, no. 'fraid not Toby...

Not even a decent railway bridge..

Tunnels around here are a bit scarce...

citroenesque · Unread post by **citroenesque** » 31 Jul 2011, 21:51

I'm up for the short simply because we spend more time at the destination... and also because I think I'll have most of my family with me!

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 31 Jul 2011, 21:57

There's no reason why both routes shouldn't be offered Phil, one for the hard-core and one for those who just want get there in reasonable time to enjoy the destination.

The kids'll love it. It was my daughters who suggested the place...

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 31 Jul 2011, 22:23

The feedback I've had from doing a few DSM convoy routes is that around 16 - 20 miles is preferable.

Oh and no matter how detailed your route instructions, numerous people prefer not to follow them then moan when they get lost

Trainman · Unread post by **Trainman** » 01 Aug 2011, 09:51

DickieG wrote:The feedback I've had from doing a few DSM convoy routes is that around 16 - 20 miles is preferable.

Oh and no matter how detailed your route instructions, numerous people prefer not to follow them then moan when they get lost

The other thing is to plan more than one convoy (after last year) then you can see how many times you meet each other

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 01 Aug 2011, 09:58

Trainman wrote:The other thing is to plan more than one convoy (after last year) then you can see how many times you meet each other

As Jim's finding out planning a decent convoy route takes ages and gets quite costly in fuel, one trick I've used to save time and money is to put Google earth to good use, its excellent for direction signs as you can't always stop near the location

I did just that a few years ago for the DSM, two routes set off in different directions to meet/pass each other midway. The idea was great but it took a hell of a lot of planning even though I know the area very well, on the day Nigel Wild was in the front car giving directions but apparently was so busy talking he didn't read the directions (honest

),,,,,,,,,,,,big 'U' turn everyone

citroenesque · Unread post by **citroenesque** » 01 Aug 2011, 10:21

DickieG wrote:
Trainman wrote:The other thing is to plan more than one convoy (after last year) then you can see how many times you meet each other
As Jim's finding out planning a decent convoy route takes ages and gets quite costly in fuel, one trick I've used to save time and money is to put Google earth to good use, its excellent for direction signs as you can't always stop near the location

Exactly. I have used a combination of AA, ViaMichelin, Google maps (particularly useful is Streetview), a road Atlas and other online resources to plan the Citroen Classic Challenge route (which runs to 6 pages!)...

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 01 Aug 2011, 10:35

Last year we met the front of the convoy coming the other way, we did a quick 3 point turn on a very narrow road and then shot off after them. I remember me, Will and Paul chasing each other along trying to find the rest of you. It was very good fun, more of that!