Well, well!! It was definitely worth the trek from Edinburgh for the meet - fantastic cars and very friendly people. Its really funny meeting people and greeting them as their Cliosport nicknames (fortunately, but unimaginatively, mines Ben H).
I thought Id be travelling back solo after we parted in Southend, but the fun began when Mat Brown and passenger (in his 170bhp 2.0 16v) turned up on my rear bumper. Sadly, it was raining cats and dogs, so there werent too many antics. Highlight of our 100 miles together must have been our mini race - where I immediately pulled ahead a cars length (then he reeled me in). Turned out that he started in 5th and I went for it in 4th - and there was I thinking my mods were kicking in!!
After we parted I travelled on towards the North, stopping for some kip in a service station above Birmingham. I got up at 5am though - couldnt sleep any more!
I carried on up northwards, sticking to 56mph most of the time - I reckon I was getting 40mpg at this point as the fuel needle didnt budge from the 3/4 mark for 110 miles.
I thought it would be a waste not to take some interesting detours. First on the list was the A6 from Kendal to Penrith (over Shap summit - climbing from sea level to 1400 feet/meters?). That is quite honestly one of the best drives Ive ever done. Windy as you like, perfect surface, lots of lovely smooth bumps, no traffic (well, it was 6am!), and plenty of cold air for the induction roar.
I also took the A702 for the 50 miles from the M74 to Edinburgh - again a fantastic road. Its on roads like these that you can fully extract the potential of the 16v/Williams. I just anhiliated every other contending car (Escort RS200 and Pug 306 XSi - OK not exactly the finest cars to beat, but the level of difference there was in terms of grip, speed and handling was ace!).
So thanks to everyone for turning up - made it worth the journey! Now its your turn to come and drive on some camera-free classic roads!