Started the day with some dreary motorway miles to Mercedes World for the start which was interesting and a good selection of cars gathered. I started off behind a Triumph Herald that was belching more smoke than a Second war destroyer laying down smoke. Luckily, the kind organisers had planned two routes - one for the kits and another for the classics. Only had to stay behind him until the first roundabout. A good route with the first leg ending at the old SKCC haunt of Amberley where we parked up in what they called the VIP area. Basically the same patch of grass where we all parked before. The second leg was great after the mandatory Tony break, all apart from cyclists and more cyclists and then to cap it all a red Fiesta driven by the original Miss Daisy. Every time another car or cyclist approached on went the brakes and she reduced her maximum speed of 26mph to a far more sensible 15mph. We then reached a village where she wouldn't proceed as the gap was far too small for her vast vehicle. ~Funny that the Parcelforce van fitted through with space to spare but she couldn't!! Anyway we were stuck with her for about 6 miles and the queue was horrendous and frustrated. When she turned left as we turned right a huge cheer was heard all over the south downs. A good selection of cars parked up on the drive with loads of people just chatting and eating.
Overall a good day out but I think expensive for what you get so think not an annual event. Well organised but basically, no food/coffee included, a poor goody bag and a shortish route. Probably wouldn't do another one as compared to the one I organise ( albeit on a smaller scale) not as good value in real terms. Brighton Council probably charge them the earth for Madeira drive to be closed and we all know how car friendly they are and this is no doubt reflected in the price.
