Poole Quay to the Thames 20th -22nd July

[garyw]

Poole Quay to the Thames 20th "" 22nd July Poole Quay 2
A long weekend starting off with a return to the South coast resort, stopping in our Harbour side hotel towards the delightful Sandbanks area of Poole.
A drive on the Saturday northwards towards to our next hotel near Reading.
Sunday we will be ably led by Alex on one of his well established Reading drives finishing off at a picturesque venue at the side of the River Thames for Sunday lunch prior to our departures.
We will be returning to the hotel that we used last time with its stunning outlook across the Poole harbour.

We have an event planned for the Friday evening and after we can return to our hotel to enjoy the bar and social side of the register events.
http://www.pooletourism.com/go.php?structureID=pages&ref=I483EBC03077E4
Saturday morning and a winding path has been devised taking us over some great roads and scenic trails heading north and towards the Thames river. We will be including the Zig Zag hill, a scenic drive through the stunning new Forest and actually return to a beach! Along the way with plenty of stops to catch up and take a breather.
The route does divert at one point to take in the UK's longest tunnel, the new Hindhead tunnel for a little aural excitement before we head north once again to our overnight hotel on the outskirts of Reading.

Sunday is combined with Alex leading the route on one of his well established Reading drive routes but in a slightly shorter format, something to challenge everyone and a chance for those that live that further away to enjoy the great roads and views (and hills) that the vicinity has to offer.
The drive finishes on the picturesque banks of the river Thames for a late lunch prior to members making their way home.
Saturday route is 180 miles and approx 4 hours driving time.


The Friday night hotel has various rooms with Sea, side sea and harbour views, rates including breakfast are £105 to £135 including breakfast.
We have just 10 rooms reserved

Saturday nights hotel has rooms from £45-60 and has a lovely lakeside setting *please note when booking it's plus tax
http://www.readinglakehotel.com/


Places for the Friday night event are open to all members but the Saturday and Sunday drives are limited to the usual numbers of 12 cars - Preference will be given to those attending the full WOTY
garyw

garyw +1
Tracy +1
Unclewinks +1
MathewB +1
okellyT +1
Tscaptain +1

AlexL+1 Sunday only
Paulmichele +1 Sunday only

 

[okellyt]

Gary could you put us down provisionally [] You do know its the olympics around then so it might be more scenic crawl than spirited drive [:-]

 

[Alex L]

Obviously I'm booked for the Sunday run

 

[glamdring]

gary, any chance we can do just the Saturday night/Sunday drive?

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: Alex L Obviously I'm booked for the Sunday run

I do hope so [] Matt, I don't see a problem with that. The event will be re-named nearer the time, but those that have been to Poole with us before will know what the Friday event is about [] Part of the Saturday route - > [link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx3zo59vBLs&feature=related]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx3zo59vBLs&feature=related[/link] garyw

 

[garyw]

Tom The Olympics start the 27th July- but agree that the build up may be ongoing, hopefully not effecting us too much.. [&:] The Friday evening is being promoted by the Poole tourist board. garyw

 

[paulmichele]

Hi Gary (and Alex) Please put me down for the Sunday drive (on a +1 basis). But as I've done the last two Alex specials, if there is massive demand, please feel free to bump me off [] Sorry I can't make the longer trip but one of my kids will be coming back on Friday from the Olympic course at Weymouth as his county sailing squad is taking part in some of the pre-Olympic course testing. [And his boat requires a car plus trailer ... and driver... to get him home again] Paul

 

[garyw]

Paul, if you're that close you might want to drop into Poole anyhow [] I've updated the list and thank you for your understanding that priority needs be given to the members attending for the full AWOTY garyw

 

[paulmichele]

Gary, now there's an idea. Depends on whether fellow attendees will be happy with [ul] [*] a people carrier [*] a people carrier plus trailer (though not quite a car***n) [*] a stroppy teenager who will be dog tired after a weeks sailing on the Olympic course, and probably wants to get home [/ul] But where there's a will there's a way.

 

[unclewinks]

Just spoken to the animal sitter all good to go for this weekend Paul/Tanya

 

[garyw]

Excellent news, I've emailed the hotel details to you [] garyw

 

[garyw]

This event is our next register gathering.. With th return of Kings and Castles- I can put the last few details into this trip... We do still have rooms and places available for this event garyw

 

[garyw]

The event is now under it's correct heading. The Poole at the Quay event is usually really well attended, so much so that entry to the first date can be at a premium.. With that in mind and with dates that fitted the register diary I'm pleased that we can now rebrand this event fully [] Yes the plan is we're attending the second date, one that should be in the heat of summer [&:] Hotels rooms are still available but I will need to release them shortly, for a great trip over a wide variety of roads and landscapes book your places now. This is the next event on the register calender and looks to be a great trip away in the greatest sports cars [] garyw

 

[tscaptain]

Finally got a decision from SWMBO and we are now good to go on this event too[] Both hotels booked.

 

[garyw]

I have today registered us all with the organiser of the Poole at the Quay event. Still time of you plan to join us, although the rooms are now released... 103 cars at the last one, but this one is usually a lot easier to get in to [] garyw

 

[CLIFFWILKINS]

Thanks Gary Looking forward to it Regards Tracy & Cliff

 

[garyw]

Crikey!! I hope that Poole is still standing for when we get there!! garyw

 

[glamdring]

Unfortunately I am going to have to bow out of this, as I now have to fly to the US on the 21st; sorry. See you all in August @ Chateau Impney.

 

[Alex L]

Any more takers for the Reading run part of this event? ...need to pre-book the lunch stop.

 

[garyw]

Final planning stages at the moment... Fridays evenings dinner will be a traditional fish and chips on the sea front at Poole Quay, there is plenty of eateries on the quayside or just into the town. Arrival at the Quay is 18.00- 18.15 for first entries Saturday evening I have booked a table for all at the hotel restaurant for 7.30, which means we can park the cars and enjoy a social drink and chat for the remainder of the evening. Sunday concludes with a lunch before we make our way homeward bound. There is a planned refreshment stop on both days. [] garyw