Forgotten country roads.

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  • Jas11n
    S2Forum Zealot
    • Jan 2004
    • 5067
    • Country: England

    #1

    Forgotten country roads.

    You know how it is, the weekly grind of the work commute down overcrowded boring motorways, the government telling us the motorist, we are to blame for all the crap in the world etc etc. Drives you to distraction at times.
    After recenlty sorting a couple of running issues (coilpacks, loose plugs and a boost leak), I thought it about time to have a little jaunt out into the countryside of a Sunday afternoon.

    ****** me, did it not feel good to get the car doing what it was designed for.

    Co-ordinated with a couple of my mates round the NE and arranged for a little run out. Myself, my bro, Ben (Lune) Paul (Paulgo) and Michael (Mak2503)
    Unfortunatly Micheal (RS2) had to pull out as he's not feeling to well at the minute, but Ben brought a couple of his mates along.

    So, six cars in all, four S2 Coupes (2 x 3B's and 2x ABY'S), a urS6 and an S3 set off to remind Jethro and his straw eating chums, that we don't care if they think the countryside roads is just for tractors, spotty walkers and bird watchers. I want to be able to go out and actually "drive" again.

    Awesome driving roads, have sort of forgotten what a quattro AWD car is like to drive properly.
    Nimble, fast, onto the brakes, turn in, full power out and loads of traction with a turbo to help shove you towards the next hairpin, sweeping curve or tightening corner. My car performed flawlessly.
    Loved it..

    Unfortunately, the weather conspired against us, so no pictures were taken at our final destination. At 1904 ft above sea level, the clouds sort of made the cars disappear into the fog.
    We ended up at Hartside pass summit, had a cuppa and a bit crack, then blasted back down.
    Got to do this again soon. Still buzzin

    Quote of the day for me was from Mick the S3 owner (forgive the language)

    "F**k me, I just can't keep up with you guys, have forgotten what the 5 cylinder turbo engine sounds like too, it's like they are trying to rip the f***in road up, sounds like thunder going past"

    If you guys are getting a bit fed up of the daily ballache that is comuting to work, just take your car for a blast in the country once in a while. Sort of wakes you up to what our cars can really do.

    Jas..
    [happy with my car]
    Last edited by Jas11n; 26 February 2007, 01:08.
    2001 Avus Silver B5 RS4.
    2004 A4 Avant 1.8T quattro Sport-LE.
    1995 S2 Coupe - sold (sniff)
  • mak2503
    S2Forum Addict
    • Jun 2004
    • 235
    • Home: Scotland Current: United Kingdom

    #2
    Couldn't have said it better myself about the 5 cylinders.

    The only thing is that you don't often get to hear the sound of it unless you are with a few mates with the 5 cylinder engine in their cars or you have someone else drive your car whilst you sit at the side of the road. One of the most amazing sounds for an engine after a V8.

    Shame I couldn't make it. It sounded like an absolute blast along those country roads.

    Also Jason I forgot to say that one of my mates at work has a TT roadster (225) would it be a good idea to ask if he can make it the next time as more the merrier I suppose.

    Comment

    • CliveH
      S2Forum Extremist
      • Jun 2005
      • 1319
      • Home: United Kingdom Current: England

      #3
      Great write-up Jas

      Maybe we'll get up your way one day...
      Past: S2 ABY coupe RS2 spec with lots of mods, S4 B5 saloon, RS6 C5 saloon, S8 D2 FL, RS4 B7 saloon, S4 B6 avant

      Present: S4 B8 avant, MRC Stage 2

      Comment

      • lune
        S2Forum Enthusiast
        • Jan 2005
        • 109
        • Country: United Kingdom

        #4
        Ditto to Jas's post
        My S3 mate and me ended up getting slightly lost off from the main pack, however Bu**er me did we still have fun:mischeif:
        The cars loved it 2hrs solid 6.5k gear changes and didn't miss a beat.
        I was knackered by the time we stopped at the pub, mate was laughing his back off at me having the waggon broad sideways round a hairpin! (Mental note to self "do not floor it in 1st with 3/4 lock + wet road + hairpin" )
        Great run out and I'm sure it will not be too long before another

        Comment

        • Jas11n
          S2Forum Zealot
          • Jan 2004
          • 5067
          • Country: England

          #5
          Originally posted by mak2503

          Also Jason I forgot to say that one of my mates at work has a TT roadster (225) would it be a good idea to ask if he can make it the next time as more the merrier I suppose.
          I ain't no elitist Michael, an Audi is an Audi
          The more the merrier .

          Originally posted by lune
          Ditto to Jas's post
          (Mental note to self "do not floor it in 1st with 3/4 lock + wet road + hairpin" )
          Great run out and I'm sure it will not be too long before another
          My bro found out out his car achilles heel too, 140 down a straight country road isn't erm.... let say "ideal" on H&R's with Koni's .
          I'm going to have to inspect the front of mine for spark damage

          Ok, how about Sunday 18th March? a bit earlier too, 14.30 is late when time flies.
          Say 10am?.
          I'll make sure everyone knows the way this time
          2001 Avus Silver B5 RS4.
          2004 A4 Avant 1.8T quattro Sport-LE.
          1995 S2 Coupe - sold (sniff)

          Comment

          • Fat Audi 80
            Super Moderator
            • Jan 2004
            • 10547
            • Country: England

            #6
            One of my best drives ever was from Scotland to Didcot on a Bank holiday morning starting at 5.30am. The roads were deserted for hours and what traffic there was was blown away!

            I occasionally get up very early on a summer morning and go out while the roads are dead. If you have never done it, I implore you to try open road driving at the crack of dawn as the sun rises!

            Cheers,

            Steve.
            The Perfectionist
            sigpic
            Audi Class Concours winner Stoner Park 2014, ADI Concours D'Elegance Class Winner 2008, Runner up 2014. Winner, S2Forum Show'n'Shine Billing 2006 & 2008.

            Comment

            • Dpicariello
              S2Forum Maniac
              • Mar 2006
              • 621
              • Country: United Kingdom

              #7
              Absolutely agree.

              Me and a few mates make sure that every month or so we go for a run over Dartmoor or somewhere on a Sunday morning. Usually meet somewhere at 6.30am but regardless what I've done the night before it's always easy to get up for!

              Glad you had a good drive Jas, it's those sort of times that make all the hassle of maintaining these cars worthwhile.

              Dan

              Comment

              • Jay
                S2Forum Maniac
                • Jul 2004
                • 599

                #8
                stop it!

                Originally posted by Fat Audi 80
                One of my best drives ever was from Scotland to Didcot on a Bank holiday morning starting at 5.30am. The roads were deserted for hours and what traffic there was was blown away!

                I occasionally get up very early on a summer morning and go out while the roads are dead. If you have never done it, I implore you to try open road driving at the crack of dawn as the sun rises!

                Cheers,

                Steve.
                Stop it, just stop it... at this rate those quiet early morning blasts will be full of traffic...:mischeif:

                Altho if you lot go out early I can have a stay in bed and go out on quiet early afternoon blasts

                Jay

                Comment

                • ujimaflip
                  S2Forum Enthusiast
                  • Nov 2006
                  • 121
                  • Home: United Kingdom Current: Belgium

                  #9
                  Spent last weekend in the peak district

                  Sweet roads around through the Peaks - especially as there arn't so may bikes around yet... Actually got to see the oil get warm for a change... managed to get through two tanks of petrol in 3 days....

                  Comment

                  • mak2503
                    S2Forum Addict
                    • Jun 2004
                    • 235
                    • Home: Scotland Current: United Kingdom

                    #10
                    Had nothing better to do today which really makes a change for me as it feels like the first Sunday I have not been working.

                    I decided to follow the route that Jason and the other lads did last weekend that I missed out on to Alston and then to Hartside ending up in Penrith and then turning around after some lunch covering the road all over again towards Hexham.

                    The weather was crap with it raining very heavy in some places but this meant that there was less cars and bikes on the road. The twisty sections were unbelievable where there is corner after corner with the RS2 just gripping and gripping and then slingshotting us out of the corners. The first proper drive I have had in the RS2 where I have not been going up and down a motorway.

                    As Jason mentioned it just makes you appreciate the car that you have and use it the way it is meant to be used. I never even fully pushed the car due to the conditions but it is now my second favorite road with the first being the ones on the west coast of Scotland near Fort William.

                    I also have to commend the bravery/stupidity of a chap in a blue TVR Chimaera. With the rain lashing down in a car with no ABS and no traction control and a huge V8 on those roads. Just crazy.

                    Comment

                    • Jas11n
                      S2Forum Zealot
                      • Jan 2004
                      • 5067
                      • Country: England

                      #11
                      Nice one dude, I've been trying to paint a bathroom all day

                      Next time, when you get to Hartside, double back again to Alston, but instead of taking the road to Hexham, or going back down Weardale, shoot down the B-road to Middleton-in-Teesdale. Can stop and have a coke in the HighForce Hotel.
                      Belter of a road with zero traffic.

                      Jas..
                      2001 Avus Silver B5 RS4.
                      2004 A4 Avant 1.8T quattro Sport-LE.
                      1995 S2 Coupe - sold (sniff)

                      Comment

                      • Jonnyk
                        S2Forum Buff
                        • Jan 2007
                        • 46
                        • Home: Wales Current: United Kingdom

                        #12
                        Sounds like you had great fun Jas (and guys). For me, one of the benefits in living in Mid-Wales is that these are the only type of roads we've got.. .....dam I can still remember when they introduced the wheel out here.. .. Nice write up Jas.... more of these days out I say.....

                        Comment

                        • Robatron
                          S2Forum Extremist
                          • May 2004
                          • 1168
                          • Country: England

                          #13
                          Great read Jas!

                          I had a little fun myself today

                          Basically there was a pistonheads meet on today which involved a run to Sywell Aerodrome. In normal Pistonhead style they decided the best way to get to the Aerodrome would be in convoy.

                          The nearest convoy start to me was at toddington services just off the M1. I arrived nice and early and waited for all the other cars to come along and I have to say I was pretty impressed with the line up!

                          By the time our group of cars were ready to leave we had a Series 1 Esprit Turbo, a later Esprit Turbo, a 911 GT2 Turbo, a V10 M5, 4.5 TVR Chimera, 540i BMW, Lambo Diablo 6.0, 2 elises, a Clip Cup 182, Holden Monaro, 400BHP Sierra cosworth and an S2000.

                          Now, I'm sure most of you know that the roads were slightly damp today (soaking by the time we got to Sywell Aerodrome) so I was quite looking forward to the run up there!

                          The way things panned out was that I was stuck between the M5 (infront) and 540i (behind). We started out on our journey that should have taken 40 minutes on the motorway in a pretty spirited manor and in no time we were on the country lanes. The quattro system really came into its own and I was right up the **** of the M5 out of corners and consequently on the straights.

                          A few moments really stick in my mind where I saw the M5 drop a gear and fly past a few cars that had interrupted our convoy, I was a little dubious to do the same but I saw a gap and stuck the loud pedal flat to the floor. All I can say is that after a fairly decent run beforehand the car had cleared alot of crap out of its system and it was absolutely flying (many pops and bangs according to the guy behind). I cleared the cars and was straight up behind the M5 in no time.

                          Thanks to Dan_B and his suspension upgrades, I was able to get on the power early at every corner and managed to sling shot out of every corner I attempted to with a hint of oversteer which was very easily rectified.

                          At the end of the journey I had both the M5 driver and 540 driver asking what the hell I had under the bonnet. The owner of the M5 said that he was just unable to shake me, he also said that he thought he would have left me for dead on the straights but didnt! However I am under no illusion that in the dry he would indeed destroy me.

                          The 540i driver (who is a licensed race driver may I add) said that whatever he tried he just made no impression on the straights or out of corners and could only catch me up when we hit traffic!

                          I am well chuffed with the car and I think there were a few suprised people by the time I got to the aerodrome.

                          Oh, one last thing, as I said before the journey should have taken 40 minutes, but instead it took 2 hours and 10 minutes of pure country lane driving. It took 3/4 of a tank of optimax, but it was well worth it!

                          Comment

                          • merlin's S4
                            S2Forum Extremist
                            • Jan 2005
                            • 1539
                            • Country: United Kingdom

                            #14
                            I must admit that a quite enjoyed the ride down an empty M6 at around 1am on my way back from Manchester this week! Didn't enjoy the stupid diversions and junction closures mind!! It's no wonder people fall asleep at the wheel, it added an extra hour and a half to my journey. I had to drive fast to keep myself awake!!! Well that's my excuse officer.
                            '93 S4 Avant now back on the road complete with new shiny go faster bits.

                            Comment

                            • Jonnyk
                              S2Forum Buff
                              • Jan 2007
                              • 46
                              • Home: Wales Current: United Kingdom

                              #15
                              Nice one guys.....S2s' rockkkkkk.....

                              Comment

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