Beginners Green Laning Day - Sat 29th Sept 2012

I feel it's time to put on another Beginners Green Lane Driving Day - this time on Saturday 29th September 2012, in north Wales

This day out is for FOG members who have perhaps not yet got there tyres muddy, or have not been laning before. It will be a great opportunity to experience what your Frontera can actually do in a real world environment.

The route will be in the Llangollen area of north Wales and roughly follow the Ceriog Trail. We'll drive about 45 miles, with about 70% of it being on unsealed rights of way (green lanes). Starting at about 10am, we'll finish about 5pm.

My pace is quite relaxed and we'll stop often (I like coffee breaks) giving us many opportunities to socialise, take photos, admire the view, chew the cudd etc.

Vehicle Requirement - The route will be suitable for a standard Frontera (either Sport or Estate) on road tyres, although road tyres should be in good condition (ie, not aged) although AT (all terrain) tyres would be more suitable. I have driven part of the first lane in my new Sport on road tyres.

I'm approacing this trip a little different to previous ones, in that although I will be leading, I wont actually be in my car - I'll be navigating from the passenger seat of Roo's 2.0i Sport. This allows us to get an extra "beginner" place, ie Roo.

Following the Green Lane Associations (GLASS) guidelines, our maximum convoy length will be 4 vehicles, therefore there are only 3 spaces available. These trips have been popular in the past, so have a chat with your family and get your names on the list below. Bring your partner, bring the kids (dogs permitted but they must be leashed) and look forward to a day out in the gorgeous Welsh countryside.

The inevitable list:

1. Roo & Trugga
2.
3.
4.

1st Reserve
2nd Reserve

Lawrence

I could do with a trip out to test my recent mods after recovery from my hand op. Maybe on my own or possible passenger/gate closer.

The inevitable list:

1. Roo & Trugga
2. Alfie
3.
4.

1st Reserve
2nd Reserve

Lawrence[/quote]

It would be great to have you along Alfie.

It should be a nice quiet and relaxing day out.

Any more wish to join us ?

Lawrence

After a bit of wheedling with wife, I've been given permission to come, if you'll have me :thumbup:

A full weekend of maintenance on the truck then.

Regards, Pat

Why not bring the wife along for a day out ?

Good to have you join the group - should be a good day.

Lawrence

How did the maintenance go then Pat - all ready for drive out in Welsh countryside.

Still one more place available.

I'll be sending out start and finish locations to your pm boxes, probably Tuesday evening.

1. Roo & Trugga
2. Alfie
3. bhcalcutta
4.

Lawrence

It didn't go to bad Lawrence.

New springs on, exhaust should be here to day, tank support should be here tomorrow.

Hole in the sill welded up, most of the oils changed, And if ever stops soddin raining, I'll get the rest done tomorrow.

The missus and me are looking forward to it.

Regards, Pat

PM's sent.

Still one place available should anyone wish to join us in a days green laning in Wales.

Lawrence

Great day out many thanks to Trugga for organising and Mapreading Hope Bhcalcutta and his Mrs got home safe. I didn't take too many pictures. Trugga did so I'll wait till he posts his . Nice to see Roo again hope the truck is still ok

A great day out. Thanks to Trugga for oranising it all.

It was nice to meet Roo and Alfie, (thanks for the duct tape)

My missus has got the bug, so I think we might be seeing her here on the forums very soon.

As Alfie said, I'll leave the photo's to Trugga, I'm sure they'll be outstanding.

Regards, Pat

Well, I think that was another successful Beginners Green Laning Day.

First to arrive at the Llangynon car park was Pat and Mel in the 2.8 Estate. Suitably equipped, the kettle was hot when Roo and myself arrived. Once the local facilities had been utilised, we decided to check on Pats recently installed CB - it was transmitting a carrier but no voice. During the "Hello hello hello", Alfies' voice comes booming over the airwaves - he's running a little late, but is only 4 miles out in his 2.8 estate.

After a few more pleasantries, we buckle up for a drive up into the mountains. The first lane is quite easy going, but the undulations remind us of why we drive slowly down these ancient byways. A quick stop to ensure everyone is happy, then we make our way towards the 5 mile long Wayfarer's lane.

Over the CB I advise every one to keep an eye on their temperature (although both 2.8's would have no need to worry) as the climb can cause over-heating issues. Roo's 2.0 Sport was getting a little warm and when the needle reached a little over 3/4 we decided to stop and open the bonnet to let the engine cool down a little.

The latest member to the Wayfarer Bonnets Up Club - Roo

Of course, as soon as the bonnet was up, Alfie just can't resist getting his hands dirty in an impromptu spanner party; The cooling system was bled and topped up and Pat even topped up the brake and clutch reservoirs. Finally, the electric fan switch was hot-wired to be permanently on (the 20. Sport ran well for the rest of the day).

We stopped again at the drop to advise about hill decent, and off we went. It's not a big hill, but as you approach it, it looks like the road just ends - still, it gives an idea on how a hill decent works (although we decided not to try Alfies trick of going down in reverse, in a bus!!)

There was a lot of water along the track, and as only Roo's truck was equipped with a snorkel, was sent ahead to test the depth (well, we were leading anyway):

We stop at the little bridge near the waterfall, before opening the gate to continue.

Up the long rocky climb, I once again jump out with the camera:

There are some motorcyclists coming towards us, so I open the gate for them as the Fronteras park to one side of the wider section of track. Once they're clear, we continue on:

We drop down into the village to use the loo (that's another story in itself) and move onto White Stones, where Alfie gets the urge to polish Pats wing:

Apologies for the following pictures, I think I got the camera setting slightly wrong (was trying to compensate for looking into the sun):

It had been a long day, but we all made it to the end of the last lane:

We then made the short drive to the pub for a beverage and a chat before making our different ways home.

Personally, I thought it was a fantastic day out; the weather was excellent (although a bit of a chill wind at the Wayfarer summit), the cars ran well, excellent company and a good bit of banter.

I hope you all arrived home safely (I see Pat and Alfie have posted, and I've received a text off Roo) and that you and your Frontera know each other a little bit better too.

A big thank you to Roo for chauffeuring me around for the day :thumbup:

Cheers
Lawrence

looks a nice chilled day out

lovely looking day gonna have to get sorted for a wayfarer trip early next year really jealous couldn't go

Glad you all enjoyed it and great pics as usual Lawrence. It seems a hundred years since I went on my beginners day on the wayfairer yet still cant wait to do it all again

Excellent pictures Larwence, and we would certainly do it again, maybe in a shortie next time since my missus fell in love with Roo's truck.

I might have to fetch her a blindfold for the high bits though.

Once again, thanks for a great day out.

Regards, Pat

Looks like a great day will have to try and make it to one next year me thinks

Was a fab day out Thanks Lawrence and Alfie and Pat and Mel it was great seeing old faces and seeing new members of FOG. Pat and Mel.
Thanks Alfie for fixing my Gracie May for me :v happy:

I have been worried about how hot she gets.. Thanks for telling me after :wink:

at the pub, I had her on 2 wheels :shock:

on the white stones, I think I would of been in a slight panic if I had known at the time :lol:

You know that toilet stop we had to make at that village and that charming little man, who screamed and hooted at me :roll:

and told me I wasn't allowed to park in the car park.. what was the village called? please, as I am going to write to the Council and the high way department in Welsh :wink:

seeing as the toilets are in the village hall and complain, because parking on that narrow bridge could cause an accident. And seeing as Wales relies on Visitors soooo much, well that just wasn't a very nice welcome, in my opinion and they should know about it ..

Great photos Lawrence..
And thanks to all who came and made it a fab day out

Cheers
Roo

you tell em roo.

The village is called:

Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog

On the Ordnance Survey map, both 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 a "PC" (Public Convinience) is indicated.

In Google Earth the "Toilet" sign is visible: Clicky

Lawrence