Epic Laning sleepover - Wales - 08-11-08

Well then. After some prodding from Goldfinder a date was set, and folks were invited for a laning weekend and a sleepover.

Everything went well... On the Friday Drifts car was in pieces on A friend's driveway and Alex's car had no headlights. Oh dear. In the spirit of FOG all was well and back together in time for an 8am start from A friend's on the Saturday morning.

Roo and I met with Alex, , Bernie, Graeme, Steve and Kylie at a lay-by near the start of the first lane shortly after 10am on the A470. After a quick hello and a little natter we set off.

The first lane is a nice easy trail that runs around the side of a hill, over some open boggy terrain with a clear view of Cadair Idris behind us before descending into a pine forest and opening into a tree lined avenue surrounded by green fields. A fairly long lane with a couple of narrow bridges and a LOT of gates (much to Roo's disappointment) it finishes and after a short stretch on a tarmacked lane we turn off and do another short stretch before joining the first lane again and finishing the last 1/3 of a mile or so in reverse. Not long after the start point we met 3 other laners going in the opposite direction, a nice friendly bunch who smiled and waved. At about the halfway point though we met another group, considerably larger then the first that appeared to be a paid group weekend being led by a heavily kitted out Surf or some such. This was inconvenient to say the least not to mention going against glass guidelines for laning group numbers.
Overall this lane lasts a little over 3 hours and takes in a varying degree of scenery. Suitable for all motors.

A quick stop at my house and A friend and Kylie had parked up at my house as they were going as passengers with Drift and Graeme. A quick cup of tea was handed to all the guests and we set off for the Northern end of Happy Valley. I chose the Northern end as it can be easier, especially with the rain that had been falling earlier in the day making the rocks slippery and I had no wish for anyone to go slipping into the abyss.
Anyone who has done this lane will know how enjoyable it can be, with plenty of technical bits thrown in, fantastic views, some steep rises and sharp bends, narrow ledges with steep drops to one side and sheer rock faces on the other, boulders to be overcome and in parts the rock has been worn away by the passing of horse and cart leaving a car sized (just about) groove with 4' high sides.
Again we met a large group of vehicles about 3/4 of the way, with one experienced leader and a bunch of novices in tow with mostly road biased tires, it appeared to be an owners club outing. Having travelled this lane in both directions under various weather conditions I wouldnt recommend anything less then an AT tyre in wet conditions due to one or two sections that can be tricky, particularly for the inexperienced.
Being the smaller group it was far easier for us to pull over to one side, that and the group leader didnt think his bunch of Green Oval owners could get onto the grassy bank. It was lucky that we met them where we did as passing places are few and far between on this lane and reversing wasnt really an option for either groups, for us because there are some rather wet, slippery, stepped rocks behind us and for them because they were all rubbish. At a rough estimate I would say it took them over 20mins to pass 1 small rock (when we carried on our merry way we drove over it, still though I suppose we all have to start somewhere). It was wholly irresponsible to take a group of that size and experience and it was starting to get worse. They're second group was just about to start the lane. The leader got on the CB and told them to hang back. That was a good thing as there are no more passing places between us and the finish.
The second group was far more tricked out and although they opened a gate to let us through they hadnt left any room for us to pass. Again with some difficulty and a few moody faces they re-arranged they're cars and moved past us.
This lane is suitable for standard vehicles in dry weather but when wet I would strongly recommend AT tires due to the slippery rocks. Im still wondering if the first group we met up there is trying to reverse back down or if they made it up the steps.

Oh well... All said and done a very enjoyable couple of hours and despite the hold-ups it was worth it. Finishing up I gave the group the choice of a harder or easier lane and without a pause Goldfinder wanted to do his favourite lane (the harder one). We set off and some ten minutes later we were at the start. This is another nice lane that starts off just outside Machynlleth and climbs up a rarely used tarmacked lane before suddenly stopping and turning into a grassy trail through some gorse and bushes overlooking the Dovey river. A little later on the trees start encroaching at the sides and all is well. We cross over a forestry track to start the second (harder) half of the lane. The second half is very overgrown, although some of the vegetation has died back in the winter months and for the most part is a hard stony base under the surface layer of mud, leaves and pine needles. Later this section becomes very narrow with a lot of sideways action and high sided banks. It was here that it was all going to go horribly wrong.

The last time I did this lane was with Graeme (Goldfinder), Rich 2.4i and his family in September. We all made it through unscathed and not one person got stuck or broke anything. This time however the ruts had become much deeper and with the recent rainfall and possibly the passing of larger 4x4's a couple of dropoffs had become much, much worse, I found myself getting hung up on the rear diff and front belly plate time and time again. I was tugged backwards and cleared that bit then promptly got stuck 10' further on. This was to continue for another 3 hours or so. It was starting to get dark at the midway point and after being recovered a couple of times it was well and truly dark. To top it all off it had started bucketing down and it was all hands on deck to get my truck back onto the flat and level section again. My small shovel was brought out, as well as Alex's high lift jack. Felled logs and branches were found to put under the wheels, stones were carried and ruts were filled with whatever we could lay our hands on. Eventually we cleared this 200 yard section and made it to the next section which is nice and easy.
I have to say that I didnt expect the lane to have deteriorated that much in such a short space of time. Rain had its part to play washing out the ruts and making them nearly 2' deep in places.
Everyone was remarkably composed about the whole thing despite being soaked to the skin and I have to say a big thank you to everyone for getting stuck in and getting the whole thing moving again. I felt utterly depressed after this at having led everyone into this mess. And I wanted to get everyone back to the house as quickly as possible to get warm and dry.

A quick stop in Machynlleth for food, back to the house and warmth and a cup of tea and everyone seemed happy enough.
It wasnt long after that the drink started flowing and much merriment was had by all.

Sunday we were supposed to be going out again but with a raging hangover I didnt wake up till 12pm ( I dont really do mornings and should have left instructions for you all to come and drag me out of bed ) and not long afterwards people had to start making a move home. With the gloomy day and even more rain my confidence was still a little dented from the previous days events and laning was knocked on the head.
With goodbyes said the group disbanded. Graeme stayed for a few hours longer and entertained us before heading home.

Im uploading pictures now and they will be posted by tomorrow. Im sure everyone will add their own anecdotes and fill in any gaps.

Once again I have to say a huge thank you to everyone for being so supportive and helpful in what for all of us could have been a considerably longer and even more miserable night.

Hey Phil
Don't be sooooooo hard on yourself it could of happend to anyone, think we all had a good day/evening..
With laning or life you take the rough with the smooth thats what makes it interesting.
You all pulled together and got the job done, and best of all, there was no harm done,

I for one had a brill time, with a great day/evening out, great company, good food, and a really nice whisky ..
Thanks to You all

Regards
Roo :dance:

waiting for photos

Well I really enjoyed it. Nothing like testing yourself to the max. We learnt so much about the cars, getting them un stuck and what other equipment we need.

I owe Bernie a big sorry for the jokes about his chainsaw back in Telford :oops:

we shoulda brought it.

Everyone got stuck in, nobody moaned, nobody shirked, nobody lost tempers, I cant think of a better bunch to be in a pickle with.

I just wish we had pics and footage, but photography was a luxury none of us took time to do. Especially the tug of war between Graeme and Doris :oh yer:

Roll on next time, we wont stop poking fun at Phil, but that doesnt mean any of us feels any ill will at all mate as it could have been any of us leading a route like that.

What a weekend, it certainly wont be one I will forget, for all the right reasons

Fantastic lanes and excitement thrown in ( a proper epic ) and fantastic company with the most friendly and welcoming hosts, Phil, Ruth, David and Phils Mum and Dad can I say a huge thank you.

And I would like to thank Bernie again as before the trip on Friday we replaced very very stubborn front drop links and four very stubborn tie rod ends, and he also got my tracking back on line :dance:

I was so used to the way it drove before it was weird when it steered correctly, but true as an arrow now

Right a few random pics, none of the epic bit as it was to dark and far to when to take pics cameras would have been ruined.

Ferns for Bernie

A commercial group leader with 12 vehicles in the group :shock:

Rhubarb and custard :lol:

Looks great guys glad you had a good time and you all got back in one piece.

Cheers, though a couple did gather a few more battle scars :lol:

it happens when goldfinder is involved :lol:

Yes the shorties took the beating us fat arses got away with it unscathed but very very rattled :lol:

At one point I thought I did a loop the loop just to keep momentum going, these cars proved very very tough that day, no one had mechanical problems, even though the drive train took a beating.

it all goes down in the big book of experience

Looks like you all had a great day despite a bit of fun towards the end. As long as everyone got home safe and sound thats the main thing. And Phil don't punish yourself mate, these things happen, don't forget it was your bright idea that got us off the steps... :wink:

Anymore piccies :?:

Thanks eveyone for a cracking weekend, brilliant hosts, great company, amazing lanes and a recovery expeience that would take some beating.
Even a few character building dings for the motor, still doesnt compare with Truggas sport though :mrgreen:

Here are a few photos taken mainly by my captive photographer Kylie otherwise known as Cheekychick.
Thanks again Phill for setting this weekend up,
Graeme.
You cant escape the paperazzi

ooooh bit of t cut and that will polish out :lol:

Superb photos everyone

This is no lie, the land Rovers in this pic refused to pull over onto the grassy bank to get past as they where not sure they could make it :shock:

We had to pull onto it, easy peesy :lol:

Cool photo's, very atmospheric, almost pro shots. claimed a couple to the private vault :lol:

Phil, still up for Sunday at my place to drop the front diff? bet after we can get a bit more ground clearance and you can do the last lane in reverse :wink:

looks like you had a fantastic time folks, got to get back to wales next year

The weekend started on Friday for Drift & me,after he arrived at my place we did the final leg of a FOGxpress from AndySD1 to Alex delivering ......

We had to do an eleventh hour change of schedule when we found he had a serious tracking problem,we worked on late into the night.......

Using tools ....

And more violent techniques.....

At a successful conclusion there was the inevitable .......

Followed by a mini Burn`s Night,,,,,Haggis,Whiskey & Beer (no pic`s to busy drinking)
Saturday Morning.........First gathering ...............

Second gathering...........

Squadron Leader Phil .........

The standard Welsh weather ........

The fun bits ...............

Compulsory trademark mirror pic

Official photographer

Loved this gate

Winner of most mud :lol:

Then off to Phil`s cottage for a nice hot cuppa

The nice lady passenger did not seem to amused about hubby beating a rock with the valance & fog lamp :twisted:

If you look in the far distance you will see the yellow leader & how far he had to walk back to the numpties. :roll:

Then it got dark & all axle twisty ............

Then the first "stuck"

Then the rain came so we all stopped taking piccy`s & started to work in ernest,
Thanks for the day out Phil,put me down for the next one Please :dance: