Jim Clark Rally - Saturday 9th November

[flatlemon]

As titled, is anyone heading to the rally this weekend? A few of us are planning to and wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions on where would be best to spectate - we've never been when it was on in the past. If you'd rather private message me then please do - thanks!

[NoddyonNitrous]

https://jimclarkrally.org/stages.html

Not the local knowledge you're after, but it might help.

[Lugy]

I'll be there both days marshalling, from what I can gather, it'll be a lot stricter than what it used to be re spectating (for fairly obvious reasons), looks as though there's a push to get people using the 'official' viewing points.

[flatlemon]

Thanks both, yes I've seen the stage maps and there is some good information on the website too. Safe bet sounds like heading for the spectator areas only.

It was the same at the Snowman rally last year - a real shame but understandable given the recent events at rally.

[Skyedriver]

Any TV coverage of this, I'm a bit distant t o go view.
Thanks

[Davie]

I'd planned on going along with my wee boy, but probably just to Duns to see the cars there as he'll probably not manage to hike out to spectate... though never say never. Not sure where is best out of the official viewing areas, never been begore.

[Lugy]

The water splash at Langton is always a popular spectator spot, decent parking and access too as well as toilets/food usually.
I liked a spot on the Fogo stage, just out the back of Fogo village but I doubt you'd get to it easily this time.

[stichill99]

I can only imagine it will be super strict with access to viewing. When held earlier in the year it was easy enough to walk down a tramline to find a nice safe vantage spot but after the incident I am sure there will be some interesting conversations with stewards and spectators!

[Davie]

If I've read the blurb correctly, the cars start again from the town centre at 10am on Saturday morning? Assuming I've got that right, would it be a safe bet to head down for 9ish and be able to walk around the cars? Not convinced my wing man will manage any of the spectator sections... may have to bail out and head for the soft play instead!

[Don Veloci]

Hopefully it all goes well, that's the main thing.

Not attending because of other plans and also expecting it to be very strictly marshalled.

We used to make heavy use of OS maps to try and get off the beaten track but suspect much less tolerance of free spirit (for want of a better phrase) spectating.

Will come back for reports on the whole thing and consider revisits in the future.

[flatlemon]

It's a real shame the weather isn't playing ball with the organisers - a lot of car parks being closed and stages threatening to being cancelled. At least it will make for interesting conditions for all the drivers!

[Davie]

It was -1 this morning and some of the local roads were interesting to say the least and it's due to be colder tonight. Could be rather slippery out there early doors. I should perhaps avoid the Crawshaws / Longformacus roads and stick to the A1!

[Lugy]

I'm just back from Abbey St Bathans, was marshalling the first junction. The only stage today as Langton was cancelled, getting reviewed in the morning.
Our instructions were to point the public to the spectator area behind us and just keep an eye on the people in their gardens.
The free for all of days gone is passed, too many eyes watching over things.

[wcel]

For those that went, did you think it was worth it? Or were the spectating options too restrictive?

[Davie]

wcel said:

For those that went, did you think it was worth it? Or were the spectating options too restrictive?

I'd never been before but ventured down with my little boy on the Saturday. I was expecting it to be mobbed but parked in the town square and watched the cars leave for a bit.

From there, I wasn't sure where the cars were running or when so took him to the soft play for a bit until I met up with a mate early afternoon. We headed to the Blackadder stage but it was pretty confusing, more so as we headed through a road closed barrier thinking we were in the wrong only to discover that was the wag to the viewing point.

Hiked in, complete with a buggy but wee bit disappointing to see how far back from a straight section the crowd tape had been set though totally appreciate that it would have been justified given the past events. We only stayed for half an hour, it wasn't that exciting a place to stand sadly.

I actually thought it was better just wandering round the town, watching the cars going to and from service and so on. I'd go again but I think I'd have to find a more exciting section to watch, assuming that was possible as the Blackadder section was pretty dull to be honest though I can't comment on others.

There seemed to be a lot of confused people too. One couple I spoke had been directed down to the Langton water splash area by a marshal but then told they shouldn't be there by another. They too were struggling to get to Blackadder.

Not sure if you need inside knowledge of stage times and so on or if it's not that well communicated on purpose to dissuade crowds but I struggled a bit with knowing where to go (or not!) and when. Still a great event, great cars and most the drivers seemed really friendly and most gave the wee man a toot and wave which he was loving.

Superb that the event is back so kudos to all those who made it happen and the marshals who probably had a huge pressure to keep everyone safe so I totally get why the spectator areas were out of harms way, nobody can argue with that.

[Tasmin200]

It was as tight as expected. Still good to have it in the area though.

Off to the RAC in Kielder next weekend to see some real rallying.

[wcel]

Davie said:

wee bit disappointing to see how far back from a straight section the crowd tape had been set ... We only stayed for half an hour, it wasn't that exciting a place to stand sadly

That was my concern for this year, so I didn't make the journey down. It's a shame the way things have gone, and I don't think it'll improve either, those days are in the past!