Discussion
Had an interesting discussion on Convoys down the pub..
I'm sure a good few of you have been in convoys..
Mainly in the middle but sometimes leading or trailing.
Being at the front is tough - spending a lot of time looking in the mirror - trying to judge the pace for the crowd / time of day. Speed cameras can be an issue when you spend so much time looking rear ward.
Being at the back - well you had better be a brain out looney - because the pace is always catch up fast - don't try to do it all on one corner.
Also - having a 'slow car' in the pack causes issues..
the answer is for the others just to overtake it .. sorry but you are in a TVR.. drive at a reasonable pace.
For some of those involved - it's also nice for a few regulars to 'take the lead' if you know the way .. I'm sure people will welcome the chance to 'go at the back'
:
What are other people's thought's..
I'm sure a good few of you have been in convoys..
Mainly in the middle but sometimes leading or trailing.
Being at the front is tough - spending a lot of time looking in the mirror - trying to judge the pace for the crowd / time of day. Speed cameras can be an issue when you spend so much time looking rear ward.
Being at the back - well you had better be a brain out looney - because the pace is always catch up fast - don't try to do it all on one corner.
Also - having a 'slow car' in the pack causes issues..
the answer is for the others just to overtake it .. sorry but you are in a TVR.. drive at a reasonable pace.
For some of those involved - it's also nice for a few regulars to 'take the lead' if you know the way .. I'm sure people will welcome the chance to 'go at the back'
:What are other people's thought's..
Radios front, middle and back are a must as the pace can be dictated and any obstacles, cameras, plod etc can be communicated (at least to the 3) who can adjust accordingly. Same goes if get split up - worked very well with the 20 odd last Sunday (din't lose any). Banter is funny too!
FFG
FFG
Partook in my first hoon/convoy last weekend.
It was out of my area so i wasn't at the front, spent most of the time in the middle (car 5 of 7 i think) and it was good fun, not having to worry about the route or any associated 'obsticles'
Was at the back on occasions and it did feel much like more of a game of catch up. If i missed an overtaking opportunity i was in danger of losing them i felt. Don't think i was actually in danger of losing them as i was always in the rear view mirror of the car in front, and my navigator helped me as well.
Basically the middle was a more sedate drive, and the back was more like a cat and mouse scenario.
It was out of my area so i wasn't at the front, spent most of the time in the middle (car 5 of 7 i think) and it was good fun, not having to worry about the route or any associated 'obsticles'
Was at the back on occasions and it did feel much like more of a game of catch up. If i missed an overtaking opportunity i was in danger of losing them i felt. Don't think i was actually in danger of losing them as i was always in the rear view mirror of the car in front, and my navigator helped me as well.
Basically the middle was a more sedate drive, and the back was more like a cat and mouse scenario.
Leading can be a nightmare, as you say I seem to spend more time looking at whats going on behind me & worrying that everyone is keeping together.
Pre planned routes help a great deal, as does being in a group of people you know & trust.
Looking forward to tomorrows little jaunt to Rockingham, particularly the Dartford Tunnel.
Nick
Pre planned routes help a great deal, as does being in a group of people you know & trust.
Looking forward to tomorrows little jaunt to Rockingham, particularly the Dartford Tunnel.
Nick
rev-erend
You got it spot on, I also think that is why alot don't like being in convoys.
I was on one with the East-mid group, what they did was great, they sent out a detailed route which I then put in the Tomtom as an itinerary, when we were split up I just did what the lady inside the box said and I followed the route with no problem, wouldn't have had a chance otherwise.
When I am leading a convoy, I do it the boring way so as to keep everyone together, SLOW, I just find it more comfortable and better for me and the older cars.
You got it spot on, I also think that is why alot don't like being in convoys.
I was on one with the East-mid group, what they did was great, they sent out a detailed route which I then put in the Tomtom as an itinerary, when we were split up I just did what the lady inside the box said and I followed the route with no problem, wouldn't have had a chance otherwise.
When I am leading a convoy, I do it the boring way so as to keep everyone together, SLOW, I just find it more comfortable and better for me and the older cars.
Yes - tail end charlie is not the best place to be - constant sprints and the ongoing fear, in unknown territory, of being split form the crowd. Middle of the pack seems to suit me best, more relaxed and enjoyable.
Its a bit embarrassing when you are overtaken in the pack though - much dented pride
Its a bit embarrassing when you are overtaken in the pack though - much dented pride
Marty G said:
Partook in my first hoon/convoy last weekend.
It was out of my area so i wasn't at the front, spent most of the time in the middle (car 5 of 7 i think) and it was good fun, not having to worry about the route or any associated 'obsticles'
Was at the back on occasions and it did feel much like more of a game of catch up. If i missed an overtaking opportunity i was in danger of losing them i felt. Don't think i was actually in danger of losing them as i was always in the rear view mirror of the car in front, and my navigator helped me as well.
Basically the middle was a more sedate drive, and the back was more like a cat and mouse scenario.
We were being nice though It was out of my area so i wasn't at the front, spent most of the time in the middle (car 5 of 7 i think) and it was good fun, not having to worry about the route or any associated 'obsticles'
Was at the back on occasions and it did feel much like more of a game of catch up. If i missed an overtaking opportunity i was in danger of losing them i felt. Don't think i was actually in danger of losing them as i was always in the rear view mirror of the car in front, and my navigator helped me as well.
Basically the middle was a more sedate drive, and the back was more like a cat and mouse scenario.
In all honesty though, for someone who has only owned the car for a couple of weeks and never really driven with the kind of aggression some of us were displaying, you stayed remarkably well with the group.
You're navigator was helping? - Has to have been a first..
rev-erend said:
Re : the sat nat comment .. am I the only one not to hear a dam work they say..
OK - I know you Chim owners can hear it as you always have the roof on .. but the rest of us ..
Have I mentioned 125.5 db's yet
Seriously - if I use the Satnav - I have to have an earphone.
I can hear it in the Cerby ok and with the radio on, I have mine on a home made bracket in the cubby hole, but must admit, I have not got a nice V8 sound like yours will be, and I can't take the roof off.OK - I know you Chim owners can hear it as you always have the roof on .. but the rest of us ..
Have I mentioned 125.5 db's yet
Seriously - if I use the Satnav - I have to have an earphone.
kevin63 said:
rev-erend said:
Re : the sat nat comment .. am I the only one not to hear a dam work they say..
OK - I know you Chim owners can hear it as you always have the roof on .. but the rest of us ..
Have I mentioned 125.5 db's yet
Seriously - if I use the Satnav - I have to have an earphone.
I can hear it in the Cerby ok and with the radio on, I have mine on a home made bracket in the cubby hole, but must admit, I have not got a nice V8 sound like yours will be, and I can't take the roof off.OK - I know you Chim owners can hear it as you always have the roof on .. but the rest of us ..
Have I mentioned 125.5 db's yet
Seriously - if I use the Satnav - I have to have an earphone.
What do you think Kev?
Radios yes a must.
A well scripted route card.
Leaders who know the route and are not speed happy.
Cars in the middle who look out for those in the rear.
Junction, traffic light awareness.
Always wait for the car behind to clear a junction or lights.
Drivers to say if they prefer to go slow or have too (two convoys).
A back up plan for a split convoy, I.E a meeting point.
Mobile phone number sheet with name and car.
And above all else a good route recce!
A well scripted route card.
Leaders who know the route and are not speed happy.
Cars in the middle who look out for those in the rear.
Junction, traffic light awareness.
Always wait for the car behind to clear a junction or lights.
Drivers to say if they prefer to go slow or have too (two convoys).
A back up plan for a split convoy, I.E a meeting point.
Mobile phone number sheet with name and car.
And above all else a good route recce!
convert said:
kevin63 said:
rev-erend said:
Re : the sat nat comment .. am I the only one not to hear a dam work they say..
OK - I know you Chim owners can hear it as you always have the roof on .. but the rest of us ..
Have I mentioned 125.5 db's yet
Seriously - if I use the Satnav - I have to have an earphone.
I can hear it in the Cerby ok and with the radio on, I have mine on a home made bracket in the cubby hole, but must admit, I have not got a nice V8 sound like yours will be, and I can't take the roof off.OK - I know you Chim owners can hear it as you always have the roof on .. but the rest of us ..
Have I mentioned 125.5 db's yet
Seriously - if I use the Satnav - I have to have an earphone.
What do you think Kev?
Can you email me that picture - yhm.
Edited by rev-erend on Friday 3rd August 16:35
C3BER said:
Radios yes a must.
A well scripted route card.
Leaders who know the route and are not speed happy.
Cars in the middle who look out for those in the rear.
Junction, traffic light awareness.
Always wait for the car behind to clear a junction or lights.
Drivers to say if they prefer to go slow or have too (two convoys).
A back up plan for a split convoy, I.E a meeting point.
Mobile phone number sheet with name and car.
And above all else a good route recce!
All really excellent points..A well scripted route card.
Leaders who know the route and are not speed happy.
Cars in the middle who look out for those in the rear.
Junction, traffic light awareness.
Always wait for the car behind to clear a junction or lights.
Drivers to say if they prefer to go slow or have too (two convoys).
A back up plan for a split convoy, I.E a meeting point.
Mobile phone number sheet with name and car.
And above all else a good route recce!
kevin63 said:
I agree, excellent points for convoy planners.
convert yes very nice, are you having some ideas.
No Kev, my Crayola colouring box wouldn't stretch to a full re=paint, and my 105Db (as measured last year thanks Alan) is quite loud enough.convert yes very nice, are you having some ideas.
Edited by kevin63 on Friday 3rd August 17:09
ncs said:
Leading can be a nightmare, as you say I seem to spend more time looking at whats going on behind me & worrying that everyone is keeping together.
Pre planned routes help a great deal, as does being in a group of people you know & trust.
Looking forward to tomorrows little jaunt to Rockingham, particularly the Dartford Tunnel.
Nick
Arrrrr that explains Nick, why you almost took out that Mad Hill Billy plasterer in the middle of the road in Wales. You were watching me in the mirror!!!Pre planned routes help a great deal, as does being in a group of people you know & trust.
Looking forward to tomorrows little jaunt to Rockingham, particularly the Dartford Tunnel.
Nick
billynomates said:
rev-erend said:
Had an interesting discussion on Convoys down the pub..
Who was that with then? Bored the tits off me that did 
Was I there?
Edited by billynomates on Friday 3rd August 18:05
20 blokes in fast cars behind trying to over take him..
Still - that's enough about NCS .. how's the Tuscan Phil
I've covered in the region of 20,000+ miles in sportscar convoys since I started touring with them in 1999, and we arrived at the conclusion that it's impossible to keep the whole group together because there are people who driver faster than others.
So we split the group up. We always had between 25 and 50 cars. Over time people tried different groups and eventually we discovered which group suits us best. We believe about 6 cars is about the most you'd want in any one group.
Radios are a more recent addition and they make the world of difference. Instead of gesticulating wildly to your group leader that you need a pee or petrol, you just tell them to pull over. Nowadays our groups look more like a coordinated Red Arrows team than a rag-tag group of individuals.
Also, whereas you used to tour with the passenger only, and simply follow the guys in front (or lead a group), now you can actually interact with the whole group so it's a much better social event. We share the fun around, and they are a great tool for overtaking (as long as you trust the group you're in to give you accurate info). Prior to radios, we used a technique for overtaking where the lead car would remain on the wrong side of the road for as long as it was safe to, with his "overtaking" indicator on. Then the others behind could see that much further up the road that it's safe, and determine (themselves - always the overtaking driver's decision) whether they want to make the move. It's about giving people more information to work with.
With regards to leaving people behind... we used to go on the principle that you were responsible for the car immediately behind you. That way there would never be a car left behind. At first it was a bit painful as some were more observant than others, but after we'd all moved around the groups to determine our favourite position, you'd find that the group you settled into looked out for you as you became a "pack".
SatNav is a useful tool but by no means infallible. We always have routes planned ahead, with waypoints entered into the GPS machines, but generally we sanity check routes against expected directions on a map.
Also, whenever we stopped for petrol, we all expected to leave the station with a set number of miles in our tanks. This way we wouldn't be stopping every 5 mins for the next man to fill up, but you needn't actually *get* petrol if you could guarantee you had that minimum of miles left available.
We had no real rules but we worked out these methods between us that allowed us to cover up to 400 miles in a day (not often, I'll admit - we preferred, and planned, about 200-250 miles in a day usually).
So we split the group up. We always had between 25 and 50 cars. Over time people tried different groups and eventually we discovered which group suits us best. We believe about 6 cars is about the most you'd want in any one group.
Radios are a more recent addition and they make the world of difference. Instead of gesticulating wildly to your group leader that you need a pee or petrol, you just tell them to pull over. Nowadays our groups look more like a coordinated Red Arrows team than a rag-tag group of individuals.
Also, whereas you used to tour with the passenger only, and simply follow the guys in front (or lead a group), now you can actually interact with the whole group so it's a much better social event. We share the fun around, and they are a great tool for overtaking (as long as you trust the group you're in to give you accurate info). Prior to radios, we used a technique for overtaking where the lead car would remain on the wrong side of the road for as long as it was safe to, with his "overtaking" indicator on. Then the others behind could see that much further up the road that it's safe, and determine (themselves - always the overtaking driver's decision) whether they want to make the move. It's about giving people more information to work with.
With regards to leaving people behind... we used to go on the principle that you were responsible for the car immediately behind you. That way there would never be a car left behind. At first it was a bit painful as some were more observant than others, but after we'd all moved around the groups to determine our favourite position, you'd find that the group you settled into looked out for you as you became a "pack".
SatNav is a useful tool but by no means infallible. We always have routes planned ahead, with waypoints entered into the GPS machines, but generally we sanity check routes against expected directions on a map.
Also, whenever we stopped for petrol, we all expected to leave the station with a set number of miles in our tanks. This way we wouldn't be stopping every 5 mins for the next man to fill up, but you needn't actually *get* petrol if you could guarantee you had that minimum of miles left available.
We had no real rules but we worked out these methods between us that allowed us to cover up to 400 miles in a day (not often, I'll admit - we preferred, and planned, about 200-250 miles in a day usually).
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