A Janitor guide to Wales..? Nah, just a fantastic experience
Discussion
I know other related comments and piccys are already on this thread: http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=3... but this one just happens to be very reflective of my Piston Heads experience so far and time in Lotus ownership... (plus great subject matter for a 1000th post!)
So, the final weekend in October brought the ‘Pumpkin shaped BoLOCs’ to Wales for a nigh-Halloween / post summer / pre-Christmas / any excuse after the Bournemouth gathering for widespread BoLOCs to clack together
In brief, it was three days of driving, chatting, drinking, laughing, eating, sleeping all stuff Lotus and just about anything else with a strong dose of unity and some rather striking commitment to the cause in places… some of which I’ve yet to get my head around!
For Mrs Janitor and I, it was a rare break away from the daily that really started with a trip to London to watch the rather fabulous Keane at Alexandra Palace the night before… not much relevance to Lotus of course other than the day after spending almost 12 hours on heavy motorways, I was dead excited about loading up the SportsRacer and heading off up the M5 once again! Yes the great destination promised quality company, but just climbing in an Elise is enough to fill any trip with more than the simple A to B purpose they often serve
Rush hour through Avonmouth and past Newport & Cardiff was always expected to be heavy going and it didn’t disappoint… but neither did it matter - plenty of time. Simonk rang as we got closer to junction 34… I think he thought he was being stood up as all other BoLOCs en route to The Vale Hotel were similarly delayed. Ah ha, I spy ChristianM in the distance… but his lane starts to crawl slightly ‘quicker’ than ours and although we never caught up, we hit the hotel before him as his sat-nav told a porkie
S works calls. He and Swiss Tone have been similarly sat-navved to nowhere whilst Just1’s gadget proudly announces ‘You have reached your destination’ as he & Dr Just1 cast a bewildered gaze into the Welsh darkness over an empty field. “This is getting feckin silly” they all proclaim as they once again pass, but this time actually notice, a 12-foot high road sign for The Vale. Ahh…
All safe and sound, Hogan’s Bar beckons for soft-drinks and hellos before fulfilling the BoLOC Friday night Burger Run tradition to a nearby establishment. The roads initially leading south were a tad agricultural to say the least, but the run was completed, Burger or similar consumed and a roundabout suitably 'Twinpiped' (a BoLOCs phrase for going around the roundabout a few more times than actually necessary) on the way back
S works looks on knowingly as Swiss points out “Look Simon, it’s probably been mentioned before, but you really remind me of someone…”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah… feckin Harry bloody wotsisname…”
Christian clearly doesn’t agree:
Saturday morning brings regional weather as another load of BoLOCs arrive. Gooby & Beachbum pull in from the homeland whilst Handbag rolls up from just around the corner. Tipper is there from sunny Devon too whilst Davey S2 hands out a rather splendiferous route he has prepared. Our guide has a wealth of local knowledge and freely agreed to show us around some of the best automotive highways that Wales has to offer. 11 strong, we take to the hills
Not long in, it’s time for a pit stop as some of the group have gone a little wayward. Bizarre that bit as we were three from the back but found ourselves pulling up onto the back of Davey’s Exige thinking he’d dropped back to regroup and guide us onwards. We had no idea that six in between had gone their own (or Tipper’s
) merry way!
The wanderers return:
Just stares in disbelief as Tea Van Monthly seize the opportunity to use some stunning scenery for a promo shot:
Regrouped and safely past the mobile scamera van – just the odd one or two kind motorists/enthusiasts/fans let us know it was coming up though
- we meander on
Lunch is taken at the Halt Café. Tidy place that and they even serve nuggets and fish fingers (cheers Kage, I owe you a couple
)
Gooby & Davey are tickled as S works photographs his personal collection of BoLOCs:
Perfectly refuelled, we’re off to The Elan Valley – aptly named and impressively gorgeous
Fern Fanciers Bi-Weekly also steam in on the chance to make the most of a picturesque backdrop:
After Elan, the roads and the atmosphere became something else. For sure the views must be amazing given the chance, but the eerie darkness and narrow roads that held a line of Loti making solid progress was just too much for any flash words
The combination of the light and conditions with a continuous flow of bends and undulations made for a driving experience the likes of which I’ve never encountered before. I didn’t say a word for what must have been the best part of an hour. Completely in the zone yet sharing with all. Stunning… absolutely stunning
Another pit-stop brought many ‘dazed’ drivers from their cars. The intensity of that run coupled with the fact that we had a way to go yet started to show. Time was passing by and those not staying over were thinking of the trip home that still lay ahead after all ‘The Valers’ had returned to base
Several miles of 30 & 40 mph limits followed on and tiredness was edging in. Mrs Janitor even grabbed half an hour of kip!
A quick run back up to the hills and down the A470 brought darkness and heavier rain. Tipper had departed hours ago – that’s the bit I’m still getting my head around… all the way from Devon for an hour or so and then back again either deserves applause or a kick up the arse! Not sure which, but I find myself going 
anyway Beachbum had exited stage right as we returned to Brecon knowing his dinner would now be well inside the dog but Gooby made it back to The Vale where despite our best efforts to persuade him to stay over, his mind was homeward bound
Now I’m of the fairly resilient type but to be honest, I was expecting the remaining bag of BoLOCs to collapse in a heap and fester for the evening. Wrong! Hogan’s Bar beckoned instantly and the mood was bright. Davey stayed on for dinner but Handbag headed off as we made for the restaurant. Thoroughly splendid food and company was abound as the beer flowed like wine… and vice-versa Most random bit of the off-roading must have been when the usually calculated Simonk just came straight out with “So, do you like threesomes?” before Mrs Davey had barely had chance to take her seat at the table mid-taxi run!
As other guys have already commented, there was so much laughing done this weekend – and I can hardly recall anything of the hilarious subject matter! Oh, two things do stand out actually… Simonk being very ‘tuneful’ in a Mr Methane sense and S works singing right into some bloke’s face about the size of his challenger’s penis!
Sunday morning broke in a haze but a big breakfast was definitely once again on the menu. Simonk had made a dawn run for it – probably unable to look his fellow BoLOCs in the eye!
Thos who remained gathered for front of house piccys and then headed off back along the M4. The tunnel at Newport was suitably hooned… man what a glorious sound 
Formation flying across the bridge was a great sight too. Soul-less types behind the wheel of a Citroen Drongo or similar getting irate at our gratuitous couple of minutes was rather entertaining too 
Special thanks to Handbag in sorting The Vale for us and of course to Davey for enrolling as a BoLOC as our host / guide. Top work fella
Four things remain from the weekend. Firstly was the realisation that I hadn’t touched 2nd Cam all of Saturday We were usually making good progress and great to know it’s always there, but for me there just wasn’t the need. Secondly, what a fine set BoLOCs and great that three of the originals were there for the run 
Thirdly: it was a shame more of the established BoLOCs couldn’t make it – Twin, Speedy, Mini & Orange, Cheeky, Oly, Phil and Stuart etc you missed some amazing stuff… and but lastly, for no fault of anyone of course, the very notable absence of Gooby (Saturday aside)
That’s not in any way a complaint or criticism of course - and I know you won’t take it that way – but the truth is fella, whether you like it or not, you are the king BoLOC. I know you often say “C’mon guys, I’m not your Mum!” and the BoLOCs has no official identity, but the esteem in which you are held by the collective is clear to all. Yes you made it and we all felt for you (and Beachy!) on your drive back, but there’s no denying the definite Kage shaped hole when you weren’t around
Here’s hoping that Mr and Mrs Gooby along with many other BoLOCs will be able to enjoy the whole weekend next time we go back
…because there will be a next time, oh yes, there will be a next time
So, the final weekend in October brought the ‘Pumpkin shaped BoLOCs’ to Wales for a nigh-Halloween / post summer / pre-Christmas / any excuse after the Bournemouth gathering for widespread BoLOCs to clack together
In brief, it was three days of driving, chatting, drinking, laughing, eating, sleeping all stuff Lotus and just about anything else with a strong dose of unity and some rather striking commitment to the cause in places… some of which I’ve yet to get my head around!
For Mrs Janitor and I, it was a rare break away from the daily that really started with a trip to London to watch the rather fabulous Keane at Alexandra Palace the night before… not much relevance to Lotus of course other than the day after spending almost 12 hours on heavy motorways, I was dead excited about loading up the SportsRacer and heading off up the M5 once again! Yes the great destination promised quality company, but just climbing in an Elise is enough to fill any trip with more than the simple A to B purpose they often serve
Rush hour through Avonmouth and past Newport & Cardiff was always expected to be heavy going and it didn’t disappoint… but neither did it matter - plenty of time. Simonk rang as we got closer to junction 34… I think he thought he was being stood up as all other BoLOCs en route to The Vale Hotel were similarly delayed. Ah ha, I spy ChristianM in the distance… but his lane starts to crawl slightly ‘quicker’ than ours and although we never caught up, we hit the hotel before him as his sat-nav told a porkie
S works calls. He and Swiss Tone have been similarly sat-navved to nowhere whilst Just1’s gadget proudly announces ‘You have reached your destination’ as he & Dr Just1 cast a bewildered gaze into the Welsh darkness over an empty field. “This is getting feckin silly” they all proclaim as they once again pass, but this time actually notice, a 12-foot high road sign for The Vale. Ahh…
All safe and sound, Hogan’s Bar beckons for soft-drinks and hellos before fulfilling the BoLOC Friday night Burger Run tradition to a nearby establishment. The roads initially leading south were a tad agricultural to say the least, but the run was completed, Burger or similar consumed and a roundabout suitably 'Twinpiped' (a BoLOCs phrase for going around the roundabout a few more times than actually necessary) on the way back
S works looks on knowingly as Swiss points out “Look Simon, it’s probably been mentioned before, but you really remind me of someone…”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah… feckin Harry bloody wotsisname…”
Christian clearly doesn’t agree:
Saturday morning brings regional weather as another load of BoLOCs arrive. Gooby & Beachbum pull in from the homeland whilst Handbag rolls up from just around the corner. Tipper is there from sunny Devon too whilst Davey S2 hands out a rather splendiferous route he has prepared. Our guide has a wealth of local knowledge and freely agreed to show us around some of the best automotive highways that Wales has to offer. 11 strong, we take to the hills
Not long in, it’s time for a pit stop as some of the group have gone a little wayward. Bizarre that bit as we were three from the back but found ourselves pulling up onto the back of Davey’s Exige thinking he’d dropped back to regroup and guide us onwards. We had no idea that six in between had gone their own (or Tipper’s
) merry way!The wanderers return:
Just stares in disbelief as Tea Van Monthly seize the opportunity to use some stunning scenery for a promo shot:
Regrouped and safely past the mobile scamera van – just the odd one or two kind motorists/enthusiasts/fans let us know it was coming up though
- we meander onLunch is taken at the Halt Café. Tidy place that and they even serve nuggets and fish fingers (cheers Kage, I owe you a couple
)Gooby & Davey are tickled as S works photographs his personal collection of BoLOCs:
Perfectly refuelled, we’re off to The Elan Valley – aptly named and impressively gorgeous
Fern Fanciers Bi-Weekly also steam in on the chance to make the most of a picturesque backdrop:
After Elan, the roads and the atmosphere became something else. For sure the views must be amazing given the chance, but the eerie darkness and narrow roads that held a line of Loti making solid progress was just too much for any flash words
The combination of the light and conditions with a continuous flow of bends and undulations made for a driving experience the likes of which I’ve never encountered before. I didn’t say a word for what must have been the best part of an hour. Completely in the zone yet sharing with all. Stunning… absolutely stunning
Another pit-stop brought many ‘dazed’ drivers from their cars. The intensity of that run coupled with the fact that we had a way to go yet started to show. Time was passing by and those not staying over were thinking of the trip home that still lay ahead after all ‘The Valers’ had returned to base
Several miles of 30 & 40 mph limits followed on and tiredness was edging in. Mrs Janitor even grabbed half an hour of kip!
A quick run back up to the hills and down the A470 brought darkness and heavier rain. Tipper had departed hours ago – that’s the bit I’m still getting my head around… all the way from Devon for an hour or so and then back again either deserves applause or a kick up the arse! Not sure which, but I find myself going anyway Beachbum had exited stage right as we returned to Brecon knowing his dinner would now be well inside the dog but Gooby made it back to The Vale where despite our best efforts to persuade him to stay over, his mind was homeward boundNow I’m of the fairly resilient type but to be honest, I was expecting the remaining bag of BoLOCs to collapse in a heap and fester for the evening. Wrong! Hogan’s Bar beckoned instantly and the mood was bright. Davey stayed on for dinner but Handbag headed off as we made for the restaurant. Thoroughly splendid food and company was abound as the beer flowed like wine… and vice-versa
Most random bit of the off-roading must have been when the usually calculated Simonk just came straight out with “So, do you like threesomes?” before Mrs Davey had barely had chance to take her seat at the table mid-taxi run!As other guys have already commented, there was so much laughing done this weekend – and I can hardly recall anything of the hilarious subject matter! Oh, two things do stand out actually… Simonk being very ‘tuneful’ in a Mr Methane sense and S works singing right into some bloke’s face about the size of his challenger’s penis!
Sunday morning broke in a haze but a big breakfast was definitely once again on the menu. Simonk had made a dawn run for it – probably unable to look his fellow BoLOCs in the eye!
Thos who remained gathered for front of house piccys and then headed off back along the M4. The tunnel at Newport was suitably hooned… man what a glorious sound Formation flying across the bridge was a great sight too. Soul-less types behind the wheel of a Citroen Drongo or similar getting irate at our gratuitous couple of minutes was rather entertaining too Special thanks to Handbag in sorting The Vale for us and of course to Davey for enrolling as a BoLOC as our host / guide. Top work fella
Four things remain from the weekend. Firstly was the realisation that I hadn’t touched 2nd Cam all of Saturday
We were usually making good progress and great to know it’s always there, but for me there just wasn’t the need. Secondly, what a fine set BoLOCs and great that three of the originals were there for the run Thirdly: it was a shame more of the established BoLOCs couldn’t make it – Twin, Speedy, Mini & Orange, Cheeky, Oly, Phil and Stuart etc you missed some amazing stuff… and but lastly, for no fault of anyone of course, the very notable absence of Gooby (Saturday aside)That’s not in any way a complaint or criticism of course - and I know you won’t take it that way – but the truth is fella, whether you like it or not, you are the king BoLOC. I know you often say “C’mon guys, I’m not your Mum!” and the BoLOCs has no official identity, but the esteem in which you are held by the collective is clear to all. Yes you made it and we all felt for you (and Beachy!) on your drive back, but there’s no denying the definite Kage shaped hole when you weren’t around
Here’s hoping that Mr and Mrs Gooby along with many other BoLOCs will be able to enjoy the whole weekend next time we go back
…because there will be a next time, oh yes, there will be a next time
Edited by Janitor on Thursday 23 July 00:56
Just checked this post on return from the pub. Sounds like an absolute blast. Never forget how luckly you are living in that part of the world because it seems to me (neewb that I am), that the further south you go, the more Lotus's there are on the road, and the more you get to hook up with like minded folks. I'm hoping to get into that groove soon, but already know that I'll be extremely lucky to ever appear on the 'Spotted' thread ! I've never seen another Elise in Sunderland. Enjoy what you've got, you lucky so-and-so's, and if i'm ever make it into BoLOC territory, I'd love to look you up.
Chris.
Chris.
I never believed that Lou was a midgit, but it's true!!
Ah theres Justin about to sing to the Valleys 'The Fuel of Britian'
We had to ring his Mum, bless him he got stuck up there for ages and cried, but we came to the rescue with his security blanket and fav. 'Big Ted' teddybear.
Simon got lost.....right here, then this bafoon infront of me decided to run me over!!
Ah the Swiss Mobile, it s like making love to a beautiful woman, no Simon that doesn't include the sheep.
Nice view shame about the posts that got in the way but I was driving at the time.
Another whilst I was driving action shot.
..making love to my beautiful woman...
World's first Snail Lotus Race....
Couldn't disturb this man from his fishy fingers...
Lou did try her hardest to get me to stair into her eyes but I was having none of it!!
Ah this is Justin just about to pull out his bottle of Gin
Mmmm nuff said...
Simon learning to count..unfortunatly he shut the window at the same time!!
Nice the locals to bring their's along for the Kodac Momment!!
The West wing of my new house...
Tim showing his new party trick, trying to impress all the girls...Simon was clearly having a lovers tiff!!
Now whos these dodgy caracters...
....oh yeah here he is showing how 'teabag' an ant...
Edited by swiss tone on Thursday 2nd November 00:55
Great thread Janitor... (as usual!)
Yeah sorry couldn't make it but will try for the next one. This really looked like a good old weekend of fun!
Really glad you've managed to keep the car so far. Hope to see you get her on track next year
Hope to catch up with a few of you lot at Bedford as haven't made a BOLOC's run in AGES!
Yeah sorry couldn't make it but will try for the next one. This really looked like a good old weekend of fun!
Really glad you've managed to keep the car so far. Hope to see you get her on track next year
Hope to catch up with a few of you lot at Bedford as haven't made a BOLOC's run in AGES!
What a cracker of a write-up, I had a good giggle reading that - Janitor you are a write-up legend!
Good to see you all had a great time, sorry we couldn't make it in the end - I'm keeping my eyes peeled for the next one and hopefully it will be when funds have settled back down - they're flying everywhere at the moment!
Good to see you all had a great time, sorry we couldn't make it in the end - I'm keeping my eyes peeled for the next one and hopefully it will be when funds have settled back down - they're flying everywhere at the moment!
to Janitor for the words, and to him and Swiss for the pics. Simon - that photo of Gwyndaf is rubbish. You should have taken one while I was over there giving him a few pointers. Best quote of the evening from him.
"Oh you're Lotus boys eh? I raced one once. Qualified 13th, finished 4th. Not a bad little car"... how I didn't reply with "Isn't it!?" I have no idea!
S Works said:
to Janitor for the words, and to him and Swiss for the pics. Simon - that photo of Gwyndaf is rubbish. You should have taken one while I was over there giving him a few pointers. Best quote of the evening from him.
"Oh you're Lotus boys eh? I raced one once. Qualified 13th, finished 4th. Not a bad little car"... how I didn't reply with "Isn't it!?" I have no idea!
He was probably a bit over awed at chatting to Chris Moyles in a hotel bar
Janitor said:
Just resurrecting this one after seeing the BoLOC Burger Run thread... it triggered a whole load of memories (I fixed the photo links too)
I miss you guys!
(oh and yes, there never was that 'next time'...)
Funny you should say that............I miss you guys!
(oh and yes, there never was that 'next time'...)
I was wondering, as March in Wales is not usually a good time to go, weather wise, how is everyones availability in September. Having said that I cant do 12/13th or 26/27th, but that still leave 5/6th or 19/20th.
Sugestion would be, same route as 2006.
Anyone ??????
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