Woodpecker Rally

Woodpecker Rally

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Robmarriott

Original Poster:

2,733 posts

165 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
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I'm thinking about going but there's not much info on their website despite it only being a couple of weeks away.

I don't want to book a hotel and drive a couple of hours for it to be pants.

Any tips on where to spectate from? There's no stage map or anything so I can't even work out where would be best to stay...

thepawbroon

1,192 posts

191 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
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Robmarriott said:
I'm thinking about going but there's not much info on their website despite it only being a couple of weeks away.

I don't want to book a hotel and drive a couple of hours for it to be pants.

Any tips on where to spectate from? There's no stage map or anything so I can't even work out where would be best to stay...
Many events are not releasing spectator info until a week or so beforehand, I presume either to prevent undesired access and/or they haven't approved the spectator set up with FE and MSUK.

Robmarriott

Original Poster:

2,733 posts

165 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
That’s a fair reason but some info would be handy because short of ‘near Ludlow’ I have no idea where I need to be.

thepawbroon

1,192 posts

191 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
Robmarriott said:
That’s a fair reason but some info would be handy because short of ‘near Ludlow’ I have no idea where I need to be.
Maybe pop a message to the organising club?

ArnageWRC

2,177 posts

166 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
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Robmarriott said:
That’s a fair reason but some info would be handy because short of ‘near Ludlow’ I have no idea where I need to be.
As already said, speccy info is usually released about a week before; that's just how it is, and as a rallyfan we're used to this. However, going by previous years, there is usually a spectator area at Mortimer Forest; High Vinnalls/ Haye Park - with a car park in a field over the road.

thepawbroon

1,192 posts

191 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
I know the feeling, I like to be prepared and know where I'm going, where I'm parking, how far to walk, how much picnic etc to take. But sadly these days there are so many influences and regulations imposed on rallying, that things like spectator plans can't really be sent out until they are fully approved.

Prior to the organiser saying for example "Haye Park" for spectating, they would have to have designed a spectator area and have it risk assessed, have that reviewed by the MSUK Safety Delegate, defined the facilities (e.g. portaloos, catering etc) have have that agreed with the landowner, defined the access routes and have that agreed with the police and perhaps council, in some cases even get an event licence from the council etc.

I know it doesn't help you at all, but it adds some context.

Previous year's routes are available on www.rally-maps.com but there's no guarantee that 2023 will be similar.

Have fun anyway, please take some photos and post them on here smile




Robmarriott

Original Poster:

2,733 posts

165 months

Wednesday 23rd August 2023
quotequote all
Thanks for the replies.

It all makes sense, I’ve had a look at last year’s routes so I know I’m vaguely in the area and booked a hotel near the middle.

fttm

3,864 posts

142 months

Wednesday 30th August 2023
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They’re using Ceri for the first time in a while , that’s where I’d be headed .

Robmarriott

Original Poster:

2,733 posts

165 months

Thursday 31st August 2023
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That's a good enough recommendation for me.

I was going to try to do SS2 at Ceri, then get to Haye Park for SS4 and maybe back to Ceri for SS6 before making my way back home but that might not be possible so I might just stay in one place all day.

ArnageWRC

2,177 posts

166 months

Thursday 31st August 2023
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To be honest, staying in one place all day I find is far more relaxing - trying to stage hop on some of those roads/traffic can be a pain. When I go to Haye Park, I go near the spectator area in the morning, come back to the car for lunch, then in the afternoon I'll wander further into the stage, and get a decent spot.

classicfred

390 posts

84 months

Saturday 9th September 2023
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sjabrown

1,972 posts

167 months

Tuesday 12th September 2023
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It was, once again, an enjoyable rally from inside a car. Enjoyed Ceri and despite being somewhat bumpy on the first pass it didn't really get rough.

Robmarriott

Original Poster:

2,733 posts

165 months

Wednesday 13th September 2023
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sjabrown said:
It was, once again, an enjoyable rally from inside a car. Enjoyed Ceri and despite being somewhat bumpy on the first pass it didn't really get rough.
What car were you in? I might have got some pictures.

Edit - I worked it out...

I got a few shots but this was the only one in focus.



Edited by Robmarriott on Wednesday 13th September 18:56