The venue.

[northwind]

Awesome, it's only about 360 miles from my house! And not just an entire day on the M6 as it has been every other year. And a bit of the country I've never been to. Result! Might just try and hit it in one day this year.

I know for a few people it'll be a bit far east or south but then last year was a bit far west and south for many, and the year before a bit far west and north. Short of having it in Sheffield every year not everyone can ever be totally happy, but for me the fact that it's in a whole different end of the country is a good thing. Plus, look, people are talking about coming from Aberdeen!

Originally Posted by Mr Speirs

Dunno I've already asked but not been given a straight answer.

I'm not sure myself but having done stuff like this myself you usually look for a geographic area first, then a base site (ie suitable campsites, ideally with a backup site) and THEN you worry about routes. But for the AR the most important part is finding people who'll actually organise it, which is really a massive commitment and not something many people will take on. So, it was probably a mix of all of those factors. Becuase it's so much more than just a rideout, the organisation team are absolutely critical to everything.

Originally Posted by BigApe

We had a big map of the UK on the wall. I had a blindfold on, was spun round a few times and then stuck a pin in the map.

The other two options were Kirkwall, and the bristol channel.

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

I've done 500 in a day.

I think I've seen that DVD.

[Supervox]

Originally Posted by northwind

I think I've seen that DVD.

Well, that's the entertainment for Saturday night taken of then !!

[Messie]

Please don't make harsh and stereotypical judgements about the venue for AR09. Sure there are some bits of Essex that are none too pretty but there are very many unusually attractive and unexpectedly interesting bits as well.

Some of the roads we'll be going on a great and hopefully you'll find us a warm and welcoming bunch of people.

But I suppose if you can't get past the blinkered view then best stay away (but you'll miss a really great week end )

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by dizzyblonde

lol, although I may be getting excited at the prospect of another AR, Im Indoors is still adamant he ain't going.

So leave the miserable so and so at home then.

I dont see the location matters one little bit, for alot of people its about the gathering of people together and socialising rather than the rideout route itself.

I really fail to understand what the problem is with the location... I dont think there is one. I think it will be a cracking weekend and its not one I am going to miss out on.

The best thing about these weekends, is that somebody local plans the route. If they are like we were for AR08 they'll want to show off the area and they'll take you around the best pieces of road the area has to offer.

Those of you that made assumptions, remember Assume makes an ass out of U and Me

The area has been chosen simply because for AR09 that is the best place in the country to go. Simple as that.

[mattSV]

Originally Posted by phil24_7

What trailer is it you have again?

Hired it this year, however might have an option to make one from scratch for next year....

Originally Posted by Messie

Please don't make harsh and stereotypical judgements about the venue for AR09. Sure there are some bits of Essex that are none too pretty but there are very many unusually attractive and unexpectedly interesting bits as well.

I was under the impression the AR was more about the people attending than the venue, though being guaranteed local accents the majority of us from Her Majesty's Glorious South can understand will be a distinct advantage.

If some people don't want to come purely because it's in Essex, then I for one couldn't give a monkey's. They're the ones who'll be missing out on the wonderful Burnham bends and the excellent company the org offers.

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by Lozzo

I was under the impression the AR was more about the people attending than the venue, though being guaranteed local accents the majority of us from Her Majesty's Glorious South can understand will be a distinct advantage.

Aye but what of us who can speak the language proper' eh?

With a grandad who was a half Irish half Scots Scouse, Maltese parents, an ex-wife from Carlisle and having lived all over the UK, I'm pretty good at making sense of the almost criminal attrocities that are heard against our language across this magnificent land.

[yorkie_chris]

Aye I suppose you'd have to be to live "dahn sarf"

Originally Posted by Messie

...there are very many unusually attractive and unexpectedly interesting bits as well.

Are you talking about your chest again?

Originally Posted by Messie

...warm and welcoming ...

I KNEW it!

Originally Posted by Lozzo

With a grandad who was a half Irish half Scots Scouse, Maltese parents, an ex-wife from Carlisle and having lived all over the UK, I'm pretty good at making sense of the almost criminal attrocities that are heard against our language across this magnificent land.

You forgot to mention "as a fluent speaker of gibberish myself..."

Any ideas for where in EAR it's gonna be yet? Or am I getting excited and humping legs too early?