Author Topic: Staffordshire camping weekend 2-4 September 2011 (Read 43841 times)

rogerzilla · « **on:** 19 April, 2011, 05:53:24 pm »

Are we having a September camping weekend this year? If not, why not? I can probably find a campsite if no-one else volunteers.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 April, 2011, 05:55:25 pm »

It was marvellous last year, apart from the journey from Reading. We can avoid that this time - or at least, stay on a train to somewhere more suitable.

Kim · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 April, 2011, 05:55:36 pm »

Surely we must. It's a tradition or an old charter or something.

rogerzilla · « **Reply #3 on:** 05 May, 2011, 06:16:29 pm »

It looks as if it may fall to me to organise this (i.e. choose a campsite and a date, anyway), since I don't think Wyke Down is happening this year.

I'll start a poll for the date.

Jaded · « **Reply #4 on:** 05 May, 2011, 06:18:35 pm »

I was thinking this earlier today.

Would good to have another one. Might be good to have a more explicit thread title

gordon taylor · « **Reply #5 on:** 05 May, 2011, 06:27:41 pm »

Strange! The photos from the recent camp looked great. I was thinking of offering my place as a YACF campsite, but didn't know where, or when to post.

If the tribes are interested in a visit to mid-Staffordshire, chez Gordy offers:

Country cottage, adjacent field, no neighbours, unlimited wood supplies for campfires, easy direct train connections from London to local station only one mile away, decent local rides, choice of pubs within two miles...

Interested?

The best weekend for us would be 3rd and 4th September, and there's some Peak Audaxes, I think, on those dates for the adventurous.

rogerzilla · « **Reply #6 on:** 05 May, 2011, 06:40:35 pm »

I was thinking Lechlade for boating opportunities as well as some very flat rides (Blenheim Palace is quite a nice pootle from there).

CrinklyLion · « **Reply #7 on:** 05 May, 2011, 06:51:49 pm »

Gordy, what a lovely offer

We'd maybe be up for whatever the tribe decides, depending on the logistics and so on. Whether that'd be just me, or me and a cub or potentially two, would depend on a number of factors including the general consensus re the prospect of chiddlers attending and whether the SmallestCub can grow long enough legs to be pedal powered over the summer.

For that particular weekend, one thing to be aware of is that the FNRttC Martletts ride is on the first Friday in September. My guess would be that a fair number of forumites will be either riding or marshalling for that one.

Basil · « **Reply #8 on:** 05 May, 2011, 07:05:17 pm »

I like Gordy's offer. It's further north than previous gatherings, so would hopefully be easier for our northern chums.
3rd & 4th of Sept is also a good date for me.

Jaded · « **Reply #9 on:** 05 May, 2011, 07:07:08 pm »

Isn't it cold and dark up north?

Basil · « **Reply #10 on:** 05 May, 2011, 07:09:04 pm »

Quote from: Jaded on 05 May, 2011, 07:07:08 pm

Isn't it cold and dark up north?

Yeah. So they should come down to Gordy's in the Midlands.

JenM · « **Reply #11 on:** 05 May, 2011, 08:19:44 pm »

I'm up for this one. 3/4 Sept OK with me - just tell me where I have no real preference.

Chris N · « **Reply #12 on:** 05 May, 2011, 08:48:36 pm »

Quote from: Gordy on 05 May, 2011, 06:27:41 pm

Interested?

Very.

rogerzilla · « **Reply #13 on:** 05 May, 2011, 08:52:43 pm »

Gordy, what's the nearest railway station? I assume you don't want 30 cars on your drive.

Wowbagger · « **Reply #14 on:** 05 May, 2011, 08:53:41 pm »

I like Gordy's idea. Sunny September Staffordshire sounds spiffing.

gordon taylor · « **Reply #15 on:** 05 May, 2011, 08:56:13 pm »

Please feel free to consider alternatives to chez Gordy - I won't be offended if the preference is for somewhere else. In fact, I might be relieved!

Some other info: Stafford is ten miles away - trains from everywhere go to Stafford. Stone is the local station, served only by a London to Crewe slow train operated by London Midland - fares are ridiculously cheap, but the train is S-L-O-W ! It's only £8 (for a 150-mile journey) from London if you get booked in advance - and there's no need for cycle reservations. However, many people prefer to pay more and rocket to Stafford on Virgin or CrossCountry. London to Stafford is about 75 minutes on Virgin or 150 minutes on London Midland. East - West train travellers can aim for Blythe Bridge or Stoke-on-Trent... both about eight miles away to the north, and north east.

What else? We're half a mile from a canal path section of NCN 5.

Parking at the house is extremely limited, but a nearby farmer has a big yard with plenty of space. Driving is easy - the M6 runs close and access is from junction 14 or junction 15.

We can do any weekend dates from 27th August onwards, but I'm liable to be less sociable as September progresses as I always have to work at weekends to get ready for school on Mondays.

The Audax rides on 3rd September are from Bradwell in the Peak District (40 miles away)
There's a 200 and a 120 available - both are hilly.

Feel free, folks. The offer is open. By all means consider all alternatives.

jogler · « **Reply #16 on:** 05 May, 2011, 08:56:28 pm »

Gordy has a super location

Butterfly · « **Reply #17 on:** 05 May, 2011, 09:09:15 pm »

Sounds fab to me

3rd and 4th September is a good plan.

clarion · « **Reply #18 on:** 05 May, 2011, 09:11:04 pm »

gordon taylor · « **Reply #19 on:** 05 May, 2011, 09:17:46 pm »

Quote from: Butterfly on 05 May, 2011, 09:09:15 pm

Sounds fab to me 3rd and 4th September is a good plan.

Is the clash with the FNRTTC a big problem?

Wowbagger · « **Reply #20 on:** 05 May, 2011, 09:38:29 pm »

Not if you don't do the FNRttC!

Tail End Charlie · « **Reply #21 on:** 05 May, 2011, 09:43:27 pm »

I could be up for this, if I'm not working. Don't mind where it is - Chateau Gordy sounds good but then it's a lot to ask someone to put up a load of campers for the weekend (phew, my back garden is nowhere near big enough).

Jaded · « **Reply #22 on:** 05 May, 2011, 10:32:22 pm »

A pub and a shower?

mikeluke · « **Reply #23 on:** 05 May, 2011, 10:59:23 pm »

Quote from: Wowbagger on 05 May, 2011, 09:38:29 pm

Not if you don't do the FNRttC!

+1. Sounds great

Deano · « **Reply #24 on:** 05 May, 2011, 11:45:32 pm »

I could do Staffordshire. And probably that weekend, post-PBP.

Author Topic: Staffordshire camping weekend 2-4 September 2011 (Read 43841 times)

gordon taylor

Chris N

gordon taylor

gordon taylor

Tail End Charlie

mikeluke