An estimated 150 classic cars and bikes turned up at the Royal Oak, Bishopstone on Drive it Day, 2013
But what is "Drive it Day", I hear you ask?
Every year "National Drive It Day" is purposefully held on the Sunday nearest to 23 April. Why? Because it commemorates the 64 cars that left London on the first day of the Thousand Mile Trial on 23 April 1900.
The Royal Automobile Club Thousand Mile Trial started in London and passed through Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester - travelled through Scotland - then passed back through more English locations until they were back in London again.
The tour lasted until 12th May and forty six out of the approximately sixty-five starting cars made it to the finish line.
This day is organised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), but this time they provided no information about events around the UK.
However, the good old Google search came to the rescue, and I ended up driving 170 miles in my Daimler SP250.
I first stormed down the M4 (I live in Guildford) to The Royal Oak at Bishopstone near Swindon where they were expecting 150 cars and motorbikes, with snack bars, and marshalls - lots of activity.
After a couple of hours I left and drove South to the Star Inn at East Tytherley where there was another meet (much quieter). And finally, I drove home, up the M27, M5 past Winchester, and then on my favourite road the A31, with its long dual carriageways and many roundabouts. In a car which really does like to sit at 85mph (3,300rpm), this is great fun.
So I feel I did my bit to show my car, although I saw less than half a dozen others on the road.
Every year "National Drive It Day" is purposefully held on the Sunday nearest to 23 April. Why? Because it commemorates the 64 cars that left London on the first day of the Thousand Mile Trial on 23 April 1900.
The Royal Automobile Club Thousand Mile Trial started in London and passed through Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester - travelled through Scotland - then passed back through more English locations until they were back in London again.
The tour lasted until 12th May and forty six out of the approximately sixty-five starting cars made it to the finish line.
This day is organised by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC), but this time they provided no information about events around the UK.
However, the good old Google search came to the rescue, and I ended up driving 170 miles in my Daimler SP250.
I first stormed down the M4 (I live in Guildford) to The Royal Oak at Bishopstone near Swindon where they were expecting 150 cars and motorbikes, with snack bars, and marshalls - lots of activity.
After a couple of hours I left and drove South to the Star Inn at East Tytherley where there was another meet (much quieter). And finally, I drove home, up the M27, M5 past Winchester, and then on my favourite road the A31, with its long dual carriageways and many roundabouts. In a car which really does like to sit at 85mph (3,300rpm), this is great fun.
So I feel I did my bit to show my car, although I saw less than half a dozen others on the road.
... And "Drive-IT-Day" 2017
This year, a local club near me just to the East of Guildford organised a 'Drive'. We met at 09:30 at the Queen's Head pub in East Clandon where there was coffee and 'bacon butties' and we were issued with our route instructions, written as usual in 'Tulip' style. There were two routes, one was outbound to the pub for our lunch stop, The Blue Ship, near Billinghurst, and the other a different return route; about 125 miles in all. We were about 25 cars of all types and ages.
At the Queen'a Head, East Clandon, just about to depart for a day's motoring through Surrey and Sussex countryside
At The Blue Ship Inn. There were even Clog dancers for our entertainment!
The Blue Ship Inn provided the most delicious local beer and quite stunning Sunday Roast Lunch. An excellent time.
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