38 replies to this topic

[Bearface]

I normally just drive Mini around Bristol, longest I have ever driven her is an hour and that was with Mr Bearface. I am going to Cheltenham for a hen weekend this weekend and dithering over driving or taking the train. I am a bit nervous about driving by myself into the city centre. Mini's brand new water pump was fitted today and I will check the water, oil and tyre pressure before I go but I'm still nervous! I have some banging tunes on the old ipod because I find music helps when I drive...any more advice? I'm covered by the RAC worse come to worse!

[maggies_minder]

just drive, if it breaks down like you say, you have your RAC card.

i love the looks i get on the motorway, when im in a hurry in the outside lane.

but i generally take it easy sticking as left as i can on the motorway around 55-60, the car seems most quiet and happy there.

[E.L.M.O]

Yeah just do it.

Its what brake down is for and at the end of the day, its what a car was designed for and to be tottally honest, it really is a nothing of a drive!

[tom1234177]

Split up your journey, if you have the time make a pit stop or two in a services, have a break from driving and let the car have a break, then carry on.

[Juju]

Bristol to Cheltenham is about 50 miles!! On the 'Epic' scale, I'd say that scored a negative value.

Woman up, woman! Give yerself a good talking to, get in the mini & enjoy yourself.

[maggies_minder]

Split up your journey, if you have the time make a pit stop or two in a services, have a break from driving and let the car have a break, then carry on.

between bristol and cheltenam?? thats turning like 40 miles into a day trip.

[E.L.M.O]

Bristol to Cheltenham is about 50 miles!! On the 'Epic' scale, I'd say that scored a negative value.

Woman up, woman! Give yerself a good talking to, get in the mini & enjoy yourself.

pmsl, thats what I was thinking. ive driven further to get fuel before!
I know it can be daunting if you havent done it before, but seriously its nothing

[maggies_minder]

if you are going to take the motorway, dont drive the balls off your car, just treat it inicely and take it easy.

and mostly,
keep up these trips and stay hardcore

[E.L.M.O]

dont drive the balls off your car

geeze,,,, spoil sport!

nail it I say!

[maggies_minder]

dont drive the balls off your car

geeze,,,, spoil sport!

nail it I say!

i wouldnt if its never really opened up round town.

i rev the nuts off mine everywhere, i treat her mean and she loves it... the mini that is.

[tom1234177]

Haha didn't realised how small a journey it was, yeah.. you'll be fine!

[E.L.M.O]

yeah you can play it safe. Or you can just go for it an air out those cob webs!

To put it into perspective, when I did the mongol rally in 2006 we did 10000miles across 5 mountain ranges and 3 deserts. The car had been sitting for 3 years and all we did was an oil change and we drove pretty much full throttle everywhere from Poland onwards (with the exception of Kiev!) And the car was fine.

There pretty strong things! They do brake every now and again but cars are built to be driven.

Ohh and the misses mayfair is like that. If you hammer it everywhere and treat it bad it loves it! You can sit at 90in it happily but the moment you buy it something nice and shiney, or spend any money on it what so ever it shows off and throws its toys out of its prame.

[redhotminilewis]

Personally, i would just get the train to cheltenham. Think about it. If your going to a hen weekend there will more than likely be a good old drink involved and i have been in that situation when you literally cant drive the next day cause your still trollied. Not the best as well if your hitting the highway.

I have driven there and back in my mini before from bristol and if your sober its fine, but half pissed, i dont think is such a good idea haha.

Plus i usually get the train from yate to Gloucester rather than drive the mini cause then i can relax whilst moving, do what i want and for me, its cheaper cause my car does love its fuel. Plus im on a limited milage insurance and im slowly touching my limit

Edited by redhotminilewis, 01 November 2011 - 05:38 PM.

[Bearface]

Thanks for the comments. I am going scenic rather than the M5 so it will take me around 1h20 door to door which for me is a long day! I am a huge worrier so I think you are right, I just need to get on and do it. Mr Bearface is going to buy me a battery operated sat nav so I won't get lost in Cheltenham.

[Bearface]

Personally, i would just get the train to cheltenham. Think about it. If your going to a hen weekend there will more than likely be a good old drink involved and i have been in that situation when you literally cant drive the next day cause your still trollied. Not the best as well if your hitting the highway.

I have driven there and back in my mini before from bristol and if your sober its fine, but half pissed, i dont think is such a good idea haha.

Plus i usually get the train from yate to Gloucester rather than drive the mini cause then i can relax whilst moving, do what i want and for me, its cheaper cause my car does love its fuel. Plus im on a limited milage insurance and im slowly touching my limit

I was thinking of that but then I have to get from the station to my friends house...if I drive I can park at a hotel because parking is a 'mare in Cheltenham. And the general consensus seems to be to face my fears. I don't really drink much anyway, I certainly don't intend on getting sloshed.