Friday 15 November 2013

Lay down thy polishing rag and drive!

CLUB TRIUMPH ROUND BRITAIN RELIABILITY RUN: It's got history!
(This is a revised copy of a RBRR blog posting that we published for the 2012 event)

As we are on the day of the announcement of the 24th Round Britain Reliability Run that is set for early October 2014, I thought it would be opportune to set the scene for the event by revising a 2012 RBRR Blog entry that states the history of the event and shows the list of controls  for previous RBRRs. Unfortunately, we do not have copies of the 1966 Road Book and the 1974 and 1976 Road Books, so we cannot list the controls used for those RBRRs. Please note that a gap of three years was envisaged when it was decided to run the 2nd RBRR in 1969 following the success of the 1966 event. The 3rd RBRR was run in 1971 and it was thought that the next would be in 1973, however the fuel crisis of that year made the thought of running an event that asked Entrants to buy approximately 65 gallons of petrol morally and politically incorrect. Therefore it was decided that the event should be postponed until 1974.
Bet the increased cost of 4star was eye-watering in 1974 and 1976! Thinking about the cost of fuel, below is a list of the cost of the average price of a gallon of petrol for each of the years that the RBRR has been run. I have also added the approximate cost of driving the event based upon using a Triumph that achieves 30mpg and an event distance of 2000 miles, therefore using 66.66 gallons. It might be best not to look at this!
1966        27p                         £18.00    
1969        32.5p                      £21.65
1971        34.25p                    £22.85
1974        49.5p                      £33.00
1976        77p                         £51.35
1978        77p                         £51.35
1980        128.5p                    £85.66
1982        164p                       £109.32
1984        187p                       £124.65
1986        179p                       £119.32
1988        171.5p                    £114.32
1990        213.5p                    £142.32
1992        227p                       £151.32
1994        259.5p                    £172.98
1996        279.3p                    £186.18
1998        323p                       £215.31
2000        389p                       £259.31
2002        359p                       £239.31
2004        391p                       £260.64
2006        435p                       £289.97
2008        537p                       £357.96
2010        537p                       £357.96
2012        610p                       £406.63
The price figures were either obtained from the AA or from The Guardian newspaper. These fuel prices are UK average figures, as ever I imagine that fuel costs in the Highlands must have been more expensive, maybe dear even in 1966? It would be interesting to compare these costs against cost of living indices for the UK. One very shocking way to look at this cost increase is that in 1966 the total 6no finishers fuel costs would have been £108.00, whereas in 2012 the total for the 86no finishers was approximately £34,970.00, crikey!!
As the RBRR is quickly approaching the 50th anniversary of the first event it is interesting to note how the event has evolved into its current state whilst still having the same purpose of attempting to drive 2000 miles in 48 hours within the UK  The major changes to the event have been (not all good):
·      *  The increased number of Triumph enthusiasts who wish to take part.
·       *  An increase in the number of Controls that we now visit.
·        * More use of single carriageway roads.
·        * Higher condition and standard of vehicles taking part. This has become very noticeable within the last few RBRR events, maybe reflecting the increase in value that most Triumph models now seem to be realising. Of course, back in the early days Triumph used to loan out cars for the event, so fair to say they must have been the best condition to have taken part.
·       *  More bureaucratic controls: Motor Sport Association Touring Assembly Permit resulting in the need to obtain route clearance from MSA Route Liaison Officers, this can mean Risk Assessment approval from Police Constabularies
·       *  In recent times we have seen frequent retirements owing to component failure. The UK has been flooded with cheap parts made throughout the world, fair to say most them made with an eye on profit, not quality! Alternators, fuel pumps, bearings and track rod ends being the poorest quality parts.
It does seem that the pace of the event has increased, many more cars now feature overdrive units and bigger diameter wheels and tyres therefore reducing engine speeds to enable travel at higher speed. Another possible reason for this increased pace may be that most/many Entrants now drive modern cars that can travel at high speeds and when making the switch to an old Triumph car will tend to drive the car harder and faster than their counterparts in the 60s and 70s may have done? This has had a positive result in that we can now offer roads in Wales, therefore replacing the energy and brain sapping M6/M5 section, from say Motherwell to Bodmin in Cornwall, a drag to say the least. The Welsh section now offers some of the most exciting and satisfying driving roads throughout the event.

1969
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Fortes Autogrill and Service Station, A1: ETA: Friday 22.03hrs
Edinburgh Town Centre: ETA: Saturday 03.06hrs
Bonar Bridge, A9: ETA: Saturday 08.14hrs
John O’Groats, A82: ETA: Saturday 10.37hrs: Breakfast
Fort William: ETA: Saturday 15.24hrs
Carlisle Jct A74/A6: Saturday ETA: 20.27hrs
West Bromwich Jct of M6/M5: ETA: Sunday 00.50hrs
Alveston, A38: ETA: Sunday 03.09hrs: Meet ‘Bristol’ guides.
Exeter Jct A35/A3085: ETA: Sunday 05.34hrs
Lands End: ETA: Sunday 08.30hrs: Breakfast
Exeter By-Pass: ETA: Sunday 11.48hrs
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Finish: Sunday 17.02hrs
8 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1878
Organisers: Derek Pollock and Les Mills

Many will have seen the black and white photograph that is often featured in Club Torque that shows the start of the 1966 event at Broadfields, what an exciting prospect the first one must have been, seems almost impossible to have done the event without some of the motorways that we now use.
 
Some points to note from the first two events;
Forth Road Bridge Toll was 2shillings and 6pence (12.5p)!
Crews were instructed to rewind their watches near Lesmahagow on the A74 (Now the B7078)
The first event featured a ferry crossing, luckily only 6 cars took part!
Only small sections of motorway featured: M10, M1, M6, M50 and M5

1971
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Fortes Autogrill and Service Station, A1: ETA: Friday 22.03hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.44hrs
Dicksons Garage, Perth: ETA: Saturday 04.02hrs
Helmsdale, A9: ETA: Saturday 08.48hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 10.13hrs: Breakfast
Fort William: ETA: Saturday 14.59hrs
Macharg, Rennie and Lindsay Garage, Glasgow: ETA: Saturday 18.00hrs
Knutsford Service Station, M6: ETA: Saturday 22.46hrs: Supper
‘The Ship’ Public House, Alveston: ETA: Sunday 02.35hrs: Meet ‘Bristol’ Guides.
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 07.48hrs: Breakfast
Motor Macs, Paris Street, Exeter: ETA: Sunday 11.50hrs
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Finish 17.00hrs
11 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1850
Organisers: Derek Pollock and Les Mills
 

These first few events did not have Marshal controlled stops, crews were trusted to have visited and therefore gain completion.
 

1978
 
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Motor Chef Services, A1 Wentbridge By-Pass: ETA: Friday 22.26hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA Saturday 00.47hrs
McLennan Garage (Chrysler dealer), Dunkeld Road, Perth: ETA Saturday 04.19hrs
Helmsdale, A9: ETA: Saturday 09.05hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 10.26hrs: Breakfast
Fort Augustus, A82: ETA: Saturday 15.16hrs
Garage, Kirklee Road, Glasgow: ETA: Saturday 19.36hrs
Knutsford Service Station, M6: ETA: Saturday 22.46hrs:
 
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 03.13hrs
Lands End: ETA: Sunday 08.03hrs
Queens Hotel, Penzance: ETA: Sunday 08.30hrs Breakfast
Garage, Totnes: ETA: Sunday 11.48hrs
Fleet Service Station, M3: ETA: Sunday 16.23hrs
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Finish 18.09hrs
12 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1850
Organisers: Derek Pollock and Les Mills

1980
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.47hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 10.26hrs: Breakfast
McRae and Dick (BL Dealer), Dingwall: ETA: Saturday 14.10hrs
Parkhall Service Station and Little Chef, Great Western Road, Glasgow: ETA: Saturday 19.26hrs
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 03.13hrs
Lands End: ETA: Sunday 08.03hrs (Note: Breakfast was taken at Queens Hotel, Penzance ETA 08.30hrs)
Fleet Service Station, M3: ETA: Sunday 16.23hrs
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Finish 18.09hrs
16 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1832
Organisers: Derek Pollock and Les Mills

One or two locations were used for food, however they were not official Control Stops.

1982
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.47hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 10.06hrs: Breakfast
McRae and Dick (BL Dealer), Dingwall: ETA: Saturday 14.59hrs
Johnstone Stewart and Son. Northern Garage, Main Street, Bainsford, Falkirk: ETA: Saturday 19.56hrs.
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 04.46hrs
Lands End: ETA:Sunday 08.13hrs (Note: Breakfast was taken at Queens Hotel, Penzance ETA 08.45hrs)
Fleet Service Station, M3: ETA: Sunday 16.17hrs
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Finish 18.03hrs
22 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1887
Organisers: Derek Pollock and Les Mills

1984
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.57hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 10.11hrs: Breakfast
McRae and Dick (BL Dealer), Dingwall: ETA: Saturday 15.07hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 19.59hrs.
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 03.46hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 08.14hrs
 Breakfast
Fleet Service Station, M3: ETA: Sunday 15.56hrs
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Finish 18.00hrs
20 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1855
Organisers: Derek Pollock and Les Mills


1986
 
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.57hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 10.11hrs: Breakfast
McRae and Dick (BL Dealer), Dingwall: ETA: Saturday 15.07hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 19.59hrs.
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 03.46hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 08.14hrs
 Breakfast
Sparkford Motor Museum, Sparkford, A303: ETA: Sunday 13.40hrs
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Finish 18.00hrs
27 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1855
Organisers: Derek Pollock and Les Mills

As can be seen from 1984 the event started to take on stops that are still used today. Looking at 1986, it is hoped that 4 of them will be visited in 2014.
 

1988
 
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.51hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 10.06hrs: Breakfast
McRae and Dick (BL Dealer), Dingwall: ETA: Saturday 15.01hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 19.56hrs.
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 03.37hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 08.06hrs
 Breakfast
Trago Mills Shopping Centre, Exeter: ETA: Sunday 12.04hrs
Fleet Service Station, M3: ETA: Sunday 16.22hrs
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Finish 18.00hrs
31 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1885
Organisers: Derek Pollock and Les Mills

Interesting to note that 1988 was the first time the M25 was used, before then vehicles used to head into London either via the M4 or the M3 and then take the North Circular Road around to the A1, blimey! Could be said that the RBRR entered into its Modern period at this point.

1990
 
In aid of the British Heart Foundation
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Blyth Granada Services, A1: ETA: Friday 21.39hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.52hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 10.19hrs: Breakfast
McRae and Dick (BL Dealer), Dingwall: ETA Saturday 15.05hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 19.58hrs.
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 03.44hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA Sunday 08.15hrs
 Breakfast
Dartmoor Lodge Hotel, Ashburton: ETA Sunday 12.02hrs
Cloverleaf Garage, Basingstoke, A30: ETA: Sunday 16.19hrs
Broadfields Garage, Cockfosters, North London: Finish 18.00hrs
50 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1888
Organisers: Derek Pollock, Les Mills and David Shewry

1990 was the last time that Broadfields Garage was used for a start. From here onwards we have used pubs as a Start venue, these having been managed by Mick Callighan, who is still the Landlord of The Plough.

1992
In aid of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund
Cock O’The North Public House, A1: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Blyth Granada Services, A1: ETA: Friday 21.26hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.39hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 10.17hrs: Breakfast
McRae and Dick (BL Dealer), Dingwall: ETA: Saturday 15.03hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 19.58hrs.
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 03.44hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 08.16hrs
 Breakfast
Dartmoor Lodge Hotel, Ashburton: ETA: Sunday 11.55hrs
Cloverleaf Garage, Basingstoke, A30: ETA: Sunday 16.32hrs
Cock O’The North Public House, A1: Finish 18.00hrs
34 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1884
Organisers: Derek Pollock, Nigel Abdullah and David Shewry

1994
In aid of the Imperial Cancer Research Fund
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Blyth Granada Services, A1: ETA: Friday 21.47hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.44hrs
Edinburgh Airport: Terminal Building: ETA: Saturday 03.19hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 10.00hrs: Breakfast
McRae and Dick (BL Dealer), Dingwall: ETA: Saturday 14.57hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 19.39hrs.
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 03.38hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 08.14hrs
 Breakfast
Lake Garage, A386, Sourton, Devon: ETA Sunday 11.39hrs
Cloverleaf Garage, Basingstoke, A30: ETA: Sunday 16.14hrs
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Finish 18.00hrs
39 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1908
Organisers: Derek Pollock and Nigel Abdullah

1996
In aid of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Blyth Granada Services, A1: ETA: Friday 21.49hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.41hrs
Edinburgh Airport: Terminal Building: ETA: Saturday 03.12hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 10.02hrs: Breakfast
McRae and Dick (BL Dealer), Dingwall: ETA: Saturday 14.59hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 19.41hrs.
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 03.30hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 08.12hrs
 Breakfast
Dorchester Honda Garage, Maumbury Road, Dorchester: ETA Sunday 13.43hrs
Fleet Services (Lorry Park), M3: ETA: Sunday 16.55hrs
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Finish 18.30hrs
56 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1917
Organisers: Derek Pollock and Nigel Abdullah


1998
In aid of the MacMillan Cancer Relief
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Blyth Granada Services, A1: ETA: Friday 21.52hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.29hrs
Edinburgh Airport: Terminal Building: ETA: Saturday 02.48hrs
Perth Services, Inveralmond: ETA: Saturday 04.04hrs
Thrumster Garages Limited, Thrumster, A99: ETA: Saturday 08.42hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 09.21hrs: Breakfast
McRae and Dick (BL Dealer), Dingwall: ETA: Saturday 14.32hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 18.52hrs.
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 02.36hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 07.48hrs
 Breakfast
Dorchester Honda Garage, Maumbury Road, Dorchester: ETA Sunday 13.49hrs
Fleet Services (Lorry Park), M3: ETA: Sunday 17.00hrs
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Finish 18.35hrs
60 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1920
Organisers: Derek Pollock and Nigel Abdullah

2000
In aid of the Children with Leukaemia
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Blyth Granada Services, A1: ETA: Friday 22.34hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 01.12hrs
Edinburgh Airport: Terminal Building: ETA: Saturday 03.30hrs
Perth Services, Inveralmond: ETA: Saturday 04.40hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 09.34hrs: Breakfast
Conon Hotel, Conon Bridge: ETA: Saturday 14.04hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 18.28hrs.
Oswestry Services, Oswestry, A5: ETA: Saturday 23.52hrs
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 02.49hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 07.53hrs
 Breakfast
Dartmoor Lodge Hotel, Ashburton: ETA Sunday 11.45hrs
Fleet Services (Lorry Park), M3: ETA: Sunday 16.39hrs
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Finish 18.20hrs
63 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1909
Organisers: Derek Pollock and Nigel Abdullah

2002
In aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Blyth Granada Services, A1: ETA: Friday 22.34hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 01.12hrs
Edinburgh Airport: Terminal Building: ETA: Saturday 03.30hrs
Perth Services, Inveralmond: ETA: Saturday 04.40hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 09.35hrs: Breakfast
Conon Hotel, Conon Bridge: ETA: Saturday 14.05hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 18.29hrs.
Oswestry Services, Oswestry, A5: ETA: Saturday 00.11hrs
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 02.49hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 07.51hrs: Breakfast
Dartmoor Lodge Hotel, Ashburton: ETA Sunday 12.16hrs
Fleet Services (Lorry Park), M3: ETA: Sunday 17.04hrs
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Finish 18.45hrs
57 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1899
Organisers: Derek Pollock, Nigel Abdullah and Tim Bancroft

2004
In aid of the Children with Leukaemia
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Depart Friday 19.00hrs
Blyth Granada Services, A1: ETA: Friday 22.06hrs
Bishops Garage, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.44hrs
Edinburgh Airport: Terminal Building: ETA: Saturday 03.02hrs
Perth Services, Inveralmond: ETA: Saturday 04.12hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 09.07hrs: Breakfast
Conon Hotel, Conon Bridge: ETA: Saturday 13.37hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 18.01hrs.
Oswestry Services, Oswestry, A5: ETA: Saturday 23.43hrs
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 02.21hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 07.23hrs: Breakfast
Dartmoor Lodge Hotel, Ashburton: ETA Sunday 11.48hrs
Avon Heath Country Park, Ferndown: ETA: Sunday 15.07hrs
Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit: ETA: Sunday 16.30hrs
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Finish 18.58hrs
67 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1931
Organisers: Tim Bancroft, Nigel Abdullah and Derek Pollock

2006
In aid of the BLISS
 
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Depart Friday 18.30hrs
Blyth Granada Services, A1: ETA: Friday 22.01hrs
The Angel Inn, Corbridge: ETA: Saturday 00.39hrs
Edinburgh Airport: Terminal Building: ETA: Saturday 02.48hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 08.42hrs: Breakfast
Conon Hotel, Conon Bridge: ETA: Saturday 13.11hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 17.36hrs.
Lancaster Services, M6: ETA: Saturday 21.26hrs
Gledrid Services, Oswestry, A5 A5: ETA: Saturday 23.16hrs
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 02.45hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 07.22hrs: Breakfast
Dartmoor Lodge Hotel, Ashburton: ETA: Sunday 11.38hrs
Pimperne Village Hall, Pimperne, Blandford Forum: ETA: Sunday 14.45hrs
Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit: ETA: Sunday 16.49hrs
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Finish 19.00hrs
88 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1965
Organisers: Tim Bancroft, Nigel Abdullah, James Carruthers and Derek Pollock

2008
In aid of the RNLI
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Depart Friday 18.30hrs
Blyth Granada Services, A1: ETA: Friday 21.17hrs
Edinburgh Airport: Terminal Building: ETA: Saturday 01.55hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 08.04hrs: Breakfast
Conon Hotel, Conon Bridge: ETA: Saturday 12.33hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 16.57hrs.
Lancaster Services, M6: ETA: Saturday 20.48hrs
Gledrid Services, Oswestry, A5 A5: ETA: Saturday 23.38hrs
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 02.26hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 07.30hrs: Breakfast
Sennen Lifeboat Station, Sennen: ETA: Sunday 09.04hrs
Badgers Holt, Dartmoor: ETA: Sunday 12.04hrs
Pimperne Village Hall, Pimperne, Blandford Forum: ETA: Sunday 14.33hrs
TR Register Offices, Didcot: ETA: Sunday 17.28hrs
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Finish 19.00hrs
93 Finishers
Total Mileage: 1961
Organisers: Tim Bancroft, Jason Chinn, Nigel Abdullah, and James Carruthers
 

2010

In aid of the MIND
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Depart Friday 18.30hrs
Blyth Granada Services, A1: ETA: Friday 21.15hrs
Edinburgh Airport: Terminal Building: ETA: Saturday 01.53hrs
Skiach Services, Allness: ETA: Sunday 05.50hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 08.20hrs: Breakfast
Conon Hotel, Conon Bridge: ETA: Saturday 12.49hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 17.14hrs.
Lancaster Services, M6: ETA: Saturday 21.04hrs
Gledrid Services, Oswestry, A5 A5: ETA: Saturday 22.55hrs
Sugar Loaf Picnic Area, Llandovery: ETA: 01.07hrs
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 03.20hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 07.57hrs
Crossroads Travel Inn, Scorrier: ETA: Sunday: 08.43hrs: Breakfast
Bude Museum, Bude: ETA: Sunday 10.54hrs
Badgers Holt, Dartmoor: ETA: Sunday 12.26hrs
Pimperne Village Hall, Pimperne, Blandford Forum: ETA: Sunday: 14.32hrs
TR Register Offices, Didcot: ETA: Sunday 17.26hrs
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Finish 19.02hrs
90 Finishers
 
Total Mileage: 2014
Organisers: Tim Bancroft, Jason Chinn, Nigel Abdullah, James Carruthers, Keith Bennett and Ellis Stokes

2012
In aid of the Children with Cancer (Formerly Children with Leukaemia)
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Depart Friday 18.00hrs
Blyth Services, A1: ETA: Friday 20.45hrs
Carter Bar (Passage Control): Friday 23.58hrs
Edinburgh Airport: Terminal Building: ETA: Saturday 01.24hrs
Skiach Services, Allness: ETA: Sunday 05.21hrs
Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats: ETA: Saturday 07.51hrs: Breakfast
Conon Hotel, Conon Bridge: ETA: Saturday 12.20hrs
Morrison’s Garage, Stirling: ETA: Saturday 16.45hrs.
Tebay Services, M6: ETA: Saturday 19.58hrs
Gledrid Services, Oswestry, A5 A5: ETA: Saturday 22.26hrs
Sugar Loaf Picnic Area, Llandovery: ETA: Sunday 00.38hrs
Gordano Service Station, M5: ETA: Sunday 02.51hrs
Whitehouse Services,A30 Okehampton: ETA: Sunday 05.07hrs
Lands End Hotel, Lands End: ETA: Sunday 07.28hrs
Bude Museum, Bude: ETA: Sunday 10.33hrs
Badgers Holt, Dartmoor: ETA: Sunday 12.21hrs
Sixpenny Handley Village Hall, Dorset: ETA: Sunday: 14.46hrs
TR Register Offices, Didcot: ETA: Sunday 17.11hrs
The Plough Public House, Crews Hill, Enfield: Finish 18.49hrs
86 Finishers
Total Mileage: 2022
Organisers: Tim Bancroft, Jason Chinn, Nigel Abdullah, Andrew Martin and David Langrick

Not surprising to note that the two Control Stops that have been used the most are Seaview Hotel, John O’Groats and Lands End Hotel, Lands End. After that it is Blyth Services and Gordano Services. Real shame to state that such atmospheric stops as Bishops Garage at Corbridge and McRae and Dick at Dingwall are not used anymore. the event had such relevance when Triumph/BL/Austin Rover dealerships were being used.

It is worth noting that one or two people have been long time helpers of the RBRR, namely Charlie Sneddon and Malcolm Warren.
Charlie has arranged many of our Scottish stops, he was the Land Rover Scottish representative and knew lots of the principals of many a Scottish garage therefore able to get the use of the garages. Unfortunately, only Morrison’s Garage is still used for the RBRR, Logan Morrison, the Proprietor being a well known Scottish rally driver and navigator from the 50s and 60s, Logan also helped with work on the World Cup Rally of 1970. Today, Logan’s garage is a Seat dealer, but was one of the last BL/Austin Rover/MG franchises to keep the faith. Charlie Sneddon will hopefully be manning the Controls at both Edinburgh and Stirling for the forthcoming RBRR, guaranteed to have a big smile on his face and a wicked story to tell!
Malcolm has taken part on many RBRRs and now is a massive help arranging the West Country Controls. Malcolm worked for Standard Triumph and still owns Triumph motor cars these being a Dolomite Sprint and a Herald Coupe, which I hope he is restoring at present! Malcolm will be at Bude running the Control in October.
Charlie and Malcolm are proper Triumph men and we are fortunate to have them as our Vice Presidents.

Three other men very involved with the RBRR are David Shewry, John Millidge and Tim Hunt. Dave is the Club’s Chairman and has been active in the Club since the 60s, Dave is principally known for compering the Club Triumph Dinner and telling one or two of the worst jokes one will ever hear! John Millidge is the Club’s longstanding Treasurer and is very enthusiastic in his support of the RBRR, John is a massive help and will always step up to assist when needed, expect to see John at John O’Groats in October. Tim Hunt has done and completed more RBRRs than any other CT member, always seen on the event in his faithful TR4A, usually disappearing into the distance! We fervently hope that Tim will take part in 2014.
The event is mapped out by Nigel Abdullah, his knowledge of British roads is second to none and he can always be relied upon to find another interesting road for the event to use. The patience that Nigel exhibits when mapping out the route is inspirational. The proof is in the pudding of the Road Book, its clear and concise system of showing the route is excellent,something that many a commercially available system cannot equal. When driving the route at 03.00hrs in the middle of Scotland, it is comforting to know that the Road Book will guide you onto the next control. Many nowadays use Sat Nav systems to guide them, personally speaking, the use of a a decent pre-marked map book and the Road Book are the fun way to do the event.

CT Members who have successfully completed more than 10no. events are:
Tim Hunt: TR4A
Derek Pollock: TR8
Malcolm Warren: 2000/Acclaim
Chris Allen: Herald/2000 mk1
Andy Roberts: 2.5Pi/Stag Saloon
Keith Bennett: Herald/TR4A
David Langrick: 2000mk2/Spitfire mk4
David Kent: Spitfire mk4/Dolomite
Dale Barker: Herald/2000 (Pick up)!!
Lester French: 2000 mk1
Dave Pearson: TR5/Herald/2000 prototypes/Courier/Stag and Atlast!
Nigel Gair: 2000mk2
Francis Moll: TR7
We hope that many of the above enter the RBRR in 2014.
Many other members of CT are nearly up to 10 successful completions, these being Mark and Jo Maclean, Craig Bennett, Alan Chatterton, Richard Brake, David Marshall, Andy and Sarah Johnson, Andy Pearce, and Ben Hobson. Again, we hope that these CT members enter in 2014.
Of course, the two men who will forever be associated with the RBRR are Les Mills and Derek Pollock, the Originators and Organisers of the event until the present team took over in 2004. Unfortunately, Les is no longer with us, but Derek still works tirelessly for the Club as our President. Derek's enthusiasm for the RBRR is as strong as ever and keeps his wise eye on the team that now organise the event. Derek would love to take part and his unnerving ability back in the day to turn up with Les at Controls even though it seemed that he had left the last one after everyone else still is part of RBRR folklore. It is amazing that the RBRR is more popular now than at any point of its long history, this is being written on the evening of the announcement of the event and we understand that many are visiting their post boxes to send in entries.

I think I am correct when I state that the Club Triumph Round Britain Reliability Run is the oldest running Triumph event in the world. In fact, we can only think of a few UK based motoring events that have been continually run for longer: British Grand Prix, RAC Rally, Oulton Park Gold Cup, Scottish Rally, and the Lands End Trial, what a group to be included within! As many know, the initial idea of running the event was formed at Le Mans in 1966, Derek and Les were sitting watching the 24 hour race and started to have a conversation about some form of UK based mammoth drive. I wonder if they could have realised that 47 years later Triumph owners would still be up for such an event and that it would spawn an event like the 10 Countries Run, a European event that is justifiably getting more popular each time it is run.

The RBRR event has been a major source of new members to Club Triumph, many have joined to take part and have found that they like the club so have stayed around. We think that the Triumph culture is very fortunate to have an event in the RBRR that celebrates use of Triumph motor cars. Club Triumph is often mistakenly considered to be a 'Classic Car Club', this is a mistake as it has been around since 1959 and with the RBRR offers a unique event that has been around since before the beginning of the the 80s Classic car explosion. There is nothing wrong about a field of shiny Triumph cars, but for the RBRR organising team, the sight of 100no Triumph cars showing road grime and a crew all a blaze with smiles at the end of an ardous 48 hour motoring marathon is infinitely preferable!  Lay down thy polishing rag and drive! Indeed!

We would love to hear from people who have taken part in this event, so should anyone reading this have old pictures and anecdotes, please contact me via rbrr@club.triumph.org.uk.

If anyone reading this has a copy of the1966,1974 or 1976 Roadbook issues , we’d love to borrow it to copy, otherwise a good photocopy would suffice.
The 2014 RBRR Organising Team of Nigel Abdullah, Jason Chinn, Andy Martin, Dave Langrick and Tim Bancroft are looking forward to the challenge of sorting out the many facets of the event to hopefully make the 2014 a top event.

I think it is clear to anyone reading this that yes, the RBRR has indeed got HISTORY!

Tim Bancroft
rbrr@club.triumph.org.uk.


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