Northern Ireland MINI dealer tour Mon 29th Dec 2008

[AndySimpson]

Everyone is welcome to join and leave the run at whichever points suit.

As per my previous comment:

I have tried to keep motorway and dual carriageway running to a minimum, but due to the distance we need to cover, the time constraints, trying to avoid driving in the dark and location of the dealers it was impossible not to have some.

If we kept to dual carriageways and motorways I am sure we could cut 2 hours of the run, but where would the fun be in that

I feel we have a good mix and we found it an enjoyable run today

Some of the road are main roads and some are more interesting.
The time constraints of getting to each dealer meant we had to compromise on the route.

If you want my recommendation to start from Bavarian as the latter half would have the better roads

Hope that helps

[1lightningd]

Andy, I hear ya buddy, but due to unforeseen circumstances I have to work on Tuesday so I will need to hit the hay at some stage!

[Step_7]

I have to admire your commitment Alvin...


But can you not just sleep in the van on Tuesday???

[nobrakes]

Going to try and make. Have had a change of my work roster.

[irlmin]

Good news Al see you there .
G

[NickyJ]

Looking forward to seeing you all it's been a while

[AndySimpson]

Just a quick reminder about Monday 29th, we need to gather & be ready to leave Prentices Omagh at 10:30am, we can stay approx 20 mins at each dealer after this and therefore should reach JKC by 4:00pm approx.

As its a Bank Holiday Monday just after the Christmas holidays the dealers have confirmed they are all running on skeleton staff so only tea/coffee biscuits will be available.


Is anyone planning to go for food afterwards?
If so then Charlie's is close to JKC and it may be best to book some tables.

Edwina & I are planning to stay for food, so thats 2

[swampette]

Hi there... Unfortunately I won't be able to make this. I was hoping to line up a co-driver but no luck and I have to be in work for 9am on Tuesday morning so would be pretty stuck to do all the driving myself and be at work next morning. Sorry guys...once again, would love to make it but the odds are against me this time!!! Hope it is a brilliant run and best of luck with it!! Gutted!!!
Sarah

[oliver]

I am going to go up to Dublin tomorrow and stay with my sister, and leave for Omagh early Monday. See you all Monday.
Oliver.

[AndySimpson]

Hi there... Unfortunately I won't be able to make this. I was hoping to line up a co-driver but no luck and I have to be in work for 9am on Tuesday morning so would be pretty stuck to do all the driving myself and be at work next morning. Sorry guys...once again, would love to make it but the odds are against me this time!!! Hope it is a brilliant run and best of luck with it!! Gutted!!!
Sarah

Sorry to hear that, we promise to show you photos if thats any help

If anyone has any questions then feel free to message me, otherwise see you tomorrow

[NickyJ]

See you tomorrow everyone we're leaving for the 3.40am ferry about 10.30 to give us time for a couple of stops on the way up

[Step_7]

Another long drive ahead for the Johnsons! Your dedication was rewarded with an Oscar in 2008 - seems you're starting early for 2009...

See you tomorrow morning!

[1lightningd]

See you tomorrow everyone we're leaving for the 3.40am ferry about 10.30 to give us time for a couple of stops on the way up

I'll be leaving at 3:30am
See ye all tomorrow.

[AndySimpson]

See you all tomorrow

Here are approx times and distances

David Prentice MINI Omagh.
Leave 10:30

44.7 miles

Arrive 11:20
David Prentice MINI Portadown
Leave 11:40

24.8 miles

Arrive 12:35
Bavarian MINI Belfast
Leave 12:55

31 miles

Arrive 1:45
The Country Garage MINI Kells/Ballymena
Leave 2:05

72.1miles

Arrive 3:55
JKC MINI Coleraine

Total miles 172.6

[irlmin]

Well got back to the Peoples Republic of Cork , good run down tonight , journey up this morning was 'interesting' though with freezing fog , ice , - 6.5 degrees at one stage but We made it in plenty of time and met all the 'usual suspects' including Nicky and Derek, Will and Eddie who had traveled through the night from Yorkshire . thanks Andy for everything and Niall don't forget to get up some pics .
G