View Full Version : A2 Owners Drive **CANCELLED**
Hi folks,
I'm looking for support for an A2OC A2 Owners Drive (A2OD) - a group drive from Blackheath to Canterbury along the A2 in the summer. And given that the A2 starts in Dover - perhaps some of our overseas members could make it along too.
This is very much a family social event - a chance for us to involve our partners and family in our A2 obessions. We could head up to Whitstable or Herne Bay aftwards for some family seaside activities. (GrayB - you're in that area - perhaps you can suggest some local attractions)
Since it'd just be A2OC folk - we can be pretty flexible about dates. Here are some for starters:
June: 3/4 10/11 24/25
July: 1/2 8/9 15/16 22 (start of the Whitstable Oyster Festival)
Let us know if you are interested?
Ben.
GrayB
13-02-2006, 03:39 PM
Places of interest might be:
Blackheath / Greenwich Park
Rochester Castle or Dickens Museum
Faversham - historic town or Shepherd Neame brewery :D
Whitstable - though this is not strictly on the A2, it's on the Thanet Way
Canterbury - again, not quite on the A2
Some pretty villages not far off the A2 in the down behind Dover
Dover - White Cliffs centre and castle
We might be interested in at least part of the run - though probably not in the middle/end July as we will be preparing to tie the knot!
Thanks for that - let's get some early June feedback then...
Ben
Rob Earl
13-02-2006, 06:09 PM
I/we should be free.
I like the sound of A2's lined up along the coast somewhere - should get some nice piccies. Herne Bay has parking all along the front - just a shame it's usually all taken.
wooly A2
13-02-2006, 10:13 PM
I Think thats a fantastic idea wish id thought of it
should be a good day out that will get us noticed
lets hope we can get a good turnout
Never driven on the A2 before or for that
matter that part of the UK Im up for it !!!!
.......
Silent1
14-02-2006, 12:01 AM
The only dates i can't do are the 3/4th of june, 17/18th of june and 29/30th july
GrayB
14-02-2006, 10:23 AM
Never driven on the A2 before or for that
matter that part of the UK Im up for it !!!!
.......
A lot of the A2 road is not that scenic! Not quite like Chapman Drive south of Cape Town..... ;)
wooly A2
14-02-2006, 10:41 PM
Stuart's dream was to one day get 30 A2's together what a traffic jam that would cause this could just be the big one if we can all get motivated GraemeB are there any good places on that root for us all to park and have an opportunity to do a photoshoot .....
Perhaps stop for a picnic or something .....
GrayB
15-02-2006, 11:37 AM
I'm afraid I dont know the route intimately. I spend more time in mid-kent and sussex nowadays. It probably depends where you want to start from and how long you want to drive before stopping for picnic & / or photo shoot.
I can ask around about Rochester Castle perhaps - this would probably be ok if you start from Blackheath. However, I dont know how enjoyable the drive through South London on a dual carriage way would be. I would think that there might be better picnic possibilities when you get further east. I will give it some thought and ask friends who live nearer to North Kent.
Graeme.
wooly A2
15-02-2006, 02:59 PM
Ok Graeme if you could ask around or anyone else for that matter
please let us know ..........
A2_SAT
15-02-2006, 03:54 PM
I'm in Scotland.:(
wooly A2
04-04-2006, 03:34 PM
Thought i would refresh this thread see if we can get some more interest up now summer is approaching ........
jamjia
04-04-2006, 04:14 PM
Me interested!!! Common everyone...
Brilliant idea!!!
I would have thought June/ early July would be best because of keeping away from the school holidays where I imagine that part of the world gets chocca at the weekends!
Having said that, I can't do:
3rd/ 4th June
1st/ 2nd July
15th/ 16th July
22nd/ 23rd July
I'd love to go on this one!
Ok - I have added it into the diary for Sun June 25 - get your diaries out and cancel whatever else you are up to!
Ben.
mlarner
05-04-2006, 11:12 PM
Have Done!!
jamjia
05-04-2006, 11:24 PM
Where are we going??? I'm up for the 25th :D
hollyrescue
06-04-2006, 08:45 AM
I'll try to attend, date will be important though. The initial drive from Blackheath would be tedious. A meet further down, say Dartford tunnel would be easier. Having said that, the A2 is not the most scenic or pleasant route, full of heavy lorries heading for the port.
I'm happy for us to come up with a route somewhere more pleasant around there - so long as we hit the A2 at some point - if only for the photo opportunity of a bunch of A2s on the A2.
Perhaps some of the locals members can have a think.
I know it might not be the most salubrious route, but doing the A2 makes brilliant sense!
I am not familiar with the area, but once you have got outside the M25 it appears to be a pleasent-enough drive; I would advocate starting somewhere outside London as my experience from the smart London - Brighton run is that cars will get split-up in no time. As much of the A2 appears to be dual carriageway (except through Rochester and Chatham although we could duck onto the M2 until J5) there is more chance of us sticking together without causing a mobile roadblock!!! On the L2B most of the driving on the M25 is only 40mph on the inside lane to allow larger groups to congregate; it's then diving-boot mode down the M23 :)
Perhaps the ladies Mecca that is Bluewater would be an ideal place, then we can get onto the M25, head South and start from J2 of the M25 (I know you can get to the A2 quicker but it would be nice to drive on it as much as possible)
Then all the way down to Dover; perhaps an early O'clock start would be best as I am sure there must be a Travel Lodge or similar close by for those who wouldn't want to drive down early.
What about 8am?
or...
We could do an afternoon/ evening drive (The White cliffs of Dover in the Evening light must be nice) but traffic would be a pain and anyone needing to be home that night from Dover would have a hell of a drive.
Just some thoughts...
Sorry to Ben and Wooly for taking over :o
wooly A2
14-04-2006, 08:17 AM
I Dont know how people feel about this but have just posted an idea
for a social at Brands Hatch which is on the 1st+2nd of July the A2 Drive
Practically runs past or near Brands Hatch
just had a thought if we did the
Drive on the A2 on the 1st July
then a lot of people may like to attend the
DTM race at Brands on the 2nd July....
This really would make for a great weekend for us
Audi enthusiasts ..........
JUST AN IDEA !!!!!!
mlarner
14-04-2006, 10:04 AM
Sounds a brilliant combo.
The only downside I see is that not all partners/family would be as enthusiastic about such an event. Happy to be proved wrong though.
Ben
Rob Earl
15-04-2006, 06:15 PM
My only concern with the idea of Brands for such a large event would be getting out at the end of the days racing.
We went to The A1GP race at Brands last year & were very lucky that we got out of the car park after only an hour of waiting - friends of ours spent 5 hours stationary in a field!!
wooly A2
16-04-2006, 11:03 AM
The only downside I see is that not all partners/family would be as enthusiastic about such an event. Happy to be proved wrong though.
Ben
My only concern with the idea of Brands for such a large event would be getting out at the end of the days racing.
We went to The A1GP race at Brands last year & were very lucky that we got out of the car park after only an hour of waiting - friends of ours spent 5 hours stationary in a field!!
Never thought of that ok
scrap that idea !!!!!
Still think it would make for a good social as a seperate occasion
i will see if it is possible to get ourselves some parking..........
wooly A2
22-04-2006, 12:00 PM
Im In .......also OK for the 25th June
better start compiling a list would be great if we could get a
convoi exceptionale going on here ...
Come on people this a great opportunity to get ourselves noticed ...
wooly A2
01-05-2006, 08:36 AM
Just some thoughts...
Sorry to Ben and Wooly for taking over :o
No Problem all idea's are welcome ........
wooly A2
03-05-2006, 12:50 AM
I Forgot about this site used to use it quite a lot
http://www.picturesofengland.com/England/Kent/pictures/thumbnails
there are some lovely places in Kent like the look of Dover Castle or Canterbury ...
wooly A2
07-05-2006, 11:20 PM
Does anybody no roughly how long it would take to drive all or at least the section of the A2 outside the M25 to Dover ..........
Was wondering if we could finish up in Dover
check this out
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.182/chosenImageId/1
I was also wondering if it may be a good idea to set up another poll
and see where people would like to meet and finish up as i cant imagine
everyone agreeing on the same place ..........
That way everyone can have there say ....
Have been looking at Canterbury Cathedral and Leeds Castle ......
Hi,
M25 to Dover is probably an hour or so - and if we actually followed the A2 rather than the M2 - it's probably a bit longer.
Dover castle is certainly an option - we'd need to check on whether we can park there. It'd also be something to see if the weather wasn't so great. I have a friend who works for English Heritage so could see if they any contacts at that property.
A poll is certainly a good idea - perhaps scour this thread for other suggetions. Here are some from the thread so far:
Canterbury
Dickens Museum
Dover Castle
Faversham
Herne Bay
Rochester Castle
White cliffs of Dover
Whitstable
I'm not too bothered about where we end up though.
I am going to setup some way of displaying on the homepage who has expressed an interest in an event. Watch this space...
Ben
I have added the facility to enroll for events. Simply select the event in the calendar, and click on the [ I will be attending this event] link the bottom of the page. For example:
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=3&day=2006-6-25&c=1
You can remove your attendance flag at any stage.
Wooly - when posting any new events - there is a new checkbox at the bottom of the page to enable this functionality.
Ben
I'm not 100% sure of when the date is - did we go for the 25th like wooly suggested?
Yes. It's on the home page and on the Calendar:
http://www.a2oc.net/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&day=2006-6-25;&e=3&c=1
Are you still able to attend?
Yes. It's on the home page and on the Calendar:
I didn't notice it before, sneaking away under your name!
I'm in!
Come on everyone, we really want to see those fingers...
wooly A2
10-05-2006, 09:06 PM
I didn't notice it before, sneaking away under your name!
I'm in!
Come on everyone, we really want to see those fingers...
Hey nice one Christopher ,would be Great if all the Owners of the club
could make it .....
Lets Rally The Troops !!!!
Rob Earl
11-05-2006, 07:51 AM
I'd like to make it but I'm scheduled to be on-call that weekend. I'll see if I can pull in a favour as this drive is right on my doorstep.
wooly A2
15-05-2006, 11:05 PM
Come on ladies and gents 1000+ views and only
5 people confirmed that they will be attending this event ...........
Paddys
16-05-2006, 01:00 PM
I will try but work are sending me to the states every other week at a moments notice so I can't promise anything -
ULP - want to drive down in convoy too ? Maybe we could have an assembly point for people comming down the A1 at baldock services ?
PaddyS
ULP - want to drive down in convoy too ? Maybe we could have an assembly point for people comming down the A1 at baldock services ?
PaddyS
Count me in - Baldock is probably the easiest place (it's where we have congregated for the smart convoy London-Brighton too)
Anyone coming from the North/ East can get there easy on the A1(M) J10 - likewise those coming from the North West Midlands can join in too (M1 J13 and follow the A507 all the way across to Baldock)
wooly A2
02-06-2006, 11:25 PM
Any new A2 Owners wishing to attend this event ,
would be nice to see a few more names
Not long to go now !!!!!
Hi folks
Is the fact that England might be playing socca on the 25th putting people off from signing up to this event? If so, we could move it to the Saturday (although England might also be playing on that day too). Alternatively we could just say either day, and adjust around any England games nearer the time.
Ben
Darren C
06-06-2006, 08:53 PM
Ben,
My very pregnant wife and I are seriously considering attending on the 25th - will confirm as soon as able. (Attendance will be regardless of the England status, however).
Defo cant do the 24th - prior commitments!!
Darren;)
wooly A2
06-06-2006, 09:04 PM
That would be great if you and the wife could make it Darren
My wife and kids will be there ........
I Will look out for some Maternity Hospitals
Will bring some Oxygen just in case LOL !!!!!
Darren C
06-06-2006, 10:03 PM
Wooly,
Many a true word spoken in jest mate - the baby is due on the 18th July, however there is nothing to say that it won't be early!!:eek:
If that proves to be the case, I think that it will be me who needs the oxygen - LOL!!
Darren
If we need to change to the 24th, then I can't do it as I have the small matter of removing an MRI Scanner to complete that day :D
We'll keep to the 25th then.
wooly A2
07-06-2006, 05:31 PM
Im Happy with the 25th as well
Looking forward to it !!!!!
wooly A2
14-06-2006, 06:05 PM
Is everyone happy to meet at Blackheath........
Was wondering if we could take a visit to this establishment for refreshments if you no what i mean its nr Faversham ..........Tea/Coffee/Beer
http://www.greatbeer.co.uk/kenroan.htm
Sounds like they have a nice beergarden to sit in ......
Then perhaps a trip up to Whitstable/Herne Bay before we journey on
down towards Dover was thinking maybe we could end up at Dover Castle ..
What do u think .......
Hi wooly - I don't mind either Blackheath or Bluewater. Both would provide unusual photo opportunities.
B
Paddys
16-06-2006, 01:22 PM
I'm going to have to cry off - now have 2 concerts to do on the 25th :(
Sorry and all - next time.
PaddyS
Stuart_D
19-06-2006, 10:28 PM
Hi all,
Sorry I haven't been around much, but am really pleased to see such enthusiasm for a convoy drive. It looks like it will be great fun...
Would love to have come, but think my Golf might look a bit odd amongst so many stylish A2s!
Enjoy,
Stuart.
wooly A2
19-06-2006, 10:33 PM
Hey Stuart
Dont be silly cause you can still come along in the VW as long as you wear some of our new A2OC Badges LOL !!!!!
hollyrescue
21-06-2006, 10:22 AM
Have a good day all of you, I would love to come but...... Anyone familiar with my problem will be interested to hear that things are worse and the NHS cannot afford me.
wooly A2
21-06-2006, 10:05 PM
Have a good day all of you, I would love to come but...... Anyone familiar with my problem will be interested to hear that things are worse and the NHS cannot afford me.
Sorry to here that Hollyrescue hopefully you will be well enough to make it to Castle Combe later in the year ..........
Hi folks,
It's with some sadness that Wooly, mlarner and I have come to the conclusion that we're going to have to cancel this event. I think the combination of a non-central location, and the unfortunate scheduling of the soccer has worked against us.
We will reschedule this for some other time - and possibly with a change in location to somewhere a little more central. Watch this space.
Many thanks to all those people that sent me an e-mail wishing us well. We will find a way to ressurect the social gatherings. Special thanks go to:
demo (http://www.a2oc.net/forum/member.php?u=1338)
mlarner (http://www.a2oc.net/forum/member.php?u=540)
omitchell (http://www.a2oc.net/forum/member.php?u=2504)
ULP (http://www.a2oc.net/forum/member.php?u=2274)
wooly A2 (http://www.a2oc.net/forum/member.php?u=2158)For indicating their supporting for the event. We'll set aside any goodies due for a later gathering.
In the meantime - we would welcome suggestions for other locations for an Owners Drive.
Enjoy the football.
Ben.
Paddys
27-06-2006, 03:15 PM
Definately up for it at some point soon - work allowing...
PaddyS
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