A slow grinding halt

                                 Burlington Diary November 2008

Sat.01.11.08. Given the disappointment of last month entering into November for the third consecutive year holds very little excitement. It is a far cry from the euphoria of the original challenge of the ‘Beaujolais run 25 years on’. Even the surprising delights of last years’ trip are at present old news, something detached from the true purpose of the build. The constant ribbing in the Oak is irritating rather than stimulating; the project has become just another job, a never-ending tedious mountain of toil. The engine problems have been a sharp reminder that as perfect as we assume our efforts have been there will always be a reason not to become complacent, self satisfied; letting personal pride overwhelm humility.

For the first time during the project ‘finances’ are becoming a major concern. Choices must be prioritised. The re-build of the engine will wipe out the funds set aside for the purely decorative ‘minilite’ wheels. At some point there must be a reconciliation of £250.00 with Nigel Penk for the final polish of the paintwork. Road testing will no doubt expose some short comings of the suspension as well as the rigours of the MOT may also be troublesome. If the vehicle requires a SVA test then we shall be in the shit: their comprehensive, demanding safety issues would mean the modification of the lights, bumpers, mirrors and seatbelts: in other words, anything that given a collision, may damage the ‘third party’.

I suspect November will be a difficult month.