The second leg of the journey

Mon.18.07.11. The weather forecast is even worse than the day before with storms, accompanied by strong winds throughout the whole of France, but Tuesday appears even more dreadful: for that reason we have decided to try to reach St. Martin du Tartre tonight instead of another proposed stop at Bar sur Seine.

The weather again is major factor for the programmed route. The autoroute is the favourite passage given the multitude of ‘aires’ which we can dive in for cover.

The spray was a problem but the empty roads meant that we could avoid most of the kickback from the endless 4 wheel drive monsters that even the French have embraced. All was well until we left the A26 south of Troyes to connect with the D944 which would take us to Tonnere then over to Beaune.

As we pulled into the ‘gare de peage’ I discovered that I did not have clutch. There was little or no pressure. I bumped the car off to the car park to take a look. I quickly discovered to the back and right hand side of the bell housing the clutch pivot pin had vibrated loose. 

The call to the breakdown service in the UK proved surprisingly profitable. They then got in touch with a local ‘corraserie’ who would be with us in 30 minutes. Anthony, my connection for ‘Equity Red Star’ called back to reassure us that the guy was on his way. If the vehicle could not be fixed by the roadside he was instructed to take it to his workshop, find us a hotel room, issue us with a rental vehicle, get us to our destination or even back to the UK. 

As promised the French engineer pitched up in the 30 minutes that was promised. Originally he wanted to tow the car away but when I pointed out that the pivot pin had worked loose he returned from his truck with a ‘flat head’ screwdriver. Fortunately he was able to push the clutch plates back and reintroduce the pin. We had been tremendously lucky on both counts: one that the pin had not been lost on the autoroute and that the job was simple not requiring the engine to be ripped out.  

On French soil

Sun.17.07.11. Leaving Gemma and the boys at 8.30am the poor weather down to Dover was again avoided: we were met by sunshine on the docks at 10.48, but luckily by the time we were boarding at 11.30 we managed to escape the onset rain that was arriving quickly from the west. The boat was fully loaded, this at first seemed unusual; the number of crossings made this year when it has been quiet had become the norm but, it is after all holiday time. 

The skies upon arrival at Dunkerque around 3.30pm were black, the wind blew, the rain followed. After a few enforced stops we made our way on the free autoroute the 80 kilometres to Lille, suffering the spray from larger vehicles plus the dipping temperatures. Just north of Cambrai the storm burst open, we were forced to stop.

It had been a tough journey but luckily we had no trouble finding the Hotel Florence at St. Quentin by 6.30. 

A suggestion from ‘Maria’ the hotelierre encouraged a room change, an upgrade to a 50 euro spacious double room with newly refurbished bathroom and decoration: ‘batiment B room 17’. The town of St. Quentin was a revelation, a large open ‘Place de Marie’ bordered by impressive civic buildings, smart retail stores and restaurants. We sat down in the sunshine to moules et frites at the ‘Bistro Univers’ for 10.60 euros.

With wine the total bill was 44 euros, the sun by now had retreated behind the town hall, wearily but heartened by the food we made our way back to the hotel.

The Burlington had past another test, the town was a genuine discovery, the hotel another successful find in the so called ‘dull’ north. 

After 5 years of build the run begins

Sat.16.07.11. Today is ‘D’ day, I need to drive down to Walton, following Gemma, Jo, Sam and Alex. Their brief visit, to see dad in the Stewart assessment centre Peasley Cross, this weekend lifted everyone’s spirits. The boys were wonderfully active not at all fazed by dad’s gaunt appearance. By late afternoon the relentless rain had stopped and I felt that it would be the best opportunity to set off for the south of England.

The Burlington is ready, after 5 years of toil, to make the inaugural trip to France. I feel subdued hardly elated as the project has somewhat fizzled out. Chris has shown total indifference, which I still cannot fathom, I still promote my blog but magazine interest has faded, there is not a publisher in sight. Nevertheless, the trip will go ahead at approximately 3 pm, without fuss or even a send off from the Oak. The poor weather has become a worrying problem. 

It is impossible to drive in the rain without wipers or side protection. The first part of the journey must be achieved if ‘Dover’ is to be reached for the 12 noon ferry crossing on Sunday. I am in the hands of the ‘Gods’.

‘Mileage on the Burlington is 1805klms: I needed to wait until 3.30 before setting off for Walton. Gemma, Jo, Sam and Alex had left around 10.00am. The weather for the day was forecast has being grim but I managed to avoid the rain- the worst had passed. 

The Burlington ran smoothly at 90klms all the way down the M6, M42, M40, M25, to junction 13 the A30 for Staines. There had been no holdups, 2 fills of gas. The anxiety of the inaugural journey all left behind I felt relieved but also elevated arriving at 7.30. It had been a very smooth ride.

The dry, wet run

Sun.10.07.11. On Saturday at the Oak I approached Chris with the suggestion that I could pick him up on Sunday morning to simulate a photo shoot outside the pub to simulate the beginning of the run through France. I had previously confirmed with David that there would not be any local ‘Church’ traffic at 10am so the coast would be clear to stage the shots. On Sunday, I called around 9.30 but he declined the offer, nevertheless I drove up to Westmead to show him the freshly polished vehicle, possibly for the last time. 

Typically, Chris mentioned that he and Colin would like to go out in the car Monday or Tuesday; obviously I agreed but reminded him of the final tasks that I had planned before departure on Saturday. I had no sooner left when I was swamped by a fierce thunderstorm, but luckily found some shelter under trees on Green lane. Because I had been polishing the car to death I had not re-fitted the tonneau. In an attempt to prevent the rain damaging the carpets and leather I used anything that I could lay my hands on to cover as much as I could but with little success. Top tip, never use the car without a tonneau. 

When the downpour subsided I limped back to Marylebone with the problem of sodden upholstery.

The service undertaken by Derek was carried out on Tuesday as scheduled: the gearbox oil levels verified by Wednesday. I had cut an access hole for the filler plug but his proved useless as once the protective cover in the engine bay was removed it was easily checked. The snag list has been completed along with another G3 ‘cut’ and a wax glaze, nuts have been tightened, the carpets dried.

I have not heard from Chris all week; I had made both Monday and Tuesday afternoons available but he had not called to confirm either of the dates.

3rd. Mot: French TGV

 

             July 2011

Tues.05.07.11. I returned from France two weeks ago via the TGV: a great trip costing only £70. My father has been admitted to the shithole observation unit at Leigh: a thoroughly uncaring place that should be torched. After suffering for 6 days he was transferred back to the Stewart ward at Peasley Cross: a much better place where he will receive appropriate care; but the long term prospects appear grim. The likelihood of him returning home is remote.

But, the car is running very well, we are experiencing good weather which enables me to rack up ‘good’ miles. At the moment there are 1735 klms on the clock. I need to organise a premature MOT, an oil change plus a thorough check of other basic functions of the vehicle. With only nine days remaining I am also reminded that I need to record the more recent developments with additional photos and at some point I must at least look at the possible route down to Burgundy. Since his earlier eagerness, Doctor Dave, who back in June planned to follow us down, has not mentioned the trip: an unnecessary complication and given the present circumstances a blessing.

Chris still displays the same hot and cold approach; at one time being very enthusiastic and then blasé. I continue to furrow my own path. Lesson learned

Weds.06.07.11. The car has completed its third MOT at Robinson and Douglas. Since the previous ‘ticket’ I have only travelled a further 800 klms. The odometer read 1738 klms. I have prepared a mental list of minor repairs; including locking nuts on the seat runners, a stainless washer on the overdrive switch, spacers on the luggage rack, some leather treatment on the seats has been essential. I also need to purchase the relevant products to complete a service, the head torqued down and any other checks that Derek can make. I cannot help but think that Chris will jump back on board but realistically time is running out for him to contribute: I would prefer to personally organise most of these tasks this week leaving the final week for ‘hidden’ snags.

The simple pleasures of progress

Sun.08.05.11. The new ‘Minilite’ wheels have been fitted to the Burlington. This is not just another cosmetic addition but the new Avon tyres should improve the handling drastically. The rain has arrived so maybe the test will take place tomorrow. Down at Oak I have informed the Doc about my intention to take the car over in July. I have left the question of if he wants to make a ‘deal’ out of it quite open? The momentum has faded but resurrecting interest could be possible, if there was a ‘will’. 

I also mentioned that I was getting very mixed signals from Chris who often appears indifferent to the entire project. “I don’t know how to include him; sometimes he is enthusiastic, other times almost angry.” 

Mon.09.05.11. During a pleasant morning I was able to run the Burlington with the new wheels and tyres. It was cautious, a few country lanes balanced against a windy motorway: nevertheless the ride does appear to be a ‘tad’ softer, slightly spongy but plenty of grip. 

The motorway miles reinforced the necessity for greater protection, certainly for longer journeys. The full folding screen must be returned to the car along with some research regarding deflectors.

A trip to Life’s Motors revealed that John has actually retired nine months ago, but, Graham still remains. I had thought that John was a founder member of the garage but he had only worked there for eleven years whereas it was in fact Graham who began as a schoolboy 50 plus years ago. 

At first he was reluctant to lead me to the inner sanctum, the ‘used spares room’. But after a little persuasion we were quickly trawling through the shelf containing ‘Perspex Wind Deflectors’. Not only did he offer two but four along with six brackets, a variety of nuts and bolts plus instructions how they could be modified to fit my screen. I also noticed a box of wing mirrors, probably again ‘used’, but looking brand new. He selected two particular fine examples to add to my cache. “How much?” I begged, “Let’s call it £20.00” returned Graham: yet another incredible deal from Life’s.

After gathering the screen from Marylebone I returned home to make the relevant adjustments to the wind deflectors: which only meant drilling a pair of holes to accommodate the retaining screws. Fortunately it was not necessary to cut a larger ‘semi-circular hole’, previously suggested by Graham, to avoid the knurled fixing bolt. Today has been refreshing, productive, stress free!

Tues.10.05.11. The larger folding screen has been fitted along with the Perspex wind deflectors. The wing mirrors have proved a little more difficult to locate. Normally fixed on the doors this has proved difficult due to the natural curve of the ‘door less’ body tub. The alternative, close to the screen mechanism, seems over fussy, cluttering the entire area. As a result they remain in the box until such time a solution can be found.

A short test drive proved that the addition of the screen plus the deflectors is a definite improvement; significantly cutting out road noise as well as much less buffeting from the swirling winds. The prospect of being able to drive ‘bigger’ miles is a definite advantage, particularly for the journey through France. 

G3 rub down

                                                         May 2011

Tues.03.05.11. I have returned from France with a renewed vigour to complete the project. During the following days I have meticulously applied ‘G3’ to remove the bloom from the efforts of the first rubbing down. It is essential that the cosmetic work, along with further road trials, are undertaken. Mentally I have fixed a date in my head to drive the vehicle to France: around the 15.07.11. I shall return from the next visit on Tuesday 21 of June via the TGV, leaving the ‘bus’ behind, which will then allow 20+ days to finalise the setting up of the trip. 

The intention at the moment is that the Burlington shall live out its life in France, peut etre.

I have had zero response from Ian Stent or Haydn Davies; little too from my blog. I am becoming fairly pragmatic about this lack of interest: since the early euphoria back in 2006 the following three years still maintained an enthusiastic base but, the drawn out final two years have witnessed fading support from the Oak; they have had enough of the roller coaster, just have I. At least I shall finish up with a wonderful machine which I hope to enjoy for many years in the best place; South Burgundy.

Thurs.05.05.11. The G3 is complete and the ‘gloss wax’ applied. It will probably need an extra cut but that can wait until France where I shall nibble away at the perfect finish.

Sat.07.05.11. It has been the first occasion to inform Chris of the progress but as before his initial enthusiasm was punctuated by reverting to type with unnecessary criticism about my commitment.

 I still feel that I must pass on developments but it appears as though he has made his mind up: to wipe the past five years of the project from his memory. I offered the final date of July 15^th 2011 as the day the vehicle will be forever transferred to France. ‘Come with me on the trip, I shall pay, It’ll be wonderful driving down through the French countryside, get your passport sorted’: regrettably there was no response.