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Silverstone 2011- Advice Needed


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#51 Rob29

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Posted 23 June 2011 - 04:34

Why the boycott?
I was there in 1988. Things have changed radically since then.
As for near civilisation? 20 minutes from the M40. Half an hour a way from Birmingham or Oxford. Northampton and Milton Keynes even closer.
Whats the problem?

Boycott coment referred to paddock access.In 1988 managed to get there on saturday for F3000 International Trophy qualifying but was refused access to 'F1' paddock area behind pits.I normally travelled by public transport,as I do not drive due to eyesight defect.Things have certainly got worse not better.Brands Hatch when I first went had an hourly bus service,later downgraded to less frequent Maidstone & District,which when M20 opened was diverted via that- since no service :( Last time I went there in 2005 for first A1GP needed taxi from Swanley.After excellent day a crowd of us were waiting for taxis outside the hotel-eventually someone onganised a mini bus!-have not been to a british meeting since!
Best venue for BritishGP must be Birmingham city ? No travel problems and spectators could get reasonably close to the action.Its my view that all events intending to atract paying spectators should be held in city centres.

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#52 AlanK

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Posted 23 June 2011 - 16:29

How can you judge if things have improved or not if you have not been since 1988?
No venues allow access to the F1 paddock. That is set by the FIA, not the circuits.


#53 Crazy Ninja

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Posted 23 June 2011 - 17:28

Might be of interest: Surviving the British Grand Prix.

It was indeed. Thank you :up:

#54 Clatter

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Posted 23 June 2011 - 19:22

Boycott coment referred to paddock access.In 1988 managed to get there on saturday for F3000 International Trophy qualifying but was refused access to 'F1' paddock area behind pits.I normally travelled by public transport,as I do not drive due to eyesight defect.Things have certainly got worse not better.Brands Hatch when I first went had an hourly bus service,later downgraded to less frequent Maidstone & District,which when M20 opened was diverted via that- since no service :( Last time I went there in 2005 for first A1GP needed taxi from Swanley.After excellent day a crowd of us were waiting for taxis outside the hotel-eventually someone onganised a mini bus!-have not been to a british meeting since!
Best venue for BritishGP must be Birmingham city ? No travel problems and spectators could get reasonably close to the action.Its my view that all events intending to atract paying spectators should be held in city centres.


Not a very sensible view or practical view IMHO. No where in Britain is that inaccessible. You might need a taxi to complete some journeys, but you can get pretty close to just about any venue by train and bus.

#55 Rob893

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Posted 28 June 2011 - 21:18

So me and my dad are going all out and camping the whole weekend. Been the previous 3 years, at copse GA, Becketts and finally Stowe last year. I have a few questions specifically about the Friday and the Saturday.

How busy are the grandstands on the Friday? I would like to sit at a couple of corners throughout the day. Is it a case of get there early and grab your seat for the day or is there much more flexibility?

Secondly I would like to sit in the Pit Straight during qualifying. Again how early would I need to be there to be guranteed a seat? Is it another early morning seat grab?

Thanks in advance. smile.gif

#56 Clatter

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Posted 28 June 2011 - 23:59

So me and my dad are going all out and camping the whole weekend. Been the previous 3 years, at copse GA, Becketts and finally Stowe last year. I have a few questions specifically about the Friday and the Saturday.

How busy are the grandstands on the Friday? I would like to sit at a couple of corners throughout the day. Is it a case of get there early and grab your seat for the day or is there much more flexibility?

Secondly I would like to sit in the Pit Straight during qualifying. Again how early would I need to be there to be guranteed a seat? Is it another early morning seat grab?

Thanks in advance. smile.gif


Friday is not particulary busy and there is no problem getting a seat anywhere. Saturday is not to bad for FP, but you probably want to give yourself at least half hour, and possibly a bit more for the prime seats come Q.

#57 Rob893

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Posted 29 June 2011 - 00:21

Friday is not particulary busy and there is no problem getting a seat anywhere. Saturday is not to bad for FP, but you probably want to give yourself at least half hour, and possibly a bit more for the prime seats come Q.


Thanks for the advice :) Less than 2 weeks to go :up:

#58 Clatter

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Posted 29 June 2011 - 00:36

Thanks for the advice :) Less than 2 weeks to go :up:


Just need to watch the weather now. Looks like it's going to be another year of packing clothing for every eventuality.

#59 Murdoch

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Posted 29 June 2011 - 11:17

I've never sat in an open grandstand when its been raining before (was standing at copse last time it rained at Silverstone).

Whats the protocal with unbrellas whilst sitting? I'll be a bit pissed if the person in front of me pops open their umbrella....

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#60 dank

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Posted 29 June 2011 - 11:33

You can quite easily sit down with an umbrella at an angle - without impeding anyone's view - y'know.

Unless you're sat behind the BFG, in which case you politely ask them to move it or you'll smash them in the face.

#61 Murdoch

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Posted 29 June 2011 - 11:49

You can quite easily sit down with an umbrella at an angle - without impeding anyone's view - y'know.

Unless you're sat behind the BFG, in which case you politely ask them to move it or you'll smash them in the face.


Can you? Cool, I didn't know...

#62 Clatter

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Posted 29 June 2011 - 16:17

I've never sat in an open grandstand when its been raining before (was standing at copse last time it rained at Silverstone).

Whats the protocal with unbrellas whilst sitting? I'll be a bit pissed if the person in front of me pops open their umbrella....


The seating in the grandstands is pretty tight and it would be difficult to use an umbella without upsetting someone. Just take a waterproof hat and a coat.

#63 Murdoch

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Posted 29 June 2011 - 21:03

The seating in the grandstands is pretty tight and it would be difficult to use an umbella without upsetting someone. Just take a waterproof hat and a coat.


I will/am/do, just worried by those in front :well:

#64 spunko

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Posted 01 July 2011 - 11:08

I will be in the Woodcote A grandstand (my first GP).

I want to have a propper look round the circuit, how soon before the race will i have to get to my seat?

dont want to miss the start, but i dont want to be sat in a grandstand for hours before the race

#65 Murdoch

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Posted 01 July 2011 - 11:46

I will be in the Woodcote A grandstand (my first GP).

I want to have a propper look round the circuit, how soon before the race will i have to get to my seat?

dont want to miss the start, but i dont want to be sat in a grandstand for hours before the race


You'll have an allocated seat, so get there when you want, 5 mins before race start if you want....

#66 Rob893

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Posted 03 July 2011 - 21:30

Ok I have another question, which I tried emailing Silverstone but didnt get a reply so I shall try here.

This is the first time we are camping at Silverstone. We are in the Woodlands campsite which is by Stowe. How big are the tent pitches? Im no camping expert (Loosing my camping virginity infact), so dont want to turn up and find out we have a tent to big.

Thanks!

#67 chdphd

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Posted 03 July 2011 - 23:03

I camped at Litchlake a few times and there were no set pitch sizes. You just grab a spot and set up the tent. I think that's true for most campsites.

Some people set up massive pitches, with sofas and all the comforts of home.

edit: Woodlands has a website: http://www.silversto....co.uk/content/

Edited by chdphd, 03 July 2011 - 23:05.


#68 chrisblades85

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Posted 03 July 2011 - 23:26

I camped at Litchlake a few times and there were no set pitch sizes. You just grab a spot and set up the tent. I think that's true for most campsites.

Some people set up massive pitches, with sofas and all the comforts of home.

edit: Woodlands has a website: http://www.silversto....co.uk/content/


Yeah, we stay there and we have the bit from the gate in the 1st field right up to the hedge where the Force India factory is, pretty much.

#69 Snap Matt

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Posted 04 July 2011 - 15:05

You'll have an allocated seat, so get there when you want, 5 mins before race start if you want....

I suppose the only thing to be wary of is getting through crowds but they are more of a problem early in the morning when people are taking the opportunity to look around. I don't know how the new start/finish line will affect that too, if it will move the crowds to another place. I'm sure the attraction is the display stands, such as they are, rather than the pit lane.

#70 Fergo

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Posted 05 July 2011 - 17:29

Anyone know how long it takes to get to the track with the Park and Ride? Doing it for the first time this year instead of the hideous queues in and out on Saturday and Sunday.

#71 chdphd

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Posted 05 July 2011 - 17:49

Take some wet weather clothes for Friday...

Staying cool and quite changeable throughout,with a mix of sunny intervals and showers. Some of the showers will be heavy and perhaps thundery, also prolonged at times.


http://news.bbc.co.u...r/forecast/5000

Edited by chdphd, 05 July 2011 - 17:49.


#72 Snap Matt

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Posted 05 July 2011 - 20:11

Anyone know how long it takes to get to the track with the Park and Ride? Doing it for the first time this year instead of the hideous queues in and out on Saturday and Sunday.

Same here.. but really because of the hideous price of a car park ticket!

I used the M40 one in 2003 and I think it took about 40 minutes in the bus. That was also first thing in the morning (well, 7am or so) and I've found traffic levels change a lot depending on when you aim to arrive. The traffic management may well have changed since then. We're using the M1 service this time so can only guess but I'm working on 45 minutes... if I miss FP3 then my guess was woefully optimistic.

#73 dank

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Posted 05 July 2011 - 20:32

Anyone know how long it takes to get to the track with the Park and Ride? Doing it for the first time this year instead of the hideous queues in and out on Saturday and Sunday.


Which one?

If it's the one nearest the M40 it takes roughly 30-40 mins to arrive. If it's the one near Towcester, slightly longer as it tends to get wedged in a traffic jam up the A43.

#74 BullHead

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Posted 05 July 2011 - 22:36

You'll have an allocated seat, so get there when you want, 5 mins before race start if you want....


Preferably more than 5 mins though, unless you want to make everyone stand / pull knees in to let you sit down 15 seats into the middle of the row...

#75 philhitchings

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Posted 06 July 2011 - 11:52

Take some wet weather clothes for Friday...



http://news.bbc.co.u...r/forecast/5000


Saturday and Sunday also look unpredictable


Preferably more than 5 mins though, unless you want to make everyone stand / pull knees in to let you sit down 15 seats into the middle of the row...


We usually take our seats once the Red Arrows have finished their display. That gives planty of time as long as you aren't miles away from your seat.


#76 Murdoch

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Posted 11 July 2011 - 18:30

Preferably more than 5 mins though, unless you want to make everyone stand / pull knees in to let you sit down 15 seats into the middle of the row...


See I don't have a problem with this, what is there to see on the track 5 mins before the start? Maybe the safety car at best? More likely an empty track....

I got to my seat 30mins before the start, but tbh I don't mind getting up and letting people get to their seat. Live and let live and all that....

There was some idiot who refused to stand up and let a few people through 10 mins before qualifying, they had to climb over him! Honestly, if that was me I might of slipped and fell on him elbow first. What is it with some people? We're all there to have fun, is it a real hardship to stand up for 10 secs and let someone through?

Rant over

P.s Twas a great weekend
p.s Might have to comment on the toilet situation seperatly (particulary by Club).

#77 chrisblades85

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Posted 11 July 2011 - 19:16

I went to the Becketts grandstand on the friday, I have never been so cold in my life! The wind coming through there was awful!

As for the toilets. Why do people feel the need to wipe **** on the wall?

#78 chdphd

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Posted 11 July 2011 - 20:16

I went to the Becketts grandstand on the friday, I have never been so cold in my life! The wind coming through there was awful!

And it was leaking badly near the back as well! I had to put on an extra layer while waiting for FP2 to get going. I'm also glad I took my headphones for my mobile so I could hear Radio Silverstone to follow what was happening on the big TV. The loudspeakers round the track are very variable in terms of whether you can hear them.

That stand gives a great view of Maggots, Becketts, Chapel, Hangar Straight, the new first corners and the Wellington straight. Give me that over the pit straight any day.

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Becketts grandstand by chdphd, on Flickr

#79 chrisblades85

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Posted 11 July 2011 - 20:48

Not a million miles away from where we were then, by the looks of it. We were right on the back row, but at least it didn't leak for us!

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#80 Snap Matt

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 08:06

p.s Might have to comment on the toilet situation seperatly (particulary by Club).

Yes, that was our (well, my wife's) biggest gripe. They've made that area a much bigger draw for crowds now but don't have the facilities for them.

#81 Suzy

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 10:01

There have been a LOT Of complaints about the toilet situation yet again. Hopefully they will get on with those improvements quickly; even if they are temporary portaloos (aka turdis) for now.

#82 Clatter

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 10:36

I went to the Becketts grandstand on the friday, I have never been so cold in my life! The wind coming through there was awful!

As for the toilets. Why do people feel the need to wipe **** on the wall?


The toilets this year were disgusting. Not so much the numbers, but the complete lack of cleaning. In previous years they have been cleaned overnight, but this year they appear to have been left for months. It would appear that cost savings are being made and it's the average punter who is being let down. Still as long as the VIP's get a nice new complex to play in.

#83 dank

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 14:10

The toilets have always been dreadful at Silverstone, though I am surprised no effort was made to improve the state of them over what was their busiest weekend.

I remember going to one particular block of bogs (behind Becketts) last year and noticing some discarded bottles in the urinal and half of someone's lunch round the sink. And what do you know, two months later they were still there!

#84 Murdoch

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 17:01

And what was the thinking with the arena section (not the track, but the stage for the aftershow party)?

"Ok we'll put a massive beer tent there, maybe a big stage so that thousands can turn up to enjoy some music", "What about toilets", "oh yeah, forgot about those, lets just stick a couple of towable toilets there, that'll do it"

Did they really think they would be adequate? Not only that, the water supply stopped working at around 6 so none of them flushed, you could see what the fella before you had for breakfast.

And to top it off the stewards were trying to drag people out of the bushes when their bladders had got the better of them.

Hopefully the same mistakes won't be made this year, like trebling (thats a finger in the air estimation on my part) the capacity of Club up to Abby but without putting in additional toilets.

Apart from that, great effort, Woodlands campsite gets better each year (although I prefferred the outdoor space rather than the tent which was a bit dingy and threatening, or it is to a 5 month pregant woman anyhow)

p.s Just read that through and it dawned on my that i'm off to Spa again this year from Thursday to Monday............. I have a feeling that afterwards I might be praising the toilets at Silverstone!

Edited by Murdoch, 12 July 2011 - 17:10.


#85 philhitchings

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 17:15

And what was the thinking with the arena section (not the track, but the stage for the aftershow party)?

"Ok we'll put a massive beer tent there, maybe a big stage so that thousands can turn up to enjoy some music", "What about toilets", "oh yeah, forgot about those, lets just stick a couple of towable toilets there, that'll do it"

Did they really think they would be adequate? Not only that, the water supply stopped working at around 6 so none of them flushed, you could see what the fella before you had for breakfast.

And to top it off the stewards were trying to drag people out of the bushes when their bladders had got the better of them.

Hopefully the same mistakes won't be made this year, like trebling (thats a finger in the air estimation on my part) the capacity of Club up to Abby but without putting in additional toilets.

Apart from that, great effort, Woodlands campsite gets better each year (although I prefferred the outdoor space rather than the tent which was a bit dingy and threatening, or it is to a 5 month pregant woman anyhow)

p.s Just read that through and it dawned on my that i'm off to Spa again this year from Thursday to Monday............. I have a feeling that afterwards I might be praising the toilets at Silverstone!



IIRC Spa's facilities are ok, just a bit few and far between. Besides there's always the river :lol:

#86 dank

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 17:24

I love Spa's complete lack of health and safety when it comes to the one and only tunnel underneath Eau Rogue.

#87 Murdoch

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 17:24

IIRC Spa's facilities are ok, just a bit few and far between. Besides there's always the river :lol:


This is true, as long as Spa doesn't employ the same jobsworths that Silverstone employed, as they wouldn't allow you 'to be at one with nature'!

Last time I went to Spa was 2008, and I don't remember any purpose built toilets, just partaloos and trees. But my memory isn't great, and I only wandered round the area between bus stop and the top of Eau Rouge, maybe there are better toilets elsewhere?

#88 chdphd

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 19:03

I'd never seen so many people piss in the woods until I went to Spa :D

#89 Snap Matt

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 19:52

IIRC Spa's facilities are ok, just a bit few and far between. Besides there's always the river :lol:

I remember using one of their permanent toilet buildings at Spa and it was without doubt the most unpleasant smelling place I have ever been in.

With Silverstone though, I have always made day trips to the place and that, coupled with the fact that I'm driving so not drinking, means that on a bad day I might visit once on arrival and again on the way home so really I am spared the necessities of staying there!

#90 philhitchings

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 21:37

5 days at Spa were much more pleasant than 3 days at Silverstone (including campsites; of course).

#91 chrisblades85

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 21:54

I just can't still fathom why people would wipe **** on the wall?

And when you have Abdul and co cleaning the toilets, it's no surprise they aren't going to be great.

#92 condor

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 22:12

I just can't still fathom why people would wipe **** on the wall?

And when you have Abdul and co cleaning the toilets, it's no surprise they aren't going to be great.



In a very basic way -at a guess, because there was no toilet paper and so they either messed their pants or had to wash their hands.
A normal UK peep (used to Silverstone) would have taken spare toilet roll and have gone beforehand :)

I also have to agree with the poor toilet facilities at Silverstone and how they really need to be improved. If they don't want to increase the hard-standing ones then they should have extra portaloos for the main events.

#93 Clatter

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Posted 12 July 2011 - 22:48

In a very basic way -at a guess, because there was no toilet paper and so they either messed their pants or had to wash their hands.
A normal UK peep (used to Silverstone) would have taken spare toilet roll and have gone beforehand :)

I also have to agree with the poor toilet facilities at Silverstone and how they really need to be improved. If they don't want to increase the hard-standing ones then they should have extra portaloos for the main events.


Too true. We were offering sheets at 25p each or 5 for a pound. Got some very strange looks, but had to laugh watching people going from stool to stool in both the mens a womens toilets looking ever more desperate.


#94 dank

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Posted 13 July 2011 - 07:54

I've still yet to wander into a toilet at Silverstone that has all of the following:

1. Toilet paper
2. Hot water
3. Soap
4. Something to dry your hands with

I expect it to take several million years, when stars will have formed and life will have evolved, before this finally happens.


#95 Suzy

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Posted 13 July 2011 - 08:19

Some of you may have already received this by email but I would like to encourage you all to complete the following form:

http://www.silverstone-feedback.com/F1

The more of you who comment on the toilet situation (and it was really awful in some places) the more likely it is that the circuit will take it on board and do something about it. Please be tactful rather than sarcastic as the circuit is more likely to take that seriously (as does anybody who works in customer services) and they will take notice.



#96 chrisblades85

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Posted 13 July 2011 - 09:37

I've still yet to wander into a toilet at Silverstone that has all of the following:

1. Toilet paper
2. Hot water
3. Soap
4. Something to dry your hands with

I expect it to take several million years, when stars will have formed and life will have evolved, before this finally happens.


To be honest dank, the toilets I used on the old pit straight did have those on the days I used them. Apart from hot water, that is. Maybe I was one of the lucky ones in that respect!!

#97 Clatter

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Posted 13 July 2011 - 10:13

I've still yet to wander into a toilet at Silverstone that has all of the following:

1. Toilet paper
2. Hot water
3. Soap
4. Something to dry your hands with

I expect it to take several million years, when stars will have formed and life will have evolved, before this finally happens.


The toilets in the main carpark in previous years have been kept in excellent condition, cleaned and restocked each day. This year the sheet by the door showing when they are cleaned was last updated in May, and I can easily believe they have not been touched since. They also used to have a team go through the carparks in the evening picking up all the rubbish. This has all been dropped this year in what I assume are cost cuts.

Edited by Clatter, 13 July 2011 - 10:15.


#98 chrisblades85

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Posted 13 July 2011 - 21:17

Oh, forgot to mention all the thunder bugs and midges after the race! Where did the come from?? Covered in them!

#99 condor

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Posted 13 July 2011 - 21:48

were you wearing yellow?

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#100 Clatter

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Posted 13 July 2011 - 22:22

were you wearing yellow?


That is very much a colour to avoid. One guy in our stand was wearing yellow and was covered in flys and had hundreds hovering around him. He looked very much like pigpen out of the Charlie Brown cartoon. :p