[=adrian=]

... anybody else still does that? I love driving, it relaxes me. Was bored at home, jumped in my car and drove for two hours, with no set destination, no direction. Just drove whenever I felt like it. Only just came back.

When I speak to people it seems like quite a few don't like driving at all and treats it like a necessary evil. I love it and could spend easily all day just driving around. In fact, I plan to take my camera tomorrow and just drive somewhere, with no pre-set destination.

[campy mccamper]

I used to but these days it seems such a chore. Back when I had my impreza v power petrol was only around 85 p a litre and I would happily drive around all day long. These days though fuel is nearly £1.50 a litre and the roads are chocked full of idiots. If I could live without a car I would but unfortunately the public transport would soon earn me my p45 here in Cornwall.

[=adrian=]

Maybe it's because I'm here up north and while road are still full of cars, it is nowhere near as bad as down in England.

Looks like it's only me then

[gibbsy]

I do it, but there again I'm retired and have got plenty of time on my hands. Some of the roads I drive on in the Brecon Beacons you see more sheep than you do cars and I just love driving my Scirocco.

My last drive took me over one of Top Gear's favourite roads.

[=adrian=]

I can't say my car is economical with its 2l petrol engine. I just filled my tank today (paid £74), and while I don't earn anywhere near as some members here, I still can't stop myself just going for a drive every now and then.

I'm just glad my car is nothing special, otherwise I'd probably live in it

I refuse to be terrorised by the goverment and their politics - buy the smallest possible car with the smallest possible engine, never put your foot down, etc. I like big cars and big engines...





I know, I'm an idiot

[FZR400RRSP]

I never do it, I don't enjoy driving cars that much.
They're just so boring, compared with a bike.
I have fun driving when I have to drive, but I never go out driving just for fun.
Hope that makes sense. :-)

[awlfc]

I do 1800 miles a week but ill still go out for a little drive on the weekend

[KelvinS1965]

Got back from work today (which involves a fair amount of driving) and intended to move my Z3 off the drive so I could wash the company car...I ended up going on an impromptu 15 mile drive as the sun was out and I could put the roof down. It only gets about 26mpg (3.0 model) but as I don't do so many miles it doesn't matter as £50 in the tank seems to last me about a month. I haven't driven it for a couple of weeks as I've been away on holiday and I thought it better to let it properly warm up rather than just move it a short distance.

Lucky I know some decent roads not far from me...if they busy or I get stuck behind a slower car, I just back right off, or stop altogether. Then I can have a blast until I eventually catch them back up or just turn down a different road that seems less busy. When you're driving for the sake of it, doesn't really matter where you end up, so long as you get home eventually. I often go up and down the same road a few times if it's quiet for example.

[montybaber]

Not so much now i commute 400 miles a week but have always gone out for a drive/ride to unwind, listen to some music etc

My car now is built for economy so not ideal for blasts

I used to drive around the country roads around Dorset to see where they go (like the feeling of getting lost and finding my way home) now i know shortcuts and alternative routes for pretty much every drive, my other half is always amazed as she has no idea half the roads exist

Sad i suppose...oh well

[nvingo]

I used to when I had the Thunderbird. Still enjoy a solo drive but the fuel cost is the determining limitation nowadays.

[davidwatsonok]

I still go out for a blast every now and then, though not as much as I used to. Kids, two careers, a home and a wife take up most of my time, but when the mood takes me I disappear. I'm fortunate enough to have the Derbyshire Peaks to the SW, North Yorks Moors to the NE, Yorkshire Dales to the NW, and a little further NW I can be in the Lake District within 2 hours. I'm no longer fortunate enough to have my beloved Scooby though, so have to make do with a Skoda Fabia vRS, albeit running 180bhp and 312 lb/ft, so still fun, yet averaging around 45mpg whilst caning it, and near 60 if pootling.

I once did the round trip from Leeds to Hawes twice in one day just for a cup of coffee. In the morning alone, and then when the wife finished work she fancied one. The best days I've ever had are when the nation is royal-watching. Diana's funeral and the Queen Mum's, and the recent royal wedding sees the roads devoid of everyone, people and cops :D You could also say the 11 trackdays I ran as head of the local Subaru owners club, and the others I have attended were driving for driving's sake.

I did 60 miles in the Dales this morning, though as a passenger to one of my learners whom I was teaching observation, planning, anticipation, and vehicle dynamics.

[montybaber]

Originally Posted by davidwatsonok

I still go out for a blast every now and then, though not as much as I used to. Kids, two careers, a home and a wife take up most of my time, but when the mood takes me I disappear. I'm fortunate enough to have the Derbyshire Peaks to the SW, North Yorks Moors to the NE, Yorkshire Dales to the NW, and a little further NW I can be in the Lake District within 2 hours. I'm no longer fortunate enough to have my beloved Scooby though, so have to make do with a Skoda Fabia vRS, albeit running 180bhp and 312 lb/ft, so still fun, yet averaging around 45mpg whilst caning it, and near 60 if pootling.

I once did the round trip from Leeds to Hawes twice in one day just for a cup of coffee. In the morning alone, and then when the wife finished work she fancied one. The best days I've ever had are when the nation is royal-watching. Diana's funeral and the Queen Mum's, and the recent royal wedding sees the roads devoid of everyone, people and cops :D You could also say the 11 trackdays I ran as head of the local Subaru owners club, and the others I have attended were driving for driving's sake.

I did 60 miles in the Dales this morning, though as a passenger to one of my learners whom I was teaching observation, planning, anticipation, and vehicle dynamics.

I too went from a Subaru to a Fabia VRS (with a few imbetween) both great cars, gone sensible now (warranty, cheap insurance etc)

[Joellypops]

I really enjoy a good drive, I don't have a fast car by any stretch, in fact it's distinctly slow! But I listen to most of my music behind the wheel, I always get really excited to get some new music and a playlist and go on a long drive

[DVD-Man]

Like driving but too many cars on the roads, fuel too expensive and the Spanish inquisition when I go to step out the door put paid to that.

I've still got memories of driving in the early noughties which was good.

[montybaber]

Originally Posted by DVD-Man

Like driving but too many cars on the roads, fuel too expensive and the Spanish inquisition when I go to step out the door put paid to that.

I've still got memories of driving in the early noughties which was good.

I relate to all of that

[paulyoung666]

too expensive plus commuting ~ 500 miles a week has dulled my enthusiasm somewhat , mind you , we were in the lake district the other week , i did enjoy a blast up and down kirkstone pass

[IronGiant]

Originally Posted by =adrian=

I can't say my car is economical with its 2l petrol engine. I just filled my tank today (paid £74), and while I don't earn anywhere near as some members here, I still can't stop myself just going for a drive every now and then.

I'm just glad my car is nothing special, otherwise I'd probably live in it

I refuse to be terrorised by the goverment and their politics - buy the smallest possible car with the smallest possible engine, never put your foot down, etc. I like big cars and big engines...





I know, I'm an idiot

I had to go back and re-read your original post because I could have sworn it said:

"In fact, I plan to take my carrera tomorrow and just drive somewhere, with no pre-set destination."

oops...

[=adrian=]

Originally Posted by IronGiant

I had to go back and re-read your original post because I could have sworn it said:

"In fact, I plan to take my carrera tomorrow and just drive somewhere, with no pre-set destination."

oops...

Well, sadly no Carrera for me, not now, or anytime soon.

But I only just came back from my trip, ended up doing almost 200 miles today. Kept on going until I was hungry, ate a meal, drunk a strong coffee and headed home. Went on coastal tourist road, came back using motorway. Loved every second of it

[apolloa]

I enjoy it when no one else is around, otherwise someone is up your backside, speeding, overtaking you whilst they have a mobile phone stuck to their head!!! etc and it all makes driving miserable, because you feel like your surrounded by suicidal idiots sometimes?

But the car your in and the road your on I think also makes a difference? And I have just gone for a drive with my car when it was new.

Being in Dorset we have some fun roads, but also tractors and milk tankers and tourists.... lol, also have to watch out for the wildlife!

[=adrian=]

My car is far from being new BTW

In real life I'm quite easily irritable, but when I get behind the wheel, I'm very calm and it just relaxes me. Hard to explain. I've also know many people who are completely other way around, calm in life and raging behind the wheel. Even the smallest mistake by other driver, they just shout, swear and are ready to explode. While me, I just slow down, let the idiot drive away and only 'aggression' might be a (un)friendly beep.

I had a quite annoying incident today, while I was trying to overtake a badly parked car in the middle of the 50mph limit road, suicidal motorbike rider decided to overtake me just as I was about to sway around the parked car. I had to slam my brakes hard and let go the bike and I missed the parked car by inches. Nothing I could about it, as the bike just flew passed me, so I gave it a beep and continued my drive. They wonder why so many bikes are involved in accidents.

I know few people who would probably try to chase the bike down while swearing and shaking their first.

[apolloa]

Originally Posted by =adrian=

My car is far from being new BTW

In real life I'm quite easily irritable, but when I get behind the wheel, I'm very calm and it just relaxes me. Hard to explain. I've also know many people who are completely other way around, calm in life and raging behind the wheel. Even the smallest mistake by other driver, they just shout, swear and are ready to explode. While me, I just slow down, let the idiot drive away and only 'aggression' might be a (un)friendly beep.

I had a quite annoying incident today, while I was trying to overtake a badly parked car in the middle of the 50mph limit road, suicidal motorbike rider decided to overtake me just as I was about to sway around the parked car. I had to slam my brakes hard and let go the bike and I missed the parked car by inches. Nothing I could about it, as the bike just flew passed me, so I gave it a beep and continued my drive. They wonder why so many bikes are involved in accidents.

I know few people who would probably try to chase the bike down while swearing and shaking their first.

haha, on my commute to work this morning in the usual culprit village, which is a clearly marked 30 all the way through. Some business man in his 08 plate Audi A8, I was doing 30 ish down this straight road in the 30 downhill about 60 meters, it has signs stating no overtaking, he overtakes. I blasted my horn and flashed my lights.
Now you may think why? Was it cause he though it was 50? No, it was because the entire way through the village AND when he overtook me speeding the lovely chap had his mobile phone firmly planted to the side of his head!!!!! You can afford a 80 grand car, but no bluetooth handsfree....

I kinda thought, no wonder your in a car like that, you must walk all over everyone else everyday in your life?

[=adrian=]

Quite surprising how many people don't get the mobile phone ban. I mean, it's there for a reason, not just to annoy a VIP business man. I see lots of people talking on the phone while driving and I must say VAN drivers being the most common... at least in my area.

[=adrian=]

That's the kind of story that should be shown to those impatient VIP drivers

"Impatient" overtaking driver charged with killing four people - Autoblog UK

[mjn]

1.5 days in the Alps on the Route des Grandes Alps

[=adrian=]

Wow! Great road and nice car

I actually had a plan to go very top of Scotland this weekend, but sadly the weather over there is ****e this weekend and I just could not justify spending £150 on petrol when I could not even take photos. The plan was to leave Friday morning, camp overnight in the highlands, drive around all Saturday, camp again for Saturday night and come back home Sunday. It would be something like £150-180 just for the petrol money and 600+ miles, but because of the weather I had to abandon the idea

[mjn]

The weather did turn, and very quickly, and at one point, had to pull over to let a snow plough pass in the opposite direction

[FZR400RRSP]

Originally Posted by =adrian=

Wow! Great road and nice car

I actually had a plan to go very top of Scotland this weekend, but sadly the weather over there is ****a

Is it rubbish weather north of Inverness this weekend?
We're away up there today because the forecast is lovely.

[=adrian=]

Originally Posted by FZR400RRSP

Is it rubbish weather north of Inverness this weekend?
We're away up there today because the forecast is lovely.

Yes, the forecast for Sunday was not too bad, but friday and saturday were suppose to be ****. Sunday was just a day to drive back, so wouldn't mind if it was crap.

That was roughly the route I was planning

Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, UK to Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, UK - Google Maps

[lovegroova]

I'm in the fortunate position of commuting by walk/train, so my mileage is evenings and weekends. I get out and about 2 or 3 times a month at least, once a month with a convoy of S2000s.

Having an open-topped car makes driving so much more fun. In most modern cars you're so cut off from the experience that all the fun is simply sucked/numbed out, or the cars are so good you have to be doing silly speeds to really enjoy them.

I also get to 2 or 3 trackdays a year which are great fun.

[a l e x]

I do too. I hate just sitting around with nothing to do.