Retro Rides awards night at the Ace

After a year out, the RR awards night once more gatecrashed the Classic Car night at the Ace Cafe. I haven't made it to a night on the North Circular for ages so it was a welcome return. Opting for more modern transport for speed and the fact a LHD Camper in rush hour traffic isn't much fun I arrived to see the place heaving. Cars filled the car park and the road outside and I had to excuse myself several times from old chums to get some food at the bar.



With a full stomach and even more cars outside it was snapping time, so I ventured out with the tripod for a look round. The lovely thing about the evening is the variety of cars. Though some of the classic owners look a little bemused at the cars alongside them!







Mr Retro Rides himself was on duty in the carpark along with Gathering Guru Keith and papper Seth!



This Jaguar was stunning and looked as though it had come straight from the import docks.



I'm not sure what pigeon hole this Fiesta fits into. Race, rat?



Some of the more classic offerings. Mustang and Healey keep each other company.



Soon the call for the awards went out and we piled back indoors. David took to the stage, insulted most people and raised a cheer or two. All were worthy winners, though sadly many hadn't made it along, such is the vast spread between us all.





There was just time for a final wander outside before the rain started. From metalics Minors to flaming Beetles and everything between.





A natter inside and it was time to head home. Its eight months until the Gathering, fingers crossed some of us will meet up again before that. There are a few more snaps here.

Steve.

New Years Day classics

It feels like its been raining forever. Most of the festive break was a washout and any plans we had to go for a drive were foiled. Our traditional New Years Day trip to the Phoenix Pub looked doubtful, but the forecasters said things were improving. 9:30am and the sun is shining down, the sky is blue and its chilly. With the picnic packed and everyone aboard we headed down to the A30 once more. Within a few miles Lily had gone from chatty co-pilot to snoozing toddler so Kim kept her company and knitted while I set off to explore. We had managed to park right down on the dual carriage way section. Another busy year!







Back up at the pub, the usual VSCC area was very thin on pre war stuff, modern and post war cars are taking over. There are also more NYD meets now, but the quality was still very high despite a slower start.









As usual I bumped into a few friends. Retro Rides Horney and Seth were out snapping and fellow Camper owners Alan and Ed were on dog walking duty. Back on the main road I wandered down as far as the lights before heading back to the Camper, sleeping beauty was stirring and wanted a walk.













With Kim and Lily in tow, we set off back to the pub for a hot drink. The road now crammed with cool cars, every available space taken including the central reservation.









After a final walk round we headed for the Camper once more and a bite to eat, still they poured in. I must have missed dozens of cool cars.







All that was left was to strap everyone in to their seats and trundle home, the sun still beating down, the crowds just starting to disperse. Lily had a go with the new steering wheel as well.



What a great way to start the year. A nice big free classic (and a bit of modern thrown in for good measure) car meet. There are a few more snaps here.

Steve.