Rbrr 2018

[Carboy0]

I am contemplating entering the RBRR next year, is there any advice that previous entrants on here can give me?

I would like to know particularly about the following but if you think that I have missed something important please share, all contributions gratefully received.

1. Costs
2. Number of participants, we are thinking three to share driving navigating?
3. Car preparation
4. Personal preparation - clothes / food etc.
5. ?????

If you don’t want to post on here, please message me.

[Steve JP]

Hi Carboy

Costs - Apart from the entry fee, most of the rest of the cost is petrol. As an indication, when I last did it in my Stag we averaged around 26mpg (BW Auto) and used around £400 worth of fuel
3 up is a lot easier, i've done it 2 up in a Spitfire (tough), 2 up in the Stag (easier and much more comfortable) and last year 3 up in a Toledo,(less comfortable but less tiring)
Navigation,- you get an excellent routebook with very detailed instructions which makes it easy to transfer the route to a good A4 sized atlas. You can also use a Satnav and put the control points into it, but the RBRR does not necessarily always us the same routes that the Sat Nav would generate. I tend to use it as an aid to the route book and map when getting near to Control Points.

Preparation, - just make sure your car is working well beforehand and that all lights. brakes and fluids are topped up. A regularly used car should have no problems . I carry essential spares, Bulbs, Belts, ignition module, Alternator, brake pads, water and Oil.

Clothes, some people take a change of clothes, some don't bother. a jumper and waterproof jacket of some form is essential and a good torch

Food - mostly we take snacks such as energy bars, crisps, water and a flask for coffee. You'll be stopping at many control points and petrol stations so there is plenty of opportunity for fresh sustenance, just don't have a curry and beer the day before the run!

CT give lots of good advice to newbies before hand and even go so far as telephoning them beforehand to offer advice.

It's a great event, so go for it

Steve

[Carboy0]

Hi Steve

Sorry for the slow response. I managed to register on the new CT online registration system (car 52) and it’s all systems go.

When you used your Stag three up and the boot loaded up, how did the rear of the car sit and handle? I don’t know whether to go for heavy duty standard length rear springs to make sure I keep some rear ground clearance.

Various forums suggest using uprated or adjustable shock absorbers, again what’s your view?

Chris

[Steve JP]

Hi Chris,

i only did the 3 up in the Toledo, but I have carried 4 adults in the Stag on a long journey with no problems, yes it does sit down a bit at the back and on normal roads is no problem. There is only one road on the RBRR that has some dips that could cause some bottoming and only then if driving along it with gusto, that road is from Thurso to Altnaharra by Strathnaver, mostly single track with tractors etc! It does have a good road surface though, it’s probably the nicest road for views, and many people stop along the way for photos of the car and passengers, especially as it’s an hour or so after breakfast at John O Groats.

i personally don’t think you need to do any special mods to the suspension for the Run, unless of course you,re upgrading it as a matter of course.

steve

[Carboy0]

Great thanks for the reassurance Steve. More money to spend on other bits!

[mole42]

No need for suspension mods or spares either if your car is used regularly and well maintained. We did it last time in the Stag two up (our third man had issues at home and couldn’t make it).
didnt break down, didn’t use any spare parts, didn’t have to call out the breakdown service. My Stag does over 10,000 miles a year so an extra 2,000 wasn’t an issue.
The ZF gearbox and 30mpg helped keep the fuel cost to about £350.
One of the CT members issues a Garmin satnav file with all the controls on so navigating when the co-driver is asleep isn’t difficult.
Have a great time. I’m marshalling in Malvern this year so I’ll see you then!
Richard

[Carboy0]

Thanks Richard, look out for a Magenta monster.