27th LTV Nachtrit

It has been a bit busy over here, as a result of which I haven't had time for a little write up on the 27th edition of our annual Nachtrit, almost two weeks ago. As last year the start and finish was at Rolduc Abbey ...

with the route heading south-east towards Adenau and the Nürburgring. And those who were not there have missed a very nice drive indeed. And this despite some last minute changes due to some major road works in the second stage, which we found out only weeks before the event. Luckily it wasn't to difficult to find some nice roads around the works, but we had to ditch one or two rather nice road sections. At least a good reason to get back to that area next year.

But despite this small set back there were some very nice roads left to enjoy. And as has become customary, we (my navigator Jos and I) again had the task of the last check of the road book. So we had to do the route in broad daylight, looking for last minute road works or village fairs on the day itself. In this case we were lucky in that the weather was glorious, and with the woods in their finest autumn colours meant we could enjoy the views too. But for me enjoying the roads got the overhand, as was the time schedule. We had to complete our check in time to instruct the entrants if necessary before they set of into the darkness, so no stops for taking photographs. At least that gave me an excuse for some spirited driving. It also gave me a good opportunity to check the work I did on the car's carburettors earlier in the year. And it was the first serious drive with the new wheel/tyre combination. I needn't have worried, the car behaved rather well. And very impressed with the grip the new tyres generate ... Only the brakes thought it would be nice to liven things up so now and then, by making some squealing noises. But as the brakes feel was as confidence inspiring as ever I tried to ignore the squealing, and enjoy some fabulous roads ...

In the Hürtgenwald area near Vossennack

The long way 'round Heimbach

Up to the plateau near Fuchshofen

Enjoying the driving meant that we were back at Rolduc in time to tell there were no changes to the road book and to take some pictures at the start ...

It was good to hear that most of the teams enjoyed themselves, so hopefully we'll see them again next year.

And a few of the reasons why this little write up was slightly late. Some work that needed to be done to finish my "new" Land Rover. Spot the difference ...

And of course a thorough check of the front brakes of 't Kreng. But that didn't show much wrong, only the copper grease I used to prevent squealing had worn off. But otherwise there was nothing wrong there.

Hopefully I will be able to use the car for a final blast before the end of November and a mandatory hibernation of three months due to the current Dutch rules for cars between 25 and 40 years old.