Wednesday 27th Feb Run - The Highwayman.

[Beneficial Dictator]

Perhaps we are getting just to numerous for this pub & its relatively small car park & limited room for us to drink now its become more of a "gastro" pub. What do people think ?. Should it remain on our run venues list ?.

Apologies that I didn't stay for a drink & a chat last night. Firstly I couldn't face the crush at the bar & second my appetite for drink was somewhat spoilt to arrive back to my car which was parked up the road at the junction ( with some others ) to find the windscreen smashed in. Fortunately its laminated so they couldnt get in the car why they didnt smash a side window I don't know. Were they trying to break in or was it just some mindless vandalism. Who knows.

Your somewhat p'd off Ben Dict.

P.S. Hope to see some of you at Cloud 9 Race on Sunday.

[Justin Gutmann]

That is absolutely shocking. I'll report that to the Parish Council (though fat lot of good that'll do aside from alert people to the problem). I am really sorry to hear that Craig. Especially as it was such a good run, well navigated and challenging.

I think we should be well advised to knock the Highwayman on the head. The Robin Hood is a very viable alternative for the same kind of runs - I effectively ran from there anyway on Wednesday night. There is a largish car park, and street parking on Smithy Lane, it has been refurbed and Damian is very accommodating.

See you Sunday.

Justin

[fellsman]

Cars have been targeted at this pub before ! Rona of Common Barn had their Lange Rover nicked from here.

[Julian Brown]

Sorry to hear about that Craig, I bet it's bloody annoying and the last thing you need after getting back after a good long run, thanks for that.

Why people go out on the hills to (try to) smash up and nick cars I can't imagine. I know what I'd do to them but then there's a censor on this forum.

For some reason they didn't nick my fifty quid bike which was leaning against the pub door, unlocked.

Wed nights are getting incredibly popular, 2 groups and all, but there are a few venues we use that (especially in the winter) either can't cope with the people, or particularly can't cope with the cars, especially if we're not sharing.

[Colin Ardron]

really sorry to hear that Craig.
Julian as one of the moderators I can always develop poor eyesight - I'd very likely agree with you aswell!

ps when I get fit enough to stay with the slower group I look forward to turning out on Weds again.

[david tucker]

Another option is to meet at non pub venues close to nominated pubs. For example there is a big lay-by round the corner from the highwayman. But generally these gastro pubs are not really suitable for us lot so scrub the highwayman I say.

Also some sort of communication/arrangement with the pubs could be a good idea when the calendar is being drawn up so they agree to us all arriving and are therefore pre-warned and welcoming.

[Beneficial Dictator]

In reply to Dave T above :-
I do tend to ring the pub the day before a run & have done for a while now ( further in advance than that & I have found they tend to forget we are coming ) but of course the phone is't always answered by the landlord & therefore sometimes when I leave a message it doesn't get passed on. Also I tend to underplay our presence & likely numbers a little so as to hopefully not get too negative a reaction.
Also I never cease to be surprised at the variance in welcome we get from one pub to another, some positively delighted, some non plussed, some do not want us at all ( Leathers Smithy being a good example of the latter ).

I will try to make make more of our run venues from car parks etc... then we can drive to the pubs after etc.....
Just to remind you all I am always looking for good routes & venues.

Thanks for the words of sympathy re : the vandalism to my car.