Roadster 100's Frog Mog & The Green Goddess & the 2022 London to Brighton Rally

 Frog Mog & The Green Goddess take on the 2022 London to Brighton Rally

29th May 2022

Having enjoyed the 2021 London to Brighton run so much, Terry Seymour and I decided to take the plunge and register for the 2022 run hoping that we would be selected for a different route this year.

It transpired that during the year, Stephen & Sandra Smith decided to retire to their overseas home and sold the business to motoring events organisers POP UP Car Shows run by Andrea and Abby. 

Once again our son Robin agreed to be my navigator and Terry would be joined this year by Nola. 

One significant difference this year. The organisers would revert to previous practice where the Route Instructions would not be issued until we Registered on the day at The Brooklands Museum starting point.

The Route Map with Start and Finish Registration Stamps.

As before the route plan was in the Tulip format requiring use of the Trip Mileage to keep accurate pace with the total miles recorded in the instructions.  

Part of the Journey Listings

Detailed Instructions

The problem for the Navigators occurs if mistakes are made and despite returning to the correct route the total mileage on the Trip Meter will be greater than the Book Mileage for the rest of the Journey.

The Route book also contained a full list of the entrants in our Kit Car & Sports Car Group.

 Prior to leaving home my son found that the organisers has issued general route instructions on the internet so that spectators could follow the routes from strategic points along the way. 

This info provided us with a clue to our route and rest point. This year we would be given two rests which suited me very well. With help from Google Maps I was able to plot our likely route plans.

With an earlier start time this year I decided to take life easier and decided to find a hotel close to Brooklands. Just over a mile away in Weybridge the Oatlands Park Hotel sounded just the ticket.

On the way to the hotel I decided to pass Brooklands to work out the route back for the following morning which was well worth the slight diversion.

The Oatlands Park Hotel 

Described as a Jewel in the Heart of Surrey's Crown, the hotel is on the site of Oatlands Palace. once a favourite of  Henry VIII and Elizabeth Ist, James Ist, and Charles Ist also once resided at Oatlands Palace.

The Hotel Reception

One of the Two Weddings and a 100th Birthday celebration in progress on the terrace.

Robin and me strolling the large grounds before dinner.

Once the fairway of a Golf Course.

Elegant Staff Quarters.

The Extensive Lake

A Young Family out for a swim.

The West Wing Tower.

A Local Resident heading for reception.

As is my wont, a couple of views of my well equipped bathroom.

Views from my window over the kitchens - not the most salubrious. 

The Touring Coach used by a group of Dutch Wedding Guests.

It was Sunday Morning and time to head for Brooklands

The view of the Brooklands Clubhouse as we head into the site 

Terry and Nola arriving in Frog Mog with their VIP 

(very important passenger)

The new Giant Deck Chair on the Astroturf.

First Priority - Breakfast Coffee in the Sunbeam Cafe.


In the queue - Terry took the display of vintage motorcycles.


Coffee purchased, now the next important visit - to inspect the plumbing.


There is always a new display to see along the way.


It was difficult not to spot this piece of ancient facility - somewhere to park your cigarette while busy.

The next priority was to seek out the organisers and collect our envelope containing the Route Plan, our Rally Plaque, Certificate and Brass Medallion.



Just outside of the control centre is this display featuring a record attempt vehicle aiming for the longest distance driven on a gallon of petrol.



Robin gets straight down to studying the route book and its adverts.

Also in the Pack we have our Rally Plaque, Event Certificate and Medallion.

Our Rally Plaque and Event Number.

Our Certificate

And, Our Medallion

Time to make our way to our cars, attach the Rally Plaques and prepare to leave Brooklands for Brighton at the designated 

10.20am.

There are three groups again this year, each with a different route and rest points as last year. Red Classic Cars, Green Modern Classics and our group in Blue.

 


Plenty of space now in the Club House Area for relaxing in the morning sun.


The old Shell Fueling Station.

On the way we stop to look at the American Cars who were there for a different meet. Terry was quick with his photos.

A Stunning Engine Bay

A Chevy Rat Wagon.

And an Array of Hot Rods.

American Cars everywhere.

The driver who could not make his mind up where to park.

Our Group in line.

Terry's Photos of our newly attached Rally Plaques.

Robin taking a last look around before we set off.

Passing the treasured 'Vimy' Bi-Plane safely in its hangar. 

Making our way past the British Airways Concorde.

Pausing for pedestrians

In the queue for our leaving photo (to be added when delivered) 

Terry, keeping a good distance behind us.

My 'Over the Head' shot of Terry & Nola in Frog Mog.

Leaving Brooklands via the 'Back Door' 

On our way at last. Heading for Cobham, Leatherhead & Dorking.

First Leg - Brooklands to Newlands Corner View Point.

Passing Cobham Mill.

Driving through the village of Mickleham

The Olympic Cyclists statue on the Denbies Roundabout, Dorking.

The road through Ranmore Common, Near Dorking.

The Abinger Hammer Striking Clock.

Into and out of the Village of Shere Traffic Jam.

Just up the next hill we arrive at the first of our two Rest Points at the Newlands Corner View Point in the Surrey Hills.

23.9 miles covered so far.

The views up here are beautiful. 

Here is the stunning view to the South.

And to the East.

Well! It is a Rest Stop after all.

A fine selection of cars in the parking area. 

Could this be a Mustang from Brooklands?

A popular Sunday Meeting Place for Bikers

By the time I took this photo the Ice lolly bought by Terry had gone and this discussion had moved on from the Indian.

Once ready we resumed the journey and headed back down the hill towards Shere but took a right turn heading for Godalming via Albury, Chilworth and Shalford.

 Second Leg - Newlands Corner to Parham House and Gardens

Stunning Chimneys spotted at Albury

The approach to the Chilworth Railway Crossing.

The road through Shalford.

Entering Godalming heading for Milford.

Milford House.

Cricket at Brook.

Beautiful Haslemere 

On the road at Easebourne

Traversing the Petworth One Way system.

The River Arun at Pulborough.

Through the tunnel of trees.

As we drive through the village of Cootham we are looking for the right turn into the Parham House drive.

After navigating the Cattle Grid we make our way down the winding drive with the Church in the background.

Queuing until the log jam ahead clears.

Slowly we make our way forward to line up with the rest of our group.

Every one is either a Kit Car or Sports Car.

Finally we are both Checked In and Parked for our own visit to Parham House and Gardens.

40.5 miles complete this leg.

The House at Parham, however the need for lunch will prevent us making a visit.

Most of us need to inspect the plumbing after that long time in the car.

The fountain statue and pool.

The Gatehouse and Tower.

Terry & Nola heading for the side gate to the Cafe.

Terry's photos of the Wisteria.

And this little plant growing between the Flagstones in front of the archway.

The view through the Side Gate Arch.

The view back towards the gate arch as we queue for the cafe.

While in the queue we covet the Figs on the trained tree growing against the warm wall.

Settled in with our lunch and coffees the rest of the queue waits for service.

Fed and Watered, with no time for sight seeing, we all prepare to leave on our last leg run to Brighton via Storrington, Bamber, Edburton and Ditchling, once home of the recently dearly departed Dame Vera Lynn. 

There we will turn south making the climb up to the famous Ditchling Beacon from where clear views across the South Downs to Brighton are possible on a clear day like ours. 

We then skirt east Brighton to descend onto Marine Parade at the Brighton Marina to make our way West before turning onto the finish line at Madeira Drive. 

Just one of our group left to leave. The Beetle based 356 Speedster.

 Third Leg - Parham House to Madeira Drive Brighton Seafront

Driving through Storrington - The Village Hall.

About to take the turning right for Henfield & Small Dole.

Along the 'Below the Downs Road' through Edburton.

The Royal Oak Pub at Poynings

Approaching the A23 junction at Pycombe.

Entering the village of Ditchling I miss this sharp right turning for Ditchling Beacon. 

We continue into the village and make a U turn, messing up the trip mileage.

Beginning the climb to the Beacon top.

About Half Way Up.

Nearing the top, looking eastwards.

Where are Terry & Nola?

Nola's view from the top taken across the downs to Brighton & Hove.

We are about to be directed onto the A27 Brighton Bypass to head eastwards. 

Now I am not sure where we are going as the old London to Brighton Bike Ride route took us straight down into Brighton?

Now we are on the A27 but only for two junctions.

Heading towards Brighton again we pass the old Horse Racing Course.

Now we can see the sea front ahead as the route takes us towards the Marina in East Brighton.

Sitting with the brake lights on while Nola took this great shot during our short rest at the traffic lights. 

The Marina is just over the hill.

I did not expect this warren of roads set into the ground.

We never saw the Marina. 

Finding the correct lane is a lottery but good fortune was with us today as we took the correct exit.

At last. We are on Marine Parade heading west again and looking for the Pier Head Roundabout.

Turning off the roundabout into Madeira Drive at last.

This last leg is all of 32.6 miles, plus our small wayward error in Ditchling.

Once again our photo was taken.

 It proved very slow getting into Madeira Drive.

Just a few more cars behind Terry & Nola

A reason for the Blockage? 

Could it have been Mike Brewer of  'Wheeler Dealers' fame, who was chatting to the drivers. Almost 5 minutes with the Porsche Driver in front of us but then he turned away to chat with his mates. 

Ok Mike! Morgans not good enough?

After a day of sunshine, we look for a parking slot fast as it starts to rain and very hard.

We managed to find plenty of space opposite the statue of Steve Ovett near the end of the Zip Wire Ride. 

Robin looks skyward for divine intervention and signs of the sun, then it was a quick raising of the hood.

Terry and Nola were ahead of us with hood up, nestling inside.

The Rain poured and the spectators dissapeared fast.

The owners of this hoodless 'LOMAX' Three Wheeler were popping on the Tonneau Cover.

And were as quick to abandon it. There are the remains of a Citroen 2CV under that skin.

Racing to inspect the plumbing again we got a quick wave from neighbour John Guest with his Jaguar XK150, also with hood up. 

Now there's a thing! We also have two large brollies in he Morgan.

My sense of urgency offers no time for muscling in on Mike Brewers Gazebo.

Would you, if you had a choice? 

The Brighton Loos have deteriorated somewhat compared to last year. 

Its waterproof shoes or waders in here.

A short course in Street Art & Graffiti is needed to translate this lot.

What does one have to do to get out of here?

Back outside Terry is kitted out well for the rain while Nola gets wet.

I think that Terry was quite taken with this E Type. 

Or was it the Fan Tail Tail Pipes.

Not sure of the story here. I dont remember seeing this Morgan M3W at Brooklands?

We came across John again with the Bonnet Up on his XK150. 

Re fitting a loose Throttle Cable Nipple.

Terry's last photo before getting in out of the rain.

Everyone already has their Wet Gear on. 

Me thinks someone had local weather knowledge.

The Display quickly thins out. 

Even Terry & Nola are ready to leave.

The Dodge Sedan cruises away home.

Two lonely souls in the wet.

Robin admires the Maclaren 570s which was in our group.

Mercedes keeping each other company

Nissan owners keeping dry realising that there is no where else to go out of the rain nearby.

Lotus Cortina's keeping each other company. 

Sadly this Austin A 30 is waiting for some roadside assistance to turn up.

Seen on the rear of the A30. In 2017, these Small Metal Plaques must have been the event trophy. 

Red Rubber Wheel inserts brighten up the wheels on this 20 year old Toyota Celica

A very smart Citroen Traction Avant is also in excellent condition.

Not so many cars left to see now and there is a distinct lack of passers by.

The MGB makes a dash for home as the rain seems to be in for the rest of the day.

It appears that there were just four 4 Wheeler Morgans.

 ( This Plus 4, Diana Willows Plus 8 and our two Roadster 100's) and of course, that Single M3W Three Wheeler on the trailer. 

It must be the age of this one as it is in a different Group to ours.

Fiat 500 owners having some fun along side the VW Beach Buggy.

We were in posh company with this 2011 Aston Martin Rapide.

A stunning Cadillac Series 62 Sedan from about  1948

This Triumph TR4 is in superb condition.

The Morris Minor owner cleaning the inside windscreen and are about to set off.

Ford Mustang and Alfa Romeo Convertibles 

The weather in the background seems to be clearing a little. Maybe we can get our roof down for the drive home.

Another very smart MGB.

Jaguar XK 120 looking very good in White and Black.

The weather certainly seems to be clearing as the Volks Electric Railway single carriage passes.

A nice wave from another confidant driver, hood down and brolly stowed in the hamper.

Meanwhile, The Zip Wire continued its popularity.

Another pair of Jaguars XK 150 Fixed Head and Mk 2 bringing out the sun again.

The 1972 NG TC looking Long & Mean.

A Very Nicely turned out  Mini Moke. 

This classic British Alvis Convertible offers a touch of class at any event.

With the day just about over and a welcome gap in the weather we take the hood down again, stow the brollies and head for home on the last leg of our triangular journey. 

Just 60.4 miles left and an hour and three quarters with a fair wind.

A most enjoyable event is over for another year. 

We would like to offer our sincere thank yous to both Stephen & Sandra Smith of GE Classic Motor Events for the original planning and to new event owners Andrea & Abby and their team from Pop Up Car Shows for the superb organisation on the day.

Frank