Only one bore of the tunnel had been opened, and as we arrived we were scuppered by a traffic jam going into the tunnel. We did however, notice that the 40MPH limit signs were being taken down......could they be planning a full on 70MPH limit for the tunnel, on opening night ?
We headed to the pub to wait for the traffic to clear, to be met by a lovely Daimler Dart in the car park, and a very-pished local, who rudely informed us that "We don't like poseurs round here'. After getting past this 'chap' we hit the bar for some refreshment.
There was a little bit of trepidation as we headed to the tunnel entrance on the dual carriageway. Hands tensed on the wheel, throttle foot was readied, a long breath inwards.........and then - my heart stopped as we got a series of two tone horn blasts as the local bobbies said hello from their passing patrol car (we also met them on the roundabout as we repositioned for another run)
As the second bore was not open , we were probably some of the last cars to run on the original Devils Punchbowl road that the tunnel bypasses, for the return run.
As the second bore was not open , we were probably some of the last cars to run on the original Devils Punchbowl road that the tunnel bypasses, for the return run.
The only thing missing was a loud rendition of 633 squadron as we sought to use all of the 70MPH limit, and run past IanH's HERO GoPro that was filming.
Other Tunnelrunners included a BMW 3-series pink wheels !! and a Hyundai Coupe who waited for us , and followed us to to do a third run - which we didnt' do.
Two runs was probably pushing it,
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| Hyperdrive in 3.....2.....1 ! |
Two runs was probably pushing it,
a) ......as the locals must be wishing they'd never backed the tunnel with the constant thunder of engines, as every UK car club seemed to be up there doing 'circuits' !
- and -
b) .....before the very patient Boys-in-blue , who gave us a blast on their two-tones as the passed us , actually ran out of patience !!
An Epic run, and a great 'diversion' for any future blats !