Hirsute Hugh

I'd like to thank you all for your interest - just to let you know, the car left us this afternoon for her new home. Best regards

Hi guys OBO Hugh, who's out-and-about atm... It's RH drive. We did look into taking the car, particularly as mileage isn't an issue for people in NZ. It would sell for £5+K over there. We couldn't find where the UN / ECE compliance plate was located, so contacted MB HQ in Milton Keynes and firstly they cheekily wanted £££s for supplying two certificates - then the lady said our car, iirc, was EU3 and they now require EU5 It's a great shame because we absolutely love the car and it would have saved all the hassle of finding a daily runabout when we arrive ☹️ We'll take some pix Nifty - and I can send them direct from my iPhoto. The car is going to be properly valeted before we hand her over, so excuse the 'quick wash' I'll take some shots to show the cavernous load bay, split rear seat configuration etc. There are so many rules and regs on importing a container load of household effects - quite understandably as a remote island nation, they take their biosecurity extremely seriously - so anything that's been outside has to be power washed, steam cleaned, sterilised and dried thoroughly. I could write a book on what we've been doing over the past few months, to ensure we fulfil all their criteria 😬 We're taking the Caterham and she's just itching to set her new boots down on some of the world's best driving roads, once she has jumped through all the Low Volume Vehicle compliance and certification hoops We'd really love the Merc to go to someone who'll get as much pleasure from her as we have KRs Susie

FOR SALE Mercedes 320 CDI Elegance Tiptronic Estate 2000(W) Susie and I are off to the other side of the world very shortly and sadly our beloved ‘barge’ isn’t NZ-compliant, so we can’t take her with us ☹️ We’re the second owners (since 2003) and no expense has been spared in keeping her in good condition. We fitted a tow bar (double electrics and relay) to tow a small caravan very occasionally. Our two golden retrievers have loved their spacious travelling accommodation and it would suit a similar rôle or for use as a track-day car with masses of space for all the usual paraphernalia. Many Blatchatters will know this car and several have driven it. Bodywork is in very good condition with only a couple of minor scuff marks and this model is one of the last great Mercs before they had quality control issues. At just over 189,000 miles, in Mercedes terms, the car is barely run-in! Mostly long-distance mileage. Dealer serviced until c2007 since when it has been looked after by the highly respected BMW / Mercedes Independent, Derrick Forrest Motors of Lincoln. It has a few minor issues as expected with a car of its age – the LED outside temperature display is intermittent and a false fault warning for a bulb failure pops up occasionally, easily cancelled via the steering wheel button. There is also a small chip in the screen, fixed by Autoglass, which doesn’t affect the driver’s vision. Recently serviced and MOT’d (11 January, 2013) Taxed until end of April Full spec: German build Tansanite Blue 3,200cc common rail turbo diesel 5-speed Tiptronic 7 seats (2 rear facing), all with lap and diagonal belts Full leather interior (light grey) Electric seat adjustment (manual fore and aft) Electric folding door mirrors Remote audio CD player Air con Cruise and Limit control ESP Side airbags Multi-function steering wheel control and display Auto dim interior RVM Headlamp wash Centre armrest cooling compartment Security cover for luggage area Fully flat luggage capacity when rear seats are folded forward (adaptable 2-part split) c40mpg on motorways Comes with a cherished plate R (our) 7 XXX No pix (because I don’t know how to upload) – car available to view in NG13, Vale of Belvoir, Leicestershire Cars of similar age and mileage have been advertised from £1,450 to upwards of £2,500 Asking price £1,250 including a half day Cadence on-road coaching session with me on collection or £1,150 excl. I can be contacted on 01949 844 449 Hugh

Hi chaps Before I put these up on ebay, I thought I'd find out if anyone here has a need for this stuff. We recently bought an M3 E36 saloon (as a training car) from a friend who didn't like the leather interior. He bought a full interior, including door cards - M-Sport cloth and black alcantara from a coupé. He changed the front seats but rear wouldn't fit because the car is a saloon. Door cards didn't get used. We couldn't get comfortable in alcantara seats so have changed back to the rather blingy leather. He paid £600 for the whole lot. I've no idea what the value is. Let me know if you're interested or know someone who may be. Thank you kindly Susie

*eek*Blimey My 'first time' - after all these years We were heading off for a session at Millbrook, preceded by a swift cup of Tom Polti's finest coffee Hirsute Hugh

Ballast, good morning Performance vaulting is something I have been advocating for a while now. It is particularly good exercise for those amongst us who do little in the way of living a healthy lifestyle 😳 Remembering to keep the knees together mid vault is particularly good for certain muscles (or so I'm told) As with driving, balance is the key to it all. Knowing when to turn in and when to re-apply the power of the thrust is all important If you are using a pole rather than a bar, make sure you assess your apex - each bend is different. Similarly, when completing the exercise, you need to brake smoothly. Accurate braking allows you to be precise in how you finish the manoeuvre - with the correct speed of approach, beside, rather than in the gear and with both feet in the finishing position. Having the hood down makes all of the above much easier. Hirsute Hugh

The blind send e-mail doesn't seem to be working at the moment. Ok, I'm a bit dim ☹️ I used the wrong symbol above. Off to mail you now Hirsute Hugh Edited by - Hirsute Hugh on 19 Nov 2003 13:24:31

YHM offline I believe this is an area for storing bikes, not knowledge Oh, and to answer the question of aeroscreens and helmets, I carry a toothbrush and comb, to keep looking smart at all times 😬 Hirsute Hugh Edited by - Hirsute Hugh on 19 Nov 2003 12:42:14

Ah, I know you, you young scoundrel - Did you get the message from my better half?

Thank you very much All done Edited by - Hirsute Hugh on 19 Nov 2003 12:03:27

Edited by - Hirsute Hugh on 19 Nov 2003 12:03:44

Hmmm Edited by - Hirsute Hugh on 19 Nov 2003 11:56:01

Hello everyone It is indeed very scary upstairs ❗ There was someone being rude about my nearest and dearest a couple of days' ago ☹️ Quite uncalled for IMHO ☹️ Could I have a group hug please 😳

Hello Hoopy How's the driving going? Give my best wishes to Emma when you see her Enjoy the crisps. I'm off to have some scrambled eggs now 😬 Hirsute Hugh hugh@cadence.uk.com

Hello folks My ears are burning! Never one to be churlish I'd recommend Ride Drive. In fact when we lived in Buckinghamshire, we used to see the directors on a regular basis as they'd pop in for coffee (sshhh) on a quiet shift! We also worked closely with them in the development of an NVQ in driving, aimed at younger drivers in an effort to try and stop the carnage. Having been an ambulance driver before I went to the Met Police as a Class 1 instructor, it was tragic to see the number of people who could so easily have lived full and useful lives, if only they'd developed their driving skills to a higher level. I believe it's customary to offer some light refreshments on your first visit to the Bikeshed, so I'll leave some chox and a couple of packets of crisps in the corner. Hirsute Hugh hugh@cadence.uk.com