Forum Event 2026 Summer Solstice "Racing the Sun" run

Sticky

Sticky

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Eyup!

I know this is (just) over a year away at the time of writing, but no sense in holding off forever, so here goes...

I've done this once before (Long before Mr Clarkson did it on Top Gear) with a group of Scooby drivers, and it was one of the most memorable events I've ever planned, so... Why not do it again?

On Friday 19th June, 2026 we meet at a pre-arranged beach on the West coast with some grub and a diposable BBQ or two. Have a natter, eat some charred food, maybe drink a bottle of alcohol free beer, and watch the sun go down. (Around 10:00PM) Then we pack up, jump into the cars and fly across the country to do the same on a beach on the East coast, all in time to watch the sun coming up over the North Sea. (Around 4:20AM)

It'll be a beach close to Sellafield in Cumbria on the West coast, and close to Whitby on the East cast, with a distance of around 150 miles to cover through the night.

It's not the easiest of runs, in fact it's bloody tiring, so please bear this in mind before signing up, but other than this, who's up for it?
 
Up to date list of attendees (Last updated 03/05)

1 - Sticky
2 - Gordon
3 - Pittsy
4 - neil_omg
 
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Sticky said:
Eyup!

I know this is (just) over a year away at the time of writing, but no sense in holding off forever, so here goes...

I've done this once before (Long before Mr Clarkson did it on Top Gear) with a group of Scooby drivers, and it was one of the most memorable events I've ever planned, so... Why not do it again?

On Friday 19th June, 2026 we meet at a pre-arranged beach on the West coast with some grub and a diposable BBQ or two. Have a natter, eat some charred food, maybe drink a bottle of alcohol free beer, and watch the sun go down. (Around 10:00PM) Then we pack up, jump into the cars and fly across the country to do the same on a beach on the East coast, all in time to watch the sun coming up over the North Sea. (Around 4:20AM)

It'll be a beach close to Sellafield in Cumbria on the West coast, and close to Whitby on the East cast, with a distance of around 150 miles to cover through the night.

It's not the easiest of runs, in fact it's bloody tiring, so please bear this in mind before signing up, but other than this, who's up for it?
Click to expand...
Sign me up, it’s a good run across there đŸ’ª
 
Sticky said:
Really? It’s a fair old trek for someone so ‘remote’
Click to expand...
Ach, I’m across a few times a year anyway, will just schedule family visits etc. around it.
 
2025 for me so far has - in contrast to the previous couple of years - been marked by (1) a distinct lack of use of my car, and (2) an absence of meeting up with forum folk.

This fantastic idea in some way addresses both of these issues for 2026, so put me down as a very strong (say 90+%) "interested".
 
It's a yes from me. Always fancied the lands end version, but this sounds better.
 
I'm planning on going the other direction. The upgrades have made the car a lot quicker.
 
Definitely interested in this, but won't likely know availability until early next year. We have a big work charity event thing that is usually somewhere around that date.

Sounds like a good excuse for a lamp pod?
1752663005464.webp
 
**** UPDATE 30/04/2026 ****

Okay, time to start the planning for this in earnest.

Firstly, the obligatory 2026 disclaimer: There is NO FEE OR CHARGE for this event. I'll be providing a start point, end point and route between the two. Your driving to, from and during this event is YOUR responsibility. Don't be a dick!

Main location 1 is the beach at Silecroft;
54.218123, -3.349529
Millom, LA18 4NY
///racing.mugs.melts

We will no doubt have some meet-ups on the way there, these can be arranged amongst yourselves locally.

Main location 2 is the south beach at Sansend;
54.499771, -0.664267
A174, Whitby YO21 3TJ
///snowboard.magic.screen

Aim to get to point 1 between 8-9 pm
Sunset is 9:50, so we will probably depart for the East coast at around 10:30
You will need to bring a disposable BBQ and ideally something to throw on it for food at either end, should you wish to partake in the eating part of the fun. It's obvious, but still needs stating, you will need one of these for either end of the main run!
A bottle or two of alcohol free beer / beverage of your choice would also be a good idea, as would a full tank of fuel, though we will be passing fuel stations on the way, most of them are not 24hrs.
There's a Shell in Millom, close to point 1, but it closes at 9pm, so fill up BEFORE you come to the beach.

LEAVE NO RUBBISH. Obvious, but needs stating. We are not a bunch of assholes. Tidy up any mess you make!

The main run is around 180 miles, mostly on GR-worthy roads, so there should be no need to fill up again en-route.
The route will be provided as a .GPX file via whatsapp to all attendees, but of course, you don't have to follow it, you can find your own way should you wish. The drive will be 'spirited', but I will have my wife BLACK BOX installed in the passenger seat, so don't expect me to be leading! We'll see you when we get there :)

A few of us will be spending the rest of Saturday in Whitby, and have booked rooms at Dunsley Hall Country House Hotel, just outside Whitby for the Saturday night so we can have a good old kip. You'd be more than welcome to join us should you wish to do so (Subject to room availability, obviously!)

To register OFFICIALLY, add your name in a post below, I'll keep up with the list at the top of this thread, AND also PM me your number so that I can add you to the WhatsApp group for the event, that way everyone can stay informed.
 
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