25-06-2019, 06:10 PM
Not quite today but last night I got back from a solo trip to Brittany in the Ruby. I was a bit apprehensive having only installed a rebuilt 3 bearing engine a few days before setting out on Thursday, but it performed superbly. Waiting in the queue for the ferry from Plymouth to Roscoff I was 'adopted' by members of a car club from Wales who were off on a tour in their XKs, E Types and TRs - as usual it was the tatty old Ruby which attracted most attention from our fellow travellers. After an on-board meal with them we went our separate ways on arrival in Roscoff in the morning and I set off to visit friends in St Brieuc.
I managed to avoid the N12 motorway and followed the old D712 which runs parallel to it but is almost completely deserted - I recommend it.
During my visit one of my friends, who is a journalist over there, invited me to come with him while he interviewed a chap who specialises in Minis - he turned out to be the owner of the '36 Opal which featured either here on the forum or in the grey mag a few years ago. Its immaculate but possibly not to most people's taste, being painted white with metallic purple upper panels! I didn't take a photo as it was hidden away at the back of his workshop, but here's an example of some of his other stock (its a Citroen, one of several):
I only covered about 400 miles in all, returning via the coast road, and thoroughly enjoyed myself - nothing compared to some of the treks people like Ruairidh undertake but I'm feeling pleased with myself and the car...
I got back in time for a pint in my local and as I got back into the Ruby for the final mile or two home a member of the braying classes asked if I needed a push. 'No' says I. 'Its just got back from Brittany and is quite capable of getting home without your help....'
I managed to avoid the N12 motorway and followed the old D712 which runs parallel to it but is almost completely deserted - I recommend it.
During my visit one of my friends, who is a journalist over there, invited me to come with him while he interviewed a chap who specialises in Minis - he turned out to be the owner of the '36 Opal which featured either here on the forum or in the grey mag a few years ago. Its immaculate but possibly not to most people's taste, being painted white with metallic purple upper panels! I didn't take a photo as it was hidden away at the back of his workshop, but here's an example of some of his other stock (its a Citroen, one of several):
I only covered about 400 miles in all, returning via the coast road, and thoroughly enjoyed myself - nothing compared to some of the treks people like Ruairidh undertake but I'm feeling pleased with myself and the car...
I got back in time for a pint in my local and as I got back into the Ruby for the final mile or two home a member of the braying classes asked if I needed a push. 'No' says I. 'Its just got back from Brittany and is quite capable of getting home without your help....'