MEET REPORT: Megameet X
The months of planning are complete, the route has been finalised, the hotel is booked, cars are checked and cleaned, the waiting is over. It’s time for undoubtedly the main event of the 2014 S2KUK meet calendar – MEGAMEET X .
The base for this tenth year of Megameet was in the rolling valleys of mid Wales. The Metropole hotel in Llandrindod Wells was chosen as a base. This luxury hotel is used by many car clubs and the owner, Justin Baird-Murray, is an ex-S2000 owner and spent a lot of time with us during the course of the weekend making sure everything was perfect.
From late Thursday S2000s began to arrive from all over the UK and Europe. It was a truly international meet with a large Dutch and Belgian contingent of 14 cars who had enjoyed Euromeet earlier in the year. There was also Robbie and Biggy (rk renntechnik) from Germany who bought over their immaculate and highly modified ASM Pearl White 2.2 litre – a car that created a great deal of interest over the weekend. Not forgetting our friends from Ireland who are regular MM attendees and will be hosting the event in September 2015.
As people arrived they were greeted by our own parking maestro Steve (Minvo) who worked late into the evening in the car park to ensure everyone was ready in their groups for the drive the next day. We were greeted on arrival with a comprehensive plan for the next day, MMX sticker and the opportunity to own an exclusive MMX shirt and cap. Then it was time to kick back and relax in the bar to catch up with old friends and to get to know knew ones. For most it was an early night after the long drives of the day and the prospect of the early morning on Saturday.
Saturday dawned and everyone headed for the car park at 08:15 fortified with a good breakfast ready for the main event – 180 miles of twisting roads through the beautiful scenery of mid Wales. It was an amazing sight – 72 S2000s of all colours - some standard, others heavily modified. Several owners had taken up the challenge of wearing silly hats for the drive – but the prizewinning one (deservedly so) went to Ian (LEEF) with his very appropriate leek and cow ensemble!
Ian (AquilaEagle) provided a short briefing – with a sheep on his head ! How he thought we could take him seriously is beyond us. Then in groups of around 8 to 10 cars we headed out, Ian leading the first – and most definitely the fastest – group. Six other groups following behind.
It was straight onto the twisting single-track back roads as tyres began to warm up. The weather was kind to us and allowed us to maintain spirited pace that we would be maintained for the day.
First stop was a layby overlooking the Llyn Brianne reservoir for some spectacular photo opportunities. This meant some congestion as all seven groups tried to slot into the tiny pull in. Fortunately we were away again quite quickly before we managed to cause any major traffic jams. Further round the reservoir was a quick loo stop which was just long enough to cool the brakes down a bit.
We headed southwest through unpronounceable place names often avoiding the “wooly bollards” that occasionally would leap up from their slumber and walk straight across in front of us. This lead to more than a few evasive manoeuvres ! At around 10:30 we arrived at Dolaucothi Gold Mines, near Pumsaint where we were able to grab a well needed coffee and a Welsh Cake.
Time didn’t permit us to linger for long so it was off again fairly quickly, this time turning left at Llangadog and heading onto the Brecon Beacons. This proved a chance to enjoy the agile handling of the S2000s as we flew round the tight hairpins of the steep hills - this time with a lot more wildlife to avoid.! The route did a 180 degree turn in the village of Brynamman and headed back the same way which was great for some photos of the oncoming groups of cars that were behind us in the run. We certainly turned a few heads from the locals as we shattered the peace and quiet of their Saturday morning. Fortunately most were happy to return our waves.
By this time rumours were spreading that some of the groups had been taking unexpected detours but we headed off regardless. This time running north-west up through Lampeter, then onwards through Tregaron and towards Aberystwyth. The roads here were a little wider so the pace picked up a little and through the villages and towns people came out to see us pass through.
Remarkably most of us were still on schedule as we rolled up the sweeping drive to our lunch stop, Nanteos Mansion. I say most of us, in fact a the sequence as the groups arrived had almost reversed from when we left in the morning. I’m sure there are stories to be told there. We were served a pleasant lunch of soup and sandwiches and it was time for photos. Harroon (The Loon) and Robbie ensuring their cars were centre stage in front of the house.
As the other groups arrived we found the reason for some of the delay. Michail (michails) had hit a rock en-route suffering a puncture. Fortunately a suitable replacement was sourced in nearby Aberystwyth and he was able to join the run again after lunch. Fair play to his group leader Kim (kim-s2k) for waiting for this to be sorted and keeping his group together for the afternoon section. That’s what the spirit of MegaMeet is all about.
The afternoon drive proved to be much shorter but had by far the most spectacular scenery. The route wound down the Elan Valley, punctuated by lakes and spectacular dams. At the Craig Goch dam we scuttled across to the other side of the dam. This was a very narrow crossing and resulted in some interesting parking logistics on the other side when more than one group crossed at the same time. However it was worth it for the great views down the valley. From here we dropped down to the Elan Valley visitors centre for a final loo stop and desperately needed cuppa.
The last stretch took us back through Rhayader and then onto the hotel which we reached around 5:30. Although feeling tired and looking forward to a drink at the bar there was still time to get the cars parked in the traditional car colour order in the car park. Passers-by must have had to do a double take as they strolled past.
That evening there was an excellent dinner laid on by the hotel where much was drunk and many stories were told. New this year was prize giving:
- Best standard car: Richard Green (Ricgreen) for his rare Platinum White that always turns heads.
- Best Modified Car: Kim Pham (kim-S2K). A testament to the hard work he has put into his Moonrock.
- Cleanest Car: Paul Cohen (Handiyman) with his very shiny New Formula Red
- Dirtiest Car: Robbie & Biggy (rk rennetechnik). It was difficult to see that his car had started the day a glistening white thanks to all the “Schafe Scheiße” .
- Silliest Hat: Ian (LEEF)
As is normal for MegaMeet there was a raffle and charity auction for this year’s club charity MacMillan Cancer Support. There was everything from Honda teddy bears to the popular beers bought over by the Belgians and Dutch and even a Supercharger kit. A grand total of over £7,300 was raised on the night, far exceeding the target by a substantial amount. Well done to everyone for the generosity. You can see our justgiving page here
The party went on well into the small hours, but events beyond that are probably not for publication here !
On Sunday people headed off or went off to explore the surroundings in a more leisurely manner. Some to New Quay on the coast, others checking out the nearby surroundings, and the Belgian and Dutch guys went up to the Evo triangle, Llyn peninsula and Caenarfon Castle, where they were tweeted by North Wales Police (all in good spirits). Others took the opportunity to pamper themselves in the hotel spa – but it was time to say goodbye to old friends and new friends as some people left and others spent another night at the hotel.
Don't forget to put your calendar entry pictures in! There will be plenty of contenders from this meet! Link here and there are lots more pictures on our facebook page.
So it just remains to thank everyone for the amazing hard work they have put in to make this event happen and to now look forward to MM11 to be held next September in Northern Ireland.
...HOLD ON A MINUTE..... STOP PRESS!!!
After settling up with the Hotel, Ian and Sue happened to ask about availability and on the spur of the moment booked Megameet 10.5 – it will be May 8-10th at the same location, limited spaces and booking details coming soon!
Comments
Currently no comments for this article.
Post a comment
You must sign in before you can post a comment.
