Gorge Rumble
21st April 2002

There will definitely be a feature in Sprint and it will definitely be based on all your stories. Tony Connor is hoping to create either three or four pages !

The feedback from Tony is that the pictures he took are looking really good; the one on the right is one of many potential Sprint cover shots (Just imagine the Sprint logo on the top-left).

Well what can I say... I offered to put some words together describing my experiences of the 21st of April, but my ‘gast’ has been so well and truly ‘flabbered’ I haven’t known where to start. But here goes, I’ll do my best...

Here is the view of the ‘Making Of...’ and ‘Tail-end Charlie’

The Making Of...

To the best of my knowledge the plan for the gorge rumble was hatched in November last year between Sarah and Duncan, initially it was intended as a jolly day out for the Bristol Region, probably with a few of the crew from South Wales (who always support the Bristol region very well).

However... who could resist the concept of all those V8’s V6’s S6’s and 4’s growling their way up through some of the most dramatic scenery in the south of England. Word got around... During a visit to the Dorset ‘Wedge’ day, Duncan mentioned the Gorge run to a number of members, and all of a sudden the list of possibles had grown, and now included Tony Conner who, I would imagine, had instantly spotted a great photo opportunity.

As well as an enthusiastic TVR owner Duncan is a keen biker, this means he has an intimate knowledge of the roads around Priddy where he lives (which is half way between Cheddar and Wookey), a good background for route planning.

With the Date set and the route established, it became clear there was going to be no problem in generating interest, in fact it became rather the opposite. The big worry was that so many people were going to turn up, that it would become impossible to manage. Even with the initial number of about 20 cars from Bristol and South Wales there had been a little concern, but by 2 weeks before the event Sarah and Duncan had had nearly 40 cars on the list! With this in mind those who were organising or helping to organize were asked not to advertise the event any more.

As the Date approached Clare and I went down a couple of times to Duncan’s to check out some possible photo locations in the Gorge, and to test a bit of in car videoing which will hopefully mean that we can get some footage on the Bristol Website (oh, and also to sample the Queen Vic’s food). This would prove useful not only from the photography point of view, but it also gave me a good knowledge of the area surrounding Cheddar and Priddy, which helped greatly in my role as one of the Tail-end Charlie’s.

Two weeks before the Rumble on one of our visits to Priddy Duncan told me that there were roadwork’s in Axbridge which meant we might have to cut that leg out of the route, however he was debating on whether or not to include that stage as his conscience was nagging him about upsetting the locals.

On the days leading up to the run Sarah and Duncan were still receiving calls and emails from people who thought they might like to come along. This was despite a fairly grim weather forecast.

The final panic was that on the Friday. Someone posted a thread on Pistonheads.com asking if the Rumble was still on. I can imagine Duncan’s expression when he saw that. For those uninitiated Pistonheads is an online magazine catering for all things sportscar related, but with a particular bias towards TVR. Pistonheaders are a great bunch of enthusiasts, and had this thread been posted earlier we could have been looking at another 20 cars, which would have been great for a static meet, but we were committed to take this convoy on a 50 mile round trip of Somerset and 40 cars would be hard enough!

Finally the day arrived, I must confess I had been looking forward to this for Months.

Tail-End Charlie

Finally the 21st arrived. I had gone through the Map, (in fact I drew one up and sent it to Duncan to make sure I had the route correct, which he then printed out and gave to all those who turned up), so I was happy I knew where we were going. The only question I had was the meeting point. I was fairly sure I knew where it was, and it was the only large layby in that area.

Clare and I arrived at about 08:55 which was a bit early (the run started at 09:30) but no one else was there! Had I got the wrong location? Was I doomed to spend my Sunday morning watching Caravaners stopping to let their kids relieve themselves?... then... what was that... yup the faint rumble of not one but two V8’s. An Ocean Haze Chimaera and Grant in his (up until now, mythical) V8S... and yes they were pulling into my layby. Relieved I walked up to say hello. ‘Bloody good job you were parked there...’ was the reply, ‘...we hadn’t got a clue where the layby was. Still we couldn’t have missed your car.’ (My Griff is giallofly yellow) Doh!

Just as I was starting to wonder whether it was worth sending out a scouting party three more Tivs turned up. These guys looked pretty confident that they new where they were going, so I started to feel a bit more comfortable.

Over the next half hour the layby filled up. An opportunist Ice-cream van pulled in but soon realised that no-one was interested in his frozen snacks, and left. A couple of bolt-on-boys beeped their horns and waved as they went past. It’s amazing that one TVR can get abuse and envy from these people but everyone smiles and waves in awe at 30!

Finally it was time to move off. As one of the Tail-end Charlie’s, I waited until everyone had moved away (Simon also remained at the back for much of the day in his Passat). What an incredible sight, I realised that while I had a job to do looking after the inevitable stragglers, I was also going to get the best view of this event. A couple of times the road down to the Chew Valley Lake opened up, and at one point I was able to see the whole convoy. What an amazing sight! 30+ TVR’s in convoy as far as the eye can see, some of the pictures show chunks of the line of cars but none show all of them, truly, truly incredible, I don’t mind saying the hair on the back of my neck was standing on end.

The next stop was Chew Lake, no stragglers at this stage, so we had plenty of time for taking Video, photos and feeding the ducks. Tony also had time to take some shots as candidates for Sprint, using Duncan’s freshly rebuilt SEAC as a camera ship.

The next leg was up over the Mendips and on to Glastonbury, due to the infiltration of lesser motors, and the crossing of the A368, a gap had opened up between the pack and the last 3 cars. At the next crossroads there was a sign for Cheddar Jeff Morgan was at the front of the Trio in his monster wedge, and fortunately didn’t dive down the road to Cheddar, but waited to be pointed in the right direction, which I duly did. Soon we were back up with the pack.

Back on track we were able to keep the group together despite Sarah and Dave disappearing without been spotted by the tail-enders (Dave’s reputation for navigation takes another hit... sorry Dave). Fortunately it was timed when a couple of others had to stop for fuel so we were able to pull the convoy over and wait.

The leg to Glastonbury was particularly satisfying, as well as great countryside, view of the Tor etc. we had a guy in a caravan stuck behind us the whole way!!! Being at the back I got to see the look on his face... God did he look cheesed off! Revenge is so sweet.

Leaving the little chef at Glastonbury I abandoned my post and I wanted to get some footage of the cars on the move, so from being third I pulled over and got the camcorder out. It seemed to take forever for everyone to come past, finally I dived into the Griff and pulled out taking up my usual station.

Driving through the little village of Wedmore (Where Gary Glitter lives when not at Her Majesties Pleasure), a lot of the locals we peering through windows, or had come out of their houses to see what all the noise was about. Been at the back we witnessed the full effect of this phenomena. At one stage two little old ladies had come out into their front garden, and were leaning on the fence waving and smiling, obviously we waved back.

Not surprisingly, now so many other makes stuck between the Tivs, the inevitable happened at the bottom of Cheddar Gorge. The last 5 cars took the turning for Cheddar instead of carrying on to Axbridge, from my position I was unable to see whether this was because they had seen other cars take this turn or that the pull of the gorge was simply too much for them.

This had been the section of the route that Duncan had been fighting with his conscience, regarding Axbridge. Should he take the convoy of fire breathing monsters through the little town or go straight to the Gorge? Obviously Duncan’s evil alter ego ‘Nacnud’ had taken over and he was off to deafen the pensioners and tourists. This left me with the initial five and a few other refugees to make out way up the Gorge to one of the parking areas we had discussed on previous visits.

Whilst it would have been nice to go through Axbridge, and up the lower Gorge in convoy, we were in the right place for the bit I had been looking forward to.

I had spoken to Duncan on Saturday Morning, he told me the plan to have everyone startup in the Gorge at the same time, (I remember thinking ‘What a big kid... Woohoo that’s going to be great!’) I laughed and said what you need is a flag mate! He quietly replied ‘...I’ve got one’.

Well what can I say... I think as Shakespeare put it.. Let all those who do not start with us here today, rue the day, and they shall say ‘bugger’ I wish I was there’ or something like that. I didn’t do English Lit.

That start-up has got to be the coolest thing ever. Imagine, if you will, the startline of an American Daytona style race, all those V8’s, now imagine them inside one of those gas storage tanks. That’s the sort of noise you get when 33 V8’s, V6’s, S6’s and 4’s start up in a narrow Gorge at the same time... Bloody Great!!!

The last two hops, to the pub and then to Wookey are fairly short, the only possible problem was getting 30 odd TVRs down the single track lane to Wookey Hole. The cunning plan this time was Duncan would drive down the lane and stop the traffic, whilst I held up the convoy. It worked perfectly, when I arrived at the bottom of the hill, there was Duncan with three cars coming the other way stopped in a layby. Far from the sulky faced drivers I expected they were all smiling and waving!!

To Sum up, everyone who attended behaved responsibly and had a great day. My task was made easy by club members sticking together, and where we were split, waiting to be directed. Also to my surprise a number of members of the public went out of their way, specifically one guy in a Peugeot who stopped to let everyone turn off to Chew, and the guy in the Escort, who stopped the downhill traffic in the Gorge to let us all pull out.

Many thanks not only to the organizers but also to everyone who attended and made this a very special day. This is what TVR’s were made for!!

Early start one Sunday morning (third Sunday in a row for the neighbours, they must be getting fed up by now) for what promised to be a great day. We met up at Magor services with the other eight or so from the South Wales region for a mini convoy to just south of Bristol, hoping that the food was cheaper there than the services.

A quick blat eastwards across the new Severn Bridge and woke up a sleepy Bristol (god, if eight do this what are 30+ going to do to the Gorge, mental note-check insurance for falling boulders). We arrive at the lay by, well its there somewhere, just have to look under 32 of Blackpools finest. How the hell are these going to keep together? Cunning plan, a couple of the Bristol region will tail behind and collect stragglers (me being one at one point) and on the whole it worked, well done Bristol. No burger vans and the Ice Cream man scarpered.

We set off for the first pit stop at the Chew Valley Lakes and through every sleeping (but not for long) village locals emerged to find that monsters did exist and at that moment 32 of them had decided to growl past their homes (a few thought we were friendly so waved, we waved back) proving that not every howling beasty is nasty. Filled the lay by and photo shoot time. Cars passing would slow down to look. No burger vans here so I am still hungry but other things take my mind off it.( Hmm ducks on the lake, now where did I put that tin of instant orange sauce?) Lots of photo’s and walkabouts to look see and a bit of Stephen Spielberg from a Yellow Griff. Duncan waves his flag and we are off for the next bit.

As I am near the rear the front steams ahead and I get held up (two more behind me) behind slower other makes. Junction for Cheddar provides a problem, which way? My map reader is not working, too busy looking at other things but big yellow Griff at the rear frantically waves straight on, cunning plan in action, cheers. (mental note, get near the front next opportunity). We start wending our way down some of the West Countries finest roads for blatting.

We pass at one point Pilton (Glastonbury Festival site) and can’t help thinking that in days gone past they have seen many a hairy thing go by (worked there once, what a smell), well today 32 hairy things make more racket and are cleaner but get more approving looks, I think. On to a Little Chef near Glastonbury to gather all up and a chance for more jungle juice, half a tank so far. A few bolt on boys I notice did a double take. About to get my burger and Duncan say’s we are off again, stomach is starting to make noises now and threats of strike.

We carry on (I have now got near the front) and some good blatting to be had (all within the law of course) through some sleepy hamlets (builders are now repositioning their roofs). As I am near the front I follow the leader but it seems some of the rear got to go up the Gorge first as we were waking up Axbridge. Narrow streets, what a howl, Wedges were made for this, the Gorge must have felt this and a little shiver runs down its spine. We gather up at the side of the road to collect the missing again ready for the grand entrance.

Duncans flag does its bit again and we set off. As we enter the Gorge thing start to happen. The engine starts to howl more, tourists stop what they are doing to pick their jaws up, evil grin appears, Thor stops what he is doing (having a tiff with a snake) for a listen.... what a sound. Any way after a bit of juggling with parking spaces we all end up in one lay by. Photo time again and lots of legs nearly broke scrambling past a sign saying no climbing. Everyone together, time to wake the dead. Linda scrambles up the slope to wave the flag, some mistake it for we are going now but a few shouts and the message understood.

Linda waves the flag and 33 (by now) TVR,s in a narrow valley start in unison and rattle Hades doors with fury, Cerburus is whimpering in its kennel with fear, chickens are laying hard boiled eggs.. well you get the point. What a sound, I bet tourists were making excuses to leave in fear of avalanches. I don’t think anything came down off the cliffs? Engines stop, never seen so many manic grins before in one place! Still no burger vans in sight.

Set off for a short run to the pub at Priddy for lunch, or in my case ham, egg, chips, chip butty, crisps, nuts, artery’s scream but I needed that. All served promptly, good work the Queen Vic pub after 60 odd hungry thirsty types turn up on masse. Tail back for the pub car park so a little village starts to acquire TVR’s all over the place. Finish nosh and time for much nattering and lifting of bonnets etc (sad I know but must be done, better than digging the garden) We set off with locals at the pub crowding the walls to see, more waving.

On to Wooky Hole (named after a way of getting your dinner in day’s gone by, you chased it off a cliff). Over flow car park opened for us and most stayed (people starting to go home by now) for a little wander under ground. Me and Linda followed the sign straight away for the caves so ended up with another party for the tour so were out early for a wind down by the cars. Much admiring of the red Vixen. Had two in the past so me and Linda promising ourselves another in the future (she could drive that one, only 5’ see so the 400 a bit too low to see out).

Then a slightly smaller Welsh convoy set out for home via Gordano services then back over the bridge to Wales. New junction nearly sends me the old way (new for me). Much waving as people peel off for home. At the Bryn Glass tunnels I can’t help it, 70 mph in third howl around sound system again, I’ll grow up one day Then back to sleepy home. £50 odd quid in petrol but well worth it. Thanks to all in the Bristol region that organised/helped/picked up stragglers etc. A day never to be forgotten.

I think Jeff has put down our thoughts on an excellent outing (in his usual unique style), so I'll just sum up MY memorable bits.

When we met the others at Magor, we were not sure of how many others would venture out - rain had been forcast for the afternoon- so when we came around the corner to the layby and saw the turnout, I was well chuffed!! The first one to catch my eye has to be the Vixen. Our first Tiv together was a vixen and it was the only one I could drive without looking as if I was in the driving seat of the Space shuttle on takeoff!! Being only just 5ft short, thats the view from a 350 and now 420. Jeff has told me a lot about Duncan's SEAC so seeing it "in the flesh" was good. The two-tone orange Tuscan had all of us throwing it admiring glances (Only another couple of company financed house moves to afford one similar!!)

The thing in the itinery to get me excited was the "mass engine start", especially seeing how many of us there were!!!! One of the girls commented to me, as we were all juggling ourselves around in the Gorge, that she didnt like the look of the big crack in the rock behind us, and there was a lot of rock there!

I was especially chuffed when Duncan turned to me with the Union Jack flag and asked ME if I'd like to do the honours.YOU BET!! We had a few confused owners who started up as I stood poised to wave the flag, thinking it was to move off, but a few shouts soon got everyone ready.

I waved the flag - and the noise was thunderous!!!!!!! I could feel the ground shaking, and my ears were still ringing when we'd stopped for lunch! I had to put my hands to my ears to signal what a wonderous sound I could hear. It must have been very difficult for many of you to hear over the sound of your own engine, but believe me, it was (nearly) earth-shattering!We even picked up 2 extra Tivs on the way. A count at the lakeside totalled 31, and we increased to 33 by the time we reached Cheddar.

I still get a grin on my face when we pass someone on the street and they look at the car, and my grin was almost as big as Jeff's as we were going through the villages in one of the biggest convoys I've been in. Even a guy painting his fence stopped to watch. They must have been wondering what was about to invade one of their normally quiet Sundays. I had to wave back to the little boy sitting on his Dad's shoulders, waving at us as we passed!!

I had a great day (even with the early alarm call), and can only echo Jeff's praise of Duncan and the Bristol gang who organised the event. Only shift work prevents me from attending more gatherings, but Jeff's attendance and reports afterwards make me wish I'd been there.

Happy TVRing to you all!!
Linda XXX

On the Thurday before the rumble I thought, "The weather is going to be rubbish - overcast, showers, roof on type day". My thoughts were not improved by the weather forecast on the Friday either, however I set off from Dorset in the Chim to visit friends in Yeovil. Saturday looked much better and Sunday morning dawned with patches of blue and cloud - No rain therefore its ROOF OFF - Hurrah !!!! A short blast down the well worn route of the A37 up to the meeting place. On the way another chimaera catches me up, however this is only for a few miles as I have to pull off for some fuel and a pee (too much cider the night before ? Or tea in the morning ?). Short time later I pull into a full layby - full of TVRs that is. You never know who you will bump into on these days and I find a couple of people who I had spoken to before - it was a surprise to bump into Grant as I had not seen him for over 3 years when we both worked at Westlands and had forgotten he owned a V8S - well before I got Chim about 8 months ago. A short time later its off on the rumble - I have never seen so many cars in convoy - and the sound - well just awesome, what it was like for the people at the back or those we passed I can only imagine. A few of the pedestrians looked stunned, a few amazed and a few even waved (not that I would wave back - much ).

The line up at Chew Valley was another opportunity to talk to other owners and meet strangers. The lineup was interupted by a few non-TVRs however it looked fantastic with assorted models and colours. Then through the heart of Somerset to - well - a Happy Eater. .Good idea really as a lot of members needed a pit stop even if the cars didn’t judging by the queues for the loos ! Along the way I was following Sarahs beautiful Vixen, I follow her down the A37, after the turn off to Wells - the scheduled route - Doh ! I, well Chim really, slide to a halt in a muddy turning and roar back to the correct route to find the convoy at a halt just up the road - phew ! Well its not the same if you don’t get lost at some point - well is it ?

Next highlight along the way is the trundle through Axbridge. I don’t know what the residents thought as the cars passed through the village at 20mph but it sounded awesome from where I was (or was it only Duncans SEAC ? - I was only 5 or 6 cars behind at this point). The sound rebounded from the walls like continuous thunder - what it was like at the back I can only image, earsplitting I suspect.

Then on to the Gorge. A wonderful sight in itself, it was enhanced by the presence of 40 something TVRs spread across 2 car parks - the lower sun lit and the cars shining amidst the rock and the higher with its arc of bonnets eager to ascend the road to the top. A great photo opportunity amidst stunning scenary - as you can see from the photos.

The pull away from the car parks was amazing with everyone revving their engines, the echoes threatened to bring the walls of the gorge crashing around our ears. And then a blast up to the top of the gorge in convoy. The rumbling of a collection of beasts reverberating from the walls as we sped towards lunch.

This is where the day fell apart for me. Thinking of security for once I did not want to leave my house keys on display in the car so I picked them up and deposited them in the boot. Then think to alarm the car but no keys. Realisation dawns - bugger, bugger, bugger I have dropped the car keys in the boot with the house keys - bugger.

The club members are fantastic and I soon find out how to resolve the situation from other members. Itsn’t it refreshing to be in a club where people will give their time (and drinking and eating time mind !) to help someone in distress. After a while I get 2 tool kits, and 6 or 7 helpful people trying to break into my boot. Nobody laughed - well not within my hearing anyway - and everyone showed much sympathy (well some of them may have done it themselves but they were not letting on !) . My thanks to all of those who helped even if we were not successful. Duncan gave me a lift to Westbury-Sub-Mendip to a friends house who could at least put me up for the night and give me a lift into work on Monday if not help with breaking into the car. Got to the house and nobody in - bugger, bugger, bugger. Today is not my day.

About an hour later an MG midget appears with John & Babs - salvation. Where have they been ? Answer on Dear Leap firstly watching Duncan give me a lift to Westbury (Aaaargh !!!) and then watching a rumble pass, waiting to wave at a cooper green Chim and finally finding it all on its own at the Vic.

After a quck blast in the midget and a cup of tea its off back to the Vic armed with a long punch, a couple of pliers and a kebab skewer (Babs idea - not mine or Johns).

Within 5 minutes the kebab skewer has done the trick and Babs is treated to a run back to Westbury in the TVR with John following to ensure that nothing that has been removed has dropped off (Those of you that have had to break in will know which bits !) . A chat (with home made orangade), walk along the levels and a fantastic meal and wine followed by a dark roofless ride back to the south coast finished my weekend out.

All in all a great day out despite the mishap. My thanks to Duncan, Dan & Sarah for organising the day - same time next year, I might even make it to Wookey Hole ? And to John and Babs for rescuing and feeding me.

Bob

I have been driving TVRs for just over 3 years now, and thought it was about time I joined an event with a few other enthusiasts. The Gorge Rumble was an excellent opportunity to meet up with fellow owners, enjoy the Mendips and what better musical soundtrack than 30-odd V8s with a smattering of Speed 6 tones?

There were two highlights to my day - the first being the most pleasant chap with the horse box at the lakes. He kindly slowed down to a snails pace, carefully telling us all what he though of our wonderful cars. He even made sure that he managed to call out to every driver along the lay-by before continuing with his day. The second highlight was the wonderful sound made by all the cars while parked up in the Gorge. A tour guide on an open top bus was speechless as everyone on the bus ignored her to hang over the top of the bus to get a better view of the cars - and they couldn't hear her anyway because of all the noise we were making.

A wonderful day that made me realise that my Tuscan has to go - the engine tone is complete pants. I'm off to a dealer as soon as I can to order a Chimaera and get my V8 back! Finally, a note to owners who have read reports such as this ... stop reading about the events and come and join us - and thanks to Duncan for organising a great day.

What a great way that will be to spend a Sunday. The Bristol Region "Gorge Rumble" sounded just the way to welcome the spring weather and blow away the memory of a Tuscan finger follower rebuild. D8 TVR had covered another 1000 miles since the engine’s Christmas holiday in Blackpool. Now, running well again with just under 4000 on the clock and a couple of weeks to go before the Rumble, I booked it in to get a bit of top-end rattle checked out. Disaster - out came the engine and back it went to meet its maker, again.

So, with regrets sent and the babysitter cancelled, we found ourselves with a free Sunday and no TVR. And, as if to make me feel worse, the day dawned bright and sunny.

"Why not go along in the Land Rover? The girls can come too. We can see Cheddar Gorge anyway." So off we went to take up our grandstand seats on the cliff about half way up the gorge. We waited and we watched the world go by. (Have you any idea how many Volvos go out on Sundays!) Libby (8) and Daisy (3) set up a chant of "TVR-TVR-TVR" to encourage the convoy to reach us faster.

Then, suddenly, we heard it. Awesome sound. Then we saw them. Awesome sight. A wedge, a Griff, two Chimaeras, a Tuscan.... They just kept coming. The noise echoed up and around the rock faces as one by one the cars burst into sight, roared past us and disappeared up the hill. That sort of experience makes me feel very privileged to be a part of the TVR family - even if only as a spectator.

Just waiting for the next chance now - and a healthy car at the same time please!

Jeff took this VR parorama in the Gorge.
I recommend downloading the VR by right clicking th image and then 'Save As' to a location on your computer.
To view it you will need Quicktime which can be downloaded for free. To use the VR, click in the image and move the mouse, the view swings left, right and down as you desire.
When this VR was taken, only half the TVRs were present as the group had accidentally split across two car parks, when they all arrived this car park was completely full !

This clip records the mass engine start of 33 TVRs inside Cheddar Gorge. The sound quality is far from perfect, but the overall effect is still pretty impressive.

The savage barking you can hear is probably the probaly the two Big Wedges !

Author: Clive Kinnerly
Taken in Cheddar Gorge during during the Gorge Rumble on April 21st 2002.