MegaMeet 26A Northern Ireland a VTECing Success!
S2KUK MegaMeet 26A - Northern Ireland
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The weekend of 17-19 April saw 78 Honda S2000’s descend on the the Roe Valley Resort at Limavady in Northern Ireland. The reason for this invasion, a bi annual Mega Meet. A get together of members of the UK S2000 Owners Club, S2KUK. This was Mega Meet 26A (MM26A). |
It was the second time that the club had visited this part of the world for a MegaMeet and the promise of a warm welcome, fantastic roads and scenery, unrivalled atmosphere and a great craic made for a must attend event. Circa 138 drivers and passengers from all corners of the UK attended, not forgetting the healthy contingent from Belgium and The Netherlands. It is more than fair to say that none of us were disappointed with the weekend.
The Mega Meet itself follows a tried and tested formula. A nice hotel with suitable parking, a Friday arrival with a meet & greet, and an evening dinner. Saturday entails a “healthy” breakfast and a full driving day, with planned coffee and lunch stops. Then, post driving, a gala dinner including charity raffle and auction. The Sunday is generally set aside for personal endeavours and activities, including recovery from the night before!
Although Northern Ireland has many S2000s and members, for most of the attendees a visit to Northern Ireland involves a somewhat adventurous journey of varying distances and utilising ferries. As a consequence many took to extend the Mega Meet weekend to allow for further adventure and exploration.
Friday is about arrival, meeting old friends and greeting new ones! Relaxing and getting ready for an early start on the Saturday morning, fit and able to drive the planned 200 mile (ish) route. Post breakfast all drivers and passengers attend a quick briefing which outlines the driving day and reiterates some sensible tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Due to the number of vehicles we are split into eight driving groups, led by willing volunteers, departing the hotel 10 minutes apart. Those wanting a more spirited driving experience set off in the earlier groups, and those wanting a more scenic drive depart in the later groups, something which is identified as part of the event’s planning some months earlier.
I was in group 5, which was led by Clive, a NI resident. I had previously met Clive at a MM in Belgium and was looking forward to his leadership and direction around roads which were virgin territory to me. I had done a bit of pre event reading and research and was excited by the prospect of what lay ahead. I was not to be disappointed.
Our first drive took us from the hotel to a scheduled coffee stop, approx 34 miles. Once out of the hotel It was clearly evident that we were on quiet country roads, with excellent sight lines and long straights. The road surface was good and although most exhibited signs of overnight rain, the driving conditions meant for a focussed roof down experience. We drove away from the hotel, taking in some climbs and drops which delivered some fantastic views of countryside and coastline. I was surprised about how many historic buildings and sites we passed. Another thing of note was the literal signposting and naming of towns and villages. One such memorable one was when we travelled down a steepish hill with a beautiful view of a beach in the distance. My wife passed comment about the steep downhill, and as we the view opened up to show more of the beach and sea, a signpost appeared on our right “Welcome to Downhill”. How apt! Others which spring to mind were Windyhill Road and Seacoast Road, not to forget Ringrash Road!
On leaving ‘Downhill” we climbed a steep road up and away from the beach, but the magnificent views remained as to our right the sea opened up with almost infinity views. In my mirrors the Downhill beach and it’s beautiful sands were clear in my rear views. Our climb took us to a viewpoint and lookout where we could admire the wider vista of the landscape. The stop site was a little exposed to the elements, being blustery, but this made for enigmatic scenes as our cars were lined up under rolling clouds, with unspoilt views all around. After a short stop it was onwards and downwards towards our coffee stop, again the roads making for a pleasurable driving experience.
After the coffee stop we were off again and onto part two. This time a 63 mile one and a half hour route to lunch….yeah that’s right more calories! Not compulsory I know, but part of the essential MM experience. Away we go heading out and onwards towards “Shepherds Rest”. Once again the route provides us with some magnificent scenery and driving experience. Skirting the edge of Limavady we head back into the countryside and again experience long straight roads, many have hidden dips, but these did not significantly impact what was a pleasant driving experience, making for good progress as the countryside flashed by. Once again we push on to a high spot and viewing area. This route is really giving us the views! After a brief stop to take in the scenery and to grab a few snapshots of the driving group, each of us looking for that perfect picture, it’s time to push on and head to lunch. Driving parallel to “White Mountain” and “Craigagh Hill” along the (perhaps) aptly named Sixtowns Road. Lunch at Shepherds Rest was a real smorgasbord. Generous portion size and ample in choices, what a feast!.
After lunch it was time to hit the road again. We all eagerly watched the exit of the first groups and anticipated our departure time! The exhaust tones reverberated off the surrounding buildings as one by one the cars disappeared into the countryside. At last it was our turn, a 75 mile drive lay ahead of us, expected to take about 2 hours. Our route taking in plenty of the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, providing a splendid backdrop to our driving day.
Back at the hotel, with cars parked in our designated parking area, drivers and passengers were looking respondent despite the 200 miles of driving, which was evidenced by the road dust on the cars. Once parked up we chilled and mingled in and around the bar area. Discussing and sharing our experiences and all full of praise for the day and grateful for the experience. After a few beers and anecdotes its off to chill a bit more, shower and change, ready for the the gala dinner, raffle and auction. It all promises to be a great evening.
Dinner was served and more conversation about the weekend ensues. Raffle tickets are sold with prizes and auction items perused. A mixture of Honda related items and rarities plus alcohol…a theme is starting to appear. An anticipated audience hears that the club has raised in excess of £96K for various charities over the years and the club Chair raises a challenge for us to break the £100k mark from the evenings activity…. Challenge accepted, tickets are bought a plenty and the draw is made.
Members collect their winnings and the auction commences. The first auction item sets the scene with £70 being paid for a Mattel Hot Wheels S2000. Bidding remains keen, encouraged by humorous banter and all items are snapped up. Raffle and auction raising a total of £3900, wow! Additionally and great news that the amount raised for all time charity did break £100k, a great achievement!
Sunday, recovery day for many if not all, and whilst some explored independently, in their cars and in smaller groups revisiting parts of the drive, the Causeway Coast, Giant's Causeway, Bushmills or Muff! Some taking small ferries. Others remained more local and explored the Roe Valley Country Park estate. Whatever the activity or location all had similar stories about the picturesque scenery and countryside, reinforcing what a fantastic location and what a fantastic weekend. Here’s to looking forward to the next MegaMeet 25-28th September… location… near York.
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