The Damp Squib Run - to be reignited as The Phoenix Run!

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Unfortunately the last major event of Yorkshire MASC's 2009 calendar, the Bonfire Run, turned into a massive damp squib. This was particularly frustrating given that we had MASC chums from London, Edinburgh and Cumbria join us for what should have been a crispy autumnal morning run from Otley to Thirsk - but which was completely washed out by a huge deluge the night before that had flooded many B and side roads, with several people experiencing wet electrics and lighting problems before we'd even started from the Otley Chevin. Gary (MASCOT editor Gary) even had a full blown smoking cabin in his frog, due to a wet frayed wire.

Most of us got completely soaked to the skin in the storm that was blowing at the start point, so when we hit the first impassible flood, we decided to abandon the planned route. We retired to Sarah's office in Harrogate for coffee and to dry off, before heading on to the Watermill at Carlton Miniott on A roads (and even these were flooded). Only Frank who was in a modern car attempted the full(y flooded) planned route - but gave it two thumbs up!

So from the ashes of the Bonfire Run, we will have a second attempt at it early in the Spring when the weather will hopefully will not be quite so extreme - it would be a shame to waste a perfectly good route. We are currently liaising with the Watermill to fix a date, watch this space.

Tim & Sarah

UPDATE: the Phoenix Run 2010 will take place on Sunday 14th March.