With camping equipment packed in the back of the 110, we waited at Fleet Services to rendezvous with other members of SAD attending this year’s L2B run. Dave White phoned to say the group had arrived at the Services and as we returned to the Landy, around the corner arrived three well prepare Range Rovers. Introductions completed the route to Crystal Palace was discussed just as the heavens opened. Heading out, the group of now four Landies travelled north on the M3 towards London. Skirting around London on the World’s largest car park the M25 we turned off for Croydon, however traffic lights prevented all of us leaving the motorway slip road, altogether so couple of us decided to take a trip around the junction to rejoin the others. Now here is the dilemma do you follow the GPS or use the old fashion paper map. Well, the lead vehicle was following direction of the GPS and next thing you know we are heading off long the back roads of south Croydon hoping the GPS would not lead us `up the garden path`. Eventually, the group arrived at the official entrance for the L2B site just before 4 o’clock.

Already on site the host club, the South London and Surrey Land Rover Club were setting up their marquee. We were certainly not the first to arrive as the Discovery Club have established their pitch along with several other groups and individuals. We decided to pitch our site next the main drive from where the run to Brighton would commence in the morning. To save time in the morning the three Range Rovers formed the sides and back of a square to support a tarpaulin. Dave and the other would be sleeping in their trucks. As I was with the family, we erected the tent for the night with proper beds, not one for roughing it.

 Time to book-in, however would have to wait for another hour, time to watch the arrival of others and admire some of the various and often very prepare Landies of all ages shapes and sizes. At one point the army were invading, well not really, just a group of enthusiasts who have entered the spirit of the run with their fully equipped ex-army vehicles. At the opposite end the colourful arrival of the Land Rover Club with a twist, sporting of brilliantly coloured fuel tanks mounted on top of a 101.

 As my concessions for the family coming on this trip I’d promised to take them to Ikea, the wallet was feeling the stress. At this point I was asked was there any space for two others. And, there I was with a truck full of ladies heading off to Ikea. Three hours later and not to much stress to the wallet we returned to find the site knee deep in Landies. Our own group had been joined by two other Landies. Next to us the Land Rover with a twist had set up their `disco` and things were buzzing, but all of a sudden the music stopped and the `disco lights` switched off and apart of the general background of people talking , road and overhead aircraft noise the site fell silent. No fireworks this year.

Any thought of sleep was interrupted by the sound of vehicles moving around the site at 4 o’clock in the morning.  All this movement was evident when we finally got up in the morning sometime just before 6 o’clock to find the drive three deep with vehicles in front of our group. As we packed the tent, the line of vehicle grew with possibly every type of Land Rover you could image. From shiny show room models to ones fully prepared but obviously not seen the open countryside, to those who would be at home on the roughest of off-road sites.

 As the 8 o’clock approached, the official start time vehicles sprung in to life with the roar of V8s to the clatter of old diesels. Then somewhere amongst the assembled vehicles the first blast of a horn followed by another and then the flashing of hazard lights signalling the unrest and the desire to hit the streets of London. Finally, the lead vehicle, a restored series one moved off the start line signalling the start of the 2006 London to Brighton run. 

 This early in the morning the streets of South London were generally clear of other vehicles and to avoid congestion at junctions Marshals controlled the numbers of Landies leaving the site. As the group set off the Marshals prevented us setting off with the rest of the group. A quick call to the others, we arranged to meet on the A23. At this stop some members of the group decided to stock up with provisions, well half dozen or so of eggs.

 Again, traffic lights cause the group to separate. On the phone again to confirm we were on our way, however someone had forgotten to programme the GPS to avoid the M23. And, as we caught up with the back of the group the front vehicles were already on the slip road to the M23. Do we follow the others or keep to the official route. No choice but to continue on the official route. It was not long before we joined a small group of Landies and continued south behind a fine example of a restored series one truck cab.

At one point all three lanes of the A23 south of Gatwick airport were filled with Landies.

Finally we arrived at Brighton to the sight of the Pavilion and the pier. As we drove along the front pass other Landies we saw the other members of our SAD group. Luckily they had managed to save us a parking space. Time now for breakfast before strolling along the front and seeing the array of Landies now parked on the sea front. At the Discovery Owner Club, I met with a colleague from work and talked for a short time about the number of enquiries for club membership. I found out later the club had signed up several new members.

After visiting the array of Landies on display it was time to visit the pier and enjoy the attractions. For some of the group the attraction of the fair rides beckoned and time to enjoy an ice cream sat on the pier.

 Finally, time for the awarding of prizes to the best in group, team spirit, farthest travelled visitor etc. With the awards presented it was time to hit the road home.

 This was a great weekend and an excellent event with over 800 Landies of all shapes and sizes attending the event.

 Hope to see you there next year.

 Dean, Carolyn and Rachel

For more pictures of this event click HERE.

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