Juliano's World Frenzy/Tech's Trip Reports

[47403]

Very good reading tech, seemed like a nice way to chill out after the whole hussle and bussle of the ALR. The 10.04 off Preston is a very popular move with cranks and an enthusiastic driver, who's not averse to pulling back the power handle and putting them syphons through their paces, is always an added bonus.

For no reason but for it being a pic of 37403 on the Cumbria turn, I added it below

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Good to see you click a few winners and some for the book of sights too. 68026 would be a biggy for me too. Mind you, not as big as to seeing the colour of Ark Royals Wallet, I think a lot of folk, even 90% of own his family, need that for sight

Been a great read from start to finish tech, go and enjoy some RnR, recharge the batteries, for the next moves on your railway calendar.

PS- Sorry the directions to the takeaway in Preston were a bit sketchy, Ironically, I was busy making a cheese and mushroom omelette for someone at work when you text.

 

[Blindtraveler]

I know lord Quest of the shire isnt an Omlet fan but feel free to send some my way, ideally with some chips and beans on the side!

 

[47403]

I know lord Quest of the shire isnt an Omlet fan but feel free to send some my way, ideally with some chips and beans on the side!

I'll pop one in the post Dan

 

[Kristofferson]

One heck of a time had there - I haven't seen any drunken group photos this time though??


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Techniquest]

No drunken photos as we were all sober when we took photos this time!

No worries LSG about the directions, I knew you'd be busy. Shall remember for next time though.

I've yet to figure out what I'm doing next, but Friday is due to be different...

 

[Kite159]

Sounded like a good day on the beers, getting some shacks & units intuitive your book

 

[Techniquest]

07/07/2017 - Beer on the Wye 2017

"Wait, hold on Tech, what's going on here?" I can hear you asking. It's very simple really. While this trip has nothing to do with trains, it is a brand new experience for me. Yes I really have never been to a beer festival, as shocking as that probably is to many of you, considering I'm a beer ticker. Beer on the Wye is an annual event, but until this year I've never been able to attend due to the way my shifts were. However, I now have Fridays off and I could go this year! I had even until the night before considered going for a bash instead, however I decided to have a lazy morning catching up on various things, which was quite nice compared to the usual rushing around I do every morning.

This occasion even had a small bit of nostalgia! Due to the event not starting until 1400, I had no need to rush anyway. Some chores took longer to complete than expected, so instead of the 1150 bus I got the 1250 bus which is routed via a couple of villages elsewhere in the shire before re-joining the main route. I would use place names, but none of you would know where they are. Until council cutbacks to transport subsidies a couple of years ago,I used to use the 1250 bus as my work-bound commute most days every week. So it's been a significant amount of time since I last travelled some of these roads, therefore nostalgic! Before we'd got back to the usual route, I'd had the idea to do this unusual trip report and had the first part all typed up. As nostalgic as that ride was, I don't miss the long slow journey whatsoever!

Sadly the weather had gone a bit cloudy and miserable looking on my way to town, so I was counting my lucky stars I brought my coat with me after all! Of course, the big question all the way was would I enjoy the festival? I'm sure you'll know the answer soon...

After a couple of tasks I needed to deal with, it was straight to the event in question. £10 later and I'd paid for my fast track entry. £4 admission, £2 for a refundable pint glass (like heck I was giving that up!) and £4 in beer tokens. Those were like raffle tickets, in 10p and £1 values. Beers were varied in price, depending on the beer and the amount you had. Thirds, halves and full pints, each amount in their respective prices. Generally speaking, the average third was £1.10, which I had a fair few of. I had a good few thirds before I bumped into a colleague, which was nice as I now had company with him and his other half. The sheer range of beers was huge, let alone the amount of ciders!

A while later, we came across another colleague which was also nice, as he was visiting after moving across the country to the south, lucky lad! All in all it was a very good social with many different beers sampled, all in thirds, and a few ciders tried too. A last chance saloon was taken with an ultra strong now out of production, which was so strong it was only sold in thirds! Very nice but wow that made me tipsy!

By 1830 I had to go as I was very merry and due a lift home. Thankfully I'd spent less on drinks than expected, so after discovering Mum was late leaving the house I then stumbled about a mile to the station to meet up with my sister who was also waiting for her. I took advantage of popping into Morrisons for some munch and pop, then on the way home I got us all some food from the chippy. Having not eaten much since 1100 and it being well gone 1900 by now that went down beautifully! Pints of squash at home certainly helped no end and I woke the next day with no hangover!

Overall I loved my first ever beer festival, having logged 18 winning brews all in (some were only sips but it counts!) and I can't wait for my next beer festival!

 

[Blindtraveler]

Stumbled wasnt aware there was Sider there too, the website was utterly crap at highlighting that, which is somewhat of a PR fail me thinks as your part of the world is well know, as is the Westcountry for its apple (and indeed other fruit)) concoctions.
Hope you had a half decent vehicle for that naustalgic bus route micro grycing.

 

[noddy1878]

Glad you enjoyed your first beer festival! They really are great events (on the whole!). Good to see that 'Double Digit' one didn't leave its mark! Wonder if I'll find similar in the Derby one in a short while! I think I will!!!

 

[Far north 37]

sounds like a good day day out theres a four day beer festival at kensington olympia next month think its the uks biggest think ill be popping in for a few halfs

 

[Techniquest]

Noddy I hope you have fun in Derby, having been to my first beer festival I'm now jealous as I would have loved to join you. Are you doing GBBF? I might be available on the Friday for it but not yet sure. The one I had in double digit strength was Shoes' Farrier. If it's available in Derby do try it. Be warned while it was marked up at BotW as 12% it is on Untappd at a major 15.6%!

Far North 37, aye I've heard about that one. Over 900 cask ales due to be available. I'd be in heaven!

Blindtraveller, I didn't realise cider would be available until I read the beer list prior to the event. Some amazing choices and going by the programme I believe they're planning to put cider in the title of 2018's event.

None of you will be surprised to learn I plan to go next year, just this time I'll take more money with me so I can try the food outlets too. One of my colleagues informed me today on the Sunday of the event it's only £1 to go in and by the end of the evening spare beer tokens are given out willy nilly. I've already told her that's what we're doing next year lol!

 

[Cowley]

I think that sounds like the kind of day out I might enjoy. There's not even any guilt if you get hammered because you can just say "Itsh my hobby you shee". Nice.

 

[Far north 37]

even in four days it would be hard to make a dent in 900 ales lol, as you say its always worth trying the food at these things helps keep you soberish too haha.
theres a big festival in london for oktoberfest this year think its on for two weeks lots of german beers and food.

 

[Far north 37]

even in four days it would be hard to make a dent in 900 ales lol, as you say its always worth trying the food at these things helps keep you soberish too haha.
theres a big festival in london for oktoberfest this year think its on for two weeks lots of german beers and food.

 

[Far north 37]

Noddy I hope you have fun in Derby, having been to my first beer festival I'm now jealous as I would have loved to join you. Are you doing GBBF? I might be available on the Friday for it but not yet sure. The one I had in double digit strength was Shoes' Farrier. If it's available in Derby do try it. Be warned while it was marked up at BotW as 12% it is on Untappd at a major 15.6%!

Far North 37, aye I've heard about that one. Over 900 cask ales due to be available. I'd be in heaven!

Blindtraveller, I didn't realise cider would be available until I read the beer list prior to the event. Some amazing choices and going by the programme I believe they're planning to put cider in the title of 2018's event.

None of you will be surprised to learn I plan to go next year, just this time I'll take more money with me so I can try the food outlets too. One of my colleagues informed me today on the Sunday of the event it's only £1 to go in and by the end of the evening spare beer tokens are given out willy nilly. I've already told her that's what we're doing next year lol!

900 cask ales even being there four days wouldnt make a dent in the many available lol thats an amazing selection.
as you say also the food is always worth trying out at these things, you should watch out for the big oktoberfest

 

[Blindtraveler]

Bet the food outlets were pricy, if theres Sider I might be persuaded too, particularly on the Sunday.

 

[Far north 37]

sorry for some reason thats posted three times

 

[Far north 37]

sorry for some reason thats posted three times

 

[Kite159]

I bet come the Sunday the better ales would have sold out

 

[noddy1878]

Noddy I hope you have fun in Derby, having been to my first beer festival I'm now jealous as I would have loved to join you. Are you doing GBBF? I might be available on the Friday for it but not yet sure. The one I had in double digit strength was Shoes' Farrier. If it's available in Derby do try it. Be warned while it was marked up at BotW as 12% it is on Untappd at a major 15.6%!

Far North 37, aye I've heard about that one. Over 900 cask ales due to be available. I'd be in heaven!

Blindtraveller, I didn't realise cider would be available until I read the beer list prior to the event. Some amazing choices and going by the programme I believe they're planning to put cider in the title of 2018's event.

None of you will be surprised to learn I plan to go next year, just this time I'll take more money with me so I can try the food outlets too. One of my colleagues informed me today on the Sunday of the event it's only £1 to go in and by the end of the evening spare beer tokens are given out willy nilly. I've already told her that's what we're doing next year lol!

Yes, I'm at the GBBF! Already got my ticket and can't wait! Derby festival was good! Lack of places to sit down would be my only grumble so we ended up going to Suds and Soda for some more beer and a sit down!

 

[noddy1878]

I should add I am at the GBBF on the Friday and will be on the 2035 back to Plymouth!

 

[Techniquest]

Food outlets did look pricey but for outdoor catering that's to be expected.

Turns out I can't do GBBF Noddy as I've got a dental appointment that Friday! So you can imagine how jealous I'm going to be...Plus I'm off to Prague only a few days later, so probably best I don't try for it

Kite raises a fine point, the better stuff would be gone by the Sunday but worth looking at next year to find out.

 

[noddy1878]

No worries. They don't put everything on all at once though as even last night in Derby there was a lot not yet on. But in general better stuff does go quicker yes.

 

[Techniquest]

11/07/2017 - Stressed Tech

I don't normally do trip reports for my post-work mini bashes, which I admit have been rather lacking in recent times. I had been waiting for the bus home after work, then after a while I got fed up waiting for it. By the time it was nearby I had made the decision to go for a post-work de-stress, as it's been very tough lately. After the walk back across town, I eventually got the numbers of the HST power cars on the 1514 Hereford to London Paddington and noted the trailer numbers. One of which I was 90% sure I needed, and a coffee was needed so a visit to Pumpkin was mandatory. As was a PNB, another reason for flagging the bus earlier!

Oh yes, the trip report is also a pop culture reference to an animated series from some years back called Stressed Eric. It didn't run for too long sadly, and I have to admit to wanting to look it up as it was well before my career path started, so it would no doubt be more relevant these days.

43144+43194 were joined for the relaxing journey of almost 18 miles to Colwall, which was my first journey by rail in all of July. Considering we're nearly halfway through July already, that is quite simply disgraceful. Money's been very tight lately, following loaning money and of course the ALR with Blindtraveller. It's been that tight that the Emergency Funds were raided to fund this little trip!

Of course, it was an extreme shame to have to alight at Colwall, I would have happily gone all the way to London! Now normally the 1449 from the Bat Cave is a 150, however my face dropped when 170511 turned up, and it was straight on with Tech's Mobile Disco. Of course, the TPP Mode side of my brain was now fully activated, partly inspired by other members of the Association of Trip Reporters. The temptation to rip out the magic plastic for an emergency mini London bash this week was immense. Quite, my proposed second ALR this year is now cancelled, a multi day mega spree in the South East has replaced it for October...

I had been going to a pub for a couple of winning ciders, then I saw the inward working of the 1600 bus home running rather late so hotfooted it to the bus station. I would get home at least 45 minutes, maybe even an hour, ahead of schedule which was good news as I had a homemade chicken curry waiting for my return!

I'm actually quite tempted to do trip reports for my post-work mini bashes more often, having done this one. I sure felt better for it today, £9.45 (tickets and coffee) well spent!

 

[Cowley]

You should do post work trip reports Tech. I used to like doing an evening rover after school/work when I was younger. I might dig out the old books and see if there were any interesting evenings in there.
Sorry to hear that things have been a struggle recently, I hope things sort of themselves out for you.

 

[Kite159]

Base yourself in London for that week in October, maybe spread out to do a couple linear bashes in the evening peak (i.e Hastings Line/GN Peterbrough services).

Just remember to keep the Saturday free in case that potential Pathfinder tour to the North West produces some required track

 

[Techniquest]

I look forward to potentially reading some classic bashing tales Cowley Things will improve one day!

Kite, thanks as I keep forgetting about that potential tour. Good shout on things like the GN shacks, something to bear in mind!

 

[Dhassell]

11/07/2017 - Stressed Tech

I don't normally do trip reports for my post-work mini bashes, which I admit have been rather lacking in recent times. I had been waiting for the bus home after work, then after a while I got fed up waiting for it. By the time it was nearby I had made the decision to go for a post-work de-stress, as it's been very tough lately. After the walk back across town, I eventually got the numbers of the HST power cars on the 1514 Hereford to London Paddington and noted the trailer numbers. One of which I was 90% sure I needed, and a coffee was needed so a visit to Pumpkin was mandatory. As was a PNB, another reason for flagging the bus earlier!

Oh yes, the trip report is also a pop culture reference to an animated series from some years back called Stressed Eric. It didn't run for too long sadly, and I have to admit to wanting to look it up as it was well before my career path started, so it would no doubt be more relevant these days.

43144+43194 were joined for the relaxing journey of almost 18 miles to Colwall, which was my first journey by rail in all of July. Considering we're nearly halfway through July already, that is quite simply disgraceful. Money's been very tight lately, following loaning money and of course the ALR with Blindtraveller. It's been that tight that the Emergency Funds were raided to fund this little trip!

Of course, it was an extreme shame to have to alight at Colwall, I would have happily gone all the way to London! Now normally the 1449 from the Bat Cave is a 150, however my face dropped when 170511 turned up, and it was straight on with Tech's Mobile Disco. Of course, the TPP Mode side of my brain was now fully activated, partly inspired by other members of the Association of Trip Reporters. The temptation to rip out the magic plastic for an emergency mini London bash this week was immense. Quite, my proposed second ALR this year is now cancelled, a multi day mega spree in the South East has replaced it for October...

I had been going to a pub for a couple of winning ciders, then I saw the inward working of the 1600 bus home running rather late so hotfooted it to the bus station. I would get home at least 45 minutes, maybe even an hour, ahead of schedule which was good news as I had a homemade chicken curry waiting for my return!

I'm actually quite tempted to do trip reports for my post-work mini bashes more often, having done this one. I sure felt better for it today, £9.45 (tickets and coffee) well spent!

Mhmm... Colwall, That's in the north right?

A nice mini trip report :P

 

[roversfan2001]

Sounds like a nice little post-work bash, and I agree with other posters, these mini-bash reports should become a regular occurrence.

 

[Techniquest]

Mhmm... Colwall, That's in the north right?

A nice mini trip report :P

That's made my day! For those unaware, Dhassell mentions that following some banter recently, as he was once discussing with someone on Twitter that he thought Colwall was in the North. It was the first thing I saw on my Twitter feed one day and it's become a thing to joke about