There were 5 cars in total 3 x M100, a Plus 2 and a Sprint. Thanks to my navigator, I was the only one who actually did the whole route, (plus 2 very minor detours). One of the best views apart from bits of the Tour circuit was from the moors looking down and across to Whitby: the town slightly left, the abbey on the right and the bay beyond both. Stunning. Also all those wonderful Yorkshire village/towns, such as Leyburn and Stokesley. I've travelled a lot in the UK and worldwide, but never realised such places existed. No wonder they call it God's own country!
The only downside (and it's pretty big!!!!) was the journey home via Preston. As we took the A1M, M1 and M62 both weather and traffic deteriorated: storm Bertha was hitting us hard. Torrential rain, loads of spray and rubbish visibility. I had to do an emergency stop, and all was well (a good 12 feet short of car in front), but thereafter the brakes did not feel well. I carefully drove the last 50 miles to Preston, where we put the car out of the rain in Gordon's garage and had an inspection. Found the problem: the short copper brake pipe from the master cylinder to the front offside (RHD) caliper had split and fluid was leaking by the union to the flexible pipe. All the flexible pipes and unions were fine.
Clearly not driveable, so I called the AA to get me home. For once they listened when we said it could not be repaired roadside, and they sent a recovery truck. Took 2 hours before it arrived (expected 3) and we drove to Stafford Services, after a 3/4hr legally required rest at Lymm. Driver was now out of hours, so he went back to Liverpool and I waited for driver 2. He arrived after 3 1/2 hrs incl his 3/4hr rest period. I got home at 4am, 18hrs after leaving Scarborough!! To be fair the AA offered me a taxi home, leaving the car to be picked up: I declined. They also offered a night in the hotel in Stafford Services, but it was full! So I waited, comfort in the knowledge I was with my car and £45 compensation was on its way. This also covered the £10 parking charge at the services.
I am now about to remove the offending pipe, hoping its easy, (any advice here?) and get a replacement from my local garage. As the system will need a full bleed etc I may well change my front flexible pipes and improve on them (following recent suggestions on here recently!!)
All in all quite an adventure, but survived to tell the tale (similar to the other story of dropping calipers) and the car will be better for it once repaired.
But the coast to coast run (designed by Lancs Auto Club) was a fabulous day out and would thoroughly recommend to everyone for next year. Some photos attached.
Midland Hotel departure point
Top of Buttertub
Lunch at Friars Head Akbar Park nr Leyburn
Lunch car park
I hope you get sorted, sounds like the trip was good though
