In January I ordered sun and blue skies for 27 April, and that is exactly what we got!
Seven cars met at Highnam for coffee and we left at 0900 prompt to drive down the Severn to Chepstow to meet ten other cars in Bumble Bs Layby at the racecourse. What we did not bargain for was the fact that there was a car show going on, so it was hectic. However, we formed into our two “teams, White and Blue; Blue being lead for the first time by Nicky who had diligently researched every pothole in the next 160 miles.
We made swift progress along the Usk Valley, seeing very few cars. This is a brilliant driving road, and we made full use of it. From Usk it was west to Crumlin and then north to cross the Heads of the Valley Road. This is where the White Team, imitating the Red Arrows, did a “starburst” at a roundabout in Brynmawr. It was only at the lunch break that the team reformed. Over the EVO “test road” to Llangynidr we heated the tyres whilst admiring the views to the north. On through a busy Brecon to Lower and Upper Chapel and then a terrific stretch to Builth Wells where I was able to demonstrate that a DB11 has superior roadholding to a 4x4 even if it does have big elbows. We followed a police car for some time and after he turned off, we made good progress to Hay on Wye for a lunch break. Thankfully the car park at Oxford Road had plenty of room and after negotiating the car park meter we enjoyed “refreshments”. Leaving there it was quiet run to the north of Hereford and on to Malvern and the Plough and Harrow at Guarlford. *you are early” said the manager and this was simply due to the fact that the traffic for the whole route had been unexpectedly light.
Photos of the event are at AMOC Photo Albums - Aston Martin Owners Club
So that was Drive It Day 2025. A great day with exceptional weather and road conditions (and we raised a few pennies for Childline). Thank you to those who took part, we will do it all again next year!