I don't know why (it's not really precipitated by anything that's happened on here recently) but I feel the need to get something niggling off my chest: It's my blog so this might be the best place.
Over the last few years on here, I regularly got stick for posting points for discussion and suggestions that would ultimately lead nowhere and (to some) seem pointless. I like to think aloud, I say. I enjoy discussing the practicalities of, for instance, creating a BX track day car, or making a BX WRC homage, but because I don't actually do it doesn't mean it's without merit in discussing. Anyone who knows me will know I do go off into a fantasy world sometimes. It's what I do for a living!
I was criticised and mocked for buying cars, saying this or that was the dog's and then selling it again a few months later. Well, on the face of it maybe that's justified. Case in point might be the 23k mile 16TGS auto I bought. It was to all intents and purposes like buying a new BX. But it didn't harmonise with my driving style. It was, dare I say, a little boring? So was I wrong to sell it on (it was offered to the BXC first)? OK I made some quids... but there you go.
As far as the 16v 'HVS' I had for a few months goes, I couldn't avoid selling it. In hindsight, I was over-enthusiastic about spending money on it early on and then moaned about losing so much when I sold it! I made a mistake. I feel bad about the rants I posted, some of which were too personal. I bear no ill-will to anyone involved - it's just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes.
I have in the past, mooted some plans that ultimately came to nought (but who doesn't do that?). Some ask(ed) what's the point in spending anything on a BX or finding 'my ideal BX' when all I do is sell it on. Well as far as the recent St. Tropez activity went (I kept it a week), it was an experiment - an opportunity to take - but pretty quickly I decided it wasn't for me... But I always meant well. As for accusations that I'd accept 'free stuff' for a BX that was then sold on very soon - therefore in some way insulting the gesture, I can only think of one instance - I was given some 16v badges. In fact, I send stuff out now and then for free, but it's generally free because I don't need it or it didn't cost me much in the first place lol!
But I sat down yesterday to start work and caught sight of the BXagon map I still have on my wall and realised there was something we did together which was worthwhile. We did raise over £5,000 for Cancer Research UK and we had a great time and the event did a lot to raise awareness of the BX within the CCC. (Thanks again to everyone who took part and thanks to those who supported the effort).
As a spin off, I am resigned to being (hardly reluctantly!) a BX owner for as long as it is practical. The GTi I have has been in my possession for 17 months now and as sure as I can be, will be with me for a lot longer.
Which brings me to end of this cringe-worthy self-justification. But I feel better for it. So onwards and upwards.
Not too far off it's theoretical maximum.... Noticed the wind noise from the sunroof wind deflector though! (Wonder what effect that has on economy? 
