Pulling into two lanes of on-coming traffic is never a good idea.

I’ve done it twice.

Once in 1981, in Paris, at night, in a 1968 MGB. Driving into the centre of Paris singing Dr. Hook lyrics in my mind, I turned right at a set of light and went the wrong side of the barrier up the main road. I was faced by two lanes of stationary traffic about to launch themselves at me. One quick spin round and I was off. Well at 21 your reflexes are a bit sharp.

Twice was in 2006. In a 1964 E-type FHC. On the way to Le Mans. I had had little sleep and was flagging mentally and physically. Again I went the wrong way across the junction and passed the wrong side of the barrier at a set of traffic lights. This time it was in the country where the traffic could go a little faster. In fact the lorry that was heading towards me was going considerably faster than it should have been and locked all 16 wheels up trying to stop as it saw me amble across the road. I could hear the skids of the tyres and they locked and luckily it slew to the left as I passed to the right re-gaining composure as I went.


Anyway today was less dramatic. A14 again. 270 miles, rain, diversion, roadworks and more rain. Using SAAB as it's a Transport day not a travel day.

It was definitely better to arrive than to travel today.