This was it the day of reckoning.....Hayley retired for the night telling everyone she would give them a knock at 06:00 in the morning. I was awake at 05:30 I lay in bed thinking the day is apon us. Wandering what was ahead I lay in bed with a cup of tea. There was a knock at 06:00, Hayley called through the door "Steve are you up?" I thought I best get a move on. Breakfast was served at 06:45 and Simon and Hayley needed to be at the Rally HQ for driver debrief. Our hosts and B & B owners were great they served up a fried breakfast a good hour before they normally would.

The cottage itself was a fantastic place. It looked like it hadn't been touched since the forties. A proper big cast iron bath. Wooden light switchs still hung from the ceiling (although they had been replaced by new fittings probably thanks to the Health and Safety brigade) 

 The ranges are shown on this map to the left. The green dotted line shows the Epynt Way and pretty much encompasses the whole area we was at. We left the B & B and headed into Builth Wells down the A470. Going through Builth Wells we head out towards Garth on the A483. There is an relentless climb in to the hills and in fact when we reached the service area the clouds difted across the area reducing the visibilty to a several hundred yards. This MOD area is a huge training area and amonst other things we had to go through a safety manual explaining the area and the dangers.

If the red flags are on display (which they were) then there is a danger of live amnunition. DO NOT pick anything up it maybe a live round. Have a look for yourself http://www.dtewalesandwest.co.uk/ the safety brief is here and you can download a map here.

We got ourselves set up in what proved to be a great position. Simon told me on the way home it was perfect for him. Not too far from the end of the service area and high up and prominent so it was easy to see.

The ground wasn't level which also was testing (starter motor issue) but nether the less we was pitched.

Ken and George here getting the equipment ready. It was quite a revelation to see these teams all busy getting setup. Some teams clearly were bordering on professional with hundreds of thousands of pounds spent on motorhomes, service vans and trailers. You can see the commitment put in by everyone. This isn't a hobby its a life style choice. There was cars that are WRC class and it shows. The funny thing is Brosis's 1961 Austin Seven holds it own in this boxing ring of giants. Ken's engineering background shows and so does his passion when you get him talking. 'It's all in the car these days' he will say. 'Big engines and paddles for gears', 'let's see them drive this'.

My description of the mini is an elastic band stretched to the limit. One more twist and it will snap. Over the years the guys have spent a small fortune and even more in time and experience to create this monster. 

A B9 class machine, it has seen championships won in its past, although this year isn't going to be one of them. 

Kettle on....Ken calls out of the service van 'tea anyone' as the built in generator roars into life. This is the life eh. 

Now its a waiting game. I questioned Ken on what he wanted me to do. Trying to imagine the pitstop in my mind. The car is going to drive in, check the oil, water, tyres. Clean the screen and generally around the car. Ken explained if the car looks good the team feel good. Positive thinking is a strong part of Ken's life. So going over and over in my head. Oil, water, tyres & clean the screen - oil, water, tyres & clean the screen. 

George took the responsibilty of the fuel over. His partner, Hayley 'the organiser' had already mapped out the event with fuel usage and service times. Her work is invaluable and I can see why Simon was so chuffed she has returned to the team.  Bro & Sis, brother and sister are the where the team name comes from and they have many years of rally experience together.