Ace post mate! Although it's expected from you.
Regarding the cliques, as I said, that doesn't really bother me as long as the folks involved aren't being like "we're too cool to talk to you" which is definitely not the case from what I've seen. I do however very definitely share your view that there are a few (thankfully only a few) members on here who only post for themselves and make no effort to be reciprocal or get involved with the forum properly. That's selfish and not cool. I've identified the few that are and ignore them.
I also think there is a natural difference in how people use their cars that makes like-minded folk group together. Some have theirs only for track use. Some only for B-road fun. Some just like to clean them a look at them. Shared usage type is always going to help draw people together.
Holidays and travel, my god mate, you won't bore me to tears with that! Love travelling as I'm sure you're aware. Just back from an incredible holiday (maybe the best ever) in California. Spent most of it in two of their national parks looking at things like this:
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Super pleased you enjoyed NYC so much that you're both so keen to go back. And I hope the kids fully appreciate the efforts you and Mrs Shuv are going to for them to have such an amazing trip!!!
By the way, it's only a short hop north to get to Boston from NY and I think that's a fantastic city too, but it doesn't quite have the bright lights of NYC. Also, if scenery is your thing, slightly further north is Vermont which is a wonderful place, one of my favourite states of the 12 that I have visited... NYC would be much better for the kids though no doubt. There's a vibe there huh? It's palpable throughout the whole city.
Ps. in my experience, accommodation in NYC is expensive no matter what. You'll save a bit with airbnb but not a huge amount.
Thanks for the kind words about Mrs M. She's done VERY well for herself. Super proud of her. She's keeping the Clio. I keep trying to persuade her to get an Elise but she has too much love for Tractor Boy to entertain anything else. As for keeping it and getting another car, I'd LOVE that
but there's no way I can seriously entertain it. We live in London and have three cars, in reality, we "need" none of them!
Glad you have a daily mate, that makes a BIG difference huh? I just really hope that you stick with the Clio. You've come too far and built such a beauty, it would be a shame to let it go. It's not the usual case of upgraditis is it? So many people who mod their cars get to a point where they've done all they can do and move on to something else to start the process again. I understand if that's part of it. Modding cars is definitely addictive! I was kind of at that stage with the BMW. The only things left to do are huge things that can't ever be reverted back to standard. But since I've stopped modding it, I've REALLY enjoyed just using the car as it is and getting the most out of it.
Whatever mate, your 197/200.net support / therapy group is here to help!
Regarding a meet up, fook yeah mate, as soon as the weather is good, let's go for a hoon and some banter. Well up for that.
"Class is permanent" ...likewise mate, likewise.