Up or Down?

[AustrianAndyGull]

Oh yes, another pretty pointless thread on the face of it but this is just something i was thinking in the car today whilst driving to York. For some bizarre reason my thoughts turned to the travelling that away fans do on a matchday, and this question is more appropriate for fans of teams who have to go long distances for their away games. It's a psychological question and i'm just wondering if any of you have actually thought this too. Here goes.

Whenever i go down to Torquay / Devon / Cornwall for a game or on holiday, the journey down there always seems easier and quicker but when i am returning i never look forward to it as in my head i have to drive 200 odd miles back 'up' the motorways and it always seems to take longer and is depressing even though it is just road.The concept of my car going 'up' or 'down' is just in my head and whenever i think of going 'down' to somewhere it always sits easier with me. I live in the North and if i also go North, say to Newcastle or Carlisle, my mindset changes because i perceive myself as driving 'up' and i don't look forward to it. In that case the journey FROM Carlisle or Newcastle back 'down' always seems easier and to not take as long.

Are you still with me? Good, i'll continue.................................

The question i'm trying to ask now i've given examples is that do you as regular away day fans dread actually leaving Torquay BECAUSE you have it in your head that 'up' is miles away and will take forever and therefore is it better for you when you are driving back home, 'down' the motorways?

Obviously it is a bizarre thing to be thinking about but interesting me thinks for a psychology module at college.

[Scott Brehaut]

It's the mere thought of having to travel "up north" that puts everybody off

[AustrianAndyGull]

You live in Guernsey Scott so when you go north you end up in Torquay. That puts you off then?

[Scott Brehaut]

I don't have to drive there though do I

I arrive in Pompey and then it's "down south" all the way

[AustrianAndyGull]

Oh, sorry forgot, it doesn't apply when you travel by ferry

[SuperNickyWroe]

for me andy it always seems quicker on the way back from anywhere! =D

[AustrianAndyGull]

That surprises me Chris because you live in tykeville, i would have thought that once you had left you would want to stay away for as long as possible!

[SuperNickyWroe]

That surprises me Chris because you live in tykeville, i would have thought that once you had left you would want to stay away for as long as possible!

very droll.
and a bit rich considering you live in spiritedive! :~D

[AustrianAndyGull]

touche

[bengull]

I like the journey to an away game, everyone is in good spirits, there is plenty to talk about and in some cases (like Fleetwood this season) there might be a new ground to tick off your list to look forward to. Plus the thought of having a few pints or a bite to eat normally makes the anticipation greater.

The journey home is a pain in the a**e. The first hour is ok as you can discuss the match, catch up on all the scores, check on your accumulators etc, but after that you realise that you are essentially driving down the same roads that, if you are a serial away traveller, you have travelled too many times before. Before long the very early start at the beginning of the day starts to take its toll and you get tired, sadly you have only passed Strensham services on the M5 and you have another 2 and a half hours to go, and you can pick out every landmark known to man, off by heart, minute by minute, for the rest of your journey.

[AustrianAndyGull]

Where is the straw wicker man off the M5 then?

[usagullmichigan]

How about across?

[Glostergull]

Where is the straw wicker man off the M5 then?

As far as I know he is situated just off the left hand side of the M5 around the Bridgewater area. Was there last time i came down to Plainmoor last month, Unless of course he decided to take part in a marathon. or saw Austrian on his way down and was frightened off.

[AustrianAndyGull]

If the Government have their way and introduce a motorway tax as considered in the press this morning, it won't matter which way we are going as we will ALL be depressed on our travels!

[Glostergull]

If the Golvernment get their way with that, You will find that most of us won't be able to travel. We won't be able to afford it.