The only gear is Top Gear !

OK I admit it I am bias and freely admit I always will be. So nothing makes me a happier bunny than the chance to go and see them record the show. I was a little apprehensive this time though, purely as this is the first time I faced standing for any length of time with only my sticks to hold me up.

Despite the lengthy wait to get in to the studio, I noticed that people did take care of us less able in the world, even the floor manager double checked I would fine standing. To be honest I could have been in agony but I still would have made it through. That's what pain killers were invented for. This wasn't the first time I have been there so I knew I could get out of the crush if I needed to.

I am not going to give anything away as to what is there is in the show, so I will just say what I saw was brilliant. It certainly has paid off for them to have a years break, as the balance of humour and fact is back in balance. The presenters themselves were friendly as ever, and although at times in the break they were 6 deep they still managed to give as many people photos and autographs as possible. What was nice was being able to speak to the boss after and giving him some genuine input as a viewer. Very few shows allow that.

I was lucky to go with people who had never been before, so they went in with fresh eyes and were still saying the same thing as I, which is reassuring, as it means it isn't just me. The four of us all left with different highlights but still the same buzz. It is hard to explain, but there is something there that is lacking in most studio shows, something less formal and more active.

The fact the presenters are reachable does make it an experience, rather than an outing. This is increased by the fact you can speak to them and with in the restraints of the timing they will give the audience as much time as possible. Compared to most presenters these days who give out this too cool for school attitude, Top Gear never seems to forget it is only the show it is because of the interaction between audience and show. There are times the audience is requested to join in with comments, some times embarrassing the poor person. But who wouldn't really want the chance to take on the great Clarkson.

Needless to say I and my group of friends all had a highly enjoyable day, the only downside is the fact all good things finish way to quickly. I always feel sad that the day ends and we have to return to the normal world where the chances of seeing a car of our dreams is nothing more than a dream. There are vehicles I have encountered down there I would never dream of seeing in the metal so to speak. This week was no exception, but you have to watch on Sunday to see what I did.

Granted it is not every ones ideal, but for me it is the ultimate escape, so much so if some one wanted to give me a job as a gopher there I would snatch it up, purely because to be involved in such a quality product of a show is enough in itself. But that is just a dream, for now I will settle with having been in the audience. Crutches or not in there it is all about the fuel and speed, and trust me, even I was in top gear that day.