What? They don't do it on the road these days? We just rode round the block until the examiner jumped out from behind a tree and so long as you didn't run him over you passed. Same here, not so much a tree or bush as I could see where he was from the other side of the square he had me ride around, so I knew when he was going to step out in front of me! Probably a good reason they changed it I guess.
I was going to ask if you two were going again, unfortunately I have some folk round this weekend, otherwise I would have been up for it. On saying that, if I can get away, then you never know!
Really sorry I couldn't make it, I had some last minute matters to attend to. The year is young so maybe catch the next one. looked like you all had a great time though.
I've always washed my bikes with a jet wash, never had any issues. I do make sure they are perfectly dry after so wipe down dry cloth after, which also means I get to see loose bits or stuff that needs doing.