I'm also away earlyto mid October and November is also going to be difficult. Personally I think it would be better to deffer this until next year, which will give us time to sort out dates, money and routes.
Sure - makes sense to spend more time preparing for a proper weekend event, especially for those travelling from further away who might need several night's accommodation.
But, in the meantime, there's still no reason a few 'locals' can't get together for a day's run and a pub lunch somewhere (maybe treat it as a recce. for something bigger next year) - just takes a little more organising when the population's smaller and so much more scattered as it is in these parts.
Like I said, I'm open to suggestions - anyone prefer to PM me and then maybe discuss over the phone, if that's easier?