MG Espana 2002

Panic in Portsmouth

As we are now in the dark evenings and cold weather of an English winter, I am remembering fondly, last September; super, winding and almost empty mountain roads and the company of some new found friends. Northern Spain was a revelation.

Tuesday 10th September, check in at Portsmouth at 19.00 hrs. No problem. Don’t you believe it. Load luggage; better check the paperwork, as all good rally drivers should – whoops. M.O.T. had expired two days previously.

“Are we ready?” a voice called from inside. “Few more minutes Sweet Petal”. Rush to my secret body shop, passed M.O.T., returned with big smile and went off two hours late.

Just passed Guildford, a big bang from under the bonnet, pull up to examine the engine to find the shocker has come up through the wing. Oh dear. “Everything OK?” a voice called from inside. “Slight hitch, Sweet Petal”. We limp into Portsmouth with MGs whizzing past us waving gaily, if only they knew. We find a small garage at 4.00pm. Can they help? You know the drill, one look under the bonnet, sharp intake of breath, no can do. Portsmouth Football Club are playing home tonight and he takes the hamburger van. Oh goody. Find another garage that had a sign outside saying “MG Approved Specialists”, there is a God. Auto Welding of Portsmouth is the kind of garage we all thought had disappeared.

Emergency surgery in Portsmouth just before departure

The two gentlemen dropped what they were doing, listened to our plight, ‘ferry booking in one hour’. In 40 minutes they had welded it all back together and we convinced them they must not retire next year as they had both said they intended. They were absolute diamonds and got a big kiss from Pauline, who dried her tears. We made the ferry and set off.

Off to Sunny Spain
The crossing, according to the Captain was the smoothest in living memory, not even a ripple, but that didn’t stop Sweet Petal from being very ill indeed. What a trooper. We landed in Bilbao on a bright sunny morning at 8.00 am and headed straight out of town and west along the coast heading for Laredo. There is a small hotel called Ancla, a hidden gem found on a previous rally. We stopped for breakfast and to admire the stunning art collection the two brothers who own the hotel have put together. If ever you are passing through do stop and visit.

The first day was a short drive to Ribadesella, only three hours away, so we looked at the map and decided to head off down a minor road to a beach at Llanes the other side of Santander. On the way we had company, a yellow rubber bumper B who had followed us. We stopped at a small beach café and asked Brian and Lucy Gower, the owners of the B to join us. They were from Pembroke and thought we were going to the Hotel and just followed us but we all had a laugh and a pleasant stop. We arrived at the Hotel mid afternoon, so we had time for a lazy swim and nap by the pool.

The four star Gran Hotel del Sella was set over the harbour bridge. In the evening we crossed this and sat drinking and watching the sun go down. Life’s tough.

Laid back approach essential at all times

Leaving after a late breakfast, how lovely not clocking out deadlines to meet, we had about three hours drive along the coast road to Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. Our accommodation is in the five star Hotel de la Reconquista right in the middle of town. It is a magnificent 18th century building designated a national monument. The rooms were set round an open courtyard and truly gorgeous. We set off to explore with James and Liz Hayward to try and change some money and came upon a wonderful fiesta with bands, dancing and religious parades. Had dinner in the town then back for a night-cap and so to bed. Another tough day, still I did promise Pauline a restful holiday away from the pressures of the rally clock.

Cable Car Ride
Saturday dawned bright and sunny, so after another late breakfast we had to do about 80 miles up the Pico de Europas rising to 3000 metres to the Parador de Fuente De our next stop for two nights. We arrived in good time, just after the organisers, Jonathan and Richard. As we were here for two days we parked the car up and decided to explore on foot. Behind the Hotel is the near vertical cable car which at the top offers the most stunning views. Having stayed here before on rallies I have always managed to chicken out of this one. However, as we were staring in wonder Ray and Joy Linaker announced they were going up and so what could I say? I had to join them. Pauline said that she would stay on the ground and photograph us all.

It was the most fantastic journey, really smooth and the air at the top so clean and fresh. So there, I did it. Thank you Ray and Joy for taking me.

Cable car always provides excitement

Roof tops of Burgos

Driving to the Hotel Oviedo

After two days relaxing we left Fuente De for the 80 mile drive to Burgos. It was raining as we left and this stayed with us all the way over the Picos de Europas and down onto the plains from where we had a quick drive into the huge city of Burgos. Now to find the Hotel Almirante Bonifaz, my super navigator decides to lead us into the heart of town, find the river and turn left, we did this and joy of joys to see Kevin Neville, standing in the middle of the road directing us to the car park, lovely. Well done Sweet Petal.

An afternoon nap was required after all this tough driving. Early evening stroll around the town, another meal and so to bed. Next day was a rest day, so after breakfast in the company of Ray and Joy we went back to the centre and did some shopping. In the evening we walked to Burgos Cathedral, what a stunning sight. Then a short walk to the restaurant for our final Rally Dinner. A good time was had by all; we left about 11.30pm and had a short stroll back to the Hotel in a pleasant warm evening. The next morning, after a little bit of juggling to get all the cars out of the car park. It had been completely filled with all our MGs we set off for the 50 mile drive to Haro, the last town on the tour. Our Hotel was the fabulous Los Agustinos a former monastery. Again set around with a stunning courtyard and opposite a working flour mill which still had a stork’s nest on top of the chimney which was there the last time I rallied here. We strolled around the town and all the crews seemed to meet up in a little café on the square where we all sat and chatted and watched the world go by, wonderful. That evening a dozen or so of us booked a meal in a restaurant and had our ‘last supper’.

Burgos

Los Agustinos a former monastery

Picos de Europa

The last day was a quick run down the motorway back to Bilbao and onto the boat. Again a smooth crossing even round the Bay of Biscay and safely into Portsmouth and cold weather, lots of goodbyes and then the journey home to London.

Pauline said it was a wonderful holiday, with no time checks, no early starts and no rushing from place to place, I have to agree. Whilst I enjoy competitive events this was a superbly organised holiday tour. We met some lovely people, drove through gorgeous countryside and the shock absorber stayed good. Jonathan and Richard did a fantastic job of making sure all their chicks came home safely every day, Ray and Joy let us in on the secret of looking after leather seats, thanks ray, it works and Kevin and Julie helped out everywhere. So thanks to MGOC for putting on such a marvellous event. We hope to meet up with some of you on the road again.

David Wilks

Parador Fuente de

MGs at Bilbao

Picos de Europas

David has been involved in rallying for over 10 years. Firstly, in his MGB roadster and in a 1966 replica Austin 1800 ‘Landcrab’ and competed in the legendary ‘Peking to Paris’ marathon, winning a Bronze Medal. Since then he has competed in two ‘Classic Marathons’ two ‘Rally Atlantique’, one ‘London – Lisbon’, one ‘Arctic Circle Trial and the 2002 trial to the Nile. This year 2003 he is looking to enter the ‘New Zealand Masters Rally’ in the 1800.