Back from the GP Retro at PND and what fun I had! Quite a few Austin 7s therewith a couple of Rosengarts too.
The weather could not have been bette, if a little hot and the ambience and atmosphere was fantastic. I met a few pals from my recce. last year and made several new friends too. The Three-Wheeler Morgan club was well represented and they made me very welcome, a treat for a Brit on my own.
Driving there with the Benjaustin on a trailer was a bit of a pain because it had to be Autoroute all the way to make the time but driving back on D roads was much more pleasant if a bit slower.

The "Randonee" on Friday was a little disturbing as much of it was on very badly maintained roads, lots of uneven surfaces and the poor thing was well and truly shaken about, to the extent that the carb rattled loose, as did all the banjo unions and even the dashpot screw fell out to be lost on the road somewhere.

As for the "Cours" which not being races were supposed to be Demonstations, it was the first time I'd driven the car in anger and it went like a dream if not an express train.
I can't recommend the weekend highly enough, it was the most fun I've had with my clothes on for a very long time.

Location: Ripon

We arrived in Richlieu last Friday Duncan and hoped to attend this on Saturday or Sunday but too much socialising with friends here meant we did not make it, I had hoped to meet you there!

Next time?

I called in at Richlieu a couple of years ago on my way back from Angouleme…
A pity you didn't make it to PND…as you say, maybe next time.

Location: Ripon

Here is a link to a youtube vide of the Cyclecars class. There are quite a few Austins, Rosengarts and specials in the mix He's cut some of the Cars Spotifs into it.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYHMLt9rAOQ]

Naturally I only want to see myself here at : 1.42, 2.54, 5.34, 6.46, 9.26, 10.34, 12.42, 14.08, 18.30, 20.06, 20.40, 23.25.

Location: Ripon

I was on holiday near Saumur & saw the signs to this event. What a great "do". The village (more or less) closed off; no parking charges!; no entry charges! Andouillette & Chips €4,What a great event....and some fine cars & bikes "demonstrating" round the circuit. The runs in the dark were splendid. It has been going for 20 years, do go if you get a chance.
David Harrison (soon to be an A7 owner again)

Location: Stratford upon Avon

A pity we didn't meet. I agree, the evening events were more enjoyable with fewer distractions and being able to concentrate on the driving
They do seem to have the knack of organising these things in France, no crap food or overpriced drinks.
The local economy must have had a boost too with perhaps 25000 people each spending 20-30E.
Lets hope the Festival of Speed at Bromyard can follow the example...


There seems to be a problem with the forum, this is the fifth time I have typed this and each time I try to post it it vanishes

Hello David,

Just a shot in the dark, but we met a couple in Le Puy who liked old cars and saw the signs to the event and we chatted in the bar and then later outside the church (I think) where they parked their modern German sports car. Was this you?

Either way, hope to see you next year.

All the best,

Bill and Letsie

PS Bon courage on your imminent A7 ownership. I'm seeing one on Tuesday.

Location: Saumur, France

I don't think it was me & my grandson. We were in a B class Merc 180d...by no stretch of the imagination a sports car!
Good luck with your viewing... I will see mine when it comes out of the container from San Francisco........!
David

Location: Stratford upon Avon