The Bury and District MG Owners Club unfortunately had to cancel their world famous annual Bury Black Pudding Run due to Covid restrictions in their part of Lancashire. However they passed the baton to Paul and Joan Gannon, formerly of Southbank Road, Bury , who are members of the Paphos Classic Vehicle Club. They stepped up and organised a classic car rally on the 18th July attended by 20 members of the Paphos Club.
Instead of a tour of the North Lancashire countryside a parade of classic cars left Kato Paphos on Sunday morning following a 1955 MG ZA Magnette sports saloon, and headed for the hills.
Starting at Tea for Two on the Paphos coast at 8 45, in temperatures of 32degrees, the intrepid party drove upwards to the village of Konia, bypassing Marathouda but still climbing. Under the watchful eyes of the security guards they proceeded slowly through the Minthis Hills Golf resort, risking life, limb and their car`s suspension on the numerous “sleeping policemen”.
All cars made it safely through so it was on to Polemi , Psathi and Ayios Dimitrianos and then a detour , up another hill, to visit the Moufflon statues at Kritou Marouttou. With external temperatures rising to 36 degrees and having climbed to over 550 metres the radiators of some of the cars were getting a little over heated. However they all made it through the villages of Fyti, Lasa and Drymou and then enjoyed the downhill stretch below Simou with views over the Evretou reservoir and Chrysochou Bay.
Engine temperatures had now returned to normal so the cars turned towards Polis along the valley floor before turning left to start their final, but long, climb up to the heritage village of Kritou Tera. This road is a little narrow and contains numerous hairpin bends, but fortunately they only encountered one car coming the opposite way. Having proceeded very slowly through the village there was only one more turn on to the main road and a short downhill run to the Gravity Road Diner, outside Drouseia. Here drivers and navigators enjoyed a very welcome cold soft drink and an English breakfast with a special side order of genuine Bury Black Pudding.
All cars and Club members arrived safe and sound, if not a bit hot.
- Total distance travelled 56.8 kilometres (35.5miles).
- Total climbs over 1000 metres (approx.3200 feet).
- Total journey time 1hour and 45 minutes.
Temperature in the MG had now risen to over 40 degrees ( no AC). The Classic cars included the MG ZA, 2 Mercedes (W126) 280SEs, a Triumph Spitfire, a Mercedes (W123) 230E, and a Lotus Esprit.
All participants had been double vaccinated , held Safe Passes, and wore face masks, in accordance with current Covid Regulations.
If you have an interest in, or own a classic car or motorcycle you can contact the Paphos Classic Vehicle Club by clicking on the QR code, visiting our Facebook page, Website, www.paphosclassicvehicleclub or telephone 97760997.
