Justin's Champagne Run
Having been delayed by a whole twelve months (due to the severe cross channel delays in 2015), the Kent Region of the Mini Cooper Register hosted the long awaited voyage to Reims this July. There was a great mix of cars old and new, from early examples to the latest models and lots in between! There was also a good mix of participant age groups and experience levels of these sorts of events.
We met bright and early on the seafront at Dover, with some teams already unintentionally practicing the continental way to navigate a roundabout, before setting off to the ferry terminal. Having made the crossing (in two phases!) the teams arrived at the start point, where we were met by a group Belgian MCR members, before everyone was en route to Arras.
On arrival to Arras town centre, we negotiated the first of our road closures in the cars – which in our case was less than successful. Thankfully, it seems that if your car is sporting rally plates the locals are very forgiving! Cars, drivers, and navigators refuelled in the superb cafes and bars in Arras, we were then ready for stage two to Reims. A gorgeous city which we must visit again in more detail.
We knew we were drawing near to Reims as the roads became a car spotter’s paradise, with the old circuit acting as a magnet for the fast and the rare. The Gueux pit buildings were a sight to behold, and are a meticulously maintained piece of history. There was the opportunity to explore the garages and stands, and attempt a ‘flying lap’, before heading to the hotel for dinner.
A three course dinner and a good night’s sleep at the Novatel saw our return to the road the next day. Following some varied and creative interpretation of the directions to the Vranken Pommery Champagne Cave, we reconvened and embarked on our tour. We heard about the champagne making process and the inspirational Louise Pommery whilst getting a glimpse of a small portion of their 11 miles of subterranean tunnels and just a few of their 20 million bottles of maturing champagne. A tour isn’t a tour without a taster, of course, and we had imbibed our first samples before lunch. A brief return to the circuit for some stunning photo opportunities with our friends from the Austin Reims Mini Club and we were then reluctantly on our way home, taking in some beautiful villages and views over the vineyards on the way.
Soon some more road closures added to the fun - especially if you were in one of the cars with no map, no working phone, and no sat nav! As much by luck as by ingenuity, we returned to the planned route, and re-joined the rest of the assembly on the road to St Omer.
All cars were very well behaved and covered the distance well in the heat – with everyone reaching the finish point in reasonable time. A sun drenched drink in the square at St Omer and, having covered around 340 miles, we headed for the port, reconvening on the ferry for the prize giving.
A truly all-inclusive event, with such a welcoming group of people.