TWIN PASS RALLY REPORT
This was submitted to our monthly magazine December 1998
Being 75 years since the first TRIUMPH was made, back in 1923, 1998 has been a year of global celebrations. Obviously on huge scales in England. Massive numbers of Triumphs turned up at the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust (at Gaydon about 15 miles from Stratford on Avon) for the celebrations. Peter Edmonds was fortunate to have been there, and you will remember the report he did along with those wonderful colour photos.
Anyway, the committee felt something had to be done to celebrate this milestone in NZ and we decided to hold a "Twin Pass Rally" to demonstrate the reliability of this marque at the same time have some fun and see some of NZ's most diverse scenery in two days.
Something of a tradition with Roger and me, is to get deeply embroiled in organising car events, and this was probably the most intensive- and the most enjoyable!
The route was to take in Arthur's Pass, overnight in Westport then head back through the Lewis on the second day. We decided Show Weekend was as good as any and proceeded to drive the route twice beforehand in August and then in September so we could put together a really sound itinerary. Both times it rained, but it didn't dampen our enthusiasm one iota!
If there ever was the perfect scenery, the perfect weather, the perfect collection of Triumphs and a great bunch of members, then this weekend was surely all those things! I suppose you could say that the event was blessed, as it was in celebration of the enduring workmanship of TRIUMPH.Starting at Yaldhurst, the 12 Triumphs headed for Arthurs Pass for lunch. Then over the pass and a peek at the new viaduct construction, before plunging into Otira Gorge and the coast beyond. Taking the Tourist Drive past Lake Brunner, we stopped briefly at the picturesque town of Moana, where one injector on a TR6 was given a quick clean-up to bring the firing order up to six again.
On again and a little detour to the quirkiest village in the region. Blackball, where the historic 'Formerly the Blackball Hilton' hotel stands. Members engaged in the necessary quelling of thirsts whilst soaking up the sun. Whilst there, several people checked out the Salami Factory where some of the best salamis in NZ can be had. Russell Kent decided this would make the perfect welcome home gift for Jan his wife, due back from Samoa Sunday night. It was the plan to meet her, brandish the sausage saying something like; "Welcome home my dear- have a salami!" Well, we think that's a superb idea Russell, we know every wife would find that prospect irresistible!
Refuelling in Greymouth, we then headed up the spectacular coastal road towards 'Puni' (as the locals fondly call it). Punakaiki or the Pancake Rocks weren't spluttering much, but the interesting stone formations and scenery were worth stopping for.
Wesport welcomed weary but happy travellers, and each were left to retire to their rooms before dinner.
Initially I had said it was a black tie affair for the celebration dinner, but quickly advertised that it was casual. But our rather eccentric Richard Butler sauntered into the restaurant resplendent in a full dinner suit! Up to the black bow tie- for which he was vigorously applauded. Peter Edmonds sported the most original tie that evening; woven into the fabric were full colour TR6's - a real eye catcher! And was enviously eyed by TR owners and enthusiasts alike.
Later, at prize giving, the two Cartwright girls Stephanie and Melissa performed two Spice Girls songs, complete with dance routine (from the video). Highly entertaining and to their credit they knew every single word!Prizes for the most correctly answered questions from Nick Moore's Historical questionnaire went to:
3rd: Richard Butler, Simon Causer & Sandy Mason
2nd: Peter Edmonds
1st: Terry and Fiona CartwrightNick then held a non-competitive (not!) quiz, that resulted in some fine moments. When asked what model was named after a star constellation. Simon Causer, who had been sitting quitely throughout the quiz sprang to attention exclaiming "I know that one! The Southern Cross!" Which is of course the correct answer- 'tis gratifying to see members so excitable on this subject.
John Reid then thanked everyone for coming, and presented Roger and me with two bottles of the fizzy stuff. Thanks so much, we will certainly enjoy them- be in no doubt of that!
Next morning, those with young children and clean car fetishes were up first. Terry glanced at the black clouds brooding in the west, wondering if this meant an end to the sunshine. Barbara from the Hotel assured us that they would burn off during the morning, and so they did!
The participants spent a pleasant hour at the Coaltown Museum before heading off through the Buller Gorge. To be honest, no adjective could adequately describe how beautiful this gorge is, suffice to say it had everyone grinning when we regrouped at Inangahua Junction!
Reefton was next, for lunch. The domain provided plenty of shade and even a game of frisbee before turning the steering wheel in the direction of Lewis Pass.
At this juncture, I just had to experience some convertible mileage (since ours is off the road now) so I hopped in Peter's TR6 for the leg Reefton to Springs Junction and sat back, looked around at the beech trees, the mountains, listened to the sweetest sound of a fuel injected six and knew this was pretty close to the perfect motoring moment. As you can probably guess, I was in my element. Wow.There was no denying it, the temperatures were rising as we neared Maruia Springs. But still, a sizable chunk of members actually took the waters, and even braved the icy cold pool to cool down!
The long haul to the Hurunui Hotel was next. Members took the road in varying styles and speeds, but all sort of arrived at Hurunui in close succession. I cant say much more, but I can reveal that any carbon still clinging to the internals of any cylinder heads was unceremoniously disposed of!
A final speech to congratulate everyone and hand out certificates was made, along with a group photo that took some time to set up. Thanks to Richard Butler who provided a tripod for my camera, and after some programming difficulty I managed to get two out of four photos that included everyone!Thank you to these people for their contributions:
Nick Moore (Herald 13/60) for writing the questionnaire and quiz.
Graeme & Judy Sigley (GT6) for very interesting commentary ChCh- Jacksons leg.
John, Christine & Thomas Reid (3500V8) for the complimentary biros
And to all the participants:
Peter Edmonds (TR6)
Graeme & Marylyn Johnston (Spitfire 1500)
Russell Kent (2000 Mk1)
Christopher Reid, Mary Glen & Stephen (2000 Mk2)
Terry, Fiona, Stephanie & Melissa Cartwright (Stag)
Mike & Roberta Gregan (2.5 PI)
Ron & Christine Brooking (TR6)
Richard Butler, Simon Causer & Sandy Mason (2500 TC)
Roger & Janey Thomas (2000 Mk2)And, not surprisingly every Triumph demonstrated their unfaltering reliability by doing the 440mls (708km) distance without exhibiting so much as a puff of smoke.
Of note was the oldest Triumph, Russell's 31 year old Mk1, recently taken off blocks where it had been for 4 years.Thank you everyone, for being such good sports, and for your continuing enthusiasm.
It's everyone of you that keep the marque alive.