THREE cars departing from a Tynedale town will participate in one of Europe's ultimate banger rally adventures.
The cars will leave Haltwhistle to participate in the Bust Rallies: Monte Carlo or Bust: Black Forest Gateau 2024 today (Wednesday, May 29), after driving through town and having a send-off by family and friends from the Market Square around noon.
The trip begins in Namur, Belgium and finishes in Monte Carlo via six countries. Sights include the Black Forest, Lake Como and the Gotthard mountain pass in Switzerland.
The first part of the journey will see the cars, sponsored by The Black Bull and S.C. Taylor Automotive Care, travelling to North Shields to catch the overnight ferry to Amsterdam and then onto Namur, capital of Wallonia, Belgium, where this year’s registration and starting point is.
READ MORE: Residents enjoy French hospitality during town twinning event
Black Bull tenant Martin Campbell from Haltwhistle's Team Shambulance, said: “I am really looking forward to this year's rally with a new crew of Dave Coulson and Gary Birks, as my usual team buddy Rick Lees isn’t able to make it due to family commitments.
"We are using the same car as we used for last year's carnival but with a makeover. I am hoping this year the Gotthard Pass will be open, as the last time I did this route in 2019 it was shut due to avalanche risk.
"This year we are really pleased to be supporting the Great North Air Ambulance (GNAA). Those wishing to help us support the GNAA can donate via our JustGiving page. There is a collection box as usual on the bar in The Black Bull.
"In all, and everything going to plan, we shall be away for a week covering 2,500 miles," Martin added.
The rally will officially start on May 30 and finish on June 2.
Day one includes an optional stop at Bastogne, where there is a memorial to those who died during The Battle of the Bulge in the Second World War. The drive will journey through the beautiful valleys of Luxemburg before the day ends amongst the mountains of the Black Forest in Freiburg.
Teams will cross the Swiss border on the second day and enjoy alpine roads and mountain passes in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. Green hills and valleys turn to snow-capped mountains on the route south, up to the Gotthard Pass, descend on adrenaline-pumping twists and turns, and cross the Devil’s Bridge.
Teams finish the day on the shores of Lake Como in the picturesque town of Menaggio. Adventurers will watch the sunset over the water and sample the local food, beer and wine.
Day three starts with a drive along the shore road of Lake Como through the Italian countryside. The teams may be tempted by a stop at Monza, the home of the Italian Grand Prix, on the way.
Once on the main roads, drivers head for the sea to meet the coastal road E80 and experience spectacular scenery while cruising across the border into France.
Drivers will finally cross the finish line in Monte Carlo.
Once the rally and challenges are officially over, it’s a quick trip to Nice on the Cote D’Azur, the French Riveria, to spend the evening. The final evening includes presentations, speeches and a few other surprises.
The route home is yet to be decided.
Updates for Team Shambulance will be posted on Facebook and other social media.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here