Sol Classic Car Club

August run – El Chorro

The Club generally takes a break from its activities in August because of the heat, but this year a number of members were keen to continue so Bob Livermore organised a short run up to the Lakes and El Chorro on Saturday 15th.

It was an informal affair, welcoming several guests and an assortment of family members. Qasim and Hebbi brought their daughter and grandchildren, Marisa and Lucas, in the Bentley. And Steve and Claudia even brought our honorary canine member, little Monique their Dachshund – luckily for her the Porsche had air conditioning!

There were several newcomers on their first Club run: Eva Lindblom, whose 1961 white Mercedes 190SI attracted so many admiring glances at the Coin Car Show in June; Roger and Nichole Crestany in their 1977 1303LS convertible "Beetle"; and Bill Rankine whose Triumph TR7 finally decided to join us after previous unsuccessful attempts!

A surprising number braved the sunshine and the heat in open-topped cars, liberally coated in sun screen and sporting hats, scarves and helmets. Others erred on the side of caution and left their open classics at home on this occasion. Lucena

Sixteen cars turned up at Venta Pedro Lucena for coffee and breakfast – before the staff (Coin feria had been in full swing until the early hours of the morning)! However, as this was a short run no-one was unduly concerned.

And no-one was worried that the cars left slightly later than envisaged – sadly Ken and Lorraine's TR6 decided it wasn't going to leave at all (a not unusual occurrence in classic cars) and they had to return home to pick up a substitute!

The route led through the Guadalhorce valley winding up through wide open spaces to Valle de Abdalajis, a pueblo blanco nestled under the dramatic rock formations round El Torcal. This is a favourite route for our classic drivers with a great road surface and plenty of sweeping bends. In August the surrounding countryside is a palette of gold and brown with flashes of hardy pink oleanders in the river beds.

From here the cars climbed narrower and more challenging roads into the mountains with stunning views of the lakes, the blue of the sky reflecting in the blue-green water below.

Lunch had been booked at La Garganta overlooking the Tajo de la Encantada at El Chorro, a vantage point that allows visitors to marvel at the intrepid climbers on the rock faces and wonder how the railway track was ever cut through the surrounding mountains.

This restaurant, with its French chef, always does the Club proud so it was sad to hear that the people who currently run it are leaving at the end of September.

Everyone enjoyed the run and the excellent meal and no-one appeared to be too daunted by the August heat. As Bob says "All in all a surprise success – perhaps we should plan to have a run in August after all!"