British roadsters tour through Oberberg
The 17th Merlin meeting took place in Gummersbach from 20-23 June 2019.
We hosted 15 Merlin teams at the Wyndham Garden Gummersbach, a charming hotel that actually predates our Merlins. The meeting with the British Classics journalists also took place there on the day of arrival.
We set off at 9.00 am on Friday. We were first welcomed in Wehnrath, where the teams were first checked for fitness. And lo and behold, a woodworm was found in the exhaust of one participant (wood carburettor?) Otherwise, all participants were allowed to continue. After driving over the dam wall of the Aggertalsperre, we made a stop. We were given a guided tour of the inside of the dam. It was a bit scary, everything was damp and cramped. We were glad to see daylight again on the other side. We continued along the Oberberg roads to Lieberhausen. In the shadow of the Bunte Kerke, a church from the 12th century with a fully painted interior, we enjoyed a "Bergische Kaffeetafel" at the Gasthof Reinhold. There was also time to visit the church. The tour continued through the Bergisch region to the neighbouring Sauerland region and the beautiful Repetal valley. From there, we travelled right across the Sauerland to Rönsahl. There we visited an old Schaps distillery where beer is brewed today. After a short tasting session, drivers returned to the hotel.
On Saturday, we set off again at 9.00 am. A wonderful route took the convoy past Gimborn Castle to the Bevertalsperre reservoir. After coffee in the glorious sunshine, we continued along the Dhünn to Hall 32 South for a lunch break in Gummersbach. Then it was off to Tüschenbonnen, one of the most beautiful Bergisch gardens. It's worth seeing what could be blooming in your own garden. The route continued past the River Sieg to Homburg Castle. Thanks to the kind courtesy of the local authorities, we were allowed to drive onto the castle grounds. As a bobby car race was taking place there at the same time, we naturally had a photo opportunity together. (Both vehicles have a plastic body) Unfortunately, this was the end of the stage and we returned to the hotel.
There was a flat tyre, an engine that was too warm - thanks to the "escort vehicle", we always managed to catch up again, a broken gear lever - quickly fixed thanks to Rudi.
P.S. The support vehicle now drives itself Merlin.....
Participants, weather, routes and locations, everything was perfect.
Thanks to Andreas and Dieter for the great organisation























