Five Go Bananas in Wales - November 17th 2002

Sarn Park waiting for the Bananas to arriveThe day had a definite Yellow theme in honour of Clive and Penny's second impetuous car purchase in 14 months. Their bright Yellow Arizona led the way for a great day out with various flashes of Banana colour dotted around the rest of the cars. We met up at Sarn Park Services at 10am and squeezed into the car park amongst all the Subaru's and rented Ford Transits of the rally goers. A great total of nine MX-5's were present and Mark and Chris' winter transport (Pug 205).

Mazda MX-205

Several new members came along including Tim and Wendy in their stunning Phoenix (thanks for the pictures guys), and Mark in a very neat British Racing Green MK-I. We now have so many members called Mark that we're going to have to refer to them as MK-1, MK-2 and MK-2.5.

Some familiar faces also came along after what seems like a long absence, hello David and Chris.

The Great God Mazda had arranged for a brilliant, sunny day again and, after Clive collected all the Bananas, we set off.

The route took us up from Sarn Park, up through Bryncethin, Blackmill and then up through the Ogmore valley over the top towards Hirwaun. The first stop was in the hills above the Tower Colliery, where the clouds were actually lower than we were, which made for some magnificent views.

Soooooooo beautiful Well yellow there gorgeous. I'm warning you; I've pushed people off here before you know! Just don't ask how long it took me to clean those wheels yesterday. 

Phoenix must be a great place. Rear of the year competition. See! I told you one of my arms was longer than the other.

Wendy in reflective mood What a sight. Don't even try to overtake though.After chatting for ages and various people cadging cups of coffee from those who had had the sense to bring flasks, it was off again, heading up across the mountains to Storey Arms (there to discharge the cadged coffee). Then down the A470 past the stunning reservoirs with their surfaces as flat as mirrors. Then a blast down the dual-carriageway section of the A470 to Culverhouse at Cardiff before turning along the A48 and finally ending up in Singistone for a great Sunday roast lunch at the Victoria. The payment was a bit like a Cannon and Ball sketch, but happily nobody tried to add their bill to mine this time.

Tim and Wendy left us here due to pressure of work at home (see you again we hope) and we then drove through Wick then on to Dunraven Bay at Southerndown for a group photo session against the setting sun.

Cars from the Land of the Rising Sun, in the Land of the Setting Sun

Grouped against an Autumn Sky. And Spotty Dog used to walk with his legs and arms all stiff like this... A sideways glance at the fleet. Clive's last bit of organising for the day, complete with director's hat. Like a Mill Pond.

Then the drive home past the hotel where the Christmas party will be on December 7th. Cars peeled off at various points until we got home.

Again, with so many cars in the convoy, it was great to see the reactions of the people we passed as we went along, especially the elderly chap out walking with his wife near Singistone who waited until we'd all passed and then stepped into the centre of the road to wave us off.

Another great day out with some stunning scenery and driving with great company and some fun at the various stopping places. Congratulations to Clive and Penny for a well organised and thought out drive with a great lunch venue (no ice-cream vans though; lucky Michelle wasn't along!).

Pictures by Tim & Wendy, Bob & Ros, Ray and Marilyn.

 

Hi Ho Silver