34 cars made their way to Automobiles BMC in Vienne for the start of this years Minis to Monte. After leaving Vienne the crews had a short run do to Tain l'Hermitage for the first night and welcome dinner. It was off promptly the next day to head to Vals les Bain, This day took in the Burzet loop which is still used on today's Monte Carlo Rally. For day two it was across the Rhone Valley to head up Mont Ventoux and the Col d'Espereaux amongst others. The nights stop here was in Embrun.
From Embrun we headed to Monte Carlo, taking in the Col de Fanget and the Clue de Barles to name but a few! The nights stop was in the Columbus in Monte Carlo. Where the event actually finished in 2004. For day four we left Monte Carlo for the drag along the coast to Menton, and it was up the Col du Turini and a brief photoshoot. It was across the Var Valley to drive the classic stage from Pont de Miolans to St Auban. We then joined the main road to Digne but turned off to cross the Col de Corobin the road brought us nicely to our hotel for the night.
The last day from Digne to Tain l'Hermitage, saw us drive the Sisteron Stage (still used today on the Monte) and then head towards the Col de Rousset and into the Vercours valley. In the final miles we complete the Col de la Croix and Col de la Bataille. Before finally descending into the Rhone Valley and return to Tain l'Hermitage for the Final dinner and prizegiving.
The prizes were presented by Madame Windeck, the wife of the owner of Automobiles BMC.
Being a touring assembly there were no actual winners, however, the prizes awarded were:
The daily quiz champions - Roland and Susan Eckert.
New for this year a The Team Award: David Sumner and Carl Evans; Stuart and Hilary Horsley; Ian and Paul Chilcot.
The most favourite car on the event - Graeme Allan and Kevin Murray in their 1071s 555 LRX.
The Spirit of the Event - Peter and Lynn Barratt
Pictures of all the entrants can be seen here and more pictures here.
