Classic Marathon 2008

The Gateway Marathon started at Pudding Hill, in the foothills of Canterbury near Methven, on 3rd April, 2008 with the participants cooking their own barbecue tea.

Thursday morning saw all makes of cars, including an Alto economy winner, leave for Burkes Pass and Hakataramea Pass to Kurow.  Then it was on towards Danseys Pass to Maheno and through Trotters Gorge to Palmerston for the night.  During the day a top Jaguar from above the Bombay Hills had a blown radiator, then fuel pumps from both tanks just stopped pumping.  In the end this was an easy fix by redirecting the number plate light wiring to the fuel tank wiring and it was all systems go.

Day Two was fast, smooth gravel past the Macraes gold mine and up over the Dunstan Trail with fords and gates.  It was then down through pig hunting country out of the snow tussocks to Lawrence, followed by a punt ride across the mighty Clutha River at Tuapeka with the day finishing in the Gold Guitar town of Gore.  The only casualty today was a MGB GT with a blocked radiator caused by the tour plate blocking the air through the grill.  Another easy fix.

Day Three was up, up, up into the sky and the giant snow tussocks from Switzers to Wildens Road to Millars Flat, then over the Lake Onslow Station Road.  There were only 58 gates to open and shut!!  It was a good 4x4 track and the drive of a life time.  Lunch was at Ranfurly, the South Island art deco capital, then on to Alexandra via the coldest valley in New Zealand, the Ida, for a night back in civilisation.

Day Four was led by four of the Peking to Paris cars into the high country clouds again on Thompsons Track with only 28 gates this time!  Fantastic views out over the South Island from here.  This was followed by Phillips Road on fast, smooth gravel, up over Lindis Pass to the power dam canals to end four fabulous days of classic motoring at Tekapo.

The comradeship and friendly banter of everyone together made this a Classic Marathon to remember for every.  The range of cars included MGs, Ford Capris, Porsche, Pontiac, Austin 1800, Jaguars, Mercedes, Saabs, BMWs, Volvo, Suzuki and Holden HQ.

We're all looking forward to having everyone join us on our next Classic Marathon in 2010 in the North Island in two years time.

See you then

Tony Childs