When we arrived, we grabbed our spot in the service area and unloaded the car. There was then a 15 minute briefing section and we were split into 3 groups of cars as there were 3 different stages to tackle. We were to spend an hour on each stage in the morning before breaking for lunch. To start with we went around each of the stages in our group in a convoy so we all knew the route of the stages. We then got the helmets etc on and got ready for the first test runs at 30 second intervals. As there weren't a huge number of cars, as you finished a stage you just waited a couple of minutes before attempting the stage again. We took it easy the first couple of attempts. On our third run one we picked up the pace and attempted the first hand brake turn of the day - went well apart from missing first on the exit. On our 4th attempt we got more speed but were held up by another car that had broken down and which we eventually towed to the end of the stage. By the time all this had happened it was time to go to the second stage. This one started with a couple of sharp hairpins with very unforgiving ditches on the outside, into a water splash and then a jump, hand brake turn and then into the 'bowl' do some some laps of a circuit where it was a good opportunity to practise getting the car into a pendulum motion around corners. This part was very dusty and regularly you were driving through dust hoping the guy in front hadn't stopped else you would go right into the back of him.

At the end of the hour we then went to the final of the three stages - this was a much faster stage. We were warned before that last year someone totalled their car on the last downhill stretch and to take it handy. We took it easy to start with and did a few good corners, followed by a few jumps into a hairpin through a gate post and then into the downhill section.  We went over a hump about 60 on the downhill stretch to suddenly go onto some really loose shale.....the car suddenly slide left towards the edge! Managed to recover only to apply the brakes and get the car sliding to the right at the bottom of the slope - another even more heart stopping moment. Needless to say we were a bit more careful the remaining attempts. By lunch, and 16 miles completed, the coolant light had come on and we needed to top up the radiator with a few litres of water which was a bit of a worry, especially as no sign of a leak. After sitting in the sun at lunch for half an hour it was time for another briefing and I arranged to have the current Peugeot 205 Champion (Mike Nippers) to come out with me for some coaching whilst Wendy got some co-driving lessons from the co-driver currently leading the Peugeot 205 challenge (Mark Mason). We did 9 miles mostly on the 'bowl' practicing setting the car up for corners.  We then headed up to the 3rd stage.  Unfortunately, after one run the coolant light had come again so we stopped there. Wendy also told me that there was smoke coming from the front near side wheel indicating the brake was binding so we decided to call it a day.  At the end of the day the instructors awarded prizes to the best students of the day. Wendy won the co-driver prize so I think I will be in good hands.

Co-Drivers View

Coming soon........