RTG Carrera Iberia The Daily Dispatch - all days - Flipbook - Page 9
7 to 17 October 2019
Day 4
Cuenca - Ubeda (404km)
11 October 2019
Tilting at windmils
Gavin Henderson was looking a little bleary eyed this morning. But, after his travails yesterday, it was a
miracle that he was here at all. He and Diana feared that they’d be looking at a short rally hiatus at least
whilst they worked out what to do with their stricken Bentley.
Photos: gerardbrown.co.uk
Salvation came quickly however, in the form of Ewen Getley,
who flew into Spain with the requisite parts and worked his
magic until 4.00am. Furthermore, after a couple of hours
sleep they were back under the bonnet to put the finishing
touches to the job!
Breakfast virtually morphed into an evening meal for these
nocturnal Bentley Boys but, for the rest of the rally, who’d
enjoyed a slighter longer night, the dawn brought more
sightseeing and photo opportunities thanks to our lofty
location.
Once the camera’s had been stowed however, a look at the
route book showed that there was another full day scheduled,
with hours of free flowing and empty roads for the crews to
enjoy.
The first Passage Control was at the Posada Real de Santa
Maria and on the way there, giant roadside amphorae gave a
clue as to the nature of the local industry.
Endless olive groves and vines swapped places in the vivid
red earth with a green and brown patchwork of ploughed
fields and fallow meadows. And, in the soft morning light the
views through the windshield were stunning.
In true Rally the Globe style, we were well off the main
roads, but our route was straight and fast nevertheless, as we
crossed into the province of Ciudad Real and on to the second
passage control by a windmill, whimsically named Donkey
Oatey. The benefits of a classical education were obviously
not wasted on The Clerk of the Course, John Spiller.
There was time to gather ourselves at the Time Control at
Villahermosa before the Wildcat Pass Regularity. So named
because this area is home to the very camera shy European
lynx. Set on a wild and remote hillside, the crews thoroughly
enjoyed this slightly feline escapade and at the days’ end,
we’re happy to report that no marshals were harmed in the
running of this section.
www.rallytheglobe.com
