Driver’s license day, May 18 minus 5
1 hour by bus to go to a traffic police station where we are the first foreigners ever to obtain a Chinese driver’s license. The first intake takes about an hour, but the rest is considerably faster. Back to to hotel in time for a healthy Chinese dinner.
Sightseeing day, May 18 minus 6
Today is arrival day to the centre of the world. The top of the hill of Jingshan park is the centre of Beijing. North: Shouhuangdian palace, East, just behind the Guanmiao Pavilion, the Beijing business district, South: the forbidden palace, West leads to Paris.
P to P 1907 – 2024
This motor challenge is unique in the world. Following the wheel tracks of Prince Borghese and the other pioneers of 1907. Driving a pre war Bentley nearly half way around the world with 85 competitors. Against the clock. with many off road timed sections. This rally is the longest and toughest driving challenge for Vintage cars!
Borghese and his crew finishing first after 61 days in Paris.
The road from Peking to Paris was not always paved.. In Siberia a bridge collapsed from under the Itala, nearly finishing the race for Borghese.
Back in 1907 locals were of great help for the teams. Camaraderic support from locals and other crews still is what makes the P to P rally so special. As we intend to find out in the coming months.
Above photo’s curtesy of Louwman Museum.
The 2024 ride: Woolfy, the 1948 Bentley MK VI Justine Special
For this rally we want to drive a durable vintage convertible. One with presence and ample space for spare parts, tools and luggage. And fit for-the-purpose of driving many miles off tarmac. Obvious choice is the Bentley Justine Special from Belrose. A 1948 matching numbers Mark VI Bentley. Updated for long tough off road miles. At least that is what Franz from Belrose promises us. Follow Woolfy and her crew on this epic adventure through 9 countries in 5 weeks, driving 14.250 km.
Woolfy on her way to the 2023 Scottish Malts Hero Era rally, about to pass the Hadrian wall. An enjoyable test for car and crew.
The basis: Matching numbers Bentley Mark VI
This is the original body, with the factory supplied stitched chassis and 4 1/4 line six engine. Engine and chassis bolt and nut restored and enhanced whilst keeping all technical details original. Bar a few that we trust will come in handy on our way to Paris ;{) These pictures are from the extensive paper file of Woolfy and made by Belrose.
Spare parts
What to bring with you on a ride like this? What could possibly go wrong? Besides the obvious, like spare tires, plugs, filters etc. Heaviest spare part is a complete differential, packed in the box. You don’t want to be in the middle of the Mongolian Desert with a broken dif and no spare within a 5000 km radius!
Every nook and cranny filled with parts and gear.
interesting links:
The 8th Peking to Paris
The above link brings you to the webpage of Hero-Era where you can check the list of cars and petrol heads that are scheduled to embark this epic journey with us. Choose Tab to find:
- List of participants
- The Route
- Competitor Tracking
- Rally Reports
- Results
- Competitor Blogs
Hoeveel reservebanden heb je bij je? Hoeveel procent is off road rijden?
Gaaf avontuur, geniet ervan!
Hi Hugo, We bring 4 inner tubes, 2 outer tubes and 2 complete tire sets as spares. We expect only about 10% offroad driving. With close to 15000 km ride, this still amounts to 1500 km offroad. In an open car. Bad hair days are quite possible.
Succes Berend en Ellen🙏🏻👍. En opletten voor de Chinese putten en keien… wij duimen voor een goede en veilige Rallye 🤞👍
Thanks Patrick, we will do our very best to keep the shiny side up!
Dit lijkt mij een geweldige uitdaging.
Ik ben zeer benieuwd hoe het allemaal gaat verlopen.
Thanks Gerrit, wij ook😊😊😊
Ontzettend veel plezier en succes toegewenst.
Liefs Kapster Pris
“It “s all about the Journey, they say and not the destination”, but i wish You enjoy both!! What a magic trip,with a unique car and special characters,like taken from a different era!
Veel succes Berend en Ellen! Enjoy a safe trip. 🙏🧿
Mooie presentatie gezien van Ellen zonet. Super gaaf en heel veel plezier en veilige kilometers. Groetjes Andre en Mary-Ann
Heel veel plezier Berend en Ellen! Mooi avontuur, geniet ervan👌🏼
Thanks, we gaan dr voor!
Prachtig avontuur Berend en Ellen,
Er zullen veel bolletjes en pijltjes nodig zijn om 15000 km te overbruggen. Veel succes en we kijken erg uit naar jullie blogs..
Groet Peter
Zo dan, das geen kattepis! Heel gaaf, mooie uitdaging, veel succes de komende tijd en hou ons een beetje op de hoogte hoe het gaat !
Succes en geniet er van !
Een mooie en veilige reis beiden! Geniet ervan!
Thanks!
Héél veel plezier en veilige kilometers
Thanks Barbara, plenty of kilometers to be safe at😃
Veel succes van het Belrose team
Geweldig!! Goeie reis en maximaal genieten!