Roadholder 370 - October 2018

42 T his year's NOC International Rally, hosted by the Austria Sulzbach Branch couldn't have found a more picturesque venue. Held on a campground immediately adjoining the 'Red Bull Ring' in the central Austrian village of Spielberg, the area nestles amongst the beautiful Styrian mountains. I'd arrived bang on cue, driving the NOC's newvan - a hulking great extra long- wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter boasting all mod cons with room for two Commandos in the back and all the tools necessary to offer a repair service to other rally-goers - all part of the NOC Service! The journey to Austria had taken two and a half gruelling days. I and my travelling companion, Tony Coles, had set off on Monday from the Midlands and travelled via the Channel Tunnel and via Cologne and the German autobahns. Constant roadworks and contraflows had unfortunately conspired to remove any enjoyment from the so- called 'unrestricted' sections but we'd arrived without too many upsets. Wednesday 15th August Rally organiser, Roland Groβbichler had seemingly recruited all his family and friends to put on the Rally's organisation and by Wednesday lunchtime, the first of almost 300 arrivals were streaming through the gate into the campground. As I'd been involved with the bookings, I'd had the opportunity to examine where the attendees were arriving from. I was pleased to see that whilst the UK had almost 50% of the total, there were strong showings from France, the Czech Republic, and Holland who will be hosting next year's Rally. The registration arrangements were run by Roland's parents and with typical Austrian efficiency, we were all soon exploring the delights of the campground. Attached to a small farm, this was very well equipped with a massive marquee, loos and showers for those in tents etc. and an outdoor bar catered for our considerable thirst. The marquee had been somewhat controversial. Austria's rigorous health and safety laws had combined with the usual commercial imperatives to demand a truly huge cost. These concerns melted away when an adventure in the mountains - the 2018 international rally -austria Peter White Tony Lockwood with his partner Margaret in front of the Club van enjoying some welcome refreshment