Last Tuesday you read the report on the Recontre du Nord, a ride organised by Association Peugeot Hollande, in these columns. And we promised you to bring you another report on a national ride with Peugeot classics. This time we report on the autumn colours ride, organised by Peugeot Club Nederland and which again provided beautiful pictures in beautiful places.
The wolf, [and then we are not talking about Toto…] has been in the news frequently, almost daily, in recent months. It was very different with the lions. But during the autumn colours ride of the PCN (Peugeot Club Nederland) the lions in all shapes and sizes were in the sun, alternating with a stray shower. The owners and the classic Peugeots had a great time in the beautiful and green surroundings around Schalkhaar and surrounding Overijssel villages.
Some 22 teams gathered in restaurant NUNU, along the provincial road, where coffee was served with a range of fresh muffins. At the start, a well-prepared packed lunch was handed out. And the tour ended again at NUNU, with a drink and pleasant snacks.
The route started off well, the participants were immediately in the mood because the autumn colours ride started on the most rural roads. And that character continued. The route was flanked by farmlands and beautiful old farms. One panorama was even more beautiful than the other. Characteristic was the inclusion of four unpaved sections in the ride. Due to the occasional downpour, these roads were 'muddy', but in return the participants sometimes got to see the most beautiful parts of the route. The chassis of the Peugeots proved themselves again in this way, and did justice to their excellent reputation.
The collection of Peugeot models was varied. For example, a beautiful 203 sedan from '59 was a pleasant eye-catcher. Nice: this classic car recently found a new owner, who immediately updated the car completely. Five 504 convertibles, a few 504 coupes and also some beautiful 504 sedans were also present. The younger work was present, such as two really beautiful 309s in a great condition. The beautiful 304 SL break of Ulko Gosma and Bert Hoekman was the icing on the cake. That is the car that played the leading role in an AMK report a while ago and in an online double comparison with the then new 308 SW. The field of participants was completed by many other classic Peugeots.
Of the many volunteers at the PCN, Michiel van Saltbommel should certainly be mentioned. Event coordinator of the PCN. For him, the ride was a home game, and the happy Peugeot owners saw his knowledge of the area reflected in everything. According to insiders, it was a great meeting, which only became more valuable because many acquaintances and enthusiasts of the brand with the Lion met each other again.
With thanks to Arie-Jan and Bianca Vreeken
Photos: © Arie-Jan Vreeken (unless otherwise stated)