Ben Nevis Challenge 1911- 2011 Centenary
Monday 16th – Saturday 21st May 2011
The Model T Ford Register of Great Britain are endeavouring to re-enact the amazing historical fete of lifting a T to the top of Ben Nevis 100 years on to celebrate the centenary of the remarkable event. A task which showed much courage and determination by Henry Alexander in 1911 far less the Model T Club today!
For us to commemorate Henry’s achievement there is going to be a week long Rally from Monday 16th May to Saturday 21st May 2011. During one of these days, it has been suggested for us to airlift a 1911 Model T Ford to various points of reference on Ben Nevis, and for it to finally rest on the summit for a short time. This should be enough time for us to take photographs, and to pay tribute to Henry Alexander’s achievement in 1911. The airlift is going to hopefully attract a lot of media attention, and is most likely to be filmed. My hopes are for a DVD to be made of the ascent, and also of the rally….. so there is a thought!
Due to the nature of the task and the weather on Ben Nevis, there has to be as wide a weather window as possible for us to undertake our airlift safely. The experts say there are only about 33 clear days on the top! Hopefully we can get one of those clear days in our organised week for our Summit Challenge…. so fingers crossed! After all Ben Nevis IS the highest mountain in Britain! Check the weather by viewing our Area Information page, it even gives you a view of the Ben Nevis Web Cam
During our week in Fort William each day will have a suggested route of around 40 to 50 miles, choosing all the interesting sights and features to be seen on the West Coast of Scotland. Make sure you fill up with petrol every morning as filling stations are a rare breed in Lochaber! For the more competitive members there will be a chance to prove their driving and communicative skills, which will be appropriately rewarded! In addition to our scenic runs there is an opportunity to do some ‘light’ hill walking to stretch those legs and access the spectacular scenery on offer and to absorb the areas natural beauty. A period dress day is also an option on the Challenge Day which will be judged and a prize will be given to the most authentic 1911 attire! All light hearted fun in a truly idyllic setting.
The main centre for the Rally will be the Alexandra Hotel by The Parade in Fort William. The same hotel was used as a press base for the original event, so history will be repeating itself! There is fairly good secure parking at the rear of the Hotel with overflow for trailers etc. at the Ben Nevis Inn further along the road, which is also owned by the Strathmore Group. They have offered the Club good rates being £45.00 per person per night full board with a £12.00 supplement for a single room, or B&B £36.00p.p.p.n. We are holding 50 rooms for Rally attendees, and reservations can begin on Sat 14th May 2010 onwards. The hotels telephone number is: (01397) 702241. When booking, quote reference: ‘Model 'T' Rally’.
For the alfresco orientated members who wish to come, the Glen Nevis Camping and Caravan site offer prime pitches with excellent facilities to hand just a stone's throw from the main Rally base at the Alexandra Hotel.
Book the accommodation early to avoid disappointment. It would also be good for us to get an early indication of the numbers interested, as then we would have time to reserve more accommodation, and make it EVEN better!
Make it another year to remember the Model T Ford! Have a taste of Highland Hospitality and join in the "Ben Nevis Challenge" week and 'T' on The Ben. There are lots of interesting things planned for you – so let’s make it happen and have a holiday to remember in Fort William. It won't happen again!
Up dates to the full programme will follow soon………as is said “Watch This Space"…….
