If you’ve ever thought you could beat Clarkson in a race across France, or fancied yourself as Bond on a mission, then the combination of driving your own car down a winding road through the beautiful French countryside and some of the world’s greatest wine is hard to beat. With that in mind, The Bickley in Chislehurst invites you to sign up for the inaugural year of The Great Bickley Wine Chase this November.

THE CHASE IS ON

Meeting at The Bickley on 19th November 2015, the convoy of classic cars, super cars, kit cars, and even plain old bangers will fire up their engines for a warm-up run to Folkestone. After the quick 35-minute ride on the Eurotunnel le Shuttle to Calais, the racers can get finally get underway and set off on in earnest.

To keep the sense of adventure, the route of the race is always changing, and always top secret. The address of the vineyard will be revealed on the morning of the race, but you can be sure to pass through some of the best wine-growing countryside in the world.

If you are going to have a driving adventure, then the Beaujolais region just north of Lyon, from the Rhône-Alpes to Saône-et-Loire area of Burgundy, is stunning. The traditional capital of the region is Beaujea, with the main town now Villefranche-sur-Saône. This area is driving heaven, renowned for its meandering roads and picturesque villages.

When you arrive at the secret destination, your precious cargo of classic French wine will be loaded up in your boot ready for the second leg: the dash home to glory.

THE RULES

Each car will have its time taken at the first point – the secret vineyard where you’ll be given a case of Beaujolais, which must make it back to England intact. On your return to The Bickley, once all times have been added and checked by the judges, trophies will be awarded for the fastest time, funniest tale, and the plucky loser.

The entry fee for the whole day is £250, which includes tickets for the Eurotunnel and a three-course meal at the finish line – The Bickley – for two people, with optional extra guests at £35 per head, and the Beaujolais you so carefully escorted home.

Unfortunately, petrol, speeding fines and dirty looks from the Gendarmerie are down to you!

To sign up, email the team at The Bickley on info@thebickley.co.uk.