On the weekend of May 20 and 21 two classic lorry runs combined to produce a tremendous double header, with the weather playing its part with glorious sunshine. 

The collective of preserved trucks saw famous makes of old like Leyland, BMC, Dodge, AEC, Austin, Guy, Bedford, ERF, Seddon Atkinson, Albion to existing makes of Scania and Volvo.

Starting from Llandeilo both days, the convoy of 22 trucks toured the scenic best of Mid and West Wales. Leominister’ hauliers Conods had two of their heritage fleet out of a Leyland and ERF. 

Ex-vehicle inspector, Mike Chandler of Llandrindod Wells had his AEC Mercury, while Bob Sutton had his ex-MA Evans Scania 143m. 

Saturday saw the procession head north to Llandovery to climb over the Sugar Loaf to Llanwrtyd Wells and Builth Wells. Crossing the Wye and passing the busy showground and picking up the A483 to reach a well-deserved coffee stop at Crossgates. 

Here the collection of lorries caused a stir amongst the 60 plus motorcyclists assembled at the café before it was off again, this time up the A44 to Rhayader.

Rounding the town’s clock tower to take the main road up the Wye Valley to Eisteddfa Gurig. Now dropping down to Ponterwyd and onto the seaside town of Aberystwyth. 

After lunch the lorries took the coast road down to Aberaeron where they bared off left to head for home. 

Onto Lampeter, Talley and returning to Llandeilo and the finish, with the convoy completing the 141 miles without missing a beat.

Bathed in sunshine, Sunday saw more lorries join the run, Tommy Williams had three of his fleet out of two Bedfords and an Austin.

Tommy had chosen to drive his 1946 OY Bedford with the Austin being driven by Teifion Thomas who had driven it in the late 1960’s and early 70’s working on coal deliveries. 

Lorries totalling 28 took off for their 120 mile tour, leaving the station yard at Llandeilo to retrace their steps slightly, to a total of the 8 miles to Llanwrda where the lorries turned onto the A482.

Heading up the Dulais valley before climbing the hills to drop into the Teifi Valley, crossing the Teifi at Lampeter before continuing onto Temple Bar and dropping to head down the Aeron valley to Aberaeron. 

Picking up the coast road the drivers were treated to stunning sea views over Cardigan Bay to the dinner stop at the Internal Fire Museum of Power at Tan-Y-Groes. 

After an interesting look around the museum and refreshments it is time for the off again, continuing south on the coast road to Cardigan where the convoy picked up the A478 to Crymych, Llandissilio to pick up the A40 again at Narberth.

Heading back up the A40 to Whitland, St Clears, Carmarthen and back to the finish at Llandeilo.

Everyone agreed what a great weekend it had been.