Truth and Consequences

OK, now the dust has settled for a week or so, time for some truths and consequences ;-)

Truths:

1. Met great people and made good new friends - Hiya Guys! :-)

2. The trip was an absolute blast and highly recommend it to any petrol head

3. The track day was awsome and the sound of the V8 wailing at 5,000 rpm was subperb!

4. As many of you that know me, I have a rather bad back problem - amazingly, during the 3000+ miles that we covered, I had no back problems at all during the week ! :-)

5. The Tiv is, in reality, too fragile for the journey - in particular the immobiliser :-(
I'll just have to find a car more suitable for this type of journey next time....

6. Things of note on the car:

• Immobiliser problem (several times, always inconvenient)
• The passenger side seat belt stopped working after the track day
• drank about 5 litres of oil over the 3,000 miles
• Apparently, when changing gear, the car is pushing as small amount of oil smoke out of the exhaust
• er.... the front damage....

Consequences:

A. The repair bill to the Tiv is looking to be about £3,000 all in

B. within 24 hours of being back in the office, my bad back returned - something to be said for having good chairs at the office thinks me

C. More track days please :-)

D. I need another (3rd!) car for track days and EuroBlast type travel

There's likely to be one last post on this blog - once I've got the Griff repair sorted.

In the mean time, I've already put my name down to go on the next track-masters event - the track day at Goodwood in November...

Here's to the next time ! :-) /Mark

Reality Bites

Arrived back in the UK and reality hit pretty much immediately...

1. Awful road surface (I can hardly hear myself think on those damn concrete surfaces)
2. Huge volume of traffic that simply won't get out of the way
3. Very high petrol cost at the Maindstone service station
4. Rubbish choice of expensive, stale sandwhiches at the service station also

And speaking of service stations in the UK. Why, oh, Why are they so dirty, smelly, unfriendly and unhelpful - totally unlike all the ones we've used over the past week. Just don't ask about the state of the gents toilet at the petrol station. God Damn, who'd been in there before me WTF!?

Home in a couple of hours travel on the M20, M25, M3 and M4 - yes I know it's an odd route but the Sat Nav said so (and we know we can trust that don't we..not)

Even more reality - unpacking (and, yes, the Tiv refused to start again to put her in the garage) and washing a load of clothes. Also could not avoid starting to think about work tomorrow... :-( The final reality is that I need to start counting the cost of the trip and the upcoming repair bills. Will keep you updated on this as things develop.

This trip is one that I'd recommend to any true car enthusiast, however don't underestimate how tired you will be - it's a real test of stamina for both car and driver. It showed up the weak points in both ;-)

See Ya Later... / Mark

A Champagne Celebration

What a way to finish this epic journey around Europe. Today (14 June) we travelled from Luxembourg to Calais via the Champagne countryside of France.

When we left the city, I once again needed fuel; the short range of 200 miles is, I have to admit, a bit of a handicap for this type of travel! The first open station we found was one of the automatic ones - but with the new twist that only one pump could be used at any one time. I started filling the car.... the others decided to high tail it to the "next" petrol station. OK in principle - in practice I never saw another open petrol station on route until joinging the A26 North of Reims (some 130 miles later!!). Point to remember - in Luxembourg, Belgium and France the non-motorway petrol stations are CLOSED on Sundays ... which is OK as long as you don't need to make a long trip ;-)

Things weren't helped by a) turning the wrong way down the A13 towards Metz (Germany) rather than the needed direction of Petange (France). Easy mistake, honest - that took my slow morning brain 2 to 3 junctions to realise and then turn the car around.

Damn, another mistake! At the first junction in France, I needed to turn right towards Reims but missed the turn by trying to overtake a campervan.... turn round yet again!

Never saw the rest of the group on the roads through Champaign either.

Not to worry - the fact that I had the (very good) route directions on my lap and was driving energetically to try to catch up. What a great route - through classic French country sides and little villages (that were apparently inhabited only by stray dogs). Route included such evocative names as Saint Georges, Vouziers, Pauvres and then off towards Reims (which I by passed by following the sat nav straight to the A26).

Once again the car needed feeding - and anticipating another failure to start again due to the ongoing immobiliser problemette, I determined to stop at a motorway services and have a bite to eat. Incidentally, the French certainly do motorway services with much more style (and better food!) that we ever manage in the UK (more on which in later posts...). I'd been at the services for about 10 minutes when amazingly the rest of the gang appears in convoy behind Mr Ahlin. How I got ahead of them I'm not sure - though from what they said, I think that a major detour was undertaken to find fuel... it's France on Sunday remember ;-). We sat and chatted for a while - I then determined to kick on and reach the Channel Tunnel. Thank goodness the car started first time and I pootled over to get petrol. You may now think that the car would then not start...... but no! first time again and back on the M-Way.

POWER....!

Passed lots of obviously Le Mans types on their way home, but saw no cops (not even at the Peyage). Seems that we were very lucky, as Stormy has said that others coming up the other route to Calais (the A28 rather than the A26) were stopped and ticketed by the Frenchies...

Some rain (first in days) about 90 clicks from Calais - on went the roof in a quick pit-stop (where there were a few other brits in rag-tops doing exaclt the same and on went "Smooth Running" CD that Ralph gave me - a great collection and totally suitable for the final journey homewards - thanks again Bro' :-)

Calais with out incident and checked into the train - started to wait for the others but was called forward onto an earlier train and thus missed the opportunity to say a proper farewell and thanks to all the guys. Guys, if you're reading this, just want to say thanks for the excellent company over the past week - and thanks to Mark, Stormy and Hugh for the great (and patient) organisation.

A couple of special mentions:
Keiffy - "I wish I could fly, right up to the sky"... yes you can ! ROFL
(young) Phil - keep eating those tyres ;-) and thanks for carrying the roof over the days!
Tony G - hope that the credit cards turn up!
Stormy - "Anything can happen in the next half hour" FAB!

Truly a great experience! Now for home. /M

At Last in Lovely Luxembourg

And so we come to the last evening together – in the fantastically lovely city of Luxembourg. Stormy and some of the other guys have been here before and thus took us to a restaurant in one of the main plazas in the city centre. Entertained both by a very hassled waiter (who really didn't want to put 7 tables together so that all 15 of us could sit together – well done to the conciliator Martin for making it work!) and by a local brass band. One oh-so-near moment of the day was Martin asking of the band leader whether the band knows the theme to Thunderbirds.... the answer was yes but not possible to play as they didn't have the music with them that evening. Damn. The running joke of course this week has been the resemblance of Stormy to Scott Tracy ;-)

The restaurant was probably the best we've eaten at all week – great local beers and excellent food – highly recommended if you're ever in Luxembourg (though I can't recall the name of the place myself).

Sunday brings the drive through Champagne to Calais and the home. Onwards!

Immobiliser Woes And Stopped At The Border

Now here in Luxembourg – arrived probably about 2 hours early due to the continuing fragility of the immobiliser system for the Tiv. Once again, in the hot weather and doing long hard driving the body temperature of the car gets to the point where, once stopped (eg for petrol) then I can't get the car going again for up to half an hour. Today, this problem has happened twice – once in a service station outside Strasbourg and once here at the hotel in Luxembourg. This is now officially pissing me off :-(

To give you a flavour of the travel between Interlaken and Luxembourg, here are a couple of points:
1. Don't try to stop off the main highway to find petrol (I stopped at Thun and it took me 15 minutes to find a petrol station. This was early in the journey so the car was cool and started first time after getting fuel – at least that is a positive

2. Don't try to cross into France from Switzerland with an obviously damaged car. I was stopped and pulled to one side – the French border guards then proceeded to question me ab out the damage to the car and perform a general search for money/goods/drugs etc. Another 15 or so minutes lost. Also, the Mitsubishi Crew passed me as I was standing there – they were waved straight thru'. Damn. One positive point – due to the time stopped and in the shade, the car at least started first time when the guards let me free!

3.When you own a car that is has this petulant immobiliser, don't stop unless you can take a 15 to 30 minute break!

All in all, I lost about ¾ hour to the rest of the guys as they moved into Germany to start the WRC stages. No doubt they are enjoying these as I write! :-( I had to make a decision on continuing to the WRC stages or coming straight to the hotel – obviously I chose the latter, as I'm here now. The prime reason for this change of plan is that I would have had to stop for fuel at some point before getting to the hotel, if I had gone on the WRC routes – and, of course, the car would be unlikely to start for a while.....

At least the Tiv is now in the underground parking here at the Parc Bellevue hotel and should thus be reasonably cool soon.

Looking To Luxembourg

Today involves a quick blast to the German border and then back roads (WRC stages apparently) to Luxembourg. Expect some dramatic driving again ;-)

Into Interlaken

And so now we're here at the Hotel Neuhaus in Interlaken – a lovely lakeside hotel surrounded by mountains. The fun and laughter continues over evening drinks and meal – discussing the days events and swapping stories on the drives – cool :-)

Quote of the week has to go to young Phil, on asking about going to further mountain passes tomorrow morning said: “these passes, do they go up-hill?” .

Under And Over Again

Moving on from Ascona, our route took us through the Gottard Tunnel (17Km) – baking hot and boring. Nuff said.

Much better are the two mountain passes that we then took – the Furkapass and the Grimselpass. Amazing views, terrifying drops, tight hairpins, wet roads (snow and ice at altitude!) Fantastic!

Stupidly, I stopped twice on the Furkapass to take photos – and both times the car would not start for about 15 minutes. Damn that immobiliser :-( Great fun driving though.

Also, saw a wild Marmot which inhabit these mountains – didn't stop to get a photo obviously ;-) It looked like a chubby stoat or weasel with a shorter tail. Apparently young Phil (or possibly Abbey his girlfriend thought that it was a monkey – much to the amusement of all over the evening meal in Interlaken – see next post for the best quote of the week...

Ascona And The Verzasca Dam

Well the M-Way journey across Italy to the Swiss border went without incident – once again good roads and fast journey times. The only downside was a quick stop I made just south of the border itself – once again due to the amazingly hot weather, the body of the car is baking and this means that the immobiliser won't unlock for about half an hour (once the car has has a chance to cool down) – this is becoming annoying.

No border patrol at the Swiss border – so straight through no worries. Phew!

Ascona is a very cool town with a front onto lake Maggoira. Had lunch at a lake side restaurant – excellent and pricey ;-) Watched the locals messing about in boats – including a great looking Riva power boat. Fortunately, I'd parked the car in a local underground car park, so there was no problem in getting started again – though getting out of the car park was a challenge; uphill slope where you have to stop and put the ticket into the barrier machine. Of course, being on the left hand side, I would have to leave the car in gear to ensure not to roll back (as the handbrake does not hold the car on its' own). Damn. Eventually, a kind Swissie helped me out by putting the ticket into the machine for me!

Straight to the Verzasca Dam – which you will remember from the James Bond movie Goldeneye – a great drive up to the dam and sudden views. Amazingly you have no idea that the dam is there when in Ascona although it's only a few minutes from the lake. Unfortunately I could not stop at the dam – no parking spaces and in any case I didn't trust the car to start again!

The Swiss Border

'Tiz with a sense of foreboding that I write this entry. This morning we are off to Switzerland...

Give the nature of the car I am driving - in that it is both loud and damaged, I am worried that I may have some problems with the Swiss border guards. We shall see...

Assuming that all goes OK, then we'll be lunching in Ascona and evening in Interlaken. Here's hoping :-)

/M

Men About Town

Well, another evening out with the team - always some event or other. This time it was getting lost in the lovely town centre of Rivoli (near Turin). As a group of 10 we took taxis from the hotel we stayed in last night into Rivoli centre (at about 22:00 I guess and was only a 5 minute taxi ride) to have a wander around and find somewhere to eat. Rivoli centre is a cool looking place; lots of people promenading and chatting in the main square at that time of night. One strange thing - no restaurants; only cafes and ice cream shops (as far as we could find anyhow). Eventually, of course, we found what turned out to be a really good Pizza restaurant. We were the last to leave at about 00:00...

Now to find a taxi back to the hotel. Erm... none about. Do we know where the hotel is - "Yes, I do" cries someone that will remain nameless (and is not me!). After half an hour wandering aimlessly, Stormy had the good idea to call the others that had not come out for the meal (the Mitsubishi Evo crew stayed in France for their meal and had arrived in Rivoli at about 23:00) - using google earth to find the street we were on and guide us back to the main road, where two of the guys were good enough to drive over to pick us up. Gogt to the hotel at about 01:00.

Why is it that apparently sensible mature people still can't arrange simple things like phone numbers for hotels and taxis?

Several beers in the bar later.... ;-) /Mark

Englishmen Abroad

You'll be able to guess by the fact that I am even

writing this blog update this afternoon that I have still got a car that works and have made it to Rivoli (Turin) in Italy.... Hooray! :-)

This morning, as the rest of the team was setting off to the Col de Torini and other mountain tops, I set out, in some trepidation, to vist the TVR specialist in Opio (about 1/2 hour North of Nice)http://www.theenglishcarmechanics.com/. The three guys (Simon and his two sons Mark and Simon) set up in France some 16 years ago and are the only approved TVR garage in France. They really helped me out and confirmed that the car is still roadworthy - making a few running repairs to the front bonnet and drivers side headlight pod. It should be enough to see me staying on the rest of the trip - here's hoping ;-)

I have some photos of the cars that were at the garage - lots of really interesting ones, in particular a one-off Pininfarina bodied Bently and a good looking MG TF.

My sincere thanks to Simon and the team in Opio - they really helped me out and, as no spares were used, the price is to send them a TVR and Pistonheads Cap when I get home to the UK - my pleasure :-)

On leaving Opio, I travelled at a leisurly pace up to Levens (a nice climb) but then had to return towards Nice as the petrol station that TomTom said was there, was closed - and I was running low on fuel (again). After that, I decided that discretion is the better part etc etc and took the motorway straight to the Rivoli Hotel here in Rivoli. Another good quality hotel - can't fault the choices made by the Track-Masters team todate.

The travel to Rivoli went along the new coast motorway (peyage) - which runs though a really good series of tunnels - which gave me a good excuse to blat it a bit every so often. Once again it confirms that the M-Way in France and Italy is much superior to that in the UK. Both in terms of how not-busy they are and the quality of the surface. Even the road works are better managed - only closing the carriage either side of the actual work, rather than coning off miles and miles un-necessarily.

Weather continues t0 be absolutely baking - actually too hot for the TVR with the roof off (but unbearable with the roof on I would guess) - roof has been off all day today and the factor50 is still working :-)

So hopefully the worst is behind us and we as a group can have a good day tomorrow driving into the Alps and towards Interlaken.

Toodle Pip /M

Off To The TVR Garage

A change of plan for the day then. I was hoping to be doing some mountain driving before heading with the gang over to Turin. Instead, I will now be driving over to the TVR specialist North of Nice to have them take a look at the car and see whether we can make it road worthy to carry on the tour. If not, then not quite sure what to do.

Please no sympathy calls / text etc - the accident was entirely down to me and I now have to deal with the consequences. Just consider myself lucky that no one was injured and that the car is (at least for now) still driveable

More later on the car status.... /M

Limping into Neece (not Nice)

So, following the accident I made all the needed calls - including to the TVR specialist in Nice - whom I have arranged to see this morning. Thanks to both Smions (Leven and in Nice) for being so helpful. I'll update as soon as I know whether the car is road worthy enough to continue the trip...

Fortunately it seems that none of the mechanicals or engine / cooling etc was damaged in the accident - I managed to limp the car relatively slowly from the Gorge into Nice (lots of slow traffic without any further problems and the car didn't overheat - which was my main concern (unseen damage to the radiator would have been a killer)

So, as the title suggests Neece is not necessarily Nice.... we went into the old quarter of town for a meal (this is the main tourist district) - on the way, one of the guys has his wallet lifted including all his cash, credit cards and hotel room key. The key was in a holder identifying the hotel and room number.... fortunately we managed to call the hotel and cancel the key while the guys sharing that room raced back to check all was OK. All cards now cancelled and nothing else stolen thank god. All things considered, while Nice is a fantasic looking place and has a great atmosphere and food, I think I'll give is a miss for now.

An Incident At The Gorge

Update from Nice morning 11th June

Well the trip from Collioure was certainly eventful - and not in a good way. Read on......

We made our way along the AutoRoute from Collioure towards Nice and eventually turned off towards Monosque and the Gorge de Verdon. This would have been uneventful motorway (roof down in the brilliant and hot sunshine) but for two events:

1. One of the guys was too enthusiastic at getting away from a Peyage (toll booth) and managed to hurt his girlfriend's arm when she hit it against the toll barrier - just bruising thank god

2. A lorry shed it's load of breeze blocks right in front of our lead car - I was driving 3rd at the time. Effectivley closing lanes 1 and 2 of the motorway and havoc behind. Fortunatley, no cars or lorrys crashed. We heard later that the motorway had been closed as a result- luckily we all crawled through

We got to the Peyage exit at Monosque and stopped for a quick break - after which my car would not start :-( Phoned both the AA and Simon at Leven Technology (Basildon) - he worked out that it was the immobiliser circuit getting too hot in the baking sun, Thanks Simon!! After about a half hour I was able to get started again and join the guys in Reis for a late lunch. Then my troubles really started...

We started into the Gorge de Verdon and I was playing the second of Ralph's CDs in the car (France Rocks) - another fine collection - unfortunately I had a moment of lapse of concentration and was involved in an accident. Don't worry dear reader, tis' only the Tiv' that is damaged - and that can be repaired. I'll spare you the details, save it to say that I collided with another car and have damaged the front bonnet of the Tiv - smashing both the light units on the driver's side of the car. I can only say that one lapse of concentration is going to cost a lot of money... :-(

And Now To Nice

Text written morning of 10th June in Collioure:

This morning involves a cruise along the coast motorway to Nice – and then a choice of a direct route to the city or a longer route via the Gorge du Verdon. Do you recall the Top Gear race between Clarkson and the two guys who climbed a cliff? Yes, it's that gorge. Depending on how I feel later, there's a choice to be made....

Brigtening Up

Text writtten after a meal and beer in Collioure on 9th June:

As I said, I arrived at the hotel in not too good a mood (glad to say I was not last in!) but that was soon sorted with a quick shower and a few beers on the patio by the pool and good company to chat through the various experiences of the day :-) Turns out that one of the other groups (4 guys in their Mitsubishi Evo's) had also been stopped – by motorcycle cops – but they just wanted a chat and wish the guys well and a good holiday after a couple of minutes – damn their luck!

Another fantastic evening in the lovely looking port of Collioure - 12th century castle and all. Good food, beer, wine etc etc ;-) Great company :-)

You Lose Some

Text written evening 9th June:

Later, about 12:45 local, we were running down the main road only to find a road block at the bottom of the hill on a roundabout – we had just been stopped by the local cops :-( Apparently there had been phone calls complaining about some cars racing on the roads in the area (not us guv honest!). They held us for about half an hour while they took our driving license details, checked that the cars were insured and road legal and took photos of us with our cars... Then the let us go, with the warning that they would check for speed camera records and chase for fines if they find any – should not be a problem as we have been careful to a) keep to speed limits in towns and b) approach the well signed radar traps correctly.

After lunch, I'm afraid that the day went from bad to worse. I managed to get separated from the other cars I was traveling with and I had loaned the road map of Spain to one of the other guys. I had no choice but to make my own way to our current hotel in France, using the Sat Nav. So, I programmed the TomTom to get me to Collioure (Mediterranean coast) by the shortest route. Big Mistake. I ended up driving through most of the traffic jams from the start point to the border crossing and didn't see a decent driving road for the rest of the day – correction, at the start of this there was what should have been a really fun road, but due to the foul mood I was in at being separated from the group, I simply wasn't in the mood to enjoy it and ended up just wishing for a straight bit of road to get me asap to the hotel. Shame.

You Win Some...

Text written evening 9th June:

The morning drive out of Torla was fantastic! Full Sun all day – roof of driving which is always best (thanks to Phil who kindly agreed to carry the Griff's roof so that I didn't have to unpack the car). Thank goodness for factor 50 suncream otherwise I'd have been severely burnt – but no problems to report :-)

We went through two mountain routes before entering a high sided gorge which, as it turned out, was the best part of the day. The gorge is basically a very high sided cleft in the hills cut by a river – and a road has been cut into the side of one of the cliffs. So you have a river on the LHS and a vertical rock face on the RHS (only inches from the car at the time). As a group of four cars we pushed rapidly through this gorge – it was as if you were slalom skiing :-). Point of note – white van man also exists in Spain – we were chased right through the gorge by a bloke in a white Mercedes van; couldn't shake him. I have to admit that the whole drive was so much fun that I was laughing out loud at the sheer joy of it all! When we turned off the road later on, the guy in the van pulled past waving and smiling - good to see there are petrolheads where ever you go. 10/10 for the morning. Having said that...

Bandit Country Beckons

Text written morning of 9th June:

Morning in Torla – just off to pack and have b/fast. Then off towards the French coast, through the Spanish Basque region. Lots of guns apparently – suggests that back-fires are out today ;-)

Images are of Tony G, Hugh, Stormy, Phil and Abbey together at a pass south of Torla - then the Mitsubishi Boys in convoy coming up the same route :-)

Where have all the restaurants gone?

Update evening of 8th June:

Evening in Torla – all restaurants closed ? Only the local pizza place open. No matter we all piled in and had a great time. Apparently it's not uncommon on these trips that the gang subsits entirely on pizza and beer – I hope we can do better in Nice in a couple of days

The Rain in Spain Stays Mainly...

Text written evening 8th June:

overhead my car actually. The afternoon was spent driving some spectacular roads from Pau Arnos south through the Pyrenees to Torla, hotel Abetos (where I am writing this note now). Despite the rain, the journey was great fun – challenging roads, great views of snow capped mountains and great music on the stereo (unless in a gorge when the V8 was singing..) - played the first of the CDs that Ralph gave me (smooth running) – excellent choices bro' – not a duff track amongst them – big thanks again!

Photo shows my Griff at the stop we made just North of the French-Spanish border crossing in the Pyrenees. Fantastic views but bitterly cold

South of the border, we left the main road and headed back up into the mountains towards Torla – a fantastic set of switch back roads and tunnels – lots of high engine revs and causing back-fires all round – god we are such children! Evil grin.

The Racing Line

Text written midday 8th June:

This morning was the track day at Pau Arnos circuit. What a fabulous morning – it's the first time that I've taken the Griff onto a track and have to admit that I was nervous about bending her more than a bit – particularly thinking about the coming days driving. Have Courage! Turned out that we had the track basically to ourselves (12 cars) plus a couple of Legend cars and the local F3 school. Pictured is Mark Ahlin with his (as yet undamaged 911)

Had a fantastic time in the drying weather and just about started to get a handle on the track – though I doubt that I put together one full lap where I got all of the corners correct to my own expectation. Both Stormy (Mark S) and Mark Ahlin came out on a couple of laps (brave guys) and gave me some friendly and well received advice – thanks guys! All in all a superb mornings track work – really friendly and helpful local staff – highly recommended :-)

Pictured is Rachel who'd just been out with Hugh on an experience lap in the Lotus..... Who's looking the more frazzled? ;-)

One slight downside – the local track manager has a TVR challenge Tuscan race car for sale....must be strong and not give in to the temptation ;-)

Now off to Spain

Deep in the Heart of France

text written evening 7th June:

Evening out in Pau – a prosperous looking place – still has an old city centre race circuit that is used for classic GT racing. We wandered around some of the track – marveling at how narrow the circuit is. There is absolutely no run off – just very hard looking armco! I wouldn't want to be having a crash round there....

Meal out with the gang – Pau specialties, according to the barman at the hotel, are duck and seafood (not together). Can definitely say that the Moules Mariniere were great – though the pommes frites were not much cop. Much beer had by all – no doubt that this will improve the driving style at the circuit tomorrow :-)

Update from Nice

Not been able to access WiFi for a few days - it's now the morning of 11 Jun and we are in Nice. As you will see in the following entries, things have been both good and bad...

A long day in France

So, the plan today was to travel from La Vespiere to Pau. Left the hotel at about 09:00 and arrived here at the Kyriad Hotel in Pau about 45 minutes ago. It's been a long and relatively uneventful day hauling down the motorways in France.

On the left is an image of Stormy (Mark Stevens - one of the organisers of the trip) with early on trouble for his brand new Lotus Exige.... today's problem is that the indicators don't work and it appears that the car body would have to come off to fix the problem! who said that TVR's were unreliable - well, quite a lot of people actually - but so far so good and there may be a new candidate for the most fraglie car on the trip ;-)

Lot of rain again on the way down through France - made the driving quite a challenge. No doubt more on that as the days continue - if the rain continues that is!

Only one potential brush with Mr Plod tooday - was pushing past a bridge just on the motorway approach to Pau, only to realise that there was a cop car parked behind the bridge ! Lots of debate at the filling station we all pulled into, as apparently the fines here can be issued at the peyage that you exit from - modern technology has a lot to answer for apparently. In any case it was a false alarm; no fines and no cops chasing us with lights flashing. Phew.

An evening in Pau awaits /M

D-day part 2

Well, we made it across to France OK and arrived in Vespiere at about 20:30 local time.

The journey to Eurotunnel was dogged by poor traffic on M25 – not surprising considering it is Derby Day :-( Anyhow, arrived in Maidstone and met Mark Ashlin (one of the organisers) at the filling station – he's driving a great looking 911. Then met some of the other drivers and cars
art the service station.

We took an earlier than planned train to France - which turned out to be a good move as we still didn't arrive at the hotel until 20:30

positives: French road system excellent so far and an excellent gang of people :-)

downside 1: peyage - have to get out, round the car to get the ticket and then back into the car! Price of the toll isn't too bad though

downside 2: got lost in Rouen – seems the satnavs were all saying to go in different directions and wthe convoy got a tad confused (a complete horlix in fact) went round Rouen twice before we got onto the road to Le Mans

Upside 1: nice hotel in La Vespiere - and an excellent evening at a local pizzeria. Also in a brasserie afterwards – the frenchies were getting a bit agitated about something and the genderme turned up.... we made excuses and left - good entertainment value though :-)

The RAIN stayed away until we had the 15 moinute walk into town and back...looking forward to the long, motorway, journey to Pau today

Will take some photos and post as soon as the camera batteries are charged /Mark

D-Day

Ready for the off :-)

Just finished the packing and checked over the car - will be leaving in half an hour or so on the way to the Channel Tunnel to meet the rest of the guys that are coming on the trip. Have to admit I can't wait to be in France !

Only slight let down at the moment is the weather - a bit overcast and not very warm :-( Also, the forecast for the South of France from Sunday into early next week is not great; may not be the weather to be able to take the roof off the car. Time will, no doubt, tell...

See you on the other side (of the Channel)

/M

Opening gambit

Well, here goes - first attempt at a blog - hopefully I can come up with a few interesting things of note on the upcoming adventure around Europe! Tomorrow, 6 June, I'm off to France in the Griff (picture opposite) on what will be the first few hundred miles of a 3000 mile round trip


Track-Masters http://track-masters.co.uk/ have organised the trip which STARTS at Pau in the South of France !

With any luck, the hotels (or near-by bars!) will have WiFi so I'll be able to keep up this blog each evening, adding photos and possibly video that I manage to take along the way. Also, my brother Ralph has given me a couple of CDs to play - I've promised not to check out the content of these until I'm in France - and will let you know what I think of his selection in a day or two...

Later... /Mark