Italian Job Rally

Col De Tende pass

2008-09-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

OK what can we say, OOPS that wasn't such a good idea. After reaching the entrance to the Col De Tende tunnel we had six hours to spare before having to arrive at the check point in Monte Carlo. We had answered all our Italian Job questions correctly so thought it would be fun to go over the old pass rather than use the tunnel. WHAT A MISTAKE.

After two and a half hours going up a track that lets face it you probably wouldn't take a tractor we made it to the top, lets say for arguments sake almost 9000 ft. Only to find a goat Herder that informed us it would now take a further three hours to get down the other side. Just to put this into perspective we were higher than the black run ski lifts.

Phil and I had to get out and place rocks into some of the craters just so that we could get the car over.
as we had to have our answers handed in in Monte Carlo by five PM but had no chance we finally at four thirty got a phone signal and phoned our answers through. Thanks Paul for letting us do that.

We eventually reach a tarmac road after some 40 kilometers and four & half hours of off roading in our little Astra diesel. Good job you decided to fit the sump guard Phil.

We finally made it to Monte Carlo two hours after the check only to find the town had been shut of for a Iron man competition. However we did manage to go around the F1 circuit but in reverse and with our own detour added.

The finish was then in Nice so it was a short drive down the coast to a restaurant where the presentation was held. Just to let those who are interested we did come joint second.
Hope to see you all on Tuesday we have got a 1100 mile drive home now so probably won't get to put anything else on, so thanks for following our little story hope we have helped the Air Ambulance with the donations made by you the public in backing us.

St Bernards Pass

2008-09-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

Well we finally arrived in Turin after many hour of fun going over St Bernards Pass. On the way from Besancon we had to go via Lake Geneva and take photo's of different items and answer question relating to lots of things in the town.
The weather was dreadful it rained most of the day.
Phil enjoyed the many hand brake turns that just had to be done on the hairpin corners on the mountain pass. We then found some other chaps calls the L'aime Ducks who very kindly offered us lunch after they were impressed with the hand brake turn Phil performed and ended up parked along side them. Thanks for the Wine and Cheese guys.
I know the rule don't condone the foolish racing but the three lads in the Saab 900 deserved to be undertaken on the hard shoulder at about 98mph. Sorry we shit you up, but this isn't a Sunday afternoon drive. Get a grip lads.
We then made it into Turin, well all we can say is "good luck" if you intend going into this city see if they have a Park & Ride.
Crazy Italians playing chicken with ten lanes of traffic going into one.Tomorrow we are off to Monte Carlo we may go through the tunnel or we may go over the top of the mountain. Who knows see you later.
P.S thanks for the surprise hotel Maz is was good to get a comfortable bed and a good nights sleep.

We haven't blown the bloody doors off

2008-09-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

Firstly can we thank Mc Donald's for the use of their Internet, didn't want their food as we had eaten in the city centre.
Besancon is a beautiful city and well worth a visit. Phil forgot that going around round abouts they go the other way, that can be quiet scary dogging angry French car drivers at night. Never mind the gesticulations worked quite well.
Look forward to giving the Astra some bell oil over the Alps ( thrashing).

So far looks like three teams have hit he dust past a Ford Probe on the motorway tried to help out but our diagnostic equipment wouldn't work I:E the Hammer. sorry team 22

See you son Ian & phil
Come on I can feel a cold beer coming on!

Trewern Whacky Racers

2008-09-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

OK here we go, the car is ready the drivers are sort of ready all we need now is a race.
On Thursday morning Ian & Phil are off though Europe on the Italian Job Rally, raising money the Air Ambulance.
We will let you know how we get on as the event unfolds
Thanks to everyone for their support in the sponsorship and prepping the car.