Robbies Big Drive to Monte Carlo – www.justgiving.com/robbiesbigdrive/

Last nuit (french for night) we touched down in Tournon-Sur-Rhone and stayed at the charming petit hotel Azeel’s. With the cars parked out front the crew sat down to reflect on the days driving, especially good looking Jamie’s near fatal collision with a fast moving lorry, over a cool beer. We had a great evening at said hotel, where the likeable (hot) waitress joined in with the fun and games playing up to the banter by referring to Peter as “the baby” and Jamie as “the special/simple one”. All in all it was a fantastic evening and we would love to return in the future.

After waking up and looking forward to another trip heading north, the young gorgeous contingent of the team felt rather dejected as we were faced with a 350 mile drive up to Charlon en Champagne. The team set out as a convoy but were soon got split up as the traffic became a problem. This resulted in David, the caterham and the mini forming a “team Ribbins” and Kev ‘n’ Debs and the Andersons teaming together. After a while David decided to “nail the miles off” and proceeded to fly off on his own, unfortunatley for David this eventually meant that he was pulled over by the infamous french “gendarmerie” as he was pulled for speeding, meaning that he only arrived mariginally earlier than the rest of the team as he had to wait for the final verdict from the police. Luckily for him he was able to get off with out any fine. (cheeky)

We have now arrived at the Hotel Montreal and are looking forward to our final night of the road trip. We are going to make this a night to remember!!!!!!!!!!

Jamie and Peter x

More to follow if & when vehicle & driver are released

Arrived Monte Carlo with all machines in tact – just. A most eventful last couple of days. Seems like a lifetime ago that we checked out of the quirky Hotel Eidelwiess in Briancon. A great night out in old town Briancon (how come all the French towns seem to have a really attractive old quarter).
Our first Col of the day – d’Izoard, turned out to be one of the most exciting of the tour. A wide road (2 and half cars width), recently resurfaced, swept up to the summit, with a mixture of sweeping bends that could be flattened out, & switchbacks, plus the odd straight allowing for overtaking. The MG led the way, with Caterham, Lotus & Hyabusa in tow, however the extra power of the three following soon ment the MG slipped back, & courtesy of a of bit interesting overtaking, Rosie led a fast thrash upwards.
Not all the Cols lend themselves to such excting driving (plenty do though), but all of them are spectacular in one way or an other. Those in the north are quite rugged, with a lunar landscape (and snow), those in the south quite mediteranian in feel.

Along the route (in fact from the time it was displayed at The Midsummers Big Night where the Beightons, Lacys & Waltons set the tone) the Z4 has been signed by friends & well wishers. At the summit of the Col du Galibier the local gendarme joined in & put a mark on the front end.
On arrival at Valberg (ski resort) we found all the parking taken up by a convoy of Mercedes SL’s (big, old & very well looked after). They were to follow the same route as Robbie’s Crew the following day, our paths criss crossing as first we stopped to refuel and then they stopped to eat. At the summit of Col de Turini we chanced across them again where they very kindly invited us to join them for a picnic. Tempting but we were well behind having taken an unintentional detour along (and back) the Gorges du Cians. Well worth the effort!
Our German friends were appy to sign the Z4 & amid much laughter a number did sign. Not sure what Sytners will make of the Mercedes decol drawn n the BMW, but it was all done in good humour.

Prior to or meal in MC last night, a visit was indeed made to the Casino. Kevin, Fi & Jamie, were joined by Georgia, Kate & Lucy. As last year, all of the Ando’s placed a bet for Robbie on number 8. Not lucky again this year, however Lucy did come up trumps and won 175 euro’s which she used to buy champagne for us to toast Robs over our meal. The back drop of a spectacular fireworks display over the harbour provided a rather special atmsphere to celebrate our arrival.

Now with only 3 hours to go before we start the long journey home, one last thing to to – hit the shops (window shopping only though).

Sorry no pst yesterday – Wi-fi was worse than useless, however much to post!