27 October 2001 - What's that funny smell?
The second day started, and our mission was to make it all the way to Italy. Unfortunately, our slow progress on day 1, partly due to our problems at customs (see previous report), and partly due to our insistence in taking the twistiest back roads possible, left us with a monumental 700 mile drive.....

No problems! After starting the day with a very cold shower and a little fresh bread from the local boulangerie, we were straight back on the road. Alex started the driving, cruising at a leisurely pace through the stunning French countryside until Dan pointed out that we had nearly 700 miles to go and we better get a move on!

The pedal was firmly placed to the metal.

The first part of the journey passed without incident, apart from getting stopped by customs AGAIN!!! We must have chosen France's major smuggling route! This time we were only delayed for about ten minutes, while they had a quick rummage through our boot....

After a spot of lunch, Dan took over the wheel to take the second leg of the journey over the Swiss Alps. After recent events, we figured a route over the top, rather than through the tunnels, would be our best option (or was it that Dan just liked the idea of those twisting hairpins!).

Stopping at the top to check our email, we were amazed to receive an email from David Ligier, a guy who had seen our car in a village down in the foothills of the Alps, offering to buy us a beer having seen our website!! After briefly considering going back down into France, we figured that although it is criminal to turn down a free beer, we really needed to press on... Thanks for the offer though David!

Four fuel stops, about an inch worth of front brake pads, a pair of Al's pants, and seven hours later, we finally pulled up at the Molino Rosso hotel in Imola, our final destination. Heading straight for the bar, we sampled some Italian beer and had a chat with some of the other Mini drivers who had stayed up into the early hours.

So now we're into day three, and will shortly be going into the briefing room. Apparently we get do drive around the Grand Prix circuit at Imola today.... Oh yes!!

More soon.....

Finally for today, we've had a number of emails asking how you can sponsor us. If you'd like to add to our money raised (over £1000 so far), reply to this email with your pledges, and we'll get back in touch after the event to let you know how you can donate. See the website at www.r136xoa.com for details of the good causes.

<< Click the back button on your browser to return