TravelStream™ news feed for member kaiserb_uk on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/kaiserb_uk en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:08:20 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1221169440/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1221169440/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1221169440/tpod.html Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:08:20 -0400 Briskoda.net - Hairpin Tour of Europe 2008

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Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

We set off from Chur northwards on mundane A roads but with a nice mist hanging in the trees, very photogenic but hard to capture on the move. Then we turned right onto the 28 if memory serves and headed for Davos, before long we picked up the Fleulapass - personally my favourite road of the trip. It was fast, snaking, good visibility meaning it was possible to string a set of bends together using all the road, and surrounded by a landscape which was best described as 'lunar'. For the TG fans, this was the Chur-Davos road of which they mentioned. Was every bit as good as I was hoping, might have been even better in a Gallardo Super-Leggera but the Furby performed admirably (and well within my level of talent).

Winding down into Zenden, then heading north again and around to pick up the Stelvio Pass. I was convinced we would be heading DOWN the Stelvio, but no, UP it was. The scale and size of Stelvio surpassed anything we've driven so far, but as a driving experience it was marred by traffic, particularly bikers and idiot italians - the italians may make some of the best cars but they can't drive for toffee. Still, we stopped half-way up for some photos and a cappucino, then headed on up the last stretch. Stopped near the top for another photo and a chap pulled in in a Masarati, blummin gorgeous and he didn't object to me taking some shots of it against the mountain backdrop.

Then down the otherside, somewhat quieter traffic-wise and when we stopped for yet anther photo opportunity three Lambo's went past - simply stunning. I was also accosted by some Swiss chaps for not switching my engine off while snapping, but I explained that I was resting my turbo and they seemed to get it. Besides, what's it to do with them? Pillocks.

So, that would seem to have been it, except that dropping into Italy we then took a side turning and shot off into the countryside, finding yet another pass, this one more twisy and above all deserted than all previous - have no idea what it was called but it clearly hosted some event of other as the road surface was festooned with painted messages and slogans. On one corner of a wall was painted the legend "Ciao Mama" (Hello Mum!) which I thought was great. It was so narrow in places (and we passed a few idiot cyclists struggling uphill) that I will always refer to it as 'the cycle track', but I will try and find oput what it was really called. The way down this pass was even better, in places seeming more like skiing than driving as we launched the cars left, right and left again under heavy braking.

Then onto some 'normal' A roads, and with 50 miles to go we discovered that there is no such thing as a normal A road and the twisty hairpins continued. Some more brilliant driving, but as we'd been on the go for 7 hours at this point the shoulders were beginning to ache a little, so Andrew took pity and took us down to the AutoStrada for a 20 mile, dead straight, 90 mph blast to Bolzano. Where were greeted by the 4 star Sheraton Hotel - reet posh it is. Fantastic grub (Wild boar wrapped in Pancetta, yum!) and really swanky rooms. I shall now end this update and find out what the beds are like. ttfn!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1221082140/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1221082140/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1221082140/tpod.html Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:42:36 -0400 Briskoda.net - Hairpin Tour of Europe 2008

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Chur, Swiss Alps, Switzerland

The Furka Pass - great name and featured in the film Goldfinger for all you film buffs. Absolutely brilliant road as it wasn't too busy, had spectacular views (of the Rhone Glacier) and had a really car-friendly surface. Much fun and a few nice photos.


Then onward to the St Bernadino. Unfortunately we got lost in Bellinzona and the group fragmented, Alan and I eventually finding the correct road (the '13') and blasting up there, catching up with Erin near the top and then blasting down the other side. Hardly any photos taken but the weather was closing in, at the bottom we had a brief problem concerning the rest of the route and, despite my best intentions, ended up on the motorway. As it happened the heavens opened at this point and I was glad to spend half the journey underground in a tunnel. On arriving at the hotel we found a slight error had occurred and we were a room short. Simon and Shaun had to decamp to another, less salubrious location but joined us for dinner.

Ah yes, dinner. So, Pork 'Cafe de Paris'? No, we hadn't a clue either. Apparently it means 'garlic and butter sauce', but we didn't find out till it arrived. I had Beef Stoganoff - or Goulash as they referred to it - and got two helpings. Which came as quite a shock after everyone else had finished their main to be presented with another helping. I thought it was my dessert as well.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220680980/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220680980/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220680980/tpod.html Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:19:26 -0400 Briskoda.net - Hairpin Tour of Europe 2008

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Cannes, Provence, France

Leaving Nimes a little late we made good time and reached Mt Ventoux before 12. Unfortunately the lower part of the mountain was ruled by cyclists (mad fools) and they didn't seem to appreciate being doused in diesel soot. Not to worry though, we stopped at Chalet Reynard for a coffee and then set off again for the summit - straight into a cloud! Visibility was down to yards, foglights were really necessary and blind hairpins in pea soup surrounded by cyclists were not much fun. The way down was easier, and then taking the road to Sault found some nice twisties.

Lunch in Carpantras (Steak and Chip buttie for 4Euro!) and then on to Cannes. More tolls and busy motorways (toll booths in a RHD car with no passenger require some serious agility).

The hotel in Cannes is a low key affair, and very easy to miss...


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220994300/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220994300/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220994300/tpod.html Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:15:42 -0400 Briskoda.net - Hairpin Tour of Europe 2008

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Crans-Montana, Swiss Alps, Switzerland

The hardest day's driving yet, probably. Set off about 08:30, arrived in Crans-Montana at 17:15! We avoided nearly all the toll roads and tunnels (including the Mont Blanc tunnel) and took every twisty mountain pass there was. The highlight was the Grand St Bernard, but the Petit St Bernard was pretty amazing too. What perhaps should have been the most impressive bit was unfortunately being resurfaced which made progress rather slower and more uncomfortable than we would have liked. At the Italian/Swiss border we met a couple of Lotus drivers in a party of 30 on a 60th anniversary tour to Stelvio. "My Sister went out with a bloke who had a briskoda sticker on his car, it was a red one and his name was Sam". Anyone?

This chap (Andrew) had a tuned exhaust on his Elise and he went blatting through a tunnel making a right racket, brillient it was even if he did get a finger wagging from a french lady in a pug who didn't approve. *Gallic shrug*

Such a day's driving infact that I didn't get to take any photos. Will try harder tomorrow (St Gothard and St Bernadino). Bring it on!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220906700/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220906700/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220906700/tpod.html Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:01:53 -0400 Briskoda.net - Hairpin Tour of Europe 2008

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Baratier, France

Leaving Cannes we picked up the Route Napoleon at Grasse, straight away we could see how good this was going to be. The further we went the steeper the terrain, we encountered a few slow moving coaches which provided a little entertainment (got a video somewhere in this lot) but we were generally able to get past and make good progress. Then we got to the Verdon Gorge. Stunning place, beautiful weather, but too much traffic. The road itself became secondary to the views as around almost every corner was a camper van or coach so spirited driving wasn't really possible.





Until we left Verdon and rejoined Napoleon, then it livened up considerably!

Stayed at a charming chalet type place in Baratier with sauna, jacuzzi and a pool (great for unwinding after 6+ hours of full-on driving) and the best dinner I've had all trip.

View from my hotel window:



Dinner conversation turned to why it was called 'Route Napoleon' and it was decided that he had to go the twisty way as you can't reach the toll ticket machines on a horse. If only he'd had an elephant.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220818800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220818800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220818800/tpod.html Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:37:52 -0400 Briskoda.net - Hairpin Tour of Europe 2008

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Monaco, Monaco

Ah Sunday, day of rest, but ultimately quite dull. Which is why we made an impromptu visit to the Col de Torini. And I'm so glad we did, it was simply brilliant. After the slight disappointment of the weather conditions at Mt. Ventoux the clear, hot conditions in Monaco were just what was required. As we started ascending and the road started getting twisty the concentration levels rose as bend was linked to hairpin, snaking climb to another hairpin etc, so when Alan said "what amazing scenery" my reply was "what scenery?". The hardest part of this trip is balancing the driving with taking in all the wonderful landscapes (and perhaps taking the odd snap).



On reaching the top of the Col we set off around the track which circles the peak, I was leading initially quite enthusiastically until some strange scraping noises under the car, confirmed by Alan and Andrew, suggested that a more sedate and careful progress was required. God alone knows how WRC cars get around there without losing vital parts.



The views from points around the track were simply breathtaking, the camera doesn't really convey the sense of scale...



...although it does frame the cars nicely...



...especially my faithful servant, four years old at the start of this month and still going strong.


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220641800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220641800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220641800/tpod.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:56:03 -0400 Briskoda.net - Hairpin Tour of Europe 2008

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Nîmes, Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Crikey what a day. Thursday evening we all met on Marine Parade in Dover, far too early for check in to the ferry. Stood around in the cold and drizzle (Summer?) till check in time (11pm). Ferry crossing went as planned and wasn't too rough which was nice.

3:30am (French Time) - Disembark the Ferry

We then had about 3 hours of night driving on the deserted motorways of northern France - fast but DULL. The only enjoyment to be had was the synchronised high-speed overtaking of lorries.

6:30am Paris - Thank goodness we more or less missed the Paris rush-hour, it was still hectic beyond belief but at least it was quite fast flowing! One or two slight technical hitches re the convoy - Pat was somewhat left behind and suddenly rejoined the group, only for Andrew to suddenly peel off onto a local Paris slip-road closely followed by me (I didn't know who was right so I just followed the yellow car) for a brief tour of some delightful Paris residential alleyways. Satnav to the rescue and we were soon back on the main road. Unbeknownst to us the rest of the group had suffered indecision shortly after our departure and scattered in all directions.

7:30am Shell Services south of Paris Distance traveled: 176 miles from Dunkirk - Somehow everyone arrived at the services at more or less the same time and a brief rest and breakfast stop ensued. Why can't the French embrace the fry-up?

9:30am The miles of BORING french motorways claimed their first victim as we lost Pat to fatigue - pulled into services for a kip. An hour or so later and the rest of the group were feeling the same.

10am another services - It was decided that we should take 45 minutes or so to try and rest as we were all strung out and suffering.

11am - Set off with renewed vigour to reach Millau by early afternoon.

About midday a wonderful thing happened - we left the dull, lifeless plains of northern France and entered the Massif Central and the motorways changed from long straight grey soul-sappers to twisty marvels of engineering, snaking their way between valleys and rolling hills at first, and then later peaks and huge gorges traversed by sweeping, vertigo-inducing viaducts (I briefly glanced sideways in the middle of one and thought for an instant I was flying - it was probably a hallucination brought on by sleep-deprivation and caffeine enhanced lucozade but still). At least falling asleep wasn't an issue anymore. Keeping the car between the little white lines became more so.

On reaching the Millau bridge at about 2pm we stopped off at the viewing area to hike up a hill and take some photos (to follow), it's very impressive but smaller than I thought. And then driving over the bridge we headed for Nimes and the Hotel. At this point the roads became even more amazing, seeming to drop thousands of feet in no time, diving into tunnels and heading back down to sea-level as quickly as possible. Then we reached Montpelier and the afternoon rush-hour. So we survived all that, found Nimes, managed to get off the toll road, take a wrong turn and get back on the toll road, then get off again without paying (the woman in the booth just tutted and wrote something in a binder "Another stupid english") and by more luck than judgement made it to the hotel.

So it's Friday night, I haven't slept since Wednesday, and tomorrow is a 7 o'clock start. Tomorrow - Mt Ventoux, Verdon Gorge and Cannes.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220447940/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220447940/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/kaiserb_uk/1/1220447940/tpod.html Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:30:31 -0400 Briskoda.net - Hairpin Tour of Europe 2008

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Leighton Buzzard, United Kingdom

One day to go and it's really getting nerve-wracking now. Paperwork is all together, washing is all done and I have a boot full of equipment...



So, the trusty steed: A Skoda Fabia vRS 1.9TDi circa 2004, originally 130bhp but remapped by REVO to near 170. Suspension is Eibach springs and Koni FSD's and there are a few other tweaks here and there. Forgive the arty Black and White shot but it had to be done...



I'm fully loaded with equipment too: A Garmin nuvi760, iPod and EeePC plus a Nikon D80 with 18-200mm VR and an ATC3K minicam.



Gotta have toys!

Add to all that a glovebox full of energy bars and caffiene pills. Right, time to (quite literally) get packing...

Oh yes, the route we're taking:


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