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| The Return of the Beast! | Posted on 06/11/2003 at 07:09 GMT |
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Harumph! Yesterday was a massive disappointment unfortunately. The one thing we wanted most of all for this whole trip was to get the chance to drive on the curved rooftop racetrack at the Fiat Factory here in Turin. Sadly, both ends of the track were closed for repairs (not that we saw them doing any) so we couldn't do any laps at all. We tried our best to enjoy being on the track whatsoever, but it didn't work. Standing on the curved ends just isn't the same as having minis dance around on the top re-enacting the scene from the film. The Alfa Romeo Giulia (the police car from the film) had even brought a proper flashing blue light so as to provide mirth for the mini owners at it chased them from behind - but sadly the organisers didn't seem even interested in setting up a quick and easy static photoshoot with a red white and blue mini being 'chased' by it. Quite frustrating. A high point yesterday though was the police escort through the streets of Turin - police motorbikes thundering around with sirens blazing to race ahead of us and stop oncoming traffic and wave us through red lights. We went past a college and school, where all the children rushed down to the railings to see what all the commotion of 80-odd minis blaring their horns was all about. Of course the children adored Gina (or El Flamo as she's now colloquially known) and would shout and wave as hard as they could when we went past. Its quite funny that adults seem to prefer 'normal' (ie non Hammerited and flamed) minis whilst kids absolutely dig it. Gawd bless em. I've got a couple of photos which I'll try to upload today - net connection permitting. Today itself sees a leisurely jaunt all the way to Beaune in France for this next stop. Well, I say 'leisurely' but the journey today finds us re-ascending the Alps to the Frejus Tunnel and then descending again. When we were coming down from the tunnel both of us were convinced that we would never again be able to re-ascend the 30 or so mile long sloping Autostrade. Well, the beast returns today for a pop at its former nemesis - and the aim is get to the top without causing major international fire incidents. We'll see. If I have time today whilst Mark's doing his stint of driving I'll tell you the amazing story of The Alfistas and the Man from Ferrera.... |
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| posted by Wild | |
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Add New Comment? |
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| Comment by Anne T | Posted on 06/11/2003 at 08:16 GMT |
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What a pity you were unable to drive on the Fiat rooftrack - looks like you are going to have to keep Gina alive and enter again next year!!!!!!!!! LOL |
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| Comment by Reg | Posted on 06/11/2003 at 09:03 GMT |
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She'll never last that long - I've got sacrificial plans for her... |
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| Comment by Taz | Posted on 06/11/2003 at 09:07 GMT |
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The man from Ferrera Roche says "yes" to spoiling us! |
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| Comment by Reg | Posted on 06/11/2003 at 10:27 GMT |
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I can't believe they've updated that advert! |
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| Comment by Becky | Posted on 06/11/2003 at 11:36 GMT |
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I'll be hoping and praying for you to have a safe ascent and descent - I hope the God of Minis is listening. Good luck boys!!! |
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| Comment by Animichick Team 92 '02 | Posted on 06/11/2003 at 12:16 GMT |
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Hey guys, gutting about the track, it was awesome last year. Its been fab reading your adventure - oh and say hi to my other half for me - Dave Kelly - Red hatter :) Good luck coming home :) Becks |
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| Comment by Animinichick Team 92 '02 | Posted on 06/11/2003 at 12:19 GMT |
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oops that should have been www.animinichicks.com hehe |
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| Comment by Mei | Posted on 07/11/2003 at 16:05 GMT |
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hey davy baby and crew. Missing you lots, yeah right! Make sure you make it back in one piece! Don't forget the Italian chocs (lots of)! Take care Luv Mei XXX |
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| Comment by anne | Posted on 07/11/2003 at 19:39 GMT |
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Hi Hope you don't mind me using your link to wish all my old friends on the I.J. a great time. Could you please tell Feddie that I have contacted you from California U.S.A. and that I miss all of you and all the fun your having. Anne car 29 |
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