Well, as its Monday and I am avoiding work I may as well give my report.
Having organised a few of these now, I am finding my feet in perfecting them and the feedback was a positive one.
Ok, its a lot of work for both myself and Zep, but ultimately we both enjoyed it immensely. I feel the testament of just how much is that Zep and I travelled some 2k miles over the 10 days in his Strad and not once did we have the radio on...no entertainment required, just banter and mucking about the whole way.
Not to spend this opportunity to self congratulate ourselves I would just like to mention the behaviour. The group can be 'rare' and know how to have a good time but also they all knew where the lines were and there were zero issues in the hotels and for that, Zep and I are very, very grateful. Its takes away probably one of the most stressful elements of organising these events and I thank you all.
My 'publishable' photos will follow but the highlights for me is the journey....travelling across Europe and yes at speed, with like minded individuals, getting positive attention where ever we went has to be my favourite part....oh, and the banter and drinking...did I mention that
PART 1:
FRIDAY - Assembly!
First night in Dover was chaotic. The M25 on a Friday afternoon was, well, what you would expect. It was very much a race to the start. Once we finally all got to the hotel, we ate then headed off to the Tiger in...which I duly forgot to book, thinking 30 or so could just turn up to this small country pub...ooops! Thankfully it was the only 'cockup' I made and one we laughed at.
Saturday - The off!
Early morning ferry out of Dover then the long and arduous journey to Lyon. We always knew this was going to be a hard slog to playdays but it all went well with mainly motorway all the way mixed in with a few wrong turns, naturally. We all arrived in dribs and drabs to our 5 star hotel in Lyon. Usual service was taken...park, dump the bags....BAR! We drank there for a few hours but the €19 Gin and tonics started to get heavy to swallow after a while so we despatched ourselves into town for the feeding frenzy. A few beers may have been taken in and I think it all ended about 2am
Sunday - Hills, lakes and hot tubs!
We commeced via Grenoble and onto the first part of the route Napoleon. Unfortunately we lost Benny due to mechanical failure half way so his day was spoilt plus Roger blew a tyre so we were 2 down. With Steph brining up the rear a day later, he was able to collect the stragglers and all made it to the hotel. Gliding through the mountains and pushing on to our Alps hotel in Lauzet. This was a more basic hotel but the owners were very accommodating and we certainly pressed on in the bar too.
Monday - Monaco or Bust!
Another long day in the saddle with our main destination firmly in our sights. More route Napoleon and lunch in the stunning Castallene. Arriving in Monaco was a mad house. So much traffic crammed into such a small space. We had two new additions join us by plane...mine and Shauns Wives. I remember Shaun asking me if I have been nagged yet...to which I just nodded
We have a group meal outside in the harbour and then onto the casinos. I bailed at 2am but many were seen crawling into the hotel for breakfast.
Tuesday - Italy!
Heads hurting we headed for the border along the cost to Portofino where we would reside for two nights....and what a treat is was too. The hotel was stunning and I think I can remain confident here in saying this was by far the best hotel. Sitting on the veranda, gins, sunsets, good friends = good times. That evening we all split into more manageable groups and walked into town for food, followed by bar and carnage
PART 2 to follow...