The boys are back in town - Paris 12.30gmt Saturday 16 October 2010

Gliding through France...

Gliding through France in an Aston Martin db5 has always been a dream of mine. I am happy to report that the reality is every bit as good as the dream. South eastern France is very attractive and we picked our way through beautiful villages and passed numerous chateaux.


For now the harshness of central asia seems a distance memory. New brake pads have returned the Aston to fine form and we put in yet another impressive time during the timed section in Bresse.


This is only my second blog and will be my last before Paris tomorrow. This has been an adventure like no other. I have learnt a great deal and met some quite remarkable people. The car has been extremely competitive and my thanks go to R S Williams for their efforts in getting her ready for the event. Most on the rally felt the Aston would not make it. All now agree she is a remarkable car. Here I agree.


Andrew has had the difficult task of caring for the car and also driving the more important timed stages. Both, he has done  with skill and energy. The success of our venture is very much down to him. For me......well I am afraid my friends are in for many hours of stories from my peking to paris adventure!!!


Paris tomorrow and day 37 of the rally. The end!!!


Adrian

Fabulous France...

After a couple of non stop days crossing Italy east to west yesterday we crossed the Alps into France. It seems kind of strange that was our last border crossing and no one was there to check, check and recheck our passports as in most of the other countries on route. 
The climb up to the border crossing was spectacular but a big struggle for some earlier cars.  Last night we overnighted in Aix les Bains and we are just about top depart for Troyes and then tomorrow into Paris if we can get past the protesters.  
A different air is now hanging over the rally.  It's almost over and it will soon be back to reality. 14500 km, 11 countries our journey has been awesome and something we will never forget. There are many stories to recount but right now we have to make sure we get the Aston to Paris and there is still 600km to do!

Today has not started well.....

The ferry was about 2 hours late and as a result all the early stages have been cancelled. We are now in an horrendous traffic jam of Italians all seeming to want to leave Ancona at the same time as us.  What happened to the sun?   Tonight's rest halt is Viareggio the second largest city in the Province of Lucca.  We will report on progress from there.   Arrivederci!