Munich to Imola 370 miles.

A long 9 hour day through the Alps on the Brennon Pass.

The first challenge was getting out of the hotels underground car park. Minimal headroom for a Thames van, and a right angle turn at the bottom of very steep ramp. Just made it up by slipping the cluch and, with our fingers crossed, there was enough headroom.

We navigated our way out of Munich and then in front of us was the Alps. Staggering views as we approached them.

We were overtaken by many minis, old and new, who passed with a friendly toot and wave.

There were queues of lorries behind as we started the long climbs up the mountains, in second gear, with the engine screaming at 35 mph.

Only one lorry sat on our bumper flashing his lights as he was in a no overtaking zone. I waited until I could go through a parking area to come out behind him. If I could have caught him I would have reciprocated with my hooter and flashing lights.

Today was uneventful other than having the amazing views and a bit of drizzle and low clouds. The highlight was a service station that sold pizzas and we stood eating it with the lorry drivers downing their brandy’s which we were also offered, but declined.

On arriving in Imola there was confusion on the hotel checkin as someone with a similar name had already checked into our room. I left my compatriot to sort this out, as I had no idea what was happening. With heated Italian going on behind the counter, lots of bits of paper being passed around, and two computers being studied, she eventually got a key to a room with two bedrooms. So we can have a row in comfort for the next couple of days.

The Italian job proper starts tomorrow. The van went through scrutineering, documents were checked, and we were handed our route books and run number 35.

Off to the bar for a drink and a Lasagne dinner. We will enjoy our first lay in tomorrow with a breifing at 11:00 and a start time of 12:30.