Alpine Assault 2014

[pete a]

Wow what a trip that was!!!!

I've just returned from the Alpine Assault tour with Petrolhead Nirvana and I can only describe the experience as amazing.
The whole trip was organised to a tee by two fantastic tour managers in the form of Pete and Batchi. The trip took in fantastic roads, amazing scenery and a fantastic group of people to tour with and the added bonus of some fantastic cars to feast your eyes on.

We travelled through France,Germany, Switzerland, Italy and back into France, criss-crossing the alps and hitting the route de Napoleon. Without doubt some fun driving was definitely enjoyed by all.

My car was faultless for the trip and really took everything I threw at it with ease. After 2500 miles in a week I can really say I have bonded with the car to the point that I don't think I will ever sell it. I really can't think what I would replace it with that would be a viable upgrade for my requirements.

Some pics of the trip...

Day one getting to know everyone, my car happened to be in excellent company.



Day two bit of white stuff in the afternoon at the top of the Stelvio pass.



Day three looked a bit iffy to start.



But the views were good to say the least





They cleared the roads though and off we went





Bottom of the hill things changed very quickly.



Great roads



Great car


More great roads


Bumped in to a magazine test on a bit of pork





And a few random ones






A big thanks to Pete and Batchi, I had a wonderful holiday and can't wait for the next one.
I'd recommend anyone thinking of a driving holiday to look at the petrolhead nirvana site, you won't regret it.

[Zippee]

Love the Folgore Great rustic hotel with some stunning views! bet you had a few Oh my god moments when you forst saw the snow.
PN are a great outfit to tour with and I really hope to do so again when time/funds allow.

[suffolk009]

When were you there, when was all that snow?

[pete a]

suffolk009 said:

When were you there, when was all that snow?

Last week, only snow at the top though.

[spiritof'76]

Great write up and pics Pete

....bit frustrated that the RS wasn't quite as robust as the GT3's but hey, still had a blast !

[garycab]

pete a said:

suffolk009 said:

When were you there, when was all that snow?

Last week, only snow at the top though.

We were in exactly the same area the week before, 22 tt's & us in our jcw ! Lots of snow still in the mountains but roads totally clear. Came across what looked like a Skyline ?? wrapped around a tree on one of the pass's about 10 ft down....was just a little reminder to all of us to behave !! Too many bikes on Stelvio, nutters the lot of them

[pete a]

spiritof'76 said:

Great write up and pics Pete

....bit frustrated that the RS wasn't quite as robust as the GT3's but hey, still had a blast !

Thanks Jules , loved your car mate, flames and all, look forward to seeing you on another tour.

[suffolk009]

pete a said:

suffolk009 said:

When were you there, when was all that snow?

Last week, only snow at the top though.

Do you think end of September would be too late to go? I know that they close many of the passes for the winter - just not sure when that happens?

[pete a]

suffolk009 said:

Do you think end of September would be too late to go? I know that they close many of the passes for the winter - just not sure when that happens?

I'm not sure when the passes close, I went on an organised tour so just turned up and didn't have to plan anything,definitely the way to do it, you see all the best roads as well when you have an experienced guide.

[pewe]

IIRC Italian/French passes close between November and March so late Sept not a problem.
If you are flexible go wk 2/3 Sept and take in the GP Nuvolari.
Similar to the Mille Miglia it's much more spectator friendly as being on open public roads you can tag along.
See you there?
Cheers, Pewe.

Edited by pewe on Wednesday 9th July 22:53