Leeds - Modena, end March, solo trip
Discussion
For reasons beyond my sanity, at the start of the year a friend and I decided to sign up for the Enzo Ferrari memorial half marathon which takes place at the end of this month (29th March). What swayed my thinking was probably the fact that the course involves running through the factory grounds and doing lap of Fiorano- and that’s the closest I’m ever going to get to emulating messers Schumacher, Leclerc, Hamilton and co.
Anyway between signing up and now, my friend has broken a bone in his foot. So what was going to be a 2 person European road trip is now a solo drive.
My plan is to leave the frozen wastelands of the north on the afternoon of Weds 25th, heading for the channel tunnel, get off the other side early evening and head for Reims as my one and only stop in France. I’m thinking of staying at the Novotel Tinqueux, just off the A26. Then an early start on the Thursday via the Mont Blanc tunnel, avoiding Switzerland, arriving in Modena that evening.
Friday and Saturday to rest and recover, have a mooch around a couple of museums and pick up my race paperwork, and maybe try and find the famed roads that the likes of Evo use to test new Ferraris.
Sunday am a bright and early start for the half marathon and then a Sunday afternoon departure back. Aim is to be back in Leeds by Monday late evening, again via the tunnel.
For more experienced drivers and those that have made the pilgrimage to motor valley - is that reasonable? Also any tips on the best electronic toll tag thingy that would work in both France and Italy? I’ll be in a Maserati Granturismo which I’m hoping will be perfectly suited to a cross continent blast and to lope around Emilia Romagna.
Anyway between signing up and now, my friend has broken a bone in his foot. So what was going to be a 2 person European road trip is now a solo drive.
My plan is to leave the frozen wastelands of the north on the afternoon of Weds 25th, heading for the channel tunnel, get off the other side early evening and head for Reims as my one and only stop in France. I’m thinking of staying at the Novotel Tinqueux, just off the A26. Then an early start on the Thursday via the Mont Blanc tunnel, avoiding Switzerland, arriving in Modena that evening.
Friday and Saturday to rest and recover, have a mooch around a couple of museums and pick up my race paperwork, and maybe try and find the famed roads that the likes of Evo use to test new Ferraris.
Sunday am a bright and early start for the half marathon and then a Sunday afternoon departure back. Aim is to be back in Leeds by Monday late evening, again via the tunnel.
For more experienced drivers and those that have made the pilgrimage to motor valley - is that reasonable? Also any tips on the best electronic toll tag thingy that would work in both France and Italy? I’ll be in a Maserati Granturismo which I’m hoping will be perfectly suited to a cross continent blast and to lope around Emilia Romagna.
I can't help with the drive, as for the first time ever, we took the plane and hired a car.
However I can help you on the museums.
It was in this order:
Ferrari (both)
Alfa Romeo
Pagani
Lamborghini
We did the behind the scene tour of the pagani, it was good but felt a bit rushed - also managed to hear one coming back to the factory as we left which was a highlight.
We also did the behind the scenes tour at Ferrari - however I thought we would get to go around the track, however the day we were there it was closed - so all we got was a look at it, and that was it, which was disappointing.
Lamborghini museum - tbh its a waste of time, about 12 cars, I learnt more about lamborghini from the film on amazon prime than I did at the museum - wouldn't waste the 30 minutes to go round it, or the aggro of parking etc.
Italians driving well its a experience and thats all I can say.
However I can help you on the museums.
It was in this order:
Ferrari (both)
Alfa Romeo
Pagani
Lamborghini
We did the behind the scene tour of the pagani, it was good but felt a bit rushed - also managed to hear one coming back to the factory as we left which was a highlight.
We also did the behind the scenes tour at Ferrari - however I thought we would get to go around the track, however the day we were there it was closed - so all we got was a look at it, and that was it, which was disappointing.
Lamborghini museum - tbh its a waste of time, about 12 cars, I learnt more about lamborghini from the film on amazon prime than I did at the museum - wouldn't waste the 30 minutes to go round it, or the aggro of parking etc.
Italians driving well its a experience and thats all I can say.
That Tinqueux to Modena leg will be a longer drive than I’d normally do in a day. I’m sure your age and fitness will help with that.
BIP&GO tag is the one we use.
My wife has done the marathon there. She’s mentioned stiffness on the drive back. It’s not clear what you plan regarding getting some rest.
Good luck.
BIP&GO tag is the one we use.
My wife has done the marathon there. She’s mentioned stiffness on the drive back. It’s not clear what you plan regarding getting some rest.
Good luck.
Would add to the recommendations to visit the Ducati factory/museum. I'm not especially a fan of bikes but it's excellent, really tells their story. The mural along the outside wall is pretty spectacular too.
Good luck with the half marathon, I might have to sign up for that myself some time!
Good luck with the half marathon, I might have to sign up for that myself some time!
I completed a not dissimilar trip in my GT last year as documented here.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Perfect car to complete it in, in my opinion.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Perfect car to complete it in, in my opinion.
Edited by Joe5y on Wednesday 25th March 11:45
Edited by Joe5y on Wednesday 25th March 11:46
Thanks everyone. To close the loop I made it there and back safely- stopped in Reims en route both ways.
Great suggestions on the bip and go and the crit air sticker which I sorted before I left.
The roads the other side of the Mont Blanc tunnel were stunning. On the way back I found myself behind a Ferrari 599 on the autostrada just after Milan. He wasn’t hanging about! Followed him for a little while before he extended his right foot and disappeared. The noise of the V12, the deserted road in the foreground and the Alps in the distance will live long in the memory. Gutted I didn’t take a go pro.
Ended up doing both Ferrari Museums and called in to the Maserati Factory unannounced and they very kindly let me in to the front section to take a pic with the New Granturismo and the MC Pura, along with an espresso and some time to mooch around the showroom.
The half marathon was a great experience. Ferrari really rolled out the red carpet for the runners. Managed a PB which was a nice bonus!
Great suggestions on the bip and go and the crit air sticker which I sorted before I left.
The roads the other side of the Mont Blanc tunnel were stunning. On the way back I found myself behind a Ferrari 599 on the autostrada just after Milan. He wasn’t hanging about! Followed him for a little while before he extended his right foot and disappeared. The noise of the V12, the deserted road in the foreground and the Alps in the distance will live long in the memory. Gutted I didn’t take a go pro.
Ended up doing both Ferrari Museums and called in to the Maserati Factory unannounced and they very kindly let me in to the front section to take a pic with the New Granturismo and the MC Pura, along with an espresso and some time to mooch around the showroom.
The half marathon was a great experience. Ferrari really rolled out the red carpet for the runners. Managed a PB which was a nice bonus!
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