BEN Mille Miglia Rally

We finally made it to Italy today, and experienced all four seasons along the way! The highlight of the day was definitely the Stelvio Pass, dubbed by Jeremy Clarkson as the best driver’s road in the world. Keep your eye out for the video footage of our ralliers conquering the 52 hair-pin bends, coming soon!

Team AA

We left the hotel in Davos on time (well most of us, with a few exceptions!) and headed for the Stelvio Pass. We started out in the rain, only to climb into the mountains for a snowball fight on the main road. ‘Team Tractor’ won with the most hits as the ‘Team Mini’ dared not get out of their car!!

We headed for the Stelvio Pass and stopped for a coffee at the panoramic rest stop 10 miles short. The weather changed every 10 minutes, we could have been Wales.

The Stelvio Pass was awesome - 52 hair-pin bends dropping from 2700m (ish) – and the radio banter between teams was as good as ever! Patrol Nick cooked the brakes on the Honda Pan European which needed a quick fix, and we struggled on with the Tractor about to lose its 4X4 capability due to a front CV joint about to let go.

We arrived at Lake Garda to good weather, stunning views and had ‘just one Cornetto’.

(Congrats to John’s boy Todd on passing his driving test, we have had a shandy to celebrate).

Team Mazda

Team Mazda, now known as Squadra Piuma in Italy, arrived topless as usual. They were amazed to experience all four seasons in one afternoon.

Team Metro

Team Metro found the Stelvio Pass very exciting and enjoyed driving through the meadows that reminded them of home. The Metro’s all round performance was far better than anyone could have imagined. They got lost in Brescia but were rescued by some local lads who invited them to follow their car and escorted them all the way back to the hotel (which Team Metro couldn’t find because the main driver refused to have a Sat Nav).

Team Anglia

Despite the damp and cloudy start to the day Team Anglia were keen to take on the challenge of the Stelvio Pass. With Roy at the wheel they made the long uphill climb to the restaurant and after admiring the view and swapping drivers, they joined the queue of BEN ralliers and started on the descent. Although it was snowing reasonably hard at the top, by the time they had descended half way down, the weather had changed to bright sunlight and dry roads. Another change of drivers gave both of them the opportunity to experience the Stelvio Pass from both sides of the car.

After a further 3 hours, they arrived at Lake Garda and sampled the delights of Italian ice cream and wonderful scenery. A further two hours down the road and they arrived at the hotel in Brescia together with the AA lead van.

Team Honda

Team Honda made it successfully after having a false alarm with the radiator.

Team BEN

We split up today – I went with Mike (aka Judy) and Laura went with Kevin (aka Mixie). While I was filming everyone’s descent down the Stelvio Pass, Mike decided to scare the living daylights out of me by attempting to push me off the mountain - all of which was caught on camera (keep your eye out for the video!).

I got my revenge at Lake Garda, where Mike nearly went for a swim. I, being the smarter one, was not caught on camera. Laura also came to my aid when she found out about Mike’s fear of lifts; she made him call at all floors on his way up to his room. End of day results: 2:1 to BEN.

Well, the route didn’t quite go to plan today as most of the team took a bit of a detour!

Team AA

The Harley is slowly but surely disassembling itself, mile by mile. The mini has developed a serious hatred for hills, at best, it managed 2 mph. We all went to McDonald’s to only have a coffee, just to annoy Laura (Team BEN) - this worked a treat. Recreated a scene from the Italian Job with a trailer.

Patrol Pete was taken hostage and cable tied to the front of the Fiat 500. He looks happier on the outside than the inside, due to the arguments about getting lost. The scenery is getting better and better and you get plenty of time to see it at Mini speed.

Team BEN

We borrowed Nick’s (Team AA) iPod for the day. We were very surprised at his choice of music. It wasn’t what we wanted, what we really really wanted! After making a wrong turn Laura’s map reading skills came in very handy and we were back on track. Laura’s tip of the day is “step into the map”. We very nearly ran out of fuel and had to call the AA for assistance!

Team Anglia

After a somewhat hesitant start (while I searched the Anglia for Roy’s passport) Team Anglia made their way to Davos. They elected to take the toll road to Strasbourg rather than take the scenic route that was laid out for them on the instructions. Good progress was made and they managed to cruise along merrily at 90 kph for hour after hour. Team Anglia managed to arrive at Davos at about 5.15pm and Roy, John and the car all breathed a sigh of relief.

Team DB4

Team DB4 arrived first after diverting through Germany! They said “Eat our dust”.

Team Mazda

Team Mazda arrived in traditional fashion again, however, they did decide to go topless.

Team Metro

Team Metro were very polite and allowed the Aston to come first.

Team Benfield

A leisurely day for the Likely Lads (Team Benfield) – possibly the only team to actually follow the planned route for the day. Coffee at the top of the Vosges mountains, pit stop in Mulhouse (awful place!), lunch in Basel, and a swift beer in Klosters, before following Team Anglia up the hill into Davos. It’s bleeding cold up here – only 7 degrees centigrade – call this summer?