bbwales
|
| posted on 9/8/09 at 09:06 AM |
|
|
European Road Trip.
Hi All,
Set off on my trip around Europe on the 25th July, took in Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Italy France, Monaco and
Andorra, did 663 miles on the first day and did a total of 2410 before the nightmare.
Camping sites were very good and stayed at Rudesheim on Rhien for 3 days ( had to do a couple of repairs) then stayed in Garmisch Partenkirchen. Found
a lovely stretch of road when heading into Austria, about 5 Kms of hairpins - really stupid grin on my face driving them. In Switzerland had to stop
at a garage and get a new header tank cap mine failed, the guy who served me is rebuilding an original Lotus 7 with his father and had only had it for
2 weeks.
Italy well that was an education, drivers there seem to aim, close eyes and press the accelerator.
Monaco was nice but very expensive.
France, camp sites very good but found out later that the best to use are the municipal ones, very clean, lots of ammenities and cheap. The road from
Foix to Andorra is brill, got stopped by the police as I crossed into Andorra for the police to check all my documents and as I pulled away they
followed me, I think they thought I was going to enjoy myself too much on the pass, so I went through the tunnel instead but used the pass on the way
back. hehe oh what fun.
I was then heading for Limoges when the outer CV joint sheared and the drive shaft took the wishbones out causing the wheel to part company with the
car, the car then did 3 pirouettes and the right hand rear hit the central reservation causing the car to change direction and do another pirouette
and plant the front straight into the crash barrier. I think the car will be written off.
Adrian Flux insurance were brill and the car will be returned to the UK on 17th. The Locust body and chassis stood up to the double impact very
well.
I walked away from the crash with no injuries.
I will try to add some pics.
Regards
Bob.JPG)
|
|
|
|
|
bbwales
|
| posted on 9/8/09 at 09:09 AM |
|
|
Sorry I don't know how to add multi pics.
The previous pic was entering the alp region from Munich, this is on the camp site in Garmisch looking at the Zugspitz (highest mountain in
Germany).JPG)
|
|
|
bbwales
|
| posted on 9/8/09 at 09:10 AM |
|
|
The Crash.JPG)
|
|
|
bbwales
|
| posted on 9/8/09 at 09:12 AM |
|
|
Another.JPG)
|
|
|
bbwales
|
| posted on 9/8/09 at 09:12 AM |
|
|
Am depressed now.JPG)
|
|
|
Dangle_kt
|
| posted on 9/8/09 at 09:15 AM |
|
|
Wow. What a bitter sweet experience. At least your ok! What a story though, eh! Good luck getting sorted!
|
|
|
Ben_Copeland
|
| posted on 9/8/09 at 09:24 AM |
|
|
Ouch, looked a nice car too. Dont think they'll let you put it back on the road. Will be written off i should think.
Nice way to holiday tho !
Ben
Locost Map on Google Maps
Z20LET Astra Turbo, into a Haynes
Roadster
Enter Your Details Here
http://www.facebook.com/EquinoxProducts for all your bodywork needs!
|
|
|
NeilP
|
| posted on 9/8/09 at 09:25 AM |
|
|
Bob, Really relieved to hear that you suffered no injuries (although I fear my trousers would have been written off). What speed were you doing when
it went?...
If you pay peanuts...
Mentale, yar? Yar, mentale!
Drive it like you stole it!
|
|
|
mangogrooveworkshop
|
| posted on 9/8/09 at 09:27 AM |
|
|
Brilliant adventure pity about the ending.
Macspeedy has just pointed out that your lucky its ARMCO and not that stupid cheese wire that is strung for miles and miles on our motorways
I was arrested by the Italian cabinari at the airport when I was picking up my daughter in rome with a stickered up rust bucket........thought I was
dumping it to fly back to the UK
All will be fixed
|
|
|
bbwales
|
| posted on 9/8/09 at 09:29 AM |
|
|
Thanks guys,
The angle of the CV's were as on a Sierra the drive shafts were totally straight so no adverse wear.
I was only doing 60mph and fortunatly there was no other traffic around at the time.
The ambulance guys and Gendarmes were very good but kept looking at the car and then at me and shaking their heads, they couldnt understand why I
wasn't hurt.
Bob
|
|
|
Guinness
|
| posted on 9/8/09 at 02:41 PM |
|
|
Sorry to hear about your accident, but at least you are OK.
Sounds like you had a brilliant trip up until then.
Can you post some more "before" photos? Much nicer to see photos of the car in beautiful scenary, rather than in it's current sorry
state.
Cheers
Mike
|
|
|
omega 24 v6
|
| posted on 9/8/09 at 04:28 PM |
|
|
Gutted for you Mate.
Great trip and scenery but at least the flesh and bones are oK.
Looking at the pics was there a roof top box fitted?? Good idea id you've a full cage.
Just back from a blast in mines and there's a bit of vibe so I'll need to get that sorted out (think its a bent halfshaft as the new
bearing is still leakin oil
Glad you are OK Sad for the car
If it looks wrong it probably is wrong.
|
|
|
