Tag: Pre-Race

Yesterday we were going to lake Como for a run to see if Siobhan’s scooter was Ok.
We managed to go about 8km before things started to go wrong. The throttle stuck and the engine raced. So we stopped,near Meza, next to a cript. The day was very hot and Akiko and I were not very happy. Siobhan found out that she needed another nut and bolt as the bolt on the carbie snaped. A pasing motor cyclist was asked directions to the nearest place to get the part. Unfortuantley it was just on lunch time and every thing shuts for two hours, except the food outlets. So we had a great pannini and waited for the business to open. The only place that we could get the items needed was a Piaggio agency. THe boss was not very happy to help at first as he thought that we wanted him to fix it, but after explaining that we only need a bolt we became best friends and he took many photos . I loved the new three wheeler. As I have only seen the old labretta ones at home. After things were fixed we continued on to Gorgonzola here a man came up and we asked directions to the lake. He offered to drive in front of us as far as Monza which he did and then left us to our own devices. People on the way when we stopped for the lights asked as what we were doing etc. Just like when we were traveling around a couple of years ago. We decided not to go all the way to the lake as it was getting late and the trafic was getting very bad. We arrived back at the B&B and made our own meal.
Siobhan discovered on the way back that her kick start was bent and spent the best part of today replacing it.
Donato and friend came round this afternoon for a visit and his throttle cable broke. So Ron had to give him a spare. Goodness me and the race has not even started yet.
While they were fixing the scooters Akiko and I watched the Monaco royal wedding.
Vittorio of Casa lambretta in Italy has been most generous allowing us uninterupted use of the workshop and parts. Without this Ron and Siobhan would not have been able to manage.

We rode to Tino and Nadia about 3.00pm the traffic
Was not too bad.Tino had returned from Euro Lambretta that morning at 2.30 am The event was held in Ireland this year very wet. As you can see they have Lambrettas everywhere even in the living room. Ron cannot understand why he can’t do the same. We then went to a local restaurant Not Bricks, for a meal joined by other enthusists. Two of the men are going on the race with us Carlo sitting next to Akiko is one of the organizers and has had the T shirts made . We will get them tomorrow at a dinner. Siobhan had to fix her brakes this morning and Ron needs to fix the extra light to the scooter as last night returning to the B&B around 11pm was a bit hairy as the road was very windy and no street lights but we arrived safely and had a good sleep. To day is a little cooler thank God. There is talk of us heading off to Lake Como today for a run it is now 11am and it is about 50km to the Lake so we need to get going soon.Ron has to go to Donato’s this evening to find the light bracket so I don’t know where I will eat and realy that is the most important thing after all.

Genuine unrestored Italian scooter with the original dealer sticker on horn cast. Will restore for the next milan to toranto race P.O.A. Ron found this whilest I was shopping. Went to the local supermarket with Vittoria and had a good chance to check out the prices and choice of food had a great time. Will catch up with Nadia and Tino this afternoon. Yesterdays thunder storm was a bit of a let down not much rain the weather is still sticky. Thank god for the airconditioner

 

Here are some photos of Vittorios museum and the lambretta factory before it is to be demolished
As you can see Akiko and I were very interested. We went into MIlan to day and Akiko and Soibhan purchased shoes and handbags I bought a teatowel with the receipt for lemonchello on it so there will be no arguments with our friends in perth of the correct Use. Ron met with several suppliers and shippers and pigged out. It is very hot so after shopping we came back and Ron,yes ROn went and purchased small meats and cheese from the deli and we have a great meal plus wine at the B&B . On the way back From meeting Ron got lost I know this is hard to believe hence. photo of the innocenti factory. The weather has changed and there are thunder storms so I hope that it is cooler tomorrow. When we rerurn to Milan I will shop by myself as I now know where to go

We are here after a long stopover in singapore thank heaven for the hotel at the airport slept all day and could have a shower. The flight was delaid in China for no aparent reason so we were given a meal voucher by the airline . Singapore air are excelente .
Arived at Melpensa around 8,30am and caught the bus to linate where Vittoria picked us up and we settled in and had a long shower and sleep. Unfortunatley the Rons mobile was not connecting.Mine was OK but when we went to put more money on it the girl at the airport said that both the numbers were blocked. After evening meal at Bricks,the people know Ron by now,we came bac to the B&B and slept again. The next day Vittioria took us the the large zhopping centre and Ron was able to sort out the mobiles and the sim for computer.He was al lot happier.
Donato picked him up and took him to get the scooter and Martins bike. The scooter stRted fine but the bike did not. However that did not matter and the courier who is taking the shipping container to Vittorio’s factory will pick up the bike from Donato. That evening Donato and his wife Giovanna went out to dinner with use at Bricks, the food is basic but fine.
Siobhan and Akiko arrived on Sunday looking very tired,but after shower and sleep we all went to Bricks for evening meal. The days are long and even at 9.00pm is is still light. People eat around 9 and even the kids are still around after 11 .
Ron have washed his scooter and applied the numbers on the Saturday so on Monday Sibhan and Ron went to the factory to do an overhaul and to make sure that all was well with the sooters.
Vittorio had other people there form overseas so he took us all out to lunch,you guessed it at Bricks. That evening we have a meal prepared at the B&B as the restaurant is closed in the evening very nice meal. I have typed the blog four times now and lost it sorry for the delay but now am on track and the next one will not be as long. Also there has been a problem withthe server and Davina said she did not get the email ISent Saturday.

Just a couple of photos of Ron washing the scooter,with my hair shampoo in th e overalls from Donato . He looks the part Old Italian with old scooter

Got this photo from one of Dads mates in Milan (Donato). I’m guessing this is one of Donato’s LD’s that Dads getting around on while over there preparing his Li for the MiTa that starts this weekend.

You need to ease into riding in Italy, riding for the first time during the MiTa would not be a good idea.

Here is the number Renato will run with this year. Stay tuned over the next few weeks for updates as the race gets under way.

Its almost time for Renato ans Suzanne to head over to italy to take place in the 2011run.

When over there Suzanne and Renato will be documenting the race and hopefully taking photos. Lets see how it goes shall we!

Well the big day has arrived. It is stinking hot, getting to 36 apparently but unlike Perth the humidity is very high (about 50%) which makes for a draining heat. We are right now in the B&B trying to rest and keep out of the heat.

Ron’s, Graham and my bikes are ready to go, poor old Bill had a few problems with his scooter yesterday. The exhaust modification that was done on Friday resulted in the engine having no power so he had to take it back to be re-worked on yesterday. Bill is still working on the scooter now and it is very hot.

We will be arriving at the start at about 3:30 this arvo for inspection and all the other stuff that needs to be done then sit around till midnight for the start.

Just got an update that Bills scooter is done and its good to go.

So, all is good to go will update again tomorrow after the first leg!

==Update August 2010==
Truth be told I was very nervous, in fact sh!tting my self and was on my bed when writting the post above trying to get some rest knowing that I was not going to be sleeping a wink the coming night (and had not slept well the night before either).

Things going through my head…
Would my bike break down?
Would I fight sleep deprviation successfully?
Would I get lost in the dark?
Why the hell do they start at midnight?
How the hell do you operate the petrol bowsers that take cash after hours?