Vernasca Silver Flag, Italy - A Most Fantastic Hill Climb

[terence]

Having just been invited to this event[SilverFlag] and only ever read bits and peices about,I wondered if anyone has done it,I know it is rather special and the Italians go mad for it,but whats it actually like to be there?

[zefarelly]

the best I've ever done is Andelsnes in Norway up Mount Trolstiegen . . . . . on a loaded bicycle

bloody hard work it was !

[terence]

Always been a decent peddler then Zef?

[john ruston]

The great Eddie McGuire has organised a Team to do what I think is this event for past five years.He is in Monaco trying not to bend the Gordini,Jury's out on that one!

[zefarelly]

I was yes, until I discovered engines! until 10-12 years ago I did 20 miles a day for fun!

[terence]

Originally Posted by zefarelly

I was yes, until I discovered engines! until 10-12 years ago I did 20 miles a day for fun!

FUN !!!!!

[zefarelly]

well it is fun when you can overtake vespa 50's !

I digress . . . cycling in Norway is I guess like a hill climb, a dark painful art getting up in good time, the pleasure of a win is as short lived as freewheeling down the other side!

[Tim the Grey]

Never been, but it's on my 'Must do one day' list...
Good luck, have fun, and report back on:
A/ Vehicles running.
B/ Driving standards
C/ Decent places to eat
D/ Quality of local plonk.

all the above are VITAL inormation!

[Tim the Grey]

P.S. Now on the laptop, which has the bookmark...
http://www.cpae.it/silverflag/index_en.htm

[terence]

Thanks Tim,until now,it has always been on the wish list but only ever read about it in Mags before,then I decided that just maybe,it would be on the web! If its good enough for Pipes to do in a 917,must be worthwhile.

[simon drabble]

what are you doing it in? And I agree it does sound great from those who have down it. A mate of mine who has pretty much stopped racing (although is driving an Alfa 8C in the Mille Miglia) runs his Osella up hillclimbs mostly in Italy and tells me that he gets the whole weekend paid for by the organizers - bit different to racing!!!

[terence]

Not really sure yet Simon,a very good friend phoned out of the blue yesterday,turns out he lives ten miniuts away from Vernasca,so, no hotel,no car hire,would'nt be a good idea not to do it,plus he knows good wines pretty well! 8.5 km up the side of a n Italian mountainside really appeals alongside the mentioned bonuses.

[simon drabble]

These Italian hilclimbs sound great weekends - you are wined and dined like royalty and they pay for your car to get there.....
not unlike Goodwood

[terence]

I thought Lord March paid all transport cost's.

Apparently when [if] you arrive at the top there's tea and cake waiting for you,like a mini party.Then theres a police escort [thought they used Alfas] back down.Then you do it all over again.Three days of Italian exotica,free food and drink ,evening dinner,every night =260 Eu+£35 flight,would you go??

[roadmap]

Vernasca is a well organised event in a super location run by a friendly club that do anything possible to help. You will enjoy the event, it can get a wee bit warm some years though. Well worth going to and always an interesting selection of cars from throughout Europe.

[terence]

Thanks roadmap,I did have a look at the web-site and entry list,can't wait now!

[MGDavid]

Originally Posted by terence bower

Thanks roadmap,I did have a look at the web-site and entry list,can't wait now!

Hwhere did you get to see the entry list Terry ? - the website says it won't be published until the 12th !

[GORDON STREETER]

Just shows you how other countries welcome you with open arms.
I was diving in the 90s in Malta and my mate that lives there asked me if I wanted to do a hillclimb in his mid engined Renault 5 turbo. When I explained that I hadn't got my race licence with me, he said "me and my mates organise it so its no problem". Also he tested it at the local airport ! (its who you know)
Bit different to the UK

[simon drabble]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

Hwhere did you get to see the entry list Terry ? - the website says it won't be published until the 12th !

if you are a professional driver you get special access - you have to make sure the event wont dilute your CV ;o)

[terence]

Originally Posted by simon drabble

if you are a professional driver you get special access - you have to make sure the event wont dilute your CV ;o)

Simon--You have a PM.

[simon drabble]

responded - all the best Simon

[Redneck Rocket]

Originally Posted by terence bower

Having just been invited to this event[SilverFlag] and only ever read bits and peices about,I wondered if anyone has done it,I know it is rather special and the Italians go mad for it,but whats it actually like to be there?

When I was working on Classic & Sports Car I had a client who went down with 2 mates in convoy in an E-type, Big Healey and a 911. They came back raving about it and said it was a really good event, very friendly and laid back and lots of nice cars.

[Gary Critcher]

would I be welcome in my 1969 Nike FFord ??

[KWhittle]

Hi Terence

I am also entered in my Lotus 18FJ.
Really looking forward to the event.
Are you also doing the Valcomonica Classic hillclimb nr Borno the following weekend July 5th & 6th ??
They are quite close together in Italy and would seem to make for a decent holiday with some action !

Kevin
For info
www.nostalgiaclub.com

[terence]

Thanks for the link Kevin,saddly, I have a meeting on the Tuesday after, then a very busy week so will not be able to do that as well.I heard today that I'm in "something Italian,you'll like it",and that was it!so still non the wiser.