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Driven to Extremes

Sweeping roads and big boats.

Jim Allen | 15th Oct 2009

Jim Allen

Will really loved the drive south to the French coast, with its beautiful Italian sweeping roads that we had to ourselves and ideal for his powerful motorbike. He was making the most of the long descent and no other traffic to be seen, by using the racing line – something that you don’t normally do in a 2 ton Land Rover!

Then it was in to Monaco where I drove the Grand Prix circuit and Will lusted after the yachts. I then went back to bed. We parked up at some services where there were 3 expedition equipped Toyota Land Cruisers bound for Morocco. The other guys were inspecting them admirably, but the sight of the Toyota badge on the bonnet made me feel quite queasy! Sorry folks, but if it’s not a Land Rover, then I don’t want to know!

Will wired on Red Bull and Coffee!

We stopped at some services later and found that due to the time spent on the motorways we were ahead of Stirling’s schedule. We had a team meeting and there was a big debate – go to Andorra or stick to the A roads. I sat on the fence during the conversation as I wasn’t that bothered either way, bit I was pleased with the outcome that we would drive more realistic A roads that was harder for the navigator and made us a lot slower. We were rewarded with fantastic scenery that we would otherwise have missed on the motorway, but it did make us wonder how on earth did Stirling and his team reach Portugal in just 90 hours?

We stumbled across some awesome caves that made a natural road tunnel. It was an incredible sight and we all jumped out of the vehicles to admire the wonders of mother nature.

It was a long night drive, Will being wired on Red Bull and coffee – he had to be forced out of the driver’s seat by Jack, which was a good thing.

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