A Sunflower & Fruitbat's adventures: Race number 5 not so lucky

Sunday 15 July 2012 - Mugello Race Day. Not the result we wanted

Day 93 and 66 to go

It was so hot over night Paul didn’t get much sleep and his hip continued to give him trouble he wasn’t particularly bright and cheery when we woke at 7 to get our day underway.

We had breakfast, dressed sorted out the van and then pulled up stumps. Our first stop was reception to pay for our stay and collect our passports and then we drove to the GP circuit. There was a slight snail trail but it was moving free enough and we found parking in a farmer’s field for 20 Euro.

We gathered all our belongings, packing all that we needed in our backpack and then we began the 1km hike to the track again following the snaking line of people.

We found a merchandise store outside that was selling Stoner shirts, so Paul picked up one and then we entered the track and went for a wander. We checked out all of the various paraphernalia before wandering through all the campers that had set up around the track. Their turf marked with tape and marquees. They were really well set out with inflatable swimming pools, shade and all the luxuries.

We sat in a hospitality suite taking in the scene, with various brightly clothed and fancy dressed people walking and riding by. It was very entertaining.

We found a place to watch the Moto3 race high on a hill where we could see much of the track and had a view of a screen. Paul wasn’t able to sit down on the grass because of his hip. The Mugello Race track is a good one for viewing as it sits in a valley and you can see most of the track from wherever you choose to sit. While we didn’t walk around the whole track it appeared that you could have quite easily.

The Moto3 race finished with Vinales, Fenati and Cortese coming in across the line first in a very tight finish.

Between the races we sought cover in the beer tent staying out of the sun as much as possible, as it was quite warm. Many other race goers had the same idea so it was a bit of free for all for seating. We always joined another table that was never a problem.

We returned to our viewing spot for Moto2. It was becoming more crowded and the view from the hill was diminishing, but we could still see a fair section of the track and the video and at least we had a bench and table to perch on. The final winners were Iannone, Espagaro and Luthi

With the second race complete we returned to the tent for shade. I watched the parade of people, many men in no shirts and women in bikinis, while some it suited the vast majority should have kept their gear on!

The final race began at 2pm. We returned to our spot to find it very busy and our view had disappeared. We caught glimpses of video screen between the bodies and the view of the track was non-existent. Oh well. We could still listen to the bikes go round.

It was not a happy race for Casey Stoner. His start was not particularly good and as he pushed hard to move up the pack he went wide into the gravel coming back out on the track in 10^th. In the meantime Jorge was extending a lead from Pedroa who were both well ahead of any others and it stayed that way with Dovizioso capturing 3^rd and Stoner winding it in to 8^th. World Champion 2012 is looking a little out of reach.

As soon as the race was complete we made our way for the exit in the hope of leaving any traffic issues behind us. We made it to the van in 30min and were on our way out of the town in a very orderly manner. I was impressed though this did not last as the traffic bottled knecked as many forks combined and what should have been a 30min trek to the autovia took 1 ¼ hours. Grr.
Many bikes zipped down the oncoming lane which was fine as there were so many of them, however when small cars started following them people got annoyed.

Once on the autovia the traffic split in different directions and with the inclusion of extra lanes we began flowing at the speed limit that was bliss. Our trip took us North skirting around Bologna before heading east past Forli and then following the coastline south on our way to Senigallia just out of Ancona. The traffic returning from the sea was at a snail’s pace and we were so glad we weren’t in that.

After 3 1/2 hours on the road we stopped for fuel and then further down we stopped at a roadside restaurant / supermarket for food for tomorrow’s breakfast and lunch.

By 7.15pm we were pulling off the motorway into Senigalia and finally our free camp spot amongst large trucks and other campers. Perfect.

We set up for the night, had a drink and played cards, just to unwind after such a long day. I made up a quick pasta for dinner and we watched many people return to their cars after being at the beach.

We were both so exhausted that by the time 9.30 came along we were falling over each other ready for bed.