The Beaujolais Run 2005 - story & lots of pics - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Ashok Arora · 18th November 2005, 10:55

Phew - that was quite a trip!

That's the longest time I've ever sat non-stop in a car and the M5 proved to be excellent (a little too good as you'll soon see)....

After fighting through the rush hour from hell we eventually reached Brands Hatch for the start of the the rally. The cars were checked to see that they were up to the task:

Here's the superfast Audi of M5board member R10CHW lined up next to us:

Bertie the scrutineer comes face to face with the big M:

The splendid new limited edition Lotus Elise Sports Racer:

The even more spendid 'Gang of Swashbuckling Heros':

So off we drove into the dark French night

My cousin the navigator getting to grips with the checkpoint clues:

After driving all night via St. Omer and a very glamourous checkpoint on the Champs d'Elysees in Paris, dawn broke and the fog decended:

However, the best was yet to come - this is the mountaintop checkpoint:

Some of the best driving roads ever:

The glorious D61 near Autun - this is why 'M' mode was invented

Did I mention the M5 was a little too good? We were soon pulled over by the friendly Gendarmerie who declared the "M-Cinq" to be "Magnifique" before duly slapping me with a hefty fine for speeding!

Quite the experience:

The finish line at last - our official result from start to finish: 533 miles in 19 hours

After a short but intense nap we met up with some of the other nutters:

By dinner time we were all well and truly hammered (more wine please!):

Then on to the launch of the Beaujolais Nouveau, aka The Arsonists Convention:

Next morning, after an even deeper sleep, the M5 wanted to go "off roading" with some of the 4x4s on the rally but alas it was time to stock up on the plonk and head for home:

On the way back we stopped in Epernay for some Champagne and a tour of the Maison Mercier by the lovely Florence (photo censored) and then home at last

A great big thanks to the organisers, my navigator Mohit and most of all to everyone who sponsored me

Dr-No · 18th November 2005, 12:34

Nice report, thank you.
did this year Beaujolais is better than the last one?

Ashok Arora · 18th November 2005, 12:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr-No

Nice report, thank you.
did this year Beaujolais is better than the last one?

This year's vintage is "historic" - probably the best in 50 years. All the factors that go to make a good Beaujolais (climate etc.) were perfect. The yield is a lot lower than last year but the quality is much much better

DonGargon · 18th November 2005, 12:52

Well done Ashok.

And to think it was all for charidy too!!

Classic picture with the 'fuzz' - how cool is that?

I've been approached by a couple of our own boys in blue (whilst parked up) and they have all been very impressed by the M5.

They were all traffic cops and I think they appreciate just what a beast it is.

One made a comment about hoping he never had to chase a stolen one as he know he'll not see it for dust and will have to get the 'copter in!!!

Gustav · 18th November 2005, 13:12

Thanks for the report! Did you compare the M5 to any car?

Drezahl · 18th November 2005, 16:30

Hey Ashok,

What an awesome trip. Thanks for sharing the photos and summary - too bad about the Gendermaries (sp?)

For those of us here in the states - maybe we could get something organized like this for a So Cal to Northern Cal run - Say LA to Napa or something? Could be fun, no?

KRM · 18th November 2005, 17:31

Looks like a good time, Ashok. Thanks for sharing your experience.

EBuyuk · 18th November 2005, 17:33

Great pictures Ashok. Did the stickers come off easy?

m_five · 18th November 2005, 17:46

Great pix--sounds like a blast. Thanks for sharing.

LJM5 · 18th November 2005, 18:07

I'd be up for that. A nice run up the coast or the 101? 101 might be faster, or heck, hit the 395, beautiful and desolate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drezahl

Hey Ashok,

What an awesome trip. Thanks for sharing the photos and summary - too bad about the Gendermaries (sp?)

For those of us here in the states - maybe we could get something organized like this for a So Cal to Northern Cal run - Say LA to Napa or something? Could be fun, no?

Ashok Arora · 18th November 2005, 19:43

Thanks for the comments guys, I'm still recovering

Gustav - it was not a race but a distance challenge (shortest route wins) - we came joint 7th I think (full results not out yet)

EBuyuk - I haven't taken the stickers off yet but will let you know soon.

mcvaughan · 18th November 2005, 19:46

Looks like fun, Ashok!

Thanks for sharing.