How to Prepare Yourself for the Col de Turini Tour

7 June 2016 Redazione Alex Marrone, Lifestyle, News

Of course, all of you had a nice ride with your car .. it’s a bit like taking for granted that the wheel is round and not square, but we’re less than a month from the 2016 edition of our Col de Turini Tour, it is good to make sure that we and our car will be in perfect condition, in order to face the day in the best way possible. The tour will be all in all short but intense, given that the approximately 160km are not that many, but the fact that they develop entirely along mountain roads, makes it clear that this is not a highway cruise for grannies.

Having driven several times the roads on which we will take you on July 3, it’s good to review some things that could be taken for granted, but that may change for the better or the worse your day, and then, you might as well, while I do not know yet with which car I’ll join the tour, took down a list of things to keep in mind and I would like to share it with you, hoping that it will be useful to someone.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
The car! Ok..this seems a bit extreme! You definitely need something for capturing your day from your point of view; our photographers will catch every moment of the event (and we will send you the complete book in HD with all the pictures, even those not used in the magazine), but from the random smartphone to a digital camera or the classic GoPro, you can take amazing pictures, both for the majesty of the location that will be our playing ground, both for the participating cars, with all the major brands represented and then Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Maserati, Lotus, etc.
If you drive a convertible, there will be nothing better than to open the roof and see the rocks above your head, but a hat is recommended in order not to overcook under the rays of the sun. A nice pair of driving gloves for a better grip on the steering wheel sounds sweet, I can assure you that (by the way THE OUTLIERMAN will be there presenting some of his best items). Finally, a sat-navigator can always come useful, although you’ll have available a road book with all the information and collection areas to reassemble the convoy. It is also recommended to be at the registration point with a full tank, but either way it will be possible to refuel soon after our departure, just above Monaco, and in Sospel, during the tour.

WHAT TO CHECK
We’re gonna drive along the F1 Montecarlo circuit, through a series of tunnels (one single-lane and single-way (!!!) and across an indefinite number of hairpins (well over 100), crossing the Route de la Turbie, the Col de Castillon, the Col de Turini, the phenomenal Stage of La Bollène-Vesubie, the Col de Braus, and so it is good to have the engine in perfect order, but also the brakes, that will be very stressed. What about tires? This day seems a good excuse to bring their lives to the end, while we have provided a stop point during the first half of the tour (before lunch) and one during the second part (after lunch and before the final aperitif), so as to rest the cars and take the opportunity to take some pictures among the hairpins, in two of the few points that will allow all cars to park without obstructing the road.

WHAT TO BE AWARE OF
This is not a race and speed limits and traffic rules must be respected properly. All the roads are open to traffic and may have warnings, also not reported, like animals, stones, potholes and .. cyclists! Given that in some places the road may be very narrow, it is advisable to keep a good safe distance from the car in front, in order to prevent debris from being thrown from the wheels on your hood and unpleasant situations in case of sudden braking.

These are all things you already know, I’m sure, but after having driven the road yesterday, I realized that the 2016 edition will be properly demanding and it is good to be in top conditions!

All registered participants will receive an email on June 21^st, with details for the meeting and further informations.

Use the hashtag #roadtoturini for join the cars preview!

–
Alessandro Marrone