Montreal F1 GP

Well, here I am for the 1st of 4 races the Montreal F1 GP. So again up straight away and off to the circuit to collect my tickets and watch practice in the heat. Very hot and no shade at all from the scorching sun.

Met Amy and Gil from Colorado Springs at the B&B who have travelled up also to see the race and spend some time in the city. After practice went out with them to a nice restaurant and then hit a few bars in the city. Really good feel to the town and you can see why the drivers and commentators are always so complimentary about this GP.

Similar again the next day for some more practice and qualifying and then onto race day.

Got to the circuit as some Ferraris were racing and then after a Formula BMW race onto the build up of the main event. My ticket had me sitting practically on the start\finish line. So I could see all the mayhem of the buildup and the countless people on the track before the start. I could see the ITV F1 crew and they seemed to spend about 2 hours around Lewis Hamilton and nobody else before the race. Well we all know why now !

Anyway it was one of the most actioned packed races for sometime. Bugger all in front of me so watched it like many of you on a big screen. Bloody expensive way of watching the race. The big crash of Robert Kubica happened down at the hairpin where Amy and Gil were sitting. So next time I’ll think I’ll sit down there, you listening Ian and and Steve !!

Next day and I’m off on another train trip across to Quebec, just about 3 hours this time but I did manage to get chucked out of 1st class. It was an honest mistake….

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Well having flown to New York it was time to take the train up to Montreal.

I had anticipated a 10 journey which I thought would be a nice change and climate friendly !!

The train journey eventually lasted over 13 hours. Engineering works which make South Eastern railways look good. Will I ever complain about the daily commute again ? Also, over 2 hours to cross the border. Big mistake here was that in an airport you clear customs and get on your way, on a train everybody has to clear before the train moves on. Just 2 officials to check everybody and eventually 2 people were taken off for further questioning….

Finally got to Montreal and then straight to the B&B very tired.