Perfect start to the day, hearty breakfast, not a cloud in the sky and was soon on the pace continuing on from yesterday as my baby and I hugged more mountains towards Torino, Italy.
Within an hour, bonjour became buon giorno and I was well on my excitied way to Maranello, home of the Ferrari museum ... at least that was the plan.
This is Diego working on my bike. I pulled in for a normal fuel stop; filled up, hopped on, pressed the start button and all I got was a click. How can the battery be dead? Well, it was and thankfully not because it wasn't being charged, it was simply kaput. Thank God I took out European breakdown cover with the AA who, after one call, handled everything perfectly. In 20 minutes a truck arrived and 10 minutes later I was at a local garage. Plenty of Italian gesticulation later and I was on my way to BMW MotoGerardo in Alessandria, about 20 kms back the way I came.
Not the end of the world but added 160 Euros to the days expenses; let's hope it's the only one.
Meet Enrico and Barbera, who were unbelievably helpful; attended to the bike immediately, replaced the battery, diagnostic tests proved all else was fine, filled me with coffee, did all the paperwork, telephoned and organised a local hotel and then Enrico escorted me on his motorbike to the hotel and even came in to speak with reception to make sure all was well. After pointing out various eateries, he disappeared only to return 10 minutes later as I had left all my docs at his shop. What a guy, grazie mille Enrico.
After such a great morning, I'm now feeling a little flat, but only a bit as I will still get to Maranello tomorrow; besides, a pizza and vino rosso will soon have it's reviving powers.
Ciao for now, see you tomorrow x
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