I probably ought to write this in another part of the forum, but I´ll tack it on here anyway. Today I eschewed the prohibitively expensive Monaco Grand Prix, even though the husband of an old college friend offered me a pretty damn good price for lunch for two with a good racetrack view at one of the swankier establishments in Monaco. Even his `rates for mates` discount price was way out of my league! Instead, whilst Rosberg Junior paraded to victory, I slogged my way by bicycle up the Col du Vence, an `Haute Category`climb with commanding views of the Baiye des Anges. Took me (as always) ages to get up it, but only a few frightening minutes to whizz back down, at speeds I can only call white knuckle, and at which an accident would probably have ghastly consequences. Still, sometimes you´ve got to live a little, and believe me clinging on to drop handlebars at such speeds is really exhilarating.
Later, whilst enjoying an evening stroll down to the seaside, I saw a pre-war Bugatti race car being driven enthusiastically around a mini roundabout and off along the picturesque coastal road. It certainly looked to my untrained eye as if it was the real thing, seeming to have `patina`unlike so many replica vintage cars. I was gobsmacked, as I imagine it must be worth a phenomenal amount of money. It was really moving, squealing its narrow and high walled tyres, and had a distinctive old-fashioned engine note. So-called supercars are almost two a penny here on the Riviera, but this bright blue beauty really stood out.
The last couple of days I`ve been cycling along the Croisette at Cannes in the evening, on my way back from coastal rides from Antibes to St Raphael and beyond. The film festival means the road is closed to mere normal motorists, only endless black limos and more Lamborghinis/Ferraris/Porsches etc. than I care to count. One modern car that did stick out was what looked like a hugely long new Aston coupé, althoughI suppose it might have been a Rapide. Only got a glimpse, but it looked terrific, not unlike the one-off Maybach Excelero(?), really long and low. A `30s Lagonda roadster was also pretty magnificent.
Oh, and Ron, thanks for that info, I think that helps put my mind at ease. I don´t know how to tell high tensile nuts from normal, but the ones supplied with my lower mounting reinforcements are of a pale and shiny steel, not a dull and dark steel. Guess that makes them high tensile? I will take proper pics when I get home and get back in the garage to iron out that pesky rattling sound.
