Maria & Brett's HUGE Trip 06-07-08-09-?

ok, so the Socceroos lost in 'that' penalty against Italy; Adriatic summers aren't long enough (bliss!); and we found that you should never use the term "Eastern Bloc" when talking to a Czech (Central Europe, please).

San Marino MotoGP

There are [78] photos in this gallery.

The MotoGP headed to a tiny Republic surrounded by Italian hills and seaside, even though the event itself took place in Misano, Italy. Only in Italy! Time for more race action, a visit at the Ducati factory in Bologna and a trip to Valentino Rossi's hometown - of course I made the fatal mistake of wearing a Casey Stoner / Ducati shirt. Idiot.

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Noah and his ark came out to play when I arrived in Rimini/Misano, pity it didn't save the track which was immersed under 30cm of water. Views[87] This man, however, thought the weather fit for a frolic in the not-so sun. Looked like he'd done the same walk to and from the beach for years. Views[94] Two big events conflicting in Misano that weekend: the MotoGP and the international philatelic / postal convention. Strangely enough, up on the 2nd floor of this exhibition I found Loris Capirossi's race Ducati sitting in the corner. Wierd. Views[73] Our opening party at an Italian villa... Views[86] ... with guest appearance by 250cc rider, Frenchman Jules Cluzel of Team Angaia - sponsored by Pole Position Travel. Views[95]
 
The full Team Angaia, named after the owner's daughter (front), Angela Gaia. Views[97] After walking home at 2am, this is what greeted me the next morning as I walked to meet a group from another hotel at 7am. Views[85] Valentino Rossi's Fanclub home-away-from-home, opposite the circuit. Views[188] Nicky Hayden getting up close and personal, Saturday free practice. Views[101] Alex Hoffman, Team Pramac Ducati. While chatting to his Parts Manager waiting to get in to a club on Satirday night he casually introduced me to a guy standing behind him with a very chiselled jaw and an attractive girlfiend on his arm
 
Randy de Puniet, one of the fastest men in the Saturday sessions. Views[82] Rossi putting in an appearance for the weekend. Views[89] Westie getting down low in the back section - two fast straights separated by a fast right-hander. He was getting down consistently lower to the tarmac than other riders, the Kawasaki engine sreaming past us at full roar. Views[92] Stoner tucked down to get ahead in the prelim qualifying session. Views[78] Rossi's fans go nuts after he sets the fastest qualifying time in the dying minutes of the session... Views[92]
 
The Rizla Suzuki girls will come and getcha if you're not careful... No wonder they have a formidable reputation. Views[208] Some wear their heart on their sleeves. Others tattoo The steam train on rails. Views[86] Stoner coming in hot... Views[88] John
 
Rossi was pipped at the last second by Stoner who qualified fastest for tomorrow's GP. This was seen shortly after the session... Views[86] The standard post-race Italian traffic chaos ensued... Unsurprising really! Views[95] The nightly promenade ritual begins, all doled up to the nines! Views[75] Support for Rossi in his homeland near Misano. Even the material was fluffy like the real 46 on the back of his leathers. Views[109] Interesting name for an underwear shop. Views[92]
 
The leathers Rossi was wearing when he crashed out at Sachsenring, on display by the beach at Riccione, a resort town near Misano. Views[111] If you've seen the logo for the 'A-Style' sponsor of the GP, you'll instantly see what this is about. Cheeky. Views[106] Just another night in downtown Riccione. Interesting headwear I reckon. Views[99] Strolling down the seaside promenade... of course! The nightly Morroccan carpet auction. The outdoor audience was hanging off his every word. Views[100] All part of the nightly parade. This time it's about 1am... Get home to bed, mister! Views[99]
 
They reckon they're the best at everything, don't they! I don't think they'll be adding another MotoGP title to the list anytime soon, hee hee... Views[89] Probably the closest to San Marino this event gets! Views[81] Jules Cluzel in action!!! Pity he was knocked out by a wayward 250cc rocket. Views[81] Jules acknowledging his small but vocal fan club. Views[83] Rossi putting in a quick warm-up lap. Views[87]
 
Check out the guy on the left. Isn't he runnning for a 4th term as PM??? Views[88] Mattia Pasini's fans cheer him on during the 125cc race... Views[93] ... whatever they did worked! Views[91] Victory lap for Pasini. Views[89] Andrea Dovizioso's engine fails just before the finish - he was fighting for 1st place. Looking up to the Gods... Views[100]
 
... then to me (what could I do?!) Views[102] Rossi exits the MotoGP race early. Views[101] Anthony West clawing his way up to 8th place. Views[101] Stoner running out of fuel in the victory lap. Close call!! ... Views[99] ... Stoner getting a lift back to the pits by teammate Loris Capirossi. Views[118]
 
Jumping over the fence to the track, post-race. Views[110] Hanging out on the final turn. Views[185] Picking the inside line. Views[111] Maybe I shouldn't have heckled Barros' bike came out for a play post-race. Views[94]
 
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