on fire – not!

21.1.2008billn

Back! and in rude health – well I’m still saying some rude words over my continued cold (now 8 weeks) but I have some visits planned in the Côtes for the end of the month so will surely be able to taste something by then(?)

train berne alps

  Photo: The view from the train leaving Berne – Berner Alps in the background…

muerrenBack from the Inferno and frankly I’m humbled. The top runners set off in the poor visibility afforded by low cloud and blitzed the course, averaging 75kph (46.5mph) for 9.5km (6 miles) including the uphill parts. For me it was a case of too much sicherheit not enough geschwindigkeit – safe rather than fast – my average speed was less than half theirs, and in sunshine too. I felt to be going fast; maybe next year the racing suit and those 2.2 metre skis – but then of-course I’d have to work out how to turn those giant planks of composite materials – a colleague makes the simple suggestion of preparation with alcohol. The weekend is, however, a great social event, attested to by all those who were dancing on the tables and bemoaning the closure of clubs at 5am following the race – some holzkopfs still wearing their skiboots…

About 1,800 people take part in the downhill race, yet the village never seems busy – maybe it’s because they are only in the clubs or measuring the temperature of the snow for the right wax treatment.

I recommend anyone who goes to the region gets the train to their resort – the views (top) from the train on leaving Berne to your destination are fabulous.

inferno rennen parade

  Photo: The Friday evening parade through the streets of Mürren…

the inferno finish line 2008

 Photo: 10am at the Inferno Rennen finish-line (packed with sausages and beer by mid afternoon…)

Agree? Disagree? Anything you'd like to add?

There are 3 responses to “on fire – not!”

  1. (Mr.) Brooke Winter21st January 2008 at 3:00 pmPermalinkReply

    What a cold you have?! Call me sometime if you want to know how this 51-year-old solved a similarly chronic situation.

    Thanks for your good work with all-things-burgundian. I truly enjoy your posts.

  2. David Bennett21st January 2008 at 9:12 pmPermalinkReply

    Bill Nanson – L’homme de Montagne.

    I do hope the Burgundians appreciate your “Bond” exploits!

    :-))))

    Best

    David

    ps I do hope that you were there at 5am… 🙂

  3. bill nanson21st January 2008 at 9:29 pmPermalinkReply

    Left me with quite a dilemma David. I planned to be on the 7:36am train, but what can you do for 2 hours while waiting? I found the answer – I fell asleep for over 3 hours! That’ll be the 9:06 train then….

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