A8 and the Alps
 

Some of you may remember the other thread about getting the car ready for its 3rd trip since I have owned it (4 years now!) into Europe and trying to get it serviced.

I have had one issue on the journey down to the Alps, over 40 MPH I get serious judder and the consensus was tyre imbalance!
Spent all day yesterday skiing so not had a chance to get them checked but will try and get it done before we leave......

A few pictures for those who requested:

Half way there:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...4-01145702.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...4-01145650.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...4-01145638.jpg

A few from the apartment:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...2/IMG_0776.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...2/IMG_0783.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...2/IMG_0773.jpg


On the piste:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...4-02162055.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...4-02125504.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...4-02125458.jpg

how do you manage to keep it that clean, after my drive across france mine looks really dirty

knew i should have got silver instead of black

Looks good - whats the area you are in? Made me rather jealous sitting here working and seeing the snow. Mind you we have had some snow here today (not ski-able tho'). :-(

The camera and the brightness do make it look clean :p
Black does look nicer when it is clean though +++

We are in the L'arcs Peisey-Vallandry area of the Alp also known as Paradiski....

The area is made up of villages that are lived in all year round so has a really nice feel.

Just got back and Knackered after 5 hours of skiing.+++
Trying a different piste tomorrow:D

And a different kind of "piste" tonight eh? Lol. :pint: :cheers:
Great pics Andy thanks for sharing! +++

I hope you dont expect me to feel sorry for you....

He he:D

Being dragged up:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...2/IMG_0845.jpg

I hear that there has been some snow back in t'north

no sign of it here in sunny france

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...6&d=1333654258

Attachment 3116

Nice one +++

Temperature in the village we are staying in (Peisey-Nancroix) has been early to middle teens during the day so very nice.
Off to the main town this morning to see if I can get the wheels re-balanced.
Wish me look:)

Got back OK at around 02:00 this morning - the A8 did not let us down+++
(though - after having all four wheels balanced, there is still a noticeable vibration coming from the front but not as bad as before the balancing!!!)

A few stats:

Start to finish mileage: 1992 miles
Average MPG (car computer): 29.5 MPG
Average Speed (car computer): 55 MPH (Those Alp roads and hairpin bends an a very nervous wife:D)
Total driving time (car computer): 33.3 hours
Total spent on fuel: £540 (about 4 fill ups)

Memories - Priceless :rolleyes:

Thoroughly recommend using the A8/S8 to drive around Europe - easily beats flying and the above was with 4 adults (well the kids are 15 & 16) plus all the relevant luggage.

If we had taken our own ski's then a roof rack would have been required which would add to the cost.

Oh and a few more pictures - this one shows the roads in the hills (wish the family wasn't with me when driving on these....):
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...2/IMG_0928.jpg

And a few of the scenery:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...2/IMG_0874.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...2/IMG_0869.jpg

Cheers
Cheers