2016 - Roll & Flat, Caorle (Rocking the Beach)
Once a year, on the beach of Caorle, Italy the sandworms and crabs have to be very brave: a wild mob is tearing up the sand, when the '50 Brother CC is having their Roll & Flat beach race. Exclusively for cars and bikes of 68 vintage and earlier.
To take advantage of the training sessions we got there early. Racing on a flat beach Daytona style it's not something you get everyday round here. So we rise early, have a light breakfast and hit the beach track.
The first few meters tell us that this beautiful beach will be no walk in the park with Rudi's '55 Panhead and the '48 Pan from our headquarters. After some chilling on the beach we ride the convoy to main sponsor BCC's party zone. We wash down the excellent fingerfood with even more excellent cold beer. After that we get a glimpse of Boccins workshop, where they do the wrenching with heart and soul. If you're in the area, give the guys a call and see for yourself.
But there’s a race on tomorrow, and we head for the hotel. Unfortunately, we get waylaid by the Mosquito bar. It jumps us with its famous liquor filled chocolates. Deadly. On the other hand, tomorrows racing is just going in a straight line, we’ll manage. We think.
This beach is a bitch.
Saturday is race day. Even the breakfast seems to exude energy. We gas up with two cups of caffeine and some vitamins and head out to the beach.
Our test runs have given us some totally unjustified confidence. They use a knockout system here to find out who’s number one. 25 fearless scooter pilots from hell are battling it out, with no regard for man or machine. The runs are spectacular. When one guy tries to plough through the sand, the next one surfs the rutted track. Every start adds a pair of meandering canyons to the already heavily grooved surface and increases the unpredictability of steering inputs. Who’ll keep their nerve down to the finish?
It’s Jacky Hofer of Harleyluja, Wolfegg. His fast Panhead bobber has all the other eat sand. We suspect a superior intake of beer the night before.
Let’s not forget the cars. Juan Vadell drove his 1950 Chevrolet Styleline Coupe V8 to a teeth gritting victory. Came on his own four wheel all the way from Mallorca too. This dude rules!
The Aftermath
Beach, sun and speed. The racing was hot and hard fought. The winners’ night was stylish to the max in an ancient wine cellar. Italy’s best vintages were on the tables to give the right lubrication to an evening full of telling and retelling of the day’s heroic achievements. A fitting conclusion to a well organized event. Thanks to 50 Brothers CC – Mille grazie!
Roll & Flat in Caorle 2017 anyone? Dear calendar, put the pedal to the medal, we wanna come again!