I can’t believe I had the audacity to feel too warm. But wriggling around, trying to settle in my new bed for the next five days, I contemplated throwing the duvet on the floor.
In Sweden! The trip that had me scouring the internet for packs upon packs of thermals, snow boots and a new fleece.
Come back to me by Sunday and let’s see if I feel the same…
I won’t be treated to the joys of bouncing from snowbank to snowbank this week (unless we get it very wrong in our hire car… in which instance nobody will be using the word joy!), but I have my own reasons to be thrilled by my temporary new world.
I didn’t really enjoy the sweltering heat of the Acropolis last year, so a dive into nature’s freezer feels more like a bit of me. I’ll finally be able to answer that age-old question: would you rather be too hot, or too cold?
I’ll deliver the verdict soon. But what I know already is that I’m not too excited. Instead I’d describe myself as appropriately excited for what is shaping up to be an epic round of the World Rally Championship.
The frozen forests present challenges for both drivers and media covering the event
But I’d be lying to you, dear reader, if I pretended that’s always been my feeling. Twenty-four hours ago, I was drawing pretty close to contemplating my life choices. Not that I don’t love the company of my colleagues Colin Clark and Alasdair Lindsay, but hopping on the shuttle bus towards Stockholm Arlanda’s car rental lot and looking out the window to see what we used to have – a bus heading for Torsby – was painful.
‘That would’ve been a less arduous journey,’ I thought. But we move. As exciting a prospect as my first Rally Sweden is, nearing the end of a 20+-hour day is enough to suck the punch out of anyone.
Thankfully, the break of a new day awoke the correct spirit in me. We’re not treated to many real winters in the UK, so seeing snow out the window is a massive novelty. What I didn’t expect to see was somebody riding their bike through it. And then another person. And one more for good measure.
Clearly the studs aren’t just for the rally cars. They do it properly in these parts. Leaving my hat in the Airbnb proves that I still don’t do it properly, but it’s only day two – so there’s time left to feel I belong around here!
We haven’t made it to Umeå to blend into the local culture though – we’re here for rally drivers wearing yellow tinted glasses. The fresh tints did nothing to hide the delight in their eyes. Consistent, cold conditions give way to a strong ice base on the road and reliable snowbanks. And that leaves you with very happy drivers.
Particularly the one with the letters ‘E Evans’ stickered on the side. Less so the one with ‘T Neuville’ on there instead. But one issue we know we won’t have this weekend is no snow. A glance at the weather forecast for the days ahead reveals yet more holes in my naivety to be even slightly frustrated about being warm…
But this is what makes Sweden what it is. Travelling to any round of the WRC is a privilege, but it’s the unique experiences you crave.
Monte… because, well, it’s Monte. Kenya because of the wildlife and the adventure. Finland because of the flying rally cars and the fever. And Sweden because of the winter wonderland and unique challenge.
Wandering down to Umeå to snare some snacks and the flavor of ‘meet the crews’, I’m ready to see what it’s all about.
Monte didn’t disappoint me last month. I have a feeling Sweden isn’t about to buck the trend.
