Berlin and Munich Wrap Up

Well its been nearly 4 weeks since the touring HuRTS boys went on there inaugural tour to Germany to take part in the 40^th  Berlin Marathon. Since then it’s been pretty hectic going on to the Oktoberfest in Munich before returning home to Stoke for 9 days.

Anyway been back a week now so it’s about time I did a quick Berlin & Munich wrap up to mark the brilliant tour that was. Not really sure where or even how to start seeing a fortnight prior to the trip I was twisting Tom’s ear over a beer or two telling him that I wasn’t going to be a member of the trip. A few kind words from a few convinced me to at least make the trip and it was here that ‘A tour in the Making was to begin’

First port of call was Berlin with many of the gang rolling in from Thursday, great to catch up with everyone again and most seemed in pretty good form. Had a light run to the Brandenburg gates on the Saturday morning and saw the set up and finish area of the race. Decided then I wanted a part of it and the mind was set (now only had to convince the body to hold up). Early night on the Saturday before the getting the guys together post race (and Warrior Charlie away from the buffet long enough) then headed down to the start area. Amazing buzz around the start with a carnival atmosphere all around.

I’ve done a race report earlier so wont go into it again except to say I was stoked with the way it all went – certainly not in my top 20 races time wise BUT probably one of my most satisfying to date especially after the 12 months I’ve had. The Boys went well with over 8 PBs achieved for the day that meant the afternoon was certainly cause for celebration well into the evening.

From here we moved down to Oktoberfest on the Monday before hitting the big show on the Tuesday, With a 10am start to guarantee a good spot it was to prove more then a memorable day for all involved. Only C.T had been before so he was handing out tips to survive the day …………only problem was poor C.T was in fact the first to fall victim to the stronger 6% beer, carried out at 5pm…Oh Dear J

As the night wore on the volume seemed to get louder as the band ramped it up every 15 minutes or so, meaning we were soon on the tables in full voice to the Oompah pah band much to the delight of everyone dressed in there Lederhosen and Dirndl’s as the beer flowed.

Managed to last out till last orders (11pm closing), but we were back the following day when Kanser was to hit town, Enda and Taxi Man Costello were broken men at this stage and were last seen heading back to the comforts of home in Ireland as Kane, Lindop, J-Fen, Dave, Warrior Charlie went for part 2. Another corker of a day with the music reaching record levels as the Bavarian Ladies went ballistic as the night went on.

Only Kanser, his work colleague and I were left standing come 11pm (although it was more a stagger) as we called it a night as the last of the tents called time out.

Absolutely brilliant event and one that I would certainly recommend if you ever get the chance, The halls are packed with so many characters around and not a hint of any trouble anywhere, just everyone in party mode……….as it should it.

Most left on the Thursday to either return to Australia, Ibiza (Champagne Charlie & Allo Allo Rene) and I ventured back to Stoke for the week to continue the holiday.

Highlights of the Trip. Hard to single out any one as it was all brilliant and would be unfair to pick a single one , but the way the gang came together with everyone getting on and encouraging each other was pleasing to see and is what the HuRTS name has come to be all about. The fact that 8 PB’s were achieved was probably a highlight in itself J

Lowlight or Downer – To be honest there wasn’t one, From a selfish point of view though it would be the fact that I never got the chance to run the race fully fit and post a half decent time. The only other sad part of the tour was the fact mates The Chairman Tommy H and Slim Sammy Agnew weren’t there to share the occasion with us L

So from two weeks prior to not going to having one hell of a trip – So happy I made the call to get on that plane. With that I’d like to thank EVERYONE who made the trip a successful one for me and we are already looking at setting up a HuRTS on Tour Part 2 for sometime in 2014………….Do yourself a favour, and be part of it when it comes around, you wont be disappointed.

Will be posting many a photo of events from Berlin and Munich over the course of the next week – hope you enjoy them

Marathon Eve with Charlie, Barts, Enda, Rene and Steve.

On the way to the race who should we meet? Jimmy James, Tom's brother  L.T.O)

Enda Timmy and Rene race morning.

With the team on the finish line...........We've done it.

The first of many post race drinks with Irish boys Enda and Taxi Man Robbie Costello

Meeting NEW friends and possibly some NEW HuRTS members post race.

Let the party begin - Munich.

Robbie Taxi Man, Enda, Charlie, Timmy, C.T and J-Fen

Starting to fill up - with a few new friends to the table.

C.T in full swing...moments later he was carried out.

One of my favs, although still not sure what they said to me " Ich Liebe Dich

Just starting to warm up

with Kanser in town, alongside Steve and Barts

Many more to come
Prost