This is an annual classic rally for 100 cars that we have been on several times. It has little connection with Oxford students as it runs from Holland to SE Europe! This year the start is at St Gerlach near Eindhoven, and the finish is in Trieste, Italy. I have been asked to drive their photographer Mike Johnson; we’ll be taking our used (2003) VW Golf GT TDi over the Austrian Alps and through the mountains of Slovenia, all of which should be covered with snow. So we have bought and fitted 4 Vredestein winter tyres and will be taking chains for anything really severe.  She’ll have to carry all the photographic gear and our kit, while negotiating scary passes at speed. Full report after the rally. See www.thetrial.nl for more details