Latest Outdoors Articles

Awning or not to Awning that is the question

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:47:15 -0700

Welcome to another one of my articles(rants).What are the pros and cons of using an awning?

Most Caravan parks in the UK allow awnings on their land with just a few exceptions.Some caravan sites may charge you extra and some may not it all depends.

Some caravan sites only allow them with the ground sheets that let the grass breathe,

So what are the draw back on having an awning, well firstly you have to put it up!!! Unless you have one of those new swanky ones that click together you’re going to be setting aside a t least 45 minutes!!!

On the caravan sites in the UK you can be pretty assured that it will rain at some point on the day you are due to be returning home so you will have to pack away a wet awning.If you don’t get it out at home and allow it to dry properly they can really adopt a nasty smell.

Wind is an issue as well; last thing you want is the face of your caravan ripping off!! You may think that’s a little extreme but I kid you not it isn’t, ask the insurers!!!

No all of these issues are the same whether you’re on a caravan site in France or in the UK, I would say it rains heavier abroad but tends to dry up quicker. It can be windier abroad as well so be careful.

I guess they are a sort of extension to the caravan which come in handy at times but can also be a fad to put up and take down.

Why not just get a bigger caravan? I mean at least you can have air conditioning in caravans these days rather that read in a red hot awning!!! Because lets be honest they are really muggy when the weather is nice.

Awnings seem to be the in thing abroad these days, every caravans site in France I have stayed all the caravans have them; also they don’t seem to charge any extra for them!! Which is a bonus?

Preparing for boot camp - Things you must know before you go

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:29:49 -0700

Boot camp training is not an easy job. It is one of the hardest training one has to face where he should be prepared mentally and physically. It is therefore necessary that you should be ready for it, before the actual training begins. If you go without preparation you will surely fail. You have to cross several pitfalls, numerous traps as well as solve a number of mind games. Moreover you aren't given any other opportunity to qualify. Thus, it is essential that you must go prepared for boot camp in order to survive there. This simply means that you are ready to face any sorts of problems and this is because of your systematic preparation of USMC boot camp. You are ready to face any challenge, mentally or physically, as you are prepared for both. You are mentally fit as you get a thorough training on how to handle with the Drill instructors out there and mind games. You are also prepared physically due to your improve energy levels and stamina as a result of intense physical exercises. Well there are certain things you should know before you go there. - Get ready for Criticism: You need to be bold enough to accept all the criticism that comes your way. Don't get disheartened as the Drill instructors are there to literally drill you, physically as well as mentally. - Hide your fears: Learn to overcome your fear or you can conceal them. Your drill instructors should never come to know that you are scared or fearing something. He might drill you more to make your bold. - Be strong: Strengthen you mind and body to fight all the challenges bravely. This way you will be mentally ready for USMC boot camp. But you must be physically prepared too. For physical preparation, here are a few tips which might actually aid you. - Exercise hard: Do rigorous exercise like pull-ups and push-ups, along with some weight lifting. Begin with 10 pull-ups and 30 push-ups daily and gradually extend the counts. This will improve your stamina and build your body. - Swimming: Swim for several hours, as much as possible. A lot of swimming is good for Marine Corps boot camp. Although hard but a person will enjoy swimming. - Running: Running for 2-3 miles a day with great speed isn't easy, though it is a best form of exercise, you really get exhausted. All this helps you to get ready physically for USMC boot camp. If you know all these things before hand, you are ready to face all the tough challenges during the actual training. Never forget, the drill instructors' actual objective is to prepare you mentally, emotionally and physically. And is you are wrong, you have to face a lot of humiliation and scolding from them. So be attentive and get courage to face them. You need to remember, if you successfully pass out the USMC boot camp, you will have a dignified position in the world-Strongest personalities-The US Marines.

Beautiful Parks in Cork, Ireland

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:04:55 -0700

Cork is situated in the Republic of Ireland and is one of the largest cities there. Cork is a very nice city and has many things to do. For those people who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of beautiful parks and gardens in Cork that will definitely provide you with an exciting day out with family or friends. Some of my favourite parks and gardens in Cork are:

Fota Wildlife Park- This park is amazing for a day out with the family. It's extremely fun, especially for the kids. There is so much to see, over 90 different types of wildlife. There are so many exciting creatures to see, such as cheetahs. In the wildlife park, there is a lovely playground for the children to enjoy, which is free. Not far from the playground is a coffee shop. So while you enjoy you're coffee, you can keep an eye on the kids. In Fota Wildlife Park there is a Gift Shop, where you can pick up some very nice souvenirs. In Spring and Summer the park's opening times are, Mon-Sat: 10am-6pm. Sun: 11am-6pm. In Autumn and Winter the opening times are Mon-Sat: 10am-4.30pm, Sun: 11am-4.30pm.

Millstreet Country Park- This park is great for many reasons. It's fun for a day out with family, friends or even a school trip. There are many things in this park, some are, a deer farm, a sensory garden, a lake. Throughout the park there are many different gardens to enjoy. One of my favourite gardens in Millstreet Country Park is the Music Garden; this particular garden is very peaceful and has a large lawn. This garden is used for musical performances and has a bandstand. The performances usually take places on Sunday afternoons. In Millstreet Country Park, there is also a Bee Garden. In this garden, there are bee hives which have been there for years. There are a variety of plants for the bees to get nectar from. The bees produce a lot of honey as they have plenty of what they need. Aswell as both of these gardens, there is a Sensory Garden, which is very vibrant and colourful. This garden is extremely therapeutic and lovely to walk in. I find that when in this garden, there's a peaceful atmosphere. In the Spring time, there are many daffodils, which brighten up the garden.

Doneraile Park- This park is very big and is 166 hectares. The park has plenty of trees and deer herds. Doneraile Park also has some beautiful water features. This park provides you with a lovely walk. The pathways are calm, so you can enjoy your walk in peace.

Fota Arboretum and Gardens- These gardens cover 11 hectares. In the park there is a gorgeous ornamental pond. There is also a variety of old and young trees in the Gardens. As well as the trees there are beautiful plants, some are exotic.

All of these parks are striking and very enjoyable. I highly recommend each park for a day out.

Climate in Moscow - what's better, winter or summer?

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:04:00 -0700

Moscow, one of the most beautiful countries of the world is lately attracting a lot of tourists worldwide. People from across the world are mad for this piece of heaven on earth. Moscow is known for beautiful lush green carpeted lawns, sparkling beaches, huge, white snow-covered mountains, fresh blue skies and of course pleasant and lovely climate. Moreoevr all this, people in Moscow are friendly and warm. Moscow is the hot spot destination for visitors from all over the world. People come here and feel comfortable as they are likely to forget the full world around as Moscow is the country that is really blessed with nature. Due to all these factors, Moscow is a perfect holiday destination and should be visited at least once a lifetime. You will truly appreciate the memories of living in Moscow for lifetime. So, now that you are planning to visit Moscow, you might be confused thinking that what is the best time to visit this God-blessed country? You may usually think that which is the wonderful climate in Moscow, is it winter or summer? To help you decide that which one climate is most suitable to visit Moscow, here are a few things that might really help you to take a firm decision. As Moscow is a continental country, the climate is humid. The summers are warm and a bit humid, but the winters are long and cold. The favorable months to feel the pleasant climate of Moscow is during almost end of springs or in start of autumns. The climate starts getting pleasant from the month of March when the thick snow covering the huge mountains start melting down. You will feel the pleasant climate in the month of April and May. Moscow starts receiving snow from the month of October and November. The winters are at the max in the months of December and January. The rainfall here is too low all through the year, but terrible in the months of July and August} . Alos there is a huge variation between the summer and winter seasons, so Moscow is seen to have a continental climate. During the summer months in Moscow, one feels much better and pleasant as the weather looks bright and the skies are clear. You feel energetic and bubbly in this pleasant weather. Days are very long so you can enjoy most of it as you will find thrilling activities here all through the day. But Moscow experiences terrible thunderstorms and heavy rains during the months of July and August. But if you are snow lovers and want to enjoy the white, snow-covered mountains, then you might feel fine during the winters. The whole city is covered with lovely white snow blanket. The days are quite short, for only 6 hours, with temperatures below the freezing point! So, if you really want to make your trip to Moscow a memorable one, then this piece of information is surely going to help you a lot. Usually, people love to visit this attractive country during the summers as Moscow looks brighter and pleasant during this season.

Finding That Last Minute Holiday Deal

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:26:08 -0700

Yes there some great holiday deals out there - but it's going to take some time to find them, and you may need to use the phone to book, but hey, the web is a really great place to search and find that elusive last minute holiday bargain. You really can get the best last minute holidays deal if you invest some time to shop around. According to a recent Which! survey what you pay depends on where you buy, as much as who you travel with. Before you start on your search for that last minute holiday take some time to consider the checklist below. If you remember these points when you are looking for your holiday that you might really end-up with that minute bargain, and not a last minute disaster. Beware of the tricks of the trade - although in recent yours UK trading Standards have cut down on many sharp practises used by some Tour Operators and Travel Agents With flights this is less of a problem because you know the flight time and the airline before you book. But with a last minute holiday, although you will know the flight times and the destination, you may not know where you will be staying. You may be told the 'standard' of accommodation, but not where it will be. Sometimes if you are very lucky you'll get that bargain but be prepared it might be a total disaster. The best advice is to be on your guard. Try to find out where you are going to stay and then do some research. The travel agent will usually know where you will stay before they sell you the holiday; if they don't know, or won't tell you, it's best to assume the worst. But this year the Travel Companies are really struggling and there really are some fantastic holiday deals to be had - many of them just cannot afford not to sell a holidays even if it is at cost or at a loss. So buy an unnamed last minute holiday deal with no illusions . Truely hope for the best, but just be prepared for the worst and have a plan B in mind. Always ensure that you get the standard of accommodation you are expecting in writing, including what this standard means in terms of the facilities provided. Also, when you compare prices always look at the bottom line. Travel companies will often advertise an attractive headline price, but then add on other costs such as 'ticket on departure', in flight meals, transfers, travel insurance (which isn't compulsory) and you do have time to shop around for an alternative insurance. Also check with your bank as most bank issues credit and indeed debit cards now come with some level of Travel Insurance. But as mentioned earlier the OFT has cut down a lot on this over the last 2 years and normally the price advertised up front should be the price you pay when you hit that confirm button. Good luck - good hunting - there are some great deals out there - you just got to find them.

The History of English Football

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:53:30 -0700

Football rules were written. The English introduced football into France in 1863, founding their first club. First match was played between England and Scotland. This match was played under the Football Association rules. England won the first international game in 1873. The formation of the Football League was inducted in 1888 by Aston Villa director William McGregor. there were twelve founder members. They consisted of six from Lancashire ;Blackburn Rovers, Burnley, Bolton Wanderers, Accrington, Everton and Preston North End and six from the Midlands; Derby County, Notts County, Stoke, West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers who participated in it. In1904 it won the FA Cup. Further domination of the game came with Liverpool, who won two league titles in 1901 and 1906, and Everton, who won the FA Cup in 1906. For twenty years he did not win any match. Liverpool after success a title also suffered the same as Arsenal. Manchester reemerged and won the legue title in 1952,1956 and 1957. In 1958 the Munich air disaster killed eight players. After 26 years Manchester won the premiership league and went on to dominate the English football in 1990. During this year they won five league titles, one league cup and one winners cup.Manchester United's outstanding successwin has continued. Arsenal won matches in 2002 and 2004. It did not lost a single league game through out the season. United also won in 2004 and 2006. United also won the league awards in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2007. Manchester was on the top. Liverpool,Arsenal and Everton contended same way for the European positions. The English national football team represents England in international football and is controlled by The Football Association; the governing body for football in England.The English national team during this period played in a rough road to their success. They played up to quarter finals.They failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup but achive the semi-finals in Euro 96 and lost on penalties to Germany at the semi-finals. They also got automatic qualification for the 1998 World Cup, losing to Argentina on penalties in the second round.The ruling was marked with little success, with England did not succed to qualify for the 2008 European Championships. They defeated Ukraine and others. Major football fixture which English teams Chelsea and Everton competed was in Wembley Stadium on 30th May where Chelsea won in a solitary goal. The football match program was between Barcelona versus Manchester United was played on 27th May and Manchester United lost to Barcelona by a comfortable 2-0 win.The other important football match programs are Chelsea will be competing Arsenal in the 1st semi-final and Everton will be playing Manchester United in the 2nd semi-finals.

Rear Derailleur Adjustment

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:28:08 -0700

These instructions should solve all shifting issues, however they may be overkill for most users. Most new bikes come with straight rear derailleur hangers, properly adjusted b screw, and properly set H & L screws. Hence stage#1-#3 are not required for for most new bike owners. However going through all the steps should solve shifting issues if simply going through #4 is not sufficient. Stage #1 Make sure the rear derailleur hanger is straight Check the rear derailleur hanger. Visually, one can see the below hanger is bent inward toward the frame. A rear derailleur hanger alignment tool is required to adjust it perfectly. However when a tool is not available it can be adjusted by pulling the derailleur with ones hand away from the cassette until the derailleur is perpendicular to the ground. The stock hanger is very soft and can be bent several times. Below we use the Park DAG-1 too to straighten the hanger. We will remove the derailleur, then use the tool to check if it aligned properly, if it is misaligned we will use the tool to bend it back into place and repeat until we are finished. From geometry we know two points define a line, and three points define a plane. Our goal is to place the hanger on a parallel plane with respect to the cassette. We will use the tool to place the hanger on a parallel plane as the rim. We will assume the rim and cassette are on parallel planes. We will use the DAG-1 tool to measure the distance from the rim at 3 different points and to bend the hanger until the distance from three points to the rim is the same. Step #1 Remove rear derailleur from the hanger with an allen wrench. Step #2 Install the DAG-1 hanger tool onto the hanger as shown Step #3 Test the distance from the DAG-1 tool to the rim at three points. If this distance is the same the hanger is in the proper plane and the job is done. Step #4 If the distances are not the same at all points around the rim use the tool as a lever bending the hanger to make the distances closer. Repeat the steps #3 & #4 as often as needed until the distances are the same. Stage #2 Adjust the b Screw We will assume the rear derailleur H & L screws are pulled out. Hence there should be no restriction on the derailleur's movement. The b screw adjustment is required when either: A). In the largest cog there is an issue with chainsuck ( when the chain wraps around the largest cog instead of going directly to the rear derailleur). B). One experiences shifting issues in the smallest cogs. As a general rule of thumb the b screw should be about 6mm away from the largest cog. Step #1 If you experience chainsuck issues in the biggest cog turn the b-screw clockwise to pull the rear derailleur back. Step #2 If you have problems shifting in the smallest cogs turn the b screw counterclockwise to push the rear derailleur in. Stage #3 H & L screw adjustment H & L screws limit movement on the rear derailleur. The rear derailleur should never be allowed to move inside the inside face of largest cog, this risks the chain getting caught between the spokes and rear cog. Once this happens you may need to rebuild your rear wheel. Additionally the rear derailleur should never be allowed past the outside face of the smallest cog. This could allow the chain to get wedged between the frame & cog possibly tearing up the frame. The H and L screws will limit motion by the rear derailleur past the biggest & smallest cogs to minimize the probability of problems occuring. These instructions are for a single chainring drivetrain. Our procedure ( algorithm ) is very quick and proper for our bicycles, but allows for some variability. Do not use these instructions for a multi chainring bike. Step #1 Check the rear derailleur. View the H & L screws Step #2 H screw has a yellow oval around it. L screw has a blue oval.. Note the H screw is out & L screw is in. Step #3 Place the chain on the largest cog. Pull the cable with your hand to create tension, if this causes the derailleur to move inside the largest cog you must turn the L screw clockwise until the derailleur is below the biggest cog, then back off counterclockwise a bit ( not to restrict range ). This will keep the rear derailleur from coming off the largest cog & backing off will not restrict the range of motion. Step #4 Place the chain in the smallest cog. Relieve all tension from the cable, if this causes the derailleur to move outside the smallest cog you must turn the H screw clockwise until the derailleur is below the smallest cog, then back off counterclockwise a bit ( not to restrict range ). This will keep the rear derailleur from coming off the smallest cog & backing off will not restrict the range of motion. Stage #4 Cable tension adjustment We will assume you have gone through stages #1 to #3 in adjusting a rear derailleur. This is the last and possibly easiest step. You will require a bike stand or a person willing to hold the rear wheel in the air. Due to spring tension the rear derailleur prefers to stay in the smallest cog ( assuming there is no cable tension ). Cable tension lifts the derailleur into the larger cogs. Hence if the derailleur does not move into larger cogs it needs more cable tension, achieved by turning the barrel adjuster counter clockwise. If the derailleur does not move into smaller cogs it has too much cable tension, and the tension must be relieved by turning the barrel adjuster clockwise. In short our procedure ( or algorithm ) for adjusting the shifter is as follows. If the shifter is in a smaller number gear than the chain ( for ex. chain is in #2 cog while shifter in #1 ) one should turn the barrel adjuster clockwise. On the other hand. If the shifter is in a larger number gear than the chain ( for ex. chain is in #2 cog while shifter in #3 ) one should turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise. Step #1 View the barrel adjuster on the rear derailleur. Step #2 Put the bike in a stand or have a partner hold up the rear wheel. Step #3 Put the shifter in 1st gear and rotate the pedals. If the chain is not in the biggest cog we will assume it is in a smaller cog due to the limiting ( H & L ) screws do not allow it anywhere else. Turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise & rotate the pedals until the chain is in the largest cog. Step #4 Run through the gears on the shifter from 1 to 9 if the rear derailleur does not shift properly follow the procedure above Step #5 Run back through the gears on the shifter from #9 to #1 if the rear derailleur does not shift properly follow the procedure above Step #6 Test shifting through the gears several times to make sure it is proper. One can adjust the derailleur while riding by turning the barrel adjuster on the shifter clockwise or counterclockwise ( as explained in the procedure ).

Top Surf Spots in the World

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:14:44 -0700

Surfing has become a legitimate sport and advocates have placed their bids to include the wonderful water sport in the Olympics. Professional surfers throughout the world have been making a good living from the sport as it has had a big following. There are hundreds of professional competitions held in a year and clothing companies have also made a lot of money from surfing apparel. Perhaps the biggest obstacle on why surfing is not as widespread a sport as it should be is fact that it proves difficult for some to find "surfable" waves. Unless one lives in Australia, Hawaii, or other places where the waves are always huge, then people would need to travel to these places just to be able to try the sport. There are also different sizes of waves which means that one would need to go to a specific beach depending on his skill level. Below is a list of some of the best surf spots in the world reserved only for the wave lovers out there. Australia Some argue that Australia is the surfing capital of the world. This may actually hold true because of the fact that there are dozens of surfing beaches in this country that would suit all types of surfers. However, the pick of the bunch has to be Gold Coast beach. Located in the country's sixth most populated city of Gold Coast, this shore boasts of 70 kilometres of beach which includes four point breaks. Although quite pricey, this beach is a must for surfers who want to experience the real thing. Asia There are a lot of wonderful surf spots in the countries of Asia including a number of beaches in Thailand and in the Philippines. However, some experts say that the best surfing beaches are in Indonesia. Lying on the western side of Sumatra, the Mentawi Islands possesses some of the most consistent waves in the world. The best waves come in during the months of June to September so that would be the best time to come to catch the tallest waves. Another famous spot in Indonesia are the beaches of Bali. The city packs the most tourists for the country, and for good reason. Aside from the rich culture of the place, the surf is excellent as well. Although the beaches may get a bit crowded during peak season, it is still a worthwhile journey as waves may rise to as high as 12 feet. The Americas For people looking to surf in North America, there is no better place to go other than California in the United States. The best beaches include Malibu and Steamer Lane while novice surfers are sure to enjoy in Half Moon Bay or Santa Cruz. South America also has some of the best surfs in the world and few are up to par with those in Santa Catarina in Brazil. Locals say that this place is proud to have the best waves that Brazil has to offer. Other places in the Americas that are worth visiting for their amazing waves are Sunzal and La Libertad in El Salvador, and Playa Naranjo in Costarica.

Cabrera Takes the Green Jacket After Amazing Play-off Victory

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:13:32 -0700

Looking Good in Green Argentine international Angel Cabrera has taken home his second Major trophy after winning the US Masters in Augusta last Sunday. The top spot was tightly contested throughout the whole tournament and it continued through to the end. It had to go down to the wire after 3 players were all tied on top with similar scores after 72 holes. In the end, it was Cabrera who was wearing the green jacket as the smile he flashed spread from ear to ear. Extra Innings Together with Cabrera, Americans Chad Campbell and Kenny Perry also finished with a score of 12 under par which meant that they had to play extra holes. It was Campbell who dropped out first when he bogeyed the first play-off hole. His approach was what led to his downfall as he hit it into a bunker before eventually getting the ball in the cup in five shots in the par-4 18th hole. The 10th was the venue of the second play-off hole and it became a duel between Cabrera and Perry. At 48, the latter was aiming to be the sport's oldest winner of a Major event. Both were looking for their first triumph at the Augusta National. Perry overshot the green and his chip went 18 feet past the hole. He was unable to save par as he finished a shot over for the difficult hole. Cabrera showed nerves of steel as he hit his approach beautifully, landing the ball 12 feet away from the hole. He coolly two-putted his way to victory as his par meant that the title was his. The loss was a big blow for Perry who looked to have the title in the bag before bogeying the 17th and 18th holes. Cabrera hit a 71 on the final day and finished with a total of 12 strokes under par at 276. The Competition Coming back from a long lay-off, four-time winner and world number one Tiger Woods finished tied at sixth after shooting bogeys in the last two holes. He scored a 68 for the day and finished at eight under overall. Tiger was paired with fellow champion Phil Mickelson and the duo received much of the attention throughout the day. The pair dazzled the crowd as they answered each other's shots, each trying to better the other. Mickelson hit a record-matching six under par in the front nine as he finished with a total of 67 on the day. The front nine record was set in 1975 by Johnny Miller and was matched by Greg Norman in 1988 and KJ Choi in 2004. The excitement was heightened in the par-3 12th as Mickelson double-bogeyed the hole. However, the two took themselves out in the last hole. Woods missed the fairway from his drive and hit a tree on his next shot while Mickelson found the bunker in the fairway. Both bogeyed the final hole which saw them crash out of the tournament. A notable performance was that of Shingo Katayama. The Japanese shot birdies in the 16th and the 18th to finish fourth, above both Woods and Mickelson.

The Stage is Set for Sunday's Chinese GP

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:11:57 -0700

With only 2 races into the season, the all too familiar controversies surrounding the sport of formula one has already emerged. This is not necessarily a bad thing as these are what bring the excitement to the game. The curtain has been raised and China is the next destination. Already, this race has all the makings of a classic; one for the books. Split-Level Diffusers Given the Green Light The FIA today announced that complaints from Ferrari, Red Bull, Renault, and BMW-Sauber do not have enough bearing and that no violations were made by Brawn GP, Toyota and Williams. The "double-decker" rear diffusers used by the said teams have received much criticism as some consider the move as unsportsmanlike. A few critics say that these teams are taking advantage of gray areas in the sport's newly revised rules and regulations. Whatever the case may be, a certainty is that this move is definitely effective. These new additions have literally turned the table upside-down as Brawn GP and Toyota currently occupy the top two spots in the constructors table with 25 points and 16.5 points, respectively. Current Champions Ferrari presently lie at the bottom of the table with 0 points while top contender McLaren only have a single point from 2 races. Teams have recently announce that they will be forced to come up with something similar to the diffusers used by Brawn so as to be able to compete at the same level. The Favourites After their controversial diffuser has been deemed legal by the FIA, Brawn GP are looking good for yet another win. Their drivers are on top of the standings after placing podium finishes in both the Australian and the Malaysian Grand Prix, which was cut short after 32 laps because of adverse weather conditions. Half points were given at the said Grand Prix because of the fact that the race was not able to finish the required distance of at least 75 percent. It was in 1991 when this last happened; the race ended after only 14 laps because of heavy rain. British driver Jenson Button is on top of the world with 15 points while his Brazilian teammate Rubens Barrichello is a close second with 10 points. After taking over Honda's operations in the F1 grid, Brawn has won the first 2 races of the season. The last time this happened was way back when the championship was started in 1950 when Alfa Romeo also completed a similar double. The Course The race will be held at the Shanghai International Circuit which has a lap distance of 5.451 kilometres or 3.387 miles. The race will run for 56 laps for a total distance of 305.66 kilometres or 189.568 miles. The fastest recorded lap was set by the legendary Michael Schumacher in 2004 at 1 minute and 32.238 seconds. Last year it was eventual champion Lewis Hamilton who took pole position en route to finishing first place in the race. Other past winners include Kimi Raikkonen in 2007, Michael Schumacher in 2006, Fernando Alonso in 2005, and Rubens Barrichello in 2004.