Catalunya 2003.....1st call.....
29 July 2003, 09:10 AM
#121
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Hello again Neil,
Dave who came with me last year is coming again, not too sure about Barry's Co. as yet. Will be speaking with him later.
Re your post about sticky things on the Egroup, there are a couple of options Tom & I are exploring, should have proposal by Friday. Again I need to speak with Barry as its best done all together.
Will call you this evening.
Steve.
Dave who came with me last year is coming again, not too sure about Barry's Co. as yet. Will be speaking with him later.
Re your post about sticky things on the Egroup, there are a couple of options Tom & I are exploring, should have proposal by Friday. Again I need to speak with Barry as its best done all together.
Will call you this evening.
Steve.
30 July 2003, 11:47 AM
#124
sal
You were registered under your hotmail addy (firstname_surname)
Catalunya_Rally@yahoogroups.com
Alternatively, ask nicely and Rum may let you join using a name you can remember
You were registered under your hotmail addy (firstname_surname)
Catalunya_Rally@yahoogroups.com
Alternatively, ask nicely and Rum may let you join using a name you can remember
06 August 2003, 08:34 AM
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OK, this is a long one....
My apologies for the delay in posting the following....I have been somewhat busy in the office and with Subaru and as such just haven't had the chance to put fingers to the keyboard.
Basically there are numerous ways of travelling down to Lloret de Mar...below I have detailed probably the most obvious ones (excluding fly/drive which is also an option)...
1. Driving the whole way down and back...favoured by most of the
South Eastern contingent and the more "advanced" drivers prepared to travel at speeds faster than a speeding thingie ;-) This route takes you through the Tunnel and then generally skirts Paris and heads south to Lloret de Mar (LDM). I believe that Pete Croney is heading this way again this year with a small group of high speed junkies ;-). My own personal opinion is that this route is great on the way down but a little tiring for us old blokes on the way home...However it is probably the cheapest option when all considered. If you are planning on heading down this way I would suggest that you look to get a small group together (i.e. more than one car) to make the journey and banter a little more enjoyable.
Link for Eurotunnel:
http://www3.eurotunnel.com/rcs/etun/...ay_1/index.jsp
2. Ferry from either Portsmouth to Bilbau (P&O Ferries -
http://www.poportsmouth.com/) or Plymouth to Santander (Brittany Ferries - http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/). There are already 3 P1's heading down via the Plymouth route - this is mainly because the times suite us and the rally best...i.e. the ferry leaves at midday on Sunday 19th Oct 2003 (arriving Santander 12.00 20/10/03) and then the return leaves in the evening at 19.00 on 27th October 2003 (arriving Plymouth 19.00 28/10/03). This gives anyone heading down this way a decent time to chill in LDM (i.e. Tuesday/Wednesday) before the rally and equally it means you can make the after rally party on the Sunday and then have a fairly leisurely drive back to Santander leaving in the morning prior to ferry departure. For info its circa 485 miles from Santander to LDM so presuming you don't get lost leaving the port (like all of us muppets last year!!) you should be able to get to the hotel for early evening.
Portsmouth - Bilbau is also an option - however this takes 36 hours!!! and the ferries do not suit the rally timetable in the same way...but I guess its an option not to be excluded.
I have booked the return ferry from Santander to Plymouth for myself and Mossman and we will be joining the 3 P1's for the trip home.
3. Train from Paris to Narbonne - this is the route I am considering for my trip south - I have been speaking to Eurodestinations (http://www.eurodestinations.com) - 08707 442211 and the contact name is Stuart. Basically you put your car on a train at circa 21.30 in Paris and then hot step it to the passenger train that leaves at 21.55 and then you meet your car again in Narbonne at about 06.50 having arrived nice and refreshed at 06.15 - price for this trip is a little steeper....being £155.00 for the car and then £145 per person...however it will knock off a fair bit of mileage and means that I can get a decent way down through France and well into Spain on the Saturday (bearing in mind I will be travelling down the week before everyone else!!!) I am not sure what the return costs would be....as I am already heading back on the ferry.
For info Narbonne is approximately 120 miles from LDM, and as such
this would meaqn you could arrive in town by mid morning - or if you fancied you could go for a nice long drive via the hills or coast roads...(The most direct route is straight down the A9).
As I might have said.....and you'll see in previous emails our trip last year on the ferry was a nightmare....6 hour delay during the night due to force 9 gales...boat rocking and swaying at all and every angle...and a few of the party suffering with serious sea sickness....personally I found the Guiness was a great cure as well as necessary ballast!!! However at this time of year - October - I have been advised that the crossing should be better and as such that would be my preferred route.
If you are interested in this route I would suggest that you arrange to get your tickets (circa £480.00 return I think...which isn't to bad for the car each way + 2 passengers each way and including a cabin for the 2 of you??!! - i.e. own shower / loo / bed....). I would suggest that people run in groups of 2 or 3 cars (my view only...you can do what you want...) as its easier for refueling etc. I know the 3 P1's will be off on their own....again last year I think we made a mistake having 7-8 cars as we all had to refuel at different times...Anyway, if you fancy the Ferry I suggest you make everyone else aware and see who you can group up with...
We strongly (and I think I can safely say this includes Pete and
everyone else who has been on the trip before) recommend that there are 2 people in each car....both capable and able to drive!!! We have found it best to run for circa 200-250 miles....stop, refuel, cig and coffee and pee break....change drivers and then crack on for the next 200+ before doing the same again. To try and do the whole run as one driver unfortunately is too dangerous!!!.
With regard to the the hotel accommodation I can confirm that I have been discussing prices with The Hotel Samba - alas and quite fairly they have advised that they are not prepared to offer any discounted rates....however they are prepared to take booking via fax for the rally.
The price is 18.25 euros (circa £12.75) per person for bed and
breakfast (per night) with a 6.0 euro supplement (£4.20) for a single room. There is also a small charge for the secure underground parking....however I would advise this is available on a first come/booked basis and parking spaces are limited (circa 15 places).
The secure parking is helpful but not a requirement - we had no
problems last year (that I am aware of) by just parking on the street outside the hotel. To give you an idea the cost for the week should be circa £150.00 max!! for B&B for one person in a single room with car parking!! So for a cheaper deal top and tail!!!??
The contact for the hotel is Mr Petro and he is responsible for all the bookings and reception - the fax number is 00 34 972 37 27 97 (phone numbers 00 34 972 36 56 50 to 54). I recommend that you
request a fax back to confirm your booking....I start discussing the hotel details and prices 12/06/03 and finally got a response from the above 21/07/03.
http://www.hotelsamba.com for the hotel details.
We have found this hotel to be ideal for us....clean and tidy rooms (nothing flash but ideal for us), good local breakfasts being served in various cafes within minute walks....circa 10 mins walk to town to the various bars and clubs.....approx 1 hour to get home when crawling!!!
At the moment I think thats enough to be going on with...obviously
please email the group if you have any queries or feel free to give me a shout...07798 762285.
Once you have read and digested the above please can you email me
names of those people who are now definately coming, along with your full postal address, mobile number and email address and equally full details of your vehicle...i.e. Make and model - I obviosuly also need details of passengers and co-drivers as well. This is so that I can collate a list of all going with full contact details to release a little nearer the time - please respond directly to rumbottle@ntlworld.com
For those interested in seeing what we got upto last year you can
have a look at a few pics on http://www.tunnelmeister.fotopic.net or http://www.rumbottle.co.uk
I think I've typed enough for now and you are all probably ready for a pint and have decided that the Rally GB is probably a much better option....???!!! If not, get your details emailed to me....look to get the hotel booked asap and also the ferry or Eurotunnel...
All the best
Tom
[Edited by Rum* - 8/6/2003 8:47:53 AM]
My apologies for the delay in posting the following....I have been somewhat busy in the office and with Subaru and as such just haven't had the chance to put fingers to the keyboard.
Basically there are numerous ways of travelling down to Lloret de Mar...below I have detailed probably the most obvious ones (excluding fly/drive which is also an option)...
1. Driving the whole way down and back...favoured by most of the
South Eastern contingent and the more "advanced" drivers prepared to travel at speeds faster than a speeding thingie ;-) This route takes you through the Tunnel and then generally skirts Paris and heads south to Lloret de Mar (LDM). I believe that Pete Croney is heading this way again this year with a small group of high speed junkies ;-). My own personal opinion is that this route is great on the way down but a little tiring for us old blokes on the way home...However it is probably the cheapest option when all considered. If you are planning on heading down this way I would suggest that you look to get a small group together (i.e. more than one car) to make the journey and banter a little more enjoyable.
Link for Eurotunnel:
http://www3.eurotunnel.com/rcs/etun/...ay_1/index.jsp
2. Ferry from either Portsmouth to Bilbau (P&O Ferries -
http://www.poportsmouth.com/) or Plymouth to Santander (Brittany Ferries - http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/). There are already 3 P1's heading down via the Plymouth route - this is mainly because the times suite us and the rally best...i.e. the ferry leaves at midday on Sunday 19th Oct 2003 (arriving Santander 12.00 20/10/03) and then the return leaves in the evening at 19.00 on 27th October 2003 (arriving Plymouth 19.00 28/10/03). This gives anyone heading down this way a decent time to chill in LDM (i.e. Tuesday/Wednesday) before the rally and equally it means you can make the after rally party on the Sunday and then have a fairly leisurely drive back to Santander leaving in the morning prior to ferry departure. For info its circa 485 miles from Santander to LDM so presuming you don't get lost leaving the port (like all of us muppets last year!!) you should be able to get to the hotel for early evening.
Portsmouth - Bilbau is also an option - however this takes 36 hours!!! and the ferries do not suit the rally timetable in the same way...but I guess its an option not to be excluded.
I have booked the return ferry from Santander to Plymouth for myself and Mossman and we will be joining the 3 P1's for the trip home.
3. Train from Paris to Narbonne - this is the route I am considering for my trip south - I have been speaking to Eurodestinations (http://www.eurodestinations.com) - 08707 442211 and the contact name is Stuart. Basically you put your car on a train at circa 21.30 in Paris and then hot step it to the passenger train that leaves at 21.55 and then you meet your car again in Narbonne at about 06.50 having arrived nice and refreshed at 06.15 - price for this trip is a little steeper....being £155.00 for the car and then £145 per person...however it will knock off a fair bit of mileage and means that I can get a decent way down through France and well into Spain on the Saturday (bearing in mind I will be travelling down the week before everyone else!!!) I am not sure what the return costs would be....as I am already heading back on the ferry.
For info Narbonne is approximately 120 miles from LDM, and as such
this would meaqn you could arrive in town by mid morning - or if you fancied you could go for a nice long drive via the hills or coast roads...(The most direct route is straight down the A9).
As I might have said.....and you'll see in previous emails our trip last year on the ferry was a nightmare....6 hour delay during the night due to force 9 gales...boat rocking and swaying at all and every angle...and a few of the party suffering with serious sea sickness....personally I found the Guiness was a great cure as well as necessary ballast!!! However at this time of year - October - I have been advised that the crossing should be better and as such that would be my preferred route.
If you are interested in this route I would suggest that you arrange to get your tickets (circa £480.00 return I think...which isn't to bad for the car each way + 2 passengers each way and including a cabin for the 2 of you??!! - i.e. own shower / loo / bed....). I would suggest that people run in groups of 2 or 3 cars (my view only...you can do what you want...) as its easier for refueling etc. I know the 3 P1's will be off on their own....again last year I think we made a mistake having 7-8 cars as we all had to refuel at different times...Anyway, if you fancy the Ferry I suggest you make everyone else aware and see who you can group up with...
We strongly (and I think I can safely say this includes Pete and
everyone else who has been on the trip before) recommend that there are 2 people in each car....both capable and able to drive!!! We have found it best to run for circa 200-250 miles....stop, refuel, cig and coffee and pee break....change drivers and then crack on for the next 200+ before doing the same again. To try and do the whole run as one driver unfortunately is too dangerous!!!.
With regard to the the hotel accommodation I can confirm that I have been discussing prices with The Hotel Samba - alas and quite fairly they have advised that they are not prepared to offer any discounted rates....however they are prepared to take booking via fax for the rally.
The price is 18.25 euros (circa £12.75) per person for bed and
breakfast (per night) with a 6.0 euro supplement (£4.20) for a single room. There is also a small charge for the secure underground parking....however I would advise this is available on a first come/booked basis and parking spaces are limited (circa 15 places).
The secure parking is helpful but not a requirement - we had no
problems last year (that I am aware of) by just parking on the street outside the hotel. To give you an idea the cost for the week should be circa £150.00 max!! for B&B for one person in a single room with car parking!! So for a cheaper deal top and tail!!!??
The contact for the hotel is Mr Petro and he is responsible for all the bookings and reception - the fax number is 00 34 972 37 27 97 (phone numbers 00 34 972 36 56 50 to 54). I recommend that you
request a fax back to confirm your booking....I start discussing the hotel details and prices 12/06/03 and finally got a response from the above 21/07/03.
http://www.hotelsamba.com for the hotel details.
We have found this hotel to be ideal for us....clean and tidy rooms (nothing flash but ideal for us), good local breakfasts being served in various cafes within minute walks....circa 10 mins walk to town to the various bars and clubs.....approx 1 hour to get home when crawling!!!
At the moment I think thats enough to be going on with...obviously
please email the group if you have any queries or feel free to give me a shout...07798 762285.
Once you have read and digested the above please can you email me
names of those people who are now definately coming, along with your full postal address, mobile number and email address and equally full details of your vehicle...i.e. Make and model - I obviosuly also need details of passengers and co-drivers as well. This is so that I can collate a list of all going with full contact details to release a little nearer the time - please respond directly to rumbottle@ntlworld.com
For those interested in seeing what we got upto last year you can
have a look at a few pics on http://www.tunnelmeister.fotopic.net or http://www.rumbottle.co.uk
I think I've typed enough for now and you are all probably ready for a pint and have decided that the Rally GB is probably a much better option....???!!! If not, get your details emailed to me....look to get the hotel booked asap and also the ferry or Eurotunnel...
All the best
Tom
[Edited by Rum* - 8/6/2003 8:47:53 AM]
06 August 2003, 09:00 AM
#129
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Nice one Tom 
I'm booked on the Plymouth/Santander route with two other cars. If anyone else fancies this, getting a small (ideally 3 car) group together is best as Tom says.
The Spanish toll roads are of good quality and good times can be made. The 24 hour crossing also gives plenty of time for studying maps/routes and planning stops etc. Oh, and the opportunity for taking on 'ballast'.
Looking forward to it,
Steve.
I'm booked on the Plymouth/Santander route with two other cars. If anyone else fancies this, getting a small (ideally 3 car) group together is best as Tom says.
The Spanish toll roads are of good quality and good times can be made. The 24 hour crossing also gives plenty of time for studying maps/routes and planning stops etc. Oh, and the opportunity for taking on 'ballast'.
Looking forward to it,
Steve.
06 August 2003, 07:36 PM
#130
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Hi
Booked the ferry last night plymouth/santander go on the 19th sail at 12;00 back 27th sail at 19;00 i think!! looking foward to meeting some new Rallynobbers on the trip i hope you all have a good time as we did last year
Thanks for all the hard work and time you have put into making this a trip to remember Tom,Steve,Barry
Thanks
Neil & Clem
PS "****" Toms International Tour services
beer on key board not work well
[Edited by neil@wrx - 8/6/2003 7:41:10 PM]
[Edited by neil@wrx - 8/6/2003 8:08:28 PM]
Booked the ferry last night plymouth/santander go on the 19th sail at 12;00 back 27th sail at 19;00 i think!! looking foward to meeting some new Rallynobbers on the trip i hope you all have a good time as we did last year
Thanks for all the hard work and time you have put into making this a trip to remember Tom,Steve,Barry
Thanks
Neil & Clem
PS "****" Toms International Tour services
beer on key board not work well
[Edited by neil@wrx - 8/6/2003 7:41:10 PM]
[Edited by neil@wrx - 8/6/2003 8:08:28 PM]
06 August 2003, 07:49 PM
#131
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Neil.....**** has expanded during the year to stand for Toms Internationl Technical Support...luckily I've been assisted by Steve Hall in the office with much of my planning....however for obvious reasons I can't post his trading name ...all I can say is Steve Halls IT Services!!! *LMAO*
...all I can say is Steve Halls IT Services!!! *LMAO*
06 August 2003, 07:51 PM
#132
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Err, not too sure about the Inter-Natal bit Neil!
But, its getting down to picking a route, booking the neccessary and seeing who wants to meet up where along the way.
Any news from the Scottish contingent, John?
Steve.
But, its getting down to picking a route, booking the neccessary and seeing who wants to meet up where along the way.
Any news from the Scottish contingent, John?
Steve.
06 August 2003, 07:56 PM
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Steve,
Good point.....forgot about posting routes for the Scottish lads'n'lasses.....sorry guys....tho I am confident that John and al are well prepared
Shall no dout here from them in a little while#
Rum
Good point.....forgot about posting routes for the Scottish lads'n'lasses.....sorry guys....tho I am confident that John and al are well prepared
Shall no dout here from them in a little while#
Rum
06 August 2003, 08:41 PM
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Oi Mossman....you got last years video sorted yet???
I wonder if we'll be able to view in on the large screen in the hotel bar one night......some great adio and video footage of quality be*ver with Mossman blaming me for videoing!!! I mean to say would I do something like that ;-)
I wonder if we'll be able to view in on the large screen in the hotel bar one night......some great adio and video footage of quality be*ver with Mossman blaming me for videoing!!! I mean to say would I do something like that ;-)
07 August 2003, 09:57 AM
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Hi Guys
I'm seriously interested in this idea. Like many I reckon I will be giving Wales a swerve this year. Last year was just a farce...
Anyways. I have signed up to the group so lets see how it pans out...
Cheers
07 August 2003, 10:08 AM
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And If poss I'll be driving the whole Hog with the South East bunch if poss...... I'm only 15 minutes from the M20 and 30 from the tunnel so I'll join up on route....
Just out of interest (Forgive me asking) is anyone planning on bringing any Kids....My boy is 10 and a Rally Nut also... I don't reckon I'll get away without him....
07 August 2003, 12:49 PM
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Listy,
Not sure who is taking kids if any...however I see no reason why not...
I have signed you up for the egroup so you should be able to look through the website and see what sort of things you need to consider...
One thing for definate is a co-driver (and not your son)...especially if you're running down through France over/during night.
Anyway...for any queries etc please can you post via the egroup as you're more likely to get a quick response from that
All the best
Tom
Not sure who is taking kids if any...however I see no reason why not...
I have signed you up for the egroup so you should be able to look through the website and see what sort of things you need to consider...
One thing for definate is a co-driver (and not your son
)...especially if you're running down through France over/during night. Anyway...for any queries etc please can you post via the egroup as you're more likely to get a quick response from that
All the best
Tom
07 August 2003, 06:03 PM
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Hi ya'll,
Just a reminder, anyone thinking of tagging along make sure to subscribe to the Catalunya Group, details in this thread, as that is where the details will be circulated!
If you just watch here you will miss out.
Steve.
ps. Mr Mossman Sir, seeing as how you are taking the softies way out, can I borrow your maps for the proper chap's route?
S.
Just a reminder, anyone thinking of tagging along make sure to subscribe to the Catalunya Group, details in this thread, as that is where the details will be circulated!
If you just watch here you will miss out.
Steve.
ps. Mr Mossman Sir, seeing as how you are taking the softies way out, can I borrow your maps for the proper chap's route?
S.
07 August 2003, 06:34 PM
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Mossman not a sleep that's a first
steve i have got A3 size map of santander port this time we will not need the firemen to show us the way " but it was good fun"
Neil
12 August 2003, 10:53 PM
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Neil have a great trip.....see you for the sticker job
Tom
P.S. My car went yesterday....driving around in an Astra at the mo....ummmmm.....great fun huh ..he he
Tom
P.S. My car went yesterday....driving around in an Astra at the mo....ummmmm.....great fun huh ..he he
01 September 2003, 03:55 PM
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Tom,
Just been catching up with the pages of posts. I have subscribed to the Yahoo thread.
I'll drop you a note with the details of my group - I'm driving down with my parents and will be there two weeks, and will be picking up some friends from the airport for the Rally itself.
Are there plans for a visit to the Circus Tent again this year?
Cheers,
Nick
Just been catching up with the pages of posts. I have subscribed to the Yahoo thread.
I'll drop you a note with the details of my group - I'm driving down with my parents and will be there two weeks, and will be picking up some friends from the airport for the Rally itself.
Are there plans for a visit to the Circus Tent again this year?
Cheers,
Nick
01 September 2003, 09:50 PM
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My mans disappeared 
Last I heard of him he was in Finland.
Still trying to see if I'm booked with him - but I have to go via his ex wife or his ex mistress and/or current mistress to contact him
Just not looking to rosey
Last I heard of him he was in Finland.Still trying to see if I'm booked with him - but I have to go via his ex wife or his ex mistress and/or current mistress to contact him
Just not looking to rosey