The QMG Citroën Classic Challenge 2012

citsncycles · Post by **citsncycles** » Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:40 pm

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:29 pm

100 days to go... and I still only have a fiver in the pot

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 3:47 pm

Can I ask all interested parties that, if they haven't already, you please sort out your entry if you are able to confirm (as much as reasonable) your intention to take part in the Challenge in May. I need to get all fees and registrations in asap as I need to be able to order and print the sticker sets.

With this in mind, I will only order a few more than the number of paid-up entrants, although the £20 fee will still apply to late comers to be fair to the others. I will make a proportional contribution to Cancer Research UK on late-in fees.

So, here's the deal, chaps...

If you want to participate and want to sticker up your car for the event, I must have had your fee and entry form by Friday 17th February. If you enter after that date, it'll still cost £20 but a sticker set cannot be guaranteed although I will provide at least one plaque-style sticker for your car..

Should an entrant have to pull out, after paying the fee, a sticker set will still be produced for them - possibly to sell on to late-comers, but that's down to individuals to sort.

At the moment I have received payments from 9 teams/individuals plus my own team and one entrant who, although now unable to participate, was quite happy to decline a refund (and this will go towards producing a few spare plaques).

I have a list here of 14 who have said they're taking part, but as yet have not entered officially. I ask those who can, to please get registered and to pay the fee.

Also, those taking part in only a part of the route, but who still want a sticker set or not, the fee's still £20. I have made this decision to be fair to all.

100 days to go!

Thanks,

best wishes to all

Philip Chidlow
challenge2012@btopenworld.com

Dollywobbler · Post by **Dollywobbler** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 3:54 pm

We're still trying to work out if we can afford it, from a cost point of view and not being at home for a fortnight (garden needs looking after!).

I really want to do it, because the route looks ace. It's very similar to the route we did in the 2CV in summer 2010 when we drove across France, then you get to drive up the east side, which is very beautiful.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 4:25 pm

Yes cost is a REAL issue for me too.

The issue is a large contributory factor in the decision Kermit has made, to skip this event and do something in 2013. I think we'll try to arrange a Challenge in the UK for then.

I have a probable replacement team mate in the shape of my friend of many years Owen. He lives in Belgium and, rather unlike me, has some money so will pay his way - and a bit of mine. What's more I have approached the local Citroen dealership so may be getting some support from them, as well as from Helix (who are no longer a Citroen dealership but they specialise in the marque).

I have looked again at the costings and for two, in an economical car, camping each night and eating frugally, using the cheapest available crossing and not taking a room at the end-of-event Hotel venue (but camping nearby), you're talking £740-780 for the whole thing (which is essentially a 8-10 day holiday) including a small contingency for the unexpected; be it speeding fine or a replacement part...

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Mon Jan 30, 2012 5:13 pm

A few more pics showing what the route through the French and Swiss alps can offer. The Lac is only a short way from the suggested route and if the weather's good might be worth a detour...

Approaching Chamonix, a nice little Col:

Into the Swiss countryside...

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Tue Jan 31, 2012 6:59 pm

Discovered the joys of a fast computer and Google maps' 3D route animation feature. Take a look at an interesting part of the route like the example pictured, and check it out. Might put passengers off - as well as remind you to make sure your tyres are very good!

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Thu Feb 09, 2012 6:24 pm

Hi

NB: This does not apply to those who have paid the fee (so it's FYI only).

As per an earlier e-mail: If you want to participate and want to sticker up your car for the event, I must have had your fee and entry form (or e-mail equivalent) by Friday 17th February. If you enter after that date, it'll still cost £20 but a sticker set cannot be guaranteed although I will try to provide at least one plaque-style sticker for your car..

Should an entrant have to pull out, after paying the fee, a sticker set will still be produced for them - possibly to sell on to late-comers, but that's down to individuals to sort.

Cheers
Philip Chidlow
challenge2012@btopenworld.com

scooters · Post by **scooters** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 2:25 pm

scooters wrote:hmmm..tempting to join the fun with the meteor -

negociations for a pass will be initiated forthwith -

bugger - can't make it - I got a pass but my health has let me down CURSES!!!! A PASS AS WELL!!!!

maybe she'll take pity on me and let me buy another car!

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Thu Feb 16, 2012 2:53 pm

Sorry to hear it. But your health takes priority over any automotive jolity! I hope it works out OK for you.

Thanks for letting me know.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Wed Feb 29, 2012 2:14 pm

Well, it's 70 days to go, and we have gathered quite a few enthusiastic participants. Sadly some who would love to, can't make it so if you can make it and have been thinking about it.... why not take the plunge.

Deadline for sticker pack qualification is extended during the sponsorship negotiations (more on that later) so it's not too late!

Please PM me with your concerns if you are still unsure. Is it the cost? Is it the accommodation? Is it the worry about support in case of breakdown? I am confident that just about all the issues can be addressed.

There will be plenty of post-event activity (and souvenirs) and the Challenge will be celebrated at the ICCCR too. So if you and your Citroën can... just do it

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 10:52 am

It'd be great if a bunch of Challenge entrants could meet up at the X Rally in April

I'll be there.

mds141 · Post by **mds141** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 6:10 pm

Me too.

citsncycles · Post by **citsncycles** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 7:38 pm

That's the plan at the moment - then you can see how mad I really am!

mds141 · Post by **mds141** » Thu Mar 01, 2012 11:36 pm

Hotel and eurotunnel booked. Bring it on.