BXAGON CHALLENGE

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Philip Chidlow
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

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Better news than of late.
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

Good news for any teams out there... I have all the BXagon Challenge stickers now, so you can get your BX adorned with them. I will be issuing them to signed up teams only, initially - starting at the National Rally in July. Spares will be sold off for charity closer to the event.
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Way2go
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Post by Way2go »

Philip Chidlow wrote:I will be issuing them to signed up teams only, initially
It surely must be time now to list the actual signed/committed teams, their members and the BX they will be using as a running update as the event is pretty near. :D
Are you allocating team/car numbers? Presumably these will be allocated in the order in which people joined in with later entrants being further down the list?
C'mon Phil, lets see the table of entrants you can always add in the late entries as they occur. :D
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Philip Chidlow
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

Ideally I would now, yes, but seeing as I can't actually get in touch with many of them it seems premature until I get confirmation from them. :roll:

But here we go:
The Whole Event:
1: JonKW and CitroJim
2: The Philibusters (me and Kermit)
3: Mat Fenwick
4: Andy Jones (Arctic)
5: Mike E
6: Stuart Hedges NOW WITHDRAWN
7: Cit 7
8: Charlotte
9: Alastair Carter
10: Poss from CCW?
Some Stages:
11: John Rolfe
12: Mike Copleston (St Gilles)
13: Jaba

I have had fairly serious interest from three other potential participants/teams (non-forum members) - tbc

And I hope to get at least another two or three teams as a result of our presence at the National / in the Citroenian.

There are some missing from the list who in a perfect world, really should be on there IMO (although they have given reasonable excuses as to why they can't) - such as Tim, Kitch, Doc, David R, and other erstwhile members...

As you can see, not a bad showing but not brilliant either, so if anyone reading this does fancy doing it and can work out a way of doing it, then... DO IT!
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Philip Chidlow
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

Stuart's had to pull out unfortunately.

So here's an open letter that will provoke comment I'm sure. But something needs to be done.

I have been in discussion with a number of BXagon participants and would like to put something past you. See what reactions it provokes. There will be those that say 'told you so'. Well it is NOT an admission of failure or an act of desperation.

I have been approached by several people who have said how much they'd like to do the event but do not have - or indeed particularly need - a BX. That, combined with the harsh reality that as of today (which has seen a firmly 'booked' team withdraw) we have 5 paid up teams, 2 more firm promises, 2 probables and 3 who will be doing part of the course. Assuming I can persuade 2+ more BX teams to take part from the ranks of the CCC, that still means this whole event could only muster 10 teams doing the whole shebang. 8 is the point at which the target for the amount raised would need to be reviewed down. Which is NOT what I want to do.

I propose the following. We create a category of participant: The BXagon Supporter (for want of a better word - they will, in fact just carry the badges 'In Support of - The 2009 BXagon Challenge. For Cancer Research UK'. The 'livery' won't be as extensive as on the participating BX's, but of course sponsor's logos can be applied as appropriate.

This, we believe will not dilute or diminish the 'BX' aspect. It is hoped any (and there may end up being none, who knows?) non-BX owning participants will further bolster the team-count and funds raised for the Charity.

These non-BXers (whose only criteria for entering will be that they are a) members of the CCC or the BX Club, and b) own a Citroen contemporary of the BX (1982-1994) - a late 2cv, Dyane, LNA, GSA, Visa or CX, C15 van, Mahari (?!), ph. 1 XM, v. early Xantia), will act as a cardre, or pioneers, for a full-blown CCC Hexagon Challenge in a couple of year's time when any classic Citroen will be invited.

If we get 2 more teams raising another £600 for Cancer Research UK then it will have been worth it - and it gives vastly more scope of interest for members of the CCC and Citroen fans generally. We might be in a better situation to raise sponsorship too from the likes of Chevronics, Plieidies (sp?) and other specialists not to mention dealerships.

It gives us potentially a massive boost when it comes to recruiting teams - especially at the National in July. I have enough time to skew the publicity accordingly - adding a new page link to the BXagon website, generate a welcome pack for all comers etc.

I understand the BX Club purists in particular getting worried and dismayed at this proposal. I will ensure that the emphasis is ALWAYS on the Event and the BX. But the other invited models will be regarded in the context of the BX. I'm less worried about THAT putting off a Dyane owner somewhere TBH. If someone wants to do it. They will.

What is your reaction?
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Mike E (uk)
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Post by Mike E (uk) »

I have no problem with that, the more the merrier.

So long as the other Citreons are contemporary or pre-date the BX.

My car will probably be the youngest anyway.

Mike
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

Mike, what you say is what other feedback is telling me. The CCC are OK with it. I think it will massively broaden the appeal at the National.

No final decision has been made. I'll sleep on it so to speak. But it has pluses that outweigh the negatives I think.

And I know an AX owner who really wants to do it - so hopefully we'll get at least one more team participating :lol:
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Post by Mike E (uk) »

2500 miles in an AX :shock:

He will be so jealous of us wafting along on balls on nitrogen.

Mike
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

He'd certainly earn his stripes! :D

But seeing as it'll also be open to late GSA's and CX's, Mk. 1 XM's and early Xantia's we will be in good company. Imagine though: 2,500 miles in a Dyane or a Visa :lol:

Could add an extra dimension to the event!
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Post by mat_fenwick »

Philip Chidlow wrote:Xantia's
WHAT!!?? Surely not... :wink: :lol:
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Philip Chidlow
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

Well, if we're going to be consistent, any Xantia registered while the BX was still in the showroom is eligible. That is, pre-June 1994. There won't be a flood of those. :D
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

Supporting the BXagon Challenge

From its inception the BXagon Challenge has been an event for the Citroen BX and it's owners. The purpose of it is to raise as much as possible for Cancer Research UK (CRUK), whilst providing something rewarding and fun for the members of the BX Club.

But, over the past few months it has become clear that there is interest from other quarters - that is, from non-BX owners. The Citroen Car Club has joined the enterprise, offering much-welcome support, publicity and credibility.

I believe the number of teams to originate from the BX Club has reached a maximum barring unexpected last-minute commitment. After all I have been banging on about the event for so long now that surely every forum-attending BX owner has made their mind up about whether they are participating or not by now. That leaves us with 6-9 BX Club-originating teams.

Personally, I can't pretend to not be a little disappointed, but fully understand the circumstances now are totally different to those prevalent last September. But in the spirit of adapting to survive we want to look to other ways of raising the number of participants.

First, there are BX owners who are members of the Citroen Car Club, and thanks to the club's support and coverage in the Citroenian magazine, as well as a determined showing at the CCC National in July, we would hope to get a participant or two from their ranks. But nothing, as we know, is certain.

Secondly, we can push the recruitment of 'Collectors' - those who would be prepared to get names on sheets, pledging support (in the form of a one-off donation or fraction of pence per mile upon completion of the event), without actually taking their BX to France (if indeed they have one!). This could prove to be a major part of fund-raising.

Then, thirdly, we can think laterally about appealing to a broader range of potential participants. Which brings us to:

A new category of BXagon Challenge participant: The BXagon Challenge Supporter Category.

With their vehicle carrying a special 'In Support of - The 2009 BXagon Challenge: For Cancer Research UK' sticker, the 'livery' won't be as extensive as on the participating BX's, although there will be web address and small plaque stickers. Of course, CRUK and sponsor's logos can be applied as appropriate.

This is NOT intended to dilute or diminish the core 'BX' aspect. It is all in support of the BX and CRUK. Nothing has changed.

It is intended non-BX owning participants will further bolster the team-count and funds raised for the Charity.

BXagon Supporter entry criteria:
All criteria (bar vehicle stipulations) that apply to BX entrants apply to all other participants. It is necessary that entrants are members of either the BX Club, BX Project, BX 16v Club (or any other BX-focussed group) or the Citroen Car Club.

So, what cars can take place?

Well, in the same way that the BX formed part of a range in the Citroen showrooms 1982-1994, any contemporary Citroen car is eligible:

Registered October 1982 to June 1994:
2cv, Dyane, Méhari, Visa, Axel, LNA, GSA/GSA break, CX/CXFamiliale et al., AX, XM/XM break, ZX/ZX break Xantia (incidentally launched March 1993).

Exclusions: Commercial vehicles and Motorhomes from that period.

It gives us potentially a massive boost when it comes to recruiting teams - especially at the National in July. We have enough time to skew the publicity accordingly - adding a new page link to the BXagon website, generate a welcome pack for all comers etc. And importantly it gives any new recruits three months to prepare - if the will is there, it is sufficient. And even BX Club members who maybe be unhappy with using their BX can consider another chance to take part.

I understand the BX Club purists in particular getting worried and dismayed at this proposal. I will ensure that the emphasis is ALWAYS on the Event and the BX. But the other invited models will be regarded in the context of the BX.

Although I have not yet received unequivocal acknowledgement from the CCC the feedback I have received is, without exception in support of this expansion of the Event. And seeing is this is in memory of Alan Smith, I can't think he'd disapprove: After all, he enthusiastically embraced more than the Citroen BX. I just wish he was able to witness the event in reality.

I would be happy to enter into discussions about the details of this plan. Just e-mail/PM or phone.

If there are any Citroen owners out there interested in taking part in this potentially amazing event - please get in touch asap and I'll send all the info I can to help you make up your mind.

Thanks.

Phil

PS No 'told-you-so's please. This is a positive and justifiable expansion of the BXagon. Of course, if there were 15+ BX Club teams taking part it would be unecessary but, even then, I think might still be a good idea!
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

Update: (Note no. 10)

The Whole Event:
1: JonKW and CitroJim good to go but TBC
2: The Philibusters (me and Kermit)
3: Mat Fenwick
4: Andy Jones (Arctic)
5: Mike E
6: Cit 7 (Hopefully, so TBC)
7: Charlotte (gotta do it) TBC
8: Alastair Carter (? TBC)
9: Poss from CCW (c'mon chaps)?
10: Worthing Motors Citroen

Some Stages:
11: John Rolfe
12: Mike Copleston (St Gilles)
13: Jaba

Note there are some others but they are not sure yet - not quite at the TBC stage!

AND, watch this space for a 'late-comers' BXClub special offer...
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

Sadly Jon and Jim can't do the full event, but we may have found a replacement team...

An update on teams to follow post-CCC National.

BUT For those who would love to be able to participate in the BXagon Challenge but, like Jon and Jim can't take the time out or others that would struggle to afford the whole exercise can join in for the last segment - and all we ask is that they raise at least £100 in sponsorship for the charity. (And don't forget to bring a tent!).

Introducing: The BXagon Challenge Chasers mini-event:

Open to any vehicle eligible for the full Challenge (and even then we won't be too strict! ;).

Suggested itinerary: On Monday 26th October, take the 20:30 overnight ferry to St. Malo (£142 for car + two people with reclining chairs - a cabin costs about £26 more) from Portsmouth (Brittany Ferries). Leave the ferry at around 08:30 on the morning of the 27th, and take a day exploring the area west of Rennes (the BX's homeland), maybe making Vannes by mid-afternoon.
There, after communicating with the BXagon 'convoy' arrange to meet up there or drive to rendezvous with the BXagoneers at Mike Copleston's (Mike St.Gilles) place a few kms south of St. Brieuc; St.Gilles Vieux Marche (directions and precise location will be supplied) - the scheduled BXagon stop. There will be a grand BBQ and camping for all (although we will supply details of a nearby Hotel or two).
Then, on the morning of the 28th drive with the rest of the teams from there to Dieppe via Normandy (lunch in Arromanches?) for an overnight at a cheap (€38 per room) Etap hotel. The morning of Thursday 29th, there will be a leisurely drive to Le Touquet Paris-Plage for a photo-session before arriving at the finish 'line' (ie Ibis car park) in Calais on the 29th. Leave for Blighty that evening or remain for a celebration meal and stay at the Ibis (€49+)... returning to the UK on Friday 30th... (Calais to Dover/Folkestone - from £32).

So, for a chance to be part of the BXagon, raise a bit for charity, spend a memorable few days in France and give your Citroen a good work out, this really has to be worth considering. And it could all be done for £200-£250 per person (based on two sharing)...

So go on, help us make the BXagon a success - and pave the way for subsequent adventures!
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Post by Philip Chidlow »

mat_fenwick wrote:
Philip Chidlow wrote:Xantia's
WHAT!!?? Surely not... :wink: :lol:
Well, a team could enter with this 1993 example :D

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0377341065
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