BXAGON CHALLENGE

Daisy · Post by **Daisy** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 12:01 am

Hi Phil
Is there a closing date for entries?
13 months is a long time in the life of my BX (Daisy).

We would love to be able to do this.
Anne Marie

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 12:26 am

I did consider a closing date. Realistically I would say 17th August 2009, but there has to be some indication of intent before too long, as I need to organise a few things. But less selfishly

, if anyone leaves it too long they'll miss out on cheap crossings and securing hotel rooms and the like, not to mention the support of members and any 'workshops' we may hold to prepare the cars... It also helps with securing sponsorship if we have a reasonable idea of how many teams might participate.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 9:17 am

Some FAQs

What if I'm not sure who will be in my team yet?

Enroll anyway, leaving the team details blank for now and add the details later when more is known. At least we get an idea of 'serious' potential participants.

What if I don't know which BX our team will field?

Answer as above.

What if I want the team to field more than one BX?

Make a note on the Entry Form.

What happens if I have to pull out? Do I get my Entry Fee back?

All but the first £20.

Regards

Phil

CitroXim · Post by **CitroXim** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:06 pm

jonkw wrote: So anyone that might want to join "Team Database" for the trip......let us know.

I like that name

CitroXim · Post by **CitroXim** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 5:21 pm

Philip Chidlow wrote: I will now put out a request for a COMMUINICATIONS ADVISOR. Someone with the knowledge to really help complete CB novices become users if that's what they want.

Phil, are you still looking for someone to fill this post? If you are, I'm content to take it on.

I'm a licenced amatuer (although not active now) and have in the past done this sort of thing in a professional capacity...

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 9:13 pm

PM sent. There will be an update posted soon.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:31 pm

Mike E and Citrojim are now BXagon's Communications advisors. Great stuff. thanks for the support.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 7:25 pm

A quick note: I will add your e-mail address to the list of recipients for any updates should you supply it to me. If you want your e-mail address kept secret from other BXagoneers LET ME KNOW.

Cheers

Phil

Jaba · Post by **Jaba** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:43 pm

Looking into the communication on the move issue :

I have both a UK and a French sim card. French sim cards cost 15 - 30EUR. Cost of calls is .35 - .50c. Then you have the issue of buying scratch cards to top-up at 5,10 or15EUR. Doesn't seem viable to me. UK mobiles don't cost much more to use in France AND they don't run out of credit when you need them most. Better to enable roaming and use a UK phone.

The cost of texting in Europe is about to be regulator enforced downwards to around 19p. And anyway it might be worth signing up to a group texting service like Zygo so that the group can stay in SMS contact with each other at a relatively modest cost.

Just a few thoughts for the comms guys to have a look at.

Jaba · Post by **Jaba** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 10:53 pm

It s probably been aired earlier but is breakdown insurance considered to be worthwhile for this trip ?

I have just signed up to the firstcall annual European policy for £76.
They don't have a vehicle age limit - which means its ideal for BXs - you just have to demonstrate routine servicing to the manufacturers spec.

There will be breakdowns. Anything can happen and it probably will !

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 11:11 pm

Each team is responsible for its own comms and insurance etc. All we can do is advise. My personal views are that mobile phones will suffice for most situations. However, CB will suit some. We don't need every BX to thus equipped for it to be useful.

As for breakdown cover, your tip is a good one

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 8:19 pm

Hi everyone.

http://www.justgiving.com/bxagon

This is the page through which sponsors can donate money to the charity.

There will be a link to this from the www.bxagon.com and www.alansmithmemorial.org websites (WHICH AREN'T UP AND RUNNING JUST YET - but soon hopefully!)

Watch this space.

Phil

Jaba · Post by **Jaba** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 10:59 pm

Another idea of a practical nature for discussion.

What about having some sort of disaster fund to help out any participant who might become suddenly faced with large expenses en route not of his own making.

It might be reassuring for some people to know there is a pot of a few hundred pounds for emergencies. Funding could be by a levy, voluntary contribution or surcharge. It would of course be available to refund if not spent and non contributors should not benefit from it.

Anyway it might appeal to some. While French garagistes charge less than ours the costs soon mount up.

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 11:19 pm

Interesting point, but a bit of a non-starter, Jaba (sorry). While contemplating this event I did consider something along these lines, but really it gets me/us as organisers into a whole world of potential problems. Speaking as manager of the BXagon I don't believe 'it' (as in the group of organisers) should become anything more than a 'facilitator': It's down to the individual Teams to arrange sufficient cover. AA 5 star cover or equivalent will cover the car up to and including repatriation to the UK (OK, it's as much as £99 for the two weeks but what price relative peace of mind?)...

I honestly believe we should not get involved in holding money - beyond the small entry fee (which covers some set-up and unavoidable promotional costs - that might or might not be refunded depending upon whether a BX falls to bits en route because it hits a horse, or whatever.