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Post by Tony Williams on Aug 23, 2006 19:17:48 GMT
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Post by herbie on Aug 23, 2006 19:38:33 GMT
They are huge, but of gorgeous quality ! Thanks for sharing Tony
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Post by Tony Williams on Aug 23, 2006 19:45:17 GMT
They were taken by Edd's SLR camera, I will add my pictures and reduce the size of the ones already there but keep the originals as soon as I can.
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Ralph
Been there, done that!
Posts: 376
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Post by Ralph on Aug 26, 2006 11:35:18 GMT
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Post by Adrian Clifford on Aug 26, 2006 18:13:46 GMT
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Post by spike on Aug 27, 2006 9:46:53 GMT
Having read through this thread (and enjoyed the piccies thank you) Ive had an idea re convoys....... Its just an idea thats all and wondered what you all thought about it. I thought how about having several convoys not,I repeat NOT with regards driving ability,but in how they want to convoy. As in say an insane-o convoy for those that want to go flat out. A fast convoy for those that want a quick drive. A leisurely convoy for those that want to take in the sights along the way.
As Im thinking,the first time I go on the run,Id want to take my time and take in the sights,but the next time......Ive all ready seen it done it so would want to join the insano-o's convoy and get to the hotel asap for a kip.
I just thought this way,everyone can decide how they want to convoy. The convoys could be divided further into small groups of four say,if there was a lot in one particular convoy,as its easier to keep four cars together,whereas keeping 20 cars together is impossible I would think. Its just an idea Ive had,so what does anyone think?Cunning plan or the rantings of a madman?
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PinkJay
Running out of stars!
The PINKSIDE - 'stronger it is' - but you can't beat Black Leather - LOL.
Posts: 1,685
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Post by PinkJay on Aug 27, 2006 9:52:56 GMT
You've got my vote!!!!
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Post by Nigel H on Aug 27, 2006 14:41:37 GMT
That's a good idea, Spike. I have yet to convoy (other than following James to Pencelli!), but sooner or later I hope to join a convoy. Certainly on the first occasion I would prefer to make serene and stately progress rather than have to concentrate wholly on hanging onto the car in front - that can come later!
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Post by Steve White on Aug 27, 2006 15:40:42 GMT
Spike/Nigal, as you didn’t attend the trip you may not have been party to all the pre-event organisation that went into it and to all the info that was circulated to everyone attending prior to the trip, so I will explain some of it.
For the journey on the first day we split into 4 pre-arranged groups of 6-7 cars. The split took place on the dockside at Dunkirk just after we got of the ferry. The groups were based upon experience of driving on the continent, i.e. an experienced driver was assigned as leader and then the rest of the group was made up of a mix of experienced and inexperienced. Had we split it into slow and fast then we would probably ended up with a 'slow' group made up entirely of inexperienced drivers which IMO would not have been a good thing. The intention was to keep these groups throughout the weekend, with the lead and tail end Charlie positions being taken up by 'locals' when we met up with them half way through the first day.
Unfortunately on the last day for the journey to the Kempenrit, we were short of several leaders (1 was ill, 1 didn’t turn up etc etc) so the decision was made to travel in 1 group with experienced drivers and locals at regular positions down the convoy in case it got split up. IMO this worked perfectly, and everyone made it there. Those that got split mealy had to pull over or slow and wait for a local or experienced driver from behind them to overtake and take over the lead.
The problem with the journey back to the ferry was that we decided to stay for the meal after the event. By the time we had finished this we had 3 hours to drive the 175miles to the ferry, which was pushing it. Had we split into slow and fast groups, there would have been a group of 20+ and a group of 2-3 if that. If people were concerned they would need to brake the speed limit to get there then there was absolutely nothing to stop them forgoing the meal and leaving earlier to allow themselves more time. But we were very lucky as the ferry was delayed departing so even though some of us didn't check in till after 9 (the planned departure time) they were still allowed onto the ferry. Had it left dead on time like the ferry on the way over on Saturday then we would have been bumped onto the next one 2 hour later.
I should also stress that no one was forced to join in with the convoys. Everyone was free to do their own thing if they so wished, or if they were not happy how things were being done. I also want to add that when I drive on the continent I make sure I have all the necessary maps, tel nos etc as if I was doing the trip alone. I also make sure I find out the intended route before I go anywhere in convoy. This is because its inevitable you will get split up at some point so its in your own interest to ensure you can go it alone if need be.
I also have to say that if you are not happy with the way something is being done, speak up about it at the time so things can be changed. There is no point just winging about it after the event when nothing can be done.
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Post by Nigel H on Aug 27, 2006 17:20:19 GMT
I fear there may be some misunderstanding here. I, and probably Spike also, am most certainly not whinging. I fully appreciate the massive effort that went into the Kempenrit event, even though I was unable to be there - I have more than a little experience of organising major events. Spike's suggestion made sense to me, and the organisation of drivers at the Kempenrit seems to me to be excellent. I did not interpret Spike's suggestion as being specific to any event in particular, just a general idea. I am very happy! I hope that clears up any misunderstanding that might have existed. I'm sure that when (eventually) I get into a convoy, I'll have a really good time.
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Post by Steve White on Aug 27, 2006 18:51:35 GMT
Nigel, my comment about winging was not aimed at you or Spike but at those who attended the trip and who felt unhappy with the organisation but said nothing at the time, when something could have been done about it, and instead waited till they got home before expressing their displeasure. This years Kempenrit was always going to be a bit trial an error due to the large number attending from the UK, which has not happened before. Its very rare that a convoy that big would take part at a UK event, so doing it on the continent made it that much more difficult. But we learnt a few lessons this year and hopefully those who did not like the arrangements will come forward and volunteer their time and input into the organisation of next years trip.
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PinkJay
Running out of stars!
The PINKSIDE - 'stronger it is' - but you can't beat Black Leather - LOL.
Posts: 1,685
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Post by PinkJay on Aug 27, 2006 19:06:58 GMT
Nigel, my comment about winging was not aimed at you or Spike but at those who attended the trip and who felt unhappy with the organisation but said nothing at the time, when something could have been done about it, and instead waited till they got home before expressing their displeasure. Not saying that this is aimed at me!!!! but, if it is, I had a damn good moan on the ferry and not on the forum 'once i got home'. And if I do have a complaint I will always air it in person rather than 'taking shelter' behind a keyboard!!!
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Post by spike on Aug 27, 2006 19:47:35 GMT
Just incase there is anyone reading my earlier post,to avoid any possible confusion.......my post was just an idea thats all,as Nige said,an idea put forward about convoys in general for ANY event. It was an idea I had as I was reading on here thats all,and no way was it meant to be derogratory to the organisers in anyway,shape or form as I can imagine and apreciate just how much hard work goes into these events . Thats a "just incase speech". Steve....thanks for all the details re organising the convoys I must say it sounded as well planned as D day!! ......really! It all sounded brilliantly planned to me. Cant fault the organising at all. But Im curious,as to your opinion that the idea to further group them into fast,fast cruise,cruise and "tourists" (me) could be worked into it too? Would it just be impossible,or would it possible do you think?Or is it just too impractical an idea?
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PinkJay
Running out of stars!
The PINKSIDE - 'stronger it is' - but you can't beat Black Leather - LOL.
Posts: 1,685
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Post by PinkJay on Aug 27, 2006 19:55:59 GMT
Hows about these groups??
1) Slow, lets take all the time in the world to get there. (would suit me some days)
2) Bit faster please, like watching paint dry.
3) Thats more like it - vrmm vrmm, motorway speeds.
4) Bit too fast for some - little bit of trouble keeping up speeds.
5) foot flat on the floor - sod any possible speed limits and cameras - 'I don't need my licence for my job' type speeds - Count me out.
All in good humour of course - no sarcasm or digs meant.
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Post by ianhunter on Aug 27, 2006 20:01:54 GMT
Spike, I appreciate where you are coming from but if you are on a trip and working to fairly tight schedules then the tourist convoy would have to leave before anyone else and in certain instances even the day before. This year at the Kemprenet they would have had to leave before the dinner and then the tourists would only have had a motorway view. A bit like driving up the M1 at 50mph.
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