XRV.ORG.UK Meeting 2006

[iswoolley]

It's the time of year when I start making plans for next years bike trips, and this year is no different. This year there's been several organised weekend camping trips, which were very successful. 2006 will hopefully feature more of the same. So to get the ball rolling here's my suggestions for a few of next year's trips, maybe one of them could be a catalyst for an annual gathering?

In the UK quite a few of us attended the Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meeting (see this thread (http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1586)). In 2006 it's being held on 22nd - 25th June, most likely at the same place as last year, Lumb Farm, Ripley. They're expecting over 400 people next year, but there's a limit on numbers so sign up early to ensure you get in. A mass xrv.org.uk rideout into the Peak District would be great.

A handful of us went slightly further afield to the Alps for the Stella Alpina rallye (see this thread (http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1717)). In 2006 it's being held on 8th - 9th July with the challenge of the hopefully snow-free mountain being the highlight. I think this would be a great trip for those looking to lose their continental cherry, and the atmosphere in Bardonecchia over the weekend is fantastic.

So, good idea/bad idea/alternative ideas?

Iain 8)

[LaughingBob]

Great idea. I've already signed up for the HU meet so will be there. Would be great if we could take over a corner of the field and have a Honda/xrv.org.uk flag flying! LB.

[piguglyshandydrinker]

Hi

Ever thought of having an XRV stand at the Peterborough BMF, may require a few of us to stump up a bit o' cash, but I'm sure it'd do wonders for the profile of the site.

Plus free beer for those involved :wink:


As for trip's, anywhere with good road's and scenery. Scotland is alway's a good destination without being too distant/expensive.

Stella and H/U sound good too.

I was thinking of another solo jaunt to the continent, may need to rethink 8)

Phil

[Darkenbad]

Hi, having just had to abandon plans for Norway (until next year anyway), the Stella may might just fit the bill as a consolation trip. Any more info Ian?

I'm up for the odd UK jaunt, Wales, Lakes, Scotland, cornwall.



PK

[redmarcus999]

count me in for the stella trip. Iswooley, could i tag along with you. july 14th - 17th now booked off work :D

[Chad]

im up for somthing in the uk :D
the wife would nail my nuts to the table if i said iwas going abroad without her and the kids :shock: :wink:

[sean]

the wife would nail my nuts to the table if i said iwas going abroad without her and the kids :shock: :wink:

ermmm............ what about if i came up and told her? would she nail mine? oh pleeeeeeeeeeaaaasssssssssse!!!! :P

[Chad]

:shock: :laughing3: she use's a 32oz eastwing and somtimes misses the head of the nail :lol:

[Maverick]

:shock: :laughing3: she use's a 32oz eastwing and somtimes misses the head of the nail :lol:

Seriously dude I have seen the size of the hammers this man keep use, would rather stay well clear and keep my nuts out of the way :lol:

[paultheold]

Nothing like a good collection of hammers :?

[iswoolley]

...the Stella may might just fit the bill ... Any more info Iain?
Location: Bardonecchia, Italy
Date: Sunday 16th July

Probably be doing the same as last year, i.e set off Friday evening after work, cane down the motorway to the Alps on Saturday, and do the mountain on Sunday morning. If I can convince my better half to come along, we'll probably then head off and spend the next week exploring the Alps and northern Italy. As per last year, open invitation to the general unruly mob to tag along.

[iswoolley]

count me in for the stella trip. Iswooley, could i tag along with you...
But of course. Keep a watch on this thread for developments. Last year we didn't book anything except the ferry ticket and the Friday night hotel room. This year will probably be as disorganised.

[raymo]

Count me in ..., I have pre-booked the HU but would like to do the Stella.. The bike will be organised.. me?? another matter just Ferry and tent.... then see what the road throws up 8) so keep me posted :P
ray

[fw600vj]

Hi Guys could you tell me which Ripley you are going to.Derbyshire/yorkshire/surrey.I would like to get over this year for at least one of the meets of the xrv Gang . fw600vj :oops:

[iswoolley]

Hi Guys could you tell me which Ripley you are going to...
this one... Link to Google Maps (http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=DE5+8JN&btnG=Search&ll=53.033368,-1.40522&spn=0.136055,0.316544&t=h) ... Derbyshire

[xrv_jim]

I'm possibly up for the Stella this year - I just have to see if it clashes with work dates.

Already booked for HU meet anyway.

Roll on Summer :bounce:

[Cie]

I'm very interested in getting out to meet more of you guys after visiting Caveman this weekend.

I should be able to check work this week, and decide if/which I can make

[DaveS]

With the HU meet do people also tend to stay over in B&B's as well?

I was wondering about bringing the missus up and we don't have any sort of tent, but I thought this would be a nice excursion for us to test out.

[fw600vj]

Hi ISWOOLLEY Thanks for the info ,It would be a round trip of around 600 miles .Is their any on site catering or do you bring your own grub.I will start to save up ,Must get the boat booked . Thanks again.fw600vj

[Cie]

Dave,

Now is an excellent time of year to buy a tent, they're clearing out last years stock at really low prices. You don't need something that'll survive a monsoon, and should be able to pick up something for two people for well under £100

Have a look in Millets/Blacks etc

Of course you'll need sleeping bags and things too, which is going to raise the overall cost. I'll shut up now :)

[IanS]

With the HU meet do people also tend to stay over in B&B's as well?

I was wondering about bringing the missus up and we don't have any sort of tent, but I thought this would be a nice excursion for us to test out.

Go on Dave get the Tent and join the mad crazed, often wet :shock: XRV campers. Have seen deals with Tent, Lilo, Sleeping bags and cooker for under £100 but you do get what you pay for. Someone will alway make you a cupper and Pub's / Takeaway's provide food if you don't get a stove. Start off with one night and before long you be doing an epic trip. :brave:

IanS

[xrv_jim]

Hi ISWOOLLEY Thanks for the info ,It would be a round trip of around 600 miles .Is their any on site catering or do you bring your own grub.I will start to save up ,Must get the boat booked . Thanks again.fw600vj

There is grub on-site in the pub (including breakfasts from around 8.30am). Prices were pretty reasonable too - a decent sized bacon butty for a couple of quid I seem to recall.

[xrv_jim]

With the HU meet do people also tend to stay over in B&B's as well?

I was wondering about bringing the missus up and we don't have any sort of tent, but I thought this would be a nice excursion for us to test out.

There are a couple of B&B's listed near the bottom of the relevant page http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/meetings/UK2006.php but to be honest I think the atmosphere on the campsite is worth the admission alone. Buy the camping gear Dave.

[iswoolley]

With the HU meet do people also tend to stay over in B&B's as well?
Some might argue that it goes against the ethos of the event (macho long distance bikers roughing it in the great outdoors). However it'd be a wise move if you're introducing your wife to the joys of motorcycle travel.

There is grub on-site in the pub...
We popped into Ripley a couple of times as well, where there are plentiful cafe/chippie options. Food is not a problem.

[DaveS]

Thanks guys missus not so keen on camping and it would be our first outing together so may be not the best!
Will think on it.

[icenian]

B&B vs. camping
Some might argue that it goes against the ethos of the event (macho long distance bikers roughing it in the great outdoors)

There's nowt wrong with being macho on the bike and then opting for a roof over your head, log fire, someone else cooking for you at the end of the day :wink:

Have to wonder though - if everyone is macho enough to ride long distances, why the h*ll stop at Ripley when another hour or so north would get somewhere worthwhile :)

[IanS]

Nowt wrong with Derbyshire, nearly as good as North Yorkshire :lol:

Can't make the meet got to work :(

IanS

[iswoolley]

...Have to wonder though - if everyone is macho enough to ride long distances, why the h*ll stop at Ripley ...
Mmm, on that basis we're lucky that anyone stops at all in England (especially Ripley) as interesting places like Scotland, Wales and Ireland are just a few hours away. The thought to cling to though is that the people 'make' the weekend, not the place. :wink:

[iswoolley]

Thanks guys missus not so keen on camping and it would be our first outing together so may be not the best!
On the contrary, this is the perfect weekend to introduce a biking newbie to the joys of it all. Stay in a b&b nearby for the comfort factor, pop into a few of the slide shows to see photos of far-off lands, wander around the retailers stalls to window shop for tents, take a look at the sardines packed into the campground, and top it off with a spin in the Peak District with the rest of us lot. It'd be a weekend smorgasbord of bike travel. 8)

[piguglyshandydrinker]

...Have to wonder though - if everyone is macho enough to ride long distances, why the h*ll stop at Ripley ...
Mmm, on that basis we're lucky that anyone stops at all in England (especially Ripley) as interesting places like Scotland, Wales and Ireland are just a few hours away. The thought to cling to though is that the people 'make' the weekend, not the place. :wink:


Yep, sure it's the people that make an event.
I'm booked. HU virgin :?

Plenty of stunning places in England too. I think us northern guy's should hold a few rideouts in our respective areas to show the roads and scenery that's on our doorstep.
It's easy to overlook that tho :wink:

Phil

[icenian]

...Have to wonder though - if everyone is macho enough to ride long distances, why the h*ll stop at Ripley ...
Mmm, on that basis we're lucky that anyone stops at all in England (especially Ripley) as interesting places like Scotland, Wales and Ireland are just a few hours away. The thought to cling to though is that the people 'make' the weekend, not the place. :wink:

but a few pints of Yorkshire bitter 'make' the people :drunken:

[africajim]

Hey Raymo, I'm not too far from the "Toon" and considering the Stella, I also tent so possibly travelling around the same time, any plans as yet? I was thinking about the ferry from Newcastle to Ijmiuden, last Summer was £179 for bike and double cabin. Let me know if you're interseted in meeting up mate. I'm a Varadero rider. Check pics on website.

http://www.jamessimpson.dsl.pipex.com/bikepics.htm

[redmarcus999]

A handful of us went slightly further afield to the Alps for the Stella Alpina rallye (see this thread (http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1717)). In 2006 it's being held on 15th - 16th July


Hello Iswoolley, well i've managed to get 4 mates to comealong and africajim is thinking about it :roll:
However im a bit confused about the date :? you say your going on the 15th, is this the official date? as Radio-active seems to belive its the previous week?? http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=25627#25627
Is there an official website? all i keep getting is sites with pic's

Marcus

[fewtrees]

Both myself and xrv_jim should be going this year (again)to Horizons and the Stella. I'm trying to find a confirmed date too.. Ian, what makes you think the Stella is the 15th?

[iswoolley]

Marcus & Rob - Looks like a cock-up on my part. I can't quote an authoritive source, but I understand that it's held on the second weekend of July each year. That would make it the 8/9th this year. I'm going to edit my original post to the correct dates, so that anyone new to the thread isn't misled. Apologies all! :oops:

[piguglyshandydrinker]

I too seem to think it's the 15th and have it penciled in on the calendar, (clashes with Donnington GP), not sure where I got the info tho, wether off this site, from a google search or from MCN.

I'm looking also looking at going to H/U (booked) and the Stella.

Phil

[fewtrees]

BTBC Says 8/9th!

[wheeliebin]

I'd love to do the Stella again, but not this year :cry:

Booked HU though :)

[barftone]

Couple of tips if your interested in the Stella: Take your time getting there. There's lots of good riding on the way down (tarmac and dirt). Camping on the mountain is great if the weathers good but **** if it is not. Out of the hotels I've tried over the years the La Larici is a good bet. Not the cheapest but good rooms. Near, but off the main drag (quiet nights) and underground parking. I've got most maps of the area. The Italian one bought from the railway station is poor. The best one I've got for the area is the Kompass Carta turistica 1:50000 number 109, ISBN 3-87051-744-1.Can't make the Stella this year but look forward to meeting some of you at Horizons (or on a big traily run). If you want any info on trails to ride, just ask?

[boboneleg]

I'm booked for the Horizons event with Barftone and a couple of others.
Can't make the Stella this year but I'm definitely going in 2007.
see you at the Horizons rally if not before.... :D

[Dilbert]

Mr Woolley
I'm too old and boring to start thinking about grand tours of the world, so the actual HU meeting is of little interest, but as it's held about an hour away from me it seems a shame not to pop round on one of the days and meet up with the XRV tribe.
What's the planned agenda? am i ok to just turn up for an afternoon or what?

[raymo]

Hey Africajim..
just noticed your post.. not planned any thing yet, but am up for the Stella, ( could some one expain what it actually is?? :shock: ) lager lager mmmmmmm

Boat from newcastle is the best idea, then what ? via denmark? 1 week or 2? around about the 8th July.

need to get the maps out and do the internet searches 8)
Ray

[Man up North]

Hi, Can I have more info on this please, like prices and so on. It would be my first time and I would love to go , just need new side panniers lol :lol:

[samwise]

I'd have joined people on the Stella, but I'm heading for Cortina and the Dolomites on the 8th for a week.

Maybe another year

[iswoolley]

...am up for the Stella, ( could some one expain what it actually is??) ...
First off, have a read of this thread (http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1717) in the Pictures forum, it details the 2005 event from the perspective of a few of our crowd who went.

The concept is stunningly simple: gather in the town of Bardonecchia in the Italian Alps on the second weekend in July, party, beer, etc., then on Sunday morning ride up a rough track to the Colle de Sommeiller (or as far as you can get). And that's basically it.

Truth be told, if there's no snow then the track is not challenging; people go up on scooters and old BSAs. But the scenery is stunning, the people friendly, and most folk tie in the rally with a couple of days riding in the Alps (which is mind blowing!).

[raymo]

did some googlin so am up to speed.. sounds a hoot, and can be slotted in to ero/alp trip.. will fire up the GPS map software and get planning.. may shoot of down spain after and then maroc depends if I take the full 2 weeks... remember I am 14-16 tyre squaring hrs from dover so Africajims idea of ferry from Newcastle suits me better.. just got to decide wether its 14 day saunter or a mad 7 days oh the madness :twisted:

[piguglyshandydrinker]

...am up for the Stella, ( could some one expain what it actually is??) ...
First off, have a read of this thread (http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1717) in the Pictures forum, it details the 2005 event from the perspective of a few of our crowd who went.

The concept is stunningly simple: gather in the town of Bardonecchia in the Italian Alps on the second weekend in July, party, beer, etc., then on Sunday morning ride up a rough track to the Colle de Sommeiller (or as far as you can get). And that's basically it.

Truth be told, if there's no snow then the track is not challenging; people go up on scooters and old BSAs. But the scenery is stunning, the people friendly, and most folk tie in the rally with a couple of days riding in the Alps (which is mind blowing!).

What about accomodation?

I'd prefer camping, close by if possible, How long in advance does it need to be booked?

Thanx Phil

[fewtrees]

What about accomodation?

I'd prefer camping, close by if possible, How long in advance does it need to be booked?

Thanx Phil

There should be plenty as the winter olympics will have taken place there.. You can camp a couple of miles up the Stella alpina track. A lot of people do, so you could be in for a good night!!

Ian got accomodation the same day, but I wouldn't recommend that.. Book as early as you want.. There's the bardonecchia tourist information pages that will be able to help.. bardonecchia@montagnedoc.it or a list of hotels http://www.hotel-italia.net/bardonecchia.asp

[fewtrees]

For all those doing this, are we going to meet up or something similar? Seems a shame a load of us are going but no meetup planned. Plus there's an opportunity to do some fantastic off-roading the day after which would be cool as a group.

xrv_jim and I are taking video cameras so you could end up being famous!!!

[piguglyshandydrinker]

Sure, a meetup sound's cool to me 8)

Phil

[boboneleg]

I can highly recommend this hotel in Bardonecchia. We stayed there last year using it as a base for the Stella and three further days of riding the trails in the area.

The owners son (Ferderico) speaks good English and they are very helpful.

http://www.hotelilarici.com/enter.htm

cheers, Bob.

[iswoolley]

I'm pretty gutted as I'm not going to be able to make this year's Stella rally. Unfortunately a friend of mine is getting married in Spain in August, and my better half has talked me into two weeks of touring prior to the wedding. Those two weeks have completely nuked my travel fund for the rest of the year, so being pragmatic the Stella just isn't on for me this year. I'm gutted because I'm convinced there won't be any snow this year, which will make summiting fairly straightforward. :cry:

[wheeliebin]

I'm convinced there won't be any snow this year, which will make summiting fairly straightforward. :cry:

Bugger :cry:

[iswoolley]

Bugger :cry:
I didn't think you were going this year anyway?! Next year we'll both make it to the top! 8)

[wheeliebin]

No I'm not going this year, hence the 'bugger'

[fewtrees]

I can highly recommend this hotel in Bardonecchia. We stayed there last year using it as a base for the Stella and three further days of riding the trails in the area.

The owners son (Ferderico) speaks good English and they are very helpful.

http://www.hotelilarici.com/enter.htm

cheers, Bob.

I'm booked in here for the Stella!

[Whealie]

Someone fill me in on the details of this. My planned Pamplona Trip no longer needs to happen, due to my mate dropping out. So I have a the week from Friday lunchtime of July 7 free. When is the Stella? Can I get there in time? What happens? What would I need to do to book myself accommodation/campsite etc?

[iswoolley]

Someone fill me in on the details of this...
Er, see the previous 4 pages of posts? :wink:

[Whealie]

Er, see the previous 4 pages of posts?
Yeah right. I can read about other people suggesting we meet up but no actual time, place or anything. I can read about people asking about a website giving details but no answers. yes I read the reports of last year's events but this thread has little detail about who is going and where to meet.
And the Calendar says: "The Stella Alpina - one of the coolest events on the planet. Join hundreds of bikers chucking their machines up 9800ft of dirt track up the Colle del Sommeiller!"
If I missed the actual details I apologise but I can't see them. Are we all meeting up? Are we swapping mobile numbers? Who is camping and who is staying where?

[iswoolley]

Yeah right....
Sorry Whealie, I didn't included enough :wink: to get the tongue-in-cheek nature of my reply over. :oops:

When is the Stella?
The weekend of the 8th/9th June (http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2803&start=0). Mostly the morning of Sunday 9th is when people tackle the mountain pass.

Can I get there in time?
From the UK you can ride to Bardonecchia in one long day on the motorway. Last year (http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1717) we set off late on Friday evening, stayed over in France, and then rode down on Saturday.

What happens?
On the Sunday morning ride up a rough track to the Colle de Sommeiller (http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2803&postdays=0&start=44) (or as far as you can get). And that's basically it.

What would I need to do to book myself accommodation/campsite etc?
You could either contact a local hotel (http://www.hotel-italia.net/bardonecchia.asp) or use the free camping ground (http://www.xrv.org.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2803&postdays=0&start=47).

Are we all meeting up? Are we swapping mobile numbers? Who is camping and who is staying where?
With so many people going a meet should be arranged. How about someone proposing a time and place to meet up in town on the Saturday evening. The offroad virgins might also appreciate going up the Colle in a group, so maybe they could all aim to be at the campsite for mid-morning? Sounds like a plan to me!

Hope that helps! 8)

[Whealie]

OK,
I've added my name to the event in the calendar and put my mobile number there. I'll try to book into a hotel but will have my tent anyway.
Just got to get the tyres and an MOT before then.

[boboneleg]

I can highly recommend this hotel in Bardonecchia. We stayed there last year using it as a base for the Stella and three further days of riding the trails in the area.

The owners son (Ferderico) speaks good English and they are very helpful.

http://www.hotelilarici.com/enter.htm

cheers, Bob.

I'm booked in here for the Stella!

Good luck Rob, hope the snow's gone this year. You should find the hotel a good one.

We can't make it this year but we'll definitely be there in 2007

cheers, Bob.