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European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 12:09 am
by SiR_chris
We’ve been thinking that what the dsuk community needs and deserves is a small holiday – a small breakaway from the daily grind doing something we all love doing and have in common; driving our del sols, roof down, amongst friendly banter and awesome scenery 8)

So, with that said – who would be up for a long weekend away camping (or B&B) through France during the summer this year?

The details have not been arranged, the date has not been arranged – but one thing is for certain – I’M doing this even if it’s me on my todd!!

There’s a possibility we could hook up with the French Del Sol club at one of their meets, but again this will all depend on times and locations etc. Also, the Prelude UK gang (and I hear Civic-Life and Accord forum) are organising a trip to the Ring – it may be possible to meet up or be part of the convoy if dates co-incide.

The trip will be planned with a very tight budget in mind! The most expensive cost will be fuel, but that’s cheaper in France anyway :P If we camp, then that’s the accommodation sorted. Food won’t be too much if we bbq etc. and we’ll book the ferry (or Eurostar) in advance to get discounts (am currently looking into costs). We’ll pick a pretty route to drive through and stop off points with great scenery to take photo’s. Maybe pop to the beach or find a museum/amusement park or something for one of the days too.

I don’t mind looking into all the good locations and planning everything, as I said, I intend on doing this anyway - but if anyone is truly interested in getting a DSUK tour together please generate your interest here! I had Friday to Monday in mind sometime in July or August, so 2 days off work – unless we work it into a bank holiday weekend. Would be so cool driving across Europe with a few UK sols (and other Hondas possibly) together :)

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 7:49 pm
by nitin_s1
At last!! :lol:

I'm definitely looking into this. :wink: I'll might attend in my Prelude. :mrgreen:

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Sat Jan 22, 2011 11:06 pm
by rocketman
SiR_chris wrote:Would be so cool driving across Europe with a few UK sols (and other Hondas possibly) together :)


Gets my vote, brilliant idea!

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 7:33 pm
by wdb
im well in for this, better check the old passport is still in date first :lol:

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Sun Jan 23, 2011 10:42 pm
by Wilson VTi
Vom Boosh mon a mee!

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 12:23 am
by Glovermx
Awsome idea! :D

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 2:13 pm
by Ally Fish
Vive la Del Soleil! Sounds fun, Mads speaks foreign so we would be interested. Count us in!

Best avoid peak holiday times as French dock workers tends to go on strike the first week of the summer holidays - guaranteed. Also, probably better choice of camping sites at better prices and less UK caravans swerving all over the wrong side of the road, etc.

Boring stuff - insurance - drivers to arrange own European insurance (?), some UK policies cover all EU member states, some only by prior notification, some require an additional premium, it varies wildly. Breakdown cover - again - members of the big 3 AA, RAC and Green Flag can probably arrange temporary cover 'just in case'. Else it could get very expensive if the unexpected happens.

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 6:39 pm
by SiR_chris
Awesome, that's 6 sols and a 5th gen lude already interested :D

Ally, yes some very good points and if Mads can speak French then BONUS! :lol:

My Admiral multicar already covers me for European travel but I'd recommend others to look into that too. It will be in your insurance details that's been filed away somewhere in your office/bedroom/behind sofa.
Breakdown cover for Honda's? Surely not required :lol: If I get my RAC cover extended to European cover then that will cover all of us as I'll be the passenger in the car that needs attention ;) (prob mine anyway hahaha).

Holiday peaks and possible strikes - that probably puts the bank holidays out of contention then? So I would propose the following weekends as possiblities (also bearing in mind car shows):

Fri 24th June - Mon 27th June (Modified Live, Brands)
Fri 1st July - Mon 4th July
Fri 8th July - Mon 11th July (Endless Horizon Day)
Fri 15th July - Mon 18th July
Fri 22nd July - Mon 25th July
Fri 29th July - Mon 1st August
Fri 5th August - Mon 8th August (Honda Culture Meet)
Fri 12th August - Mon 15th August
Fri 19th August - Mon 22nd August
Fri 26th August - Mon 29th August (Bank Holiday)
Fri 2nd Sept - Mon 5th Sept (Trax)

Please all check your personal calendars and make sure you don't miss any important weddings/parties/holidays and write next to the appropriate dates those you cannot make (ie. better ask the mrs!)


I'd like to narrow down the exact weekend so ferry bookings can be made in advance and hence cheaper!
We should also hopefully then be able to pick a weekend where most (if not all) people are available :)

I'll start:


Fri 24th June - Mon 27th June (Modified Live, Brands)
Fri 1st July - Mon 4th July
Fri 8th July - Mon 11th July (Endless Horizon Day)
Fri 15th July - Mon 18th July
Fri 22nd July - Mon 25th July
Fri 29th July - Mon 1st August CAN'T DO
Fri 5th August - Mon 8th August (Honda Culture Meet)
Fri 12th August - Mon 15th August
Fri 19th August - Mon 22nd August
Fri 26th August - Mon 29th August (Bank Holiday)
Fri 2nd Sept - Mon 5th Sept (Trax)

(Copy and paste the above is prob easier)
:)

In the meantime I'll continue to look at costs and start adding things up

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:22 pm
by solman
I could be up for this, speaking of ferries how is it getting on them if your cars a bit low?

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:30 pm
by SiR_chris
Have spent most of tonight researching the best way to cross the channel in a lowered car. Answer is basically the Eurotunnel, and if your car is super low, then when you get there to check in, say you need to go on the lower deck so you don't damage the car and they will allow you to do so. Infact I've read that they are pretty good and well trained to direct lowered cars to the lower deck. It is also the first-on, first-off part of the train.

Also, Eurotunnel is only £12 more than the ferry, and only takes 35mins instead of 1hr 30mins - perfect amount of time to put on those headlight cover things :) And you get to stay with the car obviously which is a bonus, and no-one walks past it banging their bags to get onto the deck.

Price for Eurotunnel is £45 each way unless you go at silly o-clock in the morning which is £42 each way. Not bad at all and that's throughout the summer dates above :D

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 10:32 pm
by SiR_chris
p.s if we go Eurotunnel, that dictates where we get on and off: Folkstone to Calais.

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 11:08 pm
by rocketman
Tbh any of those weekends are do-able at the moment, I just don't plan that far ahead :) I'll upgrade my RAC cover too. Must remember to buy flourescent jacket and "GB" sticker/Euro plates to keep the Frenchists happy :roll:

I say go for the tunnel and spend the extra hour getting deeper into France.

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 1:10 pm
by nitin_s1
My car is lowered, it's doesn't have a fully comprehensive and it's an import. :oops:

So can I get a temporary European car insurance and car cover from some other companies?? :?: :(

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 2:13 pm
by SiR_chris
I dont think it matters what level of cover you are mate. Just check your existing policy details and have a look what it says about driving abroad. If not, ring them up and ask ;)

Re: European DelSol RoadTrip 2011!!

PostPosted: Fri Jan 28, 2011 3:02 am
by battscrxvti
le man 24hr ?