Udine 2007

hope the information comes before christmass, whould help with the planing,

I think it's safe to assume that should there be an event next year, then it'll be the last Sunday in June as it's been that day for at least the previous 3 years. You might be lucky with a date confimation by Xmas, but it is an Italian event after all, so i woudn't do too much planning by then and best to bank on around March time instead!

The route we did back this year took in the mont Blanc area with a trip across the Gran St Bernard pass from Italy into Switzerland and then back over the French Alps - none of that tunnel stuff!

See www.icsunonove.net/2007/friuli/route/ for approx route and all times should be taken with a pinch of salt (or glass of Grappa at least).

Driving round Ireland is one thing but driving with a convoy to Italy is a bit of a nightmare with any more than 5 cars.......trust me, I've been there. Also depends on how much time you want to spend in the car. The trip we do is HARD, very HARD and is almost non stop.

Take in a longer trip would be nicer but I think still hard going. Anyone who goes must understand that much of the time you will be incased in your X1/9.

As long as everyone understands, then of course a trip could be planned. Any cars going MUST be in roadworthy condition as heat, distance and Alpine routes are tough on a sick X1/9.

If you are still smiling after taking in the reality then go for it

Ewen

Yepp, gotta agree with Ewen on this - distance/time/reliability is not something to overlook. It's also a brave person who shares a car with someone they've never met before! Realistically if you're thinking of doing Annecy to Udine, then that's a whole day of travelling all by itself.

My top five X1/9 jobs for going to Italy would be:

1) Recore the radiator no matter what age your car is - even minor traffic jams can cause problems when it's 30 degress+

2) Relay the headlights - it's law to use at least side lights in Italy (and Austria now?) and a prolonged stint in the rain will also soon take it's toll of your wiring/switch.

3) Replace the engine earth strap - it's no fun bump starting a hot car at petrol stations as your starter motor only slowly turns over after a fuel stop.

4) Replace/rejoint the alternator to starter charging cable - stop that red ignition light glow and help items 2) & 3) in the process!

5) Sort your brakes - mountain passes are no friend to an old original master cylinder and some decent front pads (mintex, red-dot etc) plus DOT 5.1 fluid will do wonders to avoid that inevitable pedal to the floor moment.

:shock:

And a second driver is an advantage !
must be getting old had to ask Ewen to drive at one time because I was getting tired whiich is something that I have never had to do in the past.
(Sorry Ewen)
I can remember Ewen taking us to Italy back in 97 it became obvious then that trying to get more than five cars together on a busy autostrada
was a nightmare Olly and I held the Tail End Charlie position and were at times having to brake neck speeds trying to keep up with the convoy. it became worse as Gomer.Clare N Bones.Gurt.joined in the fun If you are in the slow lane there are times that the other drivers will not let you out into the fast lane.
What could be possible is smaller groups of three with "known" members
who are going to be able to keep up with this pace for a number of days fill up with petrol /eat/drink all at the same time not leave the convoy with out advising of your intentions its all very well leaving the convoy for a
drink in Ireland with the rest of the convoy guessing where you are but its no favour when your trying to keep the convoy going together.
Also if you have not got a decent map then use it Satnav could be an advantage if you know how to use it we were using two this year and a map to get us to Udine and at times they all had to be used.
also another must is the use of a proper CB small hand held sets do not last the distance and some do not use the same chanel,Newbies this year were Steve and Olly who religiously advised when they had rejoinded the convoy due to being left behind by lights or on the Autostrada,if your leading you need this information or for the Tail End Charlie to move into a lane, so that you can all move over a lane.
To some members this may sound very dangerous or perhaps a Clicky club but we need to let all interested parties aware of what is exspected and what is likely to happen.We have had no accidents and all car problems that have ocured have been mininmal its no joke sitting waitng
for your car to be fixed by another member.
However the 2000 tour did have JimX1/9 with his car leaving gear box oil over the hotel car park thanks to NiK Trough he was able to make it home
this is no Sunday afternoon jolly

THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO, I HAVE JUST ONE THING TO SAY AND THAT IS I WHOULD LIKE TO GO AND SEE THE COUNTRY SIDE NOT DRIVE PAST IT :shock:

Paul, Maybe you should check out these people , they've got some great deals going at the moment :lol:

No think Pauls plan is a couple of days into France then see the sights and couple of days down to Udine in your X1/9 at a slower pace would be great to see more cars think it would be more of a Holiday pace.

I'm up for the leasurely drive to take in the scenary enjoy the drive & to get there & back with no undue pressure on me or the car. The hard a fast run over a weekend is all right for those who enjoy pushing the limits so perhaps I'm not man enough or to old for the fast lane I like my holidays to sit back & relax enjoy the company of good friends & drive at a pace I'm comfortable with. As I've never driven on the continent before I would need time to adjust & to complete the trip would be a great boost to me as I know the car will make it so if anyone is planning a wander down the wrong side of the road without to much pressure let me know

RIGHT THEN IT SEEMS THE SEAD HAS BEEN PLANTED, SO IF YOU WHOULD LIKE TO COME FOR A WANDER ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD, PLEASE LET ME KNOW, I KNOW IT IS A LONG WAY OF BUT I NEED TO START LOOKING AT THINKS AS I SEEM TO SPEND MORE TIME AT WORK THESE DAYS THAN I DO AT HOME.

Sounds like you've got the makings of a plan there boys - it's a shame this Italy country is just so far away. Although I guess in reality it's probably the same distance Calais to Turin as Dover to Inverness!

If you're reckoning on pencilling in the Udine event, then I'm sure the organisers would be well chuffed to see some new faces But I know the first time we went to Italy, the desire to go to Turin to just witness the Bertone factory first hand was a big kick, so be prepared to factor in some Grugliasco time as well

Are we camping or Hoteling ......down to Udine