The dates are up 31st March - 1st April 2012
You've may have read the madness of the Hi-Ex! 2010 Hell-Trek thread and thought I'd like to be involved with something like that. Well here it is folks, we're recruiting Hell-Trekkers for the trip to the 2012 convention.
I'll be sorting out all the info tomorrow about how this all happens, mainly for any virgin Hell-Trekkers. I shall just say though, it'll be a 9 seater Rad Wagon, so if you want to join then get your names down soonish!
Good Luck to all who join us :thumbsup:
I call shotgun!
Definitely up for this.
So that's (taking in the request from the other thread)
COMMANDO FORCES
Kerrin
Albion
on board at the moment :D
Just out of interest John , what happens if more than 9 show interest? Would you go for a bigger wagon or is that going to require a PSV licence? I'm verrry interested for this one , obviously I'd have to make my way across country to be picked up.
Tell me two things please - where would be the best place to be picked up seeing as I'd most probably get there via Paddington , and also what's the roughish cost of the trip including accomodation and fees etc..?
Thanks :)
PS - This is going to require a MOUNTAIN of travel pills ha ha!
I shall be attending said event.
If the Hell Trek is prepared to swing by Paisley I'm on board - If not I'm sure the train can take the strain (and flatulence).
And where is that countdown timer?!
Hell Trek Hell Riders (me & Mrs Logan MkII) will work out where to rendezvous with the Rad Wagon when John has a route worked out.
I'm in the deep south so I suppose I would have to travel somewhere more central to rendezvous?
If its going anywhere near Wales I'm up for it.
Quote from: James Stacey on 20 April, 2011, 09:38:38 AM
If its going anywhere near Wales I'm up for it.
QuoteI'm in the deep south so I suppose I would have to travel somewhere more central to rendezvous?
You can fly ti Inverness direct from Bristol...
Yep add me in, although depending on how big the space is, as long as I can get my knackered knee kept straight, sounds good.
Don't you usually pick people up at certain points on the way?
Whys hsould Kerrin have the only gun on board?????? :lol:
Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 20 April, 2011, 07:56:49 AM
I'm in the deep south so I suppose I would have to travel somewhere more central to rendezvous?
Hmm... If you're thinking of going, Owen, how'd you fancy us meeting up first (seeing as we're fairly close already) and going on to the rendezvous together?
Still in two minds about whether I can afford to go, but March 31st is my birthday and it'd be an arsom present to myself. :)
BEFORE WE GO ANY FURTHER, REMEMBER -
WE DEPART ON THE THURSDAY EVENINGLatest Hell-Trekkers (confirmed'ish) -
COMMANDO FORCES
Kerrin
Albion
Buttonman
Peter Wolf
Large48Now to answer a few questions!
Quote from: strontium71 on 19 April, 2011, 08:54:31 PM
what happens if more than 9 show interest? Would you go for a bigger wagon or is that going to require a PSV licence?
We'll stick with the 9 seater, so it really will be first come first served. I have driven a 15 seater, when we had a family & friends day out down Brighton and it's way too slow. Plus the less stopping we have the less time it takes and that amount of stops would be a killer.
Quote from: strontium71 on 19 April, 2011, 08:54:31 PM
where would be the best place to be picked up seeing as I'd most probably get there via Paddington
As we fill up the Rad Wagon, then we can sort out the stops. Off the top of my head we won't want to be stopping in the middle of London due to the time it takes to get in and then out again. We'll figure it all out once we fill the seats (it may be better to get off at a station on the outskirts of London).
Quote from: strontium71 on 19 April, 2011, 08:54:31 PM
what's the roughish cost of the trip including accomodation and fees etc..?
Again, off the top of my head the last one cost about £75-80 (because he who shall not be named pulled out about 4 hours before I departed my house, so we had to absorb his costs) but that was between 7 of us. Even with the increase in fuel, so long as we get 9 I don't see the transport being much different. It's the price of the vehicle plus the fuel divided by the occupants.
On the hotel front, most people stay at the Ramada and seeing the price you paid for your hotel at KAPOW it's within your budget. There are other hotels as well, a few Trekkers stayed over the river last time in The Grand (I think).
The con tickets are cheap enough.
One last thing, due to he who shall not be named, we discussed many months ago that a non-returnable deposit would be paid (unless you can get someone to take your place, or everyone is willing to absorb the costs) as we get closer to the vehicle booking date. As it's only fair on all the other Trekkers and especially me, as I felt terrible telling people they had to pay more than was asked of them.
Anyway, that will do for now. I shall write out more info tonight if I can but definately over the weekend.
Remember folks, everyone had a great laugh on the last one and if you look at the other thread starting on this page (http://www.2000adonline.com/forum/index.php/topic,26263.1050.html) then you will get some idea ;)
slight amendment:
Rad-Wagon:
Quote
COMMANDO FORCES
Kerrin
Albion
Buttonman
Peter Wolf
Large48
Out-Riders:
Logan
Emily
And I already feel rotten for not being able to go. And now Jimbo's going, too! Sheesh!
You will be remembered Bolt-01 ;)
Definitely count me in John.
So that's now
COMMANDO FORCES
Kerrin
Albion
Buttonman
Peter Wolf
Large48
spireite68
on board at the moment!
Count me in then if that's alright - I automatically said London as I thought you were from near there. If you can come up with the best train station on your route then I will make my way there in advance.
The budget is good too , like you said the Jurys Inn was OTT but this time I'll stay at the Ramada :)
One thing though , judging by the date of this years Kapow , does this Hi-Ex date almost clash within a week or so for next years Kapow?
So that's now
COMMANDO FORCES
Kerrin
Albion
Buttonman
Peter Wolf
Large48
spireite68
strontium71
on board at the moment!
And yes, it's gonna be close and an eventful month or so next year ;)
Let me know how and when you want your deposit John and I'll send it over.
It'll be a while yet. Once we get to Oct/Nov it'll really kick in, as that is when I'll start to organise the Rad Wagon but I'll start on the route once the 9 are on board.
Great! If you can tell me the best station for you to pick me up from , I'll at least get those train tickets bought out of the way. One less thing to worry about then.
So that's now
COMMANDO FORCES
Kerrin
Albion
Buttonman
Peter Wolf
Large48
spireite68
strontium71
Judge Palmer
Full House!
That was quick!!
Quote from: James Stacey on 20 April, 2011, 09:38:38 AM
If its going anywhere near Wales I'm up for it.
I think I'll be a resident of Cardiff come HI-EX 2012. And I've already booked a trader's stall with Rich :) So, if you've got room for me and a case full of books, count me in! :D
I think you're going to have to hire a coach at this rate John :lol:
No doubt we'd then take a wrong turn in the wilds of Scotland and be systematically hunted down by deranged mountain men and slaughtered. That would put a bit of a damper on the whole trip really.
That filled up very quickly and that will lead to disappointment for some unfortunately and i feel a bit bad about that.
Do the 9 seats include the 2 passenger seats in the front of the van ?
God knows what the price of petrol is going to be by then but err on the side of it could cost a F of a lot more than it does now for various reasons.
Quote from: strontium71 on 20 April, 2011, 09:46:16 PM
I think you're going to have to hire a coach at this rate John :lol:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/3254792813_87a3b27aaa.jpg)
It really is a fantastic weekend and I can't say enough good things about it.
I will be trying to organise a Hell-Feck From Ireland too, so there should be plenty of boarders there.
If anyone is holding back I don't mind giving up my seat and taking the train maybe with some Jock boarders - Tips, Cosh, Monarch, Satantist, Dr X & Thorburn I'm looking your way!
The trek is a thing of beauty (read ugly and smelly) but I was only on for the last two hours and had to witness the CF driving on my lonesome as everyone else had nodded off - it was only 4am!
The real action is at the con itself and I have two drinking podium finishes to defend. And regardless of my transport mode I get to wear my Hell Trek polo shirt - the only bespoke clothing I own and I've only had them on twice!
Bolt-01 - who he? :o
Quote from: Buttonman on 20 April, 2011, 10:26:03 PM
I was only on for the last two hours and had to witness the CF driving on my lonesome as everyone else had nodded off - it was only 4am!
I opened my eyes a few times during that last Highland stretch but but decided that if I was going to die, I'd prefer to be sleeping rather than gripping my seat and screaming in terror.
Looking like me and Iz are a definate for this, but being in Cardiff the Hell Treck option isnt really an... um... option
Sure we'll sort something though, and by that I mean Iz will sort something and hold my hand
Just had a look on the hire firms website and they do a 12 seater, which looks fast. I shall pop into their place soon and check it out, just in case!
The drive up is no problem as we don't have to rush, it's the return, as I have to get the vehicle back before I get shafted for another days hire!
Richmond - Noted
Jimbo - Plane? I don't think they're that expensive. EasyJet, for example - are offering a return flight next month for twenty pounds. Christ!
I'm going to do all my travelling by plane from now on. RACE YOU TO BARCELONA!
Quote from: bluemeanie on 20 April, 2011, 11:26:58 PM
Looking like me and Iz are a definate for this, but being in Cardiff the Hell Treck option isnt really an... um... option
Sure we'll sort something though, and by that I mean Iz will sort something and hold my hand
We could start a western hell trek ?
Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 21 April, 2011, 08:34:14 AM
Jimbo - Plane? I don't think they're that expensive. EasyJet, for example - are offering a return flight next month for twenty pounds. Christ!
Sounds groovy - definately worth looking into. I could slog it up to Glastonbury first or you could come down to Southampton, which at least has an airport - there should be at least one plane heading highland-wards.
Looking forward to this since I missed the previous Hell-Trek, be good to meet fellow boarders too :)
Southampton aren't listed on Easyjet :O Bristol looks like the key!
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 21 April, 2011, 12:27:42 AM
Just had a look on the hire firms website and they do a 12 seater, which looks fast. I shall pop into their place soon and check it out, just in case!
The drive up is no problem as we don't have to rush, it's the return, as I have to get the vehicle back before I get shafted for another days hire!
We did talk last time about spending an extra day or two in Inverness as there wasnt really any time time to explore Inverness last time as it was a big rush to get back but an extra day or two would mean more expense and time off work or whatever which may not suit everyone but personally i would be into it.
Quote from: CrazyFoxMachine on 21 April, 2011, 06:57:15 PM
Southampton aren't listed on Easyjet :O Bristol looks like the key!
Bristol's fine. I can be there in 2 hours flat!
I think you would have to chat to people with reference to any extra days Peter. It would bump up the costs, as you say and many people may find that a bit of a killer.
I have popped into the hire firm that we used last time, which is here (http://www.sbcarandvanhire.com/) and I was quoted the following, at todays prices.
A 12 Seater £345 with CDW
A 9 Seater £300 with CDW
The 12 seater has bugger all storage space, so a few seats would be wasted but the 9 seater has that large compartment at the rear, which was perfect.
Just doing a quick calculation on a map site at £1:50 a mile the route would cost about £320 return. So let's just say £400 at a push, add the £300 for the vehicle and that comes to £700. Divide that by 9 and you get just under £80.
well since I was forgotten about (I did say I was in last year before it got cancelled) I am happy to go via train with my fellow lettersmith if he is still willing to go
Quote from: COMMANDO FORCES on 21 April, 2011, 08:19:53 PM
I think you would have to chat to people with reference to any extra days Peter. It would bump up the costs, as you say and many people may find that a bit of a killer.
I have popped into the hire firm that we used last time, which is here (http://www.sbcarandvanhire.com/) and I was quoted the following, at todays prices.
A 12 Seater £345 with CDW
A 9 Seater £300 with CDW
The 12 seater has bugger all storage space, so a few seats would be wasted but the 9 seater has that large compartment at the rear, which was perfect.
Just doing a quick calculation on a map site at £1:50 a mile the route would cost about £320 return. So let's just say £400 at a push, add the £300 for the vehicle and that comes to £700. Divide that by 9 and you get just under £80.
Wouldn't it be better to get the twelve seater anyway (more room?) and extra fiver each for more space may be worth it, even going up to 10and reducing the cost down each would still leave room.
This is definitely planning ahead.
I'll almost certainly be heading up and almost certainly be taking the train. If I recall it was only about £20 return from Glasgow. I think I got the first one up on the Saturday morning and just about the last one back on the Saturday night (which sadly went via Aberdeen so took an age).
But yeah, happy to meet up with more Jock based boarders for train based shenanigii.
oooops, been away a bit but back(ish) now :D
great to see this happening, will we see a South by South West trek too? and a fecktrek? imagine that convoy rolling into the Ness!!
£20 return? who do I have to ki...err what do I have to do to get a cheap fare like that?
Quote from: Tiplodocus on 28 April, 2011, 12:48:41 PM
This is definitely planning ahead.
I'll almost certainly be heading up and almost certainly be taking the train. If I recall it was only about £20 return from Glasgow. I think I got the first one up on the Saturday morning and just about the last one back on the Saturday night (which sadly went via Aberdeen so took an age).
But yeah, happy to meet up with more Jock based boarders for train based shenanigii.
I'm gonna go, and by train, and from Glasgow.
Provided shenanigii is code for getting pished, I'm up for it!
As am I traintrek 2012?
I've just this minute written to John about next year , so skip to the end and my slot is now up for grabs as it makes more sense for me to fly to Inverness as I'm not far from Bristol. Like I said to John there has got to be someone more closer to him than I for pickup. Go for it!