Milan

[Pomp1]

Anyone? 13-18 November. More details to follow, including visits and general stuff.

[Grumpy]

Anyone? 13-18 November. More details to follow, including visits and general stuff.

grumpy. im interested

[Capo]

Yes..........

[Char]

yup interested

[bex]

Interested. Would be good to know rough cost based on last times you guys went over.

[MrsC_772]

Me me me me me!

(I dare say Andy might also be interested).

Let me know if there's anything I can do to help - will start looking into flight times to and from Gatwick.

[jonzi]

Riding or flying? I might be able to fly out Friday night.

[MrsC_772]

This one would be flying rather than riding. 2 years ago a bunch of us got the early morning Easyjet flight from Gatwick on the Tuesday (I think there was also at least one coming from Manchester).

(Much as I loved the ride to and from WDW, wouldn't fancy long slogs down French motorways and the over the Alps in the middle of November!)

[Rally]

I'm interested Max. cheers.

[Musty]

I'm in Max, I've got family in Novara so I can kill 2 birds with one stone.

[Pomp1]

Thanks for the replies peeps, a bit more info on this:
Eicma is on 13-18 November, 13-14 being press days, which are the one we're interested in. Price of the tickets last year was around the 15€ if my memory serves me right.
This being a cultural visit a couple of Museums are on the cards, Moto Guzzi being one and Alfa Romeo (they're currently on holiday for the whole of August, so can't reach them) I'd like to visit again the Elli MV collection as is nothing short of amazing.
Wednesday night would probably include pizza + beer with Alex and the others from the 100HP.
Prices..well you need to budget 35€ for the accommodation per night ( I have a couple of other options apart from the villa, like the place where Ladybird stayed) and around 15€ for a meal. Depending on how many people attend we'll have to hire one or more cars.
Deadline for this is set on the 9th of september, to give enough time to book tickets etc.

[Pomp1]

teaser pictures from previous years..
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy142/UKMOC-Rally/UKMOC%20-%20Milan%202011/Piggy15Small.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy142/UKMOC-Rally/UKMOC%20-%20Milan%202011/Farrari9.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy142/UKMOC-Rally/UKMOC%20-%20Milan%202011/CapoandhisframeSmall.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy142/UKMOC-Rally/UKMOC%20-%20Milan%202011/Elli16Small.jpg
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy142/UKMOC-Rally/UKMOC%20-%20Milan%202011/PatonRacing2Small.jpg

[Pomp1]

and one not to be missed ;)
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy142/UKMOC-Rally/UKMOC%20-%20Milan%202011/622611Small.jpg

[BigOz]

Interested but I'll need to choose between the trip and some new wheels for the Monster I've got my eyes on.

Andy

[LouSCannon]

I'm on for this chap, already booked holiday in work... :)

[MrsC_772]

Excellent

Happy to hire a car and be "designated driver" again.

[Gordon H]

Count me in - as per Jim, leave already booked....... oh, and plus one as youngest son has voiced an interest (endlessly)

[Gordon H]

and one not to be missed ;)
http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy142/UKMOC-Rally/UKMOC%20-%20Milan%202011/622611Small.jpg

I was simply testing the structural integrity of that column........ (really, anyone would think I was enjoying myself)

[Pomp1]

Or was it the column testing your integrity?

[Grumpy]

Are we going to fly out on the Monday, so we can visit the show both trade days?

[bex]

Best count me out actually, don't think I'll be able to make it.

[Capo]

Are we going to fly out on the Monday, so we can visit the show both trade days?

One day is enough, most probably the first. Leaves other days for the visits.

[MrsC_772]

I'd like to head back to the show on one of the main days when they have all the stunt shows etc, as well as going on the 1st day (trade day), rather than going on 2 trade days.

I've booked the Tuesday to Friday off work.

2 years ago we flew in on the Tuesday morning and went to the show on the Tuesday. I'd assumed we'd be doing the same again - not sure what happened last year.

I've had a quick look at Easyjet's website and there's a flight departing Gatwick 07.00, arriving Milan Malpensa 09.55.
From Luton there's a flight leaving 06.40 arriving 09.40.
I've not yet looked at flights from other airports e.g. Stansted or East Midlands.

[Pomp1]

AFAIK tickets are valid for one day only. Last year everyone flew in the Monday and we went to the show on Tuesday, but this year they're having 2 trade days. Has anyone checked prices for car rental as it looks like we'll need a couple of motors. I've used before http://www.autoeuropa.it/newae/index_new.aspxand they were OK, maybe worth looking into 7 seaters too..

[MrsC_772]

Max - I have looked into car rental, including prices for 7 seaters. I've a feeling 2 smaller cars might be cheaper than a 7 seater.

Avis and Europcar are the only 2 companies that advertise a desk at Malpensa terminal 2. (I wanted to avoid the hour of driving between terminals and faffing around to collect the hire car from terminal 1 that we had 2 years ago). I've looked at their prices direct, and also through the AutoEuropa site.

Will post more details this evening, once I've checked my spreadsheet at home!

If we're flying in on the Monday, would it be in the evening after work, or do I need to book the whole Monday off work as well?

[Grumpy]

Ive had a look at car rental and there are 2 options, depending on the size of the group.

Option 1.A 7 seater Fiat Uyleses for £480.00 or a 9 seater Renault Trafic for £490.00.
Depending on the size of the group as to what suits.

Option 2. Ford Fusion 4 seater for £162.00. We could hire 2 of these for less than the hire of a 7 or 9 seater, i'm willing to hire a car and split the cost.
These prices are offers online today, we will need to ok this idea asap to hold the cost.

[Capo]

Commitment time folks, we need know how many seats are required so the vehicle(s) can be booked.

The fairest deal would be the total rental costs shared equally. Fuel/Tolls from a 'pot' contributed also on an equal basis.

[MrsC_772]

I'd prefer 2 small cars to 1 large one - more flexibility, especially if not everyone will arrive and leave on the same flights. I'd rather drive a normal car rather than a 9 seater minibus.

Grumpy's quotes are cheaper than the ones I found. Which rental company did you use, Grumpy?

Assuming collection of car Malpensa T2 16.00 on Monday 12th, return to Malpensa T2 16.00 Sunday 18th, example quotes I got were:

Avis: Fiat Punto £147.40, Renault Megane £192.63, Opel Astra Estate £230.92, Fiat Scudo Combi (9 seater minibus) £531.35 or Ford Galaxy (7 seater MPV) £541.80

Europcar: Fiat Punto 1.3 £191.35; Fiat Bravo £254.04, Renault Megane £254.04, Alfa Romeo Giulietta £358.01, Renault Megane Estate £285.36, Fiat Scudo (7 seater) £484.91, Renault traffic minibus £495.20

AutoEurope: Fiat Grande Punto £194.80 (Europcar), Fiat Bravo £257.54 (Europcar) Opel Astra Estate £286.42 (Europcar), Fiat Ulysse £463.89 (Europcar) Fiat Ducato (9 seater minibus) £486.96

There'd probably be an extra charge to add another driver, and I tend to buy the excess damage waiver (another £2 a day or so) from e.g. www.carhireexcess.com rather than the rental company.

[LouSCannon]

Ive had a look at car rental and there are 2 options, depending on the size of the group.

Option 1.A 7 seater Fiat Uyleses for £480.00 or a 9 seater Renault Trafic for £490.00.
Depending on the size of the group as to what suits.

Option 2. Ford Fusion 4 seater for £162.00. We could hire 2 of these for less than the hire of a 7 or 9 seater, i'm willing to hire a car and split the cost.
These prices are offers online today, we will need to ok this idea asap to hold the cost.

I'll split the focus with you James, happy to share driving with you. Also if we can confirm days I'm happy to book my flights today.

[Capo]

I'd prefer 2 small cars to 1 large one - more flexibility, especially if not everyone will arrive and leave on the same flights. I'd rather drive a normal car rather than a 9 seater minibus.

We have 12 people who are 'Interested'. Difficult to fit in two cars.

If we have a definite list, then plans can be made both for the transportation and accomodation. Lets try not to bugger Max about (ala WDW).

[Char]

We have 12 people who are 'Interested'. Difficult to fit in two cars.

If we have a definite list, then plans can be made both for the transportation and accomodation. Lets try not to bugger Max about (ala WDW).

Rather than mess anyone around I would rather arrange myself as I cannot committ 100 % until nearer the time due to work

[Rally]

The same goes for me folks. I'm just so busy at present and haven't used any holiday as yet due to it. If decisions have to be firmed up now, then count me out and I will also sort it myself nearer the time if needed too.

[MrsC_772]

OK so I make the list of people interested so far:

Pomp1
Grumpy
LouSCannon
Capo
Gordon H
Gordon's son Andrew
MrsC_772
AndyC_772
Musty

Maybes
Char (will make own arrangements nearer the time)
Rally (will make own arrangements nearer the time)
Big Oz
Jonzi (possibly flying in on Friday night?)

If its 3 small cars rather than 2 small cars that will be needed, as I said earlier, I'm happy to hire and drive one. (Gordon has survived my driving in Italy before - whether that means he'll be baggsying a seat in Grumpy and LouSCannon's car I'm not sure!)

Some more info about dates would be handy - whether those who are keen to come are planning to fly in on the Monday (morning, afternoon or evening) and whether people are planning to fly back on the Sunday 18th or earlier would help in terms of co-ordinating, especially if I'd be ferrying anyone else around. We'd definitely prefer to fly from Gatwick.

[BigOz]

I've booked the week off and I'm more then happy to split the cost of renting a car though I'm afraid I don't have a license for anything with that many wheels so can't help with the driving.

Pomp1
Grumpy
LouSCannon
Capo
Gordon H
Gordon's son Andrew
MrsC_772
AndyC_772
Musty
BigOz

Maybes
Char (will make own arrangements nearer the time)
Rally (will make own arrangements nearer the time)
Jonzi (possibly flying in on Friday night?)

[Grumpy]

here's a link to the car hire site.

http://www.rentalcars.com/en/airport/it/mxp/?affiliateCode=google&cor=gb&label=mxp-aLSW2HGnXJjg7o6R*vRxuwS8357784130&ws=&gclid=CNj7gLqX1rECFYwhtAodH0UAFg

[MrsC_772]

Ah - have used that hire company before, last time in Milan. Can't say I was that impressed - didn't give me a straight answer about which terminal their cars were available from. (The answer being, terminal 1, not the one where the Easyjet flight landed, hence Max having to run us to the other terminal and back to collect the car!)

[MrsC_772]

Have now booked the Monday off work as well.

Now wondering about either the 13.00 (arrive 15.55) or 15.00 (arrive 17.55) Easyjet flights from Gatwick to Malpensa for Monday 12th, if the plan is to fly in on the Monday (to allow a full day for the show e.g. Tuesday).

Anyone booked anything yet?

[Capo]

I'm looking at the 13:00 on the Monday. Best if we are all on the same flight, then Max doesn't have to go to the airport more than once

[MrsC_772]

Ta Capo.

I'd be hiring a car to pick up at the airport so we wouldn't all be dependant on squeezing into Max's mum's Ypsilon.

[Grumpy]

I'm happy to book on the same flight out of Gatwick, at 1500hrs on monday.
Has anyone booked their flight yet?

[MrsC_772]

Not booked yet. but I wanted to get on and do so before flights fill up and prices fill up and to book a hire car.

Grumpy - Capo said he was thinking of the 13.00 not the 15.00.

Assuming we'd be flying back on the Sunday, I reckon the 16.30 departure from Malpensa arriving at Gatwick 17.25 looks like the best bet.

[Gordon H]

Last couple of trips were out on the Mon back Fri or out Tues back Sat.......

[Grumpy]

Not booked yet. but I wanted to get on and do so before flights fill up and prices fill up and to book a hire car.

Grumpy - Capo said he was thinking of the 13.00 not the 15.00.

Assuming we'd be flying back on the Sunday, I reckon the 16.30 departure from Malpensa arriving at Gatwick 17.25 looks like the best bet.

I'm happy to run with these times, plus I agree, the sooner we book flight/car the cost is kept down.

[MrsC_772]

Thanks guys for the update.

If last year you flew out on the Monday and back on the Saturday, that would be fine by me.

The sensible return flight on the Saturday departs Malpensa at 15.25 getting into Gatwick 16.20.

I'm just a little hesitant to book in case it turns out e.g. accommodation wouldn't be available on one of those nights - don't want to give Max headaches trying to sort out where we're staying.

[Musty]

I've not been able to keep up with this as I've been away on holiday. I'll already be near Milan so I wont need a share of a car. I will meet you all at the show.

[BigOz]

I'm happy to follow the consensus, keeping an eye on the thread and ready to book.

Andy

[Stuart42]

Pomp1
Grumpy
LouSCannon
Capo
Gordon H
Gordon's son Andrew
MrsC_772
AndyC_772
Musty
BigOz
Stuart42

Maybes
Char (will make own arrangements nearer the time)
Rally (will make own arrangements nearer the time)
Jonzi (possibly flying in on Friday night?)

[Grumpy]

Following up on Capo and Mrs C's comments about flights, it might be an idea that we all agree which flight those of us flying out of Gatwick to Milan Malpensa will travel on.

Can I suggest we travel out on the 1300 flight leaving on mon 12th of nov and return on the 15.25 on sat 17th. As the cost of seats tend to rise nearer the date of travel, I would think that we should book by the end of next week to keep costs down.

[Capo]

I will book those flights.
That gives us 3 full days (excluding the show) to do some visits.

[LouSCannon]

Just had a quick look and I intend to fly from Manchester, which leaves me limited in choices of times for direct flights...

Arrive 15:15 (Monday)
Depart 11:30 (Saturday)

Will check Liverpool in the morning, but let me know if this is going to be too much of an difference to everyone else's flights?

[NattyBoy]

Should be over in Milan with work so I'll squeeze this in !

[Grumpy]

Can I suggest we travel out on the 1300 flight leaving on mon 12th of nov and return on the 15.25 on sat 17th. As the cost of seats tend to rise nearer the date of travel, I would think that we should book by the end of next week to keep costs down.

I have booked my flight, will sort out car in the next couple of days.

[BigOz]

Hi,

I just booked Flights too same times as above.

What's the best way of contributing towards the car cost? I can PayPal prior to the trip or cash on the day?

Andy

[LouSCannon]

I'll book once Stuart is back from IOM, will be staying with him to fly from Gatwick so it doesn't mess everyone else around seeing as my only flight option from Manchester is hours out of everyone else's....

[Capo]

Booked.....

[Pomp1]

I'll book once Stuart is back from IOM, will be staying with him to fly from Gatwick so it doesn't mess everyone else around seeing as my only flight option from Manchester is hours out of everyone else's....

Jim you know Malpensa is not far from Gallarate. Don't mind picking/dropping you at different times mate. I'd offer to stay at mine but I'll be flying at the weekend.

[LouSCannon]

Cheers Max, but I've got the time off and would be fun to have a catch up with Stuart anyways, so it's no biggy....

[MrsC_772]

Just waiting a couple more days for my credit card to roll over to the next billing month and then I'll book our tickets. Bike currently eating all my money so cash flow is not great ...

[MrsC_772]

Flights now booked (same as Capo, Grumpy & BigOz). Have also booked a hire car, through Avis, to collect and drop off at Malpensa Terminal 2 - described as "Opel Astra Estate or equivalent" so should have reasonable room for passengers and luggage.

[Grumpy]

Car booked, should be Passat estate.
Passengers are :
Pomp
Capo
Jim
Stuart 42
Driver....Me!

[MrsC_772]

Big Oz - happy to give you a lift in our hire car, as Grumpy has got a full contingent of passengers in his now.

Happy for you to pay us in cash out there (£ or Euros) - not a fan of Paypal myself.

[BigOz]

Big Oz - happy to give you a lift in our hire car, as Grumpy has got a full contingent of passengers in his now.

Happy for you to pay us in cash out there (£ or Euros) - not a fan of Paypal myself.

That would be great, I'm happy to split the hire and fuel, send over a PM when you have a chance and I'll be sure to have the cash with me.

Andy

[Pomp1]

Pomp1
Grumpy
LouSCannon
Capo
Gordon H
Gordon's son Andrew
MrsC_772
AndyC_772
BigOz
Stuart42

Maybes
Char (will make own arrangements nearer the time)
Rally (will make own arrangements nearer the time)
Jonzi (possibly flying in on Friday night?)
Ok, room booked for the above people.
Char, Rally & Jonzi I've booked you guys in as well but please let me know of any change of plans.
Musty I believe you're staying in Novara.
Once Rob gets back we'll sort the tickets out.
Things are looking good on the visiting side, many thanks to Capo for all the links..

[Musty]

Musty I believe you're staying in Novara..

I'll actually be in Milan with a friend, I will meet you all at the show.

[Pomp1]

Tickets for the show need to be booked peeps. This work out at 9€ each. I think we should call it a tenner with any money left going to the club.
Let me know either here or via PM, cut off date Sunday 14th with money to be paid in advance.

[Capo]

How do I pay

[MrsC_772]

Max - is the plan that we all go to the show on the Tuesday? If so, Andy & I will want tickets for then.

Are we also planning a further visit later on in the week when all the stunt shows etc. will be happening?

As per Capo's post, let me know how to pay - would prefer to avoid Paypal if poss.

[Gordon H]

Max - PM'd you....

[Grumpy]

How do I pay

Ditto.....

[LouSCannon]

Ditto.....

Ditto......

[Pomp1]

PM sent to everyone..

[Pomp1]

Max - is the plan that we all go to the show on the Tuesday? If so, Andy & I will want tickets for then.
Yep, tuesday is the day

Are we also planning a further visit later on in the week when all the stunt shows etc. will be happening?

Not personally I'm not as I have to visit a few places but you know is not that difficult to get there and if some of you want to visit a second time we can split groups.

[Capo]

The days itinerary will be revealed on the preceding evening

[Pomp1]

Guys I need your choice of pizza for the Wednesday evening at the 100HP
Pizza+Beer €12 as usual, plus Gordon late-evening pole-dancing show included in the price;) Need to know by next Monday!
Max-Calzone

[Grumpy]

Guys I need your choice of pizza for the Wednesday evening at the 100HP
Pizza+Beer €12 as usual, plus Gordon late-evening pole-dancing show included in the price Need to know by next Monday!

Max-Calzone
Grumpy-Calzone

[MrsC_772]

Max-Calzone
Grumpy-Calzone
MrsC_772 - quattro formaggi

Is there a non-pizza option for the Wednesday night, as Andy doesn't like pizza. (Would be happy with a plate of pasta & ragu).

[BigOz]

Max-Calzone
Grumpy-Calzone
MrsC_772 - quattro formaggi
BigOz-Calzone

Is there a non-pizza option for the Wednesday night, as Andy doesn't like pizza. (Would be happy with a plate of pasta & ragu).

[Pomp1]

Is there a non-pizza option for the Wednesday night, as Andy doesn't like pizza. (Would be happy with a plate of pasta & ragu).
I'm sure something can be sorted out on the night:thumbsup:.

[LouSCannon]

Max - Calzone
Grumpy - Calzone
MrsC_772 - quattro formaggi
BigOz - Calzone
LouSCannon - Calzone

[Pomp1]

Tickets now printed, a BIG thank you to Rob for sorting this part of the trip out!

[Grumpy]

That's good news.....thanks Rob.

[MrsC_772]

Ta Rob - your efforts dealing with Bologna are much appreciated.

[Pomp1]

Guys if possibile can you get a photocopy of your passports as the lodger needs them.cheers!

[Gordon H]

Max - Calzone
Grumpy - Calzone
MrsC_772 - quattro formaggi
BigOz - Calzone
LouSCannon - Calzone
Gordon - Hot / spicy
Andrew H - Pepparoni...

[Capo]

Capo - Pepparoni