Melbourne 2010

[gregga41]

Talks held at Darren Trott's home a few weeks ago, whilst bidding Aitch a fond farewell before his U.S. trip, turned to plans for the Melbourne Ric confluence in 2010. Perhaps this thread will give us a chance,(a): to gauge numbers(attendees etc.),(b):to toss ideas around,in order to make this event a resounding success!
Themes such as venues for the confluence,meetings,dinners,jam sessions etc: tours & sightseeing for visitors(both national & international)might like to be openly discussed here by those planning the exercise, as well as those planning to attend!
Let's hear your thoughts!!

[beatlefreak]

My wife and I are planning on making the trip. Having never been to Austalia, and knowing very little about Melbourne, I'm not sure what to suggest. But I'll check in often, as we're really looking forward to this.

[wmthor]

My wife and I are planning on making the trip. Having never been to Austalia, and knowing very little about Melbourne, I'm not sure what to suggest. But I'll check in often, as we're really looking forward to this.

I'll echo Chris' comment.

[ozover50]

One of the things that we have discussed is making it anything up to a 14 day event with the confluence, jams, etc. going over a weekend or 3 days and then turning it into a sort of a 'movable feast' with daily tours to see the sights, visit wineries, shopping tours for the girls, etc...... perhaps culminating in a 2 or 3 day stay in Sydney - or 'sin city' as it's normally referred to.

We also might try and time it so that any petrol heads amongst the visitors can see the Melbourne Grand Prix the weekend before the confluence itself. The Grand Prix is usually the first or second weekend in March, which is very early autumn and an extremely pleasant time of the year weather-wise - usually mid-70s to mid-80s.

Of course we are very mindful of the length of flights, the amount of vacation time that many are restricted to, the cost of travel, accomodation, meals, etc. so we are keen to hear what everybody's thoughts are on the above musings very early in the piece. I'm sure if we can find a suitable venue a number of the meals could be catered for - thereby reducing the costs significantly

Much depends on what we can arrange in the way of inexpensive accommodation, billeting, etc. Maybe sleeping bags on stretchers in the old St. Kilda Road army barracks??

[jdogric12]

I plan to go and take two weeks.

[antipodean]

Lot's of notice is what I like! I should be good for at least part of the confluence, though Melbourne in GP week is a bit hairy...

[ozover50]

So far our thinking is that the festivities would commence on a weekend after the Grand Prix, Evan.

[antipodean]

So far our thinking is that the festivities would commence on a weekend after the Grand Prix, Evan.

Ah, my usual overquick scan missed the vital point!

[jps]

Do we get free tickets and paddock passes for the GP?

[ozover50]

Freebies would be a big ask, Jeff. General admission on Grand Prix day (Sunday) last year was $99. A seat costs quite a bit extra and a pit pass might be like gold!

Many people go on the Saturday because it costs a bit less ($85) and you get to see final qualifying as well as a number of other events - including our fabulous V8 Supercars.

Of course there are always the GP babes to look at!

[jps]

I guess that's why I watch GPs from the comfort of my couch! It's almost free (gotta pay the cable company something!). When I watch I usually have a guitar or bass in hand, too. That would be kind of tough to do in the grandstands.

[ozover50]

The GP is free to air here.... no cable requirement, so that is good.

It might not be too difficult to sit in the stand with a bass or guitar but you'd look an absolute tool and no doubt you'd receive a severe bagging from the alcohol-fired petrol heads around you!!

Come to think of it, not a bad suggestion, Jeff...... do it!!

[jps]

Un, no!

That's no way to talk to a fellow mod now, is it?

[weemac]

Interesting...........
emac.

[rickenbrother]

Let's hear your thoughts!!

If I come, you might not be able to get rid of me!!