Folks, the goal posts keep moving on this in an attempt to reflect what the majority of interested parties are after.
So by way of an update, here goes.........
Over the weekend I have been in touch with a number of riders who were keen on Spain, but who thought that 2 weeks was too much. Therefore they opted to change for a week in Geneva as a compromise.
I am now starting to believe that southern Spain and Africa would be a bit mental in August.... temperatures in excess of 40 degrees. As for me getting a 2 week pass..... not likely!
So, as suggested by several parties, it looks like Barcelona may be a better option than Malaga. The Pyrenees are on the doorstep of Barcelona, or failing that riders could head for the Picos or just ride along the Spanish Costas.
I will be contacting those who have already shown interest in Spain, tomorrow morning and float Barcelona past them, but I am thinking we will probably have 9 or 10 bikes already who will be up for this.
Geneva is still a go'er as well. Andy will be offering a maximum of 2 trucks in 2015. At present one to each location unless there is a massive shift in preferences.
This summer there will be in the region of 54 bikes in 3 trucks heading to Geneva. A large proportion of those riders will be wanting a similar trip in 2015..... but things will be on a smaller scale and spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis...... starting now!
Those who have already contacted me are sure of a place on either location as will be confirmed tomorrow. Those sitting on the fence are advised to reserve a space sooner rather than later.
Andy is going to meet with the haulier in 2 weeks time and I have assured him we will have an idea of where we would like bikes delivered to well before then, so he can sit down and try to establish a rate per bike.
This is much more complicated than it sounds, as they are trying to guess fuel and ferry prices 16 months in advance. But a ballpark figure should be available after the meet.
If anyone can make a better suggestion, please throw it up here for discussion.
If we are unable to fill all spaces at Belfast in 2015, I intend to offer them out to our cousins across the pond as their bikes could, in theory, be collected 'en route'.
Also, one way travel isn't ruled out either...... if we can sell off the other half of the journey. (there are still a couple of spaces available on the way back from Geneva this summer if anyone fancies riding out there and flying home!)
Let me know if any further takers and I will stick up a list of who's in tomorrow.
Remember, we only have 18 spaces on each truck.