Join us. JOIN US! The euro oppomeet needs even more participants!

"duurtlang" (duurtlang) 01/12/2019 at 04:01 • Filed to: oppomeet, europpomeet

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We’re organizing an international Oppo road trip of epic proportions... Again. 9 nationalities from 2 continents signed up already. So why isn’t everyone else joining? Tell me why you are or are not considering joining!

I understand that you will need to be able to take the time off work/school and that you will need the budget. But are there other reasons that are holding people back?

Where and when:

Week 16, 2019. Monday-Friday April 15-19, including traveling to the destination (weekends) April 13-21. Note that Friday April 19th tends to be a bank holiday (Good Friday).

Location: see below. Basically eastern France, western Switzerland:

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Cost prognosis:

Lodging: €30 a day

Food: €25 a day

Fuel: €30 a day a car

Other: €15 a day

Total: €100 a day , excluding optional car rental (€30 a day?) and optional flight. These amounts are based on our previous trips (realistically it’s probably less than €100, about €80 or so). All this for exploring France, Switzerland and possibly a bit of Germany and Italy.

Is there something we can help you with?

If something other than time and money is holding you back, let us know! We might be able to come u with a solution!

And have you read this? That’s what we’re all about :)

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farscythe - makin da cawfee! > duurtlang 01/10/2019 at 04:17

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still no car... and management is still going nutso so i need to focus on getting some savings as i dont know when ill stop having a job... wich is trixy this time of year... as all tbe big bills are about to come in

soo.. thats why im not signing up

(i also dont have any time off to take yet... tho by april i should have a couple days again...i think)

DutchieDC2R > duurtlang 01/10/2019 at 06:28

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Work and private circumstances are legit reasons, but don’t let not having a car stop you from joining in. I’m sure plenty of Oppo’s don’t mind having a passenger for the trip. Plus, split costs, which could make it more attractive to join in.

DutchieDC2R > DutchieDC2R 01/10/2019 at 06:30

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This was meant as a reply to Farscythe

DutchieDC2R > farscythe - makin da cawfee! 01/10/2019 at 06:30

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Work and private circumstances are legit reasons, but don’t let not having a car stop you from joining in. I’m sure plenty of Oppo’s don’t mind having a passenger for the trip. Plus, split costs, which could make it more attractive to join in.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > DutchieDC2R 01/10/2019 at 06:51

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oh i know mate but even so for the moment its not an option

single earner household.. till i know whats happening with work i cant be spending monies too much or taking unpaid time off

all this might change again by april... if business picks up again

but thats nothing i can bank on for now

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > duurtlang 01/10/2019 at 08:09

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Hi, i live across the pond :(

duurtlang > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 01/10/2019 at 08:21

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Hi, I’m an airplane and I carry people over ponds, big and small! ;)

But seriously though, we’ve had people from the UK (tiny pond) and the US (bigly pond) join us already.

vondon302 > duurtlang 01/10/2019 at 09:10

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If it was June I would be there. Big pond or not. Hopefully I'll make the next one.

Tareim - V8 powered > duurtlang 01/10/2019 at 11:06

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I don’t have a passport :/ so cannot venture outside of my tiny island currently

CB > duurtlang 01/10/2019 at 11:06

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Work a low-staff and critical job, and my coworker is taking a vacation at the same time.

I also need to renew my passport, but that’s less of a big issue.

duurtlang > Tareim - V8 powered 01/10/2019 at 11:10

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There still is time to get a new passport!

bob and john > duurtlang 01/10/2019 at 11:27

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I mean...I live in canada and its not riding season so no go for me :(

DutchieDC2R > duurtlang 01/10/2019 at 12:48

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Alright, so, why am I joining in? Well, truth be told, EuroMeet 1 was one of the best roadtrips/meets that Ive ever been on. Ive been to a good number of roadtrips too, but the gang, the cars, the roads, the activities, everything was just perfect for that week.

On top of the list of things that were superawesome, there’s also the bonding element. I met a large number of folks that were supercool and supernice. I actually still talk to some of the people that i met there, hell, one of them has pretty much become one of my best friends and he doesn’t even live in the same country as I do.

The thing with the EuroMeet is, it’s an experience. You can’t really put it in words or pictures unless you’ve been there, unless you’ve done it. I tried writing about it, but I simply can’t put into words how cool it all was. S haring that experience with a bunch of supercool, supernice people only makes the event better and better.

My advice? Pretty much what Duurtlang says: Join us!!!

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > duurtlang 01/10/2019 at 14:59

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I’m pretty sure it’s Stockholm Syndrome , but I’m joining for what is now the fifth (sixth if you count the Mazda Mini Meet?) time.

duurtlang > bob and john 01/10/2019 at 17:17

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It should be riding season in April in France, right?

duurtlang > Out, but with a W - has found the answer 01/10/2019 at 17:22

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Let’s see, there was that museum near The Hague in 2016, Spa/Ring and Alps in 2017, Wales, Mazdamini and and Ring/Oktoberfest/Alps in 2018 and now France in 2019. That would be #7 for me.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > duurtlang 01/10/2019 at 23:12

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Reason I can’t come?

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > bob and john 01/10/2019 at 23:13

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You really need to come to the west coast. You could ride nearly year round

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > duurtlang 01/10/2019 at 23:18

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How are the S wiss and French rail roads? I assume the Swiss are right on time, but the French?

duurtlang > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 01/11/2019 at 02:43

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Good question. Wout, Mister railroad, what is your experience?

duurtlang > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/11/2019 at 08:24

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We are no sexists. When you wife wants to join us, she can! We’d be happy to have you , but if only your wife shows up that’s fine too!

OPPOsaurus WRX > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 01/11/2019 at 08:27

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smae here, and the kids. and lack of funds.

FSI > duurtlang 01/11/2019 at 08:35

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Absolutely can’t wait and this time I’ll stick around longer than just a weekend. I’m even pushing some planned mods ( mostly a new set of wheels and tires ) further back, is that commitment or what?!

Rainbow > duurtlang 01/11/2019 at 08:39

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I can’t afford it this year, but I promise that I’ll join you guys after I get my business started, as long as I’m earning what I expect to be. Hopefully that will be as soon as next year!

DutchieDC2R > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 01/11/2019 at 08:41

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We only get the Thalys in Holland, but from what I’ve read, the French are doing very good, as far as delays and cancellations are going. It’s not Swiss clockwork (lol), but their numbers are relatively better than ours in Holland (which says a lot considering how large the French railway network is). I’m guessing you’ll be using the TGV, which is the cream of the crop.

DutchieDC2R > FSI 01/11/2019 at 09:11

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Arent those supposed to be mods that should be ON the car before you embark on this roadtrip?...:P

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > duurtlang 01/11/2019 at 09:35

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i live across the bigly pond and i think it’s short notice for me to take that time off...but mark me down for next time; I need a vacation

fintail > duurtlang 01/11/2019 at 09:37

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If this was later in the year, I would really consider it - it’s January 11th and I already feel like I need a vacation.  Oh well, maybe another time.

FSI > DutchieDC2R 01/11/2019 at 11:33

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I only have the monies for either the meet or the mods, sadly not both:( My current tires are still good

DutchieDC2R > FSI 01/11/2019 at 11:46

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I am in somewhat the same situation, adding the fact that I just moved 2 weeks ago. But Im going damnit!

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 01/11/2019 at 12:28

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They both work and they both got issues. Cancellations are rare and service should be regular enough to cover it. If you need to take multiple trains , try and plan for at least a 10 minute margin to make your connection. If you’re connecting between different stations (Paris is especially bad for this), increase that margin.

TGVs are great for bragging rights and a lot more comfortable than aircraft , but not less susceptible to delays than a normal train . Normal (intercity) trains often offer a more scenic route, if that’s your thing.

Generally, if your destination is close to a station (or you can rent a car there) , a train is your best bet.

duurtlang > Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras 01/11/2019 at 13:17

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Fair enough! We'll count on you being there next year! ;)

duurtlang > fintail 01/11/2019 at 13:19

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We are mostly Europeans, we take vacation time all the time :)

(Standard at my average company: 6 weeks paid vacation plus bank holidays plus overtime compensation)

fintail > duurtlang 01/11/2019 at 13:55

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Pa id vacation? That’s some kind of pinko commie socialist conspiracy! We need more boot straps, not vacations!

(seriously, I had to put in 8 years to get that kind of time off and am thrilled to have it , and OT compensation lol not as a salaried Murkan).

duurtlang > fintail 01/11/2019 at 15:44

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I started at this job in September. 2018. :)

Seriously though, I always find it interesting when some people (not you) from the other side of the pond somehow consider having more than an absolute minimum of vacation time to be some kind of societal betrayal.

fintail > duurtlang 01/11/2019 at 15:57

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You live in a place that values human development and quality of life. Not so much on this side of the pond, especially below a certain latitude.

The arguments against minimum wage, vacation, healthcare, etc are mindblowing.  Those who argue against them are either clueless, misled, or plain evil.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > DutchieDC2R 01/11/2019 at 23:19

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Thanks. I’m trying to figure out how to get to the starting point. T icket prices are a bit more than last year.

Regional airport or JFK,

then Hub +Train, Hub +car, or second flight.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > DutchieDC2R 01/11/2019 at 23:48

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Also trying to avoid any hub in the UK as who knows what shitshow that may be with customs in April .

DutchieDC2R > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas 01/12/2019 at 00:14

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As far as flights go, absolutely keep checking websites such as kayak.com, cheapflights.com and the likes. We have a buttload of smaller airlines that fly extremely cheap (I went to Scotland for 10 euro’s, roundtrip, february last year, with Ryanair).

Ive come to the conclusion that trains and railservices just can’t beat that. The times of the train being the cheaper option in any case versus the airplane are long behind us.

Of course, driving is the most fun..:)...especially with a pre-meet convoy...:D.

Spanfeller is a twat > duurtlang 01/12/2019 at 04:43

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Well, I have a plan to stay in Spain from May to August basically... since instead of taking summer courses I want to spend time with my family over there. But I’m not certain yet.

But I’ll consider the dates y’all are suggesting when organizing flights. Maybe you’ll get to see my shitty driving style and equally shitty R170

Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan' > duurtlang 01/12/2019 at 05:50

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The only thing holding me back is the financial aspect. If I could be sure that by that time I’ll have enough cash to burn, I’d sign up immediately. I’d even consider getting there with my own Twingo from Croatia.

But due to the nature of my freelance design work, I’m never quite sure how things’ll turn out.

When is the last date to confirm participation?

Babz > duurtlang 01/12/2019 at 05:51

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I wish I could participate but I would be stretching my budget and I don’t think my car’s (A ‘68 VW 1600A Variant) restoration project will be done by april. But, one day, I would love to participate.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > DutchieDC2R 01/12/2019 at 09:24

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Yeah I’ve been usign Kayak and Google Flights. kayak finds some cheaper options, but what is nice about google is how you can enter in multiple departure, arrival locations to compare cities. 

Are you driving down with the british group on Sunday ? I thought about flying into brussels, but then a 6 hour haul down to Stra sburg or 8 to the Jura wastes the whole Sunday.

duurtlang > Otto-the-Croatian-'Whoops my Volvo is a sedan' 01/12/2019 at 11:17

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There is no such date, you can decide on the last moment. However, we do tend to book places to stay for most people (some might prefer an alternative). When those are full they are full. I'm not entirely sure when we book those. You can always book your own hotel or camp somewhere though.

BJ > duurtlang 01/12/2019 at 11:24

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I would love to join this trip, and I have good reasons to want to:

- I could go visit friends in Germany

- I could buy my “dream” car and join the tour, then ship it home. Something like this: https://m.mobile.de/auto-inserat/volkswagen-golf-2-cl-gkat-ahk-tüv-02-19-tornadorot-crossen/272588044.html?ref=srp

- I love visiting Europe. I’ve already driven through eastern France from north to south (Nancy, Dijon, Lyon , Grenoble, Aix, etc) and it’s beautiful.

But I have reasons to not go, too :

-Budget: we are saving up for a family trip to see my Mom this summer. 5 plane tickets, plus rental car and house for 10-14 days = $$$$$

- Anxiety: I’m working through anxiety issues that prevented me from flying last year. I don’t know if I’m ready to fly yet, especially alone.

- In the past I would have also mentioned “work responsibilities” or some drivel about how important the job is, but I’m so over that ! My priorities are in a better place now.

If I win some lotto money before the trip, I might just make it out there. In other words: It’s not likely to happen.

Ha ve fun!

duurtlang > BJ 01/12/2019 at 11:30

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About your anxiety about flying alone, we have American gmporschenut joining us again (he joined us twice in 2018!), and he plans on flying from NY if I’m not mistaken.

Interesting dream car too. My first car *IS* a 1991 mk2 Golf, with a 4-speed and the 1.3i engine. Picked it up brand new with my (late, 1993) grandfather when I was a small boy, which I still remember. My parents inherented it, I got it many years later . Still own it, it’s awaiting a restauration or restomo d or electric conversion (not sure yet).

CompactLuxuryFan > duurtlang 01/12/2019 at 12:35

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I would have to fly from San Francisco  to probably either Paris or Frankfurt. That’s already $800 there, if I take a connection. Direct flights would be over $1000. Then I’d still have to get to the actual place, then rent a car. I think it’s just a bit too much at this point in my life  NorCal meet anyone?

BJ > duurtlang 01/12/2019 at 14:38

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I owned a red 1990 pretty much identical to that listing back in 2005-2006, when I spent some time in Germany. I want another one for nostalgic reasons. I have a friend who keeps asking pointless questions like “where will you find parts?” and I keep telling him that I don’t care. This would be an emotional purchase, dammit!

For the flight, I have work to do to be ready. This summer I don’t have a choice, but until then I can’t be sure if/when I’ll try flying... And never will I intentionally fly through any of t he NY airports! Terrible idea! Also, I'm in Canada so that would just be an extra annoyance... I have access to direct flights for Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt from Montreal. :)

duurtlang > BJ 01/12/2019 at 15:26

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I always find those comments about parts availability for the approximately the best sold car for about 8 years to be somewhat curious. We do live in the age of the internet. If there is one car from the 80s where parts availability is great, it’s the mk2 Golf.

Anyway, I understand it will be very hard for you to make it. I would like to note that I know for a fact there will be people from near Frankfurt and Amsterdam joining. Paris too, probably. People who have space free in their car.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > CompactLuxuryFan 04/08/2019 at 13:04

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You can find cheaper flights than that for sure. Last year I flew from LAX to Barcelona for $180. Returned from London to LA for about $250. Sure that is not super common, but when booked in advance it is possible if you are agnostic on where you fly into. Year prior I went from NY to Bergen, Norway for $200 and returned from Naples, Italy for $250. I will plan on doing something similar one of these times to go to the Europomeet. Time off work is always my bigger stranglehold. And not due to lack of vacation time but just too many other trips. #firstworld problems.