Club126UK

Welcome to the CLUB126UK Forum => Meetings & Events => Topic started by: Xylaquin on December 02, 2017, 06:30:40 PM

Title: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: Xylaquin on December 02, 2017, 06:30:40 PM

Those of you familiar with the Fiat Forum might know about Panda Camp, an annual meet-up/getaway for those who drive classic Pandas. I've always felt we should do likewise, but the closest we get seems to be show days with maybe a handful of 126s at best.

So I'm organising a Fiat 126 weekend, involving road runs, camping with our cars, perhaps a treasure hunt, parts market and no doubt seeing the local sights of the Peak District. With any luck, this might be the biggest meet up of 126s in the UK... fingers crossed.

I've chosen the Peak District due to it's central location (corresponding with a vote I held on that devilish website called Facebook ;)) and have found a campsite who have agreed to allow us to stay on their site overnight.

It's a book-yourself-in arrangement. If you want to go, simply go to their website or phone them up and book yourself a tent space!

LOCATION:
Riddings Wood Caravan & Camping Park
Bullock Lane, Riddings, Derbyshire DE55 4BP

TIME:
from 13:00 on Friday 22nd June 2018
till the afternoon of Sunday 24th June 2018

WEBSITE:
Campsite booking (https://riddingswoodcaravanandcampingpark.campmanager.com/CheckAvailability.asp)
Event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/1750847615209280/)

Once you've booked, I'd appreciate if you let me know if you're coming! Or better yet, indicate you're attending the corresponding Facebook event (https://www.facebook.com/events/1750847615209280/). This helps me anticipate numbers and plan the activities.

If you have any additional ideas for activities, do share! The winners of the hunt/challenges will be awarded the coveted Golden Piston!

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: DeVilleChris on December 04, 2017, 08:42:35 PM

I'm coming.

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: Brighton_126 on December 24, 2017, 07:37:34 AM

Im coming too

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: mintex on December 25, 2017, 07:35:30 PM

If i can get some way to tow the fiat behind the motorhome before this date i would be very interested  :)

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: drcdb15 on December 27, 2017, 09:21:15 PM

Quote from: mintex on December 25, 2017, 07:35:30 PM

If i can get some way to tow the fiat behind the motorhome before this date i would be very interested  :)

Since the law clarifications of around 2012 or thereabouts, the cheapest and technically easiest, and practically quickest option is to use a small trailer - those for Smart cars seem to fit the bill nicely. The only legal car towing option is to have an A-frame which will operate the braking system of the 126 in concert with the motorhome, and that will almost certainly a) be a custom job costing around £2K minimum (IF you can find a certified installer to do it) and b) necessitate holes and bodywork mods to the front/bulkhead of your 126 which will not do a lot for its looks or maintaining originality (or water-tightness!).

Forget all you ever knew or thought you knew about unladen weights and 750kg and overun brakes etc etc, today the ONLY thing that counts is, does the towed vehicle have brakes? If it does, then these MUST operate with those of the towing vehicle. You can't have a 'driver' sat (to push on the brake pedal) in the 126, illegal. You can't disconnect the 126 brakes, makes it unroadworthy and thus invalidates insurance, if not insured then the towing set up is illegal. ANY illegality will invalidate your insurance for BOTH 126 and motorhome.

If the car does NOT have brakes it is not roadworthy so cannot be towed legally under any circumstances. It can only be transported with all wheels off the ground (so dollies illegal too). Use of dollies and A-frames is only allowed for emergencies, to remove a vehicle from causing an obstruction to the nearest place where it isn't. That does not include the nearest garage, it means in practice the nearest grass verge or lay-by.

Arguments as to what is a car and what is a trailer are simply answered: a car has a VIN plate. End of. If it has a VIN plate it's a car, and taking out the engine, brakes, steering wheel and anything else you care to name won't change that.

So, get a trailer. Sorted  ;D

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: Xylaquin on December 28, 2017, 12:24:22 AM

...or drive the 126 and pack a tent

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: mintex on December 31, 2017, 05:36:37 PM

Ah cheers for the info, trailer it is then. I will have to see if i can get one  :D

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: Xylaquin on February 05, 2018, 08:15:26 PM

Well we're at just under 100 people interested in going to this! (although 11 confirmed)
Maybe this will be the big one for 2018 ay? :P

Can I stress that if you are intending to go, please book your space asap. We don't have exclusive use of the camp site, which means normal campers DO have the ability to book up spaces that could be yours!

Of course, you can still join in the day-time activities if you're not staying at the campsite, and you don't need to attend the whole event if you don't have the time... But if you ARE coming, please change your status in the event to Going- it'll help me plan the activities

...or if you're lucky enough not to have Facebook, let me know in here :)

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: Xylaquin on March 18, 2018, 08:52:26 PM

As a prestigious award for the winner of the treasure hunt on the Saturday, allow me to showcase… The Golden Piston.

Hand-crafted from a genuine oem piston assembly, this masterpiece packs 29 years of authentic heritage, forged over a mature 75k miles. Lovingly primed and sprayed in the lands far north, an epoxy adhesive holds the conrod to the hallmarked base in a splodge that captures the essence of Maluch oil leaks. And with it’s golden orangepeel finish, this remarkable trophy will truly light up your home, garage or cupboard under the stairs.

Now if THAT doesn't thrill you, I don't know what will!  :P

(https://preview.ibb.co/hTHVZc/IMG_5939.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cCw2fH)(https://preview.ibb.co/e2GPuc/IMG_5940.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bTx8LH)

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: Xylaquin on May 21, 2018, 08:25:41 PM

We're now just over a month away from this, would be great to see more club members along if you can make it!  :)

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: wojtix on May 27, 2018, 04:33:38 AM

sorry, but I can not come. In this time I will be in Poland for a two weeks. I'm going to the wedding of my cousin and week after to Zvolen. Is anyone interested in Slovakia?

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: Xylaquin on May 28, 2018, 01:13:42 AM

Quote from: wojtix on May 27, 2018, 04:33:38 AM

Is anyone interested in Slovakia?

I'm holding off till the meet in 2022, that'll be the 50 year anniversary!

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: DeVilleChris on May 28, 2018, 03:52:00 PM

Piston looks cool mate!

Should be a good weekend! :D

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: Xylaquin on June 07, 2018, 09:40:53 PM

Right, here is the first version of the schedule. Would like to hear your ideas, so don’t hesitate to suggest an activity!

- - -

<updated, see below>

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: Xylaquin on June 18, 2018, 05:54:04 PM

Update schedule for Friday. Remember, if you have any ideas or suggestions for the schedule please do not hesitate to comment!

- - -

Friday:
I will arrive at the campsite as early as I can. Feel free to show up from 13:00 onwards.

19:00 - Dinner at The Shepherds Rest Pub
Some folk with be driving a fair distance and so I thought for the first day it’d be fitting to have the luxury of eating somewhere normal. You know, with seats.

Address: Lower Bagthorpe, Bagthorpe, NG16 5HF

After dinner I don’t really have much planned for Friday. Reckon it'll be late and you'll want to sleep.

- - -

Saturday:

Morning - Wake up
Have some Weetabix, have a wash and hopefully put some clothes on. Please put clothes on.

12:00 - 14:00 - Treasure Hunt
Every 126 is given a sheet of paper with objectives. You simply need to complete those objectives, most of which will involve taking photos. This is really designed with 126s in mind, so if you’re turning up in something else why not burl into someone else’s 126 and be an extra set of eyes/hands? Or do what you want, I’m not your mum.

14:00 - 15:00 - Show and Market
After a couple hours we all meet up somewhere and park next to each other. The public will behold our maluchs in all their glory. Plus maybe it’d be a good time to trade and sell 126 parts to one another? This part of the day is a bit of an extended break, a time to vacate your bowels, stretch your legs and give your ears a rest.

15:00 - 17:00 - Road Run
Convoy to the scenic Peak District? I’ve never been so would appreciate local knowledge if anyone has any!

17:00 - 19:00 - Campsite BBQ and Prize Bestowal
Back to base for a barbecue. At this point I’ll ask for the photos your took during the treasure hunt. The Golden Piston will also be awarded, maybe based on the treasure hunt but I’ve not decided yet. What do you think?

19:00 - Free time/chill
Again, in the evening I’ve left this open. It’ll still be light, and being a Saturday night I’m sure there’s plenty to do in town.

- - -

Sunday:
Nothing is planned on Sunday, as we must leave the site by 11:00

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: Xylaquin on June 25, 2018, 01:30:11 PM

(https://image.ibb.co/bzm2x8/line.jpg)

Well we only got 5 or 6 cars in the end, but definitely the most fun event I've been to: Check this video out! (https://www.facebook.com/lachlan7/videos/2144843772208842/)

- - -

Half of us arrived on Friday. The pub was unusually busy and out of most of their food menu, but we checked out each others cars whilst waiting and nobody broke down. Someone at the pub was their in their Fiat 125. We headed back to the campsite, bewildering a cyclist on the way.

(https://thumb.ibb.co/db9cVT/pub.jpg) (https://ibb.co/db9cVT)(https://thumb.ibb.co/dZnxVT/leavingpub.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dZnxVT)

At the campsite someone approached us in a maluch t-shirt and we expected they were joining us, but he turned out to be just another one of the patrons at the campsite- what are the chances! There were a few folk that came over to admire the cars over the course of the weekend.

(https://thumb.ibb.co/iBhEAT/last.jpg) (https://ibb.co/iBhEAT)(https://thumb.ibb.co/fYv6Po/randompole.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fYv6Po)(https://thumb.ibb.co/ibzuAT/heating.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ibzuAT)

The next day was the Treasure Hunt. Unlike a convention car treasure hunt, there was no route for this one, everyone was given a sheet of tasks and they simply needed to head out and take a photo of those tasks before heading to the finishing point. The tasks were all centre around the quirkiness of the 126, some made for scenic photos, some made for amusing photos. Everyone split up and we finished at a local country park. What we didn't realise was there was a festival going on, so we only added to the attractions to be seen!

(https://thumb.ibb.co/mMzuAT/admirer.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mMzuAT) (https://thumb.ibb.co/fVu5H8/camper.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fVu5H8) (https://thumb.ibb.co/dK2EAT/creativespace.jpg) (https://ibb.co/b4TAjo) (https://thumb.ibb.co/k6bkH8/dan.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k6bkH8)  (https://thumb.ibb.co/fhbwPo/hutton.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fhbwPo)  (https://thumb.ibb.co/bJDhx8/polskiskelp.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bJDhx8) (https://thumb.ibb.co/jnCWqT/outside.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jnCWqT)(https://thumb.ibb.co/etOt4o/shopping.jpg) (https://ibb.co/etOt4o) (https://thumb.ibb.co/mBxWqT/skate.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mBxWqT) (https://thumb.ibb.co/miBrqT/tetris.jpg) (https://ibb.co/miBrqT) (https://thumb.ibb.co/iU6D4o/IMG_1465.jpg) (https://ibb.co/iU6D4o) (https://thumb.ibb.co/ePdhx8/waves.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ePdhx8)

After the treasure hunt, the plan was to go a road run- but people were hungry and some of the cars needed fixing a rest. And so the remainder of the day was taken up by grabbing food and having a BBQ back at the campsite. There were Polish drinks and, most notably, Polish sausages.

(https://thumb.ibb.co/duHNVT/35943746_10216006798232328_9012257154257649664_n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/duHNVT) (https://thumb.ibb.co/ciJ7x8/36048282_10216006796992297_7369128401975640064_n.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ciJ7x8) (https://thumb.ibb.co/b4TAjo/campsite.jpg) (https://ibb.co/b4TAjo)

The Golden Piston was awarded to the duo who scored the most points in the treasure hunt (they also managed to fit an alarming number of people in the 126, see the video above) and get themselves announced on local radio!

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: 1973/126 on June 27, 2018, 09:33:08 AM

 Thanks for sharing the photos. Looks like you guys had a great weekend 8)

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: andyzeetec on June 28, 2018, 04:34:53 PM

Great read, pics and video   :beer:

Good time had by all by the looks of it.

Title: Re: the Fiat 126 weekend: 22-24th June 2018 - DE55 4BP
Post by: DeVilleChris on July 13, 2018, 05:08:25 PM

It really was a fantastic weekend.