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Club Trip 2014 - Bala

D N A's picture
on Sun, 02/03/2014 - 16:35

Just a quick post / reminder to people re the proposed club trip to Bala in May (I think!). Whilst out on the ride today, I was talking to a few people who seemed interested but wanted to know a few more details. Apart from knowing I've paid my deposit, we are staying in a bunkhouse somewhere out Bala way and the fact the rides, I'm sure, will involve some pain lol, I couldn't offer anymore info. Maybe we could have a re post of the original info to get more takers etc. Looking forward to it (good run out for the Wild wales Challenge!!) 

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stevedepport's picture

Thanks for flagging this up, I wll get all the details together and post them all again. I have looked at the old site but  everything has gonecrying

stevedepport's picture

The club trip is booked for Friday June 20th and Saturday June21st at Foel Ortho Farmhouse just outside Bala. It is less than 2 hours away with the intention of getting there after work on the Friday. Saturday will be a day out on the bikes. Sunday is a morning ride so we can all be back home a reasonable time. The plan for both nights would be to go to Lake Vyrnwy Hotel both nights to eat. Links to the farmhouse and the hotel are below. Total cost will be £50. For this you get 2 nights self catering accommodation at an incredible venue, worth the cost just to see this place! Last year the cost also included all the breakfast essentials, tea & coffee, some drinks and a donation to charity. If the numbers work it will be the same this year. We were also entertained one night before dinner by the hosts Ed & Jen who are both great characters and brilliant musicians. Links to a You Tube clip of that evening is also below.

http://www.farmhouseinwales.com/

http://www.lakevyrnwy.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz8kh77kncs

We have already booked the Farmhouse and the Bunkhouse will sleep 28 in total. If we get more numbers we can also have the Meadow House and Barn Hall, which have both been built since last years visit. This will give us enough room for 38. there is also now a large outdoor hot tub, but this will cost extra if anyone wants it. So far I have had money from Les & Sue, Dave Atkinson, Dave Davies (even sounds vaguely Welsh), Craig Sneddon, Enigma Darren, Mark Tich, Kev White, Elliot, Ste F and of course me. So far 11 people have committed and there have been quite a few discussions and promises to book. Well all the details are here now all you need to do is pay some money. You have two choices, you can take the money into the shop and leave it with James or you can be all 21st century and use my Paypal account steve.depport@blueyonder.co.uk just add a note linking it to the trip. Go on, you know you want to, show me the money. Routes for both days will be planned in advance for groups of different abilities and nobody gets left behind. There is a simple reason for going back here again.......everyone who went thought it was brilliant!

D N A's picture

Steve, thanks for the update. I'm sure you'll get loads of interest and takers. Can you let me know what I owe you, can't remember what deposit I paid lol. Thanks. Dave

I'm bad and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me. (Wreck-It Ralph, 2012)

stevedepport's picture

Dave, you paid £35, you owe another £15, thanks, Steve.

mr_poll's picture

Fraid I can't make it this year - gutted as I loved last years trip. Those that didn't go last year should - great roads, great company and great accomodation. And this year you have the added bonus that as I won't be there I won't have created some tough routes.  

stevedepport's picture

Two quick updates -

Firstly, I should have said that student rates are £30 for weekend, book early.

Secondly, due to a delay in the renovations the Barn Hall is unlikely to be ready on time so numbers will be limited to 30/31. What this means is you need to book NOW!

ChrisG's picture

Sounds great I will check my hectic schedule for bike riding in the summer ;) well interested though, do we make our own way down there or ?....
D N A's picture

Get it sorted Chris......... You know you want to!

I'm bad and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me. (Wreck-It Ralph, 2012)

stevedepport's picture

Everyone makes their own way there, sharing of cars will be encouraged.

I have been e-mailed by the owners as they need me to pay the balance by 21st March, which is not far off. To be able to do this I need the full payment from anyone who has so far not paid the full amount. I will also need at least another 13 fully paid up riders. I have to pay £650 plus a £150 security deposit. I don't mind putting up the security deposit as I will get that back unless you trash the place! What I can't do is pay the £650, I need you to smash open your cycling piggy banks and give me the money.

Where else are you going to get such great value for £50?

stevedepport's picture

An update on where we are up to so far. Firstly, who has paid what so far -

Dave Atkinson paid £35, owes £15.

Dave Davies paid £35, owes £15.

Craig Sneddon paid £40, owes £10.

Darren Prout paid £35, owes £15.

Les & Sue Greene, Mark Titchenor, Kev White, Elliot Kirwan, Steve Francis and myself have all paid in full.

All of the boys above have paid up enabling me to reserve the weekend and pay the deposit. The deposit is non-refundable and we don't want 11 club members holding a grudge when we all ride so close and rely on each other to remain safe.angry

As in the previous posting I need more money to pay the balance by 21st March. I know quite a few people have been talking about the trip, just now is the time to stop talking and start paying.yes

Organising club trips can be a pain, I know that from last year, but help me out, pay up and I can relax.crying

 

 

D N A's picture

Come on people, get signed up!!!! Steve I'll drop the £15 off in the shop over the weekend. I 'll put it in an envelope for your attention. Many thanks once again for sorting this out.

I'm bad and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me. (Wreck-It Ralph, 2012)

craig s's picture


I'll get my balance into the shop tomorrow too - sorry Steve, been away

Motorolley's picture

Steve, I finally plucked up the courage to ask the misses and it's a thumbs up for me now! It's amazing what they'll agree to if you just do a bit of hoovering!! Anyway, I won't be able to stay the Friday night so I'll be looking at getting to you first thing on Saturday morning to take part in both rides plus a few drinks on the Saturday! (Carb loading sponsored by Thwaites!) I don't mind paying for the two nights, so I'll get the £50 to you ASAP - probably via PayPal if that's ok? Anyone for a game of drunken strip Twister!? (That's what goes on at these cycling holidays isn't it!?) ;op

Gareth.

5star's picture

come on you lot last years trip was great ( for some :-[ ) £50 for a weekend away  cycling and a few beers at night scran 

COME ON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

twister is a must 

it never gets easier , you just go faster

dangerousdave's picture

Steve i will leave the £15 balance with Matt tomorrow
Motorolley's picture

Steve, I've transferred the money to you through Pay Pal. Let me know if it doesn't appear. Looking forward to it - come on people, get on board! ;o)

Gareth.

stevedepport's picture


Gareth, your payment came through, thank you. I am not sure any money turned up at the shop over the weekend, despite the promises.

I am still short of being able to pay for the trip, come on boys..........

craig s's picture

Steve, left my balance at the shop Saturday lunchtime

D N A's picture

Steve, £15 balance sent to you on PayPal I hope!!! Please confirm when you get it. ;)

I'm bad and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me. (Wreck-It Ralph, 2012)

stevedepport's picture

Dave, got your money through Paypal, thanks.

Craig, I will get yours from the shop, thanks.

Still plenty of spaces available though....................

dangerousdave's picture

Steve i have left £15 in the shop with Matt today
D N A's picture

Come on people, only 11 have signed up and committed financially to this trip. From what I heard about last years trip, it was fantastic and well worth the trip. Surely with 150+ members in our club, we can get a bigger turn out than a less than impressive 11.

I'm bad and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me. (Wreck-It Ralph, 2012)

disco dan's picture

I'd bite your hand off if you can wait a month for some money off me.
stevedepport's picture


Dan, I don't mind waiting but unless a few more people step forward I may have to cancel. There is no point flogging a dead horse. The lack of enthusiasm so far, after so many people last year asking me to book it again is disappointing.

I was supposed to pay the balance by the 21st but have not heard from the owners yet.

If you still want this, let me know this week.

 

D N A's picture

I'd be gutted if you've got to cancel this trip Steve. I'm really looking forward to it. Feel quite disappointed that we can't get a decent turnout from our club with so many members.

I'm bad and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me. (Wreck-It Ralph, 2012)

disco dan's picture

Yes Steve I'd still be up for it, dangerous dave convinced me on this a couple of weeks ago, so I hope it happens.
danmon_81's picture

Think i mentioned on the old forum...would have loved too but the missus is due end of June so its a no go for me! Hope you get a few more.

stevedepport's picture

Not feeling so negative about the trip this morning. So far there are 13 takers and I think there are a couple more I am aware of who have said they want to come, that's Steve Kernighan and James Edge, which would give me 15.

There are some smaller options at Foel Ortho which I could look at. On the response from last year where we had 20+ it looked like we would need more space. We were going to take the entire place but that looks unlikey now. The Farmhouse itself will sleep 16/17 so I could just look at this. The Bunkhouse then takes 12 so if nobody else comes forward we could fit in there. The Meadow House only takes 2 but could be used if we needed it.

I will check out with the owners the smaller options and let you know. If this works out a least we will not lose our deposit.

PLEASE let me know if you are interested. If I let some of the spaces go and they are booked up by somebody else you will not be able to come at the last minute.

D N A's picture

Steve I've put a club trip post on the clubs Facebook page with all the details so hopefully it may catch people's attention that way as well.

I'm bad and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me. (Wreck-It Ralph, 2012)

Motorolley's picture

It would be a real shame if we didn't have a Club trip! I couldn't go last year and regretted it after the stories and write ups I read afterwards! I'm looking forward to getting out to Welsh Wales and sample their roads, beer and sheep this year! Come on people, it's a bargain price for a guaranteed fun weekend - so much so that if you don't have fun, I'll cycle the Sunday ride in a mankini! ;o)

Gareth.

stevedepport's picture

Dave, thanks for putting the details on Facebook, hopefully it will help.

Andy Disley has let me know he is going, so that is one more.

Following a mankini up Bwlch y groes? I think I cancel my place........wink

 

D N A's picture

Steve, Jonathon Collins has stated he wants to come, but staying just for one night on the Friday. He has posted this on Facebook...... "Dave I've tried posting on the forum but I'm still not apparently allowed to post and I emailed Steve today but haven't had a response as yet. Basically just asking the question if I can just stay the Friday night and ride the Saturday. If so count me in." Check your emails, hopefully you have one from him.

I'm bad and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me. (Wreck-It Ralph, 2012)

stevedepport's picture

I am away at the moment, will pick up my e-mails at the weekend. There is space for him to stay, it will still cost £50 so i hope he is OK with this.

stevedepport's picture

I have spoken to the owner and got us a price just for the farmhouse of £850 including free use of the hot tub!. The cost will be £850 so across 17 people that is £50 each, athough this does not give me the funds to provide breakfast. We can sort that another day.

The place is actually fully booked right through into August so they might be able to let the bunkhouse, etc to somebody else. If I get more takers the I might still be able to rent it if nobody elses.

The number have changed so we have a maximum of 16/17 depending on sleeping arrangements.

I think we are up to 14 confirmed with Jonathon Collins to confirm if he is ok with £50 for 1 night.

Who else would like to come?

 

Mark Hope's picture

Steve, I'm up for this if there's still room. Sorry for the slack response - head elsewhere recently :-(

How many more do you need now? I'll give it a push on the site and also send out some emails/tweets.

 

stevedepport's picture

I saw John Doyle in the shop tonight, he wants a place holding for a couple of days but is likely to come. If you come and Jonathon confirms that is 17, so it is then full.

If anyone else wants to come then I would have to see about hiring the barn, which I have just let go today. Alternatively, I could start a reserve list.

Ian Gallagher's picture

Steve, put me down as a reserve place cheers

stevedepport's picture

OK Ian, you are first reserve. If I can get 3 or 4 more names I can probably get the barn back and it will not cost any more. The barn sleep 12 so it would give us more options.

 

 

Ian Gallagher's picture

Steve

Chris Holden has thrown his name into the hat as a reserve/available if the numbers pick up!

Cheers

Ian

stevedepport's picture


Can I get some confirmations please?

Jonathon Collins, are you OK with the £50, if so you have a place.

John Doyle, are you able to confirm, if so you have a place.

If I can get two more takers in addition to Ian Gallaher and Chris Holden then I will try to get the bunkhouse which will give us enough room for up to another 12 riders.

I need to know quickly in case somebody else books it first. Spread the word if you can.

D N A's picture

Steve Jonathon Collins is a definite according to the Face Book posting. For some reason he says he can't get on this forum. Will get a message to him on face book. I'll tell him to make contact with you ASAP, somehow?

I'm bad and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me. (Wreck-It Ralph, 2012)

Rick'Thepower'Taylor's picture

Can sort payment out on the 15th Steve. Well up for it.
D N A's picture

Steve, from Jonathon on Facebook. "I have already emailed Steve D! And I'm still "barred" from the forum! Like I say, I'm still willing and able. Mob num: 07732707678."

I'm bad and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me. (Wreck-It Ralph, 2012)

Matt Middleton - The Captain's picture

Jonathan, you cannot log in to the Forum cause you have not given us all your details.

Please call into the store.

 

buejcoll's picture

Hey presto, I'm now cooking on gas.

Dave, thanks for keeping me in the loop with things.

Steve, as above, feel free to give me a call/text on above num.

Matt, I'll be coming in store soon to get some new kit anyway!

D N A's picture

Finally lol. I can officially lose my middleman status now lol. Feel a bit like Cilla Black hooking you and Steve up lol!!!!

I'm bad and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me. (Wreck-It Ralph, 2012)

Johndoy's picture

Steve - sorry, been away for a couple of days - yes, I am in please.

Will drop off money at shop if that's OK.

 

John

D N A's picture

Numbers appear to be a lot more healthy now Steve. How many takers do we have now?

I'm bad and that's good. I will never be good and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be, than me. (Wreck-It Ralph, 2012)

stevedepport's picture

I think we are up to 21 now, Can everyone who has put their names down please get the cash paid ASAP. You can pay via Paypal at steve.depport@blueyonder.co.uk or drop the money off at the shop.

I have spoken to the owners last night and got the Bunkhouse for us a well. The Farmhouse holds 16/17 and the bunkhouse holds 12. So there are still some spare places, get your name down quickly and pay the £50 even quicker!

 

Ian Gallagher's picture

Steve

I've just sent you £50.00 payment via Paypal, many thanks

Ian

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