30th anniversary...

3 Weeks to count down… :o

Well Club members’, we have just over three weeks left for the dead line, to register and pay for, the G-Wagens’ 30th anniversary at Graz.

The information, as I have understood it, is: :?

31st March 2009: - Dead Line to register on line and pay for a participation charge amounting to €275 per person. I am not, absolutely clear what this participation charge is for, either participating in a parade to go around the city or to participate at the actual event? I have sent emails, to the German and Swiss clubs’, but not received any answers on that and a few other concerning questions. Registration and payments’ is on the German Web site. The registration page is in German.

18th June 2009: - Arrivals to the event. But, there is no information on where to report for this; at the factory or at Schwarzlsee Recreation Centre. There are no charges to the centre or parking on site. There is no information about camping on site. This centre is some 5 Kms South of Graz, an easy journey on the Motorway, literally from one exist to another. Venues at each end of the Motorway are almost off the junctions.

We are expected to sign in, but without knowing where to do this, it becomes awkward as one has to also to check in to our nominated accommodation where, ever that may be.

From 19:00 hrs, there is a gathering to the anniversary celebrated with a pig roast meal severed during the evening. You pay individually, for food and drinks’.

19th June 2009: - 09:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs. Arrive at the factory, and collectively, a Shuttle Bus will transport you to the assembly hall. Groups of 20’s will tour the assembly line in between the above time. There is no mention of any English speaking guides or where to register for the tour. Not even sure, if this is a first come, first serve service. Aside, from this, it seems there is a display of various G-Wagens and different models on display. There is organised a driving skills’ competion, if it is, as was, at the 20th anniversary in 2000, one of the skills’ test include driving a G-Wagen with a beaker of glass filled with water close to the top and loosely sat on the front wing. One has to drive the small course with minimal loss of water at the end, against all competitors. A very interesting event!

The course partly, consists of negotiating a seesaw, climbing a steep ramp, which has a small chamber to it and also is slightly curved. At the time, this was not a “timed” affair. Those of you, who, wish to display your special G-Wagen conversions need to register or inform the organisers on the web site, an address for this given on the itinerary. If you are stuck for a driver, to take your G-Wagen across, I can volunteer. 8)

For the rest of the afternoon, one may be spending time doing a mapped tour around Graz. A road map, in two parts will be distributed at the factory, I suppose. Subject to confirmation, part of the road map plans to drive on the Schockl Mountain, partly, G-Wagens’ off road testing facility, but as yet, permission on this has, not been granted.

The evening closes with Styrian styled Cuisine, Wine and Music night. I can only guess, that the venue for this, is the Recreational centre. Food and drinks paid for, individually.

20th June 2009: - Basically, you are on your own for the Morning. There is the rest of road map to tour, other than, that, there is an event, taking place in the after noon (time???). This is a concourse of various catgorgeries with awards, some interesting entries based on what was displayed at the previous occasions.

The evening sees to an events’ ceremony, a festive banquet with entertainment. Food is covered in the participation fee; drinks however, are individually settled. No mention of food costs if, you do not participate, in I suppose is the concourse, or does take mean you are not invited? This is an example of question; I am waiting an answer from the Germans.

21st June 2009: - 10:00hrs, departing from Schwarlsee a big G-Parade into and around the city of Graz, the event is expecting public viewing with the closure of the event by 14:00 hrs. The participation fee could be for this event? :cry:

Disclaimer: - Changes to this schedule may be possible.

Other points of interest: Accommodation ranges from €45.00 to over and above, €120.00 per night, per person. On site parking is not available at all sites, do ensure for parking when booking. Where parking is available, this ranges from free, building to a nominal €4.00 per day to around €15.00 per day.

Remember, for those who are driving down, as you enter the Austrian customs boarder, you will need to purchase a Road token for the number of days you plan to be within Austria. A ten days toll token costs €7.70, these are bought from tobacconists, petrol stations closer to Austrian boarders. The tokens are expected to be mounted at the top middle to left hand side of the windscreen. Failure to display or have a valid token is a €120.00 on the spot fine. The Austrian Police are not forgiving.

Regards,

Rakesh. :?: