Russian Rendezvous

[DITTRICH]

Does 2 members meeting qualify as a GTG?
If so, Barry and I (and our better halves) have just held the first Russian GTG of MBClub.
After a year or two of diary clashes we finally met in Vladimir, Vladimirskaya Oblast, Russia for the afternoon. Barry has a photo I am sure he will post later.
The rains came too and we were navigating across the city through 6+ inches of muddy water trying to work out where all the pot holes were. Fairly entertaining.
A very pleasant time was had by all and diaries permitting it will continue next year.
On the way over from the UK I managed 45.8mpg in the s124 and despite some air in the fuel lines and an issue with the Russian Customs I made it to Moscow without paying anyone anything.

Les

 

[Dieselman]

Will next years GTG be opened out to others?

 

[bpsorrel]

Yes DM, of course!

Thanks Les for the write up!

By the way, the rains are continuing! Had a nice rain soaked drive today - might fit the Nissan with floats if this continues!!

I think our other halves want to meet up in UK - we could have a London GTG too then!

ps- I did a write up too, but in another area of the forum! Ooops!

 

[bpsorrel]

By the way, I'll upload the photo as soon as I get round to downloading off my phone, hopefully tomorrow!

 

[kth286]

does it qualify as a GTG if it is a Nissan ?

 

[kth286]

On the way over from the UK I managed 45.8mpg in the s124 and despite some air in the fuel lines and an issue with the Russian Customs I made it to Moscow without paying anyone anything.

Les

How many miles was the journey and how long did you spend travelling ?

 

[DITTRICH]

The journey is around 1,925 miles and takes up to 36 hours driving time not including time spent at the Russian Latvian border.

On the way back the engine front under tray half fell off but a few minutes at a garage and all was well. Use of repair bay / inspection pit was £4 cash in hand.

 

[DITTRICH]

Will next years GTG be opened out to others?

No objections but getting in and out of Russia on a land border can be an interesting exercise, when mixed up with 80 or so Latvian fuel "tourists" (Russian petrol 55p / litre and Latvian 110p / litre). You need to know what you are letting yourself in for!

Back in Blighty now.

 

[bpsorrel]

..which is why we always fly and keep a car here!

Just under 2 weeks to go 'till we return to UK... how the time has flown!

Glad you got back safely Les!

 

[DITTRICH]

If I had a heated garage and someone to look after my car in the winter, believe me, I would go down the Russian car route. Having said that, I have had super holidays and seen a good deal of Europe in the process. The s124 is a nice sedate cruiser, but I miss the responsiveness of the c230k..

 

[LTD]

does it qualify as a GTG if it is a Nissan ?

Yes.

Forum members, not cars

 

[bpsorrel]

Interestingly, now that Russia is in the WTO, import duty will be more realistic for cars and for LCVs it's very cheap now (think Mitsubishi L200 with a truckman top...) so I just might buy one in UK and drive it over.... might go the Finland StP route though!

By the way, it's non-stop rain since you've gone!! Roads are...umm...fun!!!

Also, the forthcoming Lufthansa strike could prove interesting

 

[DITTRICH]

During the Volcano episode in Iceland, I got a refund from BA and put my family on the TRAIN from Byelorusskaya Station to Berlin and met them there with a car. Holiday in Berlin for 2 days then return to UK. SImples

 

[bpsorrel]

LOL! Could be an opportunity to go to Białystok to look up the family history on the way home instead of going later in the year!

Apparently the unions are only go to give a few hours notice before each strike so we'll already be in Moscow before we know if our flights are effected... ah well, could be fun if we look at it the right way!

 

[bpsorrel]

Thought I'd post the photo of the Russian GTG in this thread as well as the other.

As you see, rain was very heavy that day, but we still had fun and it was great to meet up. Hopefully, we'll do it again next year!