15th November 2010, 15:43
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#33
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Moderator
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As a member of the organizing committee of these meetings, the revival of this thread is an acknowledgement of all the work and the great times that we had. The last E34 M5 Alps meeting was held in September 2008. We started organizing for 2009; but due too (1) the economic decline and (2) the high cost of these trips for the participants, there was little enthusiasm amongst the European E34 community to participate.
Another item to concider is the hughe responsibility that we as organizing committee have put on our shoulders. Driving 300-500km daily road trips on narrow roads and under sometimes harsh conditions requires serious driving skills from each and every participant. These driving skills should be combined with a sense of responsibilty and the awareness of ones limitations. Self reflection is the most important requirement; bravery certainly is NOT.
Add to that the severe driving conditions that puts a heavy burden on the cars. An average condition E34 or E39 M5 with MOT, MFK, TuV, APK or whatever road certificate will break down, hence why we always have set high technical requirements, such as (1) tyres with a recent DOT-code, (2) new OEM (or better) brakes and brake fluid (minimum Castrol SRF) , (3) healthy suspension and (4) a recent inspII service. New paint or 19" rims with crappy far east tyres will fail under these endurances.
These personal and technical requirements have always been the basis of our acceptance policy. A close monitoring of the M5-scene throughout Europe (German and English groups) allowed us to asses the applicants, part of which are the many M5 meetings that were organized on for instance the Nordschleife. It took a unique mix of personalities, organizing skills driving skills and technical skills to achieve these organized road-trips and put them to a good end. Since the personal focus of the organizing members have chanced as well due too which it is uncertain wether or not these meetings will be repeated in the future in the same context as the Alps meetings between 2002 and 2008.
Last edited by raymondw; 15th November 2010 at 15:49.
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