Le Tour Grand Depart get together Sat 4th July

[Stuart]

UPDATE:

Sorry folks, if you haven't already RVSP'd - this event is fully subscribed as of Wed 1st July !!

So it's Le Tour time again starting Sat 4th July and the opening nights TT in and around Monaco should provide great entertainment.

Jo & I are happy to host the night for DHBC at our place unless another venue with a larger TV is offered? The TV I was to purchase pre-tour is now not available until mid July, so we have a 75cm flat screen CRT. Having said that, the picture is fabo on the CRT and we have room for a fair few people.

Coverage commences on SBS at 23:30 - we can start the night earlier at around 19:30 for a BBQ feed and go from there. Planning to rent a DVD of a previous years race to get us fired up.

It will be a BYO drinks event, Premium BBQ i.e. steaks / lamb / Thai style chicken etc at a minimal charge ($5-10 head unless there's only a few starters) and we'll bung on the salads, spuds, etc. Vegetarians need to self cater.

So, unless there's already a night on somewhere else we don't know about or somebody else wants to volunteer their place, please register your participation here.

[orphic]

Count me in. I would be happy to do some kind of organisation to provide for vegetarians. How many of us are there? I know of some tasty mock meats that go well on the BBQ and might even get the carnivores jealous

[Simon Llewellyn]

. Planning to rent a DVD of a previous years race to get us fired up.

I've got the past 6 years on DVD from memory plus about 15 other cycling dvds covering a fair range...

So me & Jess will be there... & if you need dvds give me a buzz.

[Trouty]

Count me in. I would be happy to do some kind of organisation to provide for vegetarians. How many of us are there? I know of some tasty mock meats that go well on the BBQ and might even get the carnivores jealous

If you're a vego there will be no charge. It is really just a contribution to the meat. We will have some salads and baked vegies, but knowing that some vegetarians are fussy about their food, it would be better to bring your own desired form of protein.

[christian]

I'll be there.

[mikesbytes]

Thanks Stu, Jo sounds great

[Stuart]

I've got the past 6 years on DVD from memory plus about 15 other cycling dvds covering a fair range...So me & Jess will be there... & if you need DVD's give me a buzz.

Bring whatever you think is best but I'm up for 2007 & 2008 at least.

BTW, for those coming along who don't know where we live in Dulwich Hill, send us a PM for the address.

[geoffs]

we'll be there. Marian has to work on the Sunday

What would you like us to bring?
Biscotti?
I do a mean Thai beef salad

People will need to RSVP so there is a heads up as to how many expected.

[T-Bone]

Sounds good, i'll join in the fun.

[Stuart]

we'll be there. Marian has to work on the Sunday
What would you like us to bring?
Biscotti?
I do a mean Thai beef salad
People will need to RSVP so there is a heads up as to how many expected.

Great Geoff, both those items sound excellent but it depends on final numbers really and as you pointed out, we really need RSVP via this post for catering so if you're planning on coming along, please indicate or if you know somebody who's coming but hasn't indicated here then prod them into action!

[timyone]

how do people point out if they are coming?
do we post here?

[othy]

Stuart/Jo, my wife & I will be attending.

[NOOG]

Count me in (+1 vegetarian)

[Michael Chidgey]

also in. i cooked a mean potato salad if its wanted.

[Terry]

I've been granted a leave pass so I'm in.

[Stuart]

Thanks for all the responses (and those who SMS'd!).

Due to space restrictions, we're going to have to close it off now at 23 starters, otherwise there just won't be room enough for everyone to sit!

This is a first in best dressed event!!

[Stuart]

how do people point out if they are coming?
do we post here?

We've counted you as a yes Tim

[Stuart]

Update: As there are 25 people we have decided to go for food you can eat with your hands - this means:

Fancy Fish Finger Food - from Geoff & Marian

Beef / Chicken Burgers with salsa and various other bits & pieces;
Thai Chicken Wings (with optional hot-hot-hot sauce);
Jo's fried rice
Jo's Pork Ribs too
Mr Chidgey's potato salad for ... well why not. We love a man who can cook and ride .....
Some type of Green salad

This will minimise cutlery / plate / table space requirements.

Ms Victoria (orphic) needs to liaise with Noog re Vego requirements (or the other way round) - who am I to play fav's.

We also really need stuff for people to sit / lie down on as seating is limited ... we are going to get cosy! Bean bags especially would be good.

Lastly, if anyone has a 5m coax TV cable I'd appreciate it so we can run double TV's (this would require muscle as the 2nd, 92cm CRT TV weighs 85kgs)

[Toff]

30 June is end of financial year, and as always, very busy for me, which makes it hard for me to do online forum stuff...

It makes it hard for me to RSVP to things at this time of year.

Can I put my hand up to take a spot if someone cancels?

I also have a 5m TV arial cable if that helps clinch the deal.

[geoffs]

I'll do the tv cable as i have all the adapters and connections that could possibly be required.

[simon.sharwood]

I'll come, but late after another party (a 40th). Should I bring dessert?

[Stuart]

OK - I'm going to lock this topic off as we are definitely full house. As I said above, we just can't fit any more people in!

PM me if you replied before the cut off and need info.

[Stuart]

Sat July 4th Update:

Hi all TDF Grand Depart starters - Start time is now 19:00 or 7:00PM for those who are challenged by 24 hour time. This will allow us to get food on earlier and also to get some help moving the 2nd TV etc. We will of course wait till all have arrived to start dinner just in case you don't get this post update in time. Pass the news along.

Of course, if you wish to arrive a bit earlier to give a hand, that's always appreciated.

[timyone]

hey i think ill be running a little bit late, im going to another party before and after this :S

[Stuart]

So the night was a huge success (I think). Hope everyone had fun and enjoyed the food.

Here's a link to some pictures of the night

A big thank you goes out to all who contributed.

From Jo: Thanks to Ted for toasting a mean burger, Anna for the home made cakes that were gone in the first round, Mark H's cake, and of course Chidgey's mean Potato salad.

Here's some of the shots



NO, FOR THE LAST TIME - MARK AND I ARE NOT AN ITEM!






DID ANYONE NOTICE HOW MUCH CAMILLA CAN TALK AFTER A FEW DRINKS?


YES - IT'S OFFICIAL - WE ARE AN ITEM


THE LAST OF THE STAYERS

[timyone]

Great party amazing food! (Sorry I didn't get to eat more!!!!

[shrubb face]

100 style points to Victoria for drinking James Squire.

[orphic]

Only the best

Thanks Jo and Stuart for a great evening. The food, drinks, company and entertainment were all brilliant.

The spooning party on the mattress towards the end of the evening was certainly an eye opener. As I said on the night - what kind of bike club IS this?

[Stuart]

100 style points to Victoria for drinking James Squire.

Sometimes two at once!!

[shrubb face]

I was going to post that photo as well!!

"ah bugger, its empty. At least i've got the next one already"

I thought she had given up drinking.

[orphic]

I could never give up drinking. This cycling thing has just temporarily gotten in the way of me and my true love (that is beer). Once I get back to brewing you might never see me again.

[weiyun]

You wild animals!