[supremeBaleno]

Creating this thread to plan the next Pondy drive/meet as discussed during the Chennai TBHP Marina meet yesterday morning (link).

For those that missed the awesome St.James resort Pondy drive/meet, here is the linky.

And this thread was a failed attempt to do an encore - inspite of the thread running to 12 pages. I hope the 3rd attempt is a success.

Things to plan :

1) Dates : At the Marina, the date that came up was weekend of 11-12 June. But I am adding a poll with few other dates too, just in case.

2) Venue : St.James resort is an option. But do keep the suggestions coming in about any other good venues which are reasonably priced, has enough space etc.

3) Format : Same as last time - drive down Saturday afternoon, reach Pondy before dusk, stay overnight, return back to Chennai Sunday afternoon.

Bangy boys welcome to join.

[libranof1987]

Sounds good!

But, ain't it too hot? I was there this time, last year.

[supremeBaleno]

Accomodation options :
Looks like St.James have hiked up prices since our last meet (inflation). See current rates inclusive of breakfast below for double occupancy, with the rates we paid last time in brackets :

Deluxe --- 2300 (1800)
Super Deluxe --- 3200 (2500)
Executive Suite --- 3750 (3000)

Google reveals that we have better options available at much better prices :

1) Soorya beach resort (cottages at just 500bucks a person):
Has online booking option.


2) Oasis Resorts (rooms from 550 to 750 per person) :


Infact Oasis has a Group package (would suit us) at 1100 per person per night, covering a/c accomodation, welcome drink, all 3 meals and evening tea/coffee. Min. group of 10 pax.

BTW, plan such that you have just about enough petrol/diesel in your car to limp into Pondy, so that you can tank in max. quantity of fuel from Pondy at around Rs.5 less per litre.

[anachronix]

Last week of June works better for me

[headers]

June 11-12 sounds good - lets see the outcome.

BTW, strictly, no drag racing on the road - In case you dare, be prepared to fail

[supremeBaleno]

@vikram, also do indicate your option in the poll - will help us know what date suits the majority.

Fail ? To what ? A piddly Punto ? You are joking, right.

[amitoj]

Am going to be in Pondicherry on 17-18-19 June. Dates are already fixed!

[IronH4WK]

Originally Posted by amitoj

Am going to be in Pondicherry on 17-18-19 June. Dates are already fixed!

Paaji it's gonna be hot as hell!! we went to Pondi in June 2009 thinking the weather might be pleasant (was raining regularly in Bangalore that time); big mistake. when we visited Mahabalipuram, we literally got burnt - at 10am the temperature was 36deg! mostly stayed indoors and came out only in the evenings

later came to know the monsoon comes somewhere in August!

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by IronH4WK

Paaji it's gonna be hot as hell!!

Anil, I am not going to Pondi with family. It will be me and two of my friends from school days.
So, we'll be able to tackle the heat IMO.

EDIT: O just noticed. 18-19 is not even an option in the poll!! Can we please have that added? Since at least one member is already confirmed for that date?

[supremeBaleno]

@IronHawk, it was 40degC yesterday here. What worse could be awaiting us Chennai folks at Pondy than that ?

@amitoj, the only thing stopping me from adding the weekend of 18-19 as a poll-option is the fact that I can't make it to Pondy that weekend. Imagine a situation where that weekend scores the max. votes ????

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by supremeBaleno

@amitoj, the only thing stopping me from adding the weekend of 18-19 as a poll-option is the fact that I can't make it to Pondy that weekend.

Ah well, can't deny you the first mover advantage! Seems I will be missing out on yetttt another meet.

[IronH4WK]

Originally Posted by supremeBaleno

@IronHawk, it was 40degC yesterday here. What worse could be awaiting us Chennai folks at Pondy than that ?

yeah, i can understand. we reached Chennai Saturday afternoon and as soon as we got out of the car - wow! its was like a heatwave! even 4am in the morning it was hot!

[ph03n!x]

Biju, your days of travel (for hometown and for Pondy ) matches mine, voted for all three

As of now Zoomsum prefers 11-12, Anachronix prefers 25-26 (neither for 9-10 July).

Chennai BHPians, VOTE!!!

[headers]

Originally Posted by supremeBaleno

Fail ? To what ? A piddly Punto ? You are joking, right.

Its not the vehicle biju - it the p*** break..

BTW, elsewhere there is a story about a Gypsy taking an ESTEEM at MMST track. The esteem could do 100 in 2nd gear etc. Again, its the same story

Dont tell me you are gonna challenge in your antiquated 1.6 Suzuki!!!

[ukderebail]

All the best for the Pondi Meet, seems a good deal worked out @ 1100 per pax inclusive of all meals and welcome drinks. Good luck guys