Friday - 25 Jan 2013 Historic Monte Carlo Rally 2013 Venue: Several places in Monaco

http://maboum.com/event-9370

16th edition of historic automobile endurance race

From 25th January to 1st February, competitors drive models of cars that have taken part in the Monte Carlo Rally between 1955 and 1980. 311 teams are taking part:

26th JanuaryTeams depart from Copenhagen and Glasgow.

27th JanuaryTeams depart Barcelona and Reims.

28th JanuaryCompetitors head for Saint Nazaire en Royans and a control time on 28th January, before making their way to Valence, then on to the Ardeche for the first two regularity trials, one of which is new for 2012: Antraigues > Col de la Fayolle > Le Moulinon.

29th JanuaryAfter a night in Valence, teams depart at 7:30 for 4 regularity trials, three of which are new: Les Ollieres > Col de Sarrasset, Albon > Col de Faye > Le Cheylard, and Lalouvesc > Col du Buisson. Vehicles return to Valence for another overnight stay.

30th JanuaryAll teams head for Gap, on roads in the Drome, Isere and Hautes Alpes.

31st JanuaryAfter spending the night in Gap, vehicles make their way to Monaco via two more regularity trials. They should reach the La Turbie control early in the afternoon before the final drive to Monaco and the vehicle park on Quai Albert 1er. In the evening, from 20:00, teams depart the port area for the final, night stage, with three regularity trials in the mountains behind the Principality.

1st FebruaryResults are published at midday, followed by a gala evening for all competitors at the Sporting d'Ete.

Unpleasant odours came from a chemical plant in Rouen, Normandy, and wafted over the English Channel, with some people reporting the smell to West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

HAMPSHIRE Fire and Rescue Service said its control room has received a ‘steady stream’ of calls from people reporting a strong smell of gas in the air.

It confirmed more than 20 calls were received from the Portsmouth area but there have been reports as far north in the county as Basingstoke and Andover, and as far west as Ringwood.

Full story ..... http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/environment/le-pong-wafts-over-english-channel-to-south-coast-1-4707217

Hi all Laponie, Mosquito or Poronkusema raiders & hangarounds

> Instant Miniraid Syöte
There are crazy plans by a few experienced raiders to make a quick spin to Lapland with a couple of experienced 2cvs, starting in Vaasa Sat 9th Feb and getting back in Vaasa Wed 13th Feb.We intend to rent a log cottage at Syöte for a few nights. If interested, quickly let me know. It might be possible to fly & drive....

> Facebook group
In Facebook, there is now a group called "The Raid Laponie" to discuss our common passion. It's a closed group where you can easily share memories, photos and videos. Any Laponie, Mosquito or Poronkusema raider (or hangaround) can ask to join (you first need to be registered in Facebook).
The group was started by Gert-Jan.
http://www.facebook.com/tony.pennery#!/groups/185222211615284/

> Next summer
Some superfinns are known to make plans to go to "7e Rassemblement 2CV, Ferme de la Madelonne" in Gouvy, Belgium 3.-5.5.2013
http://www.gouvy.eu/madelonne/?page_id=293&doing_wp_cron=1355988669.2140929698944091796875
and also to the 20th French national 8.-12.5.2013
http://www.nationale2cv2013-clubdefrance-lavare.fr/

and of course to the Worldmeeting in Spain
http://www.2cvspain2013.com/
(but I am not so sure about myself about this so I hope someone will make arrangements for a sf meeting there).

Lots of snow and -20C so life is running smoothly in Finland

Always glad to hear from you...drop a line.

Cheers, Jukka