bIQem
SIGHT Mensa Belgium, sight@mensa.be, +32-49-699-2699, Steenveldstraat 14, B-9600 Ronse, Belgium
Belgium, December 4, 2007
Dear fellow Mensans,
As SIGHT coordinator for Mensa Belgium, it is my pleasure to announce, and
invite you to, the first edition of bIQem (pronounce [ba:j'kem] or Bike M).
When successful, this event will become a bi-annual event, passing through
all countries of Europe.
bIQem 2008, is a 15-day long motorcycle trip
going from Belgium to the North Pole and back.
Riders will go through Belgium, the Netherlands,
Germany, Finland, Norway, Sweden and
Denmark, making an average of 400km
(250miles) per day. Of those 15 days, there will
be 10 days completely without darkness!
When does this happen?
The tour will leave Antwerp on July 19, 2008 and will reach the north cape
on July 25, 2008 to be back in Antwerp on August 2, 2008.
Where does it start?
The first stage starts in Antwerp, but riders from other parts of Europe can
join us at any stage. Just let us know where and/or when you'd like to join
us, and you'll get all the details.
What can we expect?
A marvelous experience that will alter your view on Scandinavia for life!
Along the way, there will be several occasions for side events, such as
midnight gold digging, real Finnish saunas, spas, the only Amethyst mine in
Europe, an arctic zoo and perhaps a couple of get-togethers with local
Mensans, if we can find them .. And last but definitely not least, you will
discover new dishes and gastronorgasms when you are introduced to local
reindeer specialties or fresh smoked fish or other local cuisine.
"Eh., North Pole, eh. duh, isn't that like. eh. COLD?!?"
A surprise to many, but the answer is NO! Since the sun
doesn't set, it does not cool off at night! Expect mild to
warm weather, although atlantic breezes along the coast of
Norway can be a bit chilly.
Who can come?
All Mensans and all relatives, friends and acquaintances of
participating Mensans are invited to come along on our
polar expedition. Do keep in mind though, that the
participating member bares responsibility over his/her
invited non-members. The participating member must
provide us with a list of all invited non-members. Any
registration from a non-member who does not appear in the
invite list of a participating member will be automatically
discarded.
IMPORTANT! CALL FOR SAG CARS.
To alleviate the riders, we would like to invite people who are willing to drive
a sag car, holding part of the luggage and medical and emergency
supplies. If you drive your own vehicle, you will get a fee per carried
luggage unit, as part of the registration fee is to cover luggage
transportation. Each fully paying participant will be granted transportation
for 1 large luggage item (large suitcase, large sporting bag, or large back
pack with tent/mattress attached to exterior) Of course, sag car status will
only be attributed on an as-needed basis. The first candidates will be
chosen first.
Quanta Costa?
The registration fee is 100EUR. Passengers not requiring luggage space, pay
only 50EUR. Depending on your riding style and engine size, you will spend
between 650EUR and 900EUR in gas per vehicle. Depending on your desire
for luxury, or lack thereof, ferry rates range from 100-200EUR for a vehicle,
and from 100-900 for reclined seats, cabins or suites. These prices combine
2 ferries, 1 from Rostock to Helsinki, and one from Göteborg to
Frederikshavn. Again, depending on your desire for luxury, nights can be
free when you bring a tent, or you can spend any budget on B&B or hotels.
Your total cost for this vacation may therefore vary very much, but I
indicate an average of 1200EUR to 1500EUR all in (even including food and
drinks) per person.
All bookings for hotels, camping grounds (not really needed because all
throughout Scandinavia "every-man's law" applies, allowing free camping)
and ferries need to be booked individually by each participant.
"Hey wait a minute. If we have to book everything ourselves, what is the
100EUR for?"
As mentioned before, a large part of the registration fee will be used to
cover luggage transportation. The remainder will provide you with detailed
stage maps and instructions, a personalized fluorescent jacket which you
will be required to wear for safety reasons, a trophy, a mommy letter, and
all other useful details to make your trip as enjoyable as can be.
Where do I sign up?
To receive your registration form, e-mail sight@mensa.be
or call [Phone Number]
Along with the registration form, you will receive more
detailed information about the ferries to book and about
the exact location of the halting areas in case you would
like to book a hotel in that area. You will also receive a
code of conduct, about riding behavior and respect for
nature, that you will have to sign and return. This code of
conduct will act as a disclaimer/responsibility waiver for
the organization.
Luk Aerts, SIGHT coordinator, Mensa Be
