Rico

Ok here's part 1 - up to going to Chesterfields on the Saturday night. 4.30 am 25 August Alarm goes off. It’s time to start getting ready for the big one ! Bydgoszcz comes round but once a year and it’s time. After a quick shower it’s an hours drive to Luton airport to meet up with HenryW who has flown down the night before from Edinburgh. Checked in and enjoyed a hearty breakfast after going through security at the airport (glad the staff were still half asleep and undercharged us both). Our flight to Gdansk on Wizzair is ready to go, but somethings missing !! I’m stone cold sober and it’s the third time in a month that I’ve managed to fly without being squiffy – anyone who knows me will know that’s a bit of an achievement on my part. Pretty non-descript flight on the pink and purple plane and we arrive at Lech Walesa airport in Gdansk. Not the busiest airport in the world, however it was quite pleasant – was surprised at the distance we had to walk from the plane unescorted effectively. After what seemed like an eternity, our bags eventually arrived and after a quick smoke we embarked on our taxi trip into the lovely city of Gdansk – well so we intended. The taxi driver had accepted our instruction of going to Gdasnk Glowny, but then started enquiring as to our onward destination. After a bit of thought (our plans had changed a couple of times in the run-up to the trip) I realised Torun was our destination for Thursday evening and he suggested a price of 300zl (just over £50). Given we’d have been waiting for well over an hour in Gdansk for the train we reckoned that it wouldn’t be a bad move to take him up on his offer as we’d get a bit more time to explore Torun as he reckoned he could do the trip quicker than the train as well. So, we arrived in Torun at 1400 as opposed to around 1600 and we checked in to our accommodation just off the main square and were getting ready to go wandering into town when I discovered the tv channel were halfway through showing a rerun of the Polish Championship meeting run the previous week at Tarnow. I wanted to see Kolodziej doing his stuff and his race to beat Gollob, where he came from a mile back was quite remarkable. Anyway, we went out a wandering in Torun and found it to be a lovely place, not quite the size of town square that my favourites of Wroclaw and Krakow have, but it was very pleasant nonetheless. A quick check of my e-mail showed that the Pod Orlem had confirmed our altered requirements and no longer did I have the prospect of sharing a double bed with HenryW looming – we had secured a twin room. A meal in the Sphinx in the evening was followed by a few drinks in a Russian themed cellar bar on the square. It was quiet at first, but the locals came out to play eventually and we had ringside seats for the shenanigans on the dance floor. We didn’t want to have too late a night, given the prospects of the next few days, so we retired around 1.30am, just in time to avoid the rain which had started to fall as we walked back to the hotel. So Friday arrived and Bydgoszcz beckoned. A short taxi journey to the train station and the tickets were purchased. We were very surprised that our train was late, something we have rarely experienced in Poland (they might be slow, but the trains are usually on time). Not only was it late, but the train was absolutely rammed full as people were heading up to either Gdansk for the Jean-Michelle Jarre concert or to the seaside. We were stuck in the corridor for the hour journey to Bydgoszcz and it was a bit of a pain as people seemed to be constantly moving around on the train, but it passed quite quickly. A quick taxi trip to the Pod Orlem and we were welcomed at reception with “you’ve stayed here before”. For the last 5 years, I replied. Clearly a good answer as we were given the keys to one of the very few rooms with a balcony that allows a good view over the street, Gdanska, below. Having settled in to what would be our room for the next 3 nights we then grabbed a quick bite to eat at the Hammarabi restaurant just up from the hotel, then walked back to the station to welcome Tommy from Zielona Gora of his train. Another quick taxi ride back to the hotel (in which the taxi driver pointed out the hotel the Scottish football team had been dancing on the tables in after a friendly match with Poland a few years back), Tommy dropped his bag off on the floor (to which he would become acquainted over the next couple of nights) and then we got back into the taxi to take us along to practice at the stadium. Practice isn’t the most exciting of times, but it was a chance for us to meet up with our Bydgoszcz Net Fans chums who we had such great times with in Wroclaw at the SWC. Most of the usual faces were there and it was great to meet up with them. Practice out the way it was time for one or two beers on the river beside the arena where the ‘Party’ would be held. I say ‘party’ as that’s what it’s called, but it’s not really my idea of a party. Must have been around 4000 fans in the arena and the riders were all introduced (after some indoor cycle speedway racing !!) and gave a bit of an interview. It was confirmed that Bydgoszcz have been signed up to do another GP next year and that was the highlight of the ‘party’ for me. Next year I think I’m going to give this particular event a miss. Back to the hotel for a quick freshen up and we arrange to meet Mateusz, Mama etc before heading off to the Brda for the StartTart’s birthday bash. Food is probably in order as we haven’t eaten since around 1400hrs and there is the likelihood (well certainty in fact) of a big session ahead, so we grab a quick pancake styled bit of tucker (sorry can’t recall it’s Polish name). Very tasty and very reasonably priced. Eventually (after receiving a few cajoling messages from those already there) we made it to the Brda hotel shortly after 10pm to be met by the Start Tart, her friend Steph from Poole, Papa B and his friend Scott from Coventry. Also there was a friend of Tommy’s and some more Bydgoszcz fans. The night started quite quietly but livened up as the beer flowed and a great time was had by all. An invading VERY drunken Swedish fan managed to collapse on the floor beside a very respectable looking family. I went over to check on his wellbeing and eventually got into conversation with the interrupted family, who turned out to be Tone Deaf. The look of shock on the face of his wife when she discovered I was a fellow Scot was quite funny. Not sure on the sequence of events that went on from there as things start to get a little hazy but the rough goings on for the rest of the night were eating of some lovely birthday cake, chatting to Marvyn Cox for a bit, Chris Morton and his entourage appearing, buying a copy of Chris Morton’s book in exchange for some Zloty, drinking more and more alcohol, Mateusz behaving impeccably well, a Swede feeling the need to woo some toots, watching the barman getting more and more tired and then we finally left around 6am to go back to our hotel. It should really be pointed out that Papa B did in fact disappear around 1am and it is now legend that he was outstayed by a 7 year old who must have been in the bar till after 2am !! A bit of rest and a rude awakening with a hangover around midday was what happened next. I think we all were in need of some sustenance so a trip to our traditional pre-meeting pizza house was in order. No sooner was that consumed than we were in a café off the main square and I managed a quick beer, before we all agreed that perhaps some more rest time to prepare for the evening ahead was in order. I didn’t personally feel too tired at this point but after half an hour or so of watching tv my eyes were shut. Next thing I knew it was around 530pm and we were running late for getting to the stadium. We made it there by 6pm and Mateusz had done a fantastic job in preserving us some seats as well as sorting out Tone Deaf and his family with some seats. Nice one MK !! The meeting itself I thought was pretty good, some of the racing (heats 6, 9 and semi-final 1 particularly superb, but there was certainly some good action to keep us interested). After my poor showing at the SWC where I missed a large section of the meeting chatting and drinking outside the stadium there wasn’t much chance of a repeat here as it was pretty much sardine-like on the back straight and I wouldn’t have fancied making it back in. I was proud of my hero Tomek winning his fourth Bydgoszcz GP in a row, amazed at the transformation of Richardson after his 2nd ride and disappointed that Pepe didn’t make the final (sorry again LW). But at the end of the day it was another great show put on by the Bydgoszcz club, which I am sure was well received by 99.9% of people. Back to the hotel for a quick drink and change before the traditional evening in Chesterfields. We managed to convince Tommy of Bert Harkins legendary status in Scottish speedway and Bert kindly allowed us a photograph or two of him and Tommy. We arrived in Chesterfields remarkably sober as we hadn’t drank hardly any alcohol during the course of the day, however that situation was about to change as the party in Chesterfields took off. more to follow once my fingers have recovered. Rico

That was a smoke bomb Hazzman - there were quite a few let off last year, worst of which was just before the final. Was glad that this year there weren't half as many as they are a pain in the butt (and one of the reasons for 2 of our travelling companions not going back this year). My epilogue is nearing completion and will be with you soon. Rico

And no mention of the awesome sending of a plane over their arch-rivals stadium during a play-off match. I have a decent picture on my camera of that stunt by the ZKZ fans that will be available soon. Rico

You'll have ordered a papryka (pepper-on-it) pizza then. I'm sure I have made a similar error in the past. Still fine and tasty. Next time, try the salami one. Enjoyed your tale so far - will try and put a similar account of our trip on here soon. Rico

One or two snaps on my poor back up Fisher Price style camera are here. Hope Arturro enjoys his starring role in the first photo. Still to sort out my pics from the SWC trip - believe me there are a lot from that. Rico

Draw Rico

30 miles or so away in Torun there have been no signs of floods. Rico

Problem Kitten ??? Rico

No tickets, but I'm sure you'd get them on the day. You can contact me by e-mail via my profile if you need anything clarified. Rico

Absolutnie Kitten ! I will take that as an order - be assured it will be carried through, to the letter. Rico

No no no Shazzy. It's a double room, currently unoccupied. And yes, I won't be in bed much before probably 5am on Fri and Sat nights anyhow. Rico

Sadly I now have a double room in the lovely Pod Orlem hotel available for both Friday and Saturday nights as the Captain and his good lady cannot attend. If anyone wants the room can you let me know by the 1700hrs on Wednesday, otherwise I will cancel the room. Rico

We'll have a drink or two, just for you Ric. Rico

Check out this thread for who is going as well and details of what should be a couple of cracking nights out. Don't be shy ! Rico

Subedei where are you ?? Scores so far from todays matches courtesy of Sportowefakty Relegation decider first leg Zielona Gora 45 Gdansk 45 Zielona Gora 9 Nicki Pedersen 1 3 3 3 3 13 10 Andrzej Huszcza 0 2 1 3 11 Rafał Okoniewski 1 0 1 3 1 6 12 Mariusz Staszewski 2 3 2 2 1 10 13 Piotr Świst 1 1 w 0 2 14 Marcin Nowaczyk 3 2 2 1 8 15 Zbigniew Suchecki 2 u 1 0 3 Gdansk 1 Tomasz Chrzanowski 3 1 2 1 2 9 2 Grzegorz Kłopot 2 2 3 2 2 11 3 Robert Kościecha 3 3 0 2 3 11 4 Krzysztof Jabłoński 0 t 1 0 1 5 Bjarne Pedersen 3 2 3 3 0 11 6 Sławomir Dąbrowski 1 1 7 Mirosław Jabłoński 0 0 1 0 d 1 Championship decider semi finals Czestochowa 47 Bydgoszcz 42 Czestochowa 9 Ryan Sullivan 3 2 1 3 0 9 10 Sebastian Ułamek 1 1 3 1 2 8 11 Grzegorz Walasek 3 3 3 3 1 13 12 Sławomir Drabik 2 d 1 1 4 13 Rune Holta 1 3 3 2 3 12 14 Marcin Piekarski d 0 d 0 w 0 15 Przemysław Dądela 1 1 Bydgoszcz 1 Andreas Jonsson 2 1 2 2 2 9 2 Jacek Krzyżaniak 0 2 1 0 3 3 Robert Sawina 0 2 2 2 1 7 4 Michał Robacki 1 t 1 0 2 5 Piotr Protasiewicz 3 3 2 3 3 14 6 Krystian Klecha 3 2 w d 0 5 7 Krzysztof Buczkowski 2 0 2 Great performance from Pepe and a huge 5-1 for Bydgoszcz from Pepe and AJ in heat 15. Championship decider semi finals Tarnow v Torun (late kick off) Rico

If going by coach from UK, change it when you cross the channel (+1 hr) and then don't change it till you come back into UK (-1 hr) Rico

If you haven't been to Leszno before Hazzman (which I'm assuming you haven't from your query) it is a superb place to view speedway, within what is almost a large bowl with good views from all around the stadium. My recommendation would be to get there at a decent time and try and get somewhere up high-ish on the back straight. I'm trusting that the Zielona Gora fans will be sending a plane that day congratulating their rivals superstar on his 10 years service (eh Tommy) Rico

Hazzman, I'd imagine you could do it by any of the methods you state. Not sure of the exact distance as the Polrail site is not showing the fares (which shows the distance), however you can certainly do the trip by train. 4.5 hours(ish) there, 3.5 hours back, with the 2232 train your most likely return train, arriving in Bydgoszcz around 2am on the Monday morning. Mateusz and Mama (Bydgoszcz Net Fans) got this train after the recent Leszno v Czestochowa match. I'll settle for a quiet day visiting Torun and staying there for the night, assuming I have a bed to sleep in (nudge nudge HenryW - have you booked anything ?). Rico

Kitten, Moje camera jest defekt ! I hope to take it in to get repaired on Saturday, so hopefully some time next week you will be able to see the photos from Wroclaw. Rico

Usually by the door is a large group of Brits, however the majority of the place will be locals, which is no bad thing Rico

Was very pleased to hear this news (thanks for the text Tommy). I forwarded the info on to CharlieThePlasterer who was at Smallmead and I believe it got mentioned over the tannoy at Monday's match there. Janusz made a very favourable impression on those lucky enough to see him ride in the UK and I've followed his career with interest since. Hopefully next year will see him make another few steps forward once he is in the main body of the team (assuming it's going to be Tarnow) and he can really establish himself. Definitely too early for him to be in the Grand Prix, though hopefully in the next few years he will show enough to be granted an invitation. Rico

Firstly, welcome to the Forum Mojo. Hopefully you will enjoy your time on here. As your other queries regarding the train have been answered by my good friend HenryW I will focus on the above points. The stadium, depending on your capabilities, is certainly walkable. Probably around 20 mins going at average pace from town. Taxi's in Bydgoszcz have been something of an experience in the past, from el Bandito taking you halfway round the town, to someone doing an impersonation of an F1 driver through the city streets. Still, we've survived them and it's all part of the adventure ! As for eating, there are a number of eateries in the area around the Pod Orlem hotel, as well as over the river by the main square. It's a bit of a tradition for us to eat in a small pizza place near the main square as our pre-meeting meal on the Saturday (remember your UFO Shovlar ??). If you want upmarket, the hotel restaurant is superb, but there are many more options around. Do try to get yourself to the Brda Hotel on the Friday night, where you'll be able to meet up with a good few other Forum members as well as some locals, who'll be able to give you some good advice on the city. Rico

Got back about 11pm last night Captain, all ship shape. Messages yesterday were from a net cafe in Warszawa. My thoughts were with the poor sods left at the gate as the BA flight was cancelled and there was a bit of a mad rush to get more people on the Lot flight, which thankfully I was booked on. Rico

Wroclaw ???? Rico

Nice to have you on board Lawrence. Thanks to all our Polish hosts who really gave us a special time to remember. And we must go to Bydgoszcz in 2 weeks time, life sometimes isn't fair. Looking forward to the party already. Rico