COGer going over the pond 2008

This is the seventh time that I (Hans-Ove Görtz in Sweden) and my slave labourers (Ted Adcock, Spencer Farrow and Harry Martin in USA) organize the "over the pond" thing. This is not a COG/GCE sponsored activity - just a - every year - spontaneous thing!
Basically we organize a selection and raise money to cover travel expenses for a fellow member - that will have the possibility to travel to Europe. We aim at someone that have played (or still plays) an important role in GCE community and "never" have been or have the means to accumulate this kind of money to make this - a long time dreamed ride in his/her lifetime - happen. We have succeeded so far to accumulate enough money by pledgers offering USD 5-10-25-50/ea to support 1-2 travellers.
Please remember that this thing to have someone to travel over the pond is a spontaneous activity. This is not any COG or GCE pre planned activity - just us who want to participate - with pledges, travel, and
support in other ways.
COGers and GCEers can make things happen!

RULES (sort of)

You who like to make a pledge and support this idea, can inform me. Up till now members have pledged for USD 10 and USD 100 but that is not any decided or minimum sum. Unintentionally it could be interpreted as such so to be very clear - all support is welcome - for practical reasons all pledges should be not less than USD 1 (one) or equivalent.

Selection period will be a bit later this time to accomondate to the late date of the GCE-rally.
Sooo, we start of with the nomination (deadline 2008-02-29), candidate posting (deadline 2008-03-16), voting will occur 2008-03-16 - 04-12 an finally we will have the winner presentation 2008-04-20. All activities, dates and nominees will be announced on the COG/GCE-lists - nominations and pledges is welcome from January 1st. Contact Hans-Ove Görtz.

Pledge period will be until August 1st.

1. The selected traveller will receive the economic (as much as we collect) support for travel to EU. The selected traveller have to state that he or she willingly will put up his/her own money to cover rest of the travel expenses that may occur. The selected traveller have to make a report of the travel in the Concourier and also have a webversion on the GCE-site..

2. All collected money - needed for the airfare and some pocket money - will go to the traveller.

3. Travel period approx 7-10 (seven) days - preferable arrival in EU (approx August 25th) departure (approx September 10th). Final decision is made together with the traveller to suit his/hers needs.

4. Participation in GCE-rally in Switzerland, time and place approx August 31st - September 7th in the town Chur, is the purpose of the travel.

5. Decided time span that we (me and the GCE) will be support the traveller (~August 25th ~September  10th) - time outside that will be personal planning.

6. At this moment we need a bike (in EU) for the traveller and some practical arrangements like insurance have to be solved.

7. The traveller will need a place to stay (several places), incl. some entertaining and food...(pending GCE volunteers).

8. Travel to GCE-rally in Switzerland from the bike pickup (this is personal travel cost).

9. Participating in GCE-rally (this is personal cost)

10. Participating in COG-rally 2008, Frisco in Colorado, is highly desired (this is personal cost).

11. Place to stay, incl. some entertaining and food...(pending GCE/GOG volunteers). I have calculated that the traveller ought to have no cost of lodging due to volunteers from the GCE/GOG - w´ll see ´bout that. If You have any additional thoughts and ideas that You want to convey - please step forward and make your voice heard!

GCE members! Please step forward from today and give your support to make this happen.