WembleyLion Posted August 21, 2014 Report Share Posted August 21, 2014 (edited) Thanks for the response Phil but I feel at the very least there could have been more help for those stranded in Riga even if it was just information. I am well used to getting myself around Europe for Speedway but I have to say that Saturday afternoon challenged me somewhat to come up with a solution for myself and six others travelling with me. Thanks to some help from our Hotel we did source a minibus which is not an easy thing to do at the best of times especially at a weekend and when there is a very short notice period. Unfortunately many were not as fortunate as me and there were many disappointed and upset fans I bumped into over the weekend and on Monday. Edited August 21, 2014 by WembleyLion 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted August 21, 2014 Report Share Posted August 21, 2014 Thanks for the response Phil but I feel at the very least there could have been more help for those stranded in Riga even if it was just information. I am well used to getting myself around Europe for Speedway but I have to say that Saturday afternoon challenged me somewhat to come up with a solution for myself and six others travelling with me. Thanks to some help from our Hotel we did source a minibus which is not an easy thing to do at the best of times especially at a weekend and when there is a very short notice period. Unfortunately many were not as fortunate as me and there were many disappointed and upset fans I bumped into over the weekend and on Monday. AS I say, do sympathise with those who couldn't make alternative arrangements. Fully accept that many like to make their own arrangements but once again the value of going with TravelPlus was quickly evident. James Easter ensures there is flexibility in their trips in the event of what we saw in Riga. His punters were not scheduled to fly until Monday so instead of a city tour of the capital on Sunday their coaches were able to travel to Dauigavpils and back without any great hassle. Also, it would be wrong to think that the re-arrangement wasn't a very costly exercise for the FIM, BSI and of course the actual promotion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted August 21, 2014 Report Share Posted August 21, 2014 AS I say, do sympathise with those who couldn't make alternative arrangements. Fully accept that many like to make their own arrangements but once again the value of going with TravelPlus was quickly evident. James Easter ensures there is flexibility in their trips in the event of what we saw in Riga. His punters were not scheduled to fly until Monday so instead of a city tour of the capital on Sunday their coaches were able to travel to Dauigavpils and back without any great hassle. Also, it would be wrong to think that the re-arrangement wasn't a very costly exercise for the FIM, BSI and of course the actual promotion. What about the price of aTravel Plus Tour though,you could travel round the world for some of prices they quote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted August 21, 2014 Report Share Posted August 21, 2014 What about the price of aTravel Plus Tour though,you could travel round the world for some of prices they quote. BUT you get a whole host of benefits from a registered travel company and many other extras for which hundreds of speedway fans are happy to go the extra mile financially ... People make their choice and on this occasion those with TP will feel that their money was well spent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fromafar Posted August 21, 2014 Report Share Posted August 21, 2014 BUT you get a whole host of benefits from a registered travel company and many other extras for which hundreds of speedway fans are happy to go the extra mile financially ... People make their choice and on this occasion those with TP will feel that their money was well spent.When you arrange to travel to what is meant to be part of World Event you certainly don't expect it to be re-arranged at a DIFFERENT VENUE but that's speedway these days the fans are second thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pantherman Posted August 21, 2014 Report Share Posted August 21, 2014 Just proves the old pals act of look after your own is all that matters, ......a nice advert for Travel Plus! Sorry Phil Rising but I can't take your sympathy very seriously 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humphrey Appleby Posted August 22, 2014 Report Share Posted August 22, 2014 Also, it would be wrong to think that the re-arrangement wasn't a very costly exercise for the FIM, BSI and of course the actual promotion. Are people supposed to be sympathetic? BSI have once again demonstrated a substantial lack of supervision over the organisation of a GP, especially given the optimistic timescales for revamping a derelict venue. Despite the weather being a convenient excuse, it's now quite apparent where the blame lies for yet another fiasco. To pass the buck is such a manner is astonishing, and to compound it by suggesting that travelling fans should have gone with a favoured tour agent, even more so. There should be a reasonable expectation that an event takes place in the time and place as advertised, and whilst every speedway fan appreciates that the weather can intervene, it's quite apparent the track was I adequately prepared. people make their choice and on this occasion those with TP will feel that their money was well spent. Or on another occasion you might be left at a train station in the middle of nowhere. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oleoleole Posted August 22, 2014 Report Share Posted August 22, 2014 Philip Rising!! So disappointed with your response to the shambles in Riga, "well you should have gone with Travel Plus"....ffs Why? Why should we have to go with a travel company just in case SGP are incapable of putting on a speedway meeting. We have been fortunate enough to go to many meetings in Europe; league, WC & GP and part of the fun is planning and exploring these places on our own, not to mention the cost. For reference; Travel Plus 3 nights in Riga = £479, we went for 5 nights for £320 and before you mention transfers etc a bus from the airport was about €1.00, taxi €3.50/each. The whole city is walkable and that particular weekend all public transport was free because of the city birthday celebrations. Also our hotel, according to Tripadvisor, was rated higher (9th) than the Travel Plus hotel (24th) and the price included afternoon coffee and cake and an evening buffet meal if you wanted it. I used to regard your posts as an informed calm amongst the tittle tattle but I think you underestimate how let down and annoyed those who try to support these events feel and trite comments such as yours just rub salt in to the wounds. It used to be fun to follow speedway but it is becoming more and more exasperating, disappointing and frustrating, no wonder there are fewer of us around now. And another thing! Why is the Speedway Star incapable or unwilling to take SGP to task when these events go wrong. The main story should have been, "Hundreds of fans left stranded in Riga as GP is moved 230 kilometres due to sheer incompetence". See page 7 to find out why......... By the way regarding the costs incurred by BSI/SGP etc. I hope it cost them a fortune! 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnieg Posted August 22, 2014 Report Share Posted August 22, 2014 Philip, Can I suggest a phrase containing the words: holes digging and stop. You appear to be oblivious to how much ill will you are generating. To suggest we need our hand holding while travelling in the EU is somewhat insulting, and to belittle the frustration felt by a group of fans who can and probably do contribute a substantial amount to British speedway by way of sponsorship is foolish. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Posted August 22, 2014 Report Share Posted August 22, 2014 (edited) That's as bad a response you can get rom Philip Rising here. Not sure if Malky Mackays texts or Phillip Risings response here is worse? To say you should have gone with TP tours is absurd & a huge insult to the people who got screwed over. If that's BSI response then it's a disgrace. The event beforehand looked as though it was going to be a shambles & the lack of professionalism by BSI making sure everything was running ok is there for all to see. I certainly wouldn't travel to any overseas GP' s if that is the attitude of BSI. Not worth the risk. I hope BSI lost a hell of a lot of money last weekend. Edited August 22, 2014 by Chris 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted August 22, 2014 Report Share Posted August 22, 2014 HAVE been out all day so only just caught up... if I have offended some on here with comments about the benefits of TravelPlus then I apologise. That certainly wasn't my intention and just to reiterate anything I do write on here is not coming from the lips of BSI or anyone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted August 22, 2014 Report Share Posted August 22, 2014 Despite the abject criticism sent his way Phil manages to get another mention of travel company benefits in his post. I salute you Sir. Congratulations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PHILIPRISING Posted August 22, 2014 Report Share Posted August 22, 2014 THINK I had better quit while I'm behind... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted August 22, 2014 Report Share Posted August 22, 2014 THINK I had better quit while I'm behind... You can only flog a horse for so long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topaz325 Posted August 26, 2014 Report Share Posted August 26, 2014 I have travelled all over the world, sometimes i like having a hand to hold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanT Posted August 27, 2014 Report Share Posted August 27, 2014 Still seething after the Riga shambles but a letter will be on it's way to BSI once I have received my refund. I claimed this in Riga on the Monday morning at the conference centre where Bilesu services are based. Told its a bank transfer and I have to wait 10 days!! Also very concerned about the amount being refunded it looks like a lower exchange rate will be used to refund so every chance we will be out of pocket there. I'll be asking BSI if they intend to make up the shortfall. Also looking into a legal claim against them for cancelling and moving an event. We all booked in good faith to watch an event in Riga, to move it on the morning of the said event to 140 miles down the road cannot go unchallenged. Just seeking advice on this at the moment so not sure if we have a claim. We would not be able to claim back the full price of the holiday but I think damages may flow. Watch this space. On the issue of Travel Plus they are outrageously expensive so I choose not to use them. The same break can be easily booked for a lot less. However this is a personal choice for each of us to make. Just a point on that, the travel plus users were scheduled to have a city break day on the Sunday, which would have been very pleasant. Instead they were forced into a 7 hour round coach trip to watch something they should seen the previous night. Not my idea of fun! I am intent on at least getting a response from BSI, who appear to have gone into hiding. They simply cannot be allowed to walk away from this debacle without explanation.Time to make a stand. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OveFundinFan Posted August 27, 2014 Report Share Posted August 27, 2014 Do let us all know how this progresses. I am sure you will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topaz325 Posted August 27, 2014 Report Share Posted August 27, 2014 Still seething after the Riga shambles but a letter will be on it's way to BSI once I have received my refund. I claimed this in Riga on the Monday morning at the conference centre where Bilesu services are based. Told its a bank transfer and I have to wait 10 days!! Also very concerned about the amount being refunded it looks like a lower exchange rate will be used to refund so every chance we will be out of pocket there. I'll be asking BSI if they intend to make up the shortfall. Also looking into a legal claim against them for cancelling and moving an event. We all booked in good faith to watch an event in Riga, to move it on the morning of the said event to 140 miles down the road cannot go unchallenged. Just seeking advice on this at the moment so not sure if we have a claim. We would not be able to claim back the full price of the holiday but I think damages may flow. Watch this space. On the issue of Travel Plus they are outrageously expensive so I choose not to use them. The same break can be easily booked for a lot less. However this is a personal choice for each of us to make. Just a point on that, the travel plus users were scheduled to have a city break day on the Sunday, which would have been very pleasant. Instead they were forced into a 7 hour round coach trip to watch something they should seen the previous night. Not my idea of fun! I am intent on at least getting a response from BSI, who appear to have gone into hiding. They simply cannot be allowed to walk away from this debacle without explanation.Time to make a stand. Good luck with your claim but dont hold out much hope, same with rain off meets in the UK , fans fobbed off and ignored....yeah but we will always return.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Humphrey Appleby Posted August 27, 2014 Report Share Posted August 27, 2014 Also looking into a legal claim against them for cancelling and moving an event. Fans should consider small claims, even if it's just to make a nuisance for BSI. High time they were held to account rather than be allowed to blame the local organisers and cat's mother as usual... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waiheke1 Posted August 27, 2014 Report Share Posted August 27, 2014 Surely the terms and conditions on the ticket will limit liability of the promoter to the value of the ticket? Unless that breaches the latvian equivalent of consumer rights. I imagine the only likely outcome will be a legal bill, and feedback that you have no legal right to reimbursement/damages. Agree with sir h though, that everyone out of pocket shouls submit an invoice to bsi, though dont expect payment! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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