The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

[whelo]

Anyone from the forum doing the  crossier blanch? At the end of this month or would anyone fancy going as a group in Jan 2011

[Google]

[garystockton]

I can never seem to find too much info on this - what, exactly, is it?  I assume a trip in the French Alps, during January - but is it a race / trial / rally or just a scenic route in winter?   And exactly where / when, and what's involved?  Is there a web site for it?

Cheers
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I'll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it.
- Terry Pratchett

[garystockton]

Ah - ok - found some stuff.  Now to learn French ...

http://www.grmfrance.com/

But this is interesting:

http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/skiing/heading-for-the-snowline-in-la-croisiegravere-blanche-441823.html

So I may be interested!
_________________
I'll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it.
- Terry Pratchett

[garystockton]

Actually - looks like a lot of fun - could just be persuaded!!

Croisiere Blanche 2009
_________________
I'll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it.
- Terry Pratchett

[whelo]

Copy and paste the hole page into google translator. check out you tube aswell

[whelo]

i wanted to do it this year but work kinda messed it up was talking to chris from devon 4x4 this is his 7th year in a row doing it its only a 3 day event but waiting to get bit more info on costs etc

[Crispin]

That looks like a lot of fun!
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Cheers,
Crispin
Have Snorkel, Will Swim

[Graham Stirling]

I would love to do this. Tried to get it together the last 3 years but something always seems to get in the way.

[mettisse]

Hi, this a great event! I have been a number of times and I've never tired of it, If you are capable of booking a crossing for the Channel you can do this event, its as simple as that! The organisers GRM will send you an entry or you can download one, the tourist office will help you book your accommodation or you can do so on the the site for "Orcieres" couldn't be easier, everyone is very friendly and helpful, this year (2010) we went with one car and the group we were in were just great (all French 'cept one car Belgian. almost french) However the cost is high especially now the Euro has risen in value against the pound, but it is possible to do "on the cheap" It takes a long day to drive to Orcieres but not difficult, (we tow a trailer with the 'froader on it) and we also take a few friends who ski whilst we drive the event, so the cost can be spread a little and its a good "adventure" As for accommodation it depends on how many are sharing but apartments are good value, remember this event is backed by the local community as it brings business when the ski season is at its lowest demand. Also the cost of snow chains must be considered, they ain't cheap but it is possible to pick up a bargain, try before you buy and don't think you'll get away with the Walt Disney ones, the "Cros" is proper 'froadin in the snow and you'll need good chains.  By the way the "Trophy Cevenol" is in May, well worth a look. Best Regards to all
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94 VX auto, lift and stuff, winch, inter cooler, BFGs,
2000 Hybrid, lifted, caged, winched and stuff
79 bultaco trials, standard
'94 Merc 300TD ( retro)😎

[busaboy]

I know a few who have done this event. Over quite a few years they said it was great fun but recently it has become a lot more extreme and serious vehicle damage is quite likely, still being great fun though.
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1995 4.2 80 Series VX 24 valve, manual. 285/75 - 16 BFG Muds, Ironman +2", TJM Winch Bumper with T-Max Winch, Safari Snorkel, Superpro poly bush kit.
SOLD TO AFRICA
100 Series now on the drive

[mettisse]

For the last 2 events we went on the "Extreme" which only means we camp out in the mountains, then we only drive the same trails as everyone else, albeit we do have the privilege of sometimes driving virgin tracks, and we drive our dedicated 'froader but in our team this year there were 1-Bj, 4 70's and one 60, the only damage incurred was when 3 trucks slid down a descent and crashed into the guys in front, they hadn't left enough space between themselves, but damage was only superficial. I suppose if you don't want to scratch the sides on the foliage, then yes there is gonna be damage ( to be honest, that's why I don't use my own 'bruiser) In saying that, there are always a strong entry of french 80's. But I have to emphasise, it IS FUN, the likes of which it is unlikely to experience anywhere on such a scale. I would like to add that the experience definitely hones your driving skills, and quickly!! The most "tame" event they do is the "Mille Riviere" and there is a strong risk of bodywork scratching on that event, so it seems if you want to go we'll have to find a way of preserving the paint, some I have seen use a thick "clingfilm" material, the type of stuff they to put adverts on Taxis in London, so it must be available somewhere.
_________________
94 VX auto, lift and stuff, winch, inter cooler, BFGs,
2000 Hybrid, lifted, caged, winched and stuff
79 bultaco trials, standard
'94 Merc 300TD ( retro)😎

[busaboy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEZovwp6VUU
_________________
1995 4.2 80 Series VX 24 valve, manual. 285/75 - 16 BFG Muds, Ironman +2", TJM Winch Bumper with T-Max Winch, Safari Snorkel, Superpro poly bush kit.
SOLD TO AFRICA
100 Series now on the drive

[mettisse]

That is a really neat video, I would like to know if the 'cruiser had difflocks engaged, its my opinion your better off not having them engaged in such a situation as they seem to get you into trouble rather than keeping you out of it. it seems the Disco drove it ok-traction control not lockers! I always drive without lockers when I have chains fitted, the exception is of course steep climbs etc( that icludes the centre lock.)
_________________
94 VX auto, lift and stuff, winch, inter cooler, BFGs,
2000 Hybrid, lifted, caged, winched and stuff
79 bultaco trials, standard
'94 Merc 300TD ( retro)😎

[fast but dim]

scary vid! as a former disco 3 owner, you cant lock your diffs manually, there's no switch! it's all done automatically when needed by the terrain response system. all d3's have a an automatically locking cente E-diff, and some have a  rear E-diff too.

The capability of the terrain response / traction control with the air suspension is amazing, far better than anything else i've driven. It's just a shame you can't rely upon it!(or anything else on the car )

no way would i have stayed in the lc in that clip!

[g wizz]