California Dreamin'

Well, fresh from Carlisle, I find myself on the west coast for the rest of this week with plans to head back to Maryland on Sunday. It would be great if a bunch of the left coast Speedster owners could meet me (and my 4-year old grandson) for a donut and coffee on Saturday morning and show us some west coast Speedsters. We're in Oakley (zip code 94561), any chance you guys would be interested in a mini-meet Saturday morning? Perhaps a local donut shop, donuts are on me. Maybe we could swap a few stories about Knotts and Carlisle.

East Coast Bruce

P.S. to the east coast guys: Sorry for the delay on photos and a write-up, will work on that when I return.

I might be up for it. Paul MM how about you I would love to see your hot rod ! There's a lot of East Bay Grease speedster owners. John M, Mike B David L. Dale F. Dale B Gary C not far. Its about a 11/2 drive for me from Redwood City . I have an event to attend at 3:30 in San Jose but it could work out. Pick a place and time I would think 10:00-10:30 would work.

Dick

I would consider joining the ranks to show off what the west does best. I will have to double check, as I believe I might have a scheduled business appt, this saturday....I'll let ya know


Thanks

Gclarke

Sorry, I've got to pass on this one - my annual RedBluff IHBA party weekend. We do need to arrange some No.Cal get togethers though.

We were thinking about meeting around 10:00 AM in the Benicia area, it's about 45 minutes west for us and that would cut everyone's drive time down a bit. I believe that's over in Paul Harford's stomping grounds...can you join us Paul? Any donut shops there or scenic places to rendezvous?

Bruce, I could join in Benicia, 10 AM, that would work for me..Are we talkin this Saturday, the 29th?


Gary Clarke "The vacaville Guy"

Yes, this Saturday the 29th. Then I'm back on the plane to Maryland on Sunday.

Im going to try and make it. Yard work may be my waterloo, though. Come on Paul, I'll meet you at your house and follow you to the donut shop!

somebodies going to have to pinpoint the location a donut shop, coffee shop, beauty shop or some kinda shop location in Benicia?

Gclarke

We have a note out to Paul for guidance, will let you know as soon as we have a location.

Just returned from a rough business week on the east coast and midwest and could use something to clear my head. This sounds like the medicine. Keep me posted as to the meeting place. Benicia would be the best location. Who still eats donuts? ;) John Malone - Danville, CA.

I just received permission from the Yard Work Queen, I will be there. I still eat donuts, but only with Diet Pepsi.

Bruce

What the heck, Kim and I are on our way...

Please ...........stand out front so we'll reconize you! lol

Say "hey" to all for me and invite them out to Carlisle '05!

Alan

I've received positive responses here or via e-mail from Dale Bates, Gary Clarke, Michael Blaine and Joey Castanada...strong "maybe's" from Dick Robinson and Chas Honodel. (Did I miss anybody?). Still have feelers out to a few others. This is starting to look like a serious mini-meet.

We found a donut shop in town but now we're thinking maybe a waterfront park in Benicia instead and I'll bring the donuts (and diet Pepsi). Anyone know a waterfront location in Benicia that would work?

Looking forward to meeting you guys.

Ooops, I missed David Louie...he's a strong maybe too, waiting to hear where we're meeting.

And Alan Merklin and Kim ???

Hey Bruce,

Will you be organizing these meets weekly? You're gettting really good at it.

:)

Jerome

Mike Byard will be joining us, Speedster-less like me due to engine repairs.

Dale - Cheers to the Yard Work Queen!

Hey Jerome, Load up that trailer and come on out...no rain!!

Somebody needs to "nail" a specific location. We need Paul to name it, because it's his stompin grounds methinks


Gclarke

Guys,guys,guys...There are no more donut shops proper in Benicia.
There are good pastries on First st. at either First St. Cafe corner of First and 'D' I think...Or Den of the Wolves First & H st.

There is a Starbucks in the Southampton Shopping Center, take Southampton Rd offramp, turn into Raley's parking lot and Voila"

I'd love to meet you fellas, but it will be sans speedster as it is still having its suspension beefed... The CPS units, FYI are made to fit VWs and the frame that goes in the back of a pan-based car like mine, have this big old hunk of framework right in the way of the top of the shock tower... another retro-fit nuisance but worthwhile in the long run.

Otherwise have Bruce go Hwy 4 to 680 south to the Willow Pass Rd offramp in Concord, Go up Willow Pass to Diamond and turn left and head into the Willows Shopping Center, a little closer for him and a l8ittle further for you Gary, but it is the closest Crispy Creme...Otherwise cruise on down Contra Costa Blvd and hit the Winchells! Those Contra Costans have everything!

My cell number is 707.246.0924 let me know where everyone ends up...
Medicine Man

I vote for the Starbucks, at the Southhampton shopping center. It's easy for all to find. Well really, mainly because when we run out of coffee and croisants,,, then it's near enough to Paul's house that we can go up the hill and borrow some of his beer.





Gclarke

Location:

In Benicia at the very end of First Street (on the water) is the old railroad depot and Captain Blythers Restaurant. (Great crab and shrimp Louie). No donuts. Easy location and easy to find.

Just a thought.

I'm leaving the office so if someone could leave me a voice mail at 925-552-1000 as to final location would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Okay, decision time. Let's meet at the Starbucks in the Southampton Shopping Center, take Southampton Rd offramp, turn into Raley's parking lot and you're there...plenty of parking. 10:00 AM tomorrow (Saturday, 5/29). Any confusion,my cell phone will be on - 410-375-8307. Thanks for the suggestions, Paul. Looking forward to meeting you guys.

Thanks Bruce. See you tomorrow.

I'll try to make it too.

Great! Looks like we will have about 8-10 Speedsters, unless I hear from a few more later tonight...then we'll have more. See you all at 10:00 AM. Donuts are on me, we'll be set up outfront on the tailgate of a dark blue GMC Jimmy Blazer.

Just to make something clear, I AM NOT the yardwork Queen! not that there is anything wrong with that. See you guys tomorrow.

Speedster meet events two weeks in succession! Bruce, You're certainly
getting the knack for drawing cars together!

BD

Are you sure donuts and coffee are still legal in CA?

Jerome

Arnold, der Governor, says beer and bratwurst is the new state snak food. Got my vote!

Bruce

East meets West!

THANKS to the California guys who took a couple of hours out of their Saturday morning to stop by and say hello. It was great meeting and once again putting faces to names after reading your thoughts, comments and suggestions here on SO.com. A few photos are attached below and in my file. In attendance (l to r in photo below) were Joel Schlotz, Mike Byard, Gary Clarke, Dale Bates, Kurt Larson, East Coast Bruce, Paul Harford, Michael Blaine, Joey Castanada & son, Dick & Roxanne Robinson. Seven Speedsters made it, Paul's mighty Raby-powered was getting some suspension work so he drove his VW cab forward pickup and Mike's Speedster was in for engine work so he arrived in his volvo two-door. We gathered at a Starbucks in a Benicia shopping center and parking was at a premium. Drew alot of attention. My grandson (and I) loved seeing the cars since mine was too far to travel for a ride. Meybe we can gather a larger group next time...

Boy, The chocolat-less donut mystery is now solved... arriving late has its consequence! Good to see everyone. Dick pointed out that we need to do more drives as well as park, meet & greets. He's right.
Let's put on our thinking caps & driving gloves, summer's here!
P.

This was a great "thread".

Dale: How many domains does the "Yardwork Queen" preside over? Is she also the "Housework Queen" and the "Checkbook Queen".

Starbucks seems like a very risky venue for a meeting place. Too confusing because of the sheer number of them. Publishing all your cell phone numbers was a good idea.

It's my hope is that the Southern California contingency will plan a meet sometime in July so I can show-off my new Speedster. I'm hoping that the Knott's Show didn't slake the entusiasm for a "drive".

That grin on Andrew is priceless, looks like the early stages of a chocolate frosting induced sugar high. Who eats the doughy part?
The trip back to Oakley must have been a riot with him bouncing of the interior of the car.

Bill George