Corn Daze, Part Deux

Is there a specific motel/hotel?

Friday, Saturday ansd Sunday rather than Satm, Sun, Mon? Based on what Rich said

 Plus Fri, sat, sun gets me on the road Mon and I want to make it on one day.

Certainly not a deal breaker though.

Thoughts?

Jack, what did I say?

565 miles, Peoria to Hot Springs...you're an animal...an iron-butted animal! Plus, refresh my memory. Are you planning to come to Pewaukee to visit your friend first, then back down to Peoria?

Last year, I stayed in Morton, just a few miles from Stanistan. There's several to chose from.

Yeah, Rich...and a couple of weeks ago you were on Route 66...c'mon dood....I don't look too good while drooling.

Last year, during our afternoon excursion, we stopped in Washington, Illinois...a quaint little town. The Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast appears to be directly above the "watering hole" we stopped at that day. Judging from their web site, it looks like a nice alternative to the chain motels and about a 20 minute ride north from Stanistan...http://www.bedandbreakfast.com...one-inn-details.html

Perusing the Cornerstone web site, I came across this little ditty...

• Drinking Description: C-note pub or can bring own in, please keep it under control

Rich let me know when you plan on heading down and where you are staying. If possible we can caravan.

Joe, first we have to take Carlisle...

Jack-

Friday, Saturday, Sunday works really well for me, but Cory and Rich really want to do the "Great Race", which comes through town on Monday. It's a weekday either way (F,S,S or S,S,M), so we made the call to do it this way.

Rich---yes, I'd drive vto see my friend in Pewaukee then down to Corn Daze in Peoria.

What is the Grea Race all about and are we all going to join up with it or watch it pass by or wnat?

Last--Sat, Sun, Mon is fine with me.

I've emailed the contact for the "Great Race" to determine when and where it's coming through Peoria. I'll have more details when I have an answer.

As for the bed and breakfast in Washington Rich mentioned-- it's a nice place, but I don't know about parking. The good part about that is that Washington is a small town, the bad part is that it's not a REALLY small town.

The thing about the Peoria area is that everything is within 20 minutes of everything else. If we had the opening dinner in East Peoria, it's 10 minutes from Washington, 10 from Morton, 10 from Peoria, and 15 from my place. There are multiple hotels in East Peoria, and a riverboat casino with attached hotel (for those so inclined).

So far we've got Rich and Joe for sure, and Jack as a firm maybe. If you are seriously considering attending, please give me a head's up so I can get some sort of idea on a number. We'll pick a place and see about group rates once we get a bit of a head-count. This would be good to have so we can all eat together as well.

We had a blast last year, and we just kind of faked our way through it. This year ought to be even better.

Whatever you guys do, don't listen to me. I've just visited the area twice in less than a year...

what the hell do I know other than what I have only seen. Which ain't much!

Actually, the whole area is much more impressive than I had ever imagined and that's coming from a dreaded Cheesehead in the flatlands of the Land of Lincoln. 

Believe in Stan and Bob, your trustworthy guides for the corn fields.

Here's a link for The Great Race:

http://www.greatrace.com/

Basically, i think it's a bunch of old cars being driven by probably slightly younger drivers.

I'd guess at the least, an excellent Kodak moment or You Tube opportunity.

Alright, Jack! If you make it to Pewaukee we can caravan back down to Peoria, picking up with a few more of the "flatlanders" along the way like I did last year to Peoria/Stanistan/Corn Fields.

It's about a 4 hour trip from my area (which is very near Pewaukee). Traffic is not bad along this route as well.

I'm looking good for this event.

Marty, if you wear those gloves, you'll be lookin' REALLY good.

Marty, you're always looking good! Now just show up and we can confirm that 

Stan...question? Is it Corn Days Deux or Corn Days Duex? Or maybe both?

^ Rich, don't you have some travelogue to be working on?

Why yes, Stan, I do and I'm way past part 2 

Not much.

I will make plans to show up with my 78' IM.     Can arrive Sat. afternoon and maybe stay through Monday.   Depends if my wife can come with or not.

But I will definitely be there Sat. evening and stay were most everyone else is staying.

Sounds like fun!

Chris 

Rich---has a hearquarter motel ben selected yet?  I'd go ahead and make reservations as motels fill up during vacation time.

That's cool, Chris!

Jack, Stan and Bob might correct me, but I don't think you're going to have to worry too much about motels. But then, it's better to be safer than sorry.

Now those Wisconsin hotel/motels...that's another story...people actually travel there for a reason.

My Spyder neighbor informed me he won't be able to make the trip this year.

Marty, you're still looking good today...especially with this glove weather we're still experiencing.

We probably have 30 or more hotels in the area. If people want to stay closer to Stanistan, then the city of Morton is where to locate. East Peoria has everything from an Embassy Suites right on the Illinois River to the Par-a-Dice which is a hotel and Casino.

I would avoid downtown but the northside, opposite side of Peoria from Stanistan, has a bunch of hotels, Wyndham, Candlewood Suites, Hampden Inn. etc. all right in the Grand Prairie area. There's a shopping center, restaurants etc. there, but nothing you can't get anywhere else. Avoid Pekin.

Stan knows the good places that are unique to Peoria. Burger Barge etc.

Everything is within 25 to 30 minutes driving time once you get here. 

Plus, this is not Carlisle-Midwest...last year we had...what...7 of us including Cory.

I was the only one who stayed at motel headquarters. I felt really special

Let's see a sorta firm schedule for:

Cruises-where we might cruise and what sights to see and places to visit?

"Headquarters" where the out of towners should all stay?

Group meals-what places the group might go for dinner---what makes them special?

Additional things to see/do?

We should get 10-12 and maybe more easily in this area, you would think. There are more Speedsters around the upper Midwest than around Asheville and we have had as many as 10-15 cars at Tail Of The Dragon when Hoss was organizing it.  I am looking forward to this Midwers event as it's an area I seldom stop in to look around plus there are many Speedster Buds there that I haven't met.

Pekin...sounds ominous

Gentlemen,

Please take a deep breath, here.

I know you'd like details, but I don't have a bunch just yet (I found out I was in charge of this a week ago). I did get a response from the "Great Race" coordinator, and it looks like the cars will be stopping for lunch in Peoria, along the riverfront at the Gateway building (it's nice) at 11:45 on Monday, June 24. He contacted the local guys, who were going to try to hook us up with some parking and a good viewing spot.

I'd think the best place to get a hotel would be in East Peoria. There's a decent selection to choose from. ONCE WE GET A HEAD COUNT we can pick something, and go with it. Aside from the High-School State Basketball tournament weekend, getting a hotel is just not a problem. There'll be a central hotel. It'll be nice, but it won't be something you remember 15 years from now-- it'll be a Hampton, or Embassy Suites (if we get pretty fancy).

... which bring me to my final point (for now): I don't have the cruises, stops, restaurants, and "special" stuff mapped out yet because this isn't that kind of event. It'll be organized, and there's stuff to do and places to go, but the point of this is to have an excuse to get together. If you are looking for a "Tail of the Dragon" or Carlisle kind of event-of-a-lifetime, you will be sorely disappointed. This is central Illinois. We have corn, and bugs, and small-towns. There's no wineries, or old-growth forests, or crystal lakes, or narrow gauge rail-roads threading through spectacular gorges.

There's corn. And bugs. And small towns.

It's laid back. It's a place to go. We can all meet and compare notes regarding our cars in a pretty relaxed environment. We'll have some meals together. We'll drive from place to place, small-town to small-town, and eat at some fun spots with some local flavor. But the "local flavor" isn't Stanley Park in Vancouver, or the Grand Canyon in AZ, or even the Ozarks in Arkansas.

It's fun. It might not be your kind of fun, and that's cool. We had a blast last time with 5-ish guys on a one-day lark. My hope is to have theat feel again, only spread out over a couple of days.

Forewarned is forearmed.

Stan, your pro-activeness for "The Great Race" thing was most thoughtful, a special parking spot sounds like all we need to have all the locals oggling our cars as opposed to headliners for the day. That and the more relaxed venue of a 2, maybe 3 day event is all us Midwesterners really need.

I think we got lucky with bugs last year, I don't recall them being an issue.

I only ask one request...no driving into the sunset...I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA DIE!!!!!!!!

Steve Wojciak says he might bring big muscle this year. Steve?

We DID get lucky with bugs last year. The heat & drought killed 'em off. Don't count on it this year.

The "road to the sun" on Old Peoria Road (Mitsubishi Motorway to Danvers) was a miscalculation. That road rocks, but it's a lot better when you don't have the fear of meeting your maker due to blindness. Sorry, man.

Regarding Steve's muscle-- I've got more than enough of that between my ears.

Stan---sounds fine--especially the Great Race part.  A bunch of Speedsters will sure open some eyes too!  I have been learning about The Great Race and although I have heard of it, I never really knew much about it.  That will be outstanding to see some of those cars.

We lean towards Hampton Inns--good prices and a good breakfast is included.  But whatever the group wants to do, I'm fine with.

Being properly forewarned is being forearmed for the bugs in Mid America...

So far I've got

Stan & Jeanie

Cory and Jeni

Bob

Rich

Joe

Marty

Chris

Jack

Rick99GSX- possible?

Others? Right seaters?

Joe Soltis had expressed he might be able to make it in one of his creations. I. Really hope he can, I'd like to meet Joe. Anyone with personal connections should get on his case...

There is also a "Tilly Biggs" (I believe he's really Bill Tiggs) up here near Burlington. He was posting here for awhile earlier this winter and I have sent out PM's and e-mails to him...Bill, where are you? I also need to reach out to my '58-356 Coupe buddy up here who has been traveling alot this winter.

The only way the wife and I would miss this is if weather doesn't cooperate... no roof on the spyder ... speedsters have that advantage  

My wife, Alice will be joining me.----Jack

Rick99GSX, I assume your name is Rick, correct? I further surmise (with my razor-sharp powers of observation) that you have a '99 Suzuki GSX. If that's correct, is it an "R" or a Katana? 600, 750, or Hayabusa?

More importantly, where are you from? Mrs. GSX's name?

Inquiring minds, and all that.

If nothing else, this video will really get everyone excited about showing up...yawn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...amp;feature=youtu.be

I know Jack was interested in seeing some of the local sights. Hopefully the snow will have melted and the skies will be clear by June.

Not to worry about the weather, Ricky. Tornado season should be over by late June.

You know, I have been following this thread with interest.Would love to attend this, but it doesn't look do-able time-wise for me. 932 miles each way solo would be interesting for sure. It would be 2 days realistically each way plus the weekend rides. Not able to take that much time off and still have vacation time left for the kids over the summer, you see?

I would think that the only thing we would need to worry about as far as hotel/motel reservations is what type of crowd they are expecting for The Great Race. Though it may be an interesting event, I'm thinking it will not be a huge draw since it will be on a Monday...

Stan, to take a load off of you, would you like me to bird-dog The Great Race people for exact location, logistics, etc.?

Danny: Quite your job. Sell your house. Point that Spyder west and see how long the money lasts.

I want to live vicariously through you.

OK, gentlemen-- I think we have a hotel, but I want to make sure it's good with all of you before I pull the trigger and block out the rooms.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE HOTEL YET, UNTIL I COMPLETE THE PROCESS OF GETTING THE GROUP RATE SET UP! I'M CONFIRMING THAT THIS WILL BE GOOD WITH YOU BEFORE I BLOCK OUT THE ROOMS.

I think the Embassy Suites in East Peoria is going to be perfect for us. It's a big hotel right on the riverfront in East Peoria with great access to the highway, plenty of good places to eat, and great access to the "Great Race" stop. The rooms are 2-room suites with king beds and a separate sitting room. The rate includes a hot, cook-to-order breakfast, and a "manager's reception" (open bar and snacks) from 5:30PM- 7:30 PM every night. The parking lot is decently secure, there's on-site security, and some limited covered parking (under a "bridge-way" between the hotel and conference facility).

Here's a link to the room information: Embassy Suites, East Peoria

Again, PLEASE DON'T TRY TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION YET! I can get a group rate of $129/night, for a minimum of 5 rooms. The sales department has told me there is no shortage of rooms for the 2 nights we are requesting.

If this is good with you, please let me know. There are places that might be $20/night or so cheaper, but I guarantee this is the nicest thing we're going to find for what we are doing here.

Thoughts?

Great hotel. I am there several times each year for political and school events and it is well run, good security and good food.

If I were coming in from out of town it would be my first choice. 

I like the separate sitting room for parking our cars. That is part of the deal, right?

And right down the street from the Burger Barge brunch I see, provided we could get seating.

 Pictures on Google maps look real purdy too

Any idea at this point what the location is for The Great Race lunch stop is?

I just called the hotel...just kidding

Joe Fortino, for Jack's sake, would you post a picture of how one can drive under the large farm equipment when in the area...He was interested in the entertainment options earlier in the week.

I'm in... once you let us know when to do the reservation I'll make it!

Here you go!

Goes without saying I am in, you cannot beat Embassy Suites for the breakfast and mangers reception. I cannot tell you how much fun I had last year with this impromtu get together. I had my car for just about a month last year and this was a great learning experience for me. Here's a great shot at the People's Republic of Stanistan's Presidential Palace.

They just don't offer this type of entertainment and "Presidential" hospitality at Carlisle. Thanks, Joe!

I like the Embassey Suites.    Should be alot of fun.

Chris

So far, I see a repeat of silver, red and maroon colored cars for this years event. Who wants to volunteer to paint their car in Caterpillar yellow or John Deere green for a little more variety?

BTW, I have sent out a personal invite to another of our members here, Peter Konkel (whom I have known for over 30 years), who lives in the Chicagoland megatropolis somewhere. Peter's normally not allowed to drive his wife's VS Speedster without her permission, but he does have some other rather cool cars (if not mistaken, a Caterham and one or more TVR's for starters) that he could select from for this event if he so chooses to join us. Peter, report in here please!

Embassy Suites or really anywhere is ok with me.  I am psyched about seeing those tanks or siols or whatever the hell they are in person!

A local friend is going to let us borrow a trailer. For the first time ever, the Hoopty will be trailered to an event.

It's a sign of the Apocalypse, right here. Cory Drake WITH a real windshield, trailering the Hoopty.

Yeah, but what's he gonna PULL it with?

Probably not an F250 diesel.

That's what he got the Ghia for.

Jack, those are missle silos that will hopefully not be in use on the North Koreans during your stay.

Good one, Rich. 

For Corn Daze we have to set up some assembly point where we'll meet up for the caravan down to Peoria.

Jack, Maybe Joe and I can meet you and Rich at 39/80 in Lasalle Peru.  We can drive down 26 by the river to Peoria if we are not in a hurry?

If you do, Jack might enjoy a stop at the Starved Rock State Park lodge and get some lunch (try not to hit one of the 10,000 H/D riders). There are some decent roads up that way as well.

Yup, that's where Steve Wojciak and I met Joe last year as I recall. Just a few miles south on 39 and then we head west to some more rural roads. Took that route on my return with "Betty" last month as well. Some good silos  along that route too. We'll need to investigate Starved Rock State Park lodge maybe if it fits our schedule. Just a suggestion, Stan, would that be a destination for a cruise? BUT, you are the lead here, it's your party, MON!

Jack, you and I can figure out our Wisconsin rendezvous as time goes on here. We can discuss at Carlisle as well.

Stan, Not to put to much pressure on you, but I have never been to Peoria.  I am expecting BIG things from the Corn Daze part Duex

Well, Marty- once you've seen P-town, how are we gonna' keep you down on the farm?

Stan, what Marty is asking in a round about way is: "Are there any glove stores in Peoria?"

Seriously, Marty, I had my doubts last year too. I found Peoria to be a pretty cool place simply because it is in close proximation to Stanistan and that Bob G guy that hangs there as well.

Marty, there are Italians in Peoria as well.

And plenty of free parking...

Marty Lasalle looks like the perfect place to meet up as I'll be coming right downI-39 after visiting my buddy in Peewaukee. 39 & 80 is a big intersection--is there a prominent motel or some other place where we can meet?  Rick?

The drive down highway 26 looks like a good idea and I'd do that.

Last year, Joe Fortino ate McDoubles until we arrived...

Chris and I hit starved rock last fall it was an amazing drive. Stan we did have an HD wipe out infront of us on our way out.

Rich, that Abarth is cool

Cruise around Staved Rock. 

As you can see, Marty, by skipping out last year, you missed the Italian muscle cars.

Marty:

The Abarth pictured above belongs to a friend of mine, Alex Khazzam. He owns a fleet of interesting cars including a Scaglietti and the world's scariest jeep (Hemi powered with nitrous, etc.) He also owns the Junction City shopping center here in Peoria where those pictures were taken and we initially met for Corn Daze Part 1 last year.

The Ferrari is a single year model, basically a street racing machine that belongs to another big car collector here in town, Michael Benet. Michael is sometimes on the SOC, (Mr. Michael) and is the proprietor of our best local independent foreign car shop, Kauth & Mayeur. They handle all the work on my Speedster and are an excellent shop. If you want to see interesting vehicles, stop by his place. There's always something to look at!

Michael bought K & M from noted 914 devotee/engine/suspension mechanic Brad Mayeur who owns 914 Limited. Brad and his team drop Suby's into 914s for fun. You might check his website out if you like 914's at all. He also lives here in the Peoria area and often has interesting aircooled cars around his shop as well.

Perhaps Michael, Alex and/or Brad can join in this year. 

Rich, I don't know what those other cars are there. The look vaguely Italian -- but you mentioned muscle cars. I feel I have to come running to the defense of Fritz the Ghia.

One, he's only got 40 horses, mmmmmkay, and the fact of the matter is he isn't as Italian as he looks. He's a German, in an Italian suit. Just so we're clear. And he's staying home this year -- so if you want to see him, you'll have to come out here to the Chesapeake and visit.

Meanwhile, you fellas out there in "Muscle-Car Land" are really in for a shocker. It really is possible to make one of these cars into a rocket sled, and we're all going to sit back in Stanistani lawn chairs and watch as Stan fires up the Hoopty for a burnout in his quiet little cul-de-sac.

Stan, I have been waiting for this for years.

We, who were there, knew those Italians were clearly in the minority and once the "action" started, they were nowhere to be found...Fritz was on injured reserve for the day as I recall. The "Italian" thing was just introduced to coax Marty into the fray. BTW, Fritz is looking stunning in that photo above.

Well, all this reading got me motivated to take the little guy out for a "spring shakedown". Weather was perfect so why not go out for some custard .

Video is about 30 min long straight out of the 'ol GoPro, no music or cool effects just good air-cooled noise . It is about as close as it gets to a third seat on the Spyder 

46 seconds in. I'm hooked.

Looks like a practice run to Stanistan to me so far.

Nice ride, Ricky, see you in June!

Looks like a nice day for a drive, Ricky! Good on you! 

Contract with the Embassy Suites is in hand. I'm personally committing to 5 rooms for 2 nights to get the reduced rate. there are over a hundred rooms right now, but it is a "softball weekend", which tends to eat up rooms (I hear).

Just to make sure before I sign-- Rich, Joe, Marty, Ricky, Jack, and Chris are all for sure, correct?

Actually I'd appreciate it if you'd shoot me an email just so we can communicate a bit more effectively. My email is stangalat@yahoo.com. I look froward to hearing from you.

Yes,  I will definitely be there for Sat. night and maybe for Sunday night.  

I live about 25 minutes from Starved Rock State Park and plan to join you Guys for the Drive down Sat.            I'll email to confirm too.

regards

Chris 

Right now we are staying at the hotel Saturday for sure, Sunday is a 90% possibility but I need to deconflict with the Boss (yes I do mean my lovely right seater )

I e-mailed as directed by the supremo leader...my plans are to stay Saturday and Sunday evening in this most sumptuous of hotels on the east side of Peoria where the 'squitos better be under control. They do put screens on the windows there, right? Hey, can we go diving for catfish?

Stan, email sent.

Hey Marty, will you be bringing that knob of yours along to Peoria?

I'll bet Marty never goes anywhere without his knob.

Thanks to everybody who emailed me as I requested.

Here's the thing- in order to get the reduced room rate at the Embassy Suites I need to guarantee we'll have at least 10 room/nights (2 nights in one room is 2 room/nights). Further complicating this is the fact that they want to know specific numbers for specific days-- I'd have thought I could just give them a time-window of 3 or 4 days and guarantee they'll sell at least 10 rooms to our group within the window, but this is not how they operate. They want a minimum head-count for specific dates.

The way I had it set up was for Saturday June 22, and Sunday June 23. The "for sure" responses for those 2 dates don't add up to 10. We've got some of you who are "90%+"-- I need to firm this up, or I can't sign the contract and get any of you the reduced rate.

If you guys can firm this up and email me back, I'd really appreciate it. We're really close to getting the reduced rate, but I need a few more solid commitments.

Thanks- Stan

Sorry about the 90% Stan.. Work has been hectic these last couple of days.... We are ALL IN!

OK---got our reservations at the Embassy Duites.  $141. Not bad for a real good place like E.S.  My wife, Alice is going to join me for this so I have a co-driver for the after lunch snooze.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone.

Stan--many thanks for pulling this together---it looks like a fine time!

I gotta start proofing my posts before hitting the "send" button  That was supposed to be Embassy Suites.

I'm really looking forward to meeting you, Jack. We'll try to have a good drive laid out for you.

As the weeks tick away towards our respective events, the Carlisle group starts to worry about rain, we need to be concerned about snow damnit!

Me and my big mouth...I was diggin' on the $121 rate. I need to call William Shatner.

Thanks, Stan----same here.  I have always felt that the real fun of Speedsterdom is not just owning one of these amazing replicas, but the comraderie and fun attending the various events.  Carlisle was my first and this year will be my 6th in a row.  Also the wonderful Morro Bay event a couple of years ago---I will definitely repeat the West Coast event again.  Great people and fun folks.  The Easterners work on their cars constantly but the Left Coasters just drive 'em and have great gatherings.

Tail Of the Dragon was a Premier event when Hoss was doing the planning--really a sensational weekent driving the Smoky Mountains and the Notorious TOTD plus a great steak place.  (That pizza joint was a looser though---right Marty?)

So now we have Corn Daze---with a few old friends we have met and spent time with plus some old "posting" friends we will meet for the first time.  The difference between just owning a Speedster and going to events driving a Speedster is monumental.

Jeni and I are psyched. The chance to meet up with you guys could be an annual event for us. The pace back here in the East has left us with just a couple windows for vacation this year, and we're taking the majority of the Carlisle and the Peoria weeks off.

We can't think of a better way to relax.

Update on the "Great Race".

I got an email from a woman from the Peoria Convention and Visitors Bureau yesterday, asking us if we'd like to participate in a show 'n shine (they are calling it a "Car Rally") to coincide with the Great Race cars coming through. We'd have protected parking on the lawn next to the Gateway Building.

My thought is that we'd park, sine 'em up, and be able to walk around and look at the old race cars coming through-- they come through every 10 minutes for an hour and a half, starting at 11:30 or so.

It's a weekday, so the food push-carts will be on the courthouse square. The push-carts are some of the best food Peoria's got to offer, and it's a block from where we'll be parked.

I wasn't all that excited about this, but after looking at it, I'm pretty jacked up. I think it'll be a really, really nice way to end the weekend. After everything breaks up at 1 or so, everybody can start back home.

PS: Bob was scoping out the Sunday morning drive, and came up with some really good roads. This entire thing is coming together nicely.

Stan we did this a couple of years ago in Chambersburg and Hershey PA .

Great variety of Great Race cars....

A special posse is being sent out in search of the elusive Joe Soltis for this event

You're killin me Rich.  Nothin like being a wanted man. Email me all the details. I m hoping I can work something out.

Come on Joe.  You wont even have to touch my Carbs.  Oh, I almost forgot - I don't have any Carbs.  

A constant barrage of e-mails to Joe Soltis (the special posse mentioned above) will weaken him, force him into a weekend or at least a day of not working on something and hopefully be there so we can enjoy his company. C'mon Joe, you can do it! Details are all posted here...

You know, I actually remember that guy! Nice guy, smart too.

That's why we want him there 

Looking forward to corn Daze.         We deserve the decent driving weather  #@$*!

    I spent this weekend getting my Speedster tuned up and maintained.    Changed the oil in the motor and transaxel...     adjusted the clutch.     Also a new fuel pump and electronic ignition.

Today was the best weather yet all year.   Went for a 45 mile drive without a jacket.

Yes, Chris, it was a beautiful day yesterday, too bad I was too busy and tired to take advantage of it. Simply a great forecast for the rest of the week, eh? 

A little glimpse of last year's Great Race:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...%20News%2004-24-2013

I reminded Carey Hines of the weekend adventure when we were at Carlisle, he checked his calendar and it's open. HE HAS NO EXCUSE NOW. Plus he needs more vacation time ...Carey Hines, c'mon down! Kevin too!

Just booked my room, they seem to be running low and had to get a handicap access room.

As Rich indicated, it'd be a good time to get a room if you are planning on coming, and haven't booked yet. We're right at a month out on this.

I could REALLY use a good head-count on guys planning (for sure, uh huh) on coming for Sat/Sun/Mon (or any portion therein). I need a semi-accurate count for reservations for dinner Sat and Sun night, and for the parking "on the grass" for Monday's "Great Race" rendezvous.

Bob G. unfortunately has a conflict that cannot be avoided, and will be unable to help with the festivities. /Any help you gentlemen can give me would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I am booked for Friday and Saturday night, will be riding solo.

Joe, Saturday/Sunday would be better...check the schedule.

I am planning on arriving early Saturday afternoon (hopefully 1:00-ish). Anything this moron could do to help will be offered up. My plan is to stay until they kick me out...2:00pm-ish, Monday.

Guess it's time for me to harass Joe Soltis again.

The wife and I are coming for Sat. night.  We have a room booked,  but we need to head back late Sunday afternoon.

We plan to link up with you guys as you head South towards Starved Rock Sat. Morning. 

I can help too...       But I'm also a Moron

CS

Just got a personal e-mail from Joe Soltis. Though it would really be great to share in his experiences and see his car, he will not be able to make it to this year's Corn Daze Part Deux activities. Joe always has plenty going on and this weekend he will be chaperoning 200-420 recently graduated high schoolers (including his daughter). Send condolences to Joe if you have time.

I being lazy here, or call it tired.  What Hotel? Thanks  

Marty, Embassy Suites, East Peoria. I think they still have plenty of suite rooms, just seem to be short on the less costly ones.

http://embassysuites3.hilton.c...r-PIAESES/index.html

Marty, good for you, now we'll have to start making more plans to hang together again. This short mileage adventure should allow for the presence of my Speedster.

Now we need John Hallstrand to start our rain dance.

Okay, guys -- it's about crunch time for the big "Who's coming?" question.

I spoke to Stan a couple days ago. I don't know if I'm being furloughed yet, which is about a $350/check hit for me -- and the cancellation of my scheduled leave. That hasn't been decided yet, so Jeni and I are still very much "In" for the shindig.

Since we don't have that answer, I'll just say that the other variable has been resolved -- and that's that my 14-year-old son will NOT be in summer school! Woo-HOO! We'll be flying him from his home in way-the-hell-out-there North Dakota to his grandparents' home in West County St. Louis for the month of July (as it stands now, anyway), and we'll be dragging the Hoopty to Illinois with Jeni's SUV (and Warren Miles' single-axle trailer).

I couldn't be more delighted to say we're going to be there. If I have to, I'll tarde or swap my shifts for the four or five days to make it as far as Stanistan and then turn around and head home. Since Morgan's going to be in St. Louis for the month, that takes a real logistical load off of how we're going to manage our summer if I get furloughed.

Bottom line; we're there. With f****** bells on -- so let's try to avoid any last-minute changes of plan that put Stan in a bind, hey? He's got a ton of other things going on also ... but he's orienting the last week of the month around this gathering.

Hoo-YAH!

Cool Cory and Jeni, and you'll be rested for the drive after your towing experience...I'm actually driving my Speedster all 200 miles and 4 hours worth...unless of course it's going to rain, then I go to fallback mode again. I'm such a wimp.

Rich, your fallback mode was pretty fricking cool. I'll bet it gets as much of your time and attention as your Speedster does, too. Nice car.

Resolved some family issues that were going to preempt participation in CORN DAZE - PART DEUX. Looking forward to welcoming anybody who can make it to Stanistan and environs.

This ought to be fun, with some interesting cruises, the Great Race event, some super meals and maybe some surprises along the way! 

It ain't Carlisle, but then we are just simple country folk.

Rich, dialogue me with your phone number, please.

Wish I lived close enough to join you guys for 'Corn Daze'. Sounds like great fun, but then again, hanging out with you knuckleheads is always fun. Looking forward to seeing those pics.

I do 200 miles on my Saturday lazy weekend cruises. 

Jim:

I can't think of anybody I'd rather meet. Your posts on SoCal take me back to my earlier life there and I always look forward to your posts and video work.

I would like to connect with you to discuss the right settings and techniques for success with a GoPro Hero. I still haven't mastered the thing and I want to get it right for Corn Daze. Thanks in advance!

Awe!  Now I wish I could come.  No fair bein' so far away!

Lane: 

We'd love to host you, buddy! What's a mere 900 miles or so? (one way) 

Bob, I'd be more than happy to offer tech tips with your GoPro. It's quite simple. My email is musbjimATcoxDOTnet 

We have a tentative schedule, Gentlemen:

Saturday, June 22:

• Check-In at the Embassy Suites, "Manager's Reception". Free drinks. I'm slightly frightened with the possibilities...
• Dinner at a Peoria steakhouse at about 6:30 or so (as soon as the reservations are confirmed, I'll forward the information).
• Ice cream at Emo's, root-beer at Lou's, or hand-dipped shakes at Steak-n-Shake. We'll take a vote, and I'll decide what I want. Everybody's entitled to my opinion .

Sunday, June 23:

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• "Bob Garrett's Most Excellent Drive"-- along the river, through the park, and a stop at the Kickapoo Creek Winery.
• Lunch in Peoria, unless I feel like the "Burger Barge", in which case we'll drive across the river for some 1/2 lb burgers and homemade chips. Potential "Cold War Era" cars/coffee-lite before/during/after lunch. Bob knows people who know people. Sean Connery will be there with his DB5. Perhaps. No pressure, Bob.
• "Stan's Corn Daze Hick-Town Tour". Uncork the headers, boys, and hold on tight. Once they drive under a farm implement, how are we gonna' keep them down on the farm?
• Dinner: Casual. Local. TBD, but it'll be nice, and in keeping with the whole "Midwest Ethos" of the event.
• State Reception at the Presidential Palace of the People's Republic of Stanistan. Bench racing, desert, and merriment.
• Back to the hotel.

Monday, June 24:

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Hotel check-out
• Great Race, show-'n-shine. If the Peoria Convention and Visitors Bureau (now THERE'S a "cold war era" name, if ever there was one) would ever get back to me, I'd sleep better. "Great Race" cars start rolling in at 11:45 or so, but "the Bureau" wanted everybody on "the lawn" (just like Pebble Beach, only slightly different) by 10:00 or so.
• Lunch at the down-town "push-carts" on the courthouse square. It's only a block up the street from the Gateway Building (where we'll be set up), so we can grab a Haddad's Gyro, or Thai-Lin's Vietnamese noodles, or one of Willie's Tamales. There's about 20 different choices, so you call it-- you've got to drive home.
• Early afternoon "good-byes". We'll sing Kumbaiya, shake hands in a manly way, and promise to stay in touch. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
• You'll drive home. I'll go to work. I'll wish I was you.

Of course, all of this is subject to change, as the situation on the ground dictates. This is a driving event-- and as such, we'll probably be driving for a good part of Sunday, so pack sunscreen and a hat. I'll try to hit the highlights of our little corner of the world, and have a good time.

I'm actually getting pretty jacked up about this. Having Bob and Cory back in the fold increases my enthusiasm exponentially. If we could get Mr. Hines to come out, and a couple of other Chicago/ St. Louis/ Milwaukee/ Indianapolis guys-- it would only increase the fun. The more, the merrier.

... but if you are planning on coming-- please reserve a hotel room soon, and shoot me an email (stangalat*at*yahoo.com), or post something here. We look forward to seeing you at Corn Daze, Part Deux.

Stan,

Right from the Manager's Reception... with free drinks!... to the "wailing and gnashing of teeth" the Corn Daze Part Deux promises great, great reminiscing memories of the glorious Republic of Stanistan

Here's wishing you kunckleheads terrific top down weather  

Yeah, what Stan said.

I'm going to drive the Sunday cruise route again next week to confirm that our floods and unbelievable rains earlier in the year haven't effected the roads. Much of the route is back roads through the woods and farmland along and above the Illinois River on the bluffs.

Some long straights, tight or sweeping turns with a switchback or two, changing elevations and great scenery!

Should be great fun.

I've been out galavanting around and warming up for Corn Daze in Door County this past weekend. Good to hear things are looking better for you, Bob G. Stan, you seem to have things mostly under control. I'm booked in a handicapped room, they saw me coming.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...a04bia8w&index=2

Later in the day on Sunday it gets more exciting when the deer might just decide to join in the festivities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...a04bia8w&index=1

Around my "hood" in Door County, Wisconsin. Lake Michigan just off to the right:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3yegy2Wf4E

This Corn Daze thing could morph into "Trees and Deer In Your Headlights Daze" 

Just a heads up here guys-- plans are coming together nicely, and we're really looking forward to our get-together.

It's still not too late to get in on the fun! It's only a couple of days later this month, and it's shaping up to be a really great time. The more cars, the merrier!

If you are thinking of coming, though-- it'd probably be good to make a reservation for the hotel. Out-of-town guys are staying at the Embassy Suites in East Peoria, IL, and the hotel is our "jumping off point" for a lot of the activities. I just checked, and there are still rooms available, but getting the reservation in would probably be a good idea at this point.

Bob and I had a planning meeting Friday AM, and things are really shaping up. We're both really looking forward to it. Cory Drake is coming out form Maryland with his "hoopty", we're lining up some interesting local "cold-war" cars, and should have a nice mix of SOC cars for the get-together.

Admit it, you know you want to be here  resistance is futile.

Dear Carey Hines (and Kevin), you are cordially invited to Corn Daze Deux.

I just received confirmation that Tom Boney is in! That's excellent, Tom-- we' re really looking forward to meeting you!

Here's a list of the SOC guys who've been in touch with me (so far) to confirm they are coming:

Stan Galat (& Jeanie)

Bob Garrett

Rich Drewek

Cory Drake (& Jeni)

Joe Fortino

Marty G. (& Sandy)

Chris Starleaf (& wife?)

Ricky Montiel (& wife?)

Tom Boney (& wife?)

If you're on the fence, come on out-- we'd love to have you. Shoot me an email at stangalat<AT>yahoo.com to let me know what you're thinking. I'll get you the information you need.

We're really looking forward to seeing you all!

That's great Tom! I look forward to meeting you. 

I spoke with Carey on the phone last week, Rich. He's unfortunately got a scheduling conflict.

Maybe next year?

Carey probably backed out in that he probably didn't have a spare 904 this year .

We'll leave a light on anyways just in case.

Y'all ought to pay a visit to Mr. Hines' place, unannounced.

To all attendees of Corn Daze: Any of you interested in shirts such as these? One color slogan on front, 2-color logo on back in some sort of distressed, salt-of-the-earth shirt.

If you are, I will be needing sizes and quantities pretty quickly. I'm checking on costs at the moment and guessing $10-$20 delivered to Peoria.

2 mediums, 1 extra large please.

What will you pall corn daze next year?  part tre?

Part Tres (I think), there is quite a French connection in Illinois.

Rich are you thinking short or long sleeve? If there are options would like one of each in a large.

If I get enough interest (which is very little so far), I think short or long sleeves could easily be arranged.

Rich, sign us up for two.

A large and a 1XL would be brilliant, whatever you decide to do with sleeve length.

Thanks!

I'd do a 2x, Rich. SS, please.

The orders are mounting up to a point that if my supplier ever gets back to me...gosh ("gosh", that sounds all midwestern Corn Daze-like), maybe we can even get some!

Okay, who's going to post the first weather report?

Just received another feedback from a Wisconsin ex-pat living in the canyons of Chicago now (Peter Konkel-an SOC member)...he won't be able to make it. I'm striking out.

Stan, Sandy is coming.  Looks like a scorcher so far with 95 Degree Temps and a Heat Index of over 100 degrees.  Bring the Sun Tan Lotion     

Excellent, Marty! As far as the weather-- we're still 12 days out for the start of the fun. This is Illinois, anything could happen in that amount of time.

Everybody else-- there's still time to get a room and join the fun!

I would like to bolster support for this shindig by offering rides in the award-winning ghetto sled to those attendees who are interested.

(Now that it's actually won something, that makes it a more spectacular ride, right?)

Ok, the room is booked and here are my plans. Turns out my friend's daughter has a softball tournament in Peoria the same weekend and their group is also staying at Embassy.

 I will be leaving Chicago Saturday morning around 8 and headed down 55 to 74. Going to try and catch a game in the early afternoon before everyone gets to town.

 Will hang around most of the day Sunday,but will head back to Chicago Sunday night to prepare for a meeting that I have Monday morning.

 Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Hey North and West siders.  What are the plans for take off?  Tom, Look forward to meeting you in Perioa. Since we normally do all Turn pike to PA, I was hoping to get of the interstate if we have time.  We can take Interstate 39 down to 18 (AKA 13th road) and head west over to 26 and drive down the east side of the river to Perioa.  OR 18 west to 89 and down though the little town called Metamora.  Thoughts?

Leave an hour early. Drive around Starved Rock State park for a while.

I will be ready first thing Saturday morning just let me know when and where to meet. There is a possibility I need to head back Sunday morning as my son is marching in a parade, all this guilt. 

Seriously? Sunday's the big day, man!