Knotts, My Take Part 1

Part 4 of 4
John Steele, you are a heck of a guy and I wish you continued success. The quality in your work stood in line, tic-tac-toe all pretty maidens in a row in front of the JPS tent. And thanks for the T-shirt. Kirk, it was great to meet you, I only wish you could have stayed with a display...... if nothing but for customer appreciation. Henry, I think I enjoyed meeting you as much as anyone this weekend. I particularly enjoyed our late night conversation about Japan, and Viaticals..... worth staying up for. I can see why Dale and the Rons;s and others visit your shop often... you are indeed a kind, honest, knowledgeable and unpretentious producer of an excellent product... I like that, and I liked you.

There are names I forget.... please forgive me? Eddie Janis, I wished so hard for you to be there. Rick... regarding that Long Distance Award? You won it outright in every accounting I could make. You see, it's actually 1438 miles from my drive to the show. But in an effort to get my Speedster on old real patches of the real Route 66 I added many miles just taking side trips off I-40, including one in AZ that burned 127 miles. Sooo, my 1507 (and 1607 for another side trip) was not direct miles. You came out of the great white north in a trek that would be a test of all our cars and stamina...... congratulations Rick. Next year I hope we have three or four in competition with those miles!

The trip? Boys, it was a fun thing, I'd highly recommend it to any of you! There was a moment in Winslow, AZ where I parked the car at "the corner" for photos. I could hear the Eagles singing Jackson Browne's 'Take it easy' from a nearby shop. Folks were gathering around my VS taking pictures of their friends in front of it with the Hotel in the background. I stood across the block.... mellow, taking it in, feeling lucky to have the blessings of a great wife, financial security, the car, and the reason to be in Winslow, AZ... singing the lyrics. Cool stuff. What a trip it was!

Thanks, it was something to file in the brain cells under "significant moments"

Jim Ward aka Jim Bob, aka Mental Ward, aka, Moses, aka, photo slut.

Part 3
Thank you for the Spirit Award... but in my mind each and every participant deserved it, I do mean that with all my heart guys. Geez, there was our Member 1st Rate; Gary on Friday morning handing out wax, chamois, SPF wipe ons, just a great spirit that infected my enthusiasm levels the moment we met. Weird, but he reminded me of Mike Love from the Beach Boys... Then Rick and the Molsons that made it through our nation's security matrix... what a contribution to spirits. Dale Bates, like John Leader failed to disappoint. His passion and humor are uplifting,,, and I want his car! Dale reminds me of my childhood best buddy.Paul? Paul is truly a great spirit and beyond the wild guy act, I found him to be a wonderful companion and someone to call a friend. There's mucho good soul in Paul. Dale F? Man, you have the heart and soul of this whole thing down my friend. I would have loved to have made that run up the coast with you and had a shot of my car with the background you selected.... I'm envious! And I want to see those Doggles! Mike, your humor gave my slower and aging mind something to ponder on and then laugh on as I got it... sometimes a few minutes later. You are a fascinating and likeable guy and if you were single I'd be proud to introduce you to my oldest daughter... a complement Mike... definitely a complement. Brian, our co-love for warbirds and racers was a neat thing to explore... may it develop in Reno! Besides that, I liked your approach to your car, and the gleam in your eye as you felt that torque slap you into the back of Paul's seat.... that spoke volumes. Dan, your car is a classic and I liked it the first time you posted a pic. Our ride in Dale's IM was an eye opener. One, or both of us may be calling Henry some day, eh? Vince? I always understood the intent of your posts, and so I was prepared to like you long before Knotts... I like your attitude, smile and ride... it was great to meet.Pat, thanks for the beer.... it meant a lot, I sipped it in quiet appreciation of the moment and the blessing of being there. You are definite;y one of the good guys. David? What a great mind! Those side windows are just right, and your car showed an obvious TLC that exceeded many others. And thanks for the photo op with Holly, a surgical asst to an oral surgeon twice plus her age.... You are a sharp guy and I will be following your posts in the future. And Joel.... wow, what a great guy with loads of enthusiasm. And that Lincoln? Bring it to the next meet and we can make it the official bar to motel shuttle car! How's that CD I gave you? Ok, that's all I recall tight now except Gordon and Chris Nichols, who made the updates on my trip possible. I know you all sensed my apprehension as this was my first big solo trip since the transplant.... Chris was like having a right seater on call. What you guys did will forever be remembered by me. As I walked in the dining area Friday morning I received hugs and handshakes as if I were some hero or something, instead of the regular old okie boy that chased the same passion all of us share. Never the less... it was heartening as every single member shook my hand that weekend. After a hard time medically for a few years the positives you all gave were soaked up.

continue to part 4

Joe-Don-Billy-Ray-Jim-Bob,

While there is nothing like an old friend,
a NEW friend is a wonderful thing in its own right.

I'm so glad you made the trip; we enjoyed it
as much as you did.

Jim Bob,

From the moment you strolled in for Breakfast on Friday morning there was a grin on your face. From the number of pictures with you in them,
it is obvious you are the pied piper of this group. You and Paul are a team, be looking for you guys doing a standup on Leno one of these nights.

Thank you so much for attending our 1st and helping make it a memorable event. Next year you and Rick can trade trophies. Rick called me from the road yesterday evening on his way back to Chilliwick. All sounded good with him and he was still basking in the glow of Knotts. He promises to be at the Parts Obsolete Campout the 2nd weekend in June so Jim Bob, if you really want to get a LD award, we'll look for you!

Glad you made it home all OK, tired but happy I hope. Thanks for writing up your impressions of your jaunt, Hope "The Ron" will capture them for the time capsule!

Bruce, the unofficial engine blow champ......

You guys (and gals) sound like you had so much fun, makes me envious. I am really going to try to reschedule some stuff so I can make the 130 mile trip to carlisle in may, at least for one day.
ed

Jim Bob:

Glad you're home and safe - we hadn't heard from you right after Knott's and were beginning to think we would have to send out the Texas Rangers to find you!

Yes, I think I can type for everybody who knows or knows of you and say we were all either curious about your progress or simply concerned with your well-being. Heck! Theron saw so many hits on your post that he set up a direct vector from the front page! Then I would be getting calls from Chris (or I would call him) just letting each other know how you were doing and passing it along. LOTS of us were looking forward to those posts.

Looks like it'll be hard for us "Right-Coasters" to live up to Knott's, but I think we're up to it - we've got a few long-distancers coming, a few good caravans, and LOTS of truly great people coming.

On a personal note, one has to be inspired by people like you who refuse to give in to minor inconveniences in life. My wife and I have several friends dealing with dire illnesses, and I've recently lost a good friend to Colon Cancer - none of these people ever stop trying to be "normal", whatever that is. Then, to see you trek half way across the country in what is often a frail type of car, and have a hell of a lot of fun doing it, has inspired me to venture out a bit farther than tiny Rhode Island with mine. I guess building it yourself makes one overly protective and cautious, and that's not what these cars are about. The weather's warming, and the road is calling........

Gordon

Jim.....Yoo Da Man. Tell your wife we all said so.


Gclarke "The Vacaville Guy"

Jim,

You are truly an inspiration! Happy belated birthday!!!

Mark

Jim,
I know what your thinking, "How far is it to Carlisle"
The East Coasters have to be even more excited now after
reading how the Knotts show went....
I won't get into all this sappy stuff about meeting all the guys.
You would have to be numb, to not have positive feelings about
our gathering. But I must say it was a pleasure meeting the "Legend"...Jim, you are the Man. Not because of your travels to Knotts, but because of your life, and how you have handled yourself
through times good and bad..That SPIRIT award had your name on it
long before your arrival at Knotts...
It was a pleasure meeting you, I also knew we had a bond before
our meeting on Saturday, that is until I saw the way you were looking
at "The Ron" in the picture of you guys in your car...Sure he's younger, better looking, Well, younger anyway..He has a Web Site,
I know its Hard to compete with that kinda stuff...But Perhaps a move to California will be in your future, if it is, I'll be your new
Best Friend....TO THE FUTURE..............
V

Jim, thanks for the kind wish. I sure wish I could have met you and the "guys" at Knott's. Bruce sent a hat and a shirt today, and I was there in spirit. Look foward to next time. Congrats on the SPIRIT AWARD, You deserve it. Eddie

Jim
I looked forward to each update in your west ward travel to Speedster Mecca!Theron, my log on's must make me look like a Perverted Porsche Peeper"!
Followed your posts two years ago when you went the full gammet and have always been inspired with your upbeat view on your new lease on life.
I sit here this evening and read "parts one through four" and wonder why I didn't follow through with my moment of insanity when I said to my wife "Hey let's fly out to Knotts for the show".
Well Carlisle is a whopping 40 minute ride for us bit shorter distance .....wonder if Jim is hearing voices.......

.....G u m b a l l ....C a r l i s l e......
Alan M

Jim,

Thanks for taking the time to write about Knotts, I can relate to how you feel. I've driven my Speedster around this area pretty much solo for the past 10 years and when we have attended Carlisle in the past it was usually just a few Speedsters. Last October, thanks to SO.com we put together the first Speedster meet I ever attended and still enjoy good memories of that day - meeting the guys, seeing their cars and cruising the countryside. Also, flew the 50 miles of backroads to the Meet with two guys and their Speedsters - we only talked through e-mail before then. I'm right back there when we drive or pass those roads today.

We're all looking forward to Carlisle - even more so after hearing about Knotts!

Hey Jim,
I thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on the event. It is hard to believe that all these people, whom for the most part had never met, that seemed like friends when you greeted them. I found it interesting that I knew names and then had to match them to faces. Usually it's the reverse. I think that you have inspired many to take the challange and get behind the wheel and go the distance. You know, as do I, that the highlight of the adventure is the drive, right?
I'm glad you're home safely and look forward to sharing a beer with you somewhere down the road......eh!?
Regards,
Rick

Part 1 of 4 post
What can I say? It was great and I think it went far beyond many of our hopes for the first gathering of Replicus Speedster Ownerites Maxus Rex, or more simply RR # Uno !!!!!!!.

There were so many elements that went into what I feel was a well planned meeting for a common passion, without personal agendas. That, is the very definition of what we all hoped for.... and received. Thinking back, I can see what may have been the right ingredients.

First and foremost, we all recognized the time, money, planning, and work that went into making the event a success. (PPPPPPRR = Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Porsche Replica Rendezvous). Thank you John, Bruce, and of course, Theron (The Ron?). We, as attendees, reaped the benefits from your dedication and vision. Each one of you stood out in unique ways. John showed experience in promotion and wanting things "right"... little things like quality Ball Caps instead of the cheapo ones that are created for other events or functions. Beside that, John is an amazing person in his ability to see the good in people and then focus on that as he forms an opinion, a relationship, maybe even a friendship. As an event leader (No pun intended) he used these people skills to help all of us blend and see our and other's uniqueness as things to enjoy. I know this is a bit wordy... but it is meant. No wonder John is a successful person.... we need to encourage him to continue promotion of future events, like next years! Then there was Bruce, There were and are so many things to admire and like about him... but one stands out in my mind. It is about how he reacted to tragedy when he lost an engine enroute to the very event he put his heart and soul into. Many of us would have handled it with half the class Bruce displayed all weekend. You know it was on his mind, but that didn't stop him from staying positive, going for cold ones with the boys, and finding time to complement each of our cars as he studied them... like John, he's a class act. Then Theron showed... I had never met him and my impressions had been based on reading his helpful posts on sound insulation, speaker systems, occasional references to his background and hints of brilliance. Another clue was his minimalistic approach to sorting out our occasional bouts of fratricide on the forum. Still, he was a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, wrapped in a Website to me. And I was a little apprehensive on our introduction... mainly because I see him as a savant. Well, web-savant he is, but there's much more.. he's a good guy, who doesn't outwardly seek attention for all that he has done. Let's face it... without Theron and SOC, Knott's RR would have never been possible, because the SOC IS our rallying point, the glue that binds. Without SOC some of us would have been lost on Rich's old defunct site, devouring our own in the name of brand loyalty... owners in the wilderness. And so, I think for many of us, the event exceeded our expectations in many ways. And in future years we can look back & say: we were there in '04 when it all began. Someday, we may have our own stand alone event.... with it's roots and success firmly planted at Knott's on April 24 and 25, 2004. Thank you John, Bruce, and Theron.

(continued on post 2 of 4)

Part 2 of 4
The cars and owners? It was incredible for me as an Okie to see so many cars of our passion in one setting. Out here in Red Dirt Country my VS stands alone, and so it shines without comparison. But at Knotts it was just another beloved older VS with many miles and road nicks to show for it. I ohhed and awed over Terry and Mike's new Speedsters... both incredibly beautiful cars. Then there was the beautiful Silver and Red IM Speedster sitting next to me... I spent many minutes admiring her car's lines. Over at IM, I checked out that red roadster Henry was delivering, and imagined the new owners delight as Henry gave him the keys. A wonderful moment came as Dale Bates tossed me his keys and I took a little run with Dan in it. That 2165 pulled the smoothest power band I've felt in a Speedster Replica yet,, and the fit & Finish? Well, it's an IM. Paul's giant killer is just that. I had several rides in it, including a pass by Cobra row on Friday that turned a few heads, and then later that night as we made an outside pass on Brian's beautiful flared outlaw in a 90' one laner right turn in traffic... I think I saw the needle flash by 100 as we slammed brakes and spun to a U Turn RTBing the Marriot. So many cars, so little time... Lance, that display was awesome as was your pseudo wife, now girlfriend.. life is good and it appears you are excelling at it! Forgive me as I don't mention all the cars and owners... but you have to know that I was a fan of every single one out there. It sure beats seeing mine alone all the time.I do plan on writing each of you and tell you how much I enjoyed our meeting and the specialness of your car. I have pics of every car there and I think I was lucky enough to meet most of you. What a privilege, we DO have something good... let's build on it!

The common passion, with a diverse crowd was a formula that seemed to work, and then grow into a sense of brother/sisterhood by the end. I can honestly say I didn't meet anyone I didn't like. No, I'm not Will Rogers, and I don't take mega-doses of Paxil. I'm guessing many of you sensed the same thing,, like Friday night at Chili's, and Sunday having fun with the car modelettes.Maybe my perspective is warped as I was greeted by many as a neo-Moses after passing through the wilderness. You all made me feel so welcome and I will forever remember it. Here's a secret... we transplant recipients mark the date of our transplant as an annual birthday of a new life. Well the 24th marked 2 years to the day that I went into surgery, and the 25th marked the day I woke up in ICU 2 years ago... alive. So I was celebrating that inside as we went through the weekend. You all were the perfect unknowing party guests. I think my donor would have approved.............

Continue to Part 3 of 4

Jim,

Thanks for driving all the way to Knotts so you could deliver the seat belts. That was way above and beyond. I told you that UPS would be cheaper, but you didn't care. Thanks

Jim, may the force be with you.

Gclarke "The Vacaville Guy"

I don't know Gary, it sound like Jim doesn't need much force right now...

Ok, GIzzzz, I am finally able to semi-respond to this and other posts. A funny thing happened on the way to Red Dirt country... There was some joking that I might need an inflatable doughnut for the ride back... welllllll.

I started bleeding on Sunday the 25th and then it stopped when I got home. Never a history of 'roids, or other bumps in the Human Holland Tunnel. But, it started again last week. I finally called my clinic yesterday and got the anticipated order to head for ER. They did some intial exams... labs & a flashlight and some hand lotion all but ruled out roids.. So, now I am spending the day prepping for both a Colonoscopy and an Endoscopic exam through the esophagus tomorrow a.m. (Such a scope slut)I think a MRI is in the exams du jour along with Cherries Jubulee. Is it something? Or is it nothing? I'll need the Late Night Grinder Girl as my scrub tech while the MDs decide.

Patrick, you are welcome. Terry's car pulling up to deliver is much better thana UPS Truck, eh?

I'll try and respond to others after I finish this crappy concoction called "Golightly" that is an accelerator for the bowels. No shit! I mean, lots of shit. Golightly my ass!

Rick, I sure could use one of those cold Molsons as a chaser today. Paul, you beautiful 'vert you... I got the pics! Will respond after I file them under a password protected folder.

Loved Cali..... makes this place seem like Mars. John doesn't know it yet, but we are moving into his guest house, and will be the yard people.

Anxiously Awaiting Results.
Jim

Jim Bob,

Man O Man, do I know what you are going thru! I had a cololoscophy last Thursday myself. Word of caution, I ate yellow jello under the advice of the medico's. Definatly don't eat the yellow snow, ugly was the word I'm looking for but it all worked out OK, pun intended. When I woke up the Doc said' "See you in ten years". I was kind of hoping for the, "Now you are a perfect asshole," but the former works just as well.

Hope they find the problem and it can be fixed with a little Preparation H. Got to get well quick, summer is here and that means top down cruising.

My Speedy got a new heart yesterday and John Leader is going to take time out from his "Survivor" gig to put 100 miles on it so John Steele can change oil and filter and ship it up to me. Sounds like it will go on a truck to Oregon on Friday. Just in time for some miles before the Parts Obsolete Show in June.

Jim, we're all thinking of you and keep us posted.

Bruce

Jim,
wondered what happened to you, haven't heard from you in some time...`
Good luck with the tests tomorrow bro.....

Jim, all the best, friend. You're in my T&P.
John H.

Jim,

It's times like this I wish there was a "colon knowledge" section we could all go to and read the latest solutions to your problem.

Responses and Posts like:
"Just use barslock and the leaking will stop."
or
"Sometimes Vdub owners begin to act like their cars..you know..leave a little important liquid here and there occasionally."

Since most of the posts in the knowledge section were written by your East Coast buddy... this subject should be right up his a#$%^.

Godspeed my friend, I wish you a buxom nurse and a nice "reach around".

B.

Jim,

Hope all is well my friend !

Have had two so far, fortunatly, I went the first time when I did or I would not be here today as I have a tumor removed the size of a golf ball and had no indications that there was anything wrong. It's not a fun thing to go through but everyone should have this exam done every few years or so depending on his or her family's medical history....I can't stress this enough !

Come on bud, I'm pullin' for you.
Gotta go do a sympathy dump.
More later. Better, now.
Is there a waiting line for an anus donor? I'd think not with all the assholes I've dealt with through the years!
I hope this turns out to be a minor inconvenience and doesn't thwart future cruises.
Paul

Jim, may God bless you today, as he has done in the past.
Buenas Suerte, Eddie
P.S. Don't worry about the Mexican food, I'll save it for you.

Jim,
A couple of years ago I had a colonoscopy and an endoscopy at the same time. Kind of strange having someone look inside from both ends. The doc asked me if I wanted to watch on the monitor. I declined as there is nothing in there that I wanted to see. One good part was the drugs they give you. Made things very rosy for a while. The really good news is that after it is done you will not even know that someone invaded your inner self.

The worst part is the prep work you have to do the day before.

I was lucky and nothing found. My best wishes to you.

Troy

Jim,
Hope all is well! The day before the procedure is the worst, as you well know. The shit the give you to drink. I'll be sending good vibes your way. Also, I've been enjoying the music.
Thanks and Best Wishes, Joel

So...

Anyone heard from Jim?

He posted here a few days ago, was talking about a new IM so that definatly was a good sign! Probably a certain part of his anatomy is too tender to sit at a computer and update us.

You out there Jim? Got my Speedy back last night so life is good again!

Bruce

Good for you, Bruce. See ya in about a month right?

Scott,

That's a big 10-4! Parts Obsolete in McMinneville! Looks like we may have some surplus Knotts Replica Pendezvous hats and T's there to sell so any of you NW guys that didn't make Knotts, you can get a great momento from the show. We'll tell you all about it too, sound effects and everything!

Bruce