Not too early to think about Carlisle '07

Ok folks, I realize it's six months until the Carlisle, PA show, but that should be just enough time to do all of those projects you've been thinking about in time for the trek to the Amish country. The last couple of years that I've gone to have been incredible, and the only thing that would improve it would be an even bigger showing. Gordon's already asking for ideas for activities, and we're already planning for the dinners, etc. Think about it and suggest some neat activities. 'Course it's gonna be tough to top last year when they built my car at the show, but I'm sure we can come up with something.

It would be great to see some of you left-coasters make the cross-country trip like Hoss did in '05 for Knott's. I can guarantee that the show will be a lot of fun. Like I said - plenty of time to get the Speedy (or Spydee) ready.

Hold it in June and I'll drive there.
angela

Come in late May and stay to do a tour of the Atlantic states. ;>)

I'll bet you would enjoy the cell-phone-guided walking tour of Boston, hosted by Steven Tyler of Aerosmith (it is unbelievably good, too!), Biking the trails of Mount Monadnock, following the Minuteman Trail through Lexington and Concord, maybe attending the TYP356 Northeast Summer Opener tour (don't know where it's going yet, but last year was at the Ocean's Edge resort on Cape Cod with over 60 original 356's) or eating your way through the Clam Shacks of Essex, Mass (fried clam Mecca of the World).

Farther to the South is Baltimore's "Inner Harbor" park and shops, Colonial Wiliamsburg in Virginia, or even touring along the Mall in Washigton DC, where you can visit the new National Museum of the American Indian (it is absolutely amazing). I've skipped NYC, but that's always another attraction (I love Broadway, but it's getting pretty expensive to go).

If that's not enough to entice you, we've been going to the Eastern Motorsports Museum near Carlisle the past couple of years, and are thinking of other motorsport related places to go to in 2007 as part of our Speedster/Spyder tour series. Chris and I met Vic Edelbrock, his daughter Christie and Brock Yates at Watkins Glen in September, and you never know who'll pop up at Carlisle!

C'Mon and join us!! Should be quite a weekend, and I'm sure lots of folks would be thrilled to put you and Steve up while you're here.

Gordon - some activity suggestions to throw out;

1.Would it be possible to access a paved area like an empty parking lot to hold an Autocross (short closed-course timed event with limited speeds, for safety) or Gymkhana which is similar to autocross but with fun tasks to complete throughout the course (like passenger tossing a bean bag into a bucket or sitting on a balloon until it pops, etc.).

2. Incorporate a "Poker Run" in a cruising/driving/dinner tour through the area. Best hand at end of drive wins (whatever is donated to a kitty).

3. A game like 'Jeopardy' or 'Family Fued' (but with SOC related answers) that pit one group of contestants against another for donated prizes (or bragging rights).

Also, can you tell me how long it would take to drive from Allentown PA to Carlisle? My wife has relatives there - maybe I could combine a family thing (for wife) with a car thing (for yours truly).

Jim,

I live in Easton, Pa near Allentown. The trek would take about an hour and a half. But take old Route 22 as much as you can to avoid the (perpetual) construction on I-78 and for the fun of it! Lots more fun than the freeway.

I was an interested newbie at Carlisle last year and now am the proud owner of a 2006 Beck (since August) thanks to Carey & Kevin Hines, and thanks to watching Steve's red car build. Few things I have ever purchased have been far MORE fun than I anticipted. My speedy is!

Hate that winter is coming. Sun was out today and near 65 so I had to get her on the road woo hooo

See you in Carlisle!

opps meant Lane's red car - sorry

Tom -

Thanks for the 411 - and I agree with your sentiment, there have been very few things that I've purchased (legally) that give me the gratification this Speedy does EVERY time I drive it!

Glad you were able to hit the road in the Speedy today! WooHooo!!

Peace - Out!

Tom:

Glad that our car building effort had a positive influence on your getting a Speedster. Yup, we all have "Perma-grin". I was that guy who seemed to be always working on Lane's car....you know, the guy with that glassy-eyed stare from not enough sleep, "breakfast" at 2pm and a Dremel tool in his hand at all times.............My son, Chris, was the other glassy-eyed wrencher - the one in the driver's seat when we first brought the engine to life.

Jim: Carlisle actually has a very good autocross track, as well as a portable, 2/4WD dyno, but few of us have bothered to get involved in the past (usually too busy hob-knobbing with other Speedster/Spyder folks). One of our members tried out the autocross course with a Spyder a couple of years ago and turned in a pretty respectable time, as I recall. Maybe we can get more people interested next year (everybody get those 24mm anti-sway bars and 205 tires installed!!!) Carlisle also has a respectable swap meet with both private and commercial sellers there - everything from rusty VW fenders to the MeGuire's truck, several tools vendors, and a bunch of VW/Fierro/Kit Car parts emporiums, all covering over 12 acres. I usually rave about the food, as it is about the best "Event" food that you'll find anywhere, and all catered by local non-profits (like the Carlisle High School Marching Band booth - best food at Carlisle).

We also thought of doing one of our evening cruises this year as a "Poker run", but it later turned into the "George Brown Memorial Cruise", we dropped the competitive part and just had a really nice back-road cruise to a great restaurant instead. Maybe 2007 will be the year for a more competitive event (although I can't imagine a Speedster group as being especially competitive - LOL!!)

Gordon
Chairman of "Speedsters Meet Spyders at Carlisle, 2007"
and a stickler for punishment........

Gordon - this sounds like such a great event. Unfortunately, their is a regional/national bike race the end of May that precludes extended travel for me that month. I'm real fired up about trying to make a podium finish in 2007.

Who knows... Maybe Steve and I will fly out for a weekend though. We'll keep an eye on the events section just in case we can make a quick trip out.

angela

I can vouch for the hospitality and the willingness to talk about the cars from the bunch that showed up at Carlisle last year - a great group of people. My wife and I made the trip from Oklahoma and we had a great time - the main purpose to see if I fit in a speedster (6'5") and to see the various maker's products. I was able to see, sit and ride (some) in Vintage, CMC (fiberfab?), SAW, JPS, Beck, and IM speedsters (and a couple of other cars as well)! I had more information in one weekend than I could handle .... and these folks share the good, the bad, and the ugly about their cars. I ended up buying one in just over 5 weeks after I got home. If anyone is thinking about going, just do it! Cal

I'll once again, assume the Hotel Carlisle arrangements and buffet. As you know, I was unable to be there except late on Sunday but I understand it seemed to work out well. So, along with my side-kick "Wild Bill" Drayer we'll contact "Matt" this week at the Hotel Carlisle and get this set up for Carlisle '07.

Carlisle All Star Cafe'on Friday night

Sharon and I went to Carlisle last year and it was GREAT! (even if we did rent a car and didn't have our Speedster). The people were great the weather was great and the activities were super fun! [remember ... I DID win the first go-around in the go-cart races1]
I highly recommend this gathering for anybody who can make it. Relaxed yet busy time and the best people around.

Unfortunately, I will not be there this year as it is the same date that I will be taking a flying school in Wisconsin but look for me to be watching to see what went on and planning on being there in '08.

Have fun and talk nice about me.

Dusty

I'm tempted to head across from the UK for this - I had a great time when I made the trip to Knotts in 2005.

Sounds like there's lots to see and do in the area, certainly enough to occupy a couple of weeks road trip.

Jon ,
Pop across the pond as Carlisle is a great time !
You would be in the heart of the Civil War history with a lot to see ....Gettysburg is less than an hour away, the nearby AACA Auto Museum. Hershey candy factory, Hershey Amusement Park etc.
The Carlisle gang is a unique great bunch to hang with. Here we have a group of guys that know each other for the most part on the groups took on Lane Anderson's Special Edition Speedster build as a dedicated team that pulled the build together in less hours that estimated.
Also last year, my mother passed away the week of Carlisle, with all the confusion etc, I decided on my way back home, to stop by at Carlisle. I was simply astounded on my arrival to hear that there were a good number of the guys delaying heading home and stayed around to express their condolences....that say's a lot about the Carlisle guys!

Some of us in the southeast have decided on a route and invite all interested Speedies to join us. We plan to meet in Wytheville, VA on the NC/VA border on the Wednesday before, so that we can drive up to Carlisle on Thursday. This will include a drive up I-81 through the Virginias and on into PA. It's a beautiful, and not too heavily traveled ride. Anyone?

I'm in for the Wednesday meeting and Thursday drive.

Count me in. I'll have to figure out if I want to drive to Wytheville on Wednesday or just get up with the chickens and meet youze guys for breakfast on Thursday. I can't wait!

I know of the following folks in this area that we can try to pester into joining us:
1. Gordon - He's already pretty much committed since he plans to be in SC in May.
2. Kevin Haskins - Did a short run with him yesterday and he's interested, although he's probably gonna swing up 95 to visit friends in DC.
3. Bob Bingham - He's somewhere in GA near Atlanta, I think. Bob, you interested?
4. Peter MacEwen(sp?) - A friend of Gordon's from Beaufort. he's got the light blue widebody that was there in '05.
5. Mike (whose last name I forgot) who lives up near Raleigh. I'll send him an email.
6. Mark Lowe - A potential Beck customer I've spoken to who lives near Charlotte.

Anybody else?

Lane, Bob spells his name "Bigham" or "Biggs" for short. He's did the drive (actually trailer) last year with me and Steven O. I wonder if we can roust any of the Florida boys to join us. And what about Barry in NC? I don't know if he's up for the long drive or not.

Lane, ask Mark Lowe, if he was originally from Iowa. Let me know.

I'm seeing conversations for Carlisle '07 on this site and on the spyderowners site. But no dates.

What is the date for Carlisle '07?

angela

Angela, the event runs from May 18 - 20 in 2007 (Friday through Sunday). Many of the faithful Speedster owners arrive on Thursday in time to check into the Hotel Carlisle and participate in the first dinner cruise. There is a cruise for the evening meal each night plus a run for kart racing after the banquet.

I remember that you said that you were open to a June date, but the gathering is tied to the Carlisle Productions schedule. If you could possibly see your way clear to attend, I am certain you would have a ball. Egg "sammiches" on me for you and Steve.;-)
Hoss

C'mon!!!! You know you'd enjoy it! :-)

Can't beat the fact I moved from NJ to south central PA. just to be closer to Carlisle ...Well ok, it just happened to work out that way.
I do 4 - 5 of the 10 annual car shows there as they are each different.
The Carlisle breakfast egg sanwiches are well worth a couple of thousand travel miles, they're the best!

Mmmm.... egg sandwiches... I'm going to fix one right now! Time for breakfast! If Steve and I can fly out, we will. It would take too long to drive the car (and I can't talk time off riding the bike so close to Nationals...).
angela

Flight info, Harrisburg Airport is the closest about 30 minutes at most to Carlisle it is a smaller " International Airport that usually costs more to fly into.
Your best choice is BWI near Washington of Dulles 2:15 to Carlisle.

Alan -

What about the airport in Bethlehem/Allantown? I'm not sure of the name, but that's where I've flown in previously to visit my wife's family (and possibly the excuse I'll use to attend Carlisle)!

or fly into Philly and take the shortline... just like in Monopoly.

Alan, I have to dispute your airport advice. In '05 I flew into BWI and drive for a couple of hours to Carlisle. Not much fun getting lost in Baltimore. Last year I flew into Harrisburg and was in Carlisle within 30 minutes. It was a very easy drive and the tickets weren't much more. All in all that's what I'd do again - if'n I didn't have the Speedy to drive.

Besides, you're the one who suggested Harrisburg to me.

Lane
I guess the misfits at the Rental Counter sent you a-foul. To think of it, I did ....drive you around Carlisle on Saturday :)

Carlisle Directions:

Airports:

When planning to go most anywhere flying out of or into Harrisburg was costly, I stand corrected (I hate that!)
Rt.283 North to to Rt.81 South to Rt.11 South to R at Hess gas station.

Allentown Pa. is about 1:40 from Carlisle, Rt.78 West turns into Rt.81 South to Rt.11 South to R at Hess gas station.

BWI to Carlisle:
Local roads to follow signs to Rt.95 North to Rt.695 (Inner Loop) to
Rt.70 West to Rt.81 North to Rt.11 South & continue 1.5 miles, make a R at the Hess gas station.

Road trips:

From the East: PA. Tpk Exit 226 bear right directly after the toll booth onto Rt 11 South for 3/4 mile , make a right at the Hess gas station.

From the West: PA Tpk. east to Exit 226 bear right directly after the toll booth onto Rt. 11 South for 3/4 mile, make a right at the Hess gas station.

From the South: Rt. 81 North to Rt.11 South, 1.5 miles make right at the Hess gas station.

From the North: Rt.81 South to Rt 11 South, 1.5 miles make right at the Hess gas station.

Lane, Lane, Lane.
He's only BARELY off the meds -- give the poor man a break!

Hey -- for general info, I live about four minutes from BWI, and my doors are open to SOC folks who want to come that route. I also have a Golf that won't be in use that weekend; feel free to borrow it first-come, first-served. It's open for SOCer use for those flying in and it'll save you the cost of a rental car to and from the show.
I also have crash space for several folks; flophouse accomodations (pull-outs, an extra kids' bed and so on, but they're available and clean).
Delicious and refreshing beverages are also on the house.

Yeah, I tried to hook up with Cory on the trip North back in November, but we left super-late and came smokin' in to the BWI Holiday Inn at about 10pm. I was the only driver for the day (a long story, there) so had all I could do to get what we needed from the car, put down a room service salad and hit the rack.

The Southern trip finds us in Fredricksburg, VA at the end of the day (and near a terrific Mexican restaurant) so it looks like we'll just have to hook up Speedie-wise a few weeks into Spring.

Alan: Is that the same, infamous, Carlisle Hess station we all know and love????

BTW: I've made that trip North on I-81 from NC to the 78/81 Xchange probably 50 times shuttling school buses - never seen it in daylight, always in the dark!!

Lane, Event Coordinator for the Great Southern Meeting Place, I have one stipulation. Ransom demand, really.
This year's calendar has a series of photos of long caravans in it. If we can get more than 10 Speedsters together, I want to put my camera to good use and take a photo and some postable video from the roadside at a few key points.
(We WILL make the '08 calendar, durn it.)

Or we'll make our own!!!

I plan to be playing with a new DSLR by Carlisle, so I'll take some pics as well. the scenery should be perfect.

Gordon, this'll give you a chance to see it in the daylight. Is Chris flying down and then driving up with you, or is he going to meet you there?

Planning anything with Chris more than two weeks in advance is always a risky venture, so the answer is; "How the heck do I know????"

One way or the other, we'll both be there. We may come from different directions and swap trailers or something for the trip home, but we'll be there.

After all......it's Carlisle, isn't it??

Yes, the Carlisle - Hess gas station from hell....where clean water free gas is a gamble !

Today, I left a voice mail with Matt at Hotel Carlisle to begin making plans ...stay tuned!