Speedsters meet Spyders at Carlisle - May 19-22, 2016 – 13th Year – RSVP Today!

Windshield sticker arrived today! 

Can't wait!

If you're coming to Carlisle, don't forward to submit your RSVP (available at the top of this thread).  Then we can have nametags ready for you and your guests as well as reserve spots on the cruises and the Saturday evening awards dinner.  RSVPs have been received from the following folks (still waiting for a few): 

 

 

 

RSVPs received from:

These folks are all driving their VW buses down from Canada and joining us on the showfield  Saturday.  Should be a lot of fun adding them to the group. 

 Thanks, guys!

Wow...more Canuks this year. Did they mention what city they are from, Bruce ? 

David,

Hannon, ON

Dan came to Carlisle in his Speedster a couple of years ago, in fact he did the shirts for us that year.  He has a Spyder now but the group is coming in their buses.

Bruce

I wrote my dinner check today (2 peeps) for $82 and it goes in the mail tomorrow!

 

Only 15 days to the May 19th start of Speedsters Meet Spyders weekend!  We're getting down to the final days but If you're thinking about a list-minute decision to attend, let me know and we'll see if we can squeeze you in. 

Geez, how'd it sneak up so fast!  I gotta get the oil changed and valves adjusted and...

See y'all there. 

Valve adjustment . I got my break in oil change done in Bremen last Friday. Natalie's ready to roll ;-)
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WOW !!  What a list !  You guys will have a lot of fun! I didn't see one person from Calif. on the list. That's kind of weird.  I've trying to get there twice now...maybe next year.

Bruce

Aircooled,

Note that Jim Kelly is coming from Fiji.  Well, actually flying to California from Fiji and then driving his Speedster to Carlisle. 

I'm in the running for the award given for "longest distance between brain cells."

Jim. I have to say that in a perverse way I admire what you are doing.  I'd love to do the opposite trip - from Carlisle to California - but that will have to wait a  year or two.

You'll have to tell us at Carlisle how the trip went.

Jim Kelly posted:

I'm in the running for the award given for "longest distance between brain cells."

I envy you for doing a nice road trip, Jim. We're just dropping down from Canada this year. What route will you take  ? 

Hi David,

My plan is to travel East on I 40, then back West on I 80.  It should be about 5,000 miles r/t.  I've been thinking about this trip for a long time, patiently waiting for all the correct stars to align.  However, as I am now 71, I have realized that, in my case at least, the stars will not align.  I'm going to forge ahead anyway, or I'll never do a trip like this.  

Most of my car and retirement buddies are around my age, and they can't do road trips any longer.  Poor health is almost always the reason.  All of us older guys know the drill: Oh man, I'd love to go, but it's too hard to get in/out of the car; too far from my doc/meds/toilet/hospital; my wife will throw a fit if I even mention it, yada, yada.  Since I'm still reasonably healthy and still have a few of my faculties, I'm goin'.  It will probably take me the first week to learn how to operate my radio/sound system/gps/dashboard gizmo, but I'll have a few maps to help me along. 

Jim, have you procured your EZ-Pass? Buying on along the route will take at least 24 hours to activate. You'll save 40% in tolls and annoying toll booth lines at some places.

One more thing, Jim, since you're heading out on I-40, David Stroud recommened this place, The Blue Swallow Motel (http://www.blueswallowmotel.com). I almost stayed there a few years back on VW Beetle run. I did manage to stop by for a few photos. If it doesn't fit the schedule, it's at least good for a leg stretch, pit stop and photos. Bob's Radiator in Gallup was a quaint little shop on old Hwy 66 that helped me get back on the road one afternoon.

X6 what Rich said.  I'm stoked that you'e doing the old Route 66 thing.  I know you've got some miles to put on but if you can, stop now and then for a breather and take some pics. We did that route in 2011. 

Stop in Winslow, AZ for a pic.  Gallup, NM for the El Rancho, Tucumcari, NM is a cool stop,  Amarillo, TX has a great steak place...the Big Texan. All these places are right on your route...no detours, no side roads, no delays. Try to enjoy the sights along the way. I know it's hard to do and your plans will likely be somewhat flexible / vague depending on your progress. 

Best of luck, Amigo. PLEASE open up a thread and keep us in tune with your progress. We'll all be thinking of you.  Here's a couple of pics of what you'll see along the way.

When/if in Winslow: at least a meal here.

http://www.laposada.org/

Jim,

Great opportunity for for MUSBJIM to do this trip along with you ( I'd go in a heart beat if it were in the opposite direction) but Jim's family obligations certainly take precedence.   A Few days prior to your west coast departure do start a new thread so that we can keep an eye on your progress and in the event you run into any sort of trouble we can help.   Have a  safe and adventurous trip of a life time!

RSVPs received from:

 

It seems a lot of you do not like Hwy 81 to get to Carlisle due to the amount of trucks... I was just wondering which Hwy's do you guys take from the New York state down to Carlisle.  I have driven to Florida using it from the Canadian border down to Carlisle and around to 95 via 15 but not in my roadster.... yet.  Any suggestions?

RSVP received from:

Howard & Madeline Bobrow - New Jersey

Thanks, Howard!

8 more days until the start of Speedsters Meet Spyders weekend! 

The final weekend schedule will be mailed out today to all who RSVPd so watch your email.   

Hi all,

I need to cancel due to work reasons.

If anybody needs a showfield pass, please PM me your address and I'll get it in the mail to you.
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Now here's a genuine reason for Sick Days 

WHAT!  You're kidding, right Tom?

Everyone expects us to cancel fun stuff due to work reasons. What we should be doing is cancelling work for fun reasons!

A few years ago I decided that family and fun times are my priority over work stuff as we don't know how many Summers we have left. So on that note, I retired last August  .......Tom do reconsider buddy :~)

Alan Merklin posted:

A few years ago I decided that family and fun times are my priority over work stuff as we don't know how many Summers we have left. So on that note, I retired last August  .......Tom do reconsider buddy :~)

I hear that. That's a tough realization when finances dictate that I'll be working til 80...

I can't believe that Tom would let a pesky thing like work interfere with him showing off his newly Subarized ride - particularly since he's already retired once.  Say it ain't so, Tom.

Nancy Garwood and William Scholl: 

I noticed you have (separate) reservations under the Speedster Owners block of rooms at the Marriott.   I haven't heard from you so if you see this post, and are joining in on the weekend festivities and would like additional information about the weekend, please send me a PM and I'll email the details to you.    

 

Jim Kelly---since you're coming across I-40 why not plan to join the Southern Caravan at Knoxville, TN Tuesday 5/17 for the annual dinner with Hoss & Nolan and their wives and join the caravan on to Carlisle. p more folkse Speedster folks then on to  Mechanicsburg (Carlisle) the afternoon of the 19th.  

Or---Stop in Little Rock on the 16th---turn right off I-40 at Little Rock and go 45 miles to Hot Springs and overnight with me & Alice---then do the Hot Springs to Knoxville leg on Tues the 17th.

 

Tom---sorry you have to miss Carlisle this year.   I understand that things come up but absolutely nothing would change our plans to attend Carlisle.  This year I put closing a large business until after Carlisle and collecting  6 -figure commission.  It can wait---I'm heading for Carlisle.  Woo Hoo!

 

 

Tom: No no no, a thousand times no. Like I said on FB:  F&%k the w#&k, and get your ass to Carlisle.  I mean really, who's in charge here???

Yeah what the Rocket Scientist said! 

I say this in my best Italian voice,  tell them to  ........  bastone su per il culo

 

RSVP received from:

Max and Toni Zimmer (New Jersey) and Marv Zimmer (Utah). 

Thanks, Max!

I should elaborate a little more.  My colleague needed to have surgery and will be out for 6 weeks (4 more to go).  The nature of her assignment is feast or famine.  I was hoping for famine because, in addition to my own work, I picked up hers.  Unfortunately, the feast hit this week and I'm screwed for the next 4 (at least).  I'm very unhappy about it since its work I did not want to do.  The only thing that's keeping me from retiring again is the cooler head of my wife, (plus I've gotten spoiled again with the steady income and a benefits, which I can blow on Speedster parts :-)). I really have something to show off this year, too :-(

Tom Blankinship posted:

I should elaborate a little more.  My colleague needed to have surgery and will be out for 6 weeks (4 more to go).  The nature of her assignment is feast or famine.  I was hoping for famine because, in addition to my own work, I picked up hers.  Unfortunately, the feast hit this week and I'm screwed for the next 4 (at least).  I'm very unhappy about it since its work I did not want to do.  The only thing that's keeping me from retiring again is the cooler head of my wife, (plus I've gotten spoiled again with the steady income and a benefits, which I can blow on Speedster parts :-)). I really have something to show off this year, too :-(

She must be cute! LOL

Sorry to hear that, Tom.  Your absence will be felt.