Testing the waters

[mdrburchette]

As some of you may be aware, I submitted a FFO site proposal for the Winston-Salem, NC area to the BOD members of FLU. Unfortunately, a different locale has been established, so instead of letting all my running around go to waste, I thought the Carolina FLU chapter could go ahead with the plans and have a scaled down version. It doesn’t seem like there’s much going on in the Southeast for us Fiat enthusiasts so what do you think?

Date: June 26 - 28, 2009
Place: Winston-Salem, NC

Host Motel:  Hawthorne Inn (150 available rooms, banquet hall, restaurant)
                                  Price being negotiated ~$80 plus tax.
                                  http://www.hawthorneinn.com/index.html
 
Area accommodations within walking distance of the Host Motel:
                                Inn At The Mill $70 plus tax
                                Brookstown Inn  $120 plus tax
 
Friday:       GoKart racing in Greensboro (20 miles from site)
                 Casual gathering at local restaurant for dinner
 
Saturday:   Time/Distance rally through Blue Ridge/Saurtown mountain areas
                 End at Denise's house for cookout

Sunday:     Autocross at the Winston-Salem fairgrounds as guests of the BMW 2002 club.

[Danno]

I'm just one opinion, and I'll probably have to end up bailing on a long trip to either of the venues, but for me the one in PA is 150 miles closer. Not to mention that Salem NC is only 4 hours closer to the furthest south members on the east coast than the one in PA. 4 hours is a lot, I do imagine, but that means you are limiting yourselves to only those who are driving very locally, or due south. I know there's been a lot of talk about FFO getting too big to be the close little get-togethers we all enjoy, but If a person is coming from west of the Mississippi they will probably head to FFO.

I dunno, just throwing thoughts out there. I guess it doesn't have to be a competition between the venues, they are separated by over a month and a half, just that many can only manage one BIG event in a season. I guess it's nice to have the options of MOFLO in early June, then your event, then FFO in mid aug.... I suppose my arguments up to this point have only validated your goal to have a smaller, more intimate, meetup. If everyone could make it that would miss the point!

[mdrburchette]

[quote="Danno"] Not to mention that Salem NC is only 4 hours closer to the furthest south members on the east coast than the one in PA. 4 hours is a lot, I do imagine, but that means you are limiting yourselves to only those who are driving very locally, or due south. quote]

Not sure I understand this comment, Danno. Valley Forge is over 9 hours from me...but, this is not meant to take away from the FFO. It was meant to touch on people from the southeastern region that may not be up to driving all the way to PA or new prospective members that want to have a taste of what FLU is all about before diving into the expense of the FFO. I understand many people on this forum will not be interested, but there are several that visit here that may be within range.
Thanks for your input! I should've put more thought in my opening phrase!

[Danno]

what I was saying was that if you are driving from the east coast, AT MOST Valley Forge is 4 hours further than Salem. For example, it's between 8 and 9 hours for you to get to valley forge, but over 5 to get to Salem. So, do you say to yourself (well, not you, but others in the area) "I can go to Salem to this smaller event with other east coasters, or do I drive the extra 3 hours in august to get to the biggest Fiat event in the world."

I honestly feel that any event that draws out those who wouldn't otherwise participate in anything is a great thing, so I think you should go for it. I was just trying to add to the discussion....

[Hutch]

Louisville to Winston-Salem is 450 miles, Louisville to Valley Forge is 680 miles. Not so sure I'm up to either one.
Hmm... it would be interesting to see folks plotted on a map in order to determine a central location. Of course I'm a total Noob so don't take me too seriously. I did live in Winston-Salem 20 years ago though.

[Hjulenx]

I would be interested in doing the rally. There are no active I-car clubs near me (they are all farther south) and I will be relocating to Charleston, SC next week. We need another FFO around here...

[mdrburchette]

Hey James, that's great to know! There's a huge car show the 1st week of December in Charleston. I got an invitation this week. If you'll be settle in enough, come join us for the Wooly Worm Rally in Elkin, NC. It's a time/distance rally through the Blue Ridge Pkwy and end at a local winery. Maybe we could get a Spider invasion going this year! If you're interested, pm or email me.

[racydave]

You will be approx an hour closer for me. I have not been to Valley Forge, but have been to N/C. WE WILL be attending your gig, and look foreward to the party! Will not go to FFO...

[mdrburchette]

That's great to hear, Dave. I always look forward to hanging out with you and Carol and hope you reconsider the FFO. That way we can just get sick of each other until 2010!

[Ernie]

Denise,

I would be much more interested in a trip to NC, roughly half the distance to PA. My preference would be to drive the car I bring rather than tow it. Half the seat time appeals to me.

Maybe I'll have the other two Spiders ready and can make it a real family adventure.

I can imagine some FLU folks thinking this event will dilute the FFO, but some of us aren't going anyway for a variety of reasons.

Call it a BBQ, or a FLU chapter event, it's still a good thing to get Fiat people together any way you can. Over here in Huntsville, I've only seen a few Fiats -- no chance for a "gathering". I'd have to hang out with the British car guys if I wanted to be part of an organization. Only other option is the tuner crowd/mob -- no option really.

Ernie

[mdrburchette]

That would be great, Ernie. My intent was not to dilute the FFO. In fact, I'll be going to that myself. It was to address the fact there are no FLU events available for the people of the Southeast and to hopefully pull in non-FLU members so they can share in the fun. As we've witnessed on this very forum, there are many Fiat owners in VA, NC, SC, GA, TN and FL and I'd like to meet them all!

[racydave]

Can I spit an cuss an scratch stuff?

[racydave]

Denise, I sent you a E-Mail, hope the address was correct.

[mdrburchette]

Got it Dave. Yes, you can spit, cuss and scratch, but you gotta learn the appropriate way to burp too. I'll have Amber give you lessons.

[racydave]

Alrrrrrrrite then!