Date: Mon, 8 May 2006 12:47:53 -0400
Reply-To: Sam Walters <sam.cooks@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Sam Walters <sam.cooks@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Syncro de Mayo Este - May 19 - 21 - planning picking back up
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Sorry that the quiet has kept a number of you uncertain of whether the
Syncro de Mayo Este is going forward. It will be held on the weekend of
May 19-21.
The SdM Este event has always been much more informal than the west
coast original. This year will be some significant movement toward a
bit more structure.
This message is posted to several lists to have broad coverage. The
event is not just for people with a Syncro. All interested people are
invited. Your 2 WD Vanagon would make it over many of the roads in the
park, just not over the moderate or more challenging sections. Many of
those have a drive around road so you could even travel there.
Brady Horrace and I are the de facto "co planners" this year although we
are talking to Derek Drew, Dennis Haynes, and Karl Mullendore as we make
some plans.
At this point, we are not planning on having anything organized on
Thursday. Brady and Jim Akiba from Boston and I will all be getting
there Friday mid morning. There could be some offroading Friday if
there are those that want to do this.
First, we need to know how many people are committed to attending the
event. The people at Paragon will want to know how many places to
reserve for us. There is another group coming in that weekend, but not
a big event that "takes over" the facility. Brady will be calling them
today to get more info on this, whether they need a deposit, etc., how
many places they can hold for us, etc. We will get back to you about
this if we need $$, but let us know ASAP regarding your plans.
2nd, we need to know when people are planning on arriving. We know
plans flex and change with work and family considerations, but we would
like you best estimate or goal at this point in time.
This will help us figure out when to schedule some technical
presentations / discussion groups to be led by Dennis, Derek, and maybe
Karl. We are very likely to cover some basics like DIY alignments,
brake maintenance and repair that are important for our vehicles,
particularly ones that are being used off road. We might also include
Fuel injections system troubleshooting, the operation of the VC, off
roading techniques, the latest in transmission upgrades, modifications
for handling even larger tires.
3rd, similarly, we need to know when people think they will be heading
out on Sunday to get an idea of whether and what we should plan for that
day.
4th, we need to gauge interest planning for meals. Do people want to
just do things on their own? Should we plan a pot luck, find a local
restaurant to go to, etc. By this email and one I will send personally,
I'll ask the guys at East Coast Vanagon which is nearby, to provide us
with some information about alternatives. I would like to see at least
one group meal, whether it be at the Park or at a nearby restaurant.
And maybe Sunday breakfast could be like pancakes and a group effort if
we do a restaurant type deal on Saturday night.
Another possibility is to find someone who would bring the food to us
and we could serve and eat it in the park.
5th, Brady and I envision Saturday as having a couple of trips out into
the park offroading facilities. Maybe the morning one would pass on the
most difficult sections so that the group could hang together and make
one of the larger loops. After a midday break and lunch, we would go
back out, in one or two groups depending on personal preferences and for
those that so desired, go try the some of the more challenging trail
sections in the park. You don't have to try everyone as there are drive
arounds but you can watch others do so. If a number of people wanted a
tamer trip we could have a second group. (My van has no lockers on it,
so its abilities are somewhat limited.)
So, let us know when you are coming and leaving, any preferences on
technical presentations, thoughts about meals, etc.
Ask questions as I am sure I have forgotten something.
I'll be back with a post after hearing from Brady and getting some
replies on attendance. Even if you told me or Brady that you were
attending a few weeks ago in an email, please confirm that again, and
send me at least a copy of the email so we won't have one slip between
the cracks.
I've got to start getting my list of what to bring and my must do
repairs, maintenance, or adjustments together so I can finish at least
most of it before the event.
Thanks,
Sam
--
Sam Walters
Baltimore, MD
89 Syncro GL, Zetec Inside
85 Westy Weekender
85 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel - to become veggie oil powered
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