New Idea for BG

[WARP TEN]

I am a founding member of the ZR-1 Net Registry and before that a member of Larry Merow's ZR-1 Registry beginning in 1994. I have always enjoyed our gatherings, whether they be in BG, at Bloomington or local. I enjoyed this last one at BG. While there have been some events and presentations over the years that I was not too enthusiastic about, the overall experiences have been positive. I feel that lately we have been wasting too much energy on acrimony and believe it would benefit the group greatly if we looked forward now in a positive, constructive manner to the 2014 Gathering.

With respect to next year's gathering at Bowling Green, now is a good time to begin laying out the things we would like to see while memories of this one are still fresh in our minds. I recommend that we focus on the positive things we experienced and on our “Wish List” of things we would like to see next year so there is plenty of time to weigh and discuss them and maybe get early signups for events that need a good sized quorum. Some consideration can be given to things spouses might like to encourage them to come along.


For example, I would like to see an organized tour event (like a trip/lunch/tour to a distillery like we did – I think -- in 2006). That one was on a Thursday so as to encourage early arrivals and not to conflict with most presentations. It was a lot of fun.


Additionally, I would enjoy an opportunity to go drag racing. I realize Beech Bend has gotten bigger and we have gotten smaller, but maybe there would be a way to arrange – if sufficiently in advance -- a joint group outing. Perhaps we could secure a time with Beech Bend with an early deposit to give us time to pull such a thing together. Certainly worth exploring early to clearly understand pricing and availability. Any issues that might arise related to potential liability, releases, insurance, etc. can be discussed and dealt with ahead of time—in a way that helps the event to take place.


Auto-crossing was fun this year with a fair participation but we could probably get more people involved (and perhaps offer prizes or trophies) with more advanced planning of the event.


A plant tour should be part of the event and should be available next year. We have done them in the past.


When things were a bit slow I went to the local Railroad Museum. That was fun for a train geek, if somewhat limited, but I am sure there are probably many other venues that would make a fun outing alternative. Caves maybe?


As to what I liked this year, I thought all the presentations were informative (although occasionally limited by the AV equipment), the BBQs at the hotel and Auto Masters were great get togethers.


Lastly, I would like the Board to make sure that next year every day is sunny. The weather wasn't really too bad this year all things considered, but I expect you to do better next year. :-D


Anyway, I think that as many people as possible should offer up their ideas, however far fetched, for things they might like to do and see next year and about things they liked this year. Right here on this forum. In a positive way. This will give the board and others plenty of time to make lists and start discussing and planning for them. --Bob

[DaveK]

Thanks for posting up your ideas Bob. You're right that now is the time to start planning for next year. I'm no longer on the events committee but I am sure that they will be interested in your ideas.

I'll start working on the sunshine right now :cheers:

Dave

[Fully Vetted]

Bob - Thank you so much for starting this POSITIVE thread. I agree that more needs to be done to encourage spousal participation. Part of these suggestions will be taken care of when the NCM builds the Autocross and drag strip across the highway. Also, the plant will be open next year as well. Mix that in with a couple of tours and that should fill out the week.

[WARP TEN]

Dave, it might be best to transfer this post to the general section rather than leave it in members only as non members also attended. --Bob

[DaveK]

Done

[ZZZZZR1]

Bob

I couldn't agree more!!!!

Spoke with a number of members (original owners like yourself) who are dying for the same thing!!!! The 2010 Dana plant ride was a blast (I was stuck @ the desk) and I still hear about it to this day

We hear the same thing each year where members say "what can my spouse do while I play"? Lets round up somd ladies and work up a special agenda for them???

I'd like to participate in a cruise next year!!! I'd actually love to attend some semiars too! ;)

:cheers:

David

[Paul Workman]

I am a founding member of the ZR-1 Net Registry and before that a member of Larry Merow's ZR-1 Registry beginning in 1994. I have always enjoyed our gatherings, whether they be in BG, at Bloomington or local. I enjoyed this last one at BG. While there have been some events and presentations over the years that I was not too enthusiastic about, the overall experiences have been positive. I feel that lately we have been wasting too much energy on acrimony and believe it would benefit the group greatly if we looked forward now in a positive, constructive manner to the 2014 Gathering.

With respect to next year's gathering at Bowling Green, now is a good time to begin laying out the things we would like to see while memories of this one are still fresh in our minds. I recommend that we focus on the positive things we experienced and on our “Wish List” of things we would like to see next year so there is plenty of time to weigh and discuss them and maybe get early signups for events that need a good sized quorum. Some consideration can be given to things spouses might like to encourage them to come along.


For example, I would like to see an organized tour event (like a trip/lunch/tour to a distillery like we did – I think -- in 2006). That one was on a Thursday so as to encourage early arrivals and not to conflict with most presentations. It was a lot of fun.


Additionally, I would enjoy an opportunity to go drag racing. I realize Beech Bend has gotten bigger and we have gotten smaller, but maybe there would be a way to arrange – if sufficiently in advance -- a joint group outing. Perhaps we could secure a time with Beech Bend with an early deposit to give us time to pull such a thing together. Certainly worth exploring early to clearly understand pricing and availability. Any issues that might arise related to potential liability, releases, insurance, etc. can be discussed and dealt with ahead of time—in a way that helps the event to take place.


Auto-crossing was fun this year with a fair participation but we could probably get more people involved (and perhaps offer prizes or trophies) with more advanced planning of the event.


A plant tour should be part of the event and should be available next year. We have done them in the past.


When things were a bit slow I went to the local Railroad Museum. That was fun for a train geek, if somewhat limited, but I am sure there are probably many other venues that would make a fun outing alternative. Caves maybe?


As to what I liked this year, I thought all the presentations were informative (although occasionally limited by the AV equipment), the BBQs at the hotel and Auto Masters were great get togethers.


Lastly, I would like the Board to make sure that next year every day is sunny. The weather wasn't really too bad this year all things considered, but I expect you to do better next year. :-D


Anyway, I think that as many people as possible should offer up their ideas, however far fetched, for things they might like to do and see next year and about things they liked this year. Right here on this forum. In a positive way. This will give the board and others plenty of time to make lists and start discussing and planning for them. --Bob

I agree with everything you said, Bob! Great post! :cheers:

[Pete]

Bob,is just a little bit older then me but much wiser then me :-D

Very nice post Bob.

Pete

[Ronstar]

We could see if the diesel guys want to share the drag strip with us next year. They seemed pretty interested in racing against a corvette. Of course it might be a little humbling if some of you guys got beat by an 8000 lb dodge truck:eek:

[Paul Workman]

We could see if the diesel guys want to share the drag strip with us next year. They seemed pretty interested in racing against a corvette. Of course it might be a little humbling if some of you guys got beat by an 8000 lb dodge truck:eek:

Ain't that the truth! Last year's test and tune session on Saturday night (as I recall) saw a diesel truck with duelies loose traction at the line and in spite of feathering the throttle to get the tires to hook up, it never did. The dang thing burned rubber for the whole quarter mile, and still turned in a run in the 12s! More (sometimes MUCH more) than 1100 ft# of torque will move a lot of weight very quickly.

But, yeah...Drag racin' "fer sher"!

[Fully Vetted]

Paul, Frank Shelton and I talked at length with a guy that had a Gen I Dodge Cummins (12v) Dually that was putting out 550hp and 2000 lb/ft of torque! On an engine that had over 500,000 miles and had never had the valve cover or the oil pan off. He had rebuilt the entire truck. I'll post pics when I get a chance. Some of these guys are running 3 turbos. They're spinning up 2 small ones and dumping that into a big one to spin it up faster. And they're producing upwards of 3000 lb/ft of torque in the process. Unbelievable stuff.

[Racinfan83]

I know I'm a "newbie" to this deal - and was unable to make it to BG - but in order for me to go there would need to be something for my wife to do with other ladies. She would be cool with a tour of the Corvette plant, and any other tours of local tourist attractions - but gets bored pretty quick talking cars and car stuff. And she doesn't drink....

[WARP TEN]

I had another thought that several people brought up to me: That is that it would be great to have a list of attendees by name, hometown and at least their screen name on the forum. Maybe even other info like emails. Providing info could be voluntary but at least a list of names. I know I met a lot of people that I wish I had known their screen names, which is the only way I have known them previously.

Also, name badges (with readable typeface for names) would be great. Magnetic preferably. I like some of the old ones showing 'founding member' as well as names. (Maybe even with screen names on them). I probably have mine around somewhere but forgot to look. --Bob

[ZZZZZR1]

I had another thought that several people brought up to me: That is that it would be great to have a list of attendees by name, hometown and at least their screen name on the forum. Maybe even other info like emails. Providing info could be voluntary but at least a list of names. I know I met a lot of people that I wish I had known their screen names, which is the only way I have known them previously.

Also, name badges (with readable typeface for names) would be great. Magnetic preferably. I like some of the old ones showing 'founding member' as well as names. (Maybe even with screen names on them). I probably have mine around somewhere but forgot to look. --Bob

I received that idea too!! More personalization and seeing a list of attendee's will make attendance grow!!

Great idea!!!!

:cheers:

David

[Corbusa]

OK that's it !! I putting a cummins with turbo's in my Z . :)

[cvette98pacecar]

OK that's it !! I putting a cummins with turbo's in my Z . :)

It is funny that you say that. There was a 71 Challenger with a Cummins Turbo.

[cvette98pacecar]

I had another thought that several people brought up to me: That is that it would be great to have a list of attendees by name, hometown and at least their screen name on the forum. Maybe even other info like emails. Providing info could be voluntary but at least a list of names. I know I met a lot of people that I wish I had known their screen names, which is the only way I have known them previously.

Also, name badges (with readable typeface for names) would be great. Magnetic preferably. I like some of the old ones showing 'founding member' as well as names. (Maybe even with screen names on them). I probably have mine around somewhere but forgot to look. --Bob

Bob, Great Ideas.