The REAL expense of Gatherings

[Gunny]

Sitting here musing about all the fun I had during the recent MR3/C4 Gathering and also looking at the damage to my credit card. Actually, I had enough travel points on one card to pay my hotel expenses so my out-of-pocket expenses were primarily food & fuel ... and since I was on a restricted diet for the whole trip my food/drink costs were quite a bit less than normal (and a big thanks to all of you pretending to be sympathetic that I couldn't have a cold one). So the week long vacation was financially quite reasonable ... or was it?

I'm now adding up the costs of several mods I would like to do on the 90 and that's a big ouch. I've also analyzed my photos and determined that I could improve the pics a lot if I picked up some newer, more advanced camera gear. After adding up the wish list I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that I can't afford to continue traveling to these events ... nah, I'll keep on going since I would certainly miss seeing everyone each year.

So ... was your trip this year affordable? or are you also having to add up the hidden costs?

[gbrtng]

A drop in the bucket compared to the entertainment value ... just seeing that Gen 3 LT5 that Graham brought would have been sufficient - and taking grief from you, well ...

TGF

[Gunny]

A drop in the bucket compared to the entertainment value ...
and I would add ... personal enjoyment & enrichment


... and taking grief from you, well ...

hmmm, that is a 2-way street, you know

[FU]

It's great that the young un's are getting along so well :sign10:

[Gunny]

It's great that the young un's ...
Thanks, Frank ... that's the best compliment I've had all week. Makes me feel ... well, younger :wink:

[We Gone]

Sorry I missed this one :(.. Next year ;)

[Mystic ZR-1]

Thanks, Frank ... that's the best compliment I've had all week. Makes me feel ... well, younger :wink:

...Gunny you even looked younger this year!!!
:-D

[Gunny]

Not sure how that was even possible ... I felt like crap the whole week and could only eat veggies, salads, and drink water. I did, however, lose almost 12 lbs during the week ... perhaps if I exercised more it would be even better.

[FU]

Both of you guys are in great shape ! Good folks aren't easy to come by these days and I'm BLESSED to know both of you gentlemen.

[Gunny]

... just seeing that Gen 3 LT5 that Graham brought ...


http://zrwon.com/events/150513/ncm/thumbs/6D_6823.JPG (http://www.zrwon.com/events/150513/ncm/slides/6D_6823.html)
click thumbnail for larger image

looks like this thread is going way off-topic ... but that's OK since it's all about Vettes & stuff.

[Paul Workman]

Perhaps the real price is bourn by those who chose not to attend...

[efnfast]

Sitting here musing about all the fun I had during the recent MR3/C4 Gathering and also looking at the damage to my credit card. Actually, I had enough travel points on one card to pay my hotel expenses so my out-of-pocket expenses were primarily food & fuel ... and since I was on a restricted diet for the whole trip my food/drink costs were quite a bit less than normal (and a big thanks to all of you pretending to be sympathetic that I couldn't have a cold one). So the week long vacation was financially quite reasonable ... or was it?

I'm now adding up the costs of several mods I would like to do on the 90 and that's a big ouch. I've also analyzed my photos and determined that I could improve the pics a lot if I picked up some newer, more advanced camera gear. After adding up the wish list I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that I can't afford to continue traveling to these events ... nah, I'll keep on going since I would certainly miss seeing everyone each year.

So ... was your trip this year affordable? or are you also having to add up the hidden costs?
I hear ya. I talked to Pete. Oops, there goes ten grand.

[We Gone]

Perhaps the real price is bourn by those who chose not to attend...

That's a bit harsh Paul... Sometimes life gets in the way of the best laid plans of men and mice.

[Vette Guy]

Gunny,

I towed from Texas with a Duramax: ~16MPG, Joe towed with his Dodge: ~8MPG. Jim Seamons drove from Washington state with his 90 Z, and Sam flew from Switzerland to be part of the event....

Fuel - ~$350
Hotel - ~$550
Track - ~$100
Event - ~$100
Seeing everyone - PRICELESS!

Worth every penny!

Regards,
Mark

[C4Ray]

At the risk of being politically incorrect I think it's better to spend your money on material stuff, because women, mainly American women, in my opinion, they are not worth the time anymore. I travel quite a bit for my job and every time I re-enter the U.S. I am overwhelmed at the horrid behavior of our women. I was in Asia recently and I was treated like a wealthy Arabian Sheik. I've never seen so many women (Asian women) take pride in themselves and the way they act and conduct themselves -- They act like true ladies.

I cannot say the same for American gals.

Rant over - Thank you :cheers:

[Paul Workman]

That's a bit harsh Paul... Sometimes life gets in the way of the best laid plans of men and mice.

Yeah, don't I know it!!! Missed you, guy - and right at the last minute too. sucks, I know!:cheers:

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Timing was perfect for me. I was able to attend this gathering with just the cost of food and fuel for rental car. Fortunately I had enough mileage points for travel, IHG hotel, and rental car. I did take home a helmet and gifts from the museum. I guess I would have still done it even if I had to pay everything out of pocket. I spent way more for my one day of track day fun at Laguna Seca. Being with the ZR-1 community is priceless!! So good to see you George and all the other guys too! :cheers:

[Jetjock]

The highest cost that I had was the entry fee for the event.

[cvette98pacecar]

A drop in the bucket compared to the entertainment value ... just seeing that Gen 3 LT5 that Graham brought would have been sufficient - and taking grief from you, well ...

TGF

Wouldnt that engine be more like the Gen 6?
Phase 1 and 2 prototypes.
Active Suspension Engine 3.
90-92 Engine 4
93-95 Engine 5



I towed from Texas with a Duramax: ~16MPG, Joe towed with his Dodge: ~8MPG. Jim Seamons drove from Washington state with his 90 Z, and Sam flew from Switzerland to be part of the event....

Fuel - ~$350
Hotel - ~$550
Track - ~$100
Event - ~$100
Seeing everyone - PRICELESS!

Worth every penny!

Regards,
Mark

Mark, I could not agree with you more. It was worth every penny.

[Paul Workman]

I hear ya. I talked to Pete. Oops, there goes ten grand.

Yeah, but as Pete once told me, "First time you whack it, you'll forget all about it (the cost, etc)!"




....I'm pretty sure he meant the THROTTLE when he was talking about "whacking it"...but being Greek, ya never know for sure!

Hey, Gunny! It cost me another ZR-1 last year! (Ami's recovering from knee surgery was only part of the reason I left her home this year! HA!)

[FU]

"First time you whack it, you'll forget all about it !"



FACT !

[SAM/CH ZR-1]

Gunny,

I towed from Texas with a Duramax: ~16MPG, Joe towed with his Dodge: ~8MPG. Jim Seamons drove from Washington state with his 90 Z, and Sam flew from Switzerland to be part of the event....

Fuel - ~$350
Hotel - ~$550
Track - ~$100
Event - ~$100
Seeing everyone - PRICELESS!

Worth every penny!

Regards,
Mark

Flight Ticket - 1'100
Fuel - 100
Hotels - 420
Restaurants - 270
Events - 240
Cowboy boots - 250
Souvenirs - 200

Flight from Basel to Nashville with 2 stops - 18 hours
Flight from Nashville to Basel with 2 stops - 18 hours

To meet and see you guys was worth every Cent. A unforgettable meeting. I and my Swiss and German friends enjoyed every minute.

We look forward to see you again next year or in 5 years.

[FU]

Looking forward seeing you too Sam :handshak:

[phrogs]

Sorry I couldn't make it this year. But I'm sure no one missed me anyway.

[XfireZ51]

Sorry I couldn't make it this year. But I'm sure no one missed me anyway.

Johnny,

Thinking of coming to the Dream Cruise at Woodward?

[ZR1North]

Johnny,

Thinking of coming to the Dream Cruise at Woodward?

Are you going to attempt it again this year, Dom? Benefits of Registry's involvement should help address those engine temp issues from 2013. I've booked my spot.

Bob

[XfireZ51]

Bob,

Why do think I installed a Fluidyne?

[cvette98pacecar]

Are you going to attempt it again this year, Dom? Benefits of Registry's involvement should help address those engine temp issues from 2013. I've booked my spot.

Bob

Someone has to explain why it is called the "Dream Cruise".
According to Merriam-Webster dictonary. The Definition of Cruise, is to move or proceed speedily, smoothly, or effortlessly.
There is nothing associated with the Dream Cruise that proceeds Speedily, Smoothly or Effortlessly.

Bob, I think I am going to Drive down to Woodward for the Corvette Cruise on Wednesday night.

[XfireZ51]

Someone has to explain why it is called the "Dream Cruise".
According to Merriam-Webster dictonary. The Definition of Cruise, is to move or proceed speedily, smoothly, or effortlessly.
There is nothing associated with the Dream Cruise that proceeds Speedily, Smoothly or Effortlessly.

Bob, I think I am going to Drive down to Woodward for the Corvette Cruise on Wednesday night.

Bob,

It's called Dream Cruise because you're dreaming if you think you're going to cruise down Woodward.

[-=Jeff=-]

Well at the Metro Curise in Grand Rapids you actually can drive and move. Lol

That one is fun
http://www.28thstreetmetrocruise.com

[ZR1North]

Good exchange, Dom, Robert; that about sums it up.

Good call on the rad change, Dom. I change mine out (went with DeWitts)as part of the engine mods this winter, and I was really impressed with the temps it held during the Mountain Run.

Robert, I will likely do the "cruise" Wed eve too - when you can move with "relative ease". I plan to have the car parked at the Registry-secured lot most of Saturday and take in this pretty cool event from the sidelines.

Bob