I received my Speedster in the June 2020. I missed Carlysle in 2020 because I spent a year having most every major system in the car replaced or rebuilt. After getting everything sorted out, I did attend Carlysle in 2021. I had planned to drive up and attend in 2022 but a family funeral intervened.
Here are some thoughts.
I thought the overall event needed a master of ceremonies - a gregarious, outgoing person to sweep up the newbies and regulars alike, make introductions, remind everyone of upcoming events, sort us, direct us, etc., etc. There did appear to be a lack of "planned" activities. I heard several folks actually mention they missed someone who had planned everything well in the past.
Alan did a great job arranging the hotel but the overall event seemed on autopilot somehow with no one in charge. As a newbie, I was frequently lost as to what was happening or who to ask. As a result, I drove to the autoshow on Saturday. I subsequently learned that Sunday was the day to have gone.
Like others, I missed vendors selling things of interest to a Speedster owner. Maybe it improved on Sunday?
The highpoint of my weekend was the drive together through the spectacular PA countryside. I would definitely recommend more of that. In fact, a lot more of that with stops at a tavern or historical place of interest to give us a goal and destination.
I did like the suggestion to formally work on a car. I understand building a whole kit was in jest but organizing some work projects of interest to the group to watch/participate in would be fun. Replace a broken windshield, complete some body/trim work, fix some common electrical or lighting issues, bleed a brake system, rebuild a carburetor, inspect/adjust and replace brake shoes, balance a pair of carburetors, properly set timing. Work items could be as simple or complex as guests want and we have members with the skills to demonstrate. Could we lease an interior space for the repair workshops in Carlysle? Would negate the impact of any bad weather.
Regarding questions whether to keep going to Carlyle or not is beyond my experience. Many of you are perhaps comparing 2021/2022 with earlier more favorably remembered times. I have nothing to compare to. But Carlyle is well located, and the locale is spectacular for country drives. I can't help think we need to make more of what the area has to offer?
I attended the 32nd Acton, ME VW Show this year in early August. An amazing display of vintage VWs (over 200 or more). I was the only Speedster and got LOTS of attention. Very poor vendors, though. A beautiful drive there and back to camp. I would imagine such shows are common in the summer elsewhere. Perhaps a move to something like that would be attractive?
A banquet? Lots of work to arrange apparently. Nice to close with a group party though. Roast someone, have a parts swap, a presentation or two on some interesting topics. Lots of beer and pizza. More informal.
Carlyle has a history. I hate to see it disappear. I understand that our membership is getting older and newer, younger members less in number. Couldn't we make the gathering more like it was with some tweaking?
Marshall