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My plan has been to coordinate the 2020 West Coast Cruise for the weekend of June 12th-14th. This is due to a number of factors including personal availability etc.

As noted by others there are issues with hotel accommodations that weekend in SLO because of CAL Poly's Graduation. Apparently no one can properly function during this time period. I have been in contact with a number of other hotels including a sister hotel to Quality Suites. That hotel finally contacted me today and said they don't offer group rates or even accept room blocks because the hotel fills up any way. It's too bad because the hotel is identical in looks, parking, amenities, etc.

I will continue to try but at some point I will either be successful or accept defeat and we're on for June 5th-7th. Not my first choice because some of our event's actual sponsors may not be available. I have several calls out to other hotels and I'm awaiting their response.

I did notice that Memorial Day weekend is NOT the last weekend in May so that MIGHT be a possibility. I will continue to work on this and will let everyone know ASAP.

If you're not living life on the edge, you're taking up too much space!

 

 

 

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If you get a chance to see the Nethercutt museum don't pass it up. It's full of high class, rare and beautiful cars. There restoration shop is right up there with Harrah's when they were putting out Pebble Beach quality cars. The Nethercutt Museum is always a contender at any major show. They also have a huge collection of auto accessaries and music machines. Also one of the largest pipe organs anywhere. It's really worth a trip to Sylmar.

Hotel reservations have finally been made. As much as I tried to secure accommodations the week of June 12th-14th, 2020 there was just no room at the inn. Apparently Cal Poly Graduation rules the roost in SLO. The coastal hotels weren't any better.

Contact the reservation desk and tell them you're booking a room under the SOC Event June 5th-7th, 2020. Room prices are $235.00 per night plus taxes etc for a single king bed and $255.00 per night plus taxes for 2 double beds.

Quality Suites San Luis Obispo
1631 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hotel 805-541-5001 
www.qualitysuitesslo.com

As usual there will be a manager's reception each evening and our dinner/raffle will be on Saturday night in the breakfast room. I will post more information later regarding lunch and dinner costs as well as any necessary information regarding t-shirts etc.

@goofer @Napa Paul @Roy @PaulEllis @majorkahuna @Tom Murtaugh @Cory McCloskey @Kevin - Bay Area @*LongFella @Dave Mitchell @VSpyder @Terry Nuckels @TheMayoMachine @GERD @MusbJim @Karyadi @Troy Sloan @Teby S @IMDoug @Rick99GSX @Dan Stewart @Speedster Marc @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @OCC @montereybrian @Will Hesch @Todd M @Markos And if someone would let Bill Nash and Vinnie know.

After you make your reservation PM me and let me know you're coming and home many total in your group.

Thank you for "bumping" this.  It completely fell off my radar.  That said, I just called and made reservations.  My wife said she'd like to join me with our 5 y/o son this year.

I had a great time at my first event last year.  Looking forward to this year's.  Hoping it won't be 108-100 degrees going back home.

 

I also want to add, in addition to all the many great things, the dinner last year was awesome!

Last edited by Kevin - Bay Area
Robert M posted:

Hotel reservations have finally been made. As much as I tried to secure accommodations the week of June 12th-14th, 2020 there was just no room at the inn. Apparently Cal Poly Graduation rules the roost in SLO. The coastal hotels weren't any better.

Contact the reservation desk and tell them you're booking a room under the SOC Event June 5th-7th, 2020. Room prices are $235.00 per night plus taxes etc for a single king bed and $255.00 per night plus taxes for 2 double beds.

Quality Suites San Luis Obispo
1631 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hotel 805-541-5001 
www.qualitysuitesslo.com

As usual there will be a manager's reception each evening and our dinner/raffle will be on Saturday night in the breakfast room. I will post more information later regarding lunch and dinner costs as well as any necessary information regarding t-shirts etc.

@goofer @Napa Paul @Roy @PaulEllis @majorkahuna @Tom Murtaugh @Cory McCloskey @Kevin - Bay Area @*LongFella @Dave Mitchell @VSpyder @Terry Nuckels @TheMayoMachine @GERD @MusbJim @Karyadi @Troy Sloan @Teby S @IMDoug @Rick99GSX @Dan Stewart @Speedster Marc @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @OCC @montereybrian @Will Hesch @Todd M @Markos And if someone would let Bill Nash and Vinnie know.

After you make your reservation PM me and let me know you're coming and home many total in your group.

@Tom Murtaugh

Looks like I can make it.  I'm sure the coupe will be ready for its first long road trip.  I'd love to hook up with the Nor-Cal group if they are  planning to caravan down the coast if it works out with the schedule.  I'm figuring 3 days down the coast from Oregon, and a flying 2 day return trip.  I'll PM Robert when I get my reservations made.  Looks like just me for now, but wife or one of the daughters may join. Time will tell on that aspect.

In honor of El Guapo I'e been wearing my BIrdwell jacket and listening to nothing but Los Straightjackets for days. 

I really don't understand why anyone would need a map, in any format, to get to San Luis Obispo's Comfort Inn.   Even a dullard - and God knows there are plenty in this state - should be able to find Hwy-101 without one, ...running north from its south terminus at the East LA Interchange and running south from the Oregon border.

If that dolt is in Southern California, he (or she) need only drive north on Hwy-101 N and take Exit-203D; if he (or she) is in Northern California...drive south on Hwy-101 S and take Exit-204. 

Easy-Peasy!  No map, no cellphone, no nuthin 'cept being able to read (and understand) the five numbers and three letters: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, N, S, and D! 

Napa Paul posted:

I really don't understand why anyone would need a map, in any format, to get to San Luis Obispo's Comfort Inn.   Even a dullard - and God knows there are plenty in this state - should be able to find Hwy-101 without one, ...running north from its south terminus at the East LA Interchange and running south from the Oregon border.

If that dolt is in Southern California, he (or she) need only drive north on Hwy-101 N and take Exit-203D; if he (or she) is in Northern California...drive south on Hwy-101 S and take Exit-204. 

Easy-Peasy!  No map, no cellphone, no nuthin 'cept being able to read (and understand) the five numbers and three letters: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, N, S, and D! 

He was talking about downloading the app for the route not getting to SLO. 

I was driving my truck last year and was responsible for support, so I was the last one to leave the staging area with a few tools, a tow bar, gasoline and other misc. stuff.   I lost the group virtually right out of the gate and was no use to anyone.  Fortunately, I don't believe anyone needed any help.

One suggestion I would make is that nobody leave the staging area until everyone is in their cars and ready to leave.  There are always people who need to make a last minute potty visit and need a little more time, especially when they find that the bathrooms are locked, like last year.

Otherwise, I don't know what the solution is to keeping everyone together. 

How right you are, Michael. I did a bit of looking. There are FRS which are less powerful, and GMRS which are more powerful and require a HAM license. 

https://midlandusa.com/gmrs-or...radio-how-to-choose/

I found a pair of Motorola T460, which do both FRS and GMRS on REI for 90 bucks a pair. GMRS channels will supposedly transmit up to 35 miles on the flats, I'd wager they would work well a few miles away in the mountains.

https://www.rei.com/product/11...BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I did not know there was still a need for a HAM license. They once were required for CB, and Marine Radios. I used to have a Class 1 Radio Telephone operators license that was required to broadcast AM radio but only Class 3 on FM. I went to one of those 4 week cram schools to learn the answers to the test only to have the rules changed shortly thereafter. 

Neil,

You're supposed to apply for the license in order to use the GMRS channels. Motorola doesn't include an application with the radios. The radios transmit on all FRS and GMRS frequencies, but above 2 watts requires a license. The license has no test, just an application and a fee($70 for 10 years). I think you could apply, or not. But we'll probably all be denied, being felons:

https://midlandusa.com/why-do-...nse-how-do-i-get-it/

Cheers.

Last edited by DannyP

You do NOT need a “Ham” license to use a GMRS radio.  That’s a whole different thing.  
GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) requires an individual commercial license ($70 bucks and not worth it for this exercise), uses the same frequencies as FRS (Family Radio Service) BUT GMRS is allowed to use more power in their transmitters.  Think a small business with a few service trucks in one city area.

FRS = no more than 2 watts

GMRS = up to 30 watts

You can legally use a 2-watt FRS walkie talkie on GMRS channels with no issues.  Most of the FRS walkie talkies include GMRS channels and that’s OK because they only operate at 2 watts.  If you interfere with a GMRS commercial user (like Stan and his commercial freezer/cooler business for communicating with his trucks) then just switch to a different channel.  That’s all there is to it.

Just FYI, a Ham license gets you WAY more channels (many span the globe, unlike FRS/GMRS good for under 50 miles) and transmitter power up to 1,000 watts.  Whole nuther thing.

Get a few FRS walkie talkies at Walmart, spread them through a caravan and you’re good to go.

Napa Paul posted:

Now I'm wonderin' if that Lotus we came across last year was maybe just  communicating with others in their group via "smoke signals?" 

I wonder if he had an FCC license or just a county burn permit? 

It had just pulled over to let some smoke out of the wiring harness and it got a little carried away. English cars will do that...

Last edited by ALB

***2020 West Coast Cruise*** ***Rescheduled***

The majority of people have spoken and would like to see the event rescheduled until later this year. I will come up with a date and I've contacted the hotel to see what is available. Based on my schedule and my wife's schedule we're looking at the weekend of September 25th, 26th, and 27th, 2020. I'll await a response from the hotel and will post that information as soon as I get it.

The other thing I'm trying to work out with the hotel is if we each need to change our reservations or if the hotel can switch the group as a whole. If that is the case I'll have them make the switch and if you can't make it you may have to call and cancel your reservation.

@TheMayoMachine @Cory McCloskey @PaulEllis @Napa Paul @Kevin - Bay Area @Rick99GSX @Tom Murtaugh @goofer @Dutch @GERD @SimplifyTALightness @*LongFella @majorkahuna @Dan Stewart @IMDoug @OCC @Roy @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @MusbJim @Troy Sloan @JMM (Michael) @Terry Nuckels @ChrissyB @Meade @Dave Mitchell @VSpyder @Karyadi @Speedster Marc

I don't advise it, but I once got a rebuilt engine (by me) in my bug running at 2 am, got to bed at 4 and we were on the road to LA and Bug In 20 by 10 or 11 the next morning. Drove from Vancouver to Eugene? Oregon down I5, varying the rpms all the way. That night we found a gas station off the highway still open at 6 or 7 pm, convinced the owner to let us use the hoist and performed the 300(?) mile oil change, got to bed about midnight and slept in sleeping bags under trees in a rest area (again, right off the highway, even ran into friends doing the same thing, so we had to stay up for a beer!), got up early (7:30?) adjusted valves, woke my brother up and off we went, driving non stop and arriving at Orange County International Raceway for Bug In at 5:30 am Sunday morning. That was 1978? 

The point is- you just have to have a plan.(oh, we were young and we were idiots!)

I've have satisfied more than two quarantine periods trapped in CA.  Todays AM news from LA County is that the Sheriff is regretting the release of jailed criminals because of rising crime rates, and, an LA judge has agreed with the Mayor that gun stores can be lawfully be ordered  closed because they are "non-essential businesses".  Just symptomatic evidence for some of the reasons I moved out of this State.  Given the lack of coherent leadership in and around the State I have less hope than others for September in SLO.

ALB posted:

I don't advise it, but I once got a rebuilt engine (by me) in my bug running at 2 am, got to bed at 4 and we were on the road to LA and Bug In 20 by 10 or 11 the next morning. Drove from Vancouver to Eugene? Oregon down I5, varying the rpms all the way. That night we found a gas station off the highway still open at 6 or 7 pm, convinced the owner to let us use the hoist and performed the 300(?) mile oil change, got to bed about midnight and slept in sleeping bags under trees in a rest area (again, right off the highway, even ran into friends doing the same thing, so we had to stay up for a beer!), got up early (7:30?) adjusted valves, woke my brother up and off we went, driving non stop and arriving at Orange County International Raceway for Bug In at 5:30 am Sunday morning. That was 1978? 

The point is- you just have to have a plan.(oh, we were young and we were idiots!)

Now that's how you do it! 😂

ALB posted:

I don't advise it, but I once got a rebuilt engine (by me) in my bug running at 2 am, got to bed at 4 and we were on the road to LA and Bug In 20 by 10 or 11 the next morning. Drove from Vancouver to Eugene? Oregon down I5, varying the rpms all the way. That night we found a gas station off the highway still open at 6 or 7 pm, convinced the owner to let us use the hoist and performed the 300(?) mile oil change, got to bed about midnight and slept in sleeping bags under trees in a rest area (again, right off the highway, even ran into friends doing the same thing, so we had to stay up for a beer!), got up early (7:30?) adjusted valves, woke my brother up and off we went, driving non stop and arriving at Orange County International Raceway for Bug In at 5:30 am Sunday morning. That was 1978? 

The point is- you just have to have a plan.(oh, we were young and we were idiots!)

MAN, do I miss trips like that.

In the summer of 1981, two friends and I drove a 1963 Galaxy 500 from central Illinois to Rocky Mountain National Park. The car had 228,000 miles on it when the speedometer cable broke, years before we left. All the glass was intact, but the back seat had been removed and replaced with a lawn-chaise and the top half of a Craftsman tool stack. In the trunk we had a Yamaha RD400 with the front wheel hanging out, lid of the trunk bungeed down. We left at 1:45 AM on a Friday night/Saturday morning, after watching the midnight screening of Heavy Metal at the Madison Theater in downtown Peoria.

The first hint of trouble was just about sunup, somewhere around Iowa City. The axles in a Ford 8" are a press fit into the pumpkin of the differential. 250,000+ miles, and the weight of a street motorcycle in the trunk, a tool stack in the back seat, and 3 corn-fed grease monkeys sprawled across the car conspired to liberate the passenger side axle from the shackles of the press-fit. The entire axle, brake drum, and wheel started migrating outward before being halted by the rear fender (which covered the top 1/3 or more of the tire). As you might expect, this shredded the sidewall of the tire.

But this problem was no hill for flat-land hillbillies-- so we lifted the car up with the floor-jack we'd brought (also in the trunk), beat the entire assembly back in place with the sledgehammer we'd brought (front seat), and changed the tire with one of the 2 extras we had along (under the lawn-chair). We continued on our way, undeterred.

We gassed up and picked out a serviceable used tire in Des Moines, before continuing on our way. The axle did the jail-break trick twice more before we got to Lincoln, NE about mid-afternoon on Saturday. We were out of spare tires by that point.

I do not know how many of you have ever been to Lincoln, but there are only two reasons to go. The first is that it is the state capitol of Nebraska. The second is because that is where the University of Nebraska plays football. The 'huskers play in Memorial Stadium, which holds 90,000 people. At the time, Lincoln's population was about 171,000. They were playing that late Saturday afternoon. It was about 100* in the shade-- and there was not a soul in sight anywhere. Aside from Memorial Stadium, the city was a ghost-town. It looked like a neutron bomb had exploded, wiping out all traces of humanity, but leaving every building intact.

Denver was about 18 hrs from Peoria, back in the double-nickle days. We had been traveling for about 16 hrs at that point, but were not yet halfway. We jacked the car up on the sidewalk, and assessed the situation. The axles were no longer even pretending to be a press fit-- they moved in and out of the pumpkin freely with almost no resistance.

So, there we were-- 17, 19, and 22, shod in flip-flops, cut-offs, and greasy tee-shirts, all hair and sweat and testosterone. We had maybe $400 between us. This was gas and beer money, and no more. We weren't buying parts for a 17 year old car with significantly more than 250k miles on it.

We pulled the axles, found a rock, lay the splines on the rock, and wailed on them with the sledge hammer to beat them up. We slid them back in (gravel and all), lined up the splines, and beat them home with the hammer. We also made the decision to take the bike out of the trunk and ride it the rest of the way. We would take shifts, each of us riding between gas stops, which was averaging about 250- 350 miles. Keep in mind that an RD400 was a 2-stroke, and was not exactly Gold Wing comfortable. We rolled out of Lincoln at about 6:00 or 7:00 PM after finding a place that sold us two more used tires.

If you've ever traveled across Nebraska on I80, you know that there isn't much there. Lincoln to York, York to Grand Island, Grand Island to... Ogallala eventually, but not before you've covered a fair bit of real estate. The elevation keeps climbing, and a cold front was moving in. Stints on the motorcycle went from sunburned to frigid as the sun set. Sometime after dark,  the front finally rolled in and it started to rain. None of us had slept for 40+ hours. I got off the bike somewhere around the Colorado border, soaking wet and wishing I could die. I was afraid I might not. I walked directly to the Galaxy's back seat, and crashed on the lawn-chair.

Some indeterminate time afterward, I woke. I lifted one eye (as only a 17 y/o can do), and noticed NOBODY DRIVING THE CAR!!!

It was only after I grabbed the wheel to wrestle the car off the shoulder that I realized... we weren't moving. Somewhere in the small hours of the night, my compadres, my partners in crime, had decided to call it quits and pull over. Dave was asleep, curled up by the passenger's door, Steve was in the trunk. The bike was laying in the ditch.

It was sunup, and the mist was already starting to burn off. I got out of the car and took a pee as cars whizzed by, honking. We were all awake, and silently took our stations to continue on our way.

There was so much more about that trip I'll never forget (including having a St. Louis city cop standing on my back with a service revolver pointed at my head), but that 24 hrs may be the most memorable single-day road trip I've ever taken.

We only live once. But I've always thought that if a man does it right-- once is enough.

Last edited by Stan Galat
ALB posted:

@Stan Galat wrote- "MAN, do I miss trips like that. In the summer of 1981, two friends and I drove..."

My brother and I still talk about that trip! And these days we're closer than ever.

Stan- do you still keep in touch with those guys?

I do. We all grew up... sorta'. 

Steve lives in the next town over. We served together at the same mission in the highlands of Papua New Guinea in the late '80s. He owns 4 or 5 outdoor power equipment stores, and employs something like 50 people. He's into backup generators as a division of his company. Until a couple of years ago, he drove a 1958 Chevy ambulance painted safety yellow as his work truck. He's almost civilized.

Dave moved to Colorado shortly after the trip. He came back to Peoria long enough to pack his stuff up and head back out. He bought a little slice of heaven in Lyons, CO-- lived in an old Airstream trailer for a couple of years while building his house on nights and weekends. He bathed in the creek, lived like a mountain man-- even though he was a mechanical engineer, and would eventually become one of the country's premier power generation turbine whisperers. He's an artist, outdoorsman, bird watcher, and runner. He mills his own buckwheat and climbs mountains "because they are there". Dave will outlive us all.

I'm still here-- just a schlub with a white van, playing with glorified golf-carts powered by expensive lawn-mower engines.

Last edited by Stan Galat
Napa Paul posted:

C'mon, you raconteurs....what have your stories got to do with the "Official 2020 West Coast Cruise?"   It seems you've hijacked the Thread for your own ulterior motives. ...and what have you done with the presiding Forum "Administrator-In-Charge?" 

We're all fairly old (well, most of you are!) so thread drift is a fact of life here. As for the Grand Poobah, he'll show up out of the blue, delete the odd thread for no reason (that I can tell) and then when asked a day later can't remember any of the details, the only explanation being "I didn't keep track of all that was happening, but it was too much to moderate so I deleted it."

Robert M posted:

***2020 West Coast Cruise*** ***Rescheduled***

The majority of people have spoken and would like to see the event rescheduled until later this year. I will come up with a date and I've contacted the hotel to see what is available. Based on my schedule and my wife's schedule we're looking at the weekend of September 25th, 26th, and 27th, 2020. I'll await a response from the hotel and will post that information as soon as I get it.

The other thing I'm trying to work out with the hotel is if we each need to change our reservations or if the hotel can switch the group as a whole. If that is the case I'll have them make the switch and if you can't make it you may have to call and cancel your reservation.

@TheMayoMachine @Cory McCloskey @PaulEllis @Napa Paul @Kevin - Bay Area @Rick99GSX @Tom Murtaugh @goofer @Dutch @GERD @SimplifyTALightness @*LongFella @majorkahuna @Dan Stewart @IMDoug @OCC @Roy @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @MusbJim @Troy Sloan @JMM (Michael) @Terry Nuckels @ChrissyB @Meade @Dave Mitchell @VSpyder @Karyadi @Speedster Marc

***2020 West Coast Cruise***

          ***Rescheduled***

I gave the hotel several dates and the weekend that works best for our group is September 18th-20th, 2020. I had the manager copy and move all of our reservations to the new date. If you are no longer going to attend please call the hotel and cancel your reservation. If you want to double check that your reservation was actually changed feel free to call and verify. 

Quality Suites San Luis Obispo
1631 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hotel 805-541-5001 
www.qualitysuitesslo.com

@TheMayoMachine @Cory McCloskey @PaulEllis @Napa Paul @Kevin - Bay Area @Rick99GSX @Tom Murtaugh @goofer @Dutch @GERD @SimplifyTALightness @*LongFella @majorkahuna @Dan Stewart @IMDoug @OCC @Roy @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @MusbJim @Troy Sloan @JMM (Michael) @Terry Nuckels @ChrissyB @Meade @Dave Mitchell @VSpyder @Karyadi @Speedster Marc

 

 

Last edited by Robert M

Oh man, you are making me choose! Warbirds Wings and Wheels 12 rescheduled for that weekend...https://www.ewarbirds.org/www12/index.shtml

Might be too big of an event too soon? We'll see. I bet I can do both! All volunteer effort, need to help park cars at 6AM, then drink an 805 and eat some BBQ for 'charity' (all Firestone Walker and JLohr wine sales 100% go to museum proceeds) 

See you all soon. - Marcel

@Robert M posted:

***2020 West Coast Cruise***

          ***Rescheduled***

I gave the hotel several dates and the weekend that works best for our group is September 18th-20th, 2020. I had the manager copy and move all of our reservations to the new date. If you are no longer going to attend please call the hotel and cancel your reservation. If you want to double check that your reservation was actually changed feel free to call and verify. 

Quality Suites San Luis Obispo
1631 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hotel 805-541-5001 
www.qualitysuitesslo.com

@TheMayoMachine @Cory McCloskey @PaulEllis @Napa Paul @Kevin - Bay Area @Rick99GSX @Tom Murtaugh @goofer @Dutch @GERD @SimplifyTALightness @*LongFella @majorkahuna @Dan Stewart @IMDoug @OCC @Roy @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @MusbJim @Troy Sloan @JMM (Michael) @Terry Nuckels @ChrissyB @Meade @Dave Mitchell @VSpyder @Karyadi @Speedster Marc

 

 

Okay, you "Canuckelhedz," there's been bupkis on this West Coast Cruise thread for almost 3 months...and now it's only 53 daze 'til the Ball should drop - God willin' and the COVID don't shift into High!  Wazzup? 

@Napa Paul posted:

Okay, you "Canuckelhedz," there's been bupkis on this West Coast Cruise thread for almost 3 months...and now it's only 53 daze 'til the Ball should drop - God willin' and the COVID don't shift into High!  Wazzup? 

Funny you should ask. 

Earlier this week I reached out to the hotel to inquire as to what the hotel is allowing and not allowing. As of this time we won’t have access to the breakfast room for a dinner etc and we can’t bring in a caterer. The lunch venue is also not allowing indoor eating and no outside caterers  

As of right now SLO County is not allowing indoor dining and they are asking residents to limit social gatherings to a minimum number of people or not at all. 

At this point it may be most prudent to cancel 2020’s gathering and just plan for 2021. 

@Napa Paul @PaulEllis @TheMayoMachine @majorkahuna @MusbJim @Dutch @Kevin - Bay Area @Teby S @Tom Murtaugh @*LongFella @goofer @Cory McCloskey @IMDoug @OCC @GERD @SimplifyTALightness @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @Karyadi @JMM (Michael) @Dave Mitchell @Speedster Marc @VSpyder @Troy Sloan @ChrissyB @Dan Stewart

I’ve been assisting organizing the Napa Valley 750 auto rally that will occur next week. 20 cars, 40 people. And a ton of logistics nightmares trying to organize lunch and dinner locations for 40-ppl to sit outside to dine.  Dining locations seem to open and close at a drop of the hat. 
Coming up with (3) 250-mile routes was the easy part. COVID in CA has made this quite challenging. But, the participants are excited, a number of them are flying in this Saturday and Sunday. 

I say we plan it as a BYOB and food if needed...what’s the drop date to cancel rooms? @Robert M I still have a half bottle of Scotch...from last year. 

You might check on your own directly with the hotel....BUT, I believe the cancellation deadlines have been extended right up to the last minute (i.e., day before) because of COVID-19. That might be the ONLY relatively positive thing to come from the friggin' virus!

If it's of any consolation, (non permitted) cruise nights are going on weekly here to keep the car crazies happy and supporting our local 91 Premium distributors going. Visible marks from burnouts and donuts can be seen in some intersections. The one on Main St. in Templeton, CA I heard is especially a good one, quaint small town and 220 Speedsters would definitely dominate the action if they showed up.

Also, wineries are open, no indoor tasting rooms or gathering at bars, but there are plenty with ample parking and outdoor seating options and open space. Car people work there too! Sculpterra (our favorite) always has tacos or greek food on weekends plus live music and one gal has her late model Shelby as a daily driver that she loves to talk about. Just went to Still Waters east of Paso, that one has a great view and excellent service. Our server daily is a '74 Alfa. Hearst Winery has a tasting room on River Rd. north in San Miguel, great spot for 10 or so people and it doesn't get much traffic, you could easily show up and it's your private party. Just buy a few bottles and everyone is instant friends.

@Dave Mitchell :

“...we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender...”

It is the uncertainty of the future due to the constantly changing minds of those in government making decisions that cause me strife.  In March we postponed until September hoping things would have a sense of normalcy.  It is now almost August and there is no realistic expectation of what the future holds.

I have not cancelled my reservation for September as I, too, am holding out hope for a trip to the coast where we can see friends old and new.  Hell, the wife and I may make the drive and spend the week-end in SLO even if the Cruise is cancelled.  But I know all too well that planning a large event with vendors, routes, meals, and all the other logistics is virtually impossible without actually knowing an event can take place with or without restriction(s) no matter your position on them.

@Dave Mitchell :

“...we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender...”

It is the uncertainty of the future due to the constantly changing minds of those in government making decisions that cause me strife.  In March we postponed until September hoping things would have a sense of normalcy.  It is now almost August and there is no realistic expectation of what the future holds.

I have not cancelled my reservation for September as I, too, am holding out hope for a trip to the coast where we can see friends old and new.  Hell, the wife and I may make the drive and spend the week-end in SLO even if the Cruise is cancelled.  But I know all too well that planning a large event with vendors, routes, meals, and all the other logistics is virtually impossible without actually knowing an event can take place with or without restriction(s) no matter your position on them.

Understood...that’s what I’m hoping to do myself even if the official event is canceled. I’m thinking of the hotel keeping revenue and the places around us. If I’m there and you are there will have a cold drink...sit back and enjoy the day. 

Hope is all we have right now...I’m not giving up hope...🍻

@Dave Mitchell :
Hope springs eternal.

As of this posting I plan to be in SLO as planned...let fate determine the rest!

I totally agree with both of you and I look forward to enjoying a, perhaps, less "organized" but more relaxed day in SLO. I might spend Thursday night at Monterey's Cannery Row and drive down Hwy-101 on Friday...depending upon weather along the coast. While that route last year was really a blast, the caravan of Clown Cars seemed too rushed. That was because the "herding of cats" didn't finally get on the road until after 2PM: A lesson learned! 

HEY KIDS:

Tebs here,  I hope your all well in this wonky time we are all going through. 

I agree on cancelling the event as a whole,  its so uncertain what Newsome may come up with as there is talk again for another shelter in place.  Also I was just there this last weekend for a visit.  It was not easy to get around and the restaurants are limited to outdoor seating and even with that, the outdoor seating is limited to say the least.

Not to mention, believe it or not they have had protesting and as of late it got a little out of hand to the point where they stopped traffic on the 101.. You wouldn't think SLO would have an issue but hey have had mild violent and mild destructive activity.

But I do agree to that if you want to individually head over it would be a lot easier to get around and enjoy the area.    It was a nice trip for me that's for sure, I also recommend going to see SENSORIO (check it out online) in PASO  its awesome!!

To be honest this really sucks,  I have repeatedly  asked for a refund for 2020. NO such luck!!  

I may show up myself not sure yet..

Again hope all is well with everyone!

Love

Tebs

@Teby S saying 2020 sucks is the understatement of the year...

Today I explored a bit. Went up highway 4 to Uitica Lake. The campgrounds were so packed with people it was insane...the folks with Kayaks and Jeeps seemed to be having a great time. One site had six tents...and I don’t know how many people...most all the license plate frames were from the Bay Area...business as usual for them.  

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For those of us in California, the number of Covid cases is definitely skewed, but unfortunately, it is most other the states as well. I am not here to make a stand, but when you see evidence like this it is hard to refute the idea that there are a lot of fake numbers being pushed around. This attachment is the front page of a Bi-weekly Bulletin provided directly from Cal Osha through a subscription purchased by the Municipality that I work for. This is a State run agency that has been given guidelines as far as reporting from our good old Governor's office. Read the first paragraph. The article goes on to state how Cal Osha is not meeting Federal Osha minimum requirements of recording Covid cases. California says it does not need a positive test result to record a Covid case. Federal Osha mandates a positive test result. Is it any wonder? I posted this on IG and beside the positive replies, I did not receive one negative comment. You can't argue the facts.

cal osha

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The Award Winning Cal-OSHA report  is a privately owned publication that produces opinions and not necessarily facts. It is not a publication paid for by tax revenue.  To quote it as factual is simply an opinion of another opinion. SOC has for most part stayed out of politics. The fact that a matter of life and death has become a political football disgusts me. Please keep this last bastion of fun and frivolity to precisely that. 

 

 

Well I just learned something! We use the Reporter as a safety training resource where we share the accident and death updates to bring real-world incidents to our crews. If you were to go on Cal Osha.gov, you will see in this instance, it is a direct quote. There does not have to be a positive test to record Covid. I rarely feel strong enough about politics to bring it up here. My interest is to keep it in perspective when it comes to planning cruises and get-togethers. I wouldn't feel guilty doing such. We are not receiving all the truths.

https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/co...ements-COVID-19.html

 

Done

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@RacerX posted:

For those of us in California, the number of Covid cases is definitely skewed, but unfortunately, it is most other the states as well. I am not here to make a stand, but when you see evidence like this it is hard to refute the idea that there are a lot of fake numbers being pushed around. This attachment is the front page of a Bi-weekly Bulletin provided directly from Cal Osha through a subscription purchased by the Municipality that I work for. This is a State run agency that has been given guidelines as far as reporting from our good old Governor's office. Read the first paragraph. The article goes on to state how Cal Osha is not meeting Federal Osha minimum requirements of recording Covid cases. California says it does not need a positive test result to record a Covid case. Federal Osha mandates a positive test result. Is it any wonder? I posted this on IG and beside the positive replies, I did not receive one negative comment. You can't argue the facts.

cal osha

To paraphrase an old legal aphorism: If you can't argue the facts, you argue the law, and if you can't argue either the facts or the law...you pound on the lectern and blow smoke! 

@majorkahuna posted:

The Award Winning Cal-OSHA report  is a privately owned publication that produces opinions and not necessarily facts. It is not a publication paid for by tax revenue.  To quote it as factual is simply an opinion of another opinion. SOC has for most part stayed out of politics. The fact that a matter of life and death has become a political football disgusts me. Please keep this last bastion of fun and frivolity to precisely that. 

 

 

Agreed...this is not the place. 

*** 2020 West Coast Cruise Cancelled ***

 

The COVID pandemic doesn't seem to be slowing down enough for the Governor to reopen the state and as the amount of time draws closer to our scheduled date there just isn't enough time to get all of the happenings coordinated.

That being said if anyone wants to go that weekend, and some of you have expressed an interest in gathering still, you're welcome to do so. If you no longer want to go please contact the hotel directly and cancel your reservations before you get charged.

The patio is still open for you to gather and talk too loud making the security guard tell you to bring the level down a notch. However, per their website some of the hotel's features may not be available and masks must be worn at all times in the common areas of the hotel.

We will come back in 2021 and make up for lost time and driving.

Hotel website: Quality Inn and Suites SLO

@Napa Paul@PaulEllis@TheMayoMachine@majorkahuna@MusbJim@Dutch@Kevin - Bay Area@VSpyder@Teby S@Troy Sloan@Tom Murtaugh@ChrissyB@*LongFella@Dan Stewart@goofer@Cory McCloskey@IMDoug@OCC@GERD (Tell Vince), @SimplifyTALightness@Ryan (formerly) in NorCal@Karyadi@JMM (Michael)@Dave Mitchell@Speedster Marc@RacerX@Rick99GSX (We'll have to see the new Spyder motor next year) @Meade

Jim, will you please let Bill Nash know what's going on?

@Robert M posted:

*** 2020 West Coast Cruise Cancelled ***

 

The COVID pandemic doesn't seem to be slowing down enough for the Governor to reopen the state and as the amount of time draws closer to our scheduled date there just isn't enough time to get all of the happenings coordinated.

That being said if anyone wants to go that weekend, and some of you have expressed an interest in gathering still, you're welcome to do so. If you no longer want to go please contact the hotel directly and cancel your reservations before you get charged.

The patio is still open for you to gather and talk too loud making the security guard tell you to bring the level down a notch. However, per their website some of the hotel's features may not be available and masks must be worn at all times in the common areas of the hotel.

We will come back in 2021 and make up for lost time and driving.

Hotel website: Quality Inn and Suites SLO

@Napa Paul@PaulEllis@TheMayoMachine@majorkahuna@MusbJim@Dutch@Kevin - Bay Area@VSpyder@Teby S@Troy Sloan@Tom Murtaugh@ChrissyB@*LongFella@Dan Stewart@goofer@Cory McCloskey@IMDoug@OCC@GERD (Tell Vince), @SimplifyTALightness@Ryan (formerly) in NorCal@Karyadi@JMM (Michael)@Dave Mitchell@Speedster Marc@RacerX@Rick99GSX (We'll have to see the new Spyder motor next year) @Meade

Jim, will you please let Bill Nash know what's going on?

Are any of you other reprobates still giving some serious consideration of cruzin on your own to SLO?  I spoke with the Mgr. at the Quality Inn and she says the only real "changes" are the required masks, keeping the 6' social distance, and you cannot eat breakfast inside. She also confirmed they will honor FREE cancellation until Friday, Sept. 18th @ 6:00 PM.

Personally, I'm still looking at driving to Carmel-By-The-Sea on Thursday (09/17), leaving there Friday morning no later than 9AM and driving down (that's South) Hwy 101 like many of us did last year. This time, however, I'd stop along the way a few times to "smell the roses" and see the sights, lunch at Gorda or Ragged Point, and stay in Morro Bay. I'd hope to pull into SLO the next morning, Saturday the 19th.

ALL OF THIS, though, depends on the weather. I'm not about to beat up my body driving a Clown Car 700 miles over 5 days.... if half the trip is fogged-in and the return half is in 106 degrees. Been there, done that....ain't doin' it again! 

If anyone is interested in joining me on any leg of this trip....let me know. 

lemons into lemonade...Instead of going to Sturgis this year, I put on some leather and rode around my street without a helmet a bunch of times. Then I bought a 30-pack of cheap beer and listened to some Smashmouth since I missed them live. JK that's some humor on a 102 degree Monday.

Sadly while that’s funny I think after five months of 14 days to flatten the curve we have all become numb and lost our humor...I try to look at things in a positive light but I’m tired.

Lest we forget Lake Tahoe is open. Dining is al fresco only in CA. Not sure in NV, but the Casino's are open so I suspect the restaurants are with restrictions. I sold my powerboat, and now have a 50 year old Yankee Dolphin 24 Sailboat. It is an S & S design midget ocean racer. I can still accommodate 8 people as long as a couple like to hang out on the foredeck or provide meat on the rail. 

Food for thought. 

 

@Rick99GSX @majorkahuna @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @Dave Mitchell @TheMayoMachine @Napa Paul @Robert M @SimplifyTALightness

Rather than SLO, it looks like most of you guys (besides Marcel) would be closer for a cruise somewhere in the North San Francisco Bay/ Napa/ Fairfield area.

Also, the lodging Ginny & I usually book on Moonstone Beach is not available during the weekend of September 18 (close of summer season), so we'll have to book Moonstone when room availability opens up a bit in August.

Look forward to catching up with you all next time. Peace-Out! 

@MusbJim posted:

@Rick99GSX @majorkahuna @Ryan (formerly) in NorCal @Dave Mitchell @TheMayoMachine @Napa Paul @Robert M @SimplifyTALightness

Rather than SLO, it looks like most of you guys (besides Marcel) would be closer for a cruise somewhere in the North San Francisco Bay/ Napa/ Fairfield area.

Also, the lodging Ginny & I usually book on Moonstone Beach is not available during the weekend of September 18 (close of summer season), so we'll have to book Moonstone when room availability opens up a bit in August.

Look forward to catching up with you all next time. Peace-Out! 

If you’re not going that weekend make sure you cancel your reservations at Quality Suites. 

@majorkahuna posted:

Lest we forget Lake Tahoe is open. Dining is al fresco only in CA. Not sure in NV, but the Casino's are open so I suspect the restaurants are with restrictions. I sold my powerboat, and now have a 50 year old Yankee Dolphin 24 Sailboat. It is an S & S design midget ocean racer. I can still accommodate 8 people as long as a couple like to hang out on the foredeck or provide meat on the rail. 

Food for thought. 

 

Ima thinkin' that "Tarhoe" might, indeed, be the only cruise destination in CA that's not "Closed 4 COVID"  or burnt to the ground.  That said, it looks like I'll be open to getting out of this disaster zone for a few days.  By the way, the 356 Registry's "Drive Your 356 Day" is Sunday, Sept. 20th. Those "Real-P" people might be something to avoid, eh?  

@Watchspeak posted:

Fyi for anyone still thinking about slo the hotel has dropped the room price to 179 vs 239. Should heading up if all goes well but will be in a 68 Camaro with my buddy in an 74 alfa. 

travel safely. 

There are the folks in close proximity to SLO;

@SimplifyTALightness @IMDoug @slofuzz @Will Hesch

FYI @Watchspeak is Bill & Natalie and they have joined us in previous SLO cruises in their Speedster...

IMG_20200910_134847~2

This is the '74 Alpha that also joined us for last year's SLO cruise...

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@MusbJim posted:

There are the folks in close proximity to SLO;

@SimplifyTALightness @IMDoug @slofuzz @Will Hesch

FYI @Watchspeak is Bill & Natalie and they have joined us in previous SLO cruises in their Speedster...

IMG_20200910_134847~2

This is the '74 Alpha that also joined us for last year's SLO cruise...

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Copy that @MusbJim. I didn’t realize Bill and Natalie were on the site. @Watchspeak there will be a couple people going still and staying at the hotel if you end up going anyway. 

A couple other event suggestions for this weekend....

North SLO County has had regular cruise nights every Friday, the 3rd Friday of the month is downtown Paso Robles, 6PM - 8PM more or less (on Spring Street)

and

Local Cars and Coffee at Cider Creek Bakery every Saturday morning. 730AM - Until.

Address: 205 Oak Hill Rd Ste 102, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Good cinnamon rolls!

There is a Facebook Group called Wine Country Air Cooled, lots of VWs and everyone air cooled is invited. They posted on their page they are headed to Cider Creek for a meet up at 10AM

-Marcel

 

Mike and Kristi cancelled, Teby cancelled, The Mayo Machine cancelled, Dutch cancelled, and my wife and I just cancelled because of the poor air quality reports and that group was all that was left.

@Watchspeak As of tonight you are the last person registered for the hotel but I believe you said you were still going. If not just call the hotel to cancel your reservation. @SimplifyTALightness was interested in meeting up to go to Cars and Coffee or one or two other events so if you make it down there hit him up. His number is 928 814 3191.

Sorry guys, it just wasn't in the cards this year.

Last edited by Robert M
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