Spring Classic
 

Hey it's Spring so how about it? :D

We are working the other thread to decide the date, but in the meantime we should probably start planning the event itself...

For starters, if you don't know, the Spring Classic is our big Spring driving tour. For the last 3 years we've driven some great scenic routes and had some good participation.

Here's my thoughts to get the conversation going:

I can lead the tour using one of my previous SC routes - The Whidbey Island 1/2 loop or the Cascade Mountain 3/4 loop. No problem, easy for me to do, and both routes got good reviews.

Someone else can take the reins and plan something out. I know a few members have been sitting on some ideas or even fully planned routes for a while now. Only thing I recommend is that the routes be pre-planned (step by step driving directions are always appreciated as the group sometimes gets seperated), have good time/mileage estimates, and include a planned group lunch location (usually a good idea to coordinate with the restaurant on this ahead of time). General guidelines are 100-200 miles total tour miles and about 6 hours total event time (including of course all the stops, lunch, etc). Another good idea is to plan the start and finish of the tour near a major freeway or other easy-to-get-to location.

My other thought is location. All our past driving tours have started and ended around the Puget Sound area. Do most people want to continue this for SC4? Or if someone say in the Portland area planned a Gorge run or something would any of the Puget Sounders be willing to drive down there to the tour start? Portlanders have driven up to Seattle for our past tours, so it seems fair to turn the tables, but at the same time we want to keep participation high and keep these big traditional events what they are.

So post your thoughts on all of the above issues! If you aren't a member here or don't want to post publicly, just send me a direct email. We'll let this go about a week or so and make a decision from there or at least move on to the next step (perhaps a vote if several ideas/tours are presented).

Thanks for your input!

A couple of thoughts.

Most of the group are from the Seattle area and the others are from North and South of there. If we at least start or finish there, it would help to get better attendance.

Going up the gorge at least one way would be cool, but if it could finish or start north of there, it would be better for the larger group of members.

I guess it all depends on the turnout and who is going to plan it. We need to keep this meet in the Spring, because it is the first good drive after the winter months of rain and cold.

Any of the past drives would be fine. I have enjoyed them all. Lets see what the others have to say. :) :)

The gorge run is pretty phenomenal, lots of 160 degree switchbacks, rises and falls, and amazing scenery. We could start in tri cities, and end in Portland.


Though, you know, in order to get people to show up, we would have to have people recognize that there are owners in oregon too...


lol

I'll plan the drive if you nw wa. people feel like coming that far down south.



-Patrick

Planning
 

Hi,
Eric, myself, Nextse7en and whomever else attends Subiefest2 can discuss the possibility of hosting the Gorge run, if chosen for the Spring Classic. I was initially thinking of our drives as being only a supplement to those in the Seattle area. Either way, a drive through the Gorge is definitely in our future. After our meet next Saturday, we'll let you know what we come up with.
Look forward to meeting you Nextse7en. We're just getting started with Portland area meets and drives, your participation is highly desired. See everyone next Saturday.
Mark:D

something closer to oregon would be nice. i will be at subiefest and wcss9 again this year.

I would be up for a "sunday drive", I just need to replace valve cover gaskets first.

It sounds like June 2nd might be the date for the Spring Classic?

Any conflicts speak now!

It looks like the location will be up on the island and surrounding terrain like we did a couple years ago. The routes are already set so it will be easy to plan. And this scenery/location is definitley scenic and worth the trip for you folks down south (we can recommend some good lodging options too if you want to make a weekend of it, romantic or otherwise).

It sounds like the Portland area folks are planning a Gorge run for late August so I decided to just do this.

I'll be there. :)

June 2nd seems good. The wife and I will definatley be planning on going :)

Hey Erik, PM or email me if you think you guys might want to be spending the night somewhere nice on the island and I can offer suggestions. (I forget if you've been up there before or not)

We would probably just drive up that early, early morning (due to grandparents watching the kids), but if I need the info I will make sure to contact you. Thanks :)

We'll be there. Just need to know where and what time.

Let us know when and where and we will be there. :D :D I think. :rolleyes: