ALL,
I have held back for the last couple of days to compose some thoughts and not sound snobbish. Dee has mentioned many of the things we talked about the other night and I will rehash some of his points.
1. The Austin meet will be held in Austin for the 8th year in a row! NOT Marble Falls, Georgetown, you get the idea. Every year this gets mentioned and every year we come to the conclusion that Austin is the best place. We all have to deal with the traffic. Colleen made a good point and that we can head north to 620 and use that as the man start of the Cruise. But lets look at a few facts.
a. This event has drawn over 70 cobras and a few other cars from all over the Country. What Hotel can accomidate 70 cobras (ok A GT40 MATT
)and 2 or 3 semi trailers. at least 3 to 4 RV's I'm not talking the little ones either and finally 15 - 20 Pick Ups pulling trailers? Plus people who come off the street just to look and get drool. Plus still be open to business for other travelers. And for my kids an indoor pool
b. If we split up and use say three separate hotels where is the comradory (SP)? So now I have to try and find people and get everyone to gether. Logistical nightmare for pictures or just getting together. Plus not every member is going to get a hotel room next to there buddies. We have people show up on Thursday, Friday and SAturday. First come first serve with parking. ALso after partying with my friends at one hotel now I need to drive to another hotel and partake in more adult beverages.
I don't know about the rest of you but one of the best parts of last years event was the Houston gang's tailgate on Saturday night. I think splitting everyone up will hurt this event.
c. SECURITY - 3 hotels 3 different problems. This adds up to $$$$ and somebody holding the funds. I thought we tried to avoid having this problem?
d. Austin folks doing all the work! Thanks Colleen for looking after us and all, but if we didn't like you guys we would be working this hard to keep it in our city
Seriously we enjoy putting this together. I know Dee was a little upset, becasue he and Jaque spent hours looking for a suitable place. I With that being said I think once Hwy 45 and 30 are finished things will open up a for travel. One of the problems with a March meet is the Spring Break Traffice and also the resorts have heavy booking during those time frames.
2. I guess what I'm getting at is the logistics of putting together an event this size. This event is very different than a monthly meeting where you are lucky to get 20 cars.( I know Houston I hear you ) We in Austin have been looking at the what ifs every year. We have nearly out grown the Marriott and if get more cars next year we could very well out grow the Marriott Parking lot. But let us figure this out and you all just come down and enjoy. I know Dee is calling the Lost Pines Resort, but 250 a night. Realistically who is going to pay that much for a room?
3. You know I love all you guys and I can't wait to see and shoot the bull with all of you. I just can't wait to retire in 3 years and have more weekends available to visit everyone in Dallas, Corpus and Houston.
4. We will keep looking and keeping planning for March 2007. So keep the cards and letters coming.
