[flash]

well, so far, those of you who didn't make it to parade, you aren't missing much



registration was a total bungle - complete amateur hour - i've been to and produced events for a lot more people than this by a long shot, and never have i seen a more unneccessarily complicated process - they really need to hire professionals - what a train wreck - they wanted you to go to a different table for each event you were going to participate in, and pick up separate stuff from each one, instead of just having everything in one package, like every other event by anyone else who does this for a living - after driving straight through from los angeles, i was in no mood for, and not able to have a dozen different identical conversations about what i was doing during the week - i was just too danged tired



fortunately, i figured out how to get around that ridiculous process - DON'T DO IT - i blew it off, went to late registration the next day, dealt with one person, got all my stuff, and was in and out in 5 minutes, with none of those silly tables, multiple conversations, and wasted time



there just aren't that many people at this thing to justify what they did - i was number 900, and was the very last entrant - that's a very small number of people to have to deal with - i have no idea why they seemed so overwhelmed



concourse was pretty much a bust - not a lot going on there - met some 968 guys, and that was cool, as always, but not many cars of any type really - i expected a lot more - there was certainly plenty of room - i didn't even bother to take any pictures - i'd seen a lot of the cars there already at other shows - i was actually quite surprised at that - not sure why it was so bleak - a lot of people were commenting on it



on the other hand, the gimmick rally was fun - nice drive - pretty countryside - pretty well worked out and organized too - i'm hoping the other tours are as well done



i'm still glad i came, but i'm a bit underwhelmed at this point - hoping for better throughout the week

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[968cab]

Thanks for the update. Keep us posted if there's anything else worth reporting.

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[flash]

no worries - doing the wine tour today - pretty hard not to have a good time on that

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[RPM]

I wondered how Portland would work out. It is a long way from any area other than Seattle. Next year is Charlotte. Whoo Hoo!

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[coloradocab]

The registration process you described, Flash, is the same one they use every year. Mandated by PCA for the most part, so don't expect that to be much different at future Parades. It may not be the most efficient, but "it is what it is", in my view. Run by volunteers, as well, and intended to be set up to encourage registrants to sign up to help out throughout the event as well (thus the multiple stops).



Sorry to hear that it's been a bit underwhelming so far. I've thought the last two, in Hershey, and Ft. Worth were terrific.



Maybe I'm confused, but I had thought the schedule for future Parades was San Diego for 2007, Charlotte for 2008, then here for 2009. Will have to check on that.



How many 968s made it there?

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[RPM]

You are correct! San Diego in 2007. As we are already doing some stuff for Charlotte (our region is a co-host) I was thinking next summer. Duh.

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[flash]

mandated - hmmm - well, i guess i have to work on that then - i've fought and won against city hall before - pretty easy pitch really - it's all about money - more participation means more revenue - make it easy for them, and they'll likely come around



they really need to start thinking in terms of arenas and not hotels for their events - the danged thing has been oversold for the last few years - this is not going to stop - time to graduate to the big leagues, stop depending on volunteers, hire professionals, and let everybody have a good time



on that note- the wine tour today was fun - not too big on oregon wines (a bit spoiled by california stuff), though we did find a nice pinot gris we are having sent home



the only hiccup today was that somebody scheduled the chocolate tasting back at the hotel for a time while we were still out on the wine tour - hello! wine and chocolate go together! lol - oh well - still, had a good time today



things are looking up

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[RPM]

On vacation centered around drinking, touring, and Porsches



Are you 'wine-ing?'

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[coloradocab]

It's my understanding that, over the years, PCA National has taken on more and more of the responsibility for Parades. The host region(s) still have lots to take care of, but I think this statement is pretty true. I agree that it could certainly run smoother, but being involved in our upcoming Parade here, I can report that folks are doing the best they can within the framework they have already for Parade. Capacity is always a problem. We expect a sold out Parade here, as every past one in Colorado has sold out.



Glad to hear things are going a bit better. Enjoy - it's really a great event every year! We're going to do our best to get to San Diego and Charlotte.

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[flash]

they could solve it all by hiring professionals, and doing it in an arena - i am already beginning working on making that happen - too many people are left out, too many things are left undone, and way too many people are overworked - this does not have to be that hard



if they opened it up, and thought bigger, they would get more people, have more money, and be able to afford to do it right



just think about the import auto show, or anything like that - they pick that thing up and move it around the country, have 10 times the attendance, and a lot tougher logistics



this can be done

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[SANDOVAL]

Chris I would like to lead a driving tour at parade lol! Seriously I would love to help.

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[flash]

well, did the coast tour yesterday - beautiful countryside - very cute little beach town that we stopped at to do some shopping - almost got killed by traffic when the leader opted to drop down to 35mph on the freeway to let everyone catch up, instead of just pulling over to the side - when the schwinn passed us, i decided to leave the group and move on ahead - by the time we hit the first rest stop, about 20 miles up, i had already picked up a 3 mile lead - at no time was i speeding - at that point, we deicded to continue on by ourselves - worked out great - the group was slow enough to have made it frustrating for me, so this was better



there was talk of a second 968 tech session back at the hotel yesterday, but it was not on the schedule, nor could i find it - bummer



lots of early mornings, and hot afternoons, but fun is being had



track day today

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[968gene]

more parade participation should = more Porsches sold...for many years I've heard about sold out venues and pissed off people...doesn't sound like the parade is moving in the right direction.

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[coloradocab]

Flash - You have a great opportunity to make a difference with next year's Parade being in your backyard (sort of). Volunteer to help out and get hooked in with the organizing committee. Would be great if you could help them out and lend your event experience.



Can't wait to hear how your car did on the track today! Keep us posted.

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[doster]

flash,have you put any thaught into driving home through central oregon instead of that boreing drive down I5 the scenery is much better and its not much farther if youve never been through here its worth it. if so let me know.

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[flash]

well. i am taking a more scenic route through oregon and down to the ranch near beatty



ok - track day -



the good news - motor ran strong - was passing a LOT of cars - had a good time- sorted a few things out on the car - definitely still way too gooshy for my tastes- no idea how people can drive a stock one out there and not get frustrated - i am probably bumping up to 400# or so springs - started off pretty loose, having let too much air out of the tires, based on what somebody thought my increase would be - once i corrected back to what i thought it would be, it got better - a shock setting change helped a bit too - still want more though - no problems with having enough brake - planty there - no fade at all



the bad news - fragged the clutch - then whacked the danged splitter AGAIN getting it up on the trailer



oh well - such is life - back home today and back up on stands to get fixed

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[flash]

well, we made it back - with a brief stop at the ranch, we made the run back in a mind numbing 22 hours (lots of stops with the dog)



i have decided i am done renting trailers - every time i do this, and i've done it with different trailers, i end up screwing something up getting it up or down, or on the run itself



don't know why it took me so long to come to this decision, but i am now shopping for a toy box - boss cleared it, so woohoo



i will be digging into the car tomorrow to see how bad i hurt it, and get it fixed - i wonder what i will be upgrading "while i'm in there" this time?

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