Anyone know of any upcoming events of interest to SAAC members in Arkansas?
There are two dozen '65-'66 GT350s touring around north central Arkansas this week. I've seen pictures. But I can't find any solid info as far as a contact person or itinerary.
Aside from that, there are a bunch of Mustang & Shelby owners going as a group to see Ford vs. Ferrari in Fayetteville on Nov. 15.
I don't know of anything after that 'til Spring.
Quote from: cj750 on October 30, 2019, 02:51:23 AM
There are two dozen '65-'66 GT350s touring around north central Arkansas this week. I've seen pictures. But I can't find any solid info as far as a contact person or itinerary.
The GT350 tour is planned months in advance. Itinerary will not be posted in advance for obvious reasons ;)
Quote from: A-Snake on October 30, 2019, 10:04:15 AM
Quote from: cj750 on October 30, 2019, 02:51:23 AM
There are two dozen '65-'66 GT350s touring around north central Arkansas this week. I've seen pictures. But I can't find any solid info as far as a contact person or itinerary.
The GT350 tour is planned months in advance. Itinerary will not be posted in advance for obvious reasons ;)
Not that obvious. The Power Tour, the Great Race, and plenty of other classic/antique Rallies and Runs publish their routes and stops.
I just thought it would have been nice to meet some other vintage Shelby owners and check out the cars while they were in the neighborhood. Clearly there's no reciprocal interest in meeting us backward native folk.
Quote from: cj750 on October 30, 2019, 02:52:29 PM
Quote from: A-Snake on October 30, 2019, 10:04:15 AM
Quote from: cj750 on October 30, 2019, 02:51:23 AM
There are two dozen '65-'66 GT350s touring around north central Arkansas this week. I've seen pictures. But I can't find any solid info as far as a contact person or itinerary.
The GT350 tour is planned months in advance. Itinerary will not be posted in advance for obvious reasons ;)
Not that obvious. The Power Tour, the Great Race, and plenty of other classic/antique Rallies and Runs publish their routes and stops.
I just thought it would have been nice to meet some other vintage Shelby owners and check out the cars while they were in the neighborhood. Clearly there's no reciprocal interest in meeting us backward native folk.
I think he meant security concerns for the 6 digit figure valued cars that are highly salable outside of this country. Not saying others don't do it but posting a itinerary for a run like this can be looked at like posting a restaurant menu of collector cars online, in this case for the bad guys to figure the best place to steal a car. I am sure he didn't mean anything derogatory towards the native folk.
I live in Springdale, Arkansas. I haven't heard anything here
Phuong
There will be an MCA National in Eureka Springs next May 29th-31st. There is usually a few Shelbys, plus some excellent Mustangs.
Quote from: Bob Gaines on October 30, 2019, 03:05:13 PM
I think he meant security concerns for the 6 digit figure valued cars that are highly salable outside of this country. Not saying others don't do it but posting a itinerary for a run like this can be looked at like posting a restaurant menu of collector cars online, in this case for the bad guys to figure the best place to steal a car. I am sure he didn't mean anything derogatory towards the native folk.
Bob is correct. There was nothing derogatory meant by my post. This GT350 tour is much the same as the annual Cobra tour that's held in different parts of the country each year. There are pictures/video posted after we leave a location but not in advance for security reasons. We enjoy meeting local enthusiasts. We especially enjoy having kids sit in the cars for pictures and taking them and adults for a spirited ride. (https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s350x350/35416202_10215007631976777_4069337425397153792_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_oc=AQnGBkp3N-NcgvtKYyGyo1eCVoyXFmq082GAfqw5cty19I4mBuat0yZVgWTG1gOGrFo&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=b97b0a3cbca7bdfa51a9e51cb1325c83&oe=5E5AC0BF)(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/35355030_10215007630616743_184518258961940480_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_oc=AQm9jDjQfASMamNCg5sb1C901e4rScs2tWkYY3AECFQpgoOHA-ZEOWFuO8wu_eR9WBA&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=3a692695ccf596cbb76e46a5a0b7ece3&oe=5E4F731E)(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/35358000_10215007630016728_1562057641092448256_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_oc=AQk0i_JHgJQEwtuclfEsXY5WsvLvso3vNtxYmqCsPiuJCIGisGtkNjTZYE-4c3zwbbk&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=b3d4ef4c507d2338aafccbcc7340f0c7&oe=5E55BB28)
That's all well and good, but I and at least one other local SAAC member inquired of some individuals who were "in the know" about the tour and were denied any information about where we might have an opportunity to see the cars. Being civil in unavoidable random interactions with the local populace is one thing. Strenuously avoiding interaction with fellow Shelby owners among the local population is another.
Quote from: cj750 on October 31, 2019, 11:07:08 PM
That's all well and good, but I and at least one other local SAAC member inquired of some individuals who were "in the know" about the tour and were denied any information about where we might have an opportunity to see the cars. Being civil in unavoidable random interactions with the local populace is one thing. Strenuously avoiding interaction with fellow Shelby owners among the local population is another.
Given your sign off at the bottom of your post " Every post I make comes with an implied request for corrections. I'm here to learn." I will offer this observation. I think you are being over sensitive. I don't think any ill will was meant.
Thanks Bob. I value your opinion. I'll admit this is something of a sensitive subject with me. But consider this. It's not my imagination that not once in 45 years has SAAC seen fit to hold a convention anywhere in the middle third (or more) of the country. It's not my imagination that SAAC deliberately scheduled their 2020 convention at a time that would hurt the one large Shelby and Ford meet we do have. And while I'm more than willing to give A-Snake the benefit of the doubt as to his comment, the fact remains that the GT350 tour WAS conducted in such a way as to exclude local vintage Shelby owners from having any interaction with the group. See the trend?
I guess I'm just disappointed, 'cause when I joined SAAC I imagined it would be something like an actual club. With at least occasional organized opportunities for interaction with other members in the real world. I missed the fine print stating that aspect of the group is only for members living near the coasts.
Jay
I can't speak to anything about the GT350 tours, we haven't had a GT350 in decades. I do have friends that participate in tours with old Bentleys, the Going to the Sun Rally, and different groups (sometime overlapping) original Cobra tours in multiple countries. From what those people tell me Cobra touring we have experienced is not all that different. Cobra touring from my participation's frame of reference, with an original Cobra. (We participated with a Cobra tour group in Arkansas this past May 2019.)
None of the tours we have participated in have been club sponsored events. None of the tours we have been part of were car shows. In each case we were invited by the organizer(s) that we previously knew outside of any organized club. Friends inviting friends to a small attendance event, logistics get much tougher to deal with past about 14 to 15 cars. A fun group gathering can become tiring work all too easy as the number of participants increases. (Speaking for myself the hassle of more than a dozen cars trying to make a timely group fuel stops especially during a cold rain, find parking in a one stop light small town or remote road side dinner for lunch, or just trying to stay together in public road traffic starts subtracting fun from the trips.) Been there done that myself back decades ago when I organized regional MCA event. I never got to meet everybody or look at most of the cars. They are often 600+ to 1,200+ trailed miles away from home. The Cobras are often driven hours to days in rain, mud, down gravel roads, freshly paved roads, and or snow. Yes, I said day driving in the rain and I meant from like 08:30 in the morning until maybe 16:30 that afternoon with a lunch stop. Tours continue no matter what the weather. Some tours take off for one or more nights on the road so the car is loaded with weather protection gear, extra clothes, fuel additive(s) to deal with country cross roads fuel available, tools, spare parts; definitely not car show preparation and detailing. Driving and visiting friends, making new friends with similar cars.
The tours that we have participated in are more about the people than their cars. Getting to drive the old cars without dealing with car show crowds is fun. In most cases the only time we get to visit with most of the participants are during these events. Texts, emails, and phone calls only go so far especially when participants live between as far apart the east coast and Alaska. Meal times and evening social gatherings allow lots of catching up and surprise not every subject involves the cars parked somewhere outside. We get to sit and visit with friends from last year or several decades back. We talk about families. We talk about the friends no longer with us anymore. We talk about car events we participated back all the way to the 1960s. The tours we have enjoyed have not been public history or technical seminars beyond simple questions from local bystanders. Club events are often hours of long technical Q&A sessions if you stay anywhere near your car.
In simple terms, these events have not been organized club events, have not been commercial enterprises to make money for organizers, and have not been planned as public car shows. A Cobra owner plans a tour and asks if we want to participate. That's it. That's all. Conceptually I don't see it much different than let's say somebody inviting some friends or close neighbors for a back yard BBQ. When we invite close neighbors over for a meal we don't advertise an itinerary to the general public.
Quote from: cj750 on November 01, 2019, 02:43:53 AM
And while I'm more than willing to give A-Snake the benefit of the doubt as to his comment, the fact remains that the GT350 tour WAS conducted in such a way as to exclude local vintage Shelby owners from having any interaction with the group. See the trend?
I guess I'm just disappointed, 'cause when I joined SAAC I imagined it would be something like an actual club. With at least occasional organized opportunities for interaction with other members in the real world. I missed the fine print stating that aspect of the group is only for members living near the coasts.
Jay
Jay, The GT350 tour nor the Cobra tour is
not any type of SAAC or other club event. I didn't attend this years GT350 tour but did attend the Cobra tour that was in much of the same area.
I think this year's Cobra tour was the 16th or 17th attended.
Anyone, that has the time and passion, can try to organize a tour whether it's original Cobras, Shelbys, or ?. Find a great place that has the right accommodations, a place to store trucks and trailers, great roads, restaurants, gas stations that are within 100 miles of each other that have more than a 'one hole' restroom to accommodate the 40+ people, drive the route in advance to log each turn and stop,
sometimes more than once, and do this to fill 4 or 5 days of driving and use
new roads each day. Have the time to scout this out for the love of it because you will not be compensated for your time. Then have the log books for each car printed and hope there are not many misprints in directions. Oh, and be sure to invite people that will get along with each other for a week ;)
So, know anyone that wants to organize a tour?
Quote from: A-Snake on November 01, 2019, 10:56:11 AM
Quote from: cj750 on November 01, 2019, 02:43:53 AM
And while I'm more than willing to give A-Snake the benefit of the doubt as to his comment, the fact remains that the GT350 tour WAS conducted in such a way as to exclude local vintage Shelby owners from having any interaction with the group. See the trend?
I guess I'm just disappointed, 'cause when I joined SAAC I imagined it would be something like an actual club. With at least occasional organized opportunities for interaction with other members in the real world. I missed the fine print stating that aspect of the group is only for members living near the coasts.
Jay
Jay, The GT350 tour nor the Cobra tour is not any type of SAAC or other club event. I didn't attend this years GT350 tour but did attend the Cobra tour that was in much of the same area.
I think this year's Cobra tour was the 16th or 17th attended.
Anyone, that has the time and passion, can try to organize a tour whether it's original Cobras, Shelbys, or ?. Find a great place that has the right accommodations, a place to store trucks and trailers, great roads, restaurants, gas stations that are within 100 miles of each other that have more than a 'one hole' restroom to accommodate the 40+ people, drive the route in advance to log each turn and stop, sometimes more than once, and do this to fill 4 or 5 days of driving and use new roads each day. Have the time to scout this out for the love of it because you will not be compensated for your time. Then have the log books for each car printed and hope there are not many misprints in directions. Oh, and be sure to invite people that will get along with each other for a week ;)
So, know anyone that wants to organize a tour?
+1, plus really liked this, "Oh, and be sure to invite people that will get along with each other for a week." You also need to respect each other and trust the other people's driving sensibilities and skills from parking to going through snowy mountain passes. Knowing who is planning to participate in advance is very reassuring. In very hot to below freezing conditions, cloudless day to snow blizzard, drizzle to driving rain, down several miles of minutes old black top pavement, over fresh chip sealing, down miles of gravel roads, over muddy road construction or driveways, and very long days sometimes especially if somebody has a breakdown. Yep, having fun and being friends at a car show and having fun with friends out in the 'wild' can be pretty different. No, I wouldn't plan on going on a Cobra drive in a snow storm but once over it was a shared experience and formed a fond memory. Rainy foggy Arkansas was fun too even with more deer than I could count standing beside the road on both sides that foggy evening.
There's several original Cobras ahead of us in the fog this past May. There's one. The deer were much more difficult to detect. I think I saw four by one driveway. Martha Case picture May 2019.
(http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/data/3280/fog.JPG)
Quote from: A-Snake on November 01, 2019, 10:56:11 AM
Jay, The GT350 tour nor the Cobra tour is not any type of SAAC or other club event. I didn't attend this years GT350 tour but did attend the Cobra tour that was in much of the same area.
I think this year's Cobra tour was the 16th or 17th attended.
Anyone, that has the time and passion, can try to organize a tour whether it's original Cobras, Shelbys, or ?. Find a great place that has the right accommodations, a place to store trucks and trailers, great roads, restaurants, gas stations that are within 100 miles of each other that have more than a 'one hole' restroom to accommodate the 40+ people, drive the route in advance to log each turn and stop, sometimes more than once, and do this to fill 4 or 5 days of driving and use new roads each day. Have the time to scout this out for the love of it because you will not be compensated for your time. Then have the log books for each car printed and hope there are not many misprints in directions. Oh, and be sure to invite people that will get along with each other for a week ;)
So, know anyone that wants to organize a tour?
That just reinforces my point. If you're going to put on one of these things, the logical thing to do is reach out to local like-minded people and get them on board up-front. They're the ones who know the good roads. They know the good places to eat and the stations with good gas. They know the sites that are worth seeing and the ones that are over-rated tourist traps. They might be willing to offer their garage with a lift to anyone who needs it. Take advantage of their hospitality. It'll be easier for the organizers and result in a better experience for the participants.
Quote from: cj750 on November 01, 2019, 02:40:43 PM
That just reinforces my point. If you're going to put on one of these things, the logical thing to do is reach out to local like-minded people and get them on board up-front. They're the ones who know the good roads. They know the good places to eat and the stations with good gas. They know the sites that are worth seeing and the ones that are over-rated tourist traps. They might be willing to offer their garage with a lift to anyone who needs it. Take advantage of their hospitality. It'll be easier for the organizers and result in a better experience for the participants.
You are assuming ground work like this isn't done before a tour. ;)
Of course it is! In the case of the Cobra Arkansas tour we toured across Arkansas from East to West staying at two different locations. We had help from a local Shelby guy on recommended restaurants, places to visit and in fact he helped in servicing one of the cars that had alternator & tire problems
when we were in his area. As I mentioned, planning these tours is done months in advance.
The tour group does not know route until after 1st night dinner
Jay, you are truly blessed to live in a beautiful part of the world with great roads & lovely people.
Think of it this way: We might be able to cram 15 people in my wife's Suburban, but it would be unsafe & everyone would be uncomfortable.
Another one for the record books
A car guys high
Quote from: R Code on November 03, 2019, 06:06:13 PM
Think of it this way: We might be able to cram 15 people in my wife's Suburban, but it would be unsafe & everyone would be uncomfortable.
No argument from me, I just have no idea what that has to do with anything.
Jay
Since I own a GT350 I guess my nose was rubbed in it also but I'm OK with that. ;DIt looks like it was a fun time and I hope they have many more to come. If all of us were all invited I don't think anyone would have fun with all the confusion and congestion. For what it's worth I kinda think there are a few other get togethers that I haven't been invited to.Just my honest opinion.
TOB
Quote from: TOBKOB on November 04, 2019, 08:19:39 AM
Since I own a GT350 I guess my nose was rubbed in it also but I'm OK with that. ;DIt looks like it was a fun time and I hope they have many more to come. If all of us were all invited I don't think anyone would have fun with all the confusion and congestion. For what it's worth I kinda think there are a few other get togethers that I haven't been invited to.Just my honest opinion.
TOB
TOB, do you live in Arkansas? Are you one of the local owners who requested information about where we might see the cars as they came through our area but was rebuffed? 'Cause I don't recognize your handle or the picture of your car. If those statements don't apply to you, then no, no one is rubbing anything in your face by posting pictures and bragging about the tour in this thread. If you are from around here, then send me a message, let's get together. I love meeting fellow owners and learning about their cars! First beverage of your choice is on me.
Quote from: cj750 on November 04, 2019, 08:31:08 AM
....If you are from around here, then send me a message, let's get together. I love meeting fellow owners and learning about their cars! First beverage of your choice is on me.
Nice work.. that's the spirit.
Quote from: cj750 on November 03, 2019, 08:41:47 PM
Quote from: R Code on November 03, 2019, 06:06:13 PM
Think of it this way: We might be able to cram 15 people in my wife's Suburban, but it would be unsafe & everyone would be uncomfortable.
No argument from me, I just have no idea what that has to do with anything.
Jay
I think the point is if you add an unlimited number of people the event gets out of hand quickly . This is not a yearly event in arkansas it changes locations . A lot of planning is done a year in advance . It is kept to limited number due to lodging and feeding the group in a timely manner . Until you have planned one of these events it is hard to grasp all the details that need to fall into place to make them a success. (nobody is stopping you in your region )
QuoteIf all of us were all invited I don't think anyone would have fun with all the confusion and congestion.
QuoteI think the point is if you add an unlimited number of people the event gets out of hand quickly . This is not a yearly event in arkansas it changes locations . A lot of planning is done a year in advance . It is kept to limited number due to lodging and feeding the group in a timely manner .
That's the point that I was trying to make using a little humor (I guess I failed)... :-[
TOB
Quote from: gt350shelb on November 04, 2019, 01:48:09 PM
I think the point is if you add an unlimited number of people the event gets out of hand quickly . This is not a yearly event in arkansas it changes locations . A lot of planning is done a year in advance . It is kept to limited number due to lodging and feeding the group in a timely manner . Until you have planned one of these events it is hard to grasp all the details that need to fall into place to make them a success. (nobody is stopping you in your region )
Again, no argument from me, but still irrelevant. No one (that I know of) asked to be "added to" the event. Merely for the opportunity to view the cars in the tour group during one of their planned stops. Nothing that would require altering the route or schedule in any way, or adding to the logistical burden one iota.
Jay
REALITY CHECK: a handful of people and cars enjoying each other's company is not intended to be an affront to anyone.
For the love of Pete, I am an outsider's outsider, but reconnected with people I see (these days) once every 5, 10, 20 years.
If you set up a "standing tour" in your area of influence, I guarantee people would come. I'd come, if you allow Cougars/Merkurs.
" Merely for the opportunity to view the cars in the tour group during one of their planned stops. Nothing that would require altering the route or schedule in any way, or adding to the logistical burden one iota."
Jay
[/quote]
And, that, is one of the reasons, the routes, that will be driven, are not revealed. When 20 Shelby's
or Cobra's, arrive, at a very small town center, it's rather busy, trying to park, with all the other locals
and traffic, especially, around lunch times. If this little town was named, as a stopping point, there
would be any number of enterlopers.
Besides, these are private Tours, participation is by invitation, only. There is no affiliation with SAAC
or anyone else. Just a small group, of Shelby enthusiasts, getting together, to enjoy using their cars,
as they were intended. Sharing the experience and enjoying the camaraderie. There is no reason, to
announce, what, when or where, we will be.
Doug C.
Quote from: R Code on November 05, 2019, 12:12:56 AM
REALITY CHECK: a handful of people and cars enjoying each other's company is not intended to be an affront to anyone.
For the love of Pete, I am an outsider's outsider, but reconnected with people I see (these days) once every 5, 10, 20 years.
If you set up a "standing tour" in your area of influence, I guarantee people would come. I'd come, if you allow Cougars/Merkurs.
And if I were to organize such an event, you'd be invited. If we ran out of participant spots, you'd still be welcome to observe, as would anyone with a passion for the cars and their history, so long as they were respectful and didn't interfere. But that's the difference between me the the GT350 tour folks.
Point made, differences stated.
Now ...its a good idea to let this go.
Thanks
Any further pictures of the cars in the Tour?
Quote from: csxsfm on November 05, 2019, 05:51:01 PM
Any further pictures of the cars in the Tour?
I plan to have a few Blog posts within a week.
You can subscribe to our Blog here (https://virginiaclassicmustang.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=254b42eb1cd5f3769fc04af41&id=84b9aa5260) in order to receive an email when new posts are made.
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Quote from: csxsfm on November 05, 2019, 05:51:01 PM
Any further pictures of the cars in the Tour?
Here's a few
a few more