[Sun, May 18th] MINIs BY THE BAY V
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,911
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City, MD
Just my 2 cents worth, but I think starting out in one group is the best.
I know that at times we have to pull over to re-group but we do get back
together. Don't get me wrong I definitely like a SPIRITED pace, but stay-
ing as one seems like more fun. Whatever the majority decides is a-ok
with me.
I know that at times we have to pull over to re-group but we do get back
together. Don't get me wrong I definitely like a SPIRITED pace, but stay-
ing as one seems like more fun. Whatever the majority decides is a-ok
with me.
As a primary sweeper, I get to hear what the folks behind us are yelling as our conga line slows down traffic and clogs up intersections, and it often isn't pretty. Glenn got a small taste of it on Monday as we ran the picnic route, and that was with only three cars. Ask him how it felt. It doesn't happen every time, but on the last three runs I've swept, we have been called some pretty hateful names, and have really pissed off more folks than most of you would imagine. The larger the group, the more I think we tie things up. Some of you likely won't care, but I bet the majority of you had never considered this aspect of our runs.
From their standpoint, they might see 20 or 30 similar cars, joyriding, wasting gas, tying up intersections and making them late for whatever they're headed for. Imagine that you're running late for an appointment and you run into a funeral. You might be sympathetic for the bereaved, but I bet you get just a bit annoyed at being delayed. And that's for a legitimate reason. I imagine that if folks see us as joyriders wasting gas, their reactions might be even less understanding. And the goodwill we intended to create might have the opposite effect. We have the same rights to use the road as everyone else, but I don't think everyone we encounter sees it that way.
Just like we behave ourselves in residential areas to avoid angering the local population, perhaps we might consider how we affect others with our long conga lines.
<<gets out asbestos jumpsuit and locks doors>>
From their standpoint, they might see 20 or 30 similar cars, joyriding, wasting gas, tying up intersections and making them late for whatever they're headed for. Imagine that you're running late for an appointment and you run into a funeral. You might be sympathetic for the bereaved, but I bet you get just a bit annoyed at being delayed. And that's for a legitimate reason. I imagine that if folks see us as joyriders wasting gas, their reactions might be even less understanding. And the goodwill we intended to create might have the opposite effect. We have the same rights to use the road as everyone else, but I don't think everyone we encounter sees it that way.
Just like we behave ourselves in residential areas to avoid angering the local population, perhaps we might consider how we affect others with our long conga lines.
<<gets out asbestos jumpsuit and locks doors>>
I think it's all depending on the organizers. It's their call, it's their show. Everyone has their own ideas to run things. Let they set their own pace and format.
As long as public safety (our safety as well) and law is concern, it's all good.
Runs are supposed to be for fun, aren't they?
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in time
Everywhere you go there will always be conflict....human nature I suppose.
At the dragstrip, in the points chase, I had people that did not like me because I beat them, they even accused me of cheating, but in bracket racing, it is really a race against yourself, other than maybe trying to burn someone down on the line, there really is no way to cheat. I've been in Bassfishing clubs and had similar issues (especially when you compete for $$$$....some don't take getting beat easily) In the flying club...well, you'd be amazed to see grown men argue over some stupid things. I have had one old guy in my face calling me every $@%#&@&@ name under the sun telling me he was going to kick my ***. That episode was spurned from the old guy being a bit jealous of some "hot" "aggressive" flying....sound familiar ?
I've witnessed these "angry" people and I would guess that they are always angry and will find conflict with almost anyone, just like the above example. IMO, I see far too many people that smile and wave to consider the angry types worthy of thought. I don't think the motive of the St Paddy day run "angrys" was gas usage driven or crowded road, more just the usual roadrage fueler, "its my road...who do they think they are"
Ed, you make a good point regarding different speeds but I think we're missing the point of the club.....
I don't think DCMM was founded with high speed "racing" type drives being the primary goal. I would imagine it was put together to bring people together with a common bond....the MINI. Splitting off into an "aggresive group" or "molasses in March crowd" would start to split the club up. At the flying club, they have gone as far as having groups of Aerobatic type snobs looking down on Scale flyer types and so on, this creation of groups within groups really sucks, it starts to break up the "common bond" club feel.
To me, a weekend run is a chance to get together, talk MINI, have some good grub and enjoy a nice drive. Sometimes, I enjoy a bit of "spirited" driving towards the back, taking the curves with more speed and precision, but then I've also jumped in the middle to just cruise, tunes turned up and the moonroof open.
There's no timing equipment, no race to run, no one to beat, so really there's no need for taking turns as fast as you can, that is what the track is for. That is the place where you can actually see your efforts payoff via a timeslip. It seems to me that if you want to drive that much faster, then those who do, should put more track days together. One thing that scares me is less proficient drivers attempting to run in a really fast aggresive pack, that is a tragedy in the making.
I've always thought we might pick up an image with the public of "Hells Angels in MINIs" with the more aggresive driving, especially the runs that go through more populated areas. We really need to make it a point to keep that to a minimum.
Thus, with the way the runs work now, slower up front, quicker in the back, it seems we have a nice compromise. It just needs to be made clear...slower up front...quicker in the back.
Ed, I'm not directing any of this at you personally, just voicing my opinion.
BTW- The idea of keeping groups to 15 cars is a good one, that's a number that can be handled and also still look impressive. Last year's MBTB was done in two groups and it was a blast.
Cheers,
Mike
At the dragstrip, in the points chase, I had people that did not like me because I beat them, they even accused me of cheating, but in bracket racing, it is really a race against yourself, other than maybe trying to burn someone down on the line, there really is no way to cheat. I've been in Bassfishing clubs and had similar issues (especially when you compete for $$$$....some don't take getting beat easily) In the flying club...well, you'd be amazed to see grown men argue over some stupid things. I have had one old guy in my face calling me every $@%#&@&@ name under the sun telling me he was going to kick my ***. That episode was spurned from the old guy being a bit jealous of some "hot" "aggressive" flying....sound familiar ?
I've witnessed these "angry" people and I would guess that they are always angry and will find conflict with almost anyone, just like the above example. IMO, I see far too many people that smile and wave to consider the angry types worthy of thought. I don't think the motive of the St Paddy day run "angrys" was gas usage driven or crowded road, more just the usual roadrage fueler, "its my road...who do they think they are"
Ed, you make a good point regarding different speeds but I think we're missing the point of the club.....
I don't think DCMM was founded with high speed "racing" type drives being the primary goal. I would imagine it was put together to bring people together with a common bond....the MINI. Splitting off into an "aggresive group" or "molasses in March crowd" would start to split the club up. At the flying club, they have gone as far as having groups of Aerobatic type snobs looking down on Scale flyer types and so on, this creation of groups within groups really sucks, it starts to break up the "common bond" club feel.
To me, a weekend run is a chance to get together, talk MINI, have some good grub and enjoy a nice drive. Sometimes, I enjoy a bit of "spirited" driving towards the back, taking the curves with more speed and precision, but then I've also jumped in the middle to just cruise, tunes turned up and the moonroof open.
There's no timing equipment, no race to run, no one to beat, so really there's no need for taking turns as fast as you can, that is what the track is for. That is the place where you can actually see your efforts payoff via a timeslip. It seems to me that if you want to drive that much faster, then those who do, should put more track days together. One thing that scares me is less proficient drivers attempting to run in a really fast aggresive pack, that is a tragedy in the making.
I've always thought we might pick up an image with the public of "Hells Angels in MINIs" with the more aggresive driving, especially the runs that go through more populated areas. We really need to make it a point to keep that to a minimum.
Thus, with the way the runs work now, slower up front, quicker in the back, it seems we have a nice compromise. It just needs to be made clear...slower up front...quicker in the back.
Ed, I'm not directing any of this at you personally, just voicing my opinion.
BTW- The idea of keeping groups to 15 cars is a good one, that's a number that can be handled and also still look impressive. Last year's MBTB was done in two groups and it was a blast.
Cheers,
Mike
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,332
Likes: 1
From: MD
Something I'll share with all of you, and I know this won't be popular...
As a primary sweeper, I get to hear what the folks behind us are yelling as our conga line slows down traffic and clogs up intersections, and it often isn't pretty. Glenn got a small taste of it on Monday as we ran the picnic route, and that was with only three cars. Ask him how it felt. It doesn't happen every time, but on the last three runs I've swept, we have been called some pretty hateful names, and have really pissed off more folks than most of you would imagine. The larger the group, the more I think we tie things up. Some of you likely won't care, but I bet the majority of you had never considered this aspect of our runs.
From their standpoint, they might see 20 or 30 similar cars, joyriding, wasting gas, tying up intersections and making them late for whatever they're headed for. Imagine that you're running late for an appointment and you run into a funeral. You might be sympathetic for the bereaved, but I bet you get just a bit annoyed at being delayed. And that's for a legitimate reason. I imagine that if folks see us as joyriders wasting gas, their reactions might be even less understanding. And the goodwill we intended to create might have the opposite effect. We have the same rights to use the road as everyone else, but I don't think everyone we encounter sees it that way.
Just like we behave ourselves in residential areas to avoid angering the local population, perhaps we might consider how we affect others with our long conga lines.
Sorry if I have opened a flaming can of worms, but I think this issue is worth exploring. I don't have an answer, but with the collective wisdom, compassionate understanding and boundless insight of our members, I'm sure we'll get some terrific posts! Flame on!
<<gets out asbestos jumpsuit and locks doors>>
As a primary sweeper, I get to hear what the folks behind us are yelling as our conga line slows down traffic and clogs up intersections, and it often isn't pretty. Glenn got a small taste of it on Monday as we ran the picnic route, and that was with only three cars. Ask him how it felt. It doesn't happen every time, but on the last three runs I've swept, we have been called some pretty hateful names, and have really pissed off more folks than most of you would imagine. The larger the group, the more I think we tie things up. Some of you likely won't care, but I bet the majority of you had never considered this aspect of our runs.
From their standpoint, they might see 20 or 30 similar cars, joyriding, wasting gas, tying up intersections and making them late for whatever they're headed for. Imagine that you're running late for an appointment and you run into a funeral. You might be sympathetic for the bereaved, but I bet you get just a bit annoyed at being delayed. And that's for a legitimate reason. I imagine that if folks see us as joyriders wasting gas, their reactions might be even less understanding. And the goodwill we intended to create might have the opposite effect. We have the same rights to use the road as everyone else, but I don't think everyone we encounter sees it that way.
Just like we behave ourselves in residential areas to avoid angering the local population, perhaps we might consider how we affect others with our long conga lines.
Sorry if I have opened a flaming can of worms, but I think this issue is worth exploring. I don't have an answer, but with the collective wisdom, compassionate understanding and boundless insight of our members, I'm sure we'll get some terrific posts! Flame on!
<<gets out asbestos jumpsuit and locks doors>>
Perhaps its the pretty white MINI you have
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: Germantown, MD
As a primary sweeper, I get to hear what the folks behind us are yelling as our conga line slows down traffic and clogs up intersections, and it often isn't pretty. Glenn got a small taste of it on Monday as we ran the picnic route, and that was with only three cars. Ask him how it felt.
The audacity of a stranger to drop the F bomb and throw in an anti-homosexual slur really got to me.
All I did was pull over on a deserted road to wait for Chris and Ed, who stopped for a photo, to catch up.
This was the cause of this person's road rage? Unbelievable.
Glenn
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in time
I'm still pissed.
The audacity of a stranger to drop the F bomb and throw in an anti-homosexual slur really got to me.
All I did was pull over on a deserted road to wait for Chris and Ed, who stopped for a photo, to catch up.
This was the cause of this person's road rage? Unbelievable.
Glenn
The audacity of a stranger to drop the F bomb and throw in an anti-homosexual slur really got to me.
All I did was pull over on a deserted road to wait for Chris and Ed, who stopped for a photo, to catch up.
This was the cause of this person's road rage? Unbelievable.
Glenn
My first reaction would be this:
Leona would react like this girl:
If that doesn't work we send in the Pontani Sisters !
and if they don't work then these guys will pick a fight for ya !
and even if these guys can't help, Leona is close friends with the rodent community and they'll send in their best !
So don't worry about those mean people Glenn, we gotcha covered !
Cheers and a happy day to you !
Mike
Last edited by SpitfireMkI; May 8, 2008 at 09:30 AM.
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: DC Metro Area
I'm thrilled there is so much going on this summer...it will be great to come out and meet more people at as many events as possible.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,881
Likes: 3
From: Edgewater, MD
Well, if it would help, you could always meet us at the restaurants in Chesapeake Beach, and join us for the 2nd half of the run!
I guess we'll be ready to leave there by about 1pm after we've filled ourselves with all sorts of yummy brunch or lunch treats. C'mon... you know you wanna
I guess we'll be ready to leave there by about 1pm after we've filled ourselves with all sorts of yummy brunch or lunch treats. C'mon... you know you wanna
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,555
Likes: 0
Glenn, it's shame that happened but you have to figure that person probably forgot his meds and perhaps needs to double his dose.
Please don't let one idiot's reaction put a damper on your enthusiasm for attending or sweeping drives.
As to splitting up the drives into separate driving style groups..I'm against it. As it has been said in previous posts, the whole idea behind these drives is that they are a group function.
Please don't let one idiot's reaction put a damper on your enthusiasm for attending or sweeping drives.
As to splitting up the drives into separate driving style groups..I'm against it. As it has been said in previous posts, the whole idea behind these drives is that they are a group function.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
From: Towson/Baltimore, MD
So, I've been looking forward to doing this particular run since i joined DCMM back in January....
unfortunatly it looks as though I've hit a rough patch (as my entire department, including my boss got laid off yesterday over the phone
)
So it looks like I may not be able to go to any runs for the next few months (since i have to start saving my pennies, which means no more excessive driving around)
I just hope i get to keep Alice
i love this car waaaaay too much to part with her
unfortunatly it looks as though I've hit a rough patch (as my entire department, including my boss got laid off yesterday over the phone
)So it looks like I may not be able to go to any runs for the next few months (since i have to start saving my pennies, which means no more excessive driving around)
I just hope i get to keep Alice
i love this car waaaaay too much to part with her
Last edited by AliceCpr07; May 9, 2008 at 10:10 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in time
I'm feeling your hurt, we had lay-offs last week, we're down to the original three members from 2005. Myself and one other had to take a huge pay cut, but we're both fortunate to still have jobs. I'm still nervous but it appears that our fortune may turn for the better next week, fingers crossed.
I have been through unemployment before, back in 2004 for a year and half and it ruined me. My MINI story began back then, I went to MOS on Saturday to buy my MINI and luckily, they treated me like crap so I didn't order. On the following Monday we got laid off. So Wensleydale had to wait nearly three years.
Hope things go your way, hope Alice stays around too.
As my wise friend (a vet from WWII) used to say "I was lookin' for a job when I got this one"
All the best....
Mike
I have been through unemployment before, back in 2004 for a year and half and it ruined me. My MINI story began back then, I went to MOS on Saturday to buy my MINI and luckily, they treated me like crap so I didn't order. On the following Monday we got laid off. So Wensleydale had to wait nearly three years.
Hope things go your way, hope Alice stays around too.
As my wise friend (a vet from WWII) used to say "I was lookin' for a job when I got this one"
All the best....
Mike
4th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: Germantown, MD
Sorry to hear about this, Amy.
For some reason, we all become emotionally attached to our MINIs and so we all understand your worry about losing Alice. I can't imagine what I'd do without my car.
Glenn
For some reason, we all become emotionally attached to our MINIs and so we all understand your worry about losing Alice. I can't imagine what I'd do without my car.
Glenn
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Waipahu, Hawaii
With a large group of cars you need smaller groups otherwise it gets to be too much ... and usually that large a group winds up getting split anyhow.
