Tour To Tanglewood - Sept. 15, 2007

[Mr. Magoo]

Mark your calendars!!!

The Tour to Tanglewood is scheduled for Sept. 15th. For those that did not attend last year, or those that are not aware, this is a fund raiser by the local chapter of the MS Society. At this time they already have over 900 cyclists registered to ride. This year's goal is over $ 1 million dollars in pledges.

Our club, last year helped with the parking and traffic at the beginning and end. There were some issues with the traffic at the end that have been addressed this year, from a safety issue.

This year they have asked that we help again. In addition to what we did last year, they would like us to man some of the intersections, that the Corvette club normally does. I told them that if we had additional people, we could probably do this.

So mark you calendars, this is fun and a great way to help a very worthy cause. Plus free food, beverages, and t-shirts.

As in the past, I will host any "axe murderers" that need a place to stay the night before.

Participants:

Steve Mehder +1........ XL and M............Volvo
Alan Welch ................Lg.....................Tanglewood
MINI Mark...........................................Volvo
Midnight Dave......................................Volvo
N2MINI........................XL....................Volvo
Tarlander and Anne.....XL and L..............Volvo
Killer Kar and Larry......XL and L..............Volvo
Need7thgear..............L .......................Volvo
DSRH +2...................XXL, L, and S........Volvo
Wildcrazy44200....................................Volvo
Flyntstone..........................................Tanglewood

[MidnightDave]

You know I'm in!

BTW, don't forget the Red Bull grrrls--I mean drinks!

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/7839/1181853imgch8.jpg
Shot with Canon PowerShot A40 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+PowerShot+A40&make=Canon) at 2007-06-28

[Mr. Magoo]

Time to sign up! I worked at the blitz last night and they are ready for us as parking and traffic. They have redone the traffic pattern at Tanglewood, thanks to our suggestion, and it should be much more efficient. The "road in" is one way.

Please let me know which venue you can help with, and T-shirt size. As last year, those that help at Volvo can go to Tanglewood to join the others and enjoy food and drink, at no charge.

More details to follow.

[MDK]

I am interested in helping. I wish I was in shape to get back on the bike and ride but not quite! I'm in Greenville so can you tell where this is (I'm assuming Greensboro).

[Mr. Magoo]

It begins in Greensboro at Volvo on I-40. and goes to Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, just west of Winston. We have to be at Volvo about 6:00AM on Saturday.

If you can come, and are a registered axe murderer (long story), you are welcome to spend the night at my house. I realize it is a long drive early in the morning from Greenville.

[Mr. Magoo]

It begins in Greensboro at Volvo on I-40. and goes to Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, just west of Winston. We have to be at Volvo about 6:00AM on Saturday.

If you can come, and are a "registered axe murderer" (long story), you are welcome to spend the night at my house. I realize it is a long drive early in the morning from Greenville.

[MDK]

Thanks Magoo, I'll try to give you a definate answer soon. I think the schedule is open but I'm never sure untill I ask my wife.

[welcha]

I'm in.

Alan Welch Size: Large

Do you need address or anything for the records?

[Mr. Magoo]

Don't need address. Will have shirts that day. You may win the award for coming the longest distance. Ha !!

[minimark]

So everyone would need to be at Volvo in Greensboro at 6:00am? I'm supposed to work that day, but let me see if I can move things around a little and help out. When do you need to know for sure?

[MidnightDave]

You know I'm in, will chug up from Charlotte to Volvo that a.m., will have charged batteries in an extra radio and my Jester's hat...oh, and Large shirt, please and thanks!

[N2MINI]

I might be able to help-out till 12. How long are you at Volvo that morning.

[Mr. Magoo]

So everyone would need to be at Volvo in Greensboro at 6:00am? I'm supposed to work that day, but let me see if I can move things around a little and help out. When do you need to know for sure?

We will need some at Volvo early and others later at Tanglewood. As we get closer, I will know how many we need at each location. As we did last year, after we finished at Volvo, we all went to Tangle wood.

[Mr. Magoo]

Only 10 days away. I really need some more volunteers. Please let me know as soon as possible. The MS society are really counting on us for this.

[MidnightDave]

Autoweek has a feature called photo without caption. I think that applies here too, and I hope to see you there...

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/6044/img2449lz1.jpg

[tarlander]

We're in. Just got back from sunny and hot California, checked the calendar and will keep the 15th clear for Tanglewood. My wife and I will be there at Volvo at 6 A.M. Wherever you need us just point and direct and we'll make it so.

Tarlander and Ann (two sizes XL and L)

[Mr. Magoo]

We're in. Just got back from sunny and hot California, checked the calendar and will keep the 15th clear for Tanglewood. My wife and I will be there at Volvo at 6 A.M. Wherever you need us just point and direct and we'll make it so.

Tarlander and Ann (two sizes XL and L)

Thanks for your help. Will advise location. If you have radios will need to communicate. We will be on the club channel 20-20.

[KillerKar]

Count Gary and I BOTH in! He needs a size "L" and I'd like an "XL" please! :p

Can't wait!

Laura Carter

[Mr. Magoo]

Count Gary and I BOTH in! He needs a size "L" and I'd like an "XL" please! :p

Can't wait!

Laura Carter

Thanks for stepping up, I have you both down. (Loved your article in MC2 magazine).

[KillerKar]

Our pleasure! Wouldn't miss it for the world! I couldn't help last year 'cuz Killer wasn't here yet (ahhhh I remember this time last year, sitting here at work, waiting on word that he'd landed on US shores!) and I think we had something else planned for that weekend. Plus, G. works at Volvo - so he says it's appropriate he be there at the beginning!

And glad you liked the article!!

Laura

[need7thgear]

You can count me in for the morning. I would be more than happy to help.

[Mr. Magoo]

You can count me in for the morning. I would be more than happy to help.

Man, that is great !! Thanks for the help. T-shirt size?

[CooperSKart]

I really wish we could do this but we long ago scheduled our beach vacation starting that day. We've done it in the past & I would highly recommend it to anyone on the fence about this - it's a really good cause & great food/music/party at the end to boot!

[need7thgear]

A large t-shirt will be fine. I will see you there at 6:00am!

[DSRH]

I have three volunteers....Me, Julie and Alex. We need 2 XXL, large and a small shirt....that is a good haul from my house...ouch...

[TWISTER]

I'll be at a wedding that day for a great friend's daughter

[HPUdrew]

Sorry Steve, I can't make it this year. :( Good luck, I hope it all goes great!

Drew

[Mr. Magoo]

I have three volunteers....Me, Julie and Alex. We need 2 XXL, large and a small shirt....that is a good haul from my house...ouch...

Will let you know where and when. Thanks

[Mr. Magoo]

I'll be at a wedding that day for a great friend's daughter

Wedding!!! That sounds like an excuse I would come up with. Hah!

[need7thgear]

Is it the truck Volvo on I-40 where we need to meet? Just want to make sure that I end up at the right place.

[Mr. Magoo]

Is it the truck Volvo on I-40 where we need to meet? Just want to make sure that I end up at the right place.

Correct. I hope to see you on Monday at Liberty and give directions, but if I don't it is on I-40 on the east entrance on the service road. You should not have a problem. Do you have a walkie-talkie radio?

[wildcrazy442000]

I'll be at Volvo truck on I-40 at 6. If you need me. I'll try and round up a walkie-talkie but no promises. Tell me about the Dragon run-Where does it start and end-What is the best way to get there? I want to practice.

[tarlander]

Question about the radios. What kind do we use for the club? Seems like I saw it in another thread but don't know where now.

Also, Ann and I will be available all day. We'll meet you at Volvo at 6 AM and go from there.

[minimark]

Do you still need more people Steve?

[MidnightDave]

My .02 cents. We always need more people! ;-)

Radios are not required for this or our excursions, but we're more effective with them here and it's a LOT more fun with them on our trips, so it's well worth the meager investment. I think you're looking at a price between $35 and $75.

We use what's called FRS / GMRS radios, you can get them at any electronics store, they're made by Motorola, Midland, Cobra, Uniden and the like. I have had good luck my Cobras. Just be sure you have sub-channels, that is, the ability to tune in channel 7-21, not just 7.

http://electronics.pricegrabber.com/two-way-radio-frs/p/329/

There are FCC regulations around these radios and we all follow them as appropriate. Enough said on that.

They all say they have great range; they don't, but enough for our purposes. It's just a way to keep people from getting lost at traffic lights and to share some banter about local sites, driving skills and the like. It's not required but a lot more fun with it.

At this event, we use them to keep each other up to date on traffic flows, where we may need more people and the like. Plus, if you're at a remote outpost in the parking lot, it's a way to stay in tune with civilization. ;-)

[tarlander]

Believe I've got the radio part straightened out. Just got back from Home Depot to get some ant bait and lo and behold they had several different kinds. I got the Motorola FRS/GMRS, up to 22 channels with the interference codes. I think this is what you're referring to as sub-channels, such as 20/20 or 7/21. Range isn't much, about 1-2 miles without line of sight. See ya'll at Volvo Sat. AM.

[Sneaky Snake]

Count me in. I live just minutes from Tanglewood so anything I can do that evening let me know.

[Mr. Magoo]

In answer to several of the questions posted.

1. Regarding additional people needed, I think Dave answered it well. We can alway use more people. At this point I think we will need a minimum of 8-10 at Volvo. We will also need about that number at Tanglewood at a minimum. For those that live closer to Tanglewood, it would be best for you to go directly there. I will try to find someone that can be in charge of that part until those from Volvo will arrive. Will have more update later in the week.

1a. We can also use some people that can arrive around 10:00-10:30 at Tanglewood as "second shift".

2. Regarding the radios, again Dave was dead on

Please check the first post of this thread, to make sure that your name and t-shirt size is correct.

A special thanks to everyone that has volunteered to help this Saturday.

[welcha]

I live just across the river from Tanglewood. I will head to Tanglewood instead of coming all the way to Volvo. What time do you want me there?

[Mr. Magoo]

Thanks for stepping up. I will get back in touch after I hear from the MS headquarters.

[Mr. Magoo]

I have updated the list and starting location for everyone. Please check and let me know if this is ]NOT right. We have the minimum that we need at Volvo. (BTW, I just learned that we need to be there at 5:30, since registration starts at 6:00AM.

Tanglewood, currently has only two people signed up for the 7:30 shift. Most of the Volvo people will be at Tanglewood around 9:00 to help out, but we could use a few more until the Volvo people get there.

I am picking up the T-shirts today around noon. Please let me know any changes.

[KillerKar]

:eek: 5:30?! ACK! And we have to get up Sunday morning, too, for the next F-1 Grand Prix race (gotta see Louis Hamilton WIN!)

Oh sorry ... hey, I just wanted to make sure that you had Gary and I down for both Volvo AND Tanglewood? We can help at both!

Looking forward to it! (And hoping they'll have plenty of coffee ...)

Laura & Gary & Killer

[Mr. Magoo]

Yes, will see you at Volvo at 5:30. From there we will leave for Tanglewood around 8, right after the cyclist leave.

[tarlander]

Boy this is going to be fun. Convincing Ann to get up earlier, Heh Heh Heh. She's a trooper though. Do you need us to bring any water or anything? Chairs?? Also, we will be there for the duration so wherever you need us at Tanglewood as well.

[Mr. Magoo]

Boy this is going to be fun. Convincing Ann to get up earlier, Heh Heh Heh. She's a trooper though. Do you need us to bring any water or anything? Chairs?? Also, we will be there for the duration so wherever you need us at Tanglewood as well.

I know the feeling. It is equally as hard convincing my wife to be there at 5:30, but I told her that there is a free t-shirt in store for her. Water might be helpful, as would a chair, but more important would be a walkie-talkie radio for each. You should be free to leave around noon to one. Hopefully, earlier.

Thanks for the effort and tell your wife this is only one event a year, in which we give back to the community and especially a most worthwhile venture. Just be glad that we don't ask MINI drivers to ride bikes.

[welcha]

I need a couple of members to sign up to come directly to Tanglewood. We need a bare minimum of 5 to handle the traffic flow properly. I would say meet at 7:15 at Harris Teeter across the street from the park before going in. I will have diagrams of the parking and traffic system. Anyone signing up for Tanglewood, please also email me directly. We can take the logisitics offline. Thanks.

[DSRH]

Sorry all I was unable to make this event due to illness. I have been sick all week, stayed out of work yesterday, went to the Doctor, and have two sacks of meds...on and on..
I thought I would feel well enough to make it this AM but it just didn't happen so I am still in the bed...I really enjoy bike races and wanted to help a good cause I just didn't feel up to being there. And trust me you don't want to be exposed to this plague...it is bad stuff. There is always next year.

[wildcrazy442000]

Next year I'll bring the sunsreen, I got toasted at Tanglewood. I had a good time, was nice meeting everyone there.

[minimark]

Enjoyed seeing everyone and had a good time!:cool:

[N2MINI]

Great time. Wasn't sure what to expect, as it was my first time helping out with this. Will be back next year. Met a few new people and had fun cutting up with all..

[tarlander]

What a day. As with N2Mini, this was the first time with the group doing something. A beatiful day to be out doing anything and I'm proud to doing even a small part in this great effort to raise money for MS. As with anything dealing with the general public there was some confusion but Magoo, Midnight Dave and the rest made everything look easy. It was truly great to meet those of the club in attendance and we had a big day combining what we were there for with talking and cutting up. Of course the Minis had fun too grouped together and gossiping together about the 'lesser' vehicles around, especially the Miata that tried to hang around with the group. I heard some really trashy talk from the Mini parking area about him. Some discipline seems to be in order.

[minimark]

Don't let the wind blow up your kilt Tarlander, that was only a constructive discussion about the merits of a Miata......:D

[MidnightDave]

Thanks to Steve/Magoo for the hospitality the night before, Volvo was great this year, we were well organized, had "just" enough people and it went great.

Can't say entirely the same for Tanglewood, and I got into work mode, which is authoritarian and rude at times, so apologies if I offended anybody, (besides Coach Davis of the Ladies' Softball team, I know I'm off her Xmas list ;-0 ).

The good news, Aloe is helping with this sunburn, and the guys in the Minivan, the Samarai and the blonde in the Suburban didn't actually run over anybody, although it was close at times. ;-) Thanks to all for putting up with my occassional antics and for joining me in cheering on the arriving cyclists, and wobblers.

Suggestions for Steve to take to the organizers: 1) better coordination between all groups working traffic control at Tanglewood, 2a) SIGNAGE for luggage drops at Volvo, (Brian had a better idea, I won't steal his thunder), 2b) SIGNAGE for "All Vehicles" at our turn one, "Cars right, Bikes left" at the entrance, and bigger "ONLY ONE EXIT", 3) bottled water at all traffic stop points, 4) tips on riding in groups for the cyclists--many didn't even know to call "on your left" before they buzzed somebody.

Thanks to Gary, (belongs to Laura and KillerKar, for educating a few of them at the top of his lungs! ;-0 ) For a brief moment, I wasn't the only one being passionate. ;-)

One final note, before I step off the soap box, to the Trolls and Lurkers: we just had our 600th member join and we couldn't get 5% out to help for this worthy cause? Hmmm. Come out and help at Tanglewood, they need it. Don't worry, I'll likely just work Volvo at my luggage truck next year, then head out after McD's so nobody has to put with me at Tanglewood. ;-) Besides, without Drew along, we were snubbed by the Red Bull MINI girls, or maybe they're alternating years and next year is it?

Don't want to give the wrong impression, it was a good time for a very worthwhile cause and we added a lot of value. I had a friend killed on a bicycle by a negligent Minivan driver, so I'm a little passionate about it, even if I am the "clown parking cars". We all did what it took to keep these 1500+ cyclists safe and encouraged and I thank everybody for that.

Here are some pic's.

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/7494/1313146imgeh3.jpg
http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/1605/1313150imgxp5.jpg
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/4760/1313151imgie2.jpg
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/8807/1313153imgmh7.jpg

[Mr. Magoo]

Thank you, thank you, thank you

That says about all. We had a great turnout at Volvo and every went like clockwork. At our "debriefing breakfast", we had some great ideas that I will pass on to the MS Society. Alan did a great job gathering his own workers in the form of the WSSU softball team. Give a coach the radio, and it is all over. But I have to say the best part was Midnight Dave as the MINI Jester. Everything went much better than last year, and thank you to all that helped. Although this is the second year in a row that I did not get to have any of the food or beer, I hope all other did. (I had to be in Asheville by 3:00).

I think with all the fun we had, and benefit that we did for the MS and the community, this should be a yearly event. Would like to see more involved if only coming for the late shift (11:00 AM) at Tanglewood. Set you "Bat Watch" for next year, same time same day.

Again Thanks to all that helped

[KillerKar]

Gary and I really enjoyed it. But with this bronchitis, by 2:30 that afternoon, the sun and the dust being kicked up by the exiting cars got me so I went to sit in Killer for a bit. Next thing that I knew, Gary came up & said Dave was only going to be there another 30 min. or so (the riders, incoming, had slowed to less than a slow drip by that point) and why didn't we go home. I had a time coughing my way back to Reidsville (!!) but wouldn't have missed this for anything - dammit I'd been cooped up all week, I wasn't about to bail! LOL

I'm glad to have met some more folks, too, and put faces/names together. Dave, we'll bring water next year to throw on ya if you get too militant! LOL (JOKE!)

And Gary was an actor, so he KNOWS how to project. You need voice projection, NOW you know who to call!

Laura & Killer & Gary

[Chuffed2Bits]

I want to take a moment to thank all of you who ventured out to help with this event. I did have every intention of being there, but as most of you guys know, I am very active with the Eastern NC Chapter of the MS Society since I live in the Raleigh area. Our bike tour was held down in New Bern the previous weekend. (Unlike last year, they were not scheduled on the same weekends). I went down to New Bern and was down there for just the day and I returned the same evening. Unfortunately, something like that takes a lot of me....fatigue is a big issue for people with MS and I have been running on fumes, perhaps in the negative balance for the past week now. But once again, I wanted to express to you all just how important volunteers are....you mean a lot to the Society and to people with MS. And I personally thank you from the bottom of my heart. :)

~Lyn

[wildcrazy442000]

Next time could we stress to the event organizers that everyone (except Fire, Police, and EMS) needs to follow the traffic pattern esp. the SAG vehicles. That one ass in the white van nearly ran over me.

[wildcrazy442000]

Next time could we stress to the event organizers that everyone (except Fire, Police, and EMS) needs to follow the traffic pattern esp. the SAG vehicles. That one ass in the white van nearly ran over me.

Thanks Wildcrazy442000

[Chuffed2Bits]

I'm not sure if it's just the Tanglewood venue, as I have never been to it but based upon what I have seen you guys post from last year's bike tour and this year's tour, the Eastern NC's chapter bike tour seems to flow so much easier down in New Bern.....might just be the venue because they start and finish in the same place....down at Union Point, if any of you are familiar with New Bern....so no trying to meet the cyclists on the "other side".


Next time could we stress to the event organizers that everyone (except Fire, Police, and EMS) needs to follow the traffic pattern esp. the SAG vehicles. That one ass in the white van nearly ran over me.

Thanks Wildcrazy442000

[MidnightDave]

Off topic and wanted share this pic for all, especially Laura, who, I have it in my head, is into the whole knights/princesses thing, and could use a laugh after being sick!

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/6465/knightforlauraya1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[wildcrazy442000]

What a Cute Horse

[tarlander]

Being a Knight I could really use a horse like that.

Ann and I were glad to be a part of the MS event. Hopefully we'll be there for next year as well.

[Mr. Magoo]

Thanks to MINIUSA, I have a surprise for those that helped out with the Tour this year. Let's just say it's "hearts" to explain what it is, but if you look on my rear package tray it might be more clear. Hope to have them sometime next week.

[KillerKar]

Yay! Great news!!!

Laura :rolleyes:

[KillerKar]

OMG I just saw the pic of the knight. TOO FUNNY! I'm still sick so the picture accomplishes its purposes of perking me up a bit! (Bronchitis should be ruled illegal in all states - can't we just wipe it out like polio? Why isn't someone working on this, dammit!?) :D

Thanks, Dave!

Laura

[minimark]

Does anyone know what's on Magoo's parcel tray?:rolleyes:

[MidnightDave]

Same thing that's on the back of my car! Left of the license plate...

[minianni]

and mine too!!!!
:-)

[need7thgear]

Got my mini motoring hearts badge yesterday. Thanks goes to Magoo for getting these nice badges for us. Now I just need to figure out where I'm going to put it. Thanks again Magoo!

[TWISTER]

Most of us put them beside our plate on the left side on the boot. It's nice and flat there

[wildcrazy442000]

Like in this picture.

[MidnightDave]

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9387/1272772imgey8.jpg
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1722/1313160imgwv3.jpg

[Mr. Magoo]

Got my mini motoring hearts badge yesterday. Thanks goes to Magoo for getting these nice badges for us. Now I just need to figure out where I'm going to put it. Thanks again Magoo!

I put mine on with a "male" strip of velcro. Less obvious and less likely to "come off".