8/30/10

Thanks For Stopping

My wife and I were on our way home Sunday evening when the timing chain broke in the motor of our rat rod .

Thank heaven we found a wide spot on RT. 121 safely out of traffic. We called AAA and they came and got us an hour and a half later. During this time over thirty cars stopped to help in any way they could.

I would like to thank all that stopped, it was deeply appreciated. Also a very big thank you to six heroes that stayed with us until Moonshine was loaded and ready to be hauled home. You guys are the best!

To all that stopped thanks again.

Sincerely, Bob & Pam Reed

A Report From...

To whom it may concern,

I attended your show this Sunday for the second time in a few years. Only I had my ' 68 Mustang this time. I thought it was for the most part a good day. Only I have a couple of tiffs to point out.

The Chicken dinner was not the greatest. The chicken was dry,the potatoes in the salad were not cooked enough, they were tuff. I didn't feel it was worth the $10.00. You should also offer a little more for food choices. Since not everyone really wanted or like chicken and had to go across the street to the store.

The biggest beef I had, along with a lot of others I spoke with, did not think Judging of Vehicles was fair. There were a few cars that got first place that did not in a true Judged show deserve it. In a JUDGED Show there is a 100 point score system. Broke down it goes 25 % Engine, which means the Hood MUST be Open, 25% Trunk, Which the Lid Should be also OPEN, 25% paint and last Over all 25% Cleanliness. So how could a car that does NOT have it's Hood or trunk Lid OPEN win 1st place. Or a car that has a Dirty engine or a shoddy paint job, win first? The only thing people could come up with for a reasonable explanation was the old saying in the car show circuit is " The GOOD OLD BOY NETWORK" If your "JUDGES" can't judge fairly, according to the proper judge system, then you will lose a lot of participation. In fact the majority of the people I spoke with will not return next year because of it. If you want a good fair show than lose the judging and turn it to Participation SPLIT ballot show.

The other beef I heard through out the day, was that the only ones to get a goody bags were the preregistered people, The ones that did not, did not get a thing to commemorated the day. You should offer either ribbons or dash plagues for those that do not preregister, something is better than nothing.

Sincerely, Connie Peacock

8/29/10

Weekend Report

4 Shows and I stayed home, I did not do the WCSH Show yesterday, I didn't head to the great white north and get to Littleton, Farmington has never been my cup of tea and Roxanne I'm sorry I missed it. I can't say much except that what I have heard from several attendees is that the Raymond show was great and hopefully the constructive comments made will make a better show next year.

The best part of the weekend was the benefit for Glen Thurlow. It was great to see everybody pulling together for a cause without reward other than the feeling of doing something right. The Parking lot was packed and the legion hall was full of food, fun people and smiles.

The Uptown Kruizahs raised over $2000 for the Thurlow Family with the help of a few clubs a whole bunch of friends.

Well Done Everyone

8/28/10

Raymond

Almost forgot this one and wouldn't want to.

Roxanne Gerry and some friends are doing a Show on the 29th(as verified by the Road Scholars & Hotkarz calendars) not today as stated by the Hotkarz Blog. I really don't know that much about this one and wish I could tell you more. It is being held at the Jordan Small School on Rte 85 in Raymond. It seems to have some interesting classes and may prove to be a good start to a rather bleak weekend in the Car Show schedule. Sad to say that I will not be able to attend this show but those that can should support the show.

Give Roxanne some input for the future to improve the show, not seeing the future in a crystal ball and saying its going to suck.

8/24/10

Benefit

We all, at one time or another meet someone who in his or her own way makes a difference in the way we look at stuff. These people are easy to talk to, yet hold their beliefs and morals close to their hearts. They quietly make a statement without saying a dam thing.

Glen Thurlow is that type of person. As I have known Glen for several years he has at times been a pain in my ass, but that's what friends are at times, and I do count Glen as a friend who is easy to talk too. Over the years he and I, along with others who enjoy this hobby, have had some laughs and few discussions. We have argued over trivial shit and still remained on speaking terms through out the day and the following week all is forgotten and the friendship remains.

Reports trickled through the Car Show scene that Glen was sick. The only way to confirm these was through Glen himself and he openly stated that he had cancer, his voice never quivered. I knew then he was getting ready to fight like hell.

Being a self employed Craftsman, Glen has little to no insurance and shit is piling up fast. He is not the type to ask for help and I don't think he would even if he had to.

So as his friends and acquaintances pondered this dilemma, they decided to have a benefit Cruise-In and Dinner to help with the bills and anything else that they need.

On Sunday, August 29th at the American Legion Hall, Rt.121/112King St. in Oxford, we will gather for a Cruise-In from 3pm to 5pm with the Supper portion starting at 5 and going till the foods gone. If you need more info call 539-0941, 890-0870, 890-0871 or e-mail at blackbear1964@yahoo.com .

Whether you know him or not, or call him your friend or not, you need to do this event, because it is the right thing to do.

8/22/10

Long weekend PT2

So this buzzing noise at 5am tells me to kill the idiot that told everybody we were leaving at 6:30am to head to Cabela's for the Team 207 Show, then I remembered that idiot was me. Damn that was stupid.

Back in 2009 the Guys and Gals of the Club that is known as Team 207 approached me for advice in getting there car show off the ground. By December the Ball was rolling at a pace that they could call fast and they saw the fruit of their labor today.

With just enough taste of the old way of doing a car show and plenty of their own ingredients to make it a new show Team 207 showed many of us Geezer's what a "Team" effort was all about. The surrounding merchants, the participants and the organizers all worked as a "Team" to make one of the most pleasant first year shows that has marched down the street in awhile.

Yes it was a good first show, but it did have some problems that were noted by me and several others. Knowing this club, they have already found a solution to those problems and will have them cured by next year. I can say that a Stereo Problem was handled with more eloquence that I could muster and quickly became a non-problem.

The award I was given was for the respect that I showed them and the advice that was gladly given. In return they listened to the advice, added their own touches and have shown us all how to make it happen. They showed us respect by having classes that we could enter, unlike some shows that don't include a "Tuner" class. They showed us that they are capable of continuing the Hobby and traditions of putting on Quality Car Shows. They also showed us they can adjust quickly and tried like hell to keep everybody happy.

This was received in E-Mail:
Kudos to Team 207 for what I think was a flawless show!!! GREAT JOB GUYS AND GALS!!!! If there were any glitches, they were well hidden as they should have been. Wonderful location and it appeared that the merchants also supported our crowd! Nice touch to have breakfast pizza served at you car and coupons handed out for discounts at participating shops and YES I did go shopping (window mostly). So please pass my thanks along to them as well.

Just goes to show "team" work gets the job done. If the club has one next year, you bet, we will come! Many thanks to you folks and see you soon we hope.


I concur and say this, Respect goes a long way and is easily earned.

They sure as Hell did that today. Good Job!!!

Long Weekend PT1

The weekend started on Thursday this week and went full tilt boogie until about an hour ago. Hebron on Thursday night for the weekly prayer meeting of the Church of the Blessed Gearhead was as usual funny as hell and lasted not quite long enough.

Back to Hebron for Supper on Friday and the Comedy routine from the the ever talented Mr Chip's, Pinstriper, Sign Painter, Custom Graphic Artist, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer. Piss yourself Laughing with tears in your eyes was the way it started, continued and ended.

At 6:45am on Saturday Morning my Saturday ritual of setting up the office and getting my morning hike up the hill to Duffy's for Coffee and Doughnuts with a tall story of daring-do or some other story of bullshit, told me that we were off and running for another day of fun and Street Rods.

At noon I was admiring over 200 Street Rods, Customs and Pre-72 manifestations of unique personality and was in awe at the way this event is run. 200 vehicles and 5 awards and all the ego's left with the trash by the side of the road.

With the Pinecaster's playing live Rockabilly, food that was good, fairly cheap and adult beverages in as abundant quantities as one could wish a good day was at hand and those that attended enjoyed every damn minute.

To think that this was the 38th event the Down East Street Rods have done and they have yet to screw the pooch in presentation or execution.

On the other hand the East Auburn Baptist Church Car Show was also in progress and this is the report we were sent and have printed here.

What a day we had...Great location, great weather and great friends!! Some 60+ vehicles entered the show and I can honestly say that I didn't hear one complaint. The organizers tried something different with the classes, opting to forgo the usual 50's, 60's, 70's etc and chose to break the classes up by makes and models. Can't say that it was a big hit, but those attending appeared to have a good time and that's what it was all about. Food was plentiful and VERY inexpensive. Music was provided by a member of the staff, not a hired DJ and that too worked well. The addition this year was a big tent to provide much needed shade and picnic tables to enjoy lunch at. Live entertainment was provided, not intentionally of course, when some baby kangaroo mice appeared in the 80's class! I was told that they were hitchhikers picked up in Togus and the forgot to get out!!! My nerves were shot, but thanks to Jackie I survived though Mr. C had a good laugh at my expense. Oh well - next year's show is already in the works - organizers asked for and received comments/suggestions and have promised to take them under advisement. The decade classes will return and hopefully a few others. The day will again coincide with the balloon festival.

Thanks Deb

8/17/10

Questions

As my ass heals from the chewing it received (please read the comments for the Togus posting), several questions as to the upcoming shows this weekend have come up and with some information provided by Deb Vines and some time tables set at Togus we will try and help out with this calamity.

East Auburn Baptist Church again this year has decided to go up against the Down East Street Rods Rod Run, (38th) at Hebron Pines Camp Ground. The question is, the classes. Deb threw these at me last week on FB and now we see them here.

Classes for East Auburn Baptist Church Show on August 21: Muscle Cars, Antiques, Street Rods,Mopar, Corvette, Convertibles, Camaro/Firebird, Mustang/Cougar, Pontiac/ Buick's/Olds, Best of 80's, Foreign/Tuners, Special Interest, 4x4 Trucks, Golden Oldies, Sport Trucks, Motorcycles/Trikes. Also Best Engine, Best Paint and Best of Show.

I'll be at the Rod Run.

Next is the Team 207 Show at Cabela's in Scarborough on Sunday. A group will be leaving the Auburn Park and Ride at 6:30am. The details for this Show can be found at http://roadscholars.webs.com/ . This Show is going up against the Mid Coast Show in Bath which in past years has been mediocre on a good day.

I'll be at Cabela's.

8/15/10

Brownfield and Clinton

Hey, here is a report from one of our avid fans about the other happenings this weekend.

Another busy weekend with Lions Club shows. Wish that the clubs would get together and help each other for the good of the common cause - Harrison Lions need assistance at the last hour and other Lions pitched in and helped. Guess the operative word is asked or maybe the Lions Clubs in this great state should start talking to each other.

Saturday was Brownfield and Brownfield was Brownfield short notice but at least next year's date is already set for the second Saturday in August - minimum classes with a handful of people making a go of it. Kudo's to them!! Great weather, field was layed out when we arrived (OK so a little latter than some, but before registration time) We were warmly welcomed by Dee and shown to our parking spot by Dee - get the picture?? It appeared to be a community days event with parade and flea market etc - lots of activities. All in all a good day and we were home by 2ish and didn't leave until 7 (I got to sleep in!!! YIPEE)

Today was Clinton Lions Club Show - again later morning start; fast trip up the pike with arrival basically on time. Heard great comments about the food and pricing - good and not expensive. Some very old acquaintances were renewed and mostly a good day.

This was Clinton's first show and Brownfield's 3rd and in both cases there is some room for improvement.

Let's start with Brownfield - their major problem seemed to be lack of club participation. No delegation. No one responsible for getting the word out, for ordering trophies, etc. All seemed to fall on one person. She held up well as did her hubby etc. This was one of the 1st shows we attended almost 15 yrs ago and there will be many more years before it compares with that show.

Clinton was a surprise to everyone - those organizing and those participating. GOOD turnout and great weather. No canopy needed today - nice breeze all day long. Unfortunately, first off we were asked what class we wanted and that told us immediately what was going to happen. Truck in Antique class was almost acceptable to everone, but the car owners in the class. Camaro in the 80's and 2000's class and there was a class for them. Mustangs not in the Mustang class, need I say more - NO you get the picture.

Ballots were due in at 1pm (too late I think, but not my call) Awards were publicized as "when ballots were tabulated" - good call by them, but not for us - as of 4pm we were still waiting. I think this is the first time EVER in our 14 yrs that I have been so very close to saying let's go to heck with it!!!! Will we go again?? Yes, probably once more, but not if we have a better choice closer to home.

Guess my only thought is..... For such a large organization as the Lions Club is, there doesn't seem to be any communication between chapters. If one needs help with a fund raiser, why aren't the other no matter where they are located stepping up to the plate after all it's for the common good. Oh, I said that before. Next year it's Togus for sure.


Thanks for the report and nicely down

For the Veteran's

What started 4 years ago with my solo trip to Togus has turned into the Caravan that was today, with at least 25 vehicles leaving the Lewiston Mardens parking lot and 10 more waiting along the way. By the time we got to the rendezvous point we were 50 strong and chomping at the bit. The meeting spot was filled to capacity on both sides of the street and then we went to do our best to make the residents and patients at Togus VA Hospital feel that some one actually was thanking them in a small way for their service.

With over 300 vehicles and over 150 Motorcycles in attendance we did just that and the veterans were more than thankful. With just about every veterans organization represented the food line went smoothly the entertainment was just right and the faces were all smiling.

The few that did not attend missed a very good day. Some that did not attend were expected to be there, as they have been in the past. Some had told me in advance that they weren't going to be there for a one reason or another and I realize that this event is not for everyone. The one that surprised me the most by not being there, should start thinking about his "All About the Veterans" motto. Maybe he can show up at Togus next year so the "Arizona" pinstriper can add some stuff to his new ride like he did today for other participants.

A few people needed a hand or two and funds were given to Toys for Tots for the Porta Potties and repairs were done to a fellow car lovers ride, because of a "Duh" moment.

Given a choice between a $15.00 Cheap Ass Trophy and saying thanks to the Veterans, I'll pick the veterans every time.

Besides try defending your country with that piece of trashy chromed plastic, faux marble and a best of crapola plaque.

8/10/10

Togus

If you have never been a little patriotic now would probably be a good time to make an attempt.

The Rusty Nuts are doing it again with assistance from us or if you prefer "We the People" in putting on the Annual Veteran's BBQ at Togus VA Hospital.

As always it not about us, this time its about them, the veterans. As it should be there is no show of ego, no competition, no Cheap Ass Plastic Trophies, just people who care and wish to show it by bringing their cars to let the patients at Togus view them.

With the count from past years creeping ever closer to epic proportions of Bikes Cars & Trucks it is the biggest gathering of Show Cars in one place that garners no awards other than good old American Pride in Your Ride.

With gathering points through out the state the crew from Lewiston will be leaving at 9AM sharp from the Lewiston Marden's, going up 202 through Augusta. Be there or get left behind.

8/8/10

Another Take

A long weekend to be sure, but the question remains as to whether it was any fun.

Being in Andover was the pleasure of the weekend and traveling with the crew that showed up in the rear view was interesting. Andover was, as always, worth every minute. A parade, with real WWII tanks and vehicles, more fire equipment than what Andover owns, a bazaar of arts and crafts, a chicken bbq and one of the finest car shows I have been to in awhile.

Andover Olde Home Days and a Car Show run by the Western Maine Street Rodders was definitely the pick over Par Sem in this book. Word of advice to WMSR, buy a P/A and fill the Bullhorn up with a fecal like substance garnered from the local pasture.

Traveling to Biddeford to enjoy a Cruise Night with some old friends was our plan but having 6 other cars tagging along was to say the least, Awesome. With the 48 leading and the tail gunner being a Deuce 3 window we turn a few heads and a few miles into a fun daylong adventure. Maine Coastal Cruisers are great hosts and do a very good Cruise Night that would please anybody and seeing Fritz and Mac and the rest, made it all the more enjoyable. We even caught up with some folks from Canada, who run the Atlantic Nationals and were down for a slight break from the hustle and bustle of Moncton, New Brunswick Canada.

When the Alarm went off this morning it meant it was time to get our lazy asses up and out to Oxford for the New Balance Car Show put on by the Uptown Kruizahs. This is their 2nd year of putting on a Show and learning quickly seems to be a trait they are willing to use and have with a better show than last year, more cars than last year and a whole lot less bullshit than last year.

They had a few glitches and asked for help from experienced people who have been in this situation before. All the little fires seemed to be handled with the intent of the Participants satisfaction and a fair shake to all involved.

The only big problem I saw was the Classes themselves, with no 4X4 or a Tuner Class, with a possibility of more classes if needed. A little tweak on that will make this a better show next year and in years to come. The space available was well groomed and not filled to capacity, room for expansion is possible but only if handled carefully.

Well Done to the Uptown Kruizahs for a class effort and a great show. And thanks to all the participants for making it happen the way it did.

Answer? Yes It Was.....Fun

8/5/10

More Minion Meetings

As you sit at the Car show du jour this weekend, think about what you have done to deserve being kept from being able to drive your vehicle. Think about what you have done to be punished for modifying your classic car to your liking. Think about what you have done to stop the forces that are at the State Capital as I write this, that want your car off the roadways if it does not comply to their regulations.

Today I sat down with some of the same people that were at last weeks meeting. This time however the noise complainers of Southern Maine were not in attendance but more car people were. They all wanted an answer as to how we were going to make all the road noise go away. After a little discussion and some minor debate, we agreed that the road noise issue was going to take a little more than a piss ant law that is virtually unenforceable without a major amount of monetary outlay, training and equipment.

We have established a working relationship with the powers that be in the State Police and a few of the major Municipalities. That has given us a better understanding of the problem as well as giving them a better understanding of our concerns. We also came to an agreement that 90% of the problem is operator related and education and self policing seems to be working toward keeping the sound complainers at bay for now.

A more technical wording of the rules and law may be needed at some point if they start to really push for a more stricter rule of compliance, but at this time the 95dba level is holding firm and everyone in attendance agrees that it is good start.

The problem hasn't gone away, but the focus at this point is more on 2 wheels than 4. We must stay very aware of the surroundings we are in and behave ourselves. We are under a microscope and a flaming asshole will bring down the focus on all of us.

We all need to step up. We all need to get involved. Before some haircut with a gun tells us to park it. They want to. We can't give them an excuse.

8/2/10

Busy Busy Busy

We have the Car Show equivalent of an orgasm coming this weekend and a variety that Heinz would be jealous of.

On Saturday we have the Par Sem Car Show in Parsonfield, sponsored or organized by the Seminary Alumni. This show is always decent and well attended by the mob of usual suspects and will prove to be a good show I'm sure.

The 2nd Annual Sock Hop and Car Show in the metropolis of Gardiner is also scheduled for Saturday. Don't know much about this one so if you go drop us a line with your take on the festivities. Another show is the Sidney Historical Society Show, again on Saturday and again not much is known.

One of my Favorite Shows is the little show in Andover. Put on during the Andover Olde Home Days it gives the variety you find at a county fair within the area of your backyard. Put on by the Western Maine Street Rodders it has proven itself to be a fun, most of the time fair, with moments of brilliance.

If an adventure is wanted you can follow us from Andover to the Maine Coastal Cruisers Cruise Night in Biddeford. We will be taking a back road route with a few stops, to get there in plenty of time to have fun with the Boys and Girls in the area.

Sunday we have a changed date/location show and a 2nd attempt at a new/revised show.

Litchfield Volunteer Fire Dept. Car Show with a Big Rig Class has moved from the Fairgrounds to I believe the Middle School. The details on this have somehow been lost in the Shuffle and I will take full responsibility for not paying that much attention to this show. In other words I really don't give a shit about this one and really didn't pay attention until reminded today. My Bad.

New Balance is the place to be with High Heeled Sneakers and an appetite for home cooking as the Uptown Kruizahs do the best they can and with the help of a few others should pull off their 2nd Show without the need for pissing contests and other attitudes that frequented the area last year. Although much maligned last year their first attempt was good enough for them to try it a second time.

If your in the mood for a long ride there is another show in Calais. Put on by the Downeast Cruisers in Downtown Calais, with 14 classes and 5 dollar (Foot Long?) entry fee it might be worth the ride.

Til next