BrettM
1981 RHD X1/9
The spring event registration is up, make plans to attend.
2015 Spring FIAT on the Dragon:
Due to the higher numbers expected for the spring 2015 drive, changes are being made to help reduce the traffic and navigation issues that might arise from having 100+ cars trying to stay together. This year, cars will be segregated into one of two groups, spirited and touring. The spirited group will lead followed by a touring group and so forth. Staging will consist of 10-15 cars and efforts will be made to accommodate groups that want to stay together.
Navigation challenges will also be addressed. Maps and GPS coordinates for meet-ups will be handed out in the registration packet. This will provide participants with the opportunity to mingle with other groups once the drive has started. If you want to change groups, just wait a little longer at one of the meet up spots and them you may do so. Navigation to the meet up spots and ultimate destinations will be the responsibility of the driver, there will not be a lead car this year. Each group can elect to have a lead car if they choose, but gas stops and directions are the responsibility of each car. This change should allow folks to travel at a pace that suits them while allowing for the added fun of traveling with a group of enthusiasts.
Upon registration, each participant will be asked to describe their driving style, spirited or touring. The registrar will assign people into two larger groups and then into sub groups based on this designation. When the drive starts, a volunteer will stage each group and send them off in intervals of about 5 minutes. This will allow for some spacing between groups and make it easier to change groups at meet up spots if so desired. The whole point of this event is to socialize and drive our cars so changing groups is not a problem, especially since there will not be a single lead car. The staging volunteer will rotate after two groups and keep doing so until all groups are sent out. The volunteer who agrees to bring up the rear will fall in after the final group has staged and lead them out.
Safety is concern number 1. We all want to have fun and being in a hospital or dead is not much fun so play it safe and drive within the limits of your skill and the law. Respect the car in front of you and give them plenty of space. If someone is following too close for comfort, kindly ask them to back off by placing your hand out the window and motioning downward until they get the hint. Be nice, sometimes it is easy to get excited in the heat of the moment on these amazing roads. Again, safety, practice by example and make it home safely.
As mentioned earlier, meet up spots will be clearly identified on the maps and using GPS coordinates. Efforts will be made to ensure that most of these spots have facilities for refreshments, restrooms and fuel when possible. Icons identifying what is available will be placed on each meet up spot on the map to help plan the trip. Fuel stops are on your own so try to fill up prior to each drive. The drives should be short enough to do on a tank of fuel if you plan ahead. Use these meet-up spots to socialize and change groups if desired. Nobody should be stuck in a group that does not fit their driving style or anything else. Our goal is to be flexible with the organization. If at all possible, the last meet-up spot will be arranged so any drives that want to finish the drive as one large group can do so. those wishing to return to base can also elect to do that. For Saturday, this meet-up spot will be our traditional cruise-in. I have a feeling this will be one you will not want to miss.
Each drive will consist of times for questions and re-grouping. The following list will be a general guide for how the drives flow.
-Pre-drive drivers meeting & late registration pick ups.
-Staging based on assigned groups
-Identified meet-up spots
-Preselected lunch stop
-Preselected photo op
-Return to base
Two-way radios are recommended for each driver as cell service is spotty at best on some of these roads. If you go over the edge on the Devil’s Triangle, we may never find you. Remember, safety!
The organizers of the 2015 Spring FIAT on the Dragon hope to take some of the lessons learned in the previous four events and improve on the formula. As always, we are open to constructive feedback. Our number one goal after safety of course, is fun. We look forward to seeing new and familiar faces this spring. Please sign up below using the link provided.
Thank you.
Registration Link:
https://fs24.formsite.com/Brett67/form15/index.html
