Are you in Chicagoland ... or IL, IN, WI, IA, MI, etc.?

[knightfan26917]

If so:

Please answer 3 questions!

This query is due to several comments within the last few weeks or so that those of us in Chicagoland (and nearby states) really "ought to get together" ... key words, "ought to". So many times this ends up being well-intentioned "talk". Yes, some gatherings have been successful, but it seems the bulk of 'em either never get off the ground or end up with people disappointed at the lack of ACTUAL attendance/interest.... And, yes, I KNOW "life happens" and that driving distance is a factor for some....

BUT ... after a successful gathering of 2 groups [heart-related, of which I'm a member of both] for a late lunch today (Saturday, March 1) at The Assembly in Schaumburg IL, here are a few questions about a potential Chicagolander gathering of car-related boards:

1 ... Would you rather have an EARLY spring / LATE fall gathering [i.e. March, April, October, November], namely for lunch or dinner ... OR ... a LATE spring/SUMMER/early FALL gathering [April to September timeframe], namely for a cruise/show?

2 ... Do you want to meet at an established show/cruise ... OR ... somewhere else to meet and see each others' vehicles?

3 ... Are you willing to drive to Schaumburg IL or places north or west or south of the Schaumburg IL area for a Saturday/weekend gathering?

Depending on the interest/responses, I'm willing to plan a gathering in 2008 ... and, of course, post invitations to various groups/boards ... so the "ought to" becomes "we will" and eventually "we did"!

Whatdya think?

Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker

WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

"I should've done what I'm going to do a long time ago" ... Joel Sonnier ... 'No More 1 More Time'

Edited March 2, 2008 by knightfan26917

[daves87rs]

I'd have to say either late spring or early fall....

During the summer we'll be busy with our new little one....

[daves87rs]

Forgot to add the other two...

2. A meet and greet-no cool cars for me...

3. As close to the state borders as possible...

[knightfan26917]

Hey daves ... thanks for replying .

OK ... between the various boards, 30 people have replied with preferences (as of late Sunday night when I checked the boards/groups). Thus, the "scorecard":

When should a gathering be scheduled/planned?

05 = Early Spring/Late Fall

12 = Late Spring/Summer/Early Fall

13 = No Preference/Does Not Matter

Do we meet with or without an established Cruise/Show?

06 = With an established Cruise/Show

10 = Outside of an established Cruise/Show

14 = No Preference/Does Not Matter

I agree that late spring/summer/early fall is the best time. We don't want to be "too" early or "too" late, before cars come out or after they are put back into storage.

The results also tend to agree with my thinking about meeting outside of an established cruise/show. Why? If we met within an established Cruise/Show, it may be harder to find each other and stick together. Whereas meeting "on our own", outside of an established Cruise/Show, will be easier to meet and greet each other ... and, of course, check out each others' rides.

This in mind, I have a few ideas of places to meet, including some that were suggested by others.

VOLO IL, Volo Auto Museum:

http://www.voloautos.com

FREEPORT/GALENA IL, several spots possible along SR 20

UTICA/LASALLE IL, home of JC Whitney:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/Auto-Parts/10101.jcw

MORRIS IL, truck stop/restaurants at I-80 exits

ELGIN IL area, several forest preserve areas in the area [obviously, the easiest for me in terms of securing a spot AND being able to have more than one of my MCs in attendance]

CARPENTERSVILLE IL, Raceway Woods, formerly Meadowdale International Raceways:

http://meadowdaleraceway.homestead.com/

Comments? Thoughts? And, please, no "it should be here because it is closest to me" statements. Yes, I understand that we ALL want it "in our backyard" to make it easier for us to join the gathering. BUT, it can't be that way for everyone....

If you have not voiced your opinions yet, PLEASE DO SO...NOW is the TIME!!!

One last thing ... I want it to be VERY CLEAR that this gathering/event would be OPEN to ALL ... and would include VARIOUS makes/models/years of vehicles. Yes, I'm a Monte Carlo-holic, but believe it or not, I appreciate all vehicles ... and, I'm betting that most people appreciate most vehicles as well.

Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker

WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

"There comes a time when we heed a certain call" ... USA For Africa ... 'We Are The World'

[knightfan26917]

Hmmm...well, I know we have more C&Gers in the area....

Anyway, I'm beginning to like the informal gathering more and more...like you, dave. I'll try to post up some dates soon ... and maybe even narrow down the list of potential places ... and go from there....

Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker

WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

"How could I be so blind?" ... Charly McClain ... 'Who's Cheating Who'

[schuby87]

I would love to have an excuse to go to the Chicago area for a while, but dates would really help.

[NOS2006]

I would love to have an excuse to go to the Chicago area for a while, but dates would really help.

+1

[knightfan26917]

I would love to have an excuse to go to the Chicago area for a while, but dates would really help.

Indeedy....

And, thus, UPDATE:

This WILL be an INFORMAL gathering, outside of an established car show. Attendees are WELCOME to bring their car(s) to show ... or just show up to visit.

We'll start gathering about 1:30p ... and stay as long as we want. We could BBQ, etc., or head to a restaurant. Then, later, in the evening, we might cruise to a Cruise Night somewhere on Saturday evening...or whatever.

ALL ARE WELCOME. Plenty of hotels are in the area, if you want to join us from a distance.

Once things are finalized, I'll start a new thread with the definitive information. For now, here is some further developments:

POSSIBLE SATURDAY DATES:

July 12

July 19

July 26

(I'm not listing August 30 because that is Labor Day Weekend.)

POSSIBLE LOCATIONS, narrowed from the original list:

VOLO IL, Volo Auto Museum:

http://www.voloautos.com

MORRIS IL, truck stop/restaurants at I-80 exits and/or the Grundy Country Raceway:

http://www.grundycountyspeedway.com/

CARPENTERSVILLE IL, Raceway Woods, formerly Meadowdale International Raceways:

http://meadowdaleraceway.homestead.com/

HAMPSHIRE/BURLINGTON/ELGIN IL, various forest preservish locations from which to choose

I have contacted Volo Auto Museum and Raceway Woods about possible gatherings. Of those listed, my preference would be Raceway Woods....

Comments/Thoughts/Suggestions/Info?

Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker

WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

"I never back down and I love a good challenge" ... Hank Williams Jr ... 'Born To Boogie'

[knightfan26917]

BRIEF UPDATE:

I'm still waiting word from Volo Auto Museum and Grundy County Raceway in regards to possible gatherings at those places. If Grundy County Raceway is not a possibility, Goose Lake Prairie State Park, just southeast of the IL RT 47/I-80 interchange, is a possibility for us to meet, eat, etc.

In the meantime, I heard from a representative of Raceway Woods. Unfortunately, that doesn't sound like a great place to STAY (no restroom facilities, running water, etc., in the park) ... but, a great place to at least visit. Just east of Raceway Woods is Spring Lake Forest Preserve, where we could then go to eat, etc.

I opted for July dates because, for me, August (except for Labor Day weekend) is already booked and September is mostly booked ... and by the time September/October come around, it can be rather chilly/cold around these parts. Personally, I'd rather the temperatures be a bit hot than too cold .

More to come.... NOW is the time to COMMENT and/or make SUGGESTIONS...and advise me if you are, indeed, still interested...I hope many of you are....

Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker

WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

"That's the price that we all pay" ... New Order ... 'True Faith'

[daves87rs]

Late July or early August would be cool....

I think late summer would nice, slighter cooler weather (thinking of the cars here)......

Still looking at those places....

[knightfan26917]

Dave ... it'll be LATE July.....

NEWS...!

DATE OF EVENT = SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2008 @ 2p (or so) until ... ?

PLACE OF EVENT = TBD

I've ruled out...

...Volo IL. It seems that you have to have a confirmed number of people to walk through the museum (i.e. buy tickets and see cars like The General Lee, KITT, and cars for sale) to reserve an area for gathering. Along with not having a confirmed number of people attending, I don't envision this gathering costing much (except for food). Also, I'd rather spend time visiting with people...and the bulk of the original responses seemed to indicate the same thing....

...Morris IL. While I originally thought this was a great idea considering the easy access from roads like I-80 and IL RT 47, I've realized that it would be harder for me to get arranged, etc. I know how this looks (selfish), but a few people even suggested I host this at the place where my older 4 MCs are stored (not going to happen, so don't worry!).

Thus, FINAL CHOICES for PLACE:

CARPENTERSVILLE IL, Raceway Woods:

http://meadowdaleraceway.homestead.com/

[AND/OR]

CARPENTERSVILLE IL, Spring Lake Forest Preserve:

near/around IL RTs 62 and 68

[OR]

ELGIN IL, Paul Wolff Park/Burnidge Forest Preserve-Park:

corner of Big Timber and Coombs Rds

[OR]

STREAMWOOD IL, Popular Creek Forest Preserve:

near/around IL RTs 58 (Golf Rd), 59 (Sutton Rd), and Barrington Rd

Whatdya think? Anyone still interested?

If people ARE still interested, I'll tally votes for the place ... and then start a new topic/thread with the final details/notes.

I've wanted to do something like this for a while, because of successful/regular gatherings of people in other areas of the country ... AND because of the fun/awesome times I've had meeting people in informal gatherings during my road trips, including (but not limited to) these:

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/0410/Oct%2...ssicr8_jpg.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/0508/Aug%2...0gdtmn_jpg.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/1106/DSC07579r8_jpg.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/1106/DSC07591r8_jpg.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/1106/DSC07595r8_jpg.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/200711/RT1..._group_jpg.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/200711/RT1...group2_JPG.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/200711/RT1..._Group_JPG.html

http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/200711/RT1...rionIL_JPG.html

...and I've wanted to have a similar gathering in this area at home.... So, hopefully you are still interested. But, if not, then that's OK, too ... at least I have tried (again)!

Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker

WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

"Beginning to think that I'm wasting time" ... Dobie Gray ... 'Drift Away'

[daves87rs]

Hmmm...have to look this over....

[gm4life]

Galena is good for me (very close to DBQ) let me check my planner I might be gone on a large family trip. But would be intrested in a meet up if it works for me.

[knightfan26917]

So, whatya thinkin' Dave?

And, gm4life ... sure would be cool if you were able to join us, though, it won't be in Galena ... sorry .

**UPDATE**

I went for a drive today (Saturday, March 15) and narrowed the location to 2 picnic areas. Also, I learned recently that Cook County charges $50 for a picnic permit with usage of a covered shelter. I am waiting to hear back from Kane County to determine fees/permits needed.

Depending on which county charges less (and/or which one is open for July 26), we will meet at one of these 2 places:

Kane County = Burnidge Shelter in the Burnidge-Paul Wolff Forest Preserve (Big Timber and Coombs Rds)

(OR)

Cook County = Barrington Rd Pond area in the Popular Creek Forest Preserve (Barrington Rd, just south of IL RT 72)

If anyone is interested, we can always visit Raceway Woods in Carpentersville:

http://meadowdaleraceway.homestead.com/

ALL ARE WELCOME!

This will be a RAIN OR SHINE gathering. If it rains, we will have (hopefully) a shelter in the picnic area ... or, either place is relatively close to multiple restaurants.

More to come...and once I learn which county charges less, I'll start a new thread....

Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker

WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

"Those windshield wipers slappin out a tempo" ... Eddie Rabbit ... 'Driving My Life Away'

[daves87rs]

Hmm..

I wonder how easy that will be to find?

Hopefully it will be off a large freeway....

The little guy will only be a few months old....

I can't see it being too far off....

[knightfan26917]

Dave,

Either place will be easy to find ... the one along Barrington Rd is near IL RT 72, I-90, etc. The one on Elgin's FAR west side, is near Randall Rd and I-90, etc.

BTW ... a quick note that I should've made CLEAR in the previous post:

A few people have already suggested that I split the charges amongst those attending for the use of the forest preserve at which we meet. This is NOT an option. I am 100% committed to keeping this gathering as least costly to attendees as possible, which means that I will pay whatever the permit/reservation fee is OUT of MY OWN pocket.

The only costs attendees will be responsible for are food (which should not be out of the ordinary...we all need to eat anyway), gas (sadly, I can't control this one), and, if people come from a distance, lodging. If many people need lodging, I am more than happy to contact lodging places to attempt to secure a lower/group rate....

Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve&pacemaker

WRMNshowcase.legos.HO.models.MCs.RTs.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort

"We never stop to think what we consume" ... Bellamy Brothers ... 'Kids Of The Baby Boom'