Over the years Kevin Kessler (Fat Fendered Ford) has hosted both winter and summer get togethers in this area. When Kevin and I were talking a while back I offered to do one this summer to ease the load on him. He was all for it, so here we go. It looks like Sunday August 6th doesn't get in the way of other events. I've checked the various mag's to see if anything else is happening near by and didn't find anything. If there's some huge event I've overlooked that really makes a change necessary, please let me know.

Anyone is welcome if you want to take a drive. We live near Rochester (Springfield area) which is right in the middle of the State. It's not a bad Interstate drive from the borders on all sides, and is real easy to find. I'll post maps/directions later. I figure Sandy and I can provide brats and dogs, potato salad and slaw, soft drinks and adult beverages. If anybody wants to bring something too it's much appreciated. I think a noon start is probably good, and it can go until when ever. Bring the family if you like. There's a horse shoe pit out back and plenty of labradors to keep the kids occupied. I'll set up in the barn (on concrete) to provide shade and protection from the sun. It's got real good flow through ventilation so that it should be as comfortable as is possible in Central Illinois August.

I will need to have an idea of who's coming so I can have supplies. So please do a posting or a PM to let me know. We look forward to seeing folks. Please have a happy and safe July 4th holiday. Take care. Stu

 

I have attended most of the meets, but that weekend will not work for me. I will be out of state that weekend.

Nick

 

I'll be there. I'll have to check if my wife and kids are interested.

 

Sorry you'll miss it Nick. We'll miss you. Hope to see you next time around.

Thanks Kevin. See you then.

Greg PM'd me and has to work that weekend. Stu

 

Nick and I were just talking about a meeting last week. Be sure to post photos and let us know what we missed. Just another reason to hate my job, like I needed any more!

 

Let's revisit this, guys. It looks like the community consists of Nick, Greg, Kevin, Rusty and me since there have been no other responses. How about we see if there's a better weekend that works for all? Or, as an alternative, would a slight change of format be something to consider? Perhaps we could pick a spot central to us all to meet for dinner (lunch or breakfast even). Kevin's already seen my junk, and you other guys wouldn't miss much not seeing it right away. If this appeals, may I suggest Ted's Garage in Clinton since it is real central and has a car/truck theme. We can certainly stay with the original format, only on a better weekend, if that works best. I'm just trying to facilitate all getting together. Viewpoints?

 

Stu,

I would like to drop in, especially since you've come up by me a couple of times but with my trip to PA to pick up the panel the week before it would be stretching my my luck if I asked wife to go down there . Also, the 6th is her birthday, I don't think that's her ideal way to spend her birthday (it would be mine )

Did you tell me you won't be able to make it up to the Dells this year? I don't remember, I hope to see you there. I'm going to try to drag Craig over there this year and hopefully the panel will be ready by then.

One note, the Elkhorn show/swapmeet is that weekend. I don't know how big of a draw it is for flatlanders but it might have some effect on your get together.

 

That's a long drive for a meal, Bob! But you sure are welcome. Honestly, it's a long drive for any of the guys. That's sort of why I thought meeting in the middle might work better. Sorry I'll miss the Dells. Sandy, the dogs, and I (in that order ) will be in Oregon visiting our son and his family all of September. Stu

 

Stu,

I have been known to travel some distance to get a $200 truck part just so I can meet someone I have met on line, truck related of course, but with the price of gas I guess I will have to curtail some of my travels.

I remember now that you told me what you were doing the weekend of Dells meet.

 

Since you're going to be close by, why don't take some time and head on south to visit my junk yard. It's only a 10-12 hour drive depending where you are in Oregon. Plus, you can visit San Francisco. I'll take you on a tour.

Ilya

 

Thanks Ilya, but I'm pretty sure we'll be taking the more direct 80/84 combo into Portland. Her E-450 V-10 Fun Mover ("Dog Bus") gets about 5 mpg. I have driven it through SF before during evening rush hour in pouring down rain. Not my favorite memory of your wonderful state. That's the price a person pays, though, to be among the redwoods.

 

August is wide open for me so changing the date is no problem. Doesn't matter to me where we meet.

 

Any weekend after august 6 during the month of august will work for me

Nick

 

Kevin/Nick/Greg - With time getting short until Sandy and I head west, how about we try to find an afternoon or evening when we can all meet at Ted's Garage in Clinton (http://www.teds-garage.com). I've heard really good things about the place and have been wanting to venture up that direction anyway. Plus I think it's about as centrally located as we could have. I'm open any weekend between now and August 20th. As I understand Kevin and Nick are pretty much open, so if we can coordinate with Greg's schedule we can pull it off. I'll talk to Rusty and am sure he and Kay will come too. Let me know what works best, guys. And if there's anybody else that we've missed, jump in. All are welcome. Thanks. Stu

 

I would be available the weekend of August 26th. Let me know if that will work for veryone. If not, don't make plans around my goofy schedule, Nick learned that a long time ago.
Ted's Diner is a great place to meet. I have been there twice and the food is great. The atmosphere is right at home for gearheads. If we can't take you up on your offer to meet at your place, this would be a nice alternative. Remember when planning that Ted's is closed on Sundays.