Improving dgrr

[IH8DSM]

I figured this would be a good thread to make to help improve the dgrr experience. Basically anything to make the event bigger and better then the years before.

My main idea so far is one of my first years at deals gap there were workshops/trainings on tuning and something else involving engine building maybe it was several years ago. Either way I like this idea maybe not as in depth as tuning and engine building but maybe more along the lines of history and knowledge of said the rotary each rotary has its own little quirks that some may not know of. This may seem stupid or a waste of time to some of the more experienced rotary people but others might learn something from it or come away with knowledge on how to keep there rotary running.

[Herblenny]

I did have tuning class one year and I might try to get something like this for next year if enough interest is given. But that would require one of the vendors to actually come out and do a class... by what I have heard from some in the past is that they themselves wants to just come out and relax a bit.

I'll see what can be done for the 10th anniversary... but demand needs to be there..

[Buggy]

I like that idea of having a seminar that we could attend, especially if it was on tuning. Tuning is one of those things that scares the hell out of people. Even if it was just a basic tuning 101 class. Just go over the basics to give people an understanding of what is involved and how to go about it. Even if they don't try it, they'll have a basic understanding.

[djmtsu]

I would like there to be other categories and awards to lighten the mood and make it more fun at the banquet(?)

Longest Driven
Destined to Fail
OCD Award
Epic Beater

.......and a yellow stained Pissed-On (pitson) Award (or something)

[FC Zach]

:iamwithstupid: That's a great idea!

[88turboii]

I would like there to be other categories and awards to lighten the mood and make it more fun at the banquet(?)

Longest Driven
Destined to Fail
OCD Award
Epic Beater

.......and a yellow stained Pissed-On (pitson) Award (or something)
:biggthumpup:

[t_g_farrell]

I heard some folks (newbys mostly) complaining that it seemed very unstructured and they
didn't feel welcomed, etc etc.

I would suggest for the lack of structure to use twitter or FB to update each morning
and evening the agenda and any changes. Then make sure you mention this
on the website, in the registration details and so on. Maybe this is already being done
and it just needs to be more publicized.

For the not feeling welcomed or part of the group, I get that. I felt a little bit of that last
year (my first DGRR) and still some if it this year. When theres 200+ people gathered, we
human animals tend to clump into groups of folks we know and stay that way for the
most part. The only solution is reaching out and saying HI to everyone. In a way, rotary
people are a lot like nerds; poor socialization skills and lack of confidence. One suggestion
I can make is to add stripes to the id cards that represent past DGRR attendance. That
way the newbs standout and we can make an effort to explain or help out these folks as
we go about our daily DGRR fun.

I like the slightly unstructured and flexible event schedule because up in the mountains
$hit happens!

[t_g_farrell]

I would like there to be other categories and awards to lighten the mood and make it more fun at the banquet(?)

Longest Driven
Destined to Fail
OCD Award
Epic Beater

.......and a yellow stained Pissed-On (pitson) Award (or something)

:biggthumpup:

[reddozen]

t_g_farrell,
Something like the years in attendance can be done pretty easily. Since when you register, or if you go into your profile on the site, you can check off all the years you've attended.

Updating the website etc can be hard without stable internet connections, but not imposable. I would just question how many people would look at the website... I think a better idea may be a text alert from the website. As an optional feature, add your phone to the website, and select your carrier, then if there's changes to the itinerary, you'll get a text alert.


Another suggestion I have is a swap meet. An organized time etc to lay your stuff out in the pavilion and sell or trade spare parts / services etc.

I would be down for tuning / engine building 101 etc if the price was right.

[TitaniumTT]

I would like there to be other categories and awards to lighten the mood and make it more fun at the banquet(?)

OCD Award

.......and a yellow stained Pissed-On (pitson) Award (or something)

:squint:

[TitaniumTT]

I think a tuning class or an engine building class would be rather difficult to setup and hold without tools, and components and things of that nature, plus it would need to be a rather small group of attendees to make it worth while... in my opinion.

But hell... if someone wants to bring a portable dyno :D

As far as the anti-socialization goes, I didn't experience any of that this year nor have I ever in years past. People didn't recognize me and just started talking away, which I think it pretty chill. Then again, I also go down with a group of 20 and wander all over the place chatting with lots of people that I already knew.... Then there are the people that I had never met like Vinnie... Hey, you're Brian, you bought my old car didn't you. That was pretty cool...

[My5ABaby]

People didn't recognize me...
I blame that on the hair. :icon_tup:

[TitaniumTT]

If I keep this up next year I'll have a car with a plate that reads SLVR-FX :rofl:

[RedR1]

I would like there to be other categories and awards to lighten the mood and make it more fun at the banquet(?)

Longest Driven
Destined to Fail
OCD Award
Epic Beater

.......and a yellow stained P-On (pitson) Award (or something)

agreed. there were a good grip of piston powered fun cars there. the Miata of Doom, FD ACR, LT1 powered FD, list goes on.

Epic beater. . . i am TOTALLY game and support a trophy for that catagory. . . bc then I stand a chance with my car :rofl: :lol:

[t_g_farrell]

t_g_farrell,
Something like the years in attendance can be done pretty easily. Since when you register, or if you go into your profile on the site, you can check off all the years you've attended.

Updating the website etc can be hard without stable internet connections, but not imposable. I would just question how many people would look at the website... I think a better idea may be a text alert from the website. As an optional feature, add your phone to the website, and select your carrier, then if there's changes to the itinerary, you'll get a text alert.


Another suggestion I have is a swap meet. An organized time etc to lay your stuff out in the pavilion and sell or trade spare parts / services etc.

I would be down for tuning / engine building 101 etc if the price was right.

I like the swap meet idea. Maybe during the day Fri or Sat or when it rains :D

[rx7 vinnie]

Haha... I pictured TitaniumTT as an old grumpy middle aged man pissed off at the world... But instead a young hippy looking Yankee pissed off at the world. You and Rice Racing would be comical with your own reality show.

[djmtsu]

Haha... I pictured TitaniumTT as an old grumpy middle aged man pissed off at the world... But instead a young hippy looking Yankee pissed off at DJ.

Fixed for accuracy...

[RedR1]

Haha... I pictured TitaniumTT as an old grumpy middle aged man off at the world... But instead a young hippy looking Yankee off at the world. You and Rice Racing would be comical with your own reality show.

my new signature

[TitaniumTT]

Fixed for accuracy...

You can blame Chris for that, he said blame you :rofl: It's all good... took my rage out on that ridiculous plate frame on 3 seperate occasions :biggthumpup:

[slvrstreak]

I never got the unwelcomed feeling and I drive an RX-8 :dunno::lol:

[reddozen]

I never got the unwelcomed feeling and I drive an RX-8 :dunno::lol:

GET OUT!

Better? lol

[slvrstreak]

:o10:

[Mutaku]

I never got the unwelcomed feeling and I drive an RX-8 :dunno::lol:

That must've been nice T_T

[Duffman692002]

Haha... I pictured TitaniumTT as an old grumpy middle aged man pissed off at the world... But instead a young hippy looking Yankee pissed off at the world. You and Rice Racing would be comical with your own reality show.

Between him and Father Time(BrewerBob) we could have had a first hand account of the last 2,000 years all the way up to the point where Brian visited NJ and got his hair dyed but forgot to stay for the frosted tips. Stay fresh old man.

[TitaniumTT]

Was looking through pics on KillBoy... I don't remember letting some long haired blonde chick drive my car.... probably gave Mike a happy ending for the keys, looked like he had a smile on his face

[Duffman692002]

Was looking through pics on KillBoy... I don't remember letting some long haired blonde chick drive my car.... probably gave Mike a happy ending for the keys, looked like he had a smile on his face
That's how that tank got filled. ;)

[slvrstreak]

I never got the unwelcomed feeling and I drive an RX-8 :dunno::lol:

That must've been nice T_T

yes driving an RX-8 was nice. . . :suspect:

[t_g_farrell]

Was looking through pics on KillBoy... I don't remember letting some long haired blonde chick drive my car.... probably gave Mike a happy ending for the keys, looked like he had a smile on his face

I'd like to see that pic. I think I was behind them on the dragon and the girl driving
it was driving ... like a girl! I could see some
guy in the passenger seat, figured he was letting his girlfriend drive. They were
pissing me off big time until she pulled in at Fontana Village as we were going
up to the dragon on 28. They showed up a bit later at the dragon resort after
we parked there.

[TitaniumTT]

If you were behind my car, you can't miss the plate - NFURY-8 :lol:

[banzaitoyota]

Thhe Abarth was a blast

[85rx-7gsl-se]

I didn't know that was you Banzai.

[Trivem]

I like that idea of having a seminar that we could attend, especially if it was on tuning. Tuning is one of those things that scares the hell out of people. Even if it was just a basic tuning 101 class. Just go over the basics to give people an understanding of what is involved and how to go about it. Even if they don't try it, they'll have a basic understanding.

I'd love to learn on how to tune. Even learn on how to play with a haltech.


I would like there to be other categories and awards to lighten the mood and make it more fun at the banquet(?)

Longest Driven
Destined to Fail
OCD Award
Epic Beater

.......and a yellow stained Pissed-On (pitson) Award (or something)

Agree with all except the piston award...should just give them a gallows, noose, and a weed eater piston of sorts. Most definitely Longest Driven and Epic Beater. My FC (body) has over 230k miles on it.

I heard some folks (newbys mostly) complaining that it seemed very unstructured and they
didn't feel welcomed, etc etc.

It was my first year there and I had trouble remembering names. I made it a point to just say hi. I knew no one other than who we came with in our local club. Just gotta ask people "Hows it going? Or which one is yours?" Best way to start a convo

t_g_farrell,
I think a better idea may be a text alert from the website. As an optional feature, add your phone to the website, and select your carrier, then if there's changes to the itinerary, you'll get a text alert.


Another suggestion I have is a swap meet. An organized time etc to lay your stuff out in the pavilion and sell or trade spare parts / services etc.

I would be down for tuning / engine building 101 etc if the price was right.

:iagree: I love both these ideas and we have more than enough parts to swap or sell at a meet! I was actually surprised you guys didn't have a swap meet.
We could've done that during the rain for sure or we could register for a booth in a warehouse or VFW or something in the area when we register.

Pretty much all the ideas that I had to add to the event or suggest have already been suggested. Only other thing I can say is to have the option of local rotary clubs put up booths or try to help sponsor the event? Maybe hand out Calendars with club meet dates and etc.?

[Duffman692002]

I'd like to see that pic. I think I was behind them on the dragon and the girl driving
it was driving ... like a girl! I could see some
guy in the passenger seat, figured he was letting his girlfriend drive. They were
pissing me off big time until she pulled in at Fontana Village as we were going
up to the dragon on 28. They showed up a bit later at the dragon resort after
we parked there.

I pull off for no one! Twasn't me though I was indeed driving an 8 and have been mistaken for a fine female occasionally on account of my long blond locks. Mike's too short to bd seen in the passenger seat anyway. :lol:

[WE3RX7]

I think having a dyno there would actually be a good idea, even if the tuning seminar never happens (I think it's a cool thought, but the execution would be VERY difficult trying to teach tuning since you don't know what background everybody has, etc). The dyno though would be fun for all. I'm not even a dyno junky but I'd hang out and see who puts down what, etc. Maybe make it an award??

Swap meet would be cool too... I've always thought we need more swap meets in our community. Not to mention it never hurts to have MORE parts on hand at DGRR....

[Herblenny]

Phew, You guys do know I hate threads like this... because I have to jump in and say I'll try.

We had a tuning class several years ago and went ok. But like anything organized.. people complain and usually select few makes us think if its worth doing it again or not. Also, tuning can be dangerous and it would have to be a basic tuning class and limited or have to charge people to control number.

Different category fun awards are do able.. I just didn't have much time to think about that... Definitely work on that for next year.

Newbie thing... This is a hard thing... But also something newbies need to take charge to meet people. Most DGRR attendees are cool and nice. I think if you are a newb, should try to be proactive. I have asked and sat with newbs and talked to them.. And if you are previous attendees and see a new car or people, not a bad idea to start a conversation.
There is a limitation of what I can do, but having a different color name tag or something could be possible but might take good amount of time. I will work on that next year.

I'm now researching on a Projector and a screen for next year.. Can't spend a lot but want to buy a decent one. Also, a speaker system for the banquet and such..

[WE3RX7]

Moving the prizes/announcer to the center of the pavilion was a huge improvement during the banquet over previous years.. a speaker system would be even better (maybe suggest it to the new owner and see if they'd install a simple PA system there.. I'm sure we're not the only ones who could use it).

I know you've mentioned it before Phil, but it would be cool if we could get some Mazda recognition for the 10th anniversary - maybe the 767 or 787 makes an appearance??? Tall order I'm sure though.

[Herblenny]

Moving the prizes/announcer to the center of the pavilion was a huge improvement during the banquet over previous years.. a speaker system would be even better (maybe suggest it to the new owner and see if they'd install a simple PA system there.. I'm sure we're not the only ones who could use it).

I know you've mentioned it before Phil, but it would be cool if we could get some Mazda recognition for the 10th anniversary - maybe the 767 or 787 makes an appearance??? Tall order I'm sure though.

My idea right now, is to have a slide show, decent PA system so everyone can hear, and also flash the number on the screen. Most likely we will set up at the one end of the pavillion and do this next year.

Having Mazda sponsoring will be a tough task.. There is far more thing involved and I'm going to try next year. Other option is try to get Jim Downing and Rich Engman to join us. But that might require more than me contacting them but maybe as a community. I have asked Paul @ Mazmart, but I think he hates me and gave up asking him couple of years ago. We shall see.. but that's not really on my priority list as I could be spending tons of time trying to do it and yield is few seconds of checking out one car. might not be my time well spend.

[Evil Aviator]

People didn't recognize me and just started talking away, which I think it pretty chill.
I told the noobs that you were James Holmes on special parole for the event, and that you go nuts if nobody talks to you. One of the noobs didn't believe me at first, but later on he was a believer after mumbling something about seeing James Holmes take a dump in somebody's car because they ignored him.

[rx7 vinnie]

Phil, I have a DLP projector with an 8 foot movie screen I use to watch movies upstairs in the bonus room I can bring. You have my number let me know.

[reddozen]

Color on the name tags or even a "years attended stripes" would be pretty easy. I can do a lot of image editing through the web code and even have it make staff name tags, or sponsor tags (I noticed you had some special staff tags for some people). Would be really easy on my end.

Lol.. could even make a special tag for people that have been there every year... I already have profile values on the website where people can check off what years they've been tot he event.

[FcRx8MEL]

I like the idea of having some fun random awards. Gives those of us who don't expect to get a traditional 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place award something to maybe look forward to.

Also, I'm sad to see that people didn't feel very welcome. That's one of the things I love most about this even is getting to meet people and make friends from all over. I've never noticed a problem with people being unwelcoming.

[Sephitrask]

I like the idea of having some fun random awards. Gives those of us who don't expect to get a traditional 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place award something to maybe look forward to.

Also, I'm sad to see that people didn't feel very welcome. That's one of the things I love most about this even is getting to meet people and make friends from all over. I've never noticed a problem with people being unwelcoming.

This. I have always walked away thinking how great our crowd was with talking to new people versus some of the others; Honda guys come to mind right away, thus my pension for mocking them :) My wife was very impressed with this, and many people made a point of talking to my son; Robert and David Hayes especially.

As nice as it would be to have their sponsorship, I doubt Mazda will. They seem to only go with things that were their ideas in the first place. The biggest example of this was at the 24 Hours of Rolex in Daytona. IF you were to go by Mazdas coverage of the event, you wouldn't even know that there was a team called Racers Edge running a 20b Rx8; in fact that car being the ONLY Mazda to actually finish the race. No pictures or mention at all on any of their sites, even after many of us pointed this out. I was more disappointed by that than watching the speedsource cars fail at the beginning of the race.

[85turbo12a]

I would like there to be other categories and awards to lighten the mood and make it more fun at the banquet(?)

Longest Driven
Destined to Fail
OCD Award
Epic Beater

.......and a yellow stained Pissed-On (pitson) Award (or something)

:iagree: oh yes...there will be blood....

my only complaint of DGRR in the 2 years i have been able to attend is the lack of parking...but the area just doesnt cater well to that large of a crowd and it is not an easy fix, the microtel has a huge parking lot...but no other facilities...just one of those things we have to deal with i spose...wont stop me from coming back:driving:

this event is what you make of it IMO, you can either follow the crowd strictly or do your own thing, if you didnt feel welcomed by the rotary community its likely because you didnt talk to anyone, hell they still talk to me and i have a v8 now :D the rotary community is collectively one of the coolest of all, there is very little ego and a lot of smart people in general, and are always willing to give and accept info in the interest of getting better.

and yes i have to agree...a PA would do wonders but...the bullhorn has a certain...charm to it...

[banzaitoyota]

I didn't know that was you Banzai.

Yep, :party:

[evot23]

...hell they still talk to me and i have a v8 now :D the rotary community is collectively one of the coolest of all, there is very little ego and a lot of smart people in general, and are always willing to give and accept info in the interest of getting better.
...

Amen to V8s lol...and this is why I've been with the rotary community for so long. Collectively has made me some life long friends.

[88turboii]

i still think the raffle thing takes way too long. just keep it to the big ticket items and car show awards, and add in the new categories mentioned earlier. maybe at the end just through the t-shirts out radomly. 30 min tops

and registration fee is too expensive, what exactly is the $30-$40 paying for?

[evot23]

If you don't feel $30 is worth registering for this type of event...then why come? If its too much, Phil tries to help with that if its a true financial hardship. Judging by your mods, money isn't an issue.

Even if the shirt was free and not included in the cost...the hours spent by Phil and the volunteers on organizing this isn't even covered in registration.

So when you decided not to register, you basically said you were paying too much for an orchestrated rotary gathering run by volunteers...?

I agree the banquet is long (and I've only been to one)...but I do see it as one of the few times the entire group is together. Also...everyone is free to do what they want...just leave early if its too long. Now having a buffet there..that's a suggestion lol.

[85turbo12a]

im sure the village doesnt mind a few hundred people and cars randomly showing up and taking over their property for free either...just saying...

[85rx-7gsl-se]

Drives a modified FD...bitches about paying $30. Irony much?

[85turbo12a]

hopefully next year the owners of the village will be settled in and know what to expect, all in all it was ok, the cost is minimal IMO to have a nice place to have the show and gather at will, a shirt and some misc goodies, the weather cannot be controlled and other than a slight lack of parking is about all you can hope for.
although...having to drive through that small mud puddle in the corral parking was a very painful event for me....i sucked it up and did so very slowly so not to splash...:D
methinks ill win the most OCD award...

[banzaitoyota]

The person complaining about the price has never been to a good guys event! This event is reasonalaby priced and fairly well organized.

[88turboii]

i know im cheap lol.. i just think it would be cool if it was free to hang out, but you could buy a t-shirt if you want, or pay to enter car show also, or raffle ticket etc. just a suggestion

[Monkman33]

I would like there to be other categories and awards to lighten the mood and make it more fun at the banquet(?)

Longest Driven
Destined to Fail
OCD Award
Epic Beater

.......and a yellow stained Pissed-On (pitson) Award (or something)

I am totally aiming for the OCD award!

[Monkman33]

Drives a modified FD...bitches about paying $30. Irony much?

Quoted for truth!

[banzaitoyota]

i know im cheap lol.. i just think it would be cool if it was free to hang out, but you could buy a t-shirt if you want, or pay to enter car show also, or raffle ticket etc. just a suggestion


Here's an idea. Organize your own event and don't charge for it. Please advise us of time and date.

[rwatson5651]

i know im cheap lol.. i just think it would be cool if it was free to hang out, but you could buy a t-shirt if you want, or pay to enter car show also, or raffle ticket etc. just a suggestion


So what you want is to come take advantage of the event without contributing to what it cost to put on.............

The most important thing you get for your registration fee is not the t-shirt, raffle ticket or car show entry, but the right to participate. It is not fair to expect someone to go to the trouble to gather all the cars and people together just so you can come hang out and get the benefit of their presence. I think such an outlook is rather selfish.

2 cents
Robert

[Pete_89T2]

Here's an idea. Organize your own event and don't charge for it. Please advise us of time and date.

:smilielol5: crickets chirping while we all wait for this guy to take action and organize something....

So what you want is to come take advantage of the event without contributing to what it cost to put on.............

The most important thing you get for your registration fee is not the t-shirt, raffle ticket or car show entry, but the right to participate. It is not fair to expect someone to go to the trouble to gather all the cars and people together just so you can come hang out and get the benefit of their presence. I think such an outlook is rather selfish.

2 cents
Robert

Well said Robert. This guy is just another symptom of the entitlement mentality that is dragging this country down.

[evot23]

from the other forum it sounds like a select group was a pain in the ass...next year register!...its pretty simple.

[IH8DSM]

Sounds good

[slvrstreak]

nicely put Robert
I think one year we did a farthest driven award
some guys from Canada won I believe
did we do that this year?

[reddozen]

nicely put Robert
I think one year we did a farthest driven award
some guys from Canada won I believe
did we do that this year?

Nope, but the guy from California would have won... lol

[Sephitrask]

If your talking about Glen then yeah, especially since he drove from cali to Florida and then to NC

[evot23]

We did it in 2011 and a group from Canada split the money. Not sure if it was done 2012/2013.

[tbuelna]

I second the comment about newbies feeling unwelcomed. After trying to talk to several people my wife and I mostly got the cold shoulder before giving up. We hung out at the car show for a while and then hit the dragon and went home. Didn't even stay for the pic. I'm glad we went to see the cars...I love my FD, but needless to say, we will not be returning.

[JL1RX7]

I second the comment about newbies feeling unwelcomed. After trying to talk to several people my wife and I mostly got the cold shoulder before giving up. We hung out at the car show for a while and then hit the dragon and went home. Didn't even stay for the pic. I'm glad we went to see the cars...I love my FD, but needless to say, we will not be returning.

Sorry that happened to you. I have made many good friends at DGRR and others. Now I go to try to catch up with people.

[rx7 vinnie]

You must've not talked to the Mid-Tenn crew... We are the most welcoming group and most rowdy. Don't let a couple non-sociable people determine if you are or not going to attend the best rotary gathering in the nation. Hope that can somewhat change your mind.

[85rx-7gsl-se]

What Vinnie said. Most FB and FC owners are very sociable :D

[banzaitoyota]

Hell, you could have stopped by my car and had a beer and a cigar, I was the OCD waxing his car guy

[rx7 vinnie]

I could've smelled that stogie all over Nantahala.

[FC Zach]

Hell, you could have stopped by my car and had a beer and a cigar, I was the OCD waxing his car guy

You mean this guy :)
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/295331_591300477558102_853552982_n.jpg

[slvrstreak]

I second the comment about newbies feeling unwelcomed. After trying to talk to several people my wife and I mostly got the cold shoulder before giving up. We hung out at the car show for a while and then hit the dragon and went home. Didn't even stay for the pic. I'm glad we went to see the cars...I love my FD, but needless to say, we will not be returning.

must have only talked to other FD drivers :lol:
all the FB, FC, and 8 drivers I have meet have been very chill
I personally have never had a negative experience at DGRR
everyone has always been very welcoming and socialable imo :dunno:

[91convguy]

I would have to agree that it's not the greatest event to make friends. Still managed to find a couple rotor heads talk with, people tend to stay in there group I found it to be very true when it came to the car show part of the show people in the in parked up in paved lot at lodge every one else well, it still was ok event. So the next year ended up at a full campground at fontana full of Minies there rally ended up being on same weekend, this was about two years ago they were so cool invited me in to share there site had greatest time that weekend only rx7 convert at there event they even insisted I pull up to there car wash area and clean up my car. Learned a lot about minies that weekend witch was really cool they are good little handlers with there little corky problems. What's really kept me away from DGRR event is the car show part of the event, just feel show would be better if all cars were shown in same paved lot.

[TitaniumTT]

I would have to agree that it's not the greatest event to make friends. Still managed to find a couple rotor heads talk with, people tend to stay in there group

I really don't understand how people can say that it's not a friendly place or it's difficult to make friends. I really think some of these people are socially inept or just give off bad vibes or something. I've been attending DGRR since 2009 and every year it seems to grow more and more and people honestly get friendlier and friendlier. Every year I meet a few new people either by them walking up and talking to me or me commenting on thier car or something.... I've always found it to be the most welcoming of events

I found it to be very true when it came to the car show part of the show people in the in parked up in paved lot at lodge every one else well, it still was ok event.

That's because it is a car show and there is limited space. If you arrive in a broken down rusting our hulk, or a non rotary car, you're going to be asked to move the car for others. I know this sounds harsh because everyone loves thier own car and thinks it's the greatest, but it is a show after all and there is limited space. I arrived to the show late this year and parked way off to the side mostly sticking out into the street.... my own fault for showing up late. Usually I'm there @ 6:30 in the morning....

What's really kept me away from DGRR event is the car show part of the event, just feel show would be better if all cars were shown in same paved lot.

With 300 cars and spots for what, 50? that's not going to happen. Logistically it's an impossibility.
However, this is why there is the Damn Dam photoshoot which I've missed every year up until this one, and yeah, even though I spent most of my time directing cars and yelling over the mic and calling DJ a freakishly tall yankee... I still had a lot of fun there.

[85turbo12a]

^what he said...

hey wait...technically I am classified as "non-rotory" now...but I was there on time so :P

speaking as an eccentric, OCD, anti-social, mad scientistic and somewhat grumpy machinist type...I say if you cant talk to people at DGRR....:dunno:

hell not to toot the ol horn, but I am sure there were a lot of people with questions for me about mine...but I was too busy talking to others about theirs to stand by it all morning...that is why I have a build thread hehehe

anyway, lets focus on important ideas rather than non-negotiable terrain limitations..

An idea i had today..and someone please alert me if its exists and i missed it, was to maybe have some sort of sign up sheet for various "runs" to different roads and the times and leaders of such groups, be nice to have the ability to see a persons car and face that you may not know that has volunteered to lead a group of cars to X road at X time so that someone new or old can find that person and get a run-down and status and be ready when time.

I am still learning that area and get lost a lot..but hell i will still take a group out if they want lol i drive slow too :suspect:

for me this year i had my friends with me in their truck so i mainly just went with them at the pace they could run, there was no point in them trying to keep with the pack of 7s, kept me out of trouble too hehehe, but really i did miss some good group runs but oh well, next year.

communication was the biggest failing for me and a lot of other people, our phones wont work, the wifi at the lodge was garbage so even savanadan couldnt get a hold of me, and we rode up together, if we werent within eyesight it was hopeless, not sure what to do about that, that is a landscape issue with service providers...so having perhaps some experienced members organizing drives at designated times so as to sync up everyone out of communication would be nice.
perhaps a marker/chalkboard or series of clipboards for use in this.

the itinerary for the show and the photo shoot and all that is all good and works, but it is the "free time" that falls apart if you dont know specifically who is going where and when(especialy for new people that dont know anyone personally) like i was in 2011, but i just followed the smell :smilielol5:

[Pete_89T2]

I'm a bit surprised by the comments of the DGRR newbies who said they got the cold shoulder from folks they tried to strike up convos with. Maybe they just had the bad luck of meeting the few snobs first, and first impressions carry a lot of weight. I'm not the most extroverted & socially talented sort of guy, but that's not my experience at all. My 1st year at DGRR was 2010, and I've been attending every year since mainly because everyone I've encountered here is so friendly and I always have a great time.

[evot23]

I second the comment about newbies feeling unwelcomed. After trying to talk to several people my wife and I mostly got the cold shoulder before giving up. We hung out at the car show for a while and then hit the dragon and went home. Didn't even stay for the pic. I'm glad we went to see the cars...I love my FD, but needless to say, we will not be returning.

Don't give up so easily!

Sorry that happened to you. I have made many good friends at DGRR and others. Now I go to try to catch up with people.

Yes!

What Vinnie said. Most FB and FC owners are very sociable :D

I see what you did there...lol

[TitaniumTT]

^what he said...

hey wait...technically I am classified as "non-rotory" now...but I was there on time so :P

speaking as an eccentric, OCD, anti-social, mad scientistic and somewhat grumpy machinist type...I say if you cant talk to people at DGRR....:dunno:

I'm not a machinist so I don't know who you're talking about ;)

hell not to toot the ol horn, but I am sure there were a lot of people with questions for me about mine...but I was too busy talking to others about theirs to stand by it all morning...that is why I have a build thread hehehe

That is not a bad thing.... in 2011 I wanted to go and talk to others, but kept getting pulled back to mine to answer questions and chat, which I am always more than happy to do....

anyway, lets focus on important ideas rather than non-negotiable terrain limitations..

An idea i had today..and someone please alert me if its exists and i missed it, was to maybe have some sort of sign up sheet for various "runs" to different roads and the times and leaders of such groups, be nice to have the ability to see a persons car and face that you may not know that has volunteered to lead a group of cars to X road at X time so that someone new or old can find that person and get a run-down and status and be ready when time.

I am still learning that area and get lost a lot..but hell i will still take a group out if they want lol i drive slow too :suspect:

for me this year i had my friends with me in their truck so i mainly just went with them at the pace they could run, there was no point in them trying to keep with the pack of 7s, kept me out of trouble too hehehe, but really i did miss some good group runs but oh well, next year.

communication was the biggest failing for me and a lot of other people, our phones wont work, the wifi at the lodge was garbage so even savanadan couldnt get a hold of me, and we rode up together, if we werent within eyesight it was hopeless, not sure what to do about that, that is a landscape issue with service providers...so having perhaps some experienced members organizing drives at designated times so as to sync up everyone out of communication would be nice.
perhaps a marker/chalkboard or series of clipboards for use in this.

the itinerary for the show and the photo shoot and all that is all good and works, but it is the "free time" that falls apart if you dont know specifically who is going where and when(especialy for new people that dont know anyone personally) like i was in 2011, but i just followed the smell :smilielol5:

That is a double edged sword. The free time is just that and totally seperate from DGRR because of liability... that is about the simplest way to put it.

If someone wants to take the lead and organize something, and Phil please stop me if I'm wrong here but we've had a very similar insurance/liability driven conversation in the past, it needs to be seperate from DGRR.... correct?

I'm a bit surprised by the comments of the DGRR newbies who said they got the cold shoulder from folks they tried to strike up convos with. Maybe they just had the bad luck of meeting the few snobs first, and first impressions carry a lot of weight. I'm not the most extroverted & socially talented sort of guy, but that's not my experience at all. My 1st year at DGRR was 2010, and I've been attending every year since mainly because everyone I've encountered here is so friendly and I always have a great time.

That.... absolutely that.... I lvoe it, I consistently say it's the highlight of my automotive year

[rx7 vinnie]

I hate to say it But if you didn't enjoy DGRR....... It's your own fault.

[85turbo12a]

I'm not a machinist so I don't know who you're talking about ;)


That is not a bad thing.... in 2011 I wanted to go and talk to others, but kept getting pulled back to mine to answer questions and chat, which I am always more than happy to do....


That is a double edged sword. The free time is just that and totally seperate from DGRR because of liability... that is about the simplest way to put it.

If someone wants to take the lead and organize something, and Phil please stop me if I'm wrong here but we've had a very similar insurance/liability driven conversation in the past, it needs to be seperate from DGRR.... correct?

right since i suck at quoting i will just respond in order...i cut metal...not html...

:troll:

as for taking the time to answer questions about the car...there is never enough time...we all need to just get in one big circle and play spin the bottle for tech questions :biggrinjester:

as far as the liability aspect of organized "tours" I admit my ignorance on the details of such matters, just throwing it out there.

I personally don't have much trouble meeting people there to go places, other than when I am off somewhere already because of no communication hardly...but for less independent folks...might help.

anyone have any luck with CB radios in those hills? something with range? who has the best cell service that works in all the areas?

not even worried about using a scanner or radar/laser detector, those guys up there know just where to hide if they wont you they get you.

just want to be able to communicate...or call for help...

[FC Zach]

I've thought about using a CB, maybe next year.

[91convguy]

My 91 vert happens to be in near mint condition and has always been in near mint condition. I payed good money for that lodge room a NV that weekend had great spot in front lot where it was parked during the night. Next morning when come down prep car for show that's when got rude awaking with bullhorn move my car to dirt lot across street. Hay TT just how many times have you had to show your car in dirt lot across street? inquiring mind would love know. Why can't the car show be held somewhere else like in Bryson so everyone can display there cars and feel as they are part of the show and not a rust bucket reject like TT thinks. It would also be nice if people living in the area or driving thought might enjoy looking at the cars and maybe even take interest in rotary power. I did not come on here to down the event as I stated before the event was ok but had a better time the following year hanging out at the mini event following year and that should not be. This thread is to make the event better was just giving a opinion.

[FC Zach]

Why can't the car show be held somewhere else like in Bryson so everyone can display there cars and feel as they are part of the show and not a rust bucket reject like TT thinks. It would also be nice if people living in the area or driving thought might enjoy looking at the cars and maybe even take interest in rotary power.

I do agree with you here, I would be nice to see all the rotaries in one big lot. My only issue with this idea is that it's one more activity added to an already loaded itinerary and it's just convenient to have the show at the 'home' location.

When I say "loaded itinerary", that's just my opinion and I say that only because every year when I come out for this event I want to do so much and it seems as though I don't, there's just so much to do. The year before last I did make time to go on the zip line tour which was a blast! The raining didn't help this year and it kept us indoors most of the time.

I think it's convenient to keep the event as simple as possible and I'm perfectly fine with keeping the 'show' part of the event at the lodge. Think about the damn dam photo shoot, not everyone makes it there and if they do sometimes it may not be on time and get left out. . . I can only assume that the car show would end up like this if moved to a different location.

[DerrickS]

My 91 vert happens to be in near mint condition and has always been in near mint condition. I payed good money for that lodge room a NV that weekend had great spot in front lot where it was parked during the night. Next morning when come down prep car for show that's when got rude awaking with bullhorn move my car to dirt lot across street. Hay TT just how many times have you had to show your car in dirt lot across street? inquiring mind would love know. Why can't the car show be held somewhere else like in Bryson so everyone can display there cars and feel as they are part of the show and not a rust bucket reject like TT thinks. It would also be nice if people living in the area or driving thought might enjoy looking at the cars and maybe even take interest in rotary power. I did not come on here to down the event as I stated before the event was ok but had a better time the following year hanging out at the mini event following year and that should not be. This thread is to make the event better was just giving a opinion.

Agree with this. I would like to see the car show cars organized all together. If it has to be somewhere besides the lodge, well that's fine with me. I didn't see a lot of the cars because they were scattered about, or I didn't know if they were part of the show or not.
Also, we had a local business owner stop by our car, and she also had a gsl-se that her father had bought her brand new. She just happened to be driving by and saw all the cars and decided to stop in. She was very interested in all of the cars, and wondered why there weren't signs around town telling others of the show. At the time, I didn't understand that the car show (and viewing of) was only for registered attendees, and so I didn't have a good answer for her. Now I know, but I would like to see that aspect changed to be more of a public affair.

Not a gripe, mind you. I am very appreciative of all of those that organized this great event. Thank you!

[reddozen]

At the time, I didn't understand that the car show (and viewing of) was only for registered attendees, and so I didn't have a good answer for her. Now I know, but I would like to see that aspect changed to be more of a public affair.

Not a gripe, mind you. I am very appreciative of all of those that organized this great event. Thank you!

I kind of like this idea, but I'm not sure how it would work out... It may get into liability issues, and if it's fine for them to hang out at the car show, why not the damn. What if a non event participant won the car show... then how would that work at the banquet?

[TitaniumTT]

It absolutely does.

[evot23]

I think Derrick is referring to the car show as being more accessible to the public (ie in a bigger lot with all cars together, etc) and having it open/advertised in the sense that it is for the general public to enjoy as much as it is for all of us. The lodge space limits the public from coming in to view the show very easily. And since space is limited, only registered cars are in the lot.

As it is now, on the day of the car show, spots at the lodge are reserved for registered attendees participating in the show. Not fair if nonregistered people are taking up registered spots.

I would think that only registered attendees cars are able to win anything.

[rgould]

We've attended the last 3 years and continue to look forward to the next. We didn't know anyone that first year, but we quickly made new friends. Each year is a chance to catch up with them, and also meet new people. It is a wonderfully diverse crowd brought together by the love for the cars and the rotary heritage.
We like NV, especially being able to hang out on the front porch, but it would be better if the car show could be located elsewhere where all cars registered for the event were included, regardless of condition. If you are registered, meaning you received a tag for you and your car, you and your car should be able to participate, without prejudgement. Not all of us expect to win anything, but all should be allowed to participate. The final judging has always seemed appropriate, but the preliminary judgement due to space limitations seems to cause most of the negative feelings.
Consider as a possible alternative location the Ingles grocery store on Hwy 19 in Bryson City. It has a large parking lot right along a main road, food and beverage, and most likely has restrooms. Car show could be same time, day and duration as usual, with just a change in location. We love DGRR and plan to attend as long as we can. Many thanks to all who make it happen.:party:

[afgmoto1978]

Anybody ever though of holding the car show at the Dam? It seems to be a place with more room. Say have the car show start in the morning and then do the Damn Dam photo shoot at the end. With the way the Damn Dam photo shoot is setup it would aid in the car show judging since each specific make is parked right next each other.

Only bad thing is lack of amenities. But there is restrooms available at the dam.

[WE3RX7]

I agree that NV is a bit crowded for a show of our size, and if we can have it elsewhere, than that would be more ideal.

Another idea on the car show is to not include entry to the car show as part of your registration, but supplemental instead. Not everybody attending this event (myself included) has a "show" car, nor cares to display it. It's why I leave my car(s) at the cabin most of the time. This would drop the cost of registration down a bit and cut down on the "well.. I paid for this but I'm not being included" mentality which is what I feel is more of the problem here. It's all about perception. I'm not hating on the event at all, but car shows aren't everybody's thing and making it optional has a lot of advantages:

1. You can limit car show entries (say we only have room for 50 cars, first 50 to register for the show, get in, the rest can still attend the show but not compete)
2. Makes the cost of the event a bit cheaper (not that I think it's overpriced) for those who don't care to take part in the show.
3. Gets rid of the "I didn't get included" or "I got shunned" or "What exactly did I get for my registration" - all of which are things I've heard and then some in the last 5 years I've been coming to DGRR.

The negatives are a bit more work on the organizer's end to separate those people out and a bit more work to the website to accomodate the supplemental registration.

Just a thought. Regardless, I think everybody is approachable at DGRR and I've really never had a negative experience with the people. Looking forward to next year.

[Pete_89T2]

Anybody ever though of holding the car show at the Dam? It seems to be a place with more room. Say have the car show start in the morning and then do the Damn Dam photo shoot at the end. With the way the Damn Dam photo shoot is setup it would aid in the car show judging since each specific make is parked right next each other.

Only bad thing is lack of amenities. But there is restrooms available at the dam.

This is an interesting idea... Certainly would solve the lack of car show parking space issue, and being back-to-back, it could allow for freeing up some agenda time too. After folks have had lunch, you could gather for the show about 1, have all the cars lined up and ready for judging by ~2PM, hang out and then do the photo shoot around 4PM. Folks can use the AM for free time (the Dragon is much more fun in the early AM hours anyway!), or spend that time shining up their cars for the show if they are inclined to.

Also it would have solved the one problem I had this year - I spent a little too much time having fun on the Dragon Saturday afternoon after the show, so I arrived a little late to the Damned Dam photo shoot and was turned away. Being back-to-back with the show, there's no excuse to miss the photo shoot if you're already at the show.

[reddozen]

TVA doesn't let you "rent out" the Dam, and I don't think they would want a car show out there. Best idea would probably be to try to arrange something with Bryson City to have it down town.

[rgould]

Holding the car show at the dam misses the real point of a car show.
Best idea would probably be to try to arrange something with Bryson City to have it down town. We agree.:biggthumpup:

The shows are for the general public to see different cars that they don't normally see. Hopefully you will get more people interested in our cars and the event. (yes I know more work for Phil and the volunteers if more people get more interest in our event.) But we would get all our cars in one place with time to go around and look at all the rides and have time to converse with attendees and the public and the judges can judge the rides that display their event dash tag .

We have shows every Friday and Saturday in different places around Indy during the spring and summer for the locals to show off the finished rides and the work-in-progress cars to other Hot Rodders and the public who stop in to see the festivities. We go just to see what comes out from week to week (but we like all cars from Hot Rods, Tuners, Antiques etc.).:auto:

[FcRx8MEL]

TVA doesn't let you "rent out" the Dam, and I don't think they would want a car show out there. Best idea would probably be to try to arrange something with Bryson City to have it down town.

I don't see how doing a car show there would be any different than the picture there. They let us all hang out and park in 1 lot for that hour or so for a picture, how would hanging out for a few extra hours for a show be something they don't want?

[rx7 vinnie]

I understand what Brian is saying by the Dam won't let large amounts of traffic hinder every day operations and that the Feds are kinda weird about them kinda things.....but hey I'm sure if someone take a professional approach into explain it then why not? What's the worse they can say?

[85rx-7gsl-se]

Plus you gotta leave your guns at home if its at the dam lol

[rx7 vinnie]

Plus you gotta leave your guns at home if its at the dam lol

Not if you're P.O.S.T. Certified :-)

[85rx-7gsl-se]

I need to become a reserve officer so I can be covered by LEOSA :)

[rx7 vinnie]

They will be kicking and screaming for you to join their agency because of your education..... Me... I just speak 4 languages and post cert.

[JDriftM]

Rally= not a car show...... Whatev's