If you're interested in having an RX-8 meet here in Colorado, stand up and be counted here! Please list potential dates you could do it. I'm thinking Denver or Longmont as the most central location...

I could meet most weekends and locations. Ft. Collins is closer to WY members and Golden could be an alternative for Denver. I know some good places there so am biased ;) I have thought about rejoining the local Miata club but my feelings are we need a rotary club.

Agreed! So now there is 3 of us interested... you, me, and doccable.

I think the easiest thing to do, eventually, will be to pick a date at random (weekend, of course) then all meet in Longmont at some predetermined location and time. Once everyone is there, we can have a nice *leisurely* (in deference to the winter) drive, um, maybe up to Estes Park via highway 36? Once to our destination we'll go to some restaurant and have lunch. After lunch, we'll all admire each other's cars, then head our separate ways.

What do you think? Be kinda cool to caravan a string of '8s up to Estes.

Anyone else interested???

I'm in Aurora although most of my time is either at work or spending family time since we have a 2 month old. :)

We actually got our first fender bender last night. My wife's cousin was in town with her family who had never seen snow before. They ran into the back of our 2001 Tribute at a stoplight. I feathered my brakes to stop before an intersection with a little bit of sliding. Since they didn't have any experience in snow, their rental car's brakes just locked up and they slid into the back of us. Fortunately everybody was ok. The Tribute took a little damage to the bumper mainly but the rental car was a bit messed up.

Be careful on the roads guys.

Brian

Yah, the roads suck, plus no one seems to know how to drive on the slick stuff. {"Slick roads? Must speed UP and drive MORE aggressively!"} Arg! Idiots! But I've been driving my Grand Cherokee, so it's less of a big deal in that than it would be in my RX-8...

I'm thinking maybe having the meet in the spring. At the rate of response (or lack thereof!) to the meet thus far from my fellow Colorado area members, it'll take at least 4 months before a half dozen people sign up! ;) Think you could get away for 1/2 a day by then Buger?

So far, it looks like the following people might be interested:
-Omicron
-Doccable
-JCC
-Buger (??)

Other people from the area who have not said they're interested, but may be...

Bolder8
Digisan
Jazzman
Serff
Icanrel-8

The last couple of guys don't yet have an '8, but as far as I'm concerned, they're welcome to join us. Agreed?

Sure, I'm down. I'll go for a ride along to make me want the car even more...;)

If you guys are still looking for good places to go on a drive, let me know. i have a bunch of friends who go on drives like this a lot so they know of good places. I love the drive out of golden up US 6 and last blackhawk/central city and up on 119 and down boulder canyon. that is a fun drive. let me know what you guys decide on.

serff

Ok, you're in. Our list now looks like:

-Omicron
-Doccable
-JCC
-Serff (ride along :) )
-Buger (??)

Anyone else? Anyone?.... anyone?... Buger?... anyone...? :D

I think for the first meet we should keep it simple and short to get more participation. If interest grows, and we all have more time to do this, then we'll expand to the longer drives. The way I've planned it so far we should be done in about 4 hours, including to and from the meet place, and thats short enough to make it easier for more people to come. Just my 2 cents, we'll see how it pans out.

Sorry...uh, I've been away in forgotten password land...

(having 2 little kids who tag-team hours awake crying at night ain't helping...):o :o zzzz

Yes! Count me in on a meet. I would love to be a part of any trip, but I, too, would prefer to spend no more than half a day, at first.

Thanks for including me, I'll help with gas or whatever for whoever is letting me ride along. I might as well get used to buying premium now.

Ok, you're in too. Our list now looks like:

-Omicron
-Doccable
-JCC
-Serff (ride along :) )
-Icanrel-8 (ride along :) )
-Buger (??)

Anyone else? Anyone?.... anyone?... Buger?... anyone...? :D

Originally posted by Omicron
I'm thinking maybe having the meet in the spring. At the rate of response (or lack thereof!) to the meet thus far from my fellow Colorado area members, it'll take at least 4 months before a half dozen people sign up! ;) Think you could get away for 1/2 a day by then Buger?

I'm sure I can escape for half a day one day in the spring. :) It would be cool to meet some of the RX-8 owners here since I don't have one yet. Maybe I can ride along with somebody also (and chip in for gas etc)? :)

Brian

Excellent, you're in too. Our list now looks like:

-Omicron
-Doccable
-JCC
-Serff (ride along :) )
-Icanrel-8 (ride along :) )
-Buger (ride along :) )

Anyone else? Anyone?.... anyone?...

ACTUALLY, can you guys do me a favor? Please keep an eye on the "Location" field of users out in the main forums, and drop me a PM or note here when you notice someone from Colorado or Wyoming. I figure NM is too far away for anyone to join us from there. Hopefully I can drum up some more interest by getting directly in touch with some of these folks... I mean, we've now got 3 RX-8s, 3 drivers, and 3 riders. We need a few more actual CARS, dontcha think? :)

Maybe you should wait till the weather gets a bit nicer? Could be a while... :(

D'oh! I forgot about you Digisan, and you and I were the first to start discussing this! Sorry about that!!!

So I gather you'll want to join us? Sure hope so...

Yes, the plan now (unless someone wants to disagree) is to go sometime during the spring - unless we get a batch of REALLY nice weather, and that's hard to plan for.

Our list now looks like:

-Omicron
-Digisan
-Doccable
-JCC
-Serff (ride along :) )
-Icanrel-8 (ride along :) )
-Buger (ride along :) )

Anyone else? Anyone?.... anyone?...

Ya know, now would be a good time to plan a Spring driving/looking-over-cars meet, especially for those who would need to make a trip from Wyoming or Co. Springs or the other side of the divide.

But don't wait until then to have the first meeting because of the weather. Pick some central-ish place like a Fridays or Dennys or such, where we can all meet for a meal on some weekend (in my experience, holidays will be hard to get everybody). That way, we can place faces to a name, and get to know each other much better than we can online, and not worry about the weather (unless the roads are so bad that we shouldn't drive unless we have to). I can tell you from experience, the best way to get a group started from scratch (whether it eventually becomes an officially legally organized club, or whether it remains an informal group of fellow enthusiasts), is to just start with a couple of simple get-togethers, even if only a few of us can make it the first couple of times.

---jps

Sounds like a good idea Sputnik. So I gather you'll be joining us too?

So let's do this... why don't we plan on an informal get together some weekend in early January? We'll plan the longer "drive to a restaurant" outing for sometime in spring.

Please cast your "vote" for what weekend works best for you in January (to get us past the holidays), as well as any you can NOT make for whatever reason. Choices are:

Jan 4-5
Jan 11-12 <= My first choice
Jan 18-99 <= I cannot make this one (my birthday is 1/16)
Jan 25-26 <= My second choice

Let us know what's good for you...

------------------------------
Current attendees are:
-Omicron
-Digisan
-Doccable
-JCC
-Serff (ride along :) )
-Icanrel-8 (ride along :) )
-Buger (ride along :) )
-Sputnik (ride along :) )
------------------------------

Weekend of January 17-18 Does not work for me, but at a point close to or before that, I'll probably have an 8 of my own. Oh, yeah!

Otherwise, I'm pretty flexible, so I'll just follow the posts...

Thanks to Omicron for putting all of this together. :)

I'm scheduled to work on Sun and Mon evenings but I can probably take a day off if a date is decided. I'll check at work tomorrow.

Brian

You're welcome :)

So it sounds like weekend 18-19 is out, that leaves...

Jan 4-5
Jan 11-12 <= My first choice
Jan 25-26 <= My second choice

Just about any date is good with me... I am thinking about con tacting the various dealerships in the area, and let them know about the forum, and ask that they pass the URL along to new owners. Maybe this will help!
-Doc

Damn good idea Doc!

Just my 2 cents.... I stumbled onto this forum searching about the vehicle. I wish the dealer had provided it to me, and I agree with Doccable's idea.

There could be one problem, though. Will dealers be able to stand the thought that potential buyers will be privy to each thread that discusses frankly the negatives, ie HP, oil, flooding, and gripes both legit and petty? And IkeWRX? Just kidding, man, I like hearing you rant...:D

It looks like a few dealer people are members and I thank them for being large enough to stay around to help clarify and bring us insider-type info on these issues. Overall, I get the impression that these folks are working hard on all of the 8's issues.

Cause if I didn't, not only would I NOT hang around the forum, I also wouldn't be about to go and plunk down 30 large on a newly brought to market vehicle. Heck, I once had a 1978 MGB. I've already had sexy car that broke down every week. BTDT

So, to any dealers that read this: the negatives may turn away some buyers, but if you don't care about the true quality of your product, and stand up about problems, you'll not only lose customers, you'll be taking back cars left and right under class-action lawsuits. Treat me like a grown-up, and I'll reward that with my loyalty and trust. Whew! bla, bla, bla...

P.s. Icanrel-8 just posted the 2 cents thing. I have no idea how I got logged on as Rotorite... I am not using any (other) alias...

Apologies to Rotorite if you exist. OK, so I'm not very tech-y, but if anyone wants to take exception to the post, just blame me. And I'm not from Sacramento, either. Strange...

Icanrel-8

I think he said "pass the URL along to new owners" not "potential buyers," which may overcome some of your objections. But point well taken. I just want to figure out a way to get the word out here in CO about the meet... sure would be cool to have 25-50 RX8s show up... :D

The fact that there are so many "ride-alongs" might motivate a dealership or salespeople to get involved. There is little for a dealership to gain by working with people who already bought their cars, but if there are alot of potential sales out there...

---jps

I don't know that I would agree with that. The main advertisement for almost anything is by word of mouth. I'm also an 'honary' member of the colorad lexus club because that is the car i used to be in love with before the rx8 came out. They are sponsered by Kuni Lexus. They have deals where they will give their members like $250 for refering someone to buy a lexus. They have also worked a deal where they get discounts on work done at their shop. They also will install aftermarket parts and they will warrenty the work. Pretty crazy. So i wouldn't say that dealerships don't recognize their oweners adversitement power through word of mouth. I don't know that a Mazda dealership would sponser us, but hey, it would be cool if they would!

Originally posted by Sputnik
The fact that there are so many "ride-alongs" might motivate a dealership or salespeople to get involved. There is little for a dealership to gain by working with people who already bought their cars, but if there are alot of potential sales out there...

---jps

Icanrel-8 here again... actually, Sputnik, you're right on..but-- I am a Land Rover owner, and the dealers have regular offroad day trips scheduled for free for owners and their vehicles. They provide radios for each vehicle for on-trail communication, a free hamburger cookout lunch, and dealer personnel to teach offroad driving skills and spot obstacles. It's very cool. It's real offroading but stops at the level of likely vehicle damage. Did I say it's free?

Why bother? It's part of the image, and image sells. Rover is proud to take their stock vehicles offroad, because they can. They sell mods at the dealership, and install them for you (for a price). They don't whine about voiding the warranty, they OFFER winches, lights, brushbars, skid plates -even had turbos for a while.

Mazda can take the same tack: take these owners out to a closed course or racetrack, and have Jackie Stewart or whoever teach us maniacs how to run these cars right, how to power through curves, accident avoidance drills and kick in a lunch at the track. Have techs out to shoot the bull about mods, and new developments. Get an image-- sporty sexy cars for the people who care-- we the Rotarians! Whatever.

Shoot, the cars are in the range of some Land Rover products' prices. Come on Mazda! Get us out for ZoomZoom Day!

Originally posted by Icanrel-8
...Shoot, the cars are in the range of some Land Rover products' prices... What Land Rover products, the floor mats? ;)

Lexus and Land Rover vehicles are in a totally different price bracket (while there might be some overlap, that particular Land Rover is the cheapo econo version, and the RX8 is one of the more expensive Mazdas). They sell fewer cars or bigger profit margins per car, and their customers are more apt to make purchases based on relationships, so it's worth their time, money, and effort to develop relationships for return business and word of mouth. Meanwhile, Mazda (like Toyota, Ford, GM, etc.) does a bulk business. They have much smaller profit margins per car, and the great majority of their customers make their decision on the best deal, instead of any previous relationship. And remember, Mazda dealerships also have to compete with several other Mazda dealerships in town, while there are much fewer Lexus and Land Rover dealerships (big cities like Denver are the only places where they even have any same brand competition). So it is normally not worth a dealership's time, money, and effort to develop expanded relationships with existing owners.

But that's not to say that they won't get involved. My point is that to get dealerships involved with something like this, you have to understand their situation and needs, and what would bring them. Establishing relationships with people who already spent their money will not. But establishing relationships with a significant amount of future confirmed and possible customers, and those of us (especially moderators) involved with a site where many more potential customers go for advice and knowledge, will bring them. This will be the first time that potential customers will be able to get a close look at, a ride in, or even a chance to drive an RX8. This is the perfect time for a salesman to meet up with customers. They are excited about a new car, they are in a much less pressure packed situation (than being in a dealership, where people understandably become wary and untrusting), and they are surrounded by others who are also excited about getting the car (excitement is contagious). So that is what you need to emphasize when talking to dealerships about being involved with a meet at some level. Chances are good that someone might even bring a demo car for people to test-drive.

---jps

Originally posted by Icanrel-8


Mazda can take the same tack: take these owners out to a closed course or racetrack, and have Jackie Stewart or whoever teach us maniacs how to run these cars right, how to power through curves, accident avoidance drills and kick in a lunch at the track. Have techs out to shoot the bull about mods, and new developments. Get an image-- sporty sexy cars for the people who care-- we the Rotarians! Whatever.

Shoot, the cars are in the range of some Land Rover products' prices. Come on Mazda! Get us out for ZoomZoom Day!

Doesn't mazda do this in other states already? Have a track day of some sort? I forget what they call it. i would love it if they would come to Colorado and do that.

How many of you are going to track your cars anyway? Anyone? I'm going to go at least once when i get mine up to second creek just to learn more about how my cars handles.

I'm crackin' up :D :D Ya got me there, Sput! C'mon, though, the door handles aren't too expensive, unless you're talking installation, but you would only spend, say as much as a Protege 5 on that...:D

But, Mazda is a larger company with more volume, and while I'm in no position to argue whether Mazda or Rover are better able to pay for it, I bet that [U]some[U/] form of owner training/appreciation could fit into a plan if they decided to... heck, I never knew the 8 was out till last month. They must be selling well enough to skip advertising.

And joking aside, RX-8 Forum may be the input that reaches the marketing division and the idea could catch on. This here is a gold mine of feedback for Mazda. Of course, the track idea, etc will require support from MazdaUSA, it isn't something that dealers can afford to try out.

All of your points are well taken. Still, I'd love to run around a track a couple of times, because I never drove a car at 140 or whatever they can do (honest, officer, my mom's Camaro only could do...oops). And I really think it would be a missed opportunity (for Mazda) if people like us end up doing it outside of a dealer-sponsored event that could attract publicity and buyers. Showing that you treat owners really well is a sales tool. And EVEN Land Rover's not serving steaks or champagne while you get your oil changed. (Note to my Rover dealer: Serve steaks and champagne while I get my oil changed, maybe I won't buy a Mazda---nah)

But don't get me wrong... I totally agree with your post above. They will want to get the best sales response from any cost/effort input, and they would be silly to do otherwise. I just hope that they don't squander the energy that this many people who LOVE this car are creating (that and THIS SITE are a major part of what has me convinced to buy one, that's direct sales effect). See ya at the meet! :)

I

So Doc, you gonna call around to dealerships, or what? :D

I've already started to e-mail some of the ones that are close, but have had no response. I will send one to the dealership in Colorado Springs, (where I got mine from), and ask them as well. If you get a free minute, Omicron, could you PM me?
Thanks!
-Doc

Just dropped you a line...

Hey Omicron, I just realized what is in your Sig. We have a Mazda 6s as well. I think you stole the car we wanted. :) We wanted the Sepang green, but ended up with the Steel Gray one for my wife. Is yours a "wife" car as well? Pretty funny that we might have the same car setup (except i don't have a Jeep). Have you guys done anything to your 6? I'm thinking about clearing out the tail lights, but can't decide. I saw one in europe and one here i think like that. It looks pretty sweet.

Sorry for poluting this thread...just wanted to put it somewhere and didn't feel like making a new thread. :)

Yep, it's a "wife" car... in fact, it's what got us into Mazda dealerships in the first place.

Mrs. Omicron was due for a new car... she'd been driving the same '91 Acura Integra GS since she took it over from me in '87, and was overdue. We did the car shopping thing and looked at all the usual subjects, eventually narrowing it down the Accord V6 and the Mazda 6S. Then we drove 'em back to back and the 6 won hands down. Had to hunt a bit to find the color & options she wanted (V6, AT, Sepang, Sport package, Cloth) but eventually found it in Lakewood. She LOVES it, as do I... it's an awesome car.

I like it so much in fact that I almost bought another one for myself... but we decided that it would be nice to have some variety, so I went for the 8. Never looked back since.

As for mods... not likely! She doesn't like me to tinker with the stuff she uses. We've still got an old laptop running Windows 3.11 which she drags out from time to time that she won't let me upgrade. LOL.

So back to our regularly scheduled programming... about the meet... here's what been talked about thus far...

Originally posted by Omicron
I think the easiest thing to do, eventually, will be to pick a weekend date (UPDATE: during the spring) then all meet in Longmont at some predetermined location and time. Once everyone is there, we can have a nice *leisurely* drive, um, maybe up to Estes Park via highway 36? Once to our destination we'll go to some restaurant and have lunch. After lunch, we'll all admire each other's cars, take pics, etc, then head our separate ways.

What do you think? Be kinda cool to caravan a string of '8s up to Estes.Originally posted by Omicron
So let's do this... why don't we plan on an informal get together some weekend in early January? We'll plan the longer "drive to a restaurant" outing for sometime in spring.

Please cast your "vote" for what weekend works best for you in January (to get us past the holidays), as well as any you can NOT make for whatever reason. Choices are:

Jan 4-5
Jan 11-12 <= My first choice
Jan 18-99 <= Several members cannot make this
Jan 25-26 <= My second choice

Let us know what's good for you...
Can you guys do me a favor? Please keep an eye on the "Location" field of users out in the main forums, and drop me a PM or note here when you notice someone from Colorado or Wyoming. I figure NM is too far away for anyone to join us from there. Hopefully I can drum up some more interest by getting directly in touch with some of these folks... I mean, we've now got 3 RX-8s, 3 drivers, and 3 riders. We need a few more actual CARS, dontcha think? :) A new '8 owner, dplore, just spoke up from another thread and will hopefully throw his hat in the ring here for the meet. Also, Switchbacker from New Mexico may be interested in joining us too.

------------------------------
Current attendees are:
-Omicron
-Digisan
-Doccable
-JCC
-Serff (ride along :) )
-Icanrel-8 (ride along :) )
-Buger (ride along :) )
-Sputnik (ride along :) )
-Switchbacker (??)
-Dplore (??)
------------------------------

Originally posted by Icanrel-8
...Of course, the track idea, etc will require support from MazdaUSA, it isn't something that dealers can afford to try out... Sure, that's my point. And we do see MazdaUSA do things like this, but on a national basis, like last fall's event in Las Vegas for all sporty Mazdas.
Originally posted by Omicron
-Sputnik (ride along ) Regardless of the date, etc., I will always be a maybe, and will never be able to commit to anything. And you don't need to find a seat for me on a drive (if that's what "ride along" means).

---jps

Ok, you're a "maybe" then. :) Figured you might want to ride along with one of us with a real car. :D

Originally posted by Omicron
...Figured you might want to ride along with one of us with a real car. :D A real car? Now be careful. It wouldn't look too good to go around thumping your chest about "real" cars, only to have them outrun by a little "girly" Miata. ;)

---jps

P.S. Click on the homepage...

LOL, I know Sput, just funnin with ya. :D

Update: We have another (potential) attendee. So the list now looks like:

------------------------------
Current attendees are:
-Omicron
-Digisan
-Doccable
-JCC
-Sputnik
-gpsvorndb
-Serff (ride along)
-Icanrel-8 (ride along)
-Buger (ride along)
-Switchbacker (??)
-Dplore (??)
------------------------------

Still need to hear from everyone on what a good weekend for a "Pre-meet" would be... thus far I've only heard from about 1 other person. Possible dates are Jan 11-12 or Jan 25-26. Please let me know what works for all you.

Finally, it's obvious very few people check this forum often, so can you please PM me with all of your "real" email addresses, so I can keep this thing going? Thanks...

Originally posted by Omicron
Update:

Still need to hear from everyone on what a good weekend for a "Pre-meet" would be... thus far I've only heard from about 1 other person. Possible dates are Jan 11-12 or Jan 25-26. Please let me know what works for all you.

Finally, it's obvious very few people check this forum often, so can you please PM me with all of your "real" email addresses, so I can keep this thing going? Thanks...

I'm subscribed to this thread, so i read it everytime something comes up. I would encourage that all the Colorado people subscribe to this thread and the other Colorado thread as well. Along those lines, we should try not to open too many new threads about colorado i guess either. That way we will always know when people are talkin...

Anyway, about the meet, is there a reason you chose a Sunday-Monday meet instead of a Sat-Sun meet? Or are you looking at this years calander? :) I am pretty much up for either date except i can't go till about 11:00 on the saturdays and I think i could go after 12:00 on the Sundays (although i would prefer saturday).

Also, i have a friend with a super charged s2000 (and another with an s2000 with other mods) that might go with us if we want more cars (even if they are the enemy...hehe). Let me know.

serff

Any weekend in January works for me.

January is okay with me probably. But I would think sometime
in the spring would be better. Especially if it involves driving.
A little tour through Boulder up to Nederland and hit a restaurant
up there. Or up Coal Creek Canyon (hwy 93) to Wondervu Cafe.
(or other inspiring drive, after all, the RX8 was made to be
driven)

Alternatively we could meet out at Second Creek Raceway.
http://www.2ndcreekraceway.com/

Weather permitting, we could go there in late Feb
or early March before regular events start up. Don't
have to drive on the track if you don't want to. But
if you do, it's $60 for a half day I believe. This is a steal
as in most parts of the country, it's several hundred dollars
and up. There is a Beginnigan's about 3-4 miles away that
we could meet at.

May 22-23 is a multicar club event. We could hang
out then.

-Darren
04 RX8 silver
93 Miata - limited edition
85 RX7 EP Race Car

Hi guys. I've been off line awhile while so sorry for not checking in sooner. Yes I would be interested in getting together and I like the mountain drive idea if weather permits. Estes or Coal Creek or Boulder Canyon all sound fun.

Oh and "hi" to dplore. I know where you work, dude! ;)

Originally posted by dplore
January is okay with me probably. But I would think sometime
in the spring would be better. Especially if it involves driving.
A little tour through Boulder up to Nederland and hit a restaurant
up there. Or up Coal Creek Canyon (hwy 93) to Wondervu Cafe.
(or other inspiring drive, after all, the RX8 was made to be
driven)Yah, the January thing is just a pre-meet thing. Just an excuse to get together and get to know everyone, and to plan the REAL meet for the spring.

Alternatively we could meet out at Second Creek Raceway.
http://www.2ndcreekraceway.com/

Weather permitting, we could go there in late Feb
or early March before regular events start up. Don't
have to drive on the track if you don't want to. But
if you do, it's $60 for a half day I believe. This is a steal
as in most parts of the country, it's several hundred dollars
and up. There is a Beginnigan's about 3-4 miles away that
we could meet at. Hmmm, now that's a thought. Not sure I personally would want to do the track thing, but maybe.

May 22-23 is a multicar club event. We could hang out then. I kind of like the idea of this... think of it, a bunch of georgeous RX-8s all lined up. :D

Originally posted by MuzzleFlash
Hi guys. I've been off line awhile while so sorry for not checking in sooner. Yes I would be interested in getting together and I like the mountain drive idea if weather permits. Estes or Coal Creek or Boulder Canyon all sound fun.

Oh and "hi" to dplore. I know where you work, dude! ;) Great to see you here MuzzleFlash! I've got your info and will keep you in the loop from here on out. But please try to check in to this forum periodically too, as most details will be kicked around here first.

December 26th through the 1st (I think) is free track days up at second creek (if you are a club member...). I don't know if you all just want to meet up there some time and just watch and hang out or not. You probably don't want to track any of those days though as there will be a lot of cars there (like 100), so it will be a bit crowded. Any way, a couple of my friends will be going up there, i'll post again when they know when they are going and maybe some of us can meet up.

Talk to you later!
serff

P.S. Just got back from LOTR: Return of the Kings. It rocked. go see it!!!!

I'm sorry, but where is this track again, exactly? Thanks...

Originally posted by Omicron
I'm sorry, but where is this track again, exactly? Thanks...

It is out by the airport. it is basically 80th and Tower road i think. If you take Pena Blvd to Tower and then take a left, heading north, you drive up there a few miles and then on your left you will be able to see the track. I think it is the next light you come to after you get off pena onto tower. I live like 5 minutes from it...so it isn't too far for me...;)

Nice... that's not too far from me, either... thanks to E470. :D

Hey guys!! This is my first post... as you can see.

I'm a semi-college student from the Boulder area and I read this thread and got all excited. I've actually "dropped" out of college to pursue the investment side of real estate with my step-dad... So my most immediate goal with the money I make from that is to get my very own Rx-8.

So, I would love to tag along with you guys if that's cool (or if all the passenger seats are still available). I'll definitely pitch for gas and whatnot.

I test drove an 8 last week and I loved it. And while I was there I got to talking with my salesmen from the dealer on Havana street and we exchanged numbers and all that. So, point being, maybe I can talk him into letting me bo-jangle (sorry, that's my fav word) an rx-8 for the day or some kind of deal like you guys were talking about. The only reason I can see this being possible is that they were so laid back... I mean they actually let a 19 year old wannabe racer take their car out for a spin... granted I did have my step-dad and mother with me.

Anywho, can't wait to hear back from you guys. And for the record, I'm very good at sitting quietly in the passenger seat squealing with glee in hot cars... so I'm not too annoying lol.

Thanks,

Brit

Sent you a PM Brit with my contact info Brit... be glad to have you!

Woo hoo! This thing is SHAPING UP! So far we've got eight and maybe 9 RX-8s and at least 4 ride-along-soon-to-be-RX8-drivers! Oh, and one hopped up Miata we're bringing along as our Mascot. :D (Sorry Sput, couldn't resist!)

Also FYI, we have a dealership possibly interested in sponsoring this. :D

I've tried to PM or email everyone on the list below, but if you haven't gotten anything from me yet, please drop me a PM with you name, email addy, and phone numbers so I can get more directly in touch with you about this meet and possible pre-meet. Also don't be surprised if you hear from "Doc" (doccable) who is co-coordinating this whole event.

------------------------------
Current attendees are:
-Omicron
-Doccable
-Digisan
-JCC
-gpsvorndb
-Dplore
-Muzzleflash
-Sputnik
-Serff (ride along)
-Icanrel-8 (ride along)
-Buger (ride along)
-PetersonPeleRx8 (ride along)
-Switchbacker (Possibly coming up from New Mexico!)
------------------------------

I'm still in. I'll go in Janurary and later in the spring too.
All of the proposed weekends are okay with me if
we can get sufficient advance notice. I would definitely
prefer something with at least a little interesting drive in it. :)
Boulder to Estes Park via Peak to Peak Highway could
be nice, and travel back via 36. Makes for a nice drive without
repetition. If that's too long of a drive (2+ hours), Boulder to
Nederland would be a lot shorter and still be fun.

Finally, those routes are biased for northern Denver/Ft. Collins
types. If we have people from South Denver and or
Colorado Springs, we could do something more central.

Having other cars along if we can't get enough RX8's sounds
fine to me. Miata, S2000, RX7, whatever. RX8's are kinda
rare in our area. :)

By the way, here's a link to Second Creek Raceway:
http://www.2ndcreekraceway.com/

I will be out at the free track days probably at least once.
It's only available to club members though. You must be a
card carrying member of one of the Colorado Motorsports
Council clubs to get on the track on these days. CMC
clubs are listed here: http://www.comosport.org/clubs/clubs.html

Of course, one can visit the track and not be a member.
Just can't get on the track during the "free days" from
Dec 26 - Dec 31

I will offer myself up as a driving instructor at second
creek for anyone who's interested. I have 4 years of SCCA
club racing experience, and 3 years of open track events
before that. I have over 1000 laps at Second Creek.

Best time to go to avoid crowds is on a weekday of course,
or late on Sunday might be good. If you go late enough in
the day (3:30pm), it's not too busy. This is assuming you
only want to drive the track for 30 minutes or so, which
really is plenty for just dipping your toes in.

-Darren

I posted in another thread, but this one I think is the most appropriate.

I'd be up for a road trip in the RX-8.......I haven't gotten to take it on any seriously long straightaways....I have broken 150, though. =)

Just as a background check, I bought the velocity red sport, put in aftermarket red/black leather (it was thicker & nicer than stock), tinted windows(20% all around), 20" lexani roma wheels, upgraded aftermarket moonroof, clear corners, and hope to have the K&N intake & exhaust done after Christmas. I'll PM you with my e-mail address, Omicron.

--Landon

Hey Landon, welcome again. Sure sounds like you've got a nice ride!

I got your PM, and either I or Doccable will be in touch about the meet. Fort Collins is indeed in Colorado, just North of Denver. Feel like making a road trip out here in the spring? :D

Originally posted by Landon_Starr
put in aftermarket red/black leather (it was thicker & nicer than stock)

Damn...how much did that cost? I would love to see it. So that would be awesome if you came out for a meet. Sorta a long way for you though, but that is all part of the fun of it. I can let you know of a fun road to come down if you want to drive through Wyoming and then down through ft. collins. Guess we'll talk more when it gets closer.

serff

Yeah, I really like the leather. It just looks more high quality. Yeah, I think I'd be interested in making the road trip. I haven't had it on a good long road trip, yet.

It'll be interesting to see long-ride comfort levels, etc. Sounds like it will be a fun meet.

I can't wait to see the rows of RX8s lined up. =)

--Landon

In regards to cost, I have a buddy that owned the styling shop, so I had it done for basically cost. $1100.

Nice? Can you post pics of how it came out?

Also FYI, there is someone who just started a "Utah?" thread here in the Mountain forum... thought you might be interested.

Immaculate would be a better word. =) j/k. I really like it. The leather seems more high quality and less prone to keys ripping holes in it. I'll take some pics and post here. Probably tonight.

--Landon

Originally posted by dplore
By the way, here's a link to Second Creek Raceway:
http://www.2ndcreekraceway.com/

I will be out at the free track days probably at least once.
It's only available to club members though. You must be a
card carrying member of one of the Colorado Motorsports
Council clubs to get on the track on these days. CMC
clubs are listed here: http://www.comosport.org/clubs/clubs.html

Of course, one can visit the track and not be a member.
Just can't get on the track during the "free days" from
Dec 26 - Dec 31

I will offer myself up as a driving instructor at second
creek for anyone who's interested. I have 4 years of SCCA
club racing experience, and 3 years of open track events
before that. I have over 1000 laps at Second Creek.

Best time to go to avoid crowds is on a weekday of course,
or late on Sunday might be good. If you go late enough in
the day (3:30pm), it's not too busy. This is assuming you
only want to drive the track for 30 minutes or so, which
really is plenty for just dipping your toes in.

-Darren Way cool, Darren.

So I'm thinking we might just do the drive to Estes Park thing, then all head down to Second Creek Raceway and do a little race driving. I for one would LOVE some free lessons, and I'd be fairly willing to bet others would too.

Folks, if you're interested in the above idea, please chime in here.

But one thing I have to ask though is how hard will this be on my RX-8? While I love to drive fast sometimes, I never rag on my car, and would not want to put too much stress on it racing it. Also, what happens if I spin out at the track? Am I apt to run into a wall or otherwise wreck my car? (Perish the thought!)

As for admittance to the park, Doccable and I have been kicking around the thought of making this a "real" club, registered and whatever else needs to be done to make it official. Looks like Colorado Motorsports Council clubs is a good starting place, so by the time we have this meet, we may just be the real deal. We'll see.

Last thing. Darren, can you plz PM me with your name, email address, and phone number? Doc and I are collecting list of everyone who will be attending, and plan to make more direct contact as the meet date approaches.

Thanks!

Originally posted by Omicron
...But one thing I have to ask though is how hard will this be on my RX-8? While I love to drive fast sometimes, I never rag on my car, and would not want to put too much stress on it racing it. Also, what happens if I spin out at the track? Am I apt to run into a wall or otherwise wreck my car? (Perish the thought!)... There is a difference between ragging a car out, and just running it hard.

For example, there was a little contest held by Honda to see which performance magazine could modify a Civic the best for a certain amount of money. Paul Tracy, who gets paid millions to do what he loves, was contractual required by Honda to test drive those cars on a road course. The spoiled brat was insulted by having to do such menial work, so he went out an overdrove the cars, rode the rev-limiter, and otherwise abused them. 3 out of 4 cars literally did not survive to the next round. That's ragging a car out.

On the other hand, I ran my turbo MR2 for 1500 miles on road courses over two years, starting after she had clocked 80,000 miles. The car was not ragged out, but was run hard (while running on street tires, it outran a pack of M3s on racing tires). I had to accelerate the maintenance schedule of course, but the most major fix I had to do was have a couple of oil seals changed. She was sold at 110,000 miles, running very well.

As far as danger from spinning out, that depends on the track. There are some tracks with certain corners that are hairy, and there are no guarantees, but on the whole, race courses are the best place to go off. On my first outting with the MR2, I was going into a corner too fast. Out of habit driving my front-wheel drive car, I lifted. That was the right thing to do in my Pontiac Grand Prix, but the very wrong thing to do in a mid-engined car. The back end stepped out and like most novices, I over-corrected, so the back-end stepped back around the other way. I ended up doing a 360 on track at 80 mph, left the track, and did another gentle 360 while mowing through a football field's worth of Texas bluebonnets, until the car slowed down enough to gain control on the damp grass.

I've seen only one car damaged by going off. It had rained hard the night before, and an M3 went off of a very fast corner, and was about stopped when it hit this deep mud puddle, and ripped off it's air-dam. I've seen much more damage when people got greedy with boost, or ran when the car was not up to snuff.

BTW, since this is not a competitive event, but a very carefully controlled instructional situation, insurance still covers your car in 99% of cases.

---jps

Originally posted by Omicron
Way cool, Darren.

So I'm thinking we might just do the drive to Estes Park thing, then all head down to Second Creek Raceway and do a little race driving. I for one would LOVE some free lessons, and I'd be fairly willing to bet others would too.

Folks, if you're interested in the above idea, please chime in here.



Good bet, Omicron! Sounds very cool, Darren, count me in with many thanks...

I

umm...from what i have heard ( i don't remember where), if you get hit or hit someone else on a race track most insurance will NOT cover your or the other persons damage...Anyone else heard the same?

serff

P.S. I would love some racing lessons, but i don't really have a car to track. Maybe a ride along with the teacher in the 8 would be fun. :)

Originally posted by serff
umm...from what i have heard ( i don't remember where), if you get hit or hit someone else on a race track most insurance will NOT cover your or the other persons damage...Anyone else heard the same? First and most importantly, check with your own insurance agent, or read your policy.

Second, it depends on the "racetrack". Track events like I am talking about have ambulances onsite, are very organized, have very strict rules as to when and how to pass other vehicles, and (most importantly) are NOT competitive events (lap times are not recorded by the track). Technically, legally, it is not considered racing, so the Insurance company cannot deny coverage (unless there is something specifically mentioned in your policy about tracks, and even that can be challenged).

If you took your car to a dragstrip, both the fact that it is timed and the fact that you are normally racing someone down the track, technically and legally qualifies as racing, and you may very well not be covered.

---jps

Well after reading this entire thread, you can count me in for the main meet you have in the spring. I will make the drive up from Albuquerque and probably stay the night in Col. Springs. Maybe we can get the shirts and possibly some stickers before then and we can get some good group shots of all the 8s!!!

Excellent, glad to hear you'll be joining us Bigcat! We'll try to have the shirts at least ready to go, and you can be SURE we'll get lots of shots of all the '8s lined up. :D

---------------------
Current attendees are:
- Omicron
- Doccable
- MuzzleFlash
- Icanrel-8
- JCC
- PetersonPeleRx8 (ride along)
- Serff (ride along)
- Buger (ride along)
- Bigcat44 (NEW MEXICO)
- Switchbacker (NEW MEXICO)
- Landon_Starr (UTAH) = Landon Starr

Said yes to meet, but have not gotten contact info from these folks:
- Digisan
- Sputnik
- gpsvorndb
- Dplore

Unknown (Are from CO, sent invite PM, but have not heard from them at all):
- Bolder8
- Jazzman
---------------------

I realize this is pretty short notice, but I'll just hope you all check you mail as much as I do...:) And hopefully you have this week off of work too...

A couple of my friends are going up to Second Creek tomorrow to run around the track. I'm hoping to go up around 10:30 - 11:00ish to go hang out for a while. If any of you want to come and meet up that would be great.

If you need directions to the track, there were some breief directions in the Meet in Colorado thread, or you can get them here:

http://www.2ndcreekraceway.com/info/loc.html

I'll be rollin' in my 1990 White Honda Accord with the Pimp ass busted roof rack (either that or my wifes steel grey Mazda 6s...i'll try to bring that one...hehe). My friends that will be there have: A black s2000 with a super charger, a yellow s2000 all pimped out, and a silver 2003 MR2.

Hope to see some of you out there. If you get lost of can't find any one, you can call me on my cell:

(Check your email for my cell number...don't want to post here)

Later
Andrew

Durnit, I wish I could. :(

My wife and I would love to be involved with this. Only problem is that we are as south as you can be and not be in Texas. Colorado Springs is about as North as we can go. We will be there around the 19th of January, but have not decided if we are going to take the RX-8 or our Toyota Tundra since my wife can not drive the 8 yet.

Well, we'd love to have you, but the January event is just a tenative "pre-meet" so we can get together and get to know one another. The "real" meet will be in the spring or early summer... is it possible you can make it then?

Originally posted by Omicron
Nice... that's not too far from me, either... thanks to E470. :D

Hi Omicron,

I'm just off of the E-470 Quincy exit. Are you around here too? And when do you expect your Canzoomer mod? It would be cool to see some firsthand results. :)

Brian

Originally posted by Buger
Hi Omicron,

I'm just off of the E-470 Quincy exit. Are you around here too? And when do you expect your Canzoomer mod? It would be cool to see some firsthand results. :)

Brian Nope, I'm up in the Longmont area.

I should have the Canzoomer mod by the end of the week. If you want to get together we can take a drive. :D (Same offer extends to anyone in the area who wants to see what the CZ mod feels like)

And I live in western Arvada.

Hello again everyone!
I just wanted to quickly mention that as Omicron and I are working to put this club together, we have established an e-mail address that is seperate from the forum. I will add new members to the mailing list as I get emails requesting to be added. This way, we can keep the "club" messages - concerning dates, progress on the website, progress on the club formation, etc. from cluttering the forums servers. If anyone would like to be added to the list, please send a message to : rockymtnrx8@bresnan.net . I'm looking forward to hearing from everyone soon!:)
-Doccable

I would like to attend you meet in the Spring, but of course work sometimes gets in the way depending on the date. My biggest concern however will be weather. I know how it can be in CO....especially around Raton. Won't even try to deal with snow in the 8. I do travel to the Springs often, so Denver being just a bit further (in the 8 of course) is good for me.

Maybe those of us in NM going can go up together!

OK... Quick Meet update! We have a "Mini-meet" scheduled for Sunday, Feb 1st, 2:30 P.M. at the Longmont Sonic! Visit the Rocky Mountain RX-8 Club web site for more details! Click on the RED link below for the Club site!
-Doccable:cool:

I'll probably sit this one out.....driving conditions won't be too wonderful, I'm sure. Just out of curiosity, where's Longmont? (i.e. Western Colorado, etc.)?

Maybe I'll put together a Utah mini-meet, too. Possibly solicit a wagon of 8's cruisin to colorado for the spring/summer meet. :) I have 3 8's from Utah on the forum now.....We're gaining power!!! ;) just kiddin'.

Yea, we kinda figured that the Utah contingent probably wasn't going to make it for this one. But, just in case... :) Longmont is north of Denver on the front range of the rockies...
Good idea on organizing a Utah meet! If you hold it in SLC, I might even make it for that one!
-doccable

Good news! We have a preliminary date set for the Frist Annual Rocky Mountain RX-8 Club meet... (The real thing, mini-meets are nice, but...) June 5th. It's a Saturday, and we are still working on sponsorships, and in order to get commitments from our potential sponsors, we kind of need a date. So, if anyone has any alternative dates they'd like to propose, please let us know as soon as possible!:):D

Awesome. :D

<-----scheduling the road trip

i could probably make that trip as well. i have to check on my available time off because im attending some conventions in late june and early july. id love to meet up with the other utah members before hand and all caravan out together.

Welcome, project!

And yes, that'd be the way to do it... I think most of the Utah contingent is planning on caravaning up from Utah for the meet. Get with Landon_Starr to work out the details, he's the newly-elected UT director of the Rocky Mountain RX-8 Club.
And speaking of the club, would you care to join us? To get on our mailing list, send us an email (see my sig block for the email address) with your name, email, and phone.

done and done. now i just need to order one of those slick stickers...

Originally posted by project
done and done. now i just need to order one of those slick stickers... Yup, just got it. Will add you to the list of UT members. We can do that on the sticker too, which will either come with your full membership dues (after we decide what those are gonna be! ;)) or sold separately. Stay tuned to the club mailing list...

BTW, what color is your car? And do you have a pre-wreck pic you can email us to throw up on the website under your screen name? Thanks...

heres a link to the best pic i have right now. sorry this took so long, i didnt notice your edit untill just now.

http://www.podsix.com/loot/2003_12_05/IMG_0115.JPG

-project

Ok, got it up on the website under your profile... check it out! :D

hmm not seeing it... maybe a caching issue on my end?

Man you're fast... still doing updates, have not published my changes yet. Sorry about that. Gimme a few. :D

I'd be up for a CO trip! I've got family out there, I think it'd be bad ass to cruise over there for an 8's meet ;-)

Originally posted by JERCS
I'd be up for a CO trip! I've got family out there, I think it'd be bad ass to cruise over there for an 8's meet ;-) Excellent JERCS, and Welcome! Please drop us an email at the club's email address (in my sig block) with your real name, email address, and phone number, and we'll get you added to the club's mailing list and rosters. :D

Too cool! Looks like there will be at least 4 RX-8 owners caravaning up from Utah, and a half dozen or more caravaning up from New Mexico, a couple more from Wyoming... plus another 20 or so from Colorado! Man, this thing is shaping up! :D

Awesome, JERCS...Sorry I didn't welcome ya here a little earlier, I'm just gettin' back from disneyland for the weekend. That place is awesome, even after growing up (or, wait, have I????). :D

I'm lookin to round up all the Utah folks prior to the meet, JERCS, hoping to get us all cruisin' up there at the same time. That'd be just too cool. :) If nothing else, give us an opportunity to get a couple of pics of ALL our Utahn 8's. I'll hit ya up a little closer to the meet time to see if you're still up for it.

--Landon

Sounds good!


-Guy

Welcome JERCS! Road trip with a bunch of 8's sounds so sweet!
Hope to see you there. You too, Landon!

Utah members,
If you guys are planning going to the meet, maybe we can all work something out to "pick up" members along the way! If you are coming from SLC along I-80, I'm certain there can some arrangements made :D just think about how cool that'll look - a long string of 8's heading down to Denver... the mind just reels!;)
-Doccable:cool:

Here's my planned route. So it looks like we could :D I think it'd be cool to have a huge train of 8's as well.

I forgot is it set for Longmont or Denver?

Originally posted by JERCS
Here's my planned route. So it looks like we could :D I think it'd be cool to have a huge train of 8's as well.

I forgot is it set for Longmont or Denver? Besides the Utah contingent, it looks like you'll be able to possibly pick up DrPhill and Doccable on your way by in Wyoming, then possibly me on the North side of Denver. Thus far, it looks like the meet will be in Denver, although we're still working on a final location.

Denver ;););) I got a free hotel stay there :D

I can just see it now........stopping at a wyoming gas station to pick up drphill & doc, & as they come around the corner their 2 8's meet up with another 4-5 Utah 8s.

Think of how many people will just be staring with their jaws on the ground. :) Now THAT'S what I call entertainment.

can i get a recap of whats known about the trip so far? i came late to the thread and dont want to sift through 7 pages to get the details.

heres what i know so far. trip is june 5th in denver. the utah cadre is meeting up and taking i-80. possibly meeting the wy crew along the way.

how long is it going to last? am i going to need a hotel room? have we already picked a time to meet in utah? what is planned once everyone meets up in denver?

Originally posted by Landon_Starr
I can just see it now........stopping at a wyoming gas station to pick up drphill & doc, & as they come around the corner their 2 8's meet up with another 4-5 Utah 8s.

Think of how many people will just be staring with their jaws on the ground. :) Now THAT'S what I call entertainment.
I think that'll be cool. But my girlie fails to see why that'd be so so cool :D
lol.

Rare to come across a female who understands this concept. If ya ever find one, ask her if she has a sister. :D

--Landon

Originally posted by project
can i get a recap of whats known about the trip so far? i came late to the thread and dont want to sift through 7 pages to get the details.

heres what i know so far. trip is june 5th in denver. the utah cadre is meeting up and taking i-80. possibly meeting the wy crew along the way.

how long is it going to last? am i going to need a hotel room? have we already picked a time to meet in utah? what is planned once everyone meets up in denver?

Times for meeting haven't really been discussed. My schedule is so sporadic, I'm probably going to wait until the date gets closer before committing to anything. I don't think I'll get a hotel. I think I'll just plan on cruising up for the main day, then going home. I'm kinda a night owl anyway. :)

With my not wanting to stay overnight, I'd like to get started early in the morning. Grab a huge cup of coffee, meet up somewhere around i-80 on-ramp, and move out. :)

Maybe leave sometime around 7:00 A.M.....unless that's too early for some?

--Landon

Umm...you do realize that it takes about 9 hours to get to denver from SLC right? So if you leave at 7ish, get here about 6 at night? that doesn't leave much time for the meet...:) Maybe i'm missing something here....

Hmmm.....need to find an excuse to drive to Colorado in june....

it's a pretty time of year :D

Originally posted by Landon_Starr
Times for meeting haven't really been discussed. My schedule is so sporadic, I'm probably going to wait until the date gets closer before committing to anything. I don't think I'll get a hotel. I think I'll just plan on cruising up for the main day, then going home. I'm kinda a night owl anyway. :)

With my not wanting to stay overnight, I'd like to get started early in the morning. Grab a huge cup of coffee, meet up somewhere around i-80 on-ramp, and move out. :)

Maybe leave sometime around 7:00 A.M.....unless that's too early for some?

--Landon

I'm able to leave any time, any day. Summer, so school will be done and I can bring my laptop anywhere for some working. So those who have real lives get to choose :D

Originally posted by Sanguine_Dark
Hmmm.....need to find an excuse to drive to Colorado in june.... You Arizone folks are more than welcome to join us too! :D

Dropped the road trip idea to the wife tonite. Maybe try to drive up on friday and saturday...meet all you guys and drive back sunday. She seemed open to the idea so I'll keep pestering her until she says yes. (cross your fingers)

Originally posted by Sanguine_Dark
Dropped the road trip idea to the wife tonite. Maybe try to drive up on friday and saturday...meet all you guys and drive back sunday. She seemed open to the idea so I'll keep pestering her until she says yes. (cross your fingers)
Cool :D GL with that. I had a hard enough time with just a GF! ;)

9 hours???? We drive an RX-8, not an accord.

If ya average 120 miles per hour....... :) j/k.


I guess the last time I drove to Denver I was having a really good time on the drive....seemed like much less time than that.

:Re-thinking plan:

Landon <---standing corrected.

Hmmmm, so it sounds like you Utah folks would rather not have this meet be a 2 day event? We were pondering that... second day being a "track" day...

Originally posted by Landon_Starr
9 hours???? We drive an RX-8, not an accord.

If ya average 120 miles per hour....... :) j/k.


Damnit! How did you know I drive an accord??? ;)

LoL. Sorry. No animosity intended, but that retort was RATHER effective if that is the case. ;) j/k.

I can make it a 2 day thing, I really wasn't thinking about driving time until Serff pointed it out for me. Sounds like I'd almost HAVE to make it 2 days, to justify the trip. <shrug>

I think Jercs was ok with it being a multiple day trip.


--Landon

I think it would likely be a three day trip for me. Drive up all day friday...play on saturday...drive back sunday. Anyone have a suggested route from phoenix AZ?

I'd help ya out if I could. I was under the impression I could get to Denver from Salt Lake in about an hour, though, so you may not want me to help you. :)

Happy Birthday, by the way, Sanguine. If the forum birthday thing is right...

--Landon

We could leave around noon on Friday. Those with work could get a half day or something like that.

Originally posted by Sanguine_Dark
I think it would likely be a three day trip for me. Drive up all day friday...play on saturday...drive back sunday. Anyone have a suggested route from phoenix AZ? Yup, I've driven this route many times. Take I-17 North to Flagstaff, then I-40 East to Albuquerque, then I-25 North to Denver. It's about 900 miles, and takes about 12-14 hours, depending on your speed.

It really would be great if you joined us! And maybe you can gather up some other Arizona RX-8 owners and enthusiasts? I know VividRacing is in the Phoenix area and we will be inviting them to our meet as a vendor, so maybe they'll want to caravan with you. Also, forum members Urchin and Edge are also somewhere in Arizona...

In fact, I see no reason that Arizona couldn't become part of the Rocky Mountain RX-8 Club. ;)

Ya man, that would be sweet to get the arizona peps up here too. I REALLY want to see vivids car. I want that body kit. it is sweeettt. Hope to see you all there!

Landon, Thanx for the offer and yes its my bday (31 baby!!).

Omicron,
I live right down the street from huff and I just went for a drive with him sunday. Maybe I'll mention it to him. Also I believe Urchin doesn't live too far from me. The route you mentioned is kinda the one I was thinking of. I'll see what I can come up with.

Serff...they just got an Autoexe kit in down at Vivid by the way. I think it's like 2200 or so.

I'm tentatively in...depending on location.

Hey guys -- I am going to check my calendar -- if you will let a Nebr. contingent make the trip (as a CU grad I should at least get an exemption ;) ) I have been dreaming about spending a few days driving up Flagstaff Road, Sunshine Canyon, Estes, etc.

Originally posted by RXhusker
Hey guys -- I am going to check my calendar -- if you will let a Nebr. contingent make the trip (as a CU grad I should at least get an exemption ;) ) I have been dreaming about spending a few days driving up Flagstaff Road, Sunshine Canyon, Estes, etc.

Nice man, Cu grad here too. :) Dec. 2001 for me. How bout you? Would love to see you come. Would really like to see your MS kit. :) Everyone is welcome to come. The more the merrier!

Hope to see ya there!

Originally posted by RXhusker
Hey guys -- I am going to check my calendar -- if you will let a Nebr. contingent make the trip (as a CU grad I should at least get an exemption ;) ) I have been dreaming about spending a few days driving up Flagstaff Road, Sunshine Canyon, Estes, etc. You are TOTALLY welcome... we'd love to have you!!! If you drop us a line at the club's email (see my sig block) with your name, phone, email, and screen name you use here, we'll definitely get you onto the club's event mailing list. :D

Hi Folks -

Wanted to throw some details out about the upcoming, first annual Main meet of our club.

The event will take place over 2 days, Saturday June 5th and Sunday June 6th, in Denver Colorado and surrounding burbs.

The initial day 1 "Rally Point" will either be at McDonald Mazda or at Mazda of Lakewood, both of which are in the Denver area. We're still working out which dealership will get the nod, but it looks currently like it'll be McDonald.

We'll all rally there at 9 AM and spend the next 3 hours yakking about our cars, taking pictures, and eating the free food and drink the dealership will be providing. There will be a Mazda factory rep there to answer any questions, as well as a Mazda tech or two. We're also trying to get Mazda to provide a couple of RX-8s that can be taken on the second part of the drive by those of you who don't already own one. Kind of an extended "test drive" without a salesman saying in your ear the whole time "So, what can I do to get you to buy this car TODAY?"

Speaking of salesmen, there will also be some salesmen attending from the dealership - but NOT to sell cars to our members at that time. They'll be there more as information sources, and of course, if someone attends who DOES want to buy an '8 they will be happy to help... just not until after the main meet is over. We definitely will not allow any high pressure salesmen to use this meet to make sales!

There will also be several RX-8 aftermarket vendors who will be represented at the meet if not physically present. At the very least, Rotary Extreme and CanZoomer will have products displayed, all at a good discount to club members. We're still trying to see what vendors will be attending.

Once the Meet begins, we'll have a registration along with entry into a raffle with some nice prizes. We'll also have a contest or two, but are still working out for what. Most modified, most stock, silliest mod, etc are all ideas we're tossing around.

At any rate, at around noon, phase 2 of the meet will begin: We'll all load up into our '8s and do a caravan-style drive up some nice, curvy, senic mountain road. There'll be 2 groups of drivers: the ones who want to push it a bit, and the ones who want to just kind of dawdle and enjoy the drive. Both groups will have radios, so we won't get too far separated. We'll have some prearranged 1/2 way stopping point so both groups can meet up - where we'll all stretch our legs and take more pics, then continue on up the mountain to our destination: a georgeous spot with a restaurant. More pics, food, talk, etc - then we'll head back down the mountain.

That's the end of day 1. We'll have a hotel all prearranged with a group rate, both for Friday night (prior to the meet's official beginning) as well as for Saturday night. We're even willing to arrange for overnight security for your cars if you want it!

On Day 2 we'll all meet up at Second Creek Race track, which is on the North side of Denver. There, those who want it will be getting FREE high performance driving lessons from one of our club's own members with lots of experience and a long time standing with the SCCA. Once done, we'll be able to take our cars out to the track and actually run them in a very safe environment. This will eat up the rest of Sunday.

We'll have a final rally right there in the parking lot at Second Creek after those of us who tracked our cars get done. And that's it - we all go home from there. For those of you who came in from out of state, we will be happy to arrange a stay at the same hotel for Sunday night, so you can leave first thing Monday morning.

Families and friends are welcome at both days of the event!

Questions, comments, suggestions? Please visit our discussion forum on the Club's NEW website, here (http://rockymountainrx8.com/modules.php?name=Forums).

And so...

It's time to step up and tell us if you're planning on attending our meet. Please respond on the club's forums, or send us an email.

Yeah! :D:D:D:D:D Can't wait. What's the rough estimate so far on people going?

Rough guestimate? Hmmm.

I'd say 4 people with '8s from Utah, 3 from New Mexico, 2 from Wyoming, 10 from Colorado, 1 from Arizona, 1 from Nebraska. And this is just people with RX-8s... there's a bunch of club members who don't have an '8 that will likely attend too. So probably about 20-ish RX-8s (we'll call that 25 people) and maybe another 25 people without. So maybe 50 folks all in all.

Not bad, huh? :D

when will you have details on rooms?


That's awesome that so many people are going... can't wait for the drive up the mountians... i haven't been home in years!

Probably have details on the hotel sometime within the next month or so. But we're thinking a Best Western/Hapmton Inn/Days Inn kinda place - something lower-mid priced and nice enough without being too much.

We're also looking for some place that has onsite security patrols to watch the cars, and barring that, we will hire security if enough people want it and are willing to pay for it. Dunno about you, but I'm paranoid enough about my car to pay for security! :D

I've gotten use to it... park mine outside my condo every night... :(

nothing so far, my old car got busted into a few times, but with the stock deck i don't think they will mess with it here. But Denver, I dunno.

I use to live in Colorado Springs about 5 years ago, i think I need to get down there. I want to see pikes peak again and see the garden of the gods. God utah sucks. lol.

Originally posted by JERCS
God utah sucks. lol.

Hey now hey now, where's your UTAH pride, Guy? :D We have timpanogas, best snow on earth, and AWESOME liquor laws to top it off. Last one totally sarcastic, but oh well. :)

Sounds like a fun trip everyone! I'll schedule some vacation. I've been to Denver a couple of times, and it really is nice. I don't blame ya for missin' home, Guy. :)

--Landon

Sorry, I was just upset with it all :D Utah does not suck, we got our upsides... just like those AWESOME liquor laws! ;)

So Utah guys: We going to leave Friday?

I am planning on attending! Glad you will let us flatlanders come out for some fun. Looking forward to the track day!

Hope the locals are kinder to my 8 than they were to my 7 when I attended CU-Boulder. They just didn't seem to like my NE plates -- especially on football Saturdays -- broken antennas, busted lights, keyed, etc. etc.

Hope my schedule stays clear -- never know what those pesky clients will come up with for me ;)

This is awsome guys - LOVE to hear that you're coming! We must be doing something right to get so many folks from out of state who are planning on attending! :D

I'm hoping to attend as well and drag a couple of other Phoenix 8er's with me. I'm hping to confirm attendance soon but work schedules, finances and an agreeable wife are all in the works. Fingers crossed. Also, if anyone wants to take the 'scenic' route north from AZ, I'm going through monument valley / four corners...sure it will take a little longer but the view is well worth it.

Still planning on attending. Will appreciate hotel/motel info once available and security sounds like a great plan. Not sure about any other members from NM. Lets hope we hear from some over the next couple of days.

Originally posted by JERCS
So Utah guys: We going to leave Friday?

Friday sounds good to me. What time r u thinkin? Night ride, or getting there early?


--Landon

Night ride :D evening/night.....

Definitely attending... my wife insists we go! I can't believe it.

We're in Denver so not sure will need accomodationsas we have relatives in Longmont and dogs. I'll know our plans better next month.

Thanks :-)

What happened to this thread?... I finally buy an RX-8 and everybody stops posting to the Mountain forum! ;)

Anyway, proud owner in Arvada, Colorado - of a spankin' new '04 RX-8: Velocity Red, black/red leather interior, 6-disk, spoiler/appearance package, moonroof, navi, etc. Bought it last week at Mazda of Lakewood.

If you'all are still planning on a Rocky Mountain meet on about 6/5, please let me know... I'd be interested in attending!

Bruce,

We are deffinately going to still be doing this meet. If you could email us you name, email, and phone number, we could put your on the list. please email us at info @ rockymountainrx8.com (sorry about the spaces...) and we will get back to you with more info!

Good to hear from you! You bought the car I want..;)

serff

Originally posted by BruceInColorado
What happened to this thread?... I finally buy an RX-8 and everybody stops posting to the Mountain forum! ;)

Anyway, proud owner in Arvada, Colorado - of a spankin' new '04 RX-8: Velocity Red, black/red leather interior, 6-disk, spoiler/appearance package, moonroof, navi, etc. Bought it last week at Mazda of Lakewood.

If you'all are still planning on a Rocky Mountain meet on about 6/5, please let me know... I'd be interested in attending! Hiya Bruce!

We've moved some of our traffic to our new site... check it out at http://RockyMountainRX8.com ! Looking forward to seeing you registered, and to meet you at the meet! :D

Hey Omicron,

Can we have a door prize for farthest distance travelled to get to the Rocky mountain meet? :D (I bet I'll win!)

Quick question though. The meet itself is all free or is there an entrace fee etc.

S_D

We're going to have all sorts of contests and prizes... and greatest distance travelled might well be one of them. We'll see. :D

Yes, the meet is completely free unless you're from AZ. ;)

No, seriously, it IS completely free, unless you want to run your car on the racetrack on day 2. In that case, it'll be ~$60 for the day on the track. Personal expenses such as your gas, food, hotel etc will be up to you.

FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE I'll sleep in my car.

Hell, I do anyway. :D

I tried it once, it was okay ;) My girlie will whine a lot though if we sleep in the car.... guess she's staying then.

I've started a thread on the Rocky Mountain Club website forum for a driving meet up, and can be found here (http://64.6.227.59/~rockymou/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=20&sid=c464fd0c95ea3c8b515c24f4fd74a431). If anyone who will be driving to the meet from the Northern half of the world, and using I-80 or ultimately, I-25 would like to meet up, give us a ring in that forum!:D

Are RX-7 owners welcome at the meet, or is this event reserved for RX-8 owners?

Also, what is the price for the Second Creek track time? Do we need helmets for the track? If so, are there rentals/loaners available?

Thanks. Looks like you're arranging a nice event here...

-Dave

Originally posted by RedRX
Are RX-7 owners welcome at the meet, or is this event reserved for RX-8 owners?

Also, what is the price for the Second Creek track time? Do we need helmets for the track? If so, are there rentals/loaners available?

Thanks. Looks like you're arranging a nice event here...

-Dave

Hey Dave,

Come on over to our club website and sign up. we have more discussion there:

http://rockymountainrx8.com

But to answer your questions:
You are more than welcome to come. The more the merrier!

The jury is still out about Second Creek due to availability. It is usually about $60 to track your car. Yes you do need a helmet, but there might be people willing to let you borrow one.

We'll see ya over at the club site!

serff

Only problem is, we're not sure what we're going to do for day two now, Second Creek isn't available to us after all. :( So we're looking into alternatives...

Second Creek is available on Saturday though, we could switch days around. ?

I have not had any luck in getting information on the track at Mead, CO yet.

-Darren

Lots of info posted today here in the forum about the meet folks, check it out!

Looks like we are going to be able to meet at
continential divide racepark (Mead, CO) for Sunday.
$90/half day, $150 full day. I will be instructing for
those interested.

Go to the RM RX8 forum for details.

Originally posted by dplore
Looks like we are going to be able to meet at
continential divide racepark (Mead, CO) for Sunday.
$90/half day, $150 full day. I will be instructing for
those interested.

Go to the RM RX8 forum for details. Schweet!!!! :D

Hey OMICRON, I will probably be attending, sounds like an awesome time.

Anyone else who lives in the springs and is planning on going reply back and maybe we can caravan up there


http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28066

thats my batmobile.. :)

COSprings you should check out the club site http://rockymountainrx8.com

Originally posted by JERCS
COSprings you should check out the club site http://rockymountainrx8.com LOL, that's what I was gonna say! :D

I already belong to it but i was at work last night when i posted this and I forgot my logon for the other site so I had to post here.

Originally posted by Ryan13b
I'll be there. EXcellent Ryan, we'll look forward to meeting you!

So far, I've got at least 15 confirmed! In the event anyone has missed it, I sent two messages out from the info mailbox. I'm using that method to confirm exactly who is coming... So, if you didn't receive the email, please send a message to info@rockymountainrx8.com
Thanks!
-Doc

Originally posted by doccable
So far, I've got at least 15 confirmed! :D

Omicron,

I don't know what the plan is for Saturday afternoon and Sunday (other than the track) or should I say 'where', but for those who might not think about this - since it is June - high places in Colorado can be darn cold even in June.

If, for example, you plan on a drive up Mr. Evans, bring a coat!

Just my two cents....and really looking forward to this weekend!!!!

Fred

A very good point!

The plan for Saturday afternoon is to take a group drive up into the mountains, so jackets might not be a bad idea. I know I'll have one in the car, for sure. Maybe I'll bring a couple of spares...

And maybe sunscreen for the left arm, especially if you don't have tint.

Originally posted by Rosco
And maybe sunscreen for the left arm, especially if you don't have tint. Nah, I like having a normal but bronze-addonis left arm to offset my corpse-pale, but Schwartzenegger-sized right arm I've got from shifting. :D

Originally posted by Omicron
Nah, I like having a normal but bronze-addonis left arm to offset my corpse-pale, but Schwartzenegger-sized right arm I've got from shifting. :D
haha, you are lopsided....;)

With the sunscreen though, people deffinately want to bring some to the track though...

My list of what to bring for the track event:
- Helmet, SA95 or M95 rated or better
- find a motorcycle friend and borrow their helmet
- alternatively you can buy a helmet. Some clubs
require and "SA" rated helmet, which run $250 and up.
"M" rated helmets (motorcycle) are cheaper, but you
run the risk of not being allowed by some other club
in the future.
http://www.autosportwerks.com is a source you might
be able to find a helmet in stock locally in Broomfield, CO.
They have reasonable prices and very good equipment.

- Water, LOTS of water

- Sunscreen. LOTS of sunscreen

- Clothing - you must wear natural fibers (ie: cotton), and
long pants and long sleeves. Good, closed shoes. ie:
don't wear hiking boots nor open toed shoes (sandals).
Dropping a wrench on your toe sucks, or worse, having
your sandal slip while braking is VERY bad.
Piloti makes some cool shoes that look like regular sports
shoes but are made for driving. You can buy them at
http://www.autosportwerks.com which is located in Broomfield
or many other places online.


- Food (fast food is about a 15-20 min drive, so not a big deal)

- Chairs

- Gas, arrive with a full tank! You will use it

- Tire pressures set to at least 38psi (check this before
you get there)

- Oil, bring an extra quart

- Tools, bring some basic tools, jack, stands and a torque
wrench if you have one to check the lug nuts on the wheels,
tire pressure gauge, etc
(bring them and you won't have to use them!)

- Paper towels and cleaner (hands, window, etc)

- A friend to help out with whatever needs to be done

- Notepad and a pen

Originally posted by dplore
- Tools, bring some basic tools, jack, stands and a torque
wrench if you have one to check the lug nuts on the wheels,
tire pressure gauge, etc
(bring them and you won't have to use them!)...
Since alot of fellow RX8 cars will be there, wouldn't be okay if those who are travelling from far away (and henceforth will be carrying luggage and other items) omit large heavy items like a jack and jack stands, and borrow them from a local owner if needed?

---jps

Just in case anyone else is scrambling to find a helmet like I have been, I'm having Autosport Werks overnight 2 Bell M2's tonight, one L one XL. You can have first shot at the one that doesn't fit me. If you PM me, I'll call them and set it up. I can even pick it up tommorow if you don't think you need to try it on. I'm expecting to get the XL, but wanted to be sure if I'm going to spend the money.

Originally posted by Sputnik
Since alot of fellow RX8 cars will be there, wouldn't be okay if those who are travelling from far away (and henceforth will be carrying luggage and other items) omit large heavy items like a jack and jack stands, and borrow them from a local owner if needed?


I'll have my large jack, pair of stands (only have 2), assorted tools (wrenches, etc.), pressure gauge, a few extra quarts of oil and whatever other tools I can think of that will fit... maybe even my little compressor if anyone thinks that would be useful. Think they'll have power up there if we drain the tank?

Plus, a cooler full of water, some food, basically extras of everything just in case anyone needs something.

I figure I should contribute something to this club since I'm primarily a consumer at this point. Huge learning curve. :D


And finally...
I'm thinking of hitting a place called The Rail close to the hotel tomorrow after work for a beer or two. If anyone is interested in joining me, send me a PM and we can swap identifying info, arrange a time, etc.
Map (http://maps.yahoo.com/dd_result?ed=_nYBNeV.winFSjWLhMwarsiSTXJI_3_Pu5ZtY p6UbUQZK8v2H45PiDUWUBKWizbHvQ0X0J.9SAFl7gA-&csz=Englewood%2C+CO+80112-7000&country=us&tcsz=80124&tcountry=us) (Follow the directions in reverse.)

And... I'm done.

I will bring tools as well to share with out-of-towners.
Everyone please respect the tools and make the extra
effort to return to their owners. :)

-Darren

Very cool Darren, thanks. :D

Originally posted by Rosco
And finally...
I'm thinking of hitting a place called The Rail close to the hotel tomorrow after work for a beer or two. If anyone is interested in joining me, send me a PM and we can swap identifying info, arrange a time, etc.
Map (Follow the directions in reverse.)

if us utah people drank i'd be there! (or if i was 21 ;) )

Oh yeah if someone needs a "helmet" check my sig.

Originally posted by JERCS
Oh yeah if someone needs a "helmet" check my sig.

Are you sure that's SA rated? ;)