9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Fredericksburg is not far from Austin. Camping can be tricky depending on the group of people. I get along with everyone but the first big trip my dad and I went on there was a lot of rowdy beer drinking going on and there were a ton of bible bangers there who were not real happy so it made for some tough moments and people leaving in the middle of the night. Not saying this will be the case, but just thought I would throw it out there. The RX8 demo is definately different and probably not as broad as Jeep owners so we shoudl be ok.

DrKillJoY

-- Ahhh that makes sense... and is a very good point. Similarly getting a large number of people at a hotel poses like problems as well. Especially since the general public would be involved unless we bought out the hotel. I think that's more related to the pitfalls of getting large numbers of people together as opposed to the actual location.

-- I'm hoping that wherever we wind up going it will be designated/reserved for Mazda people only. This way we can establish our own rules and guidelines and not have to worry about upsetting any rival groups.

-- Location so far I've looked at the Bastrop/Bueschur state parks. Lots of camping space (although availability might already be an issue). I would like to keep the event on the East side of 35 if possible to encourage more of the East Texas and NE Texas folk to join us. Making a day-trip to the other side of 35 for a drive through the twisties and maybe lunch in Gruene or something might be ideal. Additionally there is a 12 mile twisty road that links the two parks that is akin to a roller-coaster and would afford for some well controlled photo opportunities.

The search continues....

DrKillJoY

PS - I have already secured a camp-mom for the event who will cook massive amounts of grub.

seatownracer

iTrader: (3)

Haha nice.....

So to get this thing going should we have people register in some sort of way so that we will know who will be there and also how many people are planning on coming? I was also thinkin about talking to the local rotary performance shops up here and seeing if they would want to join in on this event. I am like you guys though, I am not wanting this to get way out of hand...just wanting it to be a good time meeting new people that have the same interests as I.


Sounds like we have a location though, now we just need to figure out all the little stuff.

malignant

I'd definitely show up anywhere within 3 hours of Austin, that's about the most effort I think. I'm originally from El Paso, and have no desire to make the drive out there if the meet happens to go that way haha.

DrKillJoY

That's more than fair malignant. The only reason I asked is because there are some who won't drive more than 30 minutes to an event, while others (like ourselves) will do pretty much what it takes to enjoy ourselves our friends and our toys.

I think keeping the event as central as possible is the best way to have a really awesome event. I'm going to keep looking at locations in the near-hill country area and see what I can turn up.

At this time I'm factoring a group of 50 owners +1 companion. So 100 people total is my prelim count, once I find a location that can handle that many people plus a 25% overflow we can move forward.

jiggawha1

glad we got someone that knows what they are doing...gruene would be an awesome lunch spot, perhaps gristmill haha? You do your thing Dr and keep us posted. I think the registration thing would be a good idea, that also allows us to get caravans together

seatownracer

iTrader: (3)

So are you talking about 50 people from the houston area or 50 people from state wide that you think will show up? I have anywhere from 20 to 50 people from the dfw area that may go.

I plan on setting up meet up here in the DFW area to see who all wants to take part in this event within the next week.

DrKillJoY

Well talk is cheap. (No offense)...

I've seen events that are supposed to pull hundreds of people only get 75 people. **shrug**

Ask the Rotary Rendezvous guys how hard it was to get all of those who said they were going to come to actually show up.

I was thinking as far as who shows up for the overnight reservations we can limit that to XXX number of people. Once those spots sell out it's done.

If the location is sold out it will be easier to find overflow than it will be to reserve XXX number of campsites and be out the $$$ for those who no show.

Also with the two parks being in such close proximity (about 5-10 miles) it shouldn't be an issue getting additional campsites if we really need them.

DrKillJoY

Those who live locally might not camp out anyhow... those people who live less than 50 miles away might opt to just meet the group on Saturday or Sunday.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Bastrop sucks man, Lake Georgetown would be good. We just went there last month.

DrKillJoY

Can you provide more details?

Also can you elaborate on why it sucks versus the great things about the other park? PS - No one cares about fishing either.

DrKillJoY

FWIW - texasoutside.com rated Bastrop at 8.2

Jim Hogg and Cedar Breaks rated 6.8 and 6.9 respectively.

DrKillJoY

While I'm thinking about the issue another reason I've considered Bastrop is because the organizers (and participants) can rent a nice cabin with A/C and Heat.

The cabin could be used to prepare food and provide a nice shelter on-site in addition to the basic campsites. Just something to consider.

There is also a Hyatt just on the other side of the golf course in case some of you don't like roughing it. :wink:

seatownracer

iTrader: (3)

Yeah if we can get 50 cars to show up that would still be awesome, I am not expecting anything huge. I agree that if we can get a place that has cabins that would be the best option, just beccause we can store food and what not and have A/C! yes! Plus it is only for 1 night so it shouldnt be that expensive.

For those that are plan on staying the night, are we just going to give them the info and let them reserve their spot a the camp site on their own or what? I would think that would be the best way so that we are not having to collect money from people.

Also I was thinking about trying to go to some local shops and getting some door prizes, just see if they may donate some stuff to the event. What do you guys think of doing something like that?

I am glad that we are getting the ball rolling on, it sounds like it will be a lot of fun.

05rx8mazda

iTrader: (4)

Im down! I havent been able to go out man.. the car has been getting fixed and waiting on parts.. wasnt ready to be shown.. but now shes almost rready..

getting those nasty headlights replaced =DD

512 baby!

seatownracer

iTrader: (3)

When we decide on a place I was going to photoshop a flier together and hand them out at rx8 meets up here as well as take it to mazda dealers and performance shops. Would you guys like me to e-mail a copy of it to you when it is done?

jiggawha1

yea email the flier, mark_a_13@yahoo.com ....what kind of events or activites could we do? door prizes sound like a good idea, doesn't have to be anything big either. I wonder if we could pull any other 8's outta OK or LA...maybe some might like to make the 6-7 hour drive haha.

DrKillJoY

As far as activities I think some of the hill country's finest scenery is within driving distance.

- So figure there will be a drive (organized by one of the Austin clubs most likely)
- Dinner at the site (small cost/donation)
- Possible raffle (depending on vendor donations)
- Possible shine and show (voting to be held in conjunction with raffle)
- Organized photo opportunity with all cars involved (I have contacts that can get this published in major media)

We are open to ideas...

seatownracer

iTrader: (3)

Yeah I was just thinking about going to some Mazda dealers and some performance shops after I make the flier (so I look more legit to them, haha) and see if they would be willing to donate stuff like hats, t-shirts, key chains, small parts and what not, and depending on how many I am able to get I would get raffle tickets and just hand them out or something like that.

So yeah I will get the flier made up once we decided what camp ground we want to do it at.

seatownracer

iTrader: (3)

Also I know some pro photographers that do HIN and what not that may be willing to come. I will have to find out before I know for sure though.

seatownracer

iTrader: (3)

Killjoy, I have no problem helping supply some of the food, just to let you know.

05rx8mazda

iTrader: (4)

We might meet up this weekend in austin.. Dont know if anyone in the are wants to come chill on a saturday night.. go eat at the texas roadhouse and tkae some pictures chill maybe even a cruise

seatownracer

iTrader: (3)

Any new info Drkilljoy?

DrKillJoY

Not yet.. I spent the day anywhere but in front of a PC. I won't be around much tomorrow but I will try to respond to your PMs.

I need to make a run out to the park to get an idea of the site and speak with the park staff before making any additional location commitments.

No updates from the Bastrop sucks guy either?