Southern Cali Protege Meet...EVERYBODY READ
 

Ok, we have really been lagging on getting a meet together. We post, ya, lets do it! but we haven't done she-ite about it yet....

Sooooooooo, i am saying LET'S DO IT!!!!

Since we have ppl in the LA and SD areas, with me in the middle, although to my advantage, but it would make sense to have the meet half way between everybody. Or if we wanted, we could alternate locations, LA and Sd and vote on where to meet first.

Some suggestions:

Half way meet
1. Day at Disneyland
2. BBQ at the beach
3. Traditional parking lot meet and lunch

LA meet
1. Universal Studios
2. Magic Mountain
3. Drag strip or AutoX Race day
4. Traditional parking lot meet and lunch

(next LA autox race day is April 7th, 2002, then April 21st, 2002)

SD meet
1. SD Zoo
2. Sea World
3. Drag strip or AutoX Race day
4. Traditional parking lot meet and lunch

(next SD autox race day April 7th, 2002 then April 21st, 2002)

Sucks for me that the dates match for the next 2 events, but i will be running in LA both events, as i have and will get more points in LA than i have in SD.

If we meet up at an LA autox event, i can probably arrange a nice announcement over the PA about our club etc...and we can save parking spots to keep everybody together. I know not much, but still kinda cool.

I also propose at minimum a 3 week leadtime, so everybody has a chance to ink it on thier calenders.

So let's here your ideas!

Sounds good. I usually have to work on Sundays, but I might be able to get out of it if it happened on a Sunday. Obviously I'd prefer a Sat. but whatever's convienent for everyone. I'm sure alot of other people would be down as well.

Whadya say people?:cheers:

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm....i wonder how long it would take me to get from houston to cali.....hmmmmmm

....depends on how fast your Pro is!!!!

I'd like to meet at an AutoX...the one in LA would be aight with me...what time does it start?
doubt i'd be able to stay for the day, but would still like to come....
man, if i could just stick to a schedule :)...sorry i missed ya this past weekend, just had to put my UPS practise on hold...hahaha

Aproxximately 3.5 states at an average of 75mph, with an average of 6 stops, i'd say about ~18hours.

when ya leaving?

Autox starts at 8:30am, but we usually get there around 7am or earlier.

I was wondering ....? no worries, you paid for em, so they aint going anywhere :)

7am-ish is perfect for my comin up on a sunday - just means i'll have to get up early...

yeah, i just hoped i didn't mess YOU up thinkin i was comin up :)

bty, do you still do tint?; i hadn't noticed it advertised on your automediazone site...i'm wantin to go with the silver reflective tint on my white Pro....

No problem man.

I still can get you a great deal on tint.

i think it takes 18 hours just to get to el paso!!!!!....i dont think ill make it this time...

I could make it if it is in the L.A area because S.D is too far for me. So maybe we could do it ona saturday and it does not matter were it is(in L.A) ill be there just give me time to plan ahead.

your driving too slow :D

took me 20hrs to get from San Diego to Denver, Co and i've done LA to Detroit in 48hrs, no joke.

The April event is at Norton AFB, just past CA Speedway in Fontana.

http://www.solo2.com has a map. just click on events.

the race track sounds good to me, count me and my mp5 in, thats the 7th right?

I will try to make it. Can we Autox while we are there?

Joe,
Yes, Sunday April 7th.

Jay,
Yes, you can race, provided your car passes tech inspection and you pay the $35 fee. :D

LA meet
1. Universal Studios
2. Magic Mountain
3. Drag strip or AutoX Race day
4. Traditional parking lot meet and lunch

Magic mountain works for me :) Right down the street!

Magic mountain would be a lot closer for me too.

Autox April 6th & 7th
 

Just a reminder about this weekends AutoX race at Norton AFB just past CA Speedway.

www.solo2.com

So are you guys meeting up then?

Come on, LA is the laughing stock in Vancouver now, you guys can't even get a meet together :rolleyes:

;)

Considering how BIG LA is, and how spread out we are, it's not too surprising that we don't get together often.

One of my best friends is about 20 miles away, although I can almost see his house from my backyard (other side of the San Fernando Valley). Darryl is about 50--60 miles from me, and Braden (Turboge) is 25 in the other direction.

As an example, the four sites that we use for autocross are 25, 65, 70, 85, and 130 miles away from me. The 25 and 65 are South, the 70 and 85 are East, and the 130 is North. So we have venues up to 200 miles apart. Through LA traffic. It has taken me 3-4 hours to make it to the sites 65-85 miles away on a Friday afternoon.

OF course, Jay93dx, being in Visalia, isn't quite in the LA area. Closer to 200 miles North of LA. (BTW Jay, you may want to go through Tehachapi-hwy 58- if you come down to Norton. That will help you avoid most of the LA traffic.)

Now factor in life, work, family, kids, etc. Ya sure, everybody has the same deal, but the fact is, we aren't close to each other geographicaly at all.

and if it wasn't for geting together for autox races, i'd have gone cookoo long ago.

I know I joined in kinda late, but I'm up for meets. Let me know. I'm trying hard to have my ZEX ASAP RTR.

Later
________
Park Royal 1 Prathumnak Pattaya

OK, just got a hair up my ass to really get something set-up. We have plenty of people here (San Diego included).

How about a big ass BBQ on Memorial Day Weekend? Sunday or Monday (i have to work that Saturday)

Lets hear some location ideas and nail this damn thread shut with a bloody MEET!!! (uhhh, no pun was really intended :D)

Whaddya say?

I'd say Silverwood Lake, but I checked about camping spots the other day, and they said they were packed (for camping spots) for the weekend. Even though I was checking on camping spots, based on the fact that they are packed, I can only imagine that the other picnic/BBQ areas are going to be packed. Otherwise, that place would be kick-ass for a BBQ meet.

Anyone else know of a larger park or another lake that would be good for a meet?

i was thinking beach area, as most beaches have fire pits, but now that i think of it, i'm not sure if they are open during the day (strange rules, i know) as i've only used them at night....

better put my thinking cap(s) on....:firehair: :dunce: :wewant: :chef: :batman:

Hey cummon guys pick a spot and stick with it, It would be nice to just picnic and hangout. When is Memmorial Day? it would be nice to do it on a sunday so we dont have to worry about rushing home early. I still think we should do it in a central location (visalia)(bakersfield) were people from the north and south can all meet up. If we could do that we will have ourselfs a kick ass meet. If not just make it at Magic Mountain or a park near or around the L.A area.

Hey Everyone!

Let's definitely do something on Memorial Day!

I have compiled a list of of the Southwest members. We all seem to be in California and the furthest north is in central California. The list is sorted by furthest distance from San Diego and then by name for those in the same city. Here's the list:

Well, if we had a vote of everyone, something tells me we'd be having the meet in San Diego. :D

However, that wouldn't be fair. A few people mentioned beach. It just happens that Ventura is just about right smack in the middle between San Diego and Visalia. It's 188 miles from San Diego and 191 miles from Visalia. That would make a really nice meet... nice and temperate, beautiful beaches, and a fun drive for everyone on the way (Pacific Coast Highway for southern dwellers, HWY 126 for northern dwellers). What do you guys think?

Let me know...

-Jerry

Jerry that is the brightest idea yet, good job dude now find a place in Ventura were we could throw this thing. I would have no problem at all driving to ventura, its only 191 miles away (supposedly) so lets commit to it and do it. We are way over due for this, cummon Cali.

I just heard about the meet you guys are getting together and would be happy to go if someone could give me directions. I live pretty far away but don't mind driving distances (my girlfriend lives 4 hours away). I am curious though if anyone could give me basic directions from Santa Rosa? If anyone knows where that is, it is about an hour and a half north of San Fransisco. There's no tight pro's up here that I've seen and I would be overjoyed to see something other than a civic or an integra.

Any help?

Nick, 2000 LX

Ventura works for me, Magic Mountain works for me... I'll try and figure the schedule that weekend and see whats going to come. The turboge has no motor in it right now so I'll most likely bring the Spec.

Ventura would be fine for me. Unfortunately, my wife wants to go camping that weekend. I have Friday and Monday off for Memorial Day weekend. We may just go camping on Friday-Saturday, and then if we meet on Sunday, I would drive over for the meet with no problem. Though, we're going to check out the place we heard of to camp at -this- coming Sunday. If it's a bad site, I have the whole Memorial Day weekend open for the meet.
If I miss it, that's cool. I'll catch the next meet. Though, I really would like to attend, if we manage to get this one going. :)

Later on.

Zenilder,

Where are you two going camping? There are a great many popular camping sites in Ventura and the surrounding areas... You could kill two birds with one stone! :D

McGrath State Beach between Oxnard and Ventura is extremely popular, typically requiring several month's advance reservation. This campground is right on the beach (no road seperating you and beach) and practically every campsite is kept private by tall vegetation. Sand dunes, the Santa Clara River, an Estuary Natural Preserve, and two miles of vacant beach surround the area. If you are interested, try giving them a call to see if they have any openings: (805) 654-4744

Sycamore Canyon is also very beautiful and combines the mountains and the beach in the same trip. About 30-45 minutes south of Ventura on Hwy 1, this site is excellent and usually isn't as busy as McGrath. I don't know the number to there, but I'm sure it isn't hard to find. A big plus: Hwy 1 between Sycamore Canyon and Ventura is amazingly twisty and fast!

I will be up in Ventura this weekend to scout a good meeting place. I will pick a place and post it in here on Monday.

For those coming from central California, take I-5 south and head onto 126 west just after the Grapevine. 126 will merge onto the 101 in Ventura.

For those coming from northern California, follow the directions above, or for a much more scenic route (it's a bit longer), take the 101 south to Ventura (approximately 45 minutes south of Santa Barbara).

For those coming from southern California, find your way to the 101 north and take it into Ventura. Or, you can find your way to Hwy 1 (take I-10 west) and go north through Malibu and up to Oxnard. Hwy 1 ends in Oxnard but just follow Oxnard Blvd. until it merges with Hwy 101. Just a few more exits is Ventura.

Once I pick a spot (and I'll take pics and post them), I will post exact directions. I will also e-mail everyone on the list I posted and everyone who has responded here. I am also trying to recruit people from the Yahoo! Protege Group and Edmunds.com's Protege Owner's Group. I will create a flyer to e-mail to everyone and if you want, you can give them to Protege owners you see in your area! Let's make this a big success!

BTW, the date and location is not set in stone (yet). If anyone has any concerns regarding either, please let us know. We will try to accomodate everyone as best we can!

-Jerry

jstand,

Originally, we were going to camp over at a place called Reyes Creek, but we took a trip over there last Sunday to see how it was. It sucked royally, to say the least, at least when compared to Silverwood Lake. So, we thought of Silverwood Lake as the place to camp. They're packed for the Memorial Day weekend. Then a friend told me about a place to camp that is just behind Silverwood Lake, you get off on hysperia (sp?) just before Silverwood Lake off the 15 (coming from pomona).
I'm in Rancho Cucamonga. Ventura is a bit of a drive, so if they have -nice- camping areas that aren't too far from where we would meet, that would be great. As you said, kill two birds with one stone. :)

Oh. Thanks for the info regarding camping over in Ventura. I think I'll look into it this weekend or on Monday.

Later on.

I'm game for Ventura, but limited to Sunday, as i work that Sat.

Also, can i get a count on the GF/Wife attendies? My GF wants to know if there will be any women to hang with....

debating on bringing the 1.8T, as we haven't taken the "long trip to break it in yet"

My wife was wondering the same thing.

So, yeah, if you have a gf or wife, bring them. They won't nag at you for being away for so long, and the more women there, the more fun your gf/wife will have being there because they won't be the odd one out.

Course, thinking about it. Not many people are replying to this thread. Should we start a new thread? On the other hand, a lot of people might have MDW planned out already. Should we shoot for another weekend next month when more people could possibly attend? Just a though.

I have scoped out some spots in Ventura. I think the best place will be San Buenaventure State Beach. It has a huge parking lot, picnic/BBQ facilities, restrooms/showers, snack bar, beach equipment rental, and the beach, of course!

I took plenty of pics of the location, but I'll have to put together a quick website where I can post them.

I am now thinking of pushing the date back a few weeks or more. I think we need to give everyone more notice as I am sure (as zenilder said) that a lot of people already have plans for Memorial Day Weekend. Anyone have any suggestions on a date?

I would also like to get a lot more people involved. I am going to put together a poster for the event. Are there a lot of Protege's in your area? Anyone think placing a poster (8.5" x 11") on Protege's you see in parking lots a good idea to get more people involved? We could also raid the dealerships.

Also, I have a connection at Mazda Corporate in Irvine. He/she said that Mazda would probably agree to having a meet at their headquarters on a weekend if we can get enough people. They may also throw in a few surprises (Mazda Motorsports displays, Protege Street Concept, Mazdaspeed Protege?). I would definitely like to do the Ventura meet and organize a huge meet for Irvine. I'm sure we could get more than just Southwestern owners to attend that!

-Jerry

Dude! That would be sweet if we could have the meet up at Mazda HQ. Keep us posted! But, wherever we have the meet is cool. I need to know a couple weeks ahead of time to get off work for the day since I work every weekend. Later...

Mark
'01 ES

Mazda HQ would be great. Haven't been there for many years ('92 or '93). I'd think most places would be pretty busy for Memorial Day, though (definitely not going to MM that time of year).

Ok everyone...

I took a look at the calendar, and I think we should shoot for June 9th or June 16th. Both are Sundays and should give everyone enough time to plan.

So, here is the tentative plan:

California Mazda Protege Meet
June 9th, 2002 or June 16th, 2002
1:00 PM until everyone's gone
San Buenaventura State Beach
San Pedro St, Ventura CA

Directions from south:
US-101 North to Ventura
Exit Seaward Ave
Left onto Seaward Ave
Right onto Harbor Dr
Left onto San Pedro St
Entrance is 0.1 miles on right side

Directions from north:
US-101 South to Ventura
Exit Seaward Ave
Turn right onto Harbor Dr
Left onto San Pedro St
Entrance is 0.1 miles on right side

Directions from central:
I-5 South
Take CA-126 West to Ventura (just after Grapevine)
Merge onto US-101 North
Exit Seaward Ave
Right onto Harbor Dr
Left onto San Pedro St
Entrance is 0.1 miles on right side

There will be picnic areas, restrooms, a snack bar, a beach equipment rental, a large parking lot, and the beach of course!

I will post a new thread with all of this information on it. Let's try and get as many Protege owners and their families as possible! I will create a small website and create posters that I can e-mail to everyone. Let's try to recruit as many people as possible!

-Jerry

Both sound like great ideas, but i think Mazda HQ would be priority.

another date is a good thing, as i was reminded of a friends wedding i RSVP'd for months back......

June 9th would be out for me, and probably David too, as thats an autox race day. The 16th would be good for me though.

Jerry, good work on taking the bull by the horns.