The BMWCCA Wine Country Tour will assemble in two locations for those in the northern counties and those in the southern

New Stuff - posted 08/23/04

Ahoy, Convoy Mates!

HC04 is getting closer by the day! In just 2 short weeks, this year’s Dragon Run will be history and we’ll be on the last leg of our journey to Homecoming!

The weather is looking very favorable for all of HC04, especially if you believe the long-term forecasts. The chance of rain is minimal for the entire trip! Of course, the Weathermeister will still appreciate your support in rendering a sunny and warm journey.

Natalie’s fabulous t-shirt design for HC04 is posted on the website, zbimmers.org. The shirts will be black this year. Now it’s possible to coordinate your wardrobe to match the shirt, if that’s a priority for you.

Speaking of sartorial attire, Jeff Ball reminded me that the festivities on Saturday evening will have a 50s theme. FYI, here’s an excerpt from Kenn Spark’s Welcoming Letter on bmwroadsterhomecoming.com. If you've ever wanted to dress up like Lucy and Ricky or Elvis and James Dean then this is your year. The theme for Homecoming 2004 is the Rockin' 50's. The Saturday night banquet will be the time to roll up your cuffs, breakout the Brylcreem, fluff up the bouffant and don those Dame Edna glasses. We will provide plenty of atmosphere, so don't worry if there's no room to pack any more stuff. The 50's are also a state of mind. Remember, too, that no open shoes are permitted on the factory tour.

Jeff also designed a special side window decal to remember John Mallany on the convoy this year. You know how John loved those little stickers for the triangle window! For those of you that knew John, the decal is one small way to say This one's for you, John! There are only a limited number of decals available and the cost, if any, is still under negotiation. The decal will be on the website and I bet it will bring a smile to your face.

Please plan to arrive at Denny’s before 8 AM for our 8:30 departure. There’s lots of road construction going on that may require a bit of extra time to traverse. The entrance to Denny’s is open from Route 18 westbound. We also need some time to get reacquainted and to distribute the convoy goodies. Your promptness is appreciated.

We only have a few more days to wait till we’re convoying on the way to HC04. I’m getting excited and really looking forward sharing to the whole adventure with you!

Cindy

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Greetings, HC04 Convoy Mates!

It's time to start seriously planning our HC04 adventure. The 2004 convoy promises to be even bigger and better than last year! We extend a special welcome to those who will be experiencing their first Homecoming. You will have a fabulous time!

The convoy will follow the same general pattern as last year with a few minor changes. As last year, we'll take the fast route from the Dragon to the hotel on Thursday. Without any time constraints, we can run the Dragon as many times as we want and not have to wash our cars in the dark! You may want to bring your favorite local beverage or signature drink for swapping and enjoying poolside. If you wish to return with a group on Sunday or Monday, let me know and we'll get you connected.

Here's the convoy list to the best of my knowledge. Please send corrections and additions my way.

Leaving from Denny's Diner in Medina on Wed, Sep 1, 8:30 AM:
1. John and Natalie Black, 2. Fred and Charm Blissmer, 3. John and Barb Gardner (who may depart after running the Dragon), 4. Bill Hartshorn, 5. Andy and Cheryl Kawekci, 6. Rich Lipchik (from Erie, PA area), 7. Dennis and Joy Perry (from Buffalo, NY area), 8. Bob and Sally Phillips, 9. Kenny and wife from Sandusky (please send me your complete names), 10. Scott and Becky Shookman (daughters Sara & Kim will fly down), 11. Crystal Stemple and Ruddy (need last name, please), 12. Adam and Melissa Taylor (from Michigan), 13. Dave and Marianne Yarish, 14. Cindy Reller. Denny's is at 3405 Medina Road, just west of I-71 on Rt 18. Please attend to fuel and food needs for a prompt departure.

Joining in Columbus at Wendys, I-71 and Polaris, 10 AM:

15. Jeff and Cindi DeGroff, 16. Steve and Lynne Krykoski. Wendy's is at 8585 Lyra Drive.

Joining in Cincinnati at Max & Erma's, I-71 and Montgomery Road, 12 Noon:
17. Bob Higley (Pam will fly down), 18. Dave and fiance/wife Ternes (from Michigan, need first name, please), 19. Brian and Cynthia Tupper (from Michigan). Max and Erma's is at 7800 Montgomery Road and the reservations are under Reller.

Joining at I-75 rest area south of Richmond exit, 3:30-4:00 PM:
20. Donna Mallany. We'll call you when we leave Cincinnati.

Meeting in Spartanburg:

21. Dave and Pam Fisher.

Cool Stuff info.

Now, the requests to enhance and customize your convoy experience. Please email me by Aug 9th with your orders and we'll settle up on the way to HC04. All prices are just estimates until quantities are known.

1.	What 3 songs per Z do you want considered for our Official HC04 Convoy CD? Please include title and artist if possible. Songs will be included at the discretion of the "DJ" based upon length and general flow of the CD, avoiding repeats from CDs of previous years.
2.	How many T-shirts in what size do you want? Natalie's designs are always memorable and we wear our special shirts on Saturday for the panoramic picture. Natalie has again secured the support of BMW Cleveland which means the price per shirt will probably be in the $10-$15 range. In the very near future, the T-shirt design will be posted on zbimmers.org.
3.	Do you want a static-cling windshield banner, N Ohio Z Bimmers, which should run about $10 each?
4.	Do you need a state flag for your antennae? If yes, which state do you want? The cost should be less than $5.

Only 29 more days and we'll be convoying to HC04! Get those orders in and let the chatter begin!

Cindy

Important Hotel information

Apparently there has been another change in the host hotel for HC04. The Embassy Suites were still accepting reservations at the Z rate of $96 as of this morning. Perhaps they resolved the registration issue this year and are using hotels to add some extra interest to Homecoming! Thanks to John Black for sharing this info.

Ken Sparks had a falling out with the "New" host hotel, and I just got off the phone with his office. The NEW NEW host hotel is the Greenville Embassy Suites...might want to get the word out to the troops...

Embassy Suites Hotel Greenville Golf Resort & Conference Ctr
670 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, SC 29607
Tel: 1-864-676-9090

If you plan on convoying with us to HC04 and running the Dragon prior to reaching Spartanburg, the Hilton Knoxville Airport is ready for your reservation. This year, the group name is Z Bimmers but all else remains the same. The group rate is $99 for the concierge floor including continental breakfast and evening appetizers and bar. We will arrive Wednesday, Sept 1.

Hilton Knoxville Airport

2001 Alcoa Airport

Alcoa, TN 37701

865-970-4300