Posted 08/15/2005

Printable Drive Schedule (click below)

HC05 Drive Agenda

Posted 08/11/2005 

The Official 2005 Natalie Black Design T-shirt.

Please contact Cindy Reller with # of shirts and sizes.

Cost:  $10-15 at time of pick-up.

driveinfo@zbimmers.org

Posted 08/01/2005

HC05 Convoy Mates.  As of today, we have 26 Zs and 48 people in our convoy to HC05!  Yes, that is an all-time record!  And we extend a huge welcome to the First Timers!  You're certain to have a fabulous time at HC05.  With only 31 more days till we leave, it’s time to get a bit more organized.

Departure will be on Wednesday, August 31, starting in Medina.  Please let me know of additions or corrections.  We’ll soon start separate communications for those attending that big party in the South.  

Convoy South - Wed, Aug 31 
   
Medina        8:15 AM            Denny's Diner    (I-71 and Rt 18) 
                 departure            3405 Medina Rd, Medina, OH  44256 
     2    Jeff and Kim Ball 
     2    Don and Marci Bishop 
     2    John and Natalie Black 
     2    Fred and Charm Blissmer 
     2    Gary and Pam Hansel 
     2    John and Joyce Hansel 
     2    Andy and Cheryl Kawecki 
     2    Rich Lipchik and friend Terry Nicotra 
     2    Dennis and Joy Perry 
     2    Bob and Sally Phillips 
     2    John Neimczura 
     1    Cindy Reller 
     1    Scott Schookman        Becky and Kim fly in Saturday, Sara at OU
     1    Adam Taylor                Melissa and Morgen flying down
     2    Tim and Cindy Wing 
     2    Dave and Marianne Yarrish
    16 Zs, 29 people 
   
Columbus    10:00 AM-            Wendy's       (I-71 and Polaris, Exit 121)
                   10:15 AM            8585 Lyra Drive, Columbus, OH  43240
     2    Jeff and Cindy DeGroff 
     2    Bob and Pam Higley 
     2    Steve and Lynne Krzykoski 
     2    Fred Reinemeyer and friend Marty Ciriachi
    20 Zs, 37 people
   
Cincinnati    12:00 N -            Max and Erma's      (I-71, Exit 12)     reservations:  zbimmers
                  1:30 PM             7800 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH  45236 - 513.794.0100
     2    David and Kathy Ternes            still trying to get registered
     2    Brian and Cynthia Tupper          still trying to get registered
    22 Zs, 41 people 
   
Lexington    3:15 PM-            I-75 Rest Area, 3-4 miles south of Richmond Exit
                  3:45 PM             Richmond, KY 
     2    Mitch and Autumn Cole 
     1    Donna Mallany
    24 Zs, 44 people
   
Alcoa         6:00 PM            Alcoa Hilton 
                                          2001 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, TN - 865.970.4300
     2    Buck and Barb Rawson 
     2    Dave and Anita Monroe
    26 Zs, 48 people
   
Greenville  
     1    Mike Cefaratti                       will meet us at HC05
     2    Dave and Pam Fisher            will meet us at HC05
    28 Zs, 51 people 
 

Keep your fingers crossed for the Ternes and the Tuppers from Michigan.  They were out of the country during registration and are still waiting for confirmation that ‘no Z will be turned away’.  We do hope to see their smiling faces in Cincinnati!
 
Many of you asked whether John and Barb Gardner were going to HC05.  Unfortunately, the answer is no.  The Gardners are buying out their partners in the farm and the closing is the first of September.  John will try to run the Dragon with us but he was doubtful that he could do even that much.  He sends his regards to everyone.
 
Once again, our creative director, Natalie Black, is designing a unique t-shirt for the convoy to wear on Saturday for the panoramic photo….and to make each of us the envy of everyone else at HC05!  Many folks at Homecoming want to buy one of Natalie’s creations but they’re only for us.  The cost is usually in the $10-$15 range.   We’ll post the design on the website as soon as it’s available.  Unless you already gave me your order, let me know how many t-shirts you want and the sizes.
 
Natalie is also our music director and burns each of us a convoy CD to help pass the time on the freeways.  Each Z suggests 2-3 songs to include on the CD, Natalie works her magic and we have another neat reminder of our good times at HC05.  Yes, you can suggest songs even if you’re meeting us in Greenville and not running with the convoy.  Just forward your requests to me and I’ll pass them along to Natalie for consideration.  No guarantees, just consideration.  That’s why we have a music director! 
 
You can also order a static cling windshield banner to identify your Z as part of the group.  One side of the banner says N OHIO and the other says Z BIMMERS.  The price depends on the quantity ordered but is usually in the $12-$15 range.  You guessed it – just let me know if you want one.
 
Accounts are settled when you receive your loot, usually where you join the convoy…and correct change is appreciated.  We’ll let you know exact costs once they are determined.
 
Over the years, we have developed a bit of convoy philosophy that makes the whole experience better for everyone.  It will be a challenge, to say the least, for 26 Zs to stay together in the convoy and still be considerate of others on the road.  These guidelines should help.  If you have other thoughts to contribute, please let me know.  
1. Safety first and foremost.
2. As we get ready to start out, the lead car will pull forward and wait.  When you are ready, turn on your lights and get in line.  When everyone is in line, the anchor position will communicate with the lead car to proceed.
3. Your position in the convoy is behind the car ahead of you and not in front of the car behind you. 
4. Maintain a ‘snug’ distance behind the car ahead of you.  Large gaps invite other vehicles to enter the convoy.
5.  If a Z consistently maintains a large gap, cars further back in the convoy are encouraged to pass and fill the gap, including the anchor.
5. If separated, maintain contact with Talkabouts.  Use the directions to proceed to the next stop.
6. Contrary to popular belief, the slowest pace in the convoy is in the front and the fastest is in the back.  Place yourself accordingly.
 
On Thursday, we’ll depart for the Dragon at 8:30 AM and make a quick fuel stop before we start the run.  We’ll break into 3 groups again this year for the first pass: one for those who want to run fast, another for mid-speed and another for folks who may want to linger on those overlooks.  There will be about an hour layover in Deal’s Gap, so you can run the Dragon again and again and/or do some shopping.  We will depart on time to keep on schedule for the rest of the day. 
 
After the Dragon, the convoy is taking the back roads to picturesque Highlands for lunch and then on to Greenville.  This is a very scenic route with twisties galore and gorgeous waterfalls but it’s not the fastest route into Greenville.  Please feel free to head out to Greenville after the Dragon if you want to get there before the convoy’s arrival around 4:30 PM.  Not to worry: the convoy will get to the Embassy Suites in plenty of time for the ‘manager’s hospitality’ and subsequent Drunken Car Wash escapade!
 
Lunch for the convoy on Thursday will be at The Highlands Inn Kelsey Place Restaurant  (www.highlandsinn-nc.com) from Noon to 1:30 PM or you can use the time to explore on your own.  Please let me know your plans after the Dragon, so I can make the appropriate reservations.
 
It’s been a wonderful Homecoming tradition to get together poolside in the evenings to share experiences of the day and meet new friends.  You may want to bring some libation to share that’s special to you or your geography.
 
I know some of you have plans after HC05.  Others may want to travel home in another convoy.  If you would like to join a northbound convoy, please let me know and we’ll coordinate departure times.