Howdy all, Happy New Year to all of ECC Region II

Snowing here, again, and a little cabin fever is making me think ahead to the next Dustoff Cruise (4.9 months from now. But who's counting?).

Am collecting ideas, so let's hear your preferences on location/sites to see for the next one.

Even if your Elky isn't ready, join us anyway like several did last year. It's a great way to meet fellow Elky owners face-to-face. Speaking of which, I had a great time on the last one (late April 2009).

Here's a link to some of the pictures taken.
http://s889.photobucket.com/albums/ac93/elkymike/Elky%20Dust-Off%20Spring%202009/
Once you're there, click on the red "Slideshow" button in the top-right corner.


PS: Ernie, you bringing new paint swatches this time?:dontknow:

STOP with the paint swatches. Sesame Crunch is long gone. It's Duponts version of Mohave Gold now..... "MOHAVE GOLD" Bubba...

That was cool reviewing the pics again, good deal Mike. We had a few laughs that day huh. Of course what you guys plan for a trip will dictate my involvement. Don't want to become deadwood again this year, learned my lesson well. Maybe if not all of it, I'll catch you guys for part of it??? I'll be getting my control arms replaced just so I can join you guys in the next "Elky City Burnout Session". We should all get side by side 10' apart and do a multible burnout while filming it. Cool, 10 Elkys coming at ya.

Glad you brought this up Mike. Considering there's 30" of snow out there, it makes you feel a bit warmer just thinking about it. After loosing an entire year, you know I'm itching.

As a side note: Tommy, makes sure the control arm bolts are tight. And Ernie, all new brakelines right?

Hope everyone makes this years. Later guys....

I'l start polishing chrome now --- maybe I'll be ready for April.

I check my bolts everytime I go into the garage - so I'm feeling like I might be able to make a it this year.

Mike - good idea to start planning (or at least dreaming) now !

I had a blast last year put over 150 miles on the Elky :twisted: I'll be there again this year! :beer:

Are there any plans for a cruise in the Maine,New Hampshire area?

Are there any plans for a cruise in the Maine,New Hampshire area?

There certainly can be.

This is an open discussion and a perfect time for just tossing around ideas to see what "sticks".

Here's some ideas "to toss":

Progressive Dustoff. Start in one place and end up in another, picking up and dropping off Elkys as we go.

Two dustoffs. One that crosses the Northern end and one traversing the Southern end of N.E.

I-95 Corridor Dustoff (N/S or S/N)

Rendezvous dustoff (everyone converges at my place). Just kidding. A centrally convenient location would be fine.

Museums or special attractions Dustoff (mentioned on an earlier post)

Intra-State Dustoff(s). We'd need 6 folks to coordinate one for each state.

Beaches or Light Houses Dustoff.

Police Station Smokey Tire Burnout dustoff. (I'll go last, thank you)

Virtual-dustoff (we all sit in our driveways on jack stands with engines in drive while flipping atlasses, roadmaps and blaming Garmin for bad directions (inside joke here).:poke: Then about 5PM we'd all post our pictures on ECC and see where we went.

Can you tell I'm running out of ideas?

So let's here it Region II. What do you want?

:dontknow:

The first rule of Spring Dustoff 2010 is we don't allow Garmin.
The second rule of Spring Dustoff 2010 is we don't allow Garmin.:poke:
You know I am in and not as a passenger this year.
My suggestion

Arrange specific pick-up points along routes from the north ( Me. N.H. Vt.) and south (Ct. R.I. Ma.) with final assembly around the 95-128 split ( somewhat in the middle of north and south ) and a tour thru historic Gloucester and a dinner of FRESH seafood or a different final assembly point and the inclusion of one of New Englands Automotive Museums

Before anyone suggests I get involved with planning; think back to the Fall Finale (Fiasco). See first rule of Spring Dustoff.

I check my bolts everytime I go into the garage -


:confused:



_

Can we just do a cruise where we make lots of u-turns all day and say "that restaurant must be here somewhere" ? That was kind of fun in Hartford.


You mean this time? http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac93/elkymike/Ray%202009%20Fall%20Finale/TN_FallFinale09019.jpg


Or This Time?

http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac93/elkymike/Ray%202009%20Fall%20Finale/TN_FallFinale09026.jpg
http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac93/elkymike/Ray%202009%20Fall%20Finale/TN_FallFinale09024.jpg


Or this one?

http://i889.photobucket.com/albums/ac93/elkymike/Ray%202009%20Fall%20Finale/TN_FallFinale09021.jpg

You mean to tell me that was all Ray's doing? Searching for the phantom resturant? Well, it would appear if nothing else, ol Ray's consistant. Hey Ray.... you drive a rig bud???? Must make a lot of overtime huh? Either that, or just use a lot of fuel huh. Man, I crack myself up. Sorry Ray, couldn't help myself. Opportunity was just knocking......

I want to come to the defense of Ray. If the restaurant sign was not on the side of the building that could only be seen if you're coming from the opposite direction, we would have gotten there on the first try. Can't blame Garmin for the fact that the address for the restaurant sent us to a vacant lot, because the restaurant had moved a year earlier, on second thought, yes we can. Ray, it was still a great time and a great day for a fall cruise. I'd do it again, in fact, consider this is my RSVP for this year's fall cruise. (Mike, please count me in for the Spring 2010 Elky Dust-Off.)

Thanks Russ I'm glad to see someones got my back:You_Rock: It may be just you and me this fall.
Mark, if your lucky I will forget about your last post before I come up with a smart-a-- response NOT
Did the body shop have much trouble matching the ole sesame crunch? Just remember I get paid by the mile meaning I am NEVER lost

Mike, the last picture posted above does not count as a u-turn that was taken at the apple orchard , the ONE thing I did get right that day.

Yeah bud, seems the "Sesame" was just unmatchable for some reason. Told him all the Elky guys were going to be disapointed.

Just bustin chops buddy, know you can take it. I do love to agitate....

I can't wait to see what the body shop did with an already beautiful ride Mark. Any progress getting her home? All taken in jest bud.:poke:

Yeah Ray, it's basically done. they're waiting on me now. He's offered to flatbed it home, but the way I see it, his tires would still be kicking salt up on it. No hurry. I've got to give it the final inspection (outdoors) this week.

I'll shut up with that for now before ol Nunn there thinks I hijacked his thread. And I'm the last guy who would want to upset Mr. Nunn. heh, heh, heh......

This topic's been quiet for the last 11 days because you're all out doing your research homework?

I've been doing mine. Got several ideas. Let's hear it from the rest of you.:beer:

Put em out there Mike. May induce others to get creative??? You know I can't get involved, my idea would be 3 times around the block then sit in a chair and look at them...........

Region II still hibernating, I see. It must be that you're all earning brownie points with your sweetie for Valantine's day. Can't say as I blame you. Haven't done much myself.

Dust-off in late April is coming though, slowly but steadily. That's now only about 10 weeks or so away. It'll be here before you know it.

Tommy, you start your chrome polishing yet? Wife get you one of those fancy rotiseries for Christmas so you won't have to lay on the old cold 'crete?

Mark, glad your baby's home. But better get the jack hammer out to remove the bodyshop scum from that once blinding engine bay. Either that or place another huge order from the Summit catalogue. Can't wait to see the new paint job in person.

Ernie, no more busted brake lines this year, right? Better test them now. And, yes. We'll need you to bring those paint swatches again.

Garry, Ray, Tom, Russell, Jim, Alan, Carol and everyone else, let's hear from you on your ideas/preferences.

What I'm hearing as a preference so far is a meeting somewhere in central Mass with a few area excursions (Museum, winery, dragstrip, etc).:dontknow:

Mike

May Day !

No it's not a call for help but a day to dance around the May Pole!

Now I know I have the only vehicle that actually dances but... I thought it might be an appropriate choice for a Dust Off Cruise.

I should make it again this year...other then getting lost the rest of the day was a blast. :nanawrench:

Id like to come! ive been without internet for a while, running off a new neighbor so hopefully ill have it for a while. My car is yet again my daily driver. the rust is starting to get to it bad though. trying to get a job at a body shop right now, so hopefully i can learn to do some good repairs to it.

Well lets get this post some exposure. Spring Dust Off is fast approching. Can't wait to get the Malimino out of the garage.:nanawrench::nanawrench:

Well consider it exposed Ray. Here ya on having the itch. Man, I can't wait to get it out either. As Mike mentioned, I've got a ton of detailing to do, but it's ok, it can come out dirty.

So guys, where's everyone going this year? Speak up, don't be shy. Probably won't make the entire cruise, but would like to join you guys for some of it anyhow. Can't wait.....

If it doesn't conflict with anything here I might actually make it depending on where you hold it.

If it doesn't conflict with anything here I might actually make it depending on where you hold it.

Cool, Leo. That'd be great!!!

:nanawrench:

Been a couple weeks since Mike's last post on this thread. Has anyone had any more thoughts on the dust-off location/cruise/date etc.? The weather is finally starting to break and would enjoy hooking up with you guys for at least part of the cruise.

No Ernie, you don't need the chips this year. It's Mohave Gold.... trust me.

Ray, are you doing the leading this year? If so, I'll make sure my tank is full........:twisted:

Soooooo, what's up guys?????

That's an interesting idea Ernie. Being former Navy that stuff brings back memories, and NO, I'm not old enough to have served on a battleship. (beat ya to it!) We had these new fangled things they called missles by my time. Haven't been by there in years, but my only concern would be the parking situation. If it's just one common lot for all I'd be a bit leary (and scared) especially after my "8 minute" experience last year. It changes your life (and wallet) when they get nicked up.

That said, if the guy's are interested in that as a stop, I'll vollenteer to hang outside with the Elk's as an armed guard while you guys go shipboard. No biggie.

Anyone else have any thoughts on Battleship Cove as a potential stop? Any other ideas/locations floating around in those Elky brains out there? Won't be long......

Hope you get it all buttoned up in time Ernie....

Only about a month away now. Anyone else gettin' the dust-off "itch" like I am?

Battleship Cove sounds neat. Never been there myself. Maybe for nostalgic reasons, Mark'll put on his old Navy uniform when he's standing watch?

Haven't heard much from you Northern Region-II members. Battleship Cove in Fall River sound okay with you?

As long as we're thinking "nautical", here's a neat list of Maritime Museums along S/E Mass' coastline.
http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/maritime/sitelist.htm

Wife and I have been here, http://www.sakonnetwine.com/ and enjoyed it a lot. They'll reserve a special part of the parking lot for us and I think they'll allow us to do a picnic lunch on the grounds.

Weather permitting, we could end up at nearby Sakonnet Lighthouse in Tiverton which would be a great lighthouse/sunset photo-op. Could even stop at RI's seldom seen monument to the "RI Red" chicken!!

Just flooding the post with thoughts. Anyone got more/better ideas?

Also, does everyone like doing this the last Saturday in April? If it rains, we'll do the following Saturday?

Battleship Cove is a cool place, either Sat or Sun works for us hopfully the weather holds out, this 2-3" of rain at a time is getting old!

Colt State Park sounds great too. Sounds like things are starting to come together.

Gotta watch out for that MGS72Elky though. While you aren't looking, he'll stick a "fantasy" cartoon under your hood (if you came last year, you'll know what I'm talking about).

Uh, I wouldn't know what your talking about there MNunn.....

Howdy all, Appears at the moment I'm going to have to back out of this event. Dealing with the flood. Hopefully you're all high and dry. Will someone step forward and take the lead? Thanks. Mike

Howdy all, Appears at the moment I'm going to have to back out of this event. Dealing with the flood. Hopefully you're all high and dry. Will someone step forward and take the lead? Thanks. Mike

Just standing here with my hands in my pockets and y'all take a step back, leaving me volunteered! I hate when that happens!

Let's recap the options so far...
When: Saturday 4/24 - That's this week; might be too agressive at this point. Push back to Saturday May 1st?
Where: Battleship Cove, Fall River, Mass with Mark on sentry duty (in uniform of course!) www.battleshipcove.com
Sakonnet Vineyards, Little Compton, RI www.sakonnetwine.com (http://www.sakonnetwine.com)
Colt State Park, Bristol, RI http://www.riparks.com/colt.htm (http://www.riparks.com/colt.htm)
Chicken monument (does this only exist in Mr. Nunn's head? :dontknow:)
How: weather permitting, rain date May 8th (be advised, Mother's Day is next day)
Other: West Bayers could meet somplace to caravan to Fall River, say, Sears in West Warwick so Mike can join us for a doughnut.

Your suggestions are welcome,
Rich

Thanks for stepping up Rich.:You_Rock: Either weekend is good for me and the plan looks good. I hope Mark still fit in the uniform :poke:

Thanks Rich...:beer:
Sorry to say this but if it’s this weekend I’m going to have to pass. It came up so quick and I have a lot on my plate. Nowhere near what Mike has but still a lot of work to do around the house. The Elky is still put away for winter. :neutral:

Rich - it was so good of you to raise your hand !

The reason I've been quiet is that I will be in Nashville this weekend so....

If it's May 1 I'm there !

If I miss it - this weekend, hope y'all have a great time. Sounds like a good trip and short enough so that Mark won't have to stop for a nap

Oddly enough, the only thing ready for a cruise around here is my car! This Saturday's dust-off snuck up on me too.

In an effort to get as many of us together at once, how about we shoot for May 1st with the 8th as a rain date to give us all more time to prepare?

As for the destination, is Battleship Cove and then lunch enough or do both the Cove and Sakonnet Vineyard? The vineyard's last tour is 3 PM.

Rich

Hey Rich, thanks for stepping up bud. Although my Elk won't be quite ready detailing wise, it'll be there. May 1 works for me also. As for where/what we do, you guys call it and I'll tag along as long as I can.

Tommy - Who says I won't still need a nap???? Glad your gonna make it.

Ray - Whatcha talkin about? Seriously, you guys won't recognize me now, after recently loosing 52lbs. I'm just about the same weight as my military days. Now.... where's that uniform???

Ernie - Weigh in bud.... Leave the chips home, the color's dead on.

Mike - If you read this, I sure wish you'd consider taking a break from the nightmare you've been living for a few hours and come on out and join us. Might do you and Mary some good. And you can always count on me to break your nads awhile.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again, and getting this season rolling. Been out of it too long. Let's hope for some weather.

I'm off to Nashville in the morning - but I will be back in time for a great day on the 1st.

Another vote for May 1st. I'd be up for the caravan from Sears in West Warwick. Just let me know what time to be there.

Sounds like May 1 is the better day for the cruise so I will throw my vote that way also. I second Marks statement hoping Mike will take a couple of hours off to join us. It will be more fun with them both sparring off with the verbal jabs and practical jokes:poke:

I won't be making it either for two reasons. My elky is not road worthy yet, but that is not what is stopping me. I'm presently working 72 hours a week until the first or second week of May. My only day off is Wednesday which I use for catch up at home.

Hey Ernie, glad it all came together in time. Heard the same for the weekend weather.... great.

The Elk's still a mess from paint, but slowly getting there. I'll be there as well guys.

I'm coming from the other side up I-195W, so I'll meet you guys at the Cove. Anyone got a rough estimate on an ETA at the Cove?

Looking forward to seeing everyone....

Me, plan? More like throwing suggestions at the wall to see if they stick! So how about...

Meet at Sears between 9 and 9:30 AM.
Elkymen: Ernie, Russ, Garry, Ray, Rich, and others.

Caravan to Battleship Cove to arrive by 11 AM to meet Mark, Tom, and others.
Tour the Cove offerings.
Admission coupon here, http://www.battleshipcove.com/coupon.htm
Grab lunch nearby, http://www.battleshipcove.com/dining.htm and http://www.battleshipcove.com/plan-dining.htm

Cruise to Colt State Park in Bristol, RI for photo shoot and yet more camaraderie, (hint :beer:). The park is also a good jumping off spot for those continuing on to Sakonnet Vineyard in Tiverton. I'll peel off after the park to return home via Rt 138, Newport and the bridges.

Rich

Be advised there will be a military KIA funeral procession making its way down 195 at about 12:30

Sgt Barrett, 20, of Fall River, mobilized with the National Guard in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January 2010 as a member of 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment, from Fall River, Massachusetts. Barrett died from injuries sustained when a suicide bomber attacked his unit on April 19, while on a dismounted patrol south of Kabul International Airport.

They WILL be shutting down the highway

I am planning to breakaway from the Dust-Off for a little while to pay my respects. The only way I can see this happening is to place myself on 195 around 12:15 to catch the procession as it passes. If anyone is interested in joining me, if you have an American flag bring it along, feel free. I feel the least we can do for this young man who gave his life for our freedom and safety is to take an hour out of our day to pay respects to him. If I get out to the Fall River area today or tomorrow I will scope out a place to stop.

SGT Barrett God Bless you and Rest in Peace

See you Saturday at the mall.

Hard to tell what the weather is supposed be like on Saturday, but I'll take my chances and plan on meeting up at Sears between 9 -9:30. See everyone there.

Well it looks like plans may be changing. Took the E.C. for a ride tonight and now have a slow fading master cylinder. Not real sure I am going to make it saturday. Going to see if I can get a rebuild kit or a new one tomorrow.:cry:

See y'all at Sears on Saturday. Weather's forecast to be 74 degress and partly cloudy.

Still haven't heard from Garry, Mark or Tom. Ping them if you can.
Rich

I will meet you guys at Sears tomorrow. Looking forward to the event.

Hey Guys,

I'll meet you guys at the Cove by 10:30-11:00ish. Look forward to seeing everyone and the Elks again.

Ray - Hope you got and installed a new master today. Gotta be there....

Russ - Appreciate the PM bud....

Mid to high 70's tomorrow, yeah baby..... It'd be cool if ol Nunn surprised us and showed up.

Later.

see y'all at the Battleship

Well I hope everything went well for all who made the Spring Dust Off. Not only did I not get the master cylinder fixed, I had to work also. Since I took Monday off for a funeral I had toaccept the offer to work saturday. Hope someone took pictures and will post them. Anyone planning on going to Lee for the 2nd annual El Camino night?

Ernie thank you for the call looking for me, phone was in the car and I was in the truck. Didn't get yor message till about 1:30.

You guys really blessed me with your "fly-by". What an incredible spirit lifter!!!:You_Rock:

Great to see you all. Wish I could have joined you.

I was sick all afternoon BTW. Not because of the doughnut, but because of the fun I knew I was missing.

Can't wait for the pics.

Mike

Gentleman,I had a great time at the Spring Dust Off. It was good to meet all of you. Looking foward to a next time.
Francois

Fran, lost sight of you on the return trip - I trust you got back OK. Glad we had a chance to meet you.

Guys, let's not wait another year until the next cruise.

Rich

Rich,Traffic got heavy and I lost sight of everyone.i had a nice ride home. I'd like to meet up again sometime for another cruise.

Sorry I missed it guys, had some work to do on the Camaro...That didnt work out to well. Took it for a test ride and it blew off the lower Rad hose....got it fixed and made it home parked it and it happened again http://www.scaldinghot.com/Boardpics/eyes.gif going down the road the temps fine 170-180. I dont get it?? http://www.scaldinghot.com/Boardpics/blink.gif

Anyway hope you all had a good time...need some pics...

Here are a few pictures from the Spring 2010 Elky Dust-Off taken with my cell phone.

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/larsonrt/Spring%202010%20Elky%20Dust-Off/0501101146.jpg
http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/larsonrt/Spring%202010%20Elky%20Dust-Off/0501101151.jpg
http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/larsonrt/Spring%202010%20Elky%20Dust-Off/0501101210.jpg
http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/larsonrt/Spring%202010%20Elky%20Dust-Off/0501101045.jpg

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/larsonrt/Spring%202010%20Elky%20Dust-Off/0501101105.jpg
http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/larsonrt/Spring%202010%20Elky%20Dust-Off/0501101108.jpg
http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/larsonrt/Spring%202010%20Elky%20Dust-Off/0501101108a.jpg

Great Pics Russ ...

here's one more
491
I don't know how to make it bigger so you'll have to CLICK on it