Topeka/KC weekend get together

[babak]

Anybody up for a get together this weekend? Nothing serious, maybe just coffee and BS. Specially since the weather is creeping up north of the freezing point of water.

I'll toss in Milton's on Mass St. in Lawrence as a possible location. Anybody have any suggestions for KC?

[mchferrari]

What's up man?
I've been lurking on this board for awhile and want to personally congratulate you on the Elise.
I've only seen 2 Elises. An S1 at a gas station in central MO (what a sight...) and a yellow S2 at MidRivers.
As for Saturday, I work but if you ever want to stop by so I can give your car the once over (Souper Salad in Topeka) just let me know.

Anyway good to meet you, and I look forward to seeing your car on the road.

[babak]

It was a typical Kansas Sat a.m. Temperature in the teens and wind gusts that reminded us why we have chainmill windsocks in the airports. MikeRoberts and David (Darksol) and I met at Milton's on Mass St in Lawrence. Mike drove his DeLorean which reminded me even more so that I need to get one of those at some point in my life. BTW, Mike I owe you breakfast. It was a great way to spend a saturday a.m. with car nuts and pore over the Forcefed dyno chart (I think Darksol has lost his gord and will get one for his Elise.)

I would very much like to make this a regular event for the KC/Topeka area crowd. We could alternate the events between several places and cities for variety. And as the weather improves I don't see us running out of the door and into the cars to hide from the weather.

It was great meeting you guys.

Cheers,

[KLM]

To the KC / Topeka guys...

I would like to come join you guys next time you meet in KC (I was at the PGA Show in Orlando this past week). I am three hours from KC, but as you know, that's nothing in this car!

Look forward to seeing another Elise on the road.

Best wishes guys.

Kevin

[babak]

While we're on this topic, when should we have our next breakfast? Let's do it in KC so KLM can join us as well. Any thoughts on date?

[ace3]

Let me know when you guys do this as well ... i'm 222 miles away from my old dorm in Lawrence.

[babak]

KLM, how far are you from KC/Lawrence?

[darkSol]

Originally Posted by babak

While we're on this topic, when should we have our next breakfast? Let's do it in KC so KLM can join us as well. Any thoughts on date?

Babak, I'm on the nuclear software overtime development train (woowoo!) at work until 2/15... and my daughter Madison is getting dunked (baptised) this upcoming SuperBowl Sunday morning... anytime after that would be great. I'd really like warmer weather with sun so perhaps Marc with the Graphite car here in KC can make it out... I have to see that color in person!

On another note, my wife MADE me (cough cough) call our dealer to see if it was too late to change our order and get the hardtop. It wasn't too late. She is entirely in love with the look of the car with the hardtop. She's in a world of pilates-yoga-contortionistic hell when it gets here - that and it's not like my old delSol with a 15-second remove and stow/install...

[KLM]

Originally Posted by babak

KLM, how far are you from KC/Lawrence?

Babak,
Looks like I am about 240 miles from Lawrence (Rand McNally says 259 to KCMO airport). It's about a three hour drive (to the P.F. Chang's on the Plaza), a little less when motivated. I'm flexible, I'll go wherever.

Hope to see you guys soon (snowing right now).

Kevin

[babak]

So how about one of the two last weekends in Feb? Or should we shoot for mid March instead?
A.C. and KLM you're both welcome to crash at my place if you want to break the drive. It looks like Lawrence again by the looks of it.
I haven't seen Mike Roberts post on this thread; I wonder if he sees it.

[ace3]

I would probably bring a friend of mine down, and hit up some college bars that night.

What's the name of the hotel ... I can't remember street names very well ... off of 6th street, you pass by it up on your left as you're heading out of Lawrence, going towards I-70?

What's a nice hotel in town?

[MikeRoberts44]

Just found this thread. I'm up for another "gathering" and will be happy to join. Milton's was not a bad drive and most of KC is closer, so anywhere is fine with me. I'm pretty open weekends except 2/13. A friend invited me to the KU/OSU game. I'm a Cowboy, so I appreciate all you guys getting Orange cars.

I am expecting (hoping?) my car shows up about the first of March, so that will be priority.

[MikeRoberts44]

Scottmartin (blue LSS Elise here in KC) is still missing. Scott, have you seen this. If not, I will try to contact him directly when we get a date and location.

[ace3]

what about a "saturday lunch" or something? That way, those of us that are ~3hrs away have enough time to get down there.

Free State Brewing is always a crowd favorite.

Although it's been a good 4 years since I've been to Lawrence - i'm sure they've added a few places to go.

And the only requirement I have for coming down is good weather. Driving the interstate at speed w/ LSS tires really isn't something i'm interested in trying.

[scottmartin]

Originally Posted by MikeRoberts44

Scottmartin (blue LSS Elise here in KC) is still missing. Scott, have you seen this. If not, I will try to contact him directly when we get a date and location.

let me know when and where. i am out of town the last weekend of feb. i cannot wait for spring!! scott

[MikeRoberts44]

OK, I'm losing it! The KU/OSU game is not 2/13, it is 2/27 and that is when I will be tied up.

There is also a strong possibility of a scout weekend with my son 2/18-20.

[babak]

Ok, by the looks of it, Feb is a no go. How about mid march? I'm gone weekend of march 5.

[darkSol]

Originally Posted by babak

Ok, by the looks of it, Feb is a no go. How about mid march? I'm gone weekend of march 5.

Driving or flying? I'll babysit for you - I have a nice heated garage...

Let's leave Sat March 12th or Sun Match 13th open - that leaves a fair bit of advance notice for everyone - and HOPEFULLY Mike has his car by then

BTW, I sent a letter to Behlmann's last week asking for my Elise deposit back. I've already locked in my order with FVMC - and they're up to 91 over at FVMC and I've moved up to 147... (that's 62% there!) C'mon May-June!

Speaking of FVMC, I just got off the phone with Bill Jr. - he's just finishing up a mass email regarding the Autobahn Country Club Lotus Experience, Monday April 18th-Friday April 22nd in Joliet, Illinois. I believe he said that Alistair McQueen, Hyla Breese, Dave Minter and another gentleman are the instructors. Morning session will include vehicle fundamentals: understeer, oversteer, braking, etc., then lunch, then several track driving hours, alternating between driving and BEING driven He said a $500 deposit would be required to lock in the event (rain or shine). In addition they have a Lotus Track day reserved on Monday, April 25th for ANYONE who wants to drive on the track, regardless of vehicle. Finally he said that they are going to have a sizable presence at the Chicago Auto Show, February 11th-20th.

Enough rambling... can I babysit?

p.s. Hey, when are you going to Behlmanns for your first service?

[MikeRoberts44]

OK, per DarkSol I have 3/12 & 13 marked off on my calendar for get together.

[babak]

Originally Posted by darkSol

Enough rambling... can I babysit?

p.s. Hey, when are you going to Behlmanns for your first service?

I'm going to Behlmanns next friday, it's a 4 hour long service! Figure be there by 11ish, and get to hit the road around 5ish (fudge factor included), it'll be a long day.

Babysitting offer is appreciated but I think she'll be OK.