How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
- Thread starter Captain Morgan
- Start date
fauXGT
Brick Pilot
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
I'm in the same situation. If it is a two day journey for me, I will need to take two weeks vaca for a weekend meet. And I have to fill out the vaca list in Nov-Dec.
We always have a great time ,but to be able to make a long distance event we need nottice prior to the start of the year to make it. Voted as die hard owners
I'm in the same situation. If it is a two day journey for me, I will need to take two weeks vaca for a weekend meet. And I have to fill out the vaca list in Nov-Dec.
GarnetTy1473
Donating Member
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
Hard to make a decision since I don't have a running truck. If/when my truck ever runs again, I guess it would depend on the event. I voted anything over 1000 miles, I'd fly. But, I have flown for less as well because I didn't have anything to take. I did take my Ty to BG in '13 because it was a short trip. Was a pain pushing it in and out of trailer all weekend because of the rain. I have since sold the trailer, and will be in the market to buy a smaller one once the need arises. It's 1200 miles to Miami for me. I'd like to make that meet one day and schedule a family vacation while we're down there. If I had a truck that ran, I'd be more than willing to trailer it down, as long as gas prices remained cheap.
Hard to make a decision since I don't have a running truck. If/when my truck ever runs again, I guess it would depend on the event. I voted anything over 1000 miles, I'd fly. But, I have flown for less as well because I didn't have anything to take. I did take my Ty to BG in '13 because it was a short trip. Was a pain pushing it in and out of trailer all weekend because of the rain. I have since sold the trailer, and will be in the market to buy a smaller one once the need arises. It's 1200 miles to Miami for me. I'd like to make that meet one day and schedule a family vacation while we're down there. If I had a truck that ran, I'd be more than willing to trailer it down, as long as gas prices remained cheap.
Captain Morgan
Moderated User
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
First of all, thank you to the 65 voters (so far) and thank you everyone for their feedback. I would also like to thank everyone who has commented on the Facebook thread directing you to this thread, it is good to see so many people actually taking this seriously and not arguing about things and getting off topic.
Again, this poll is for analysis reasons, it is general and broad for a reason.
There is a chance that we might end up someplace new, there are lots of things that will go into calculating where an event will take place, such as mileage, concentration of trucks/owners, the track itself, entertainment/accommodations, so on and so forth.
It seems a majority of everyone in there is on the same page in thinking More Trucks = Cooler Event, I would like nothing more than to see that come true. I titled the poll "once in a lifetime SyTy Event", but really it shouldn't be once in a lifetime, we as a community have the ability to make this or any SyTy Event great every time we try. Everyone just needs to keep in mind the big picture, this is a community, it would be awesome if these events were in everyones back yard, but that will NEVER happen.
That was kind of the thinking behind making Nats every other year, changing locations, east then west.... IMO it hasn't been great for the community as a whole, if anything it has divided us more. The bigger regional events still have their place, but don't really replace the bigger events.
Gotta run, I will add more later if needed.....
First of all, thank you to the 65 voters (so far) and thank you everyone for their feedback. I would also like to thank everyone who has commented on the Facebook thread directing you to this thread, it is good to see so many people actually taking this seriously and not arguing about things and getting off topic.
Again, this poll is for analysis reasons, it is general and broad for a reason.
There is a chance that we might end up someplace new, there are lots of things that will go into calculating where an event will take place, such as mileage, concentration of trucks/owners, the track itself, entertainment/accommodations, so on and so forth.
It seems a majority of everyone in there is on the same page in thinking More Trucks = Cooler Event, I would like nothing more than to see that come true. I titled the poll "once in a lifetime SyTy Event", but really it shouldn't be once in a lifetime, we as a community have the ability to make this or any SyTy Event great every time we try. Everyone just needs to keep in mind the big picture, this is a community, it would be awesome if these events were in everyones back yard, but that will NEVER happen.
That was kind of the thinking behind making Nats every other year, changing locations, east then west.... IMO it hasn't been great for the community as a whole, if anything it has divided us more. The bigger regional events still have their place, but don't really replace the bigger events.
Gotta run, I will add more later if needed.....
phoonTy
Truckless. For now.
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
My wife and I drove to BG in '09, 1,154 miles one-way, in our DD. I organized Nats Denver in '11 without a truck. The SyTy community is the only one I'd go the distance for, if the timing was right. I have 3 kids now, so if it's not really family friendly, we'd probably not go.
Pending details and what other attractions we can squeeze in, we are always up for a road trip.
My wife and I drove to BG in '09, 1,154 miles one-way, in our DD. I organized Nats Denver in '11 without a truck. The SyTy community is the only one I'd go the distance for, if the timing was right. I have 3 kids now, so if it's not really family friendly, we'd probably not go.
Pending details and what other attractions we can squeeze in, we are always up for a road trip.
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
The furthest i've driven to NATS was 1,000 each way (KC). We did a large caravan of about 6-12 cars depending on where we were in our journey. It took 15.5 hours and we did it in one sitting basically, stopping for food and gas. Pretty much everyone in the convoy was passing off driving to passengers and sharing the fun. I was in my STi, but spent some time trailering Smoosh's truck with his borrowed Yukon Denali. I think i wasn't driving for about 3 of the 15+ hrs.
This was back in my chuck lidel looking days. :lol:
This drive to NATS was probably my favorite part of the entire weekend. For those of you who aren't willing to drive over 500 miles, i would argue that it's because you aren't doing it right. Join in on a caravan and it's very easy to make it fun. All it takes is a couple of clowns, a few walkie talkies, a few safe shenanigans, the requisite meal / leg stretch breaks....and the time really flies by.
Scared of breaking down? Bring some tools and hop in a caravan - someone will know how to fix / help whatever breaks. I've only driven a Ty to 2 nationals (both BG, about 750mi each way) and both time i had to wrench a bit, but thats just part of the fun imo. Both times i got more than willing helping hands diving in to help fix things. I even started spewing some coolant due to a seized thermostat, pulled into a gas station, popped my hood to try to see what the hell was going on. By the time i closed my hood to give up on it (probably 5mins max) fellow SyTyers had already pulled into the gas station behind me....one even unloaded his truck from his trailer to put mine on it - without me even asking for a tow.
So really there is nothing to be scared of. If your truck is going to break, it's going to break. It will never be at a convenient time. But imo the BEST place to break is at NATS since there will be a handful of people, at least, that have broken the same thing and will know exactly what to do to fix it.
If anything, everyone loves to troubleshoot and wants to be the hero that figures it out or fixes it. So reconsider limiting yourself to only 500mi. Worried about having to take off more days from work? simple....we often will drive through the night in our caravans. Leave after work on thursday, drive seemingly forever and get to NATS early afternoon on Friday and you have time for a nap before the large conglomerate of attendees get there. You miss nothing except a little sleep, and take no extra days off from work. Obviously this method doesn't work if you're driving cross country...but for 1000mi or more it works out very well.
The furthest i've driven to NATS was 1,000 each way (KC). We did a large caravan of about 6-12 cars depending on where we were in our journey. It took 15.5 hours and we did it in one sitting basically, stopping for food and gas. Pretty much everyone in the convoy was passing off driving to passengers and sharing the fun. I was in my STi, but spent some time trailering Smoosh's truck with his borrowed Yukon Denali. I think i wasn't driving for about 3 of the 15+ hrs.
This was back in my chuck lidel looking days. :lol:
This drive to NATS was probably my favorite part of the entire weekend. For those of you who aren't willing to drive over 500 miles, i would argue that it's because you aren't doing it right. Join in on a caravan and it's very easy to make it fun. All it takes is a couple of clowns, a few walkie talkies, a few safe shenanigans, the requisite meal / leg stretch breaks....and the time really flies by.
Scared of breaking down? Bring some tools and hop in a caravan - someone will know how to fix / help whatever breaks. I've only driven a Ty to 2 nationals (both BG, about 750mi each way) and both time i had to wrench a bit, but thats just part of the fun imo. Both times i got more than willing helping hands diving in to help fix things. I even started spewing some coolant due to a seized thermostat, pulled into a gas station, popped my hood to try to see what the hell was going on. By the time i closed my hood to give up on it (probably 5mins max) fellow SyTyers had already pulled into the gas station behind me....one even unloaded his truck from his trailer to put mine on it - without me even asking for a tow.
So really there is nothing to be scared of. If your truck is going to break, it's going to break. It will never be at a convenient time. But imo the BEST place to break is at NATS since there will be a handful of people, at least, that have broken the same thing and will know exactly what to do to fix it.
If anything, everyone loves to troubleshoot and wants to be the hero that figures it out or fixes it. So reconsider limiting yourself to only 500mi. Worried about having to take off more days from work? simple....we often will drive through the night in our caravans. Leave after work on thursday, drive seemingly forever and get to NATS early afternoon on Friday and you have time for a nap before the large conglomerate of attendees get there. You miss nothing except a little sleep, and take no extra days off from work. Obviously this method doesn't work if you're driving cross country...but for 1000mi or more it works out very well.
SEL777
One of 101
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
My vote went for 500-800. As I mentioned in the Nats cancelled thread, I've driven my Ty to every Nats and Homecoming event in the 10 years I've had my truck - with the exception of Colorado. For me, a big part of the fun is DRIVING the TY to and from these events. Only a couple of times did I travel with another SyTyer....still fun solo. As Dave P mentioned the weather at my last Nats was hard to overcome, but the only time in all those events where weather was the issue. We all understand no one has control of the weather. The events are always fun and nice to same the same folks at the next event. Now, with 2 young kids it makes it more difficult, but still can plan to be away for a few nights. I look forward to the next event.
My vote went for 500-800. As I mentioned in the Nats cancelled thread, I've driven my Ty to every Nats and Homecoming event in the 10 years I've had my truck - with the exception of Colorado. For me, a big part of the fun is DRIVING the TY to and from these events. Only a couple of times did I travel with another SyTyer....still fun solo. As Dave P mentioned the weather at my last Nats was hard to overcome, but the only time in all those events where weather was the issue. We all understand no one has control of the weather. The events are always fun and nice to same the same folks at the next event. Now, with 2 young kids it makes it more difficult, but still can plan to be away for a few nights. I look forward to the next event.
heavy breather
FBI enforcer
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
You'll always get the core group to show, trucks or not, and there will always be people that say they'll go, but don't. No matter how well it goes there will always be complaints. I say if you build it they will come. If not, they weren't anyway. Maybe the best idea is pick 3 or 4 possible locations, list amenities etc, and vote on which one from that list.
You'll always get the core group to show, trucks or not, and there will always be people that say they'll go, but don't. No matter how well it goes there will always be complaints. I say if you build it they will come. If not, they weren't anyway. Maybe the best idea is pick 3 or 4 possible locations, list amenities etc, and vote on which one from that list.
Captain Morgan
Moderated User
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
I haven't had a truck on the road in 9 years, I've been to 4 Nats and a handful of regional events all without a truck and here I am trying to get people excited about something that is just in its infant stage of planning. Call me crazy, but I still think we as owners can put on a bitchin' event, have a great time and leave with smiles on our faces and good memories in our heads.
Yup pretty much, but at one point that core was much bigger. We have all had life changes (job, families, moved) so not to say its as easy for any of us to just load up and go as perhaps it used to be, but the desire has to be there somewhere, I think it just needs to be properly motivated.
I haven't had a truck on the road in 9 years, I've been to 4 Nats and a handful of regional events all without a truck and here I am trying to get people excited about something that is just in its infant stage of planning. Call me crazy, but I still think we as owners can put on a bitchin' event, have a great time and leave with smiles on our faces and good memories in our heads.
Kansas City is no longer an option unfortunately. I loved the area and the hotel in Overland Park, but unfortunately the track is gone and there is only one other 1/4 mile track in the entire state which is still on the list as possibilities, but its probably not going to have the KC feel im sure.
Don W.
Stab it and steer it
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
For me it was primarily time and cost. This, 2015, will be the first full year of retirement. A trip for me would be cool. It's rare that I get to visit with any owners. Probably a "once in a lifetime" trip but it's on the bucket list.
For me it was primarily time and cost. This, 2015, will be the first full year of retirement. A trip for me would be cool. It's rare that I get to visit with any owners. Probably a "once in a lifetime" trip but it's on the bucket list.
SloGN
9Sec Alky V6
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
Morgan
I'm down for making a 4-500 miles trip. But it really depends on the number of days the event is gonna be operating....
The syty event in BG is awesome but its a long drive for me just for 2 full days of action. But I have done it since the nats were there.
I made the kc2k event and man that was a haul !!!!
I do want to say thank you to all of those that have put all the hard work in the past events !! Your dedication is awesome !!!!! Thank you again
Morgan
I'm down for making a 4-500 miles trip. But it really depends on the number of days the event is gonna be operating....
The syty event in BG is awesome but its a long drive for me just for 2 full days of action. But I have done it since the nats were there.
I made the kc2k event and man that was a haul !!!!
I do want to say thank you to all of those that have put all the hard work in the past events !! Your dedication is awesome !!!!! Thank you again
Captain Morgan
Moderated User
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
I understand what you are saying. Past events that I have been to have been 3 days with an early arrival day on Thursday. That format could change, but that is so far off on planning at this point. Clearly it makes a difference as much as the number of trucks does, as you are not the first person to mention it.
It is certainly possible to do a Full Day Thursday/Friday/Saturday event with a Sunday morning 1/2 day plan if people would be more likely to go. This would be yet another thing to decide, and this will not be the last poll I'm going to make regarding what the community wants.
I understand what you are saying. Past events that I have been to have been 3 days with an early arrival day on Thursday. That format could change, but that is so far off on planning at this point. Clearly it makes a difference as much as the number of trucks does, as you are not the first person to mention it.
It is certainly possible to do a Full Day Thursday/Friday/Saturday event with a Sunday morning 1/2 day plan if people would be more likely to go. This would be yet another thing to decide, and this will not be the last poll I'm going to make regarding what the community wants.
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
I don't have a truck, but have been part to a ridiculous number of drives to/from various places in the country thanks to Sy/Ty locals. Hell some of my best stories are from the road trip portions of the weekend........For instance I once climbed through the back window of someones tow vehicle wearing pantyhose and a cowboy hat in downtown St Louis........Those kinds of shenanigans simply can't be made up
As to the event itself, the more trucks the merrier, but I think the people are worth more than the vehicles. Again, some of the best stories involve those who flew/drove in to the event in something other than a Sy/Ty. The people make the event for me, not the trucks.
I'm not going to vote, however I will say that the further Sy/Ty Event I've attended was most likely Orlando at 850miles. That's quite the haul for a weekend show. Given a good group of friends to help pass the time, I'll travel further.
I don't have a truck, but have been part to a ridiculous number of drives to/from various places in the country thanks to Sy/Ty locals. Hell some of my best stories are from the road trip portions of the weekend........For instance I once climbed through the back window of someones tow vehicle wearing pantyhose and a cowboy hat in downtown St Louis........Those kinds of shenanigans simply can't be made up
As to the event itself, the more trucks the merrier, but I think the people are worth more than the vehicles. Again, some of the best stories involve those who flew/drove in to the event in something other than a Sy/Ty. The people make the event for me, not the trucks.
I'm not going to vote, however I will say that the further Sy/Ty Event I've attended was most likely Orlando at 850miles. That's quite the haul for a weekend show. Given a good group of friends to help pass the time, I'll travel further.
ChiPhoon
Chicago Typhoon!
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
this would be the #1 reason i would never have a problem with driving anywhere with syty-ers, the comfort of having good knowledgeable people in a group eases the mind for sure.
The furthest i've driven to NATS was 1,000 each way (KC). We did a large caravan of about 6-12 cars depending on where we were in our journey. It took 15.5 hours and we did it in one sitting basically, stopping for food and gas. Pretty much everyone in the convoy was passing off driving to passengers and sharing the fun. I was in my STi, but spent some time trailering Smoosh's truck with his borrowed Yukon Denali. I think i wasn't driving for about 3 of the 15+ hrs.
This was back in my chuck lidel looking days. :lol:
This drive to NATS was probably my favorite part of the entire weekend. For those of you who aren't willing to drive over 500 miles, i would argue that it's because you aren't doing it right. Join in on a caravan and it's very easy to make it fun. All it takes is a couple of clowns, a few walkie talkies, a few safe shenanigans, the requisite meal / leg stretch breaks....and the time really flies by.
Scared of breaking down? Bring some tools and hop in a caravan - someone will know how to fix / help whatever breaks. I've only driven a Ty to 2 nationals (both BG, about 750mi each way) and both time i had to wrench a bit, but thats just part of the fun imo. Both times i got more than willing helping hands diving in to help fix things. I even started spewing some coolant due to a seized thermostat, pulled into a gas station, popped my hood to try to see what the hell was going on. By the time i closed my hood to give up on it (probably 5mins max) fellow SyTyers had already pulled into the gas station behind me....one even unloaded his truck from his trailer to put mine on it - without me even asking for a tow.
So really there is nothing to be scared of. If your truck is going to break, it's going to break. It will never be at a convenient time. But imo the BEST place to break is at NATS since there will be a handful of people, at least, that have broken the same thing and will know exactly what to do to fix it.
If anything, everyone loves to troubleshoot and wants to be the hero that figures it out or fixes it. So reconsider limiting yourself to only 500mi. Worried about having to take off more days from work? simple....we often will drive through the night in our caravans. Leave after work on thursday, drive seemingly forever and get to NATS early afternoon on Friday and you have time for a nap before the large conglomerate of attendees get there. You miss nothing except a little sleep, and take no extra days off from work. Obviously this method doesn't work if you're driving cross country...but for 1000mi or more it works out very well.
this would be the #1 reason i would never have a problem with driving anywhere with syty-ers, the comfort of having good knowledgeable people in a group eases the mind for sure.
BigBadSmoosh
Picking fights on I-65 since 2013
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
doesn't matter where it is, i'll be travelling more than 600 miles, by plane but yeah..
doesn't matter where it is, i'll be travelling more than 600 miles, by plane but yeah..
NOJIMMY
New member
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
Let me just say that some of past SyTy Nats were larger than life, and that there still exists certain (bucket list) attractions that defy mileage limitations:
But seriously guys (ignoring that this is beyond reasonable), between the local
I also know SyTy folks do not like to "partner" up with other non-SyTy enthusiasts; but (in my opinion) the Carlisle event (by Sportmachines) was very good for both
attendance, brand identification, and sheer SyTy fun/pride.
So out of the box "thinking" would suggest a "motivational hook" to entice larger participation:
Unfortunately anything spectacular will require cooperation, money, and a new undiscovered location to be fresh and appealing. I could be wrong but I believe your on the right track by asking questions now (to view what, if anything is possible in today's interactive-competitive lifestyle).
Let me just say that some of past SyTy Nats were larger than life, and that there still exists certain (bucket list) attractions that defy mileage limitations:
- Having a SyTy Nats at the GM Proving Grounds, with guest lecture/tour/dinner with GM representatives, or
- Having the Corvette Factory track facility and museum guest privileges with opportunity to "test" drive other vehicles, or
- Having a SyTy Nats at the Bonderaunt grounds (or similiar facilities with auto cross, drag strip, test grounds, and maintenance garage on site, or
- Having a SyTy Nats and being featured at a Hot Rod (Drag week/Tour) or Car Craft Event (similar to Carlisle) or
- Having a SyTy Nats at an Indy Car, NASCAR, or F1 event, (and follow the pace car for one lap) or
- Having a SyTy Nats at a famous builders facility (Penske, Lingenfelter, Jay Leno, Chip Foose, etc), or
- Having a SyTy Nats at a TV/Movie lot with onsite filming or celebrity appearances.
But seriously guys (ignoring that this is beyond reasonable), between the local
- GoodGuy show/autocross/cruise;
- Super Chevy Show/Truckfest (pictorial coverage/trophies/show/racing);
- Super Cruises/parades (once every month in downtown Golden with 1200+ cars);
- Pueblo Rod and Custom weekend at the fairgrounds;
- PPIR Outlaw Street racing;
- the Pikes Peak Hill Climb (and Top Speed challenge at a Colorado Airport);
- and National Clubs (like NCRS) where small mountain towns become home-base for day/nite activities with guests vehicles encouraged to attend for one weekend,
the competition for vehicle attendance is huge (in my opinion).
I also know SyTy folks do not like to "partner" up with other non-SyTy enthusiasts; but (in my opinion) the Carlisle event (by Sportmachines) was very good for both
attendance, brand identification, and sheer SyTy fun/pride.
So out of the box "thinking" would suggest a "motivational hook" to entice larger participation:
- Having a SyTy Nats at a beach resort hotel (with reserved parking, judging, trophies, and planned activities)
- Having a SyTy Nats at a small (tourist like) town where 50 vehicles could have reserved parking (on main street), and planned weekend activies (family friendly)
- Having a SyTy Nats at a "indoor" type facility/hanger with outdoor activities of autocrossing, 60-foot ET timing, and planned activties
- or having an advertised SyTy Shootout where the fastest vehicles (LS vs V6) are encouraged to attend (like an Outlaw Street/Hooters 1/8 mile event).
Unfortunately anything spectacular will require cooperation, money, and a new undiscovered location to be fresh and appealing. I could be wrong but I believe your on the right track by asking questions now (to view what, if anything is possible in today's interactive-competitive lifestyle).
Re: How far are you willing to travel for a major SyTy Event?
I chose 2-500 miles. We camp nearly every weekend from the end of March until beginning of November. Camping is not an excuse, just a family/friends thing we enjoy. My wife and daughter have what I call SyTy ADD. It's cool for a couple of hours, but then they need girlie things to do. I would really like to make a "big one" based on the stories/pictures I've read/heard/seen...Jim
I chose 2-500 miles. We camp nearly every weekend from the end of March until beginning of November. Camping is not an excuse, just a family/friends thing we enjoy. My wife and daughter have what I call SyTy ADD. It's cool for a couple of hours, but then they need girlie things to do. I would really like to make a "big one" based on the stories/pictures I've read/heard/seen...Jim