I don't know how many people will be interested in day of driving then eating, but here goes.

I need to get rid of this cabin fever and just get out and drive. I would like to meet at the Wal Mart parking lot (close to the gas station) in Pell City, I-20 Exit 158 at 9:00 am on February 6, 10, then take a drive to Cheaha, stop along the way and end up at 29 Dreams (www.29dreams.com), just south of Leeds on Hwy 25.

I do alot of motorcycle riding and I learned a few things about car people and motorcycle people; they both really just like the same thing, good roads and good food. I know some are thinking that we will not be able to get into 29 dreams because of the motorcycle thing, but I am a life member of 29 dreams and have been on Tim's (owner) 29 dreams board of directors for 2 years now (it is volunteer position by the way). 29 Dreams is changing direction and is moving towards the car enthusiast, Corvettes, Porsche and Mini Cooper clubs for example all meet and go to 29 dreams and are welcome. I think most all of the folks on here would truly enjoy the place and the atmosphere.

Anyway, the ride will be about 110 miles and we can eat lunch at 29 Dreams. They have a full kitchen and starting at 1:00 PM on the 6th, 29 Dreams is having a chili cook off or you can eat off the menu (great burgers by the way). The only thing I need to let Tim know is how many cars will be there so he can park us althogether. I can call him on the morning that we leave.

So, come on out and let's drive these cars for while and at the end just sit down, eat a bite and just relax in a place that I know you will enjoy.

Scott


Any questions you can call me at 205-910-9829


(Grabber Orange GT)

what exactly is 29 dreams for us that have not heard of it or been to it

29 Dreams was originally sorta like a biker getaway that had a restaurant, bike repair facility, picnic area, nice scenery, and recreational activities. Several times over the last few years I was invited by friends whom I ride motorcycles with to go to 29 Dreams but the trip just never happened. I've always heard it was a really nice place with good food.

Even though I haven't been there, I can say from word of mouth I've received from many friends it's a nice place. I think the economy really took it's toll on the bike (or recreational vehicles in general) industry moreso than the auto market, even though the auto market took a big hit. If it gives you any idea how the economy was turning bad for recreation as far back as 07, I bought my Harley Street Glide in 2007 for about $1000 under retail which is unheard of considering that it was one of their 2 most popular models in 2007 and also that Harley rarely ever sells under retail. Also, I got 3% financing on the remaining balance I had to finance on it which again is pretty unusual for Harley to do considering their normal APR is between 12% and 21%. I thought they were just clearing out 07s but it became apparent when the 2008s came out that bikes weren't selling at all. To show you how badly they wanted to make some sales, they started a program in 08 to buy back Sportsters (Harley's entry level affordable motorcycle) for exactly what you paid for them up to 3 years back if you bought a new Big Twin (Harley's larger and more expensive bikes) from them. I'd say that's a pretty good indicator that bikes just aren't selling. Also, in previous years, high dollar chopper companies always have big displays at the spring and fall Thunder Beach Rally in Panama City when we go. Each time we've been since 08, there have been fewer and fewer vendors at the rally and the biggest bunch missing are all those guys that were trying to sell $40,000 choppers. The 2009 Fall Rally attendance was about 50% of the size of the 2008 Fall Rally. I also bought a Harley Road King a fews years ago to fix up and sell. At the price I paid for it, I figured I could sell it for about $1000 over what I had in it just by cleaning it up. Flash forward a couple of years when I'm ready to sell it and I discover that there is absolutely no market for a used bike at that time because the economy is in the toilet. It's still in my garage. I figured if I couldn't sell it (for what it's worth at least), I'd just fix it up so I spent a little on it customizing it some. Other recreational vehicles got hit even harder. You almost can't give a used Sea Doo or Jet Ski away right now, and used 4-wheelers and dirt bikes are selling for like 40% of what they were just a few years ago. Dealers are struggling bad. At one point, some recreational dealerships were were selling those Bombardier mini boats for like 50%-60% of sticker. I think there are many people out there that still love the bikes, but with the economy and job market like it is right now, the bikes just ended up being at the top of the list for things that had to go to get the bills paid.

do we have a head count on who all is going?

Sorry I could not make it Scott too many things came up at the last min.

Barry

There is a very strict policy about children. No one under the age of 14 is allowed. The reason is because, that is the minimum age in which someone can get a motorcycle license in the state of Alabama.

Hope to see you guys Saturday. It's not gonna be as warm as I would like, but maybe the rain will stay away.


Scott

I do believe that the issue is being discussed.

Scott

I understand how you feel 100%!

Between 12:30 and 1:00. Just park where the other mustangs are.

Scott