Bratfest IV August 31st, St. Charles, MO

[MoAv]

Ok all - it's time for the famous (infamous?  ) Bratfest!!  Thanks to MAC member notsosharp, we will be having the Bratfest at the great McNair park in St. Charles, MO on Sunday, August 31st. This has been one of the most fun GTG's here in the Midwest every year - we'd LOVE to have everyone who can come up/down/over for this...

When: Sunday, August 31st

Where:   McNair Park, Shelter #4
               3100 Droste Rd.
               St. Charles, MO 63301

Who:

Attending:   

Notsosharp.....................BROWNIES!! (Chocolate gets all caps!!) Oh, and cookies too
mEYEscndfvrtluv..............Dessert (to be announced  ), chips & JD
Donnie1 +1 ....................'tater salad
Tdybr27 ......................... steakburgers
Blue Devil +2 ..................charcoal, brats, pink fluff, beer, baked beans, potato chips, tablecloth
Fowlhunter
Richie Rich +1 .................Fruit Salad, folding table
MoAv +1 .........................hb/hd buns, condiments, something for the grill (?), Patron
                                             paper plates, cups, plastic silverware & table cloths + BBQ utensils
Bnasty +4
STEPHEN D + 3.................homemade salsa/chips
GregsAV ..........................I'll think of something for him to bring 
Z66 Butch & Jomomma.......not homemade ummm....something....
CntrySngr72 +1 ................cookies

YOU?

Attending per three post rule:      

OBB & Twiggy
Boilers94

Official sneak-in visit: 

Shadow

[ohiobellboy]

That's so wrong MoAv......Don't have 3 post in this thread at this site

SHOULD MENTION THAT THIS IS LABOR DAY WEEKEND SO THERE IS AN EXTRA TRAVEL DAY.

p.s.,,,,I'll just keep editing this one here so it's only one post.   ya

[BlueDevil]

Im in +2

[MoAv]

That's so wrong MoAv......Don't have 3 post in this thread at this site

SHOULD MENTION THAT THIS IS LABOR DAY WEEKEND SO THERE IS AN EXTRA TRAVEL DAY.

p.s.,,,,I'll just keep editing this one here so it's only one post.   ya

Hee, hee, heeeee..... 

 

[yndio]

how far is that from KC, KS?  I might be able to attend if the gas keeps going down.    I sure hope someone else is doing the cooking this year.


Yndio

[RoarinRow]

My appetite will be there, but I won't be able to      

[MoAv]

how far is that from KC, KS?  I might be able to attend if the gas keeps going down.    I sure hope someone else is doing the cooking this year.


Yndio

Hi Yndio    No cooking for you this year - It's our turn    You get to enjoy and relax if you can come.  According to Yahoo Maps, KC, Ks to St. Charles, MO is 232 miles, give or take a couple depending where you live.  St. Charles is a little west of St. Louis on I-70, so it will be closer than the last Bratfest location for you.  I really, REALLY hope you and your family can make it 

My appetite will be there, but I won't be able to      

   How about you and Ebru fly in Ro?  I'll pick you up at the airport - it's not to far from where the GTG is... 

[RoarinRow]

   How about you and Ebru fly in Ro?  I'll pick you up at the airport - it's not to far from where the GTG is... 

I think it would be an expensive trip.  Cause once we get back I'll wanna upgrade my stereo again after seeing yours in person   

[MoAv]

I think it would be an expensive trip.  Cause once we get back I'll wanna upgrade my stereo again after seeing yours in person   

Hmmmm... How about if I promise not to let you see it?  Of course I can't help it if you hear it...

[Donnie1]

Me +1 and bringin tater salad.

[MoAv]

   Bnasty's going to make it!!  Added to the list 

[MoAv]

THere are some of us that are going to be staying at a hotel Saturday night before the GTG, have a mini-GTG before the main event - dinner & socializing... 
Saturday night:

Blue Devil +1
Donnie1 +1
MoAv +1

Also staying Sunday night: This way we don't have to cut out early to drive home 

MoAv +1
Tdybr27

Anyone else?  Let me know and when a hotel is decided on, I can make the reservations...

[Donnie1]

THere are some of us that are going to be staying at a hotel Saturday night before the GTG, have a mini-GTG before the main event - dinner & socializing... 
Saturday night:

Blue Devil +1
Donnie1 +1
MoAv +1
Tdybr 27

Also staying Sunday night: This way we don't have to cut out early to drive home 

MoAv +1

Anyone else?  Let me know and when a hotel is decided on, I can make the reservations...

I'll have to let you know about Sun. Whatever hotel works for me but I like the B&B idea from MAC.

[STEPHEN D]

I know it's still 3 weeks away, however I like to plan ahead.  If I would be able to stop by for an hour or so, what would be the best time to catch everyone?  Also, is there a cost involved?

Thank you,
STEPHEN D

[MoAv]

I know it's still 3 weeks away, however I like to plan ahead.  If I would be able to stop by for an hour or so, what would be the best time to catch everyone?  Also, is there a cost involved?

Thank you,
STEPHEN D

That would be GREAT Stephen D - I'd love to see your Av in person    We'll probably be there anywhere from 9am on...so anytime would be fine.  Probably closest to lunchtime would find the most of us there.  No cost involved - if you'd care to join us for lunch (mmmmm, brats  ) you might bring a dish of some sort if you'd like - but it's not necessary - just come on and enjoy 

[BNASTY]

  Bnasty's going to make it!!  Added to the list 

Thanks for the add MO,

Myself, Wife + 2 kids for at total of (4) 

B

[Richie_Rich]

Letha is going to make a fruit salad.

Looking forward to a great time.

[STEPHEN D]

MoAv,
     Please add STEPHEN D +3!

[MoAv]

MoAv,
     Please add STEPHEN D +3!

  Great to hear StephenD!!  Will be great to meet you 

Next? 

[liteft01]

You guys already know my standard answer      .  But you all have a great time, and don't forget the pictures!

[MoAv]

You guys already know my standard answer      .  But you all have a great time, and don't forget the pictures!

Anna, we have GOT to get you a better schedule...

[Donnie1]

We made our reservations at the Days Inn for Sat night.

What about you Blue?

[BlueDevil]

We made our reservations at the Days Inn for Sat night.

What about you Blue?

still dbating wether staying the night before.   Were only 2 hrs away

[MoAv]

still dbating wether staying the night before.   Were only 2 hrs away

Well, if Trish is wanting to come in on Saturday for shopping - a night's stay would run about the same as the gas for a two hour drive...

Convinced you yet? 

[MoAv]

Added two more people coming - anybody else?  Three day weekend, Avalanches, modding, lots of good food/beverages, nice park, shade trees, great people.....


Interested yet? 

[Donnie1]

still dbating wether staying the night before.   Were only 2 hrs away

If you come the night before, we can knock out yours and Mo's torsion bar mod. That is if we get there early enough.

[MoAv]

If you come the night before, we can knock out yours and Mo's torsion bar mod. That is if we get there early enough.

Dr. Didit took care of my Torsion Bar at Nationals - WOW, that is a GREAT mod 

[Donnie1]

Dr. Didit took care of my Torsion Bar at Nationals - WOW, that is a GREAT mod 

Great then that will leave a little extra time some cold ones. 

[myscndfvrtride]

Are there still openings for the hotel? we may come up sat am and take the kids to the STL zoo,then come back and mod and party with all!

[ohiobellboy]

Are there still openings for the hotel? we may come up sat am and take the kids to the STL zoo,then come back and mod and party with all!

Sounds like you gotta plan there Doc , I think most everyone is staying at the Days Inn.

[myscndfvrtride]

Sounds like you gotta plan there Doc , I think most everyone is staying at the Days Inn.

very cool! looking forward to meeting you!

[ohiobellboy]

very cool! looking forward to meeting you!

Not making it, Twiggy and I are going into hiding at a B&B for her 40th birthday.

[myscndfvrtride]

Not making it, Twiggy and I are going into hiding at a B&B for her 40th birthday.

well,guess i'll wait even longer looking forward to meeting you both!

[MoAv]

Are there still openings for the hotel? we may come up sat am and take the kids to the STL zoo,then come back and mod and party with all!

Here ya go Jeff:

Days Inn St. Charles/St. Louis
2781 Veterans Memorial Parkway
I-70 South Service Road
St Charles, MO 63303 US
Phone: 636-949-8700

Hope you get to join us for the "early" GTG!! 

[Z66 BUTCH]

Put us on that list, barring any bad weather we will be there for two days!


Butch

[MoAv]

Put us on that list, barring any bad weather we will be there for two days!


Butch

   Butch & Jomomma are coming!!

Got ya down Butch 

[Donnie1]

Corrected our reservations to stay Sat and Sun night.

[MoAv]

Corrected our reservations to stay Sat and Sun night.

  Great Donnie1!  I'm sooo looking forward to seeing you and Gina again 

[MoAv]

7 more days to go!!


Looking for more people to sign up!!  A fun GTG in the making here folks...

[myscndfvrtride]

got our room for sat night! looking forward to the early GTG that night!

[MoAv]

got our room for sat night! looking forward to the early GTG that night!

Me too!!   

[MoAv]

5 more days!!!

We need some more modding victims volunteers for the Bratfest GTG!! 

How about you 

[Donnie1]

Just added the addresses for the park and the Days Inn into the Garmin yesterday.

[Z66 BUTCH]

We decided that we will stop at a local deli and pick up something that is not on the list for a side dish. Because we are heading out on Saturday morning we didn't think making the pea salad on Friday and trying to keep it cool & out of any melted ice for a couple of days was a good idea.

I see that there will be potato salad, baked beans, fruit salad & homemade salsa so we will either get some macaroni salad or find something else that looks good to us. Please change the list to exclude the word "homemade", we may find a good pea salad at the deli!


Butch

[MoAv]

pssssst....4 days to go   

[CntrySngr72]

What kind of mods can we do to my AV??

BTW - I test drove a 2008 AV LTZ yesterday...I wish I could get it...it was LOADED!!  But they only offered $7500 for my '02 and I still owe $11k - so no go there.  With the current incentives it would have been a $36K AV, but would be closer to $40K with my trade...

The thing that got me is it had 3000 miles on it because it was a demo - I would have thought they could knock off a few more thousand on that one due to the miles on it.  Oh well...not in the cards for me right now I guess.

[MoAv]

What kind of mods can we do to my AV??

BTW - I test drove a 2008 AV LTZ yesterday...I wish I could get it...it was LOADED!!  But they only offered $7500 for my '02 and I still owe $11k - so no go there.  With the current incentives it would have been a $36K AV, but would be closer to $40K with my trade...

The thing that got me is it had 3000 miles on it because it was a demo - I would have thought they could knock off a few more thousand on that one due to the miles on it.  Oh well...not in the cards for me right now I guess.

To bad about the '08 LTZ - sounds like a beautiful truck!!  That negative equity sucks    Makes it tough to make a deal.

What mods can we do to your Av?  Hmmmm...

Whatcha got in mind?  So far we're going to be doing tailgate torsion bars, some lights, power saddlebag locks, maybe the power tailgate lock too...I'm sure other's will be bringing other mods along to get done while all the extra hands & knowledge are there... Bring anything you have and we'll see what we can do 

[Moddess]

You guys all have fun and make sure you post a lot of pictures. I will make it one day to one of the Region III GTG.

  you all,

Moddess

[CntrySngr72]

To bad about the '08 LTZ - sounds like a beautiful truck!!  That negative equity sucks    Makes it tough to make a deal.

What mods can we do to your Av?  Hmmmm...

Whatcha got in mind?  So far we're going to be doing tailgate torsion bars, some lights, power saddlebag locks, maybe the power tailgate lock too...I'm sure other's will be bringing other mods along to get done while all the extra hands & knowledge are there... Bring anything you have and we'll see what we can do 

It was a beautiful AV!  KBB has my equity above what I owe, but I was told that no one uses KBB anymore.  Go figure...

I have the torsion bar, sail panel lights, cargo/saddlebag light's (although the buttons for my saddle bags blew up), and full DRL on...

I would love to get power saddle bag locks and a power tailgate lock - but too late to order the stuff in time for this weekend.

Dr. Didit invited me out to his camp spot this weekend as well - so I'm still debating going boating or to the GTG...hmmm, what to do, what to do?? 

[Didit]

Hey I din't wire your saddle bags or blow your buttons up!   Just want to make that clear!   Did I?






hehe


Didit

[ohiobellboy]

Dr. Didit invited me out to his camp spot this weekend as well - so I'm still debating going boating or to the GTG...hmmm, what to do, what to do?? 

Boating on Sat or Mon and Bratfest on Sunday 

[MoAv]

You guys all have fun and make sure you post a lot of pictures. I will make it one day to one of the Region III GTG.

  you all,

Moddess

That would be soooo wonderful if you could make it to one of these Moddess!!  LOVE to have you out here!!

[MoAv]

It was a beautiful AV!  KBB has my equity above what I owe, but I was told that no one uses KBB anymore.  Go figure...

I have the torsion bar, sail panel lights, cargo/saddlebag light's (although the buttons for my saddle bags blew up), and full DRL on...

I would love to get power saddle bag locks and a power tailgate lock - but too late to order the stuff in time for this weekend.

Dr. Didit invited me out to his camp spot this weekend as well - so I'm still debating going boating or to the GTG...hmmm, what to do, what to do?? 

Oh - GTG of course!!    

[Z66 BUTCH]

Did I read somewhere in this thread that there are only 2 tables in the shelter? Looks like someone better get there early with you Mo and help round up a couple more! We do have a couple chairs that we can bring if needed but no tables.....


Butch

[MoAv]

If I remember right Butch, there were three or four  large tables in the shelter.  Most of us brought our fold out chairs too - so there was actually plenty of room.  We didn't even use all the tables.  Shouldn't be a problem even with all the expected people.  I hope.   Hmmmm, maybe I'd better dig out my folding table & bring it along too just in case...

Dang, my Av is going to be FULL!!   

[Richie_Rich]

I've got a 6' folding table I can bring.
Add that next to the fruit salad in the first post so I don't forget it.

[Z66 BUTCH]

If I remember right Butch, there were three or four  large tables in the shelter.  Most of us brought our fold out chairs too - so there was actually plenty of room.  We didn't even use all the tables.  Shouldn't be a problem even with all the expected people.  I hope.   Hmmmm, maybe I'd better dig out my folding table & bring it along too just in case...

Dang, my Av is going to be FULL!!   

OK, I thought I read that there were only 2 tables and didin't want to read the whole thread again. Sound good, we will bring a couple of chairs........


Butch

[Donnie1]

OK, I thought I read that there were only 2 tables and didin't want to read the whole thread again. Sound good, we will bring a couple of chairs........


Butch

With all the tailgates, why do we need tables?

We will be bringing our chairs in a bag as well as a couple end tables in a bag. I think all we need the shelter tables for is to put the food on anyways.

[Richie_Rich]

If someone has a portable tent/shelter, I say bring it.

Even though there is a permanent shelter, it's nice to have a sun screen while working on a vehicle out in the lot.

[MoAv]

If someone has a portable tent/shelter, I say bring it.

Even though there is a permanent shelter, it's nice to have a sun screen while working on a vehicle out in the lot.

Got your reminder added Richie!  I have a fold up 12 x 12 canopy I'll bring - I've got it in the Av already 

[CntrySngr72]

Hey I din't wire your saddle bags or blow your buttons up!   Just want to make that clear!   Did I?

hehe

Didit

No - it was a mod I did.  The cheap plastic buttons I used from RS just stopped working.  I think they didn't like the heat too much this summer, but I'm not sure.  I need to look around and see if I can find some that are sturdier.

Actually, if I remember correctly, when you got there I was just about done with the one mod I was working on - and you said "That's my kind of modding" (where you didn't have to do much!)

I kind of like the idea of boating on one day, GTG on the other - but the $$ for gas to do both would be a bank breaker...unless I just go boating locally...which meand Didit will just have to plan something closer to home so we can get together! 

[CntrySngr72]

What time does the GTG start on Sunday?

[MoAv]

What time does the GTG start on Sunday?

Some of us will be there around 8-9am, to get started on the modding before it gets too hot. But whatever fits your schedule will be fine - we'll be there all day!! 

[Donnie1]

If someone has a portable tent/shelter, I say bring it.

Even though there is a permanent shelter, it's nice to have a sun screen while working on a vehicle out in the lot.

I'll be bringing our canopy as well.

[ohiobellboy]

Hope the weather holds up for you guys and gals.

[MoAv]

Hope the weather holds up for you guys and gals.

 

It's supposed to be sunny, light breeze, mid 80's high and mid 60's low this weekend  

[MoAv]

   Adding Cntrysngr72 to the attending list!! 

[CntrySngr72]

  Adding Cntrysngr72 to the attending list!! 

that's the plan. I will bring a canopy as well.

[Moddess]

That would be soooo wonderful if you could make it to one of these Moddess!!  LOVE to have you out here!!

Just put up the Calendar March 2009, and I'll be a little bit there

[MoAv]

Just put up the Calendar March 2009, and I'll be a little bit there

  That'll be wonderful!!  I'll let you know waaaaaay ahead of time. 

[Donnie1]

  That'll be wonderful!!  I'll let you know waaaaaay ahead of time. 

I think she meant the same calendar you are in Mo.

[MoAv]

I think she meant the same calendar you are in Mo.

   It's been a long day Donnie....

[Moddess]

I think she meant the same calendar you are in Mo.

  It's been a long day Donnie....

Yap, Donnie1 is right, That's what I meant ...

   ... your funny MoAv      you!

[RonJ]

Hope you guys have a GREAT weekend! Wish I could join you Just a little far for my reach.. Have a Great GTG and a Great LaborDay!

[MoAv]

Yap, Donnie1 is right, That's what I meant ...

   ... your funny MoAv      you!

  you too Moddess.  Sometimes it take me a bit, but I'll get there in the end 

Hope you guys have a GREAT weekend! Wish I could join you Just a little far for my reach.. Have a Great GTG and a Great LaborDay!

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend to RonJ - wish you could make it too.  But you're right - it is a long drive...We'll think about ya!!

[Z66 BUTCH]

I am going out now to wash the Avalanche, you guys should feel special because i don't wash it by hand a lot anymore........


I also decided that I will try to set a personal best MPG record on this trip. I have put my K&N drop in filter back in and am now using Lucas Fuel Treatment. I have always had one injector that will make a tapping noise and this stuff cleared it up + it is supposed to increase the MPG, we will see. My best was 20.04MPG. I am trying for over 21MPG and will be driving a slower steady pace, I hope to keep it at just under 70MPH for this test but sometimes I can get impatient.............See ya when we get there!

Butch

[CntrySngr72]

I am going out now to wash the Avalanche, you guys should feel special because i don't wash it by hand a lot anymore........


I also decided that I will try to set a personal best MPG record on this trip. I have put my K&N drop in filter back in and am now using Lucas Fuel Treatment. I have always had one injector that will make a tapping noise and this stuff cleared it up + it is supposed to increase the MPG, we will see. My best was 20.04MPG. I am trying for over 21MPG and will be driving a slower steady pace, I hope to keep it at just under 70MPH for this test but sometimes I can get impatient.............See ya when we get there!

Butch

I'm working on mine tonight and in the morning...it needs a bath BADLY!

Hey...what time does Bratfest start on Sunday?  I need to know how much beauty rest I'll be able to get!

Actually, I need to find out what time masses are so I can get to one in plenty of time to leave partying for the rest of the day. 

[Z66 BUTCH]

They have said that MO will be there early and others will be coming all day. I guess we will plan on being there around 10 to 11 their time.


Well the Avalanche is all washed up and purdy again!

When starting it this morning my Garmin NUVI said LOW BATTERY, It has been out in the AV in its cradle for a long while. I brought in in the house and plugged it up to the USB on the computer, that is another way to charge it but when in its cradle in the truck it should be charging. Hope it isn't giving up on me now but I am printing maps just in case......


She you guys tommorw!

Butch

[MoAv]

You all have a safe trip Butch and we'll see you tomorrow!!!    I'm really getting excited now!!

[boilers94]

Have fun!!    Wish I could be there!!

[BlueDevil]

Yep....too lazy to wash mine today.  For sure tommorow.   We''ll try to make it tomorow night but we have a reception to attend midday.

[Donnie1]

Well we are behind schedule as normal. We'll be dropping off the daughter and the dogs in Columbia and then hitting the Tiger Car Wash. We will hopefully be at the hotel before 5pm.

[MoAv]

I had to work 10 hrs today    Had a leave slip in , but they basically just laughed   

Just got home & have to clean up, throw everything in the Av & head out.  Hopefully be there by 5 or so....


See ya all there 

[CntrySngr72]

Hey guys, we made it home okay!!  What an AWESOME GTG!!  You guys are great!!  We had such a great time, we talked about calling the hotel to get another night and then turning around and coming back!

But, I'm glad we came home...ganna have a nice relaxing day on the lake tomorrow. 

 

BTW - I wanted to send out a HUGE 'THANK YOU' to all of you who helped me out today with my mods!  I really didn't think I'd have any to do, and on the way down bought those lights.  I really wasn't expecting the cup holders or anything else!!  THANKS SO MUCH!   

I never would have figured out how to get the wiring right on the LED's either.    I'm ganna post a thred concerning those lights and the installation process.  I didn't get any pictures (dead camera) so I hope y'all can help with that.  The look GREAT at night!!    I'll get some pics tomorrow evening and post them.

Anyway, I'm off to bed...thanks again everyone!!  Looking forward to seeing y'all again sometime! 

[BlueDevil]

Thanx you all for attending!    14 AV's!

Notsosharp, mEYEscndfvrtluv, Donnie1, Tdybr27, Richie Rich, MoAv, Bnasty, Darren, Stephen D, Z66 Butch, CntrySngr72, Coolmagnet, ohiobellboy

As always,........good times,good food,good friends and good looking AV's

[boilers94]

Glad to hear everyone had a good time!! 

[thisdj1]

Glad everyone had a good time!!! Wish I coulda made it!!!

[Moddess]

Great turn out, more pictures please...

[Z66 BUTCH]

Great turn out, more pictures please...

I have at least one picture that you may like....but we just got home and boy am I tired!   GREAT GTG, thanks guys & gals!!

Butch

[MoAv]

So glad to hear you made it home safe Butch!!  Big hugs to you and Jomomma 

[MoAv]

Here's some pics from the GTG:

The Av's:

[MoAv]

More Av's:

   

   

   

   

   

   

[MoAv]

The modding:

CntrySngr72's light installation:



Notsosharp's cupholder install:



All kinds of work going on...



Blue helping with the Refinish Restorer on Tdybr27's Av:



Everyone helped mod my very first tool box 

[MoAv]

Z66 Butch, Jomomma & Tdybr...



My hubby Paul & Blue Devil...



Myscndfvrtluv & his purple set-up...



Dinner at Show-Me's:



Richie Rich and his wife Letha...

[MoAv]

Paul, OBB & Twiggy, Coolmagnet  (Yes OBB & Twiggy came all the way to our GTG!!!     )



Awwwww, look at this cutie showing me how to play "air" guitar!!  (Myscndfvrtluv's son)



Fowlhunter and Gail:



Gina, Donnie! & Z66 Butch...

[boilers94]

Great pics, MoAv!!!! 

[MoAv]

Misc pics:

Dang, someone took up TWO spaces...   



Dinner at Chevy's:



Just relaxing at lunch:









Coolmagnet's Dad came in to the GTG in a VERY cool ride:

   

[MoAv]

Me and OBB with the infamous cans...



Hey, where'd your coke can go OBB?  (Hmmmm....where's Huggie...  )



I know I already posted this pic, but do you see the shine on this Av?  WOW!!  Great job Cntrysnger72!!!



Go ahead....I double-dog dare ya!!   



I think we totally wore Paul out... 

[MoAv]

Great pics, MoAv!!!! 

Thanks B94!!  I think I'm done for now... 

[irontrain]

Misc pics:

Dang, someone took up TWO spaces...   

         
I was noticing that too.

[CntrySngr72]

Thanks for the compliment!  She didn't look bad after that 200+ mile trip!

I notice the sail panel - thats a good 'before' picture for me - I used the finish/restorer today...all I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ohiobellboy]

Thanks for the compliment!  She didn't look bad after that 200+ mile trip!

I notice the sail panel - thats a good 'before' picture for me - I used the finish/restorer today...all I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glad you liked it Did you do one coat or two?


Back on topic.
We had a blast and a big thanks to the few that new we were going and was able to keep it quiet.  It's always great to meet people in person that you've only "chatted" with online. Turned out to be a little over 9 hour drive time for us and I'm about worn out. I finally got to meet my Modding Idol, MoAv. Love that Avy. BlueDevil was the only one there that knew we were coming so I have to give a to him for helping with the suprise. I've got a ton of pix but am too tired to repost them here so I throw the link to the MidwestavalancheClub thread HERE.
Here's some stats for the trip

Miles driven 1193
Mpg overall  18.5    beats the 16.5 I've gotten on previous trips, Thanks to the Predator. We had 19.8 mpg on the way there and then did about 40 miles of running in town once we got there.

Now the fun stats (Police report and NO I didn't meet any of them personally)
On the way there: 30
Ohio 23
IN     5
IL     1
MO   1

On the way home today: 27

MO   1
IL   10
IN    2
OH  14

needless to say we were very careful.

We did see a set of ambers in Columbus but I'll post that in another thread.

[Z66 BUTCH]

We had a great time but the heat did not agree with jomomma to much, thanks to all who were concerned and took care of her! Thanks to BlueDevil for fixing my DRL and to BNasty for fixing the long time drooping rear window seal!

Here are a few pictures.......

[Z66 BUTCH]

There was a lot of modding going on and I helped with one of them but in the end I figured out that I was a better supervisor........

[Z66 BUTCH]

Now for the pictures that I promiced Moddess......

mEYEscndfvrtluv had his replacement HO there so we had to give her a ride in the back of my pimpmobile. 

[Z66 BUTCH]

We cruised back to Indiana following OBB, he is correct the troopers were out in force! I did set a personal best on this trip as far as MPG goes but not as good as I was hoping for. I filled up a couple of days before the trip and had to do just a little driving before we hit the interstate, about 30-40 miles. Then we drove the close to 300 miles there and the trip to the park, the restaurants, hotel  etc. and filled up just before getting back on the interstate for the trip home. I got 20.12MPG & was hoping for something over 21MPG but I am happy! I have not filled up yet since getting home but don't think that we did quite as good.........

[STEPHEN D]

Here's a few I took:

[CntrySngr72]

Glad you liked it Did you do one coat or two?

One - plan on doing a second coat tonight.

BTW - I think we only saw about 5-6 smokey's on the way home Sunday evening.

[Moddess]

Now for the pictures that I promiced Moddess......

mEYEscndfvrtluv had his replacement HO there so we had to give her a ride in the back of my pimpmobile. 

  You do love purple! Only a realy man would say they do.   

[Moddess]

Lots of familiar faces on those pictures. Modding, laughing etc...     I wish I was there.

Glad to see that It turned out to be a big one and that everyone had a blast.

[Donnie1]

Great pics all. We had a great time as well getting to see old faces and meeting the new. I'll post some pics over here later. I'm headed to work right in the rain from Gustav.

[ohiobellboy]

well, after this weekend I now have over 1500 miles on that can in the cupholder.

[Z66 BUTCH]

well, after this weekend I now have over 1500 miles on that can in the cupholder.

You know when the light hits that can just right it looks like your backup light is on! I kept telling Joan to remind me when we stopped to tell you that it was on before I figured out what I was seeing!!

[MoAv]

well, after this weekend I now have over 1500 miles on that can in the cupholder.

They add up quick GTG'n, don't they       I probably need to replace mine since it's crunched and doesn't come out of the cup holder too easily - I kind of feel like I'm cheating.  Kind of...

[Travis_z34]

what did you use to cut that hole for the cup holder and where did you get the rubber piece to put in that?

thanks and great idea!!

[Z66 BUTCH]

what did you use to cut that hole for the cup holder and where did you get the rubber piece to put in that?

thanks and great idea!!

Most members use a hole saw and you can get the cupholders at a boating supply store or search on line for them. I have seen them make a template the size of the cupholder to make sure that it is in the correct location and dos not cut over the edge..........it cuts easily because there is no metal under the plastic in that area.

Good Luck,
Butch

[ohiobellboy]

what did you use to cut that hole for the cup holder and where did you get the rubber piece to put in that?

thanks and great idea!!

Here's one of many threads on it 

[Murman]

Wow...

I really miss the GTGs.

Looks like a top notch event.

Well Done!

Murman

[Z66 BUTCH]

We have missed you guys at the GTG's, maybe next year?

[ohiobellboy]

Wow...

I really miss the GTGs.

Looks like a top notch event.

Well Done!

Murman

Should be Labor Day weekend again this year.....HINT HINT       That should start in the planning stages within the next few months.