The last time I joined you guys for a meet it was the best time I've had with anything car related.

It was fun to drive the cars around (yes I know I had a Prius) and not just sit in a praking lot and talk about them.

I'm having a mini-meet March 14-15 in Hartford, CT that you should all come to. It's going to be at the Days Inn.

I hope something comes of the Spring meet as I was really looking forward to getting to see that great scenery again. I'll be in Newport, RI if at a trade show March 1st if anyone wants to meet up.

 

Last year at this time, we were all excited about the upcoming nice weather so we could all enjoy cruising in our Crossfires. Apparently, that enthusiasim has dwindled considerably. Perhaps we should take one step back and and take a closer look at the situation.

Was there any nominations and election of club officers? Not that I can recall. It was more of a non-chalant meeting of the minds coming up with a reasonable alternative for getting together. A couple of people wanted to take the lead in organizing things, and that happend. Basically we managed to get enough people to meet and enjoy each others company through a mutual respect and love of a particular brand of motor vehicle. That part went well for the Newport event that I attended. Unfortunately attendance dwindled for the other get togethers.

Do we have anything that actually indicates that a club exists? I know there was much talk about a "logo" and we did spend considerable time coming up with one. What did we do with the choice for a "logo" for the club? I would say, basically nothing. Yes, I saw a few Crossfires with the N-E-X stickers on them but not every person had one. If you're going to do things as a club each and every member needs equal access to any thing related to that club.

Did we ever have any type of attire made available to club members with our "logo"? Not that I know of. Without the common bond of simple things like T-shirts or other attire, and even a membership card, we do not have a club. What we have is a get together of people with a common interest if and when they feel like joining together.

I missed the Cape Cod Cruise due to a death in the family. I still remember the wonderful fruit basket that arrived at my home compliments of the people who frequent this forum. My family was thoroughly impressed with your kindness and it will not soon be forgotten. That was an excellent example of a nice thing for club members to do. What I remember from reading about the CCC was that it was a good time and enjoyed by all who attended, but it seemed to stray drastically from the game plan. That is perfectly okay to do, but shows a lack of organization. If a cruise is meant to be non-chalant, then just say that. We will meet at point "A" and we'll drive somewhere together with the intention of coming together at point "B" at a later time in the day. There is nothing wrong with doing that. You don't have to be bumper-to-bumper the whole ride.

I was on the Newport Cruise and enjoyed the experience. It was great meeting many of you face to face. The Newport trip was well organized. We had a good meeting place. We had two great destinations, Bellcourt Castle and Colt State Park. We had a super cookout with a wide variety of food to satisfy everyone. The only negative comment I would have relates to safety. You cannot just stop in the traveled part of the way to let people catch up. You endanger yourself and other motorists. If someone gets in between the "Parade of Crossfires", so be it. Do not attempt to cut them out or force them to take evasive action. It isn't worth getting your Crossfire damaged or being liable for causing a crash.

Interest has dwindled in the cruises and one must step back and ask why. The first thing that comes to mind is our following have lives beyond their cars. I don't think people are just sitting at home waiting for the next Crossfire Cruise. They have relationships, other interests, family matters, etc. This must be respected if you expect to keep a following.

The best way to plan the next cruise is to throw a few suggestions out there and wait for a response by those who are interested. If the response is low and slow then so be it. Go with what you have or come up with an alternative idea. It's one of those "You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time" type of things.

That is my "two-cents" worth. Favorable comments and opposing opinions are welcomed. This can work through the efforts of a minimum amount of people, not necesarily the majority. It cannot become a "tug-of-war" within the group. Hopefully, the enthusiasm can be resurrected and enough people will participate to make it fun.

Bob

 

Just butting in again. Every member should be working torward the same goal. As I see it what is the big deal about getting together once a month when you have 29 or so days to take care of your other business. If the past members won't do it, then the surviving members work torward getting new blood. Even though our club as well as others are going through the same thing. We started with six, developed a logo found some one to do shirts and decal and built from there. Some of our members are not taking the club serious enough. Some will, some won't, so what, next.

 

I agree Bill. We all have hobbies or interests outside our job and family. Some fish, others golf, others have hobbies like photography or such. Car hobbies are similar. Getting together for activities with people that share the same enthusiasm about the one thing we have in common should be a manageable thing, but than again you have to want to do it. Maybe some of us are more enthusiastic about our cars than other, and that's the difference between wanting to be in a car club or not.

 

NEX was primarily founded by 3 of us that are really into our cars and socializing with people that are like minded. We had some great cruises last year!

All 3 of us; me, Bruce and Rick, have our own level of frustration about the lack of support from local members of NEX because we are so excited about our cars and our club. We are genuinely good guys trying to get something good established!

We currently have club founders. We have tried to get volunteers last year to handle certain aspects of the club. Internet, finance, photo archives, etc. We suffered a blow when a few people backed-out of their commitments when they learned what we were looking for. There is alot that happens behind the scenes that the casual member doesn't see or hear about.

We have a club name established. We have club initials established. We do have some club symbols established which were turned into decals. I believe we don't actually have to narrow it down to only 1 style of symbol. We can be flexible with the logo as long as the main ingredients are there.

Alot has been mentioned about what the club should be but who is stepping up to the plate to help? We are open to all suggestions but we can't do it alone! As was mentioned, we all have lives outside of NEX! Including us founders.

Please allow me to vent!!
It seems that after the first 2 cruises last spring, not too many people would take the time to attend a GTG or rally or cruise. We are talking about 1 day out of each month during the summer. We realize that everyone can not make it to every meet.

Boats can sit for one afternoon.
Baby sitters can watch kids.
Our cars get good gas mileage.
A work day can be swapped.

I am sorry if I have offended anybody in the past or with this post.
Thank you to the members that have participated in our events!!
Stan

 

Me and FP in the Chicago area are fairly successful getting groups of around 10 to 12 together at least 4 times a year.
We have no club or logo but we do have folks who have the desire and find/make the time to spend an afternoon together doing a drive and having lunch at a pub or restaurant.

You guys who started the NEX sound much like myself.
Just wanting good participation from the group to get together and make it happen.
If I were among you I would be at every meet and fulfill every opportunity to be involved in every way I could.
My best to you all to get the group back together and build it into what you know it can be.

Gary

 

Valk,
Thanks for the "well wishes" and understanding.
Stan

 

While I can understand the frustration.........why does it have to be a club? Why does it have to demand that much time from that many people? We have had many GTGs here in FL that are attended by all who can make it, and the turnout has been great. Granted, it is a lot of work for the one or two who plan it but it does not require any more than that. We haven't needed logos, t-shirts, hats, emblems, etc. etc. to have a great time. Some have made all, some have made a few, and some have made none at all. But all of us that go have had a wonderful time, met some great people, and enjoyed it tremendously.

I think everyone is trying to make too much out of GTGs. We have a couple of great forums and CICCI that provides a most excellent means of planning and communication. It has already brought us all together for whatever reasons. Use it for what it is.....you do not need to re-invent the wheel. This club thing is being taken way to seriously. At least those are my thoughts, for what they're worth (probably not .02).

 

Dan makes an excellent point. Why reinvent the wheel. As an example CICCI has members of every region looking to have GTGs, even local ones. The enthusiasm is already there. That's why they joined. The hats and shirts are just showing the pride. We plan on having more GTGs this summer in Chicago where we have a pretty good base ( I know the NE is well represented as well). I'm working on Illinois having the largest representation in CICCI, just out of pride. I'm hoping the regulars all join CICCI, but if they don't I'm happy to have them at the GTGs anyway. It's just fun to do.

 

To all that have thus far responded, I too feel the pain, Stan, Bruce and I have expended a great deal of time and thought into NEX, what we are and what we can be. Knowing full well that folks have many other things to do, as do we. The point has been made and rightfully so, it's very plausible to spend one day a month with the group and it does depend on one's enthusiasm for people and our cars. I personally spend 3 to four days a week, in the summer at car shows, promoting our cars and our club. Yes' it IS a club, despite the lack of participation in planning and events.
Personally, I have made many friends in NEX that will go on for a long time, possibly beyond our cars.
Bruce and Stan have become like brothers to me and that goes beyond the vehiles we choose to drive. Both men are intelligent and filled with the desire to make a club work. Not everyone shares in the amount of work involved in planning and making these events happen, obviously, they don't just fall into place, they are molded and planned with work and love.
The funny thing is, I communicate with Bruce, almost on a daily basis, Stan not as frequently. When we get together, we have much to talk about and we always have fun. The most paticipation was at the Newport cruise, it turned out well. Much has been said about that particular cruise because it was such fun. It also just happened to be my first cruise that I took on. It was a success because we all talked about it and made it happen.
Logos and shirts and handshakes and hats do not make a club, the club is made up of members, that IS that club, without them, we can not, will not, exist.
Sure, I'm frustrated, disapointed and at a loss. For I can not come up with a solution to all of this.
The one thing that helps in all of this, is the support from the forum, this forum keeps us informed. In many ways, it is the gel that binds us.
I suppose this is just my way of venting as well, what better place to do it, than here. If anyone that has any desire to continue in NEX wishes to contact me via PM with any thoughts about this and what we can do to reform our group, please do so. Let's do this thing! Throw out some ideas, some thoughts and likes and dislikes. I promise to listen and confer with the others to make this better.
Rick (Crossfire Trail)

 

Boats can sit for one afternoon.
Baby sitters can watch kids.
Our cars get good gas mileage.
A work day can be swapped.

March 1st meeting canceled due to...What is that your doing Stan?
I agree with Dan. The object should be to get together and have fun. If some can't make it oh well. I try to make all that happen after the roads melt and get clean.

 

FP,
I am sure us 3 NEX founders would be happy to see a regional CICCI developed and would accept the responsibilities involved.

Phil,
I didn't think the March 1st GTG was cancelled. I know I am planning on attending. We did discuss possibly changing the location to Newport for the auto show going on there, at that time.

Stan

 

PM has been sent to Stan, Phil,Robbie, and Bruce. I think I may have solved the issue. My problem is that I agreed to do the March first thing and forgot about it when Tony from TVT told me he'd be in Newport. He has something for me that I must have. Perhaps we can make both events happen if we can schedule them in a fashion that will allow for travel time from Newport to Webster. It's a ride but that's what's nice about our xfires, we LOVE TO DRIVE THEM!!!!!

 

I tend to agree with Dan. Anytime two Xfires can get together it's a Meet here in the gateway area. Of course Cathy and I have a meet several times a week but that aside It really doesn't have to be all that "Arranged"

I think a good many prospective members are just owners who , when we approach them, are afraid of the commitment of time such a group might demand. So we never hear from them.

Yet, like Gary suggests, if two of us go for lunch on a spur thought, cool enough. It's a GTG.

WE ARE NOT THE SHRINERS!

Keep it loose, don't make a lot of rules and just have a good time. GTG's aren't all they are cracked up to be. They are far more important than that.

Nightrider, just make a few PM's or calls, If it works great. If it doesn't try later. It is really all about having fun.


roadster with a stick

 

I do plan to be at the planning meetings. I guess my desire to make this club work is stronger than my desire for a full head of hair.

I wish that Texas wasn't so far away...sounds like a great merger...or at least a Civil War re-enactment. Anyone ever think of doing the Tail of Dragon in mid winter or during snow? That may be interesting.

 

In winter the Tail and the Lodge are closed.

roadster with a stick

 

A lot has been said about GTG's and clubs so here is my take on the issue,
Why call it a club? I guess because when people with like interests get together very often they call it a club. What is your description of a club? There are many types of clubs, some with lots of rules and some with none and I think most of the time the word is used to describe a group of people that want to get together on a regular basis and nothing much is required other than show up and enjoy the company of your friends. I (now this is JMHO) think once you start attending these GTG's and become friends with the group there is an unwritten rule that should be observed, manners. In any group there will always be a few that do most of the planning and when idea's or plans are discussed a simple response of yes I will be there or no I can't be there is just plain old proper manners, let the person planning the GTG know so they will not be waiting on your answer. I don't think that is asking to much. The "CLUB" I belong to post's our GTG's on this forum to let everyone know about them and all wishing to attend are welcome anytime but we do have a group of people that these GTG's are planned around and for, they are the people who regularly attend and have chosen to say they are members of the CTC. Our rules are to make friends and show our cars, thats about it, no muss or fuss or dues.

JMLWO (just my long winded opinion)

 

I think you're right, why call it a club. Skip the club designation and just try to get together, and hope for good attendance. Organization is a great thing if people are in agreement, but when some are in disagreement on issues, if just doesn't seem to work. Club items such as decals, t-shirts, membership cards, etc give a sense of belonging but they aren't necessary to have a good time.

My bride and I are currently shopping for another boat, but if a GTG falls on a day when we are not tied up with the boat search or helping the elderly members of our family, we'll try and make it. I'm still looking forward to meeting (in person) my buddy, Phil. I owe him many cocktails (or beers) for his assistance.

I'm itching to get the XFire out of storage and back on the road. I miss the top down on sunny days no matter how chilly it is. Bless those heated seats and that great heater! It's a fun car and one you don't see on the road all the time. Here's hoping for a great Spring! I promise not to buy a 6.1 Hemi Challenger unless they come out with a convertible. Then the temptation may be too great to resist!

Bob

 

You are right, it is a sense of belonging and showing our pride. Just some people show pride more than others, those are the ones who make the clubs work. There are those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened. The T-shirts and decals are to show non crossfire owners that is what we do and we do it as a team. When we are in a restaurant on a GTG people see are cars parked out side. They come inside and see our CTC logo on our shirts and talk to us about our cars. We don't need shirts with logos to have fun, however, sometimes it is more fun because of it. If it is no big thing to be in a club then why are there so many other clubs? There must be something to it or no one would start a club. I even think there are boat clubs, I guess they may even call it a Yacht Club.

 

What a great quote! I never heard that one before.

Funny you mention yacht clubs. I'm a Past Commodore of one. I rose through the flags and spent a year as Commodore. It was a ton of work and responsibility . The only benefit was a reserved parking space. I even signed for a half-million dollar loan as Commodore. It was a serious committment to keep everything running smooth. Truthfully, I'm glad I did it but would not want to do it again.

Back to the car club concept... I attend a few cruise nights during the weekday summer nights. I see many old buddies there and we talk about the "old days". We had some great times. It's usually the same people that attend and not that many of them are members of a specific "car club". They show up on their own because they love to view all the classic cars and possibly show their own machine.

Last year I was involved with a charity raffle/classic car show where we raffled off 5 Harleys and 2 Shelby Cobra Mustangs. We already have one Shelby ready for this year's raffle and I'm trying to convince the person in charge to purchase the SRT8 Challenger as the second vehicle. What a great prize that would be to see in your driveway.

Should we skip the club designation and just wing it? I imagine they must still offer "Lone Wolf No Club" plates for cars. How many of you remember those?

Bob