I think everyone is a little bit intimidated and apprehensive about taking on a project that they have never done before. With that in mind, I thought that I would make a short list of things to keep in mind when you choose to sponsor one of the clubs driving events. We always need more volunteers for these events and so I hope that this will help you make the decision to help the club out.
First, think about a drive that you have taken in your LBC in the past that you really enjoyed. It could be somewhere that you went on your own or with a club. It is getting harder to surprise us because most of the interesting roads that are close, have already been done but that’s ok, we enjoy them every year. Try to avoid the freeways whenever possible and we love the twisties.
Second, is a date. Some people object to events on Sunday and can’t participate, but sometimes we try to do one a year just to mix things up a bit. We usually try to avoid holiday weekends and other clubs previously planned events. If you think that weather might be an issue you can even pick two dates (a rain date) if you want and then just notify everyone with a general email, bmcu@autox.team.net, as it gets close.
Third, is the meet up location and time. Any large usually vacant parking lot near the intended route will do. Time is derived back-words. Where do we want to be at about noon. It could be a picnic ground somewhere on the drive or a convenience store or fast food stop. Just tell people what the plan is and that they can bring a sack lunch if they like. Also allow for rest stops along the way for pictures and for vehicles to regroup.
Forth, plan to be at the marshaling area about 45 minutes before the selected departure time so everyone can do a meet and greet before we leave. This also allows for a drivers meeting. The meeting should cover what is the basic route and any road work or problems that we need to be aware of. It is not essential, but it usually helps if you drive the route once about a week before the event to check for time and any traffic problems. (Darn the luck, an excuse to stretch the legs on that LBC for a worthy cause!) Most members have done these tours many times before and know the basic turns but a few printed maps (MapQuest) for some of the newbies might be helpful in case we get separated.
Lastly, write a brief article about what you have decided. Rob Foye, rfoye@WWDB.org, is our newsletter editor and I’m sure that he would be happy to help you with content if you would like. Paul Jaroch, bughous@msn.com, has also volunteered and said he will write the follow-up article afterwords if you don’t feel comfortable.
That’s about it! You’ll be helping the club out. You’ll look like a hero and meet more of the other members. So, come to the February 2010 Annual Planning Meeting & Pot Luck located at St. Paul’s Church at 261 South 900 East, SLC, 6:00 pm, February 27th and lets plan a great summer of driving (and the livin’ is easy)!
Thanks!
GGDuff