June 21, 2009
The planning team is hard at work arranging details and assembling information. We are currently in Baker City, Oregon with the Cruise Idaho group enjoying a western state tour and getting ideas from their tour. As the six of us are together for the week we are getting quite a bit of planning done and working on some of the details, there are some minor route changes as we have had a few requests to visit some places that are close to the route we worked on at the Brandon Reunion. You will also notice I put the most current information on top where it is easier to find, I have left all the archived information from the start in November of 2007 so it can be easily reviewed. (Where does the time go, next year at this time we will be heading east to start the tour)
We now have 160 registrations so there will be room for 10 more before we go to the waiting list.
May 25, 2009
After a long absence the web site is up and running again. I was adding information and it wasn't until the other day I was told nothing was new. I don't normaly see the page you go to to look at, I have a builder page where I can add and modify things and it is working well but not uploading it to this view page. All is fixed and the techs in Kelowna were right on it when I notified them. The only problem is I lost all the picture information on the page, I have it in the computor but I need to re-upload it to the web site so give me some time as it's a lot of doodling.
I will say everything is on track for the tour with Provincial Coordinators hard at work getting information and accomadations arranged, it's a little to early start putting tour information on the web site as it must be fully confirmed before it's official, I can say BC is booking camping and we are in the Motel search mode currently. We currently have 155 registrations for the tour but expect some cancelations before the start. We will be closing registrations soon so if you know you are unable to attend or plan on going only part way let us know so we can do some juggling....
Welcome, we hope this website will keep Coasters informed of what is happening with the Coast to Coast 2010 Tour. The information page will be updated to show what is currently taking place, changes made and important tour information. Please check it on a regular basis as we don't send out regular emails. The 2010 tour will travel from Newfoundland to British Columbia and is often referred to as 'The Trip of a Lifetime' by many of the past participants. The two requirement are; that you drive a vehicle 25 years old or older, it can be stock, modified or a hot rod, and that you enjoy meeting and socializing with new 'old car' friends from across this great nation. The vehicle must be in the spirit of the event, capable of attending the many car shows and events that will be hosted during the tour. It doesn't need to be Museum quality, just one you are proud to drive and show, after all they are drivers not trailer queens. The vehicle must be of collector status according to the motor vehicle act. This eliminates Motor homes and newer vehicles. I own a 1972 Prevost Bus conversion and don't concider it a collector vehicle or suitable for the tour. Let's have this what is designed to be and that is an old car (or truck) tour of Canada. Anyone can cross the county in a motorhome or 80's vehicle but would you go to a car show to see them????? For those concidering going only part way on the tour, we will have a minimum of seven days on the tour to be a participant. We are requiring this as we are close to having a waiting list of people who wish to travel coast to coast.
All requests for registration must be sent to fraser'at'coasters2010.com (use the @ symbol) Send deposit cheques to Linda Orza.
.
Coordinator
Fraser Field
9629 Johnson Rd
Deroche, BC V0M 1G0
Treasurer
Linda Orza
5150 Six Mile Lane
Cranbrook, BC V1C 7C2
Registration
Judy Guido
This is a non profit tour and all the organizers are volunteers, any excess funds are refunded to participants with a small amount used for future reunions and ongoing expenses. A complete financial statement will be submitted to the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada Corp. at the end of the tour with a copy sent to all tour participants.
THE START OF THE PROCESS
November 2007
Dorothy and I (#09) with Rick and Linda Orza (#114) have had several discussions over the past year about the logistics and most of all the commitment needed to coordinate and host another coast to coast tour. This spring we felt we were ready to take the challenge. Several people were contacted including Frank and Diane Unrau for information and support. Plans and ideas were formulated . We decided to drop a test pebble into the waters to see the ripple effect and WOW!! we didn't expect the response. Thanks to all that gave us your encouragement and support. The 2000 team know their area and the special treasures that are hidden along the back roads, we ask people to form area committees to plan the 2010 tour route and send us your ideas. The input from many of us should make a unique and wonderful tour. Please contact us if you plan on going on the tour, this isn't a commitment we just would like an idea of numbers.
Coast to Coast Tour 2010
I’ve had several people ask what the tour is like and all about, I’ll try to explain for people considering the event.
The biggest comment I get is that it was the ‘Trip of a life time” and that is why we had so many from the 2000 tour register so fast. I’ll try to give some details and I welcome other ’Coasters’ to correct me or give further information.
First of all within days a bond of friendship and camaraderie develops that makes the Coasters a traveling family. Like a traveling Circus would be the closet thing I could relate it to. When you arrive in a town or village, people line the street to wave and wish you well; the local car club gives a warm welcome and in many cases arranges a lunch or dinner. As all the cars are driven it's quite spectacular to see 50 and 75 year old cars going the distance. If we are camped in a local sports field or park other club cars arrive for a great mixing of car friends, this with local citizens and often the Mayor or a Councilman to welcome you. The tour visits many places that aren’t open to the public, many private car collections and places of interest. The tour includes sight seeing bus tours that give you detailed information, as your Coaster comrades are on board to point out local details. A typical day is normally short on mileage and includes many things that you can do on your own or may include planned events that you have an option to take part in. Each entrant receives a tour book that when opened has a daily travel map on the left page and an agenda on the right, giving travel information, points of interest, planned events and the nightly stop. The tour book is very well laid out and easy to follow. It takes the stress out of traveling, we are working on a ‘Help I’m lost line’. Sometimes finding your way to the spot makes for those good lawn chair stories in the evening.
Group meals can be an exercise as there are over 300 people arriving hungry, only a few problems in 2000, it gives you an opportunity to meet the person in front and behind you in the line up.
Break downs, well things happen, but you are traveling with some very talented people and remember we are all family. Help is always close by; My Pontiac broke an axle on the Nova Scotia, New Brunswick border, people saw it on the hook and met me in town, treated us like old friends and the black stressful day changed to positive energy with smiles and laughter. We have meeting places as we travel across Canada where Coasters can join in and then travel with the team to St. John's, or if you travel back after Victoria you will certainly have some new friends to travel with. You're not alone, unless you need some quiet time.
Every day wasn’t sunshine, we all remember the days of rain, but even those were filled with bright smiles and warm hearts.
Cost, hard to predict this early in the planning stage, we plan to do something a little different this year and will include camping in the campers registration, this will include nights of free camping only for those who take that option. You may stay with friends along the way and we will deduct that from the total. The same with meals we will get as many of the planned meals as possible prepaid, so the meal ticket will get you into the paid meals and the free meals. Who said there’s no free lunch. There will be a list of cities with the options on the registration form. It’s in the planning stage so don’t ask detailed questions. Yet… The total costs of the 2000 tour was almost $60,000.00 not including meals and camping, the 2010 tour is shaping up to about a $500.00 registration free, this is not written in stone but an estimate.
If something stands out from the tour it is the unity that was created as we traveled across this great county, car people united as friends from every corner of Canada all enjoying the old car hobby together.
We can’t repeat the 2000 tour but we can make this tour unique, we will have many more friends and experiences that will last for many years, then we do it again in 2020.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Chronological List of Information as it was Announced
This will keep you up to date with the latest information
Nov 10/07 Plans are underway, several contacts are made and we have had lots of enthusiasm. All Coasters with email are contacted about the 2010 Tour
Nov 12/07 Liability insurance and other legal matters were investigated. NAAACCC was contacted and discussions held.
Nov 14/07 Today we mailed 180 information letters to 2000 Coast to Coast participates
Nov 20/07 Old Autos in Bothwell Ontario was contacted about a letter to the editor that will appear in the next issue concerning the tour and the search for any Coasters we missed with the mail out.
Nov 30/07 We are asked to be part of the CUPIDS 400 celebration in Cupids NF. The 400th anniversary of Canada's first English Colony. Many of us dipped our wheels in the Atlantic at Cupids. We are working on it, so stay tuned.
Dec 2/07 I am pleased to advise that NAAACCC (National Association of Antique Automobile Clubs of Canada Corp) has endorsed the Cross Country Tour being planned for 2010. This will allow the tour to be under the umbrella of their liability insurance, give us national exposure and great contacts with the network of car clubs and organizations across Canada. We will operate and coordinate the tour and be responsible for all financial and related organizational requirements. NAAACCC is the Voice of the car hobbyists of Canada; please check their web site at www.naaaccc.ca . If your club isn't a member of NAAACCC I ask you to be part of the family.
Dec 14/07 The Manitoba Classic and Antique Auto Club contacted us and are assisting in planning the tour from border to border in their great province. Their hope is that we can be part of their 50th anniversary Circle Tour. I've reviewed some of the ideas and they are all plus's
Dec 23/07 We have 36 Coasters who have expressed interest or have confirmed their attendance for the 2010 Tour.
Dec 26/07 We have 50 Coaster vehicles planning to attend
Jan 6/08 We now have 61 Coaster vehicles planning to attend
Jan 12/08 If you have emailed me and I have not replied, please email me again, I reply to all emails. Ensure you are using fraser'at'coasters2010.com
Jan 17/08 The banquet and camping facilities in Victoria are booked for the August 21st, 2010 weekend. We've got the start and the finish done now we can work on the middle. (It's January don't a lot of us have to work on our middle)
Jan 22/08 We have 73 Coaster vehicles registered. Please feel free to mention the tour in your club newsletter if your club members are interested have them visit the web site and contact us. We are presently looking for corporate sponsors to assist financially with the tour. We can display their logo on jackets, shirts etc, if you have ideas or suggestions please contact us. This will bring our costs down and it is a great opportunity for a company to have direct contact with automobile enthusiasts across Canada.
Jan 26/08 REGISTRATION DEPOSIT Many people have asked about a deposit on their registration. It's early to know or even judge what the expenses will be. Saying that we are incurring some expenses like phone, postage, web site, accommodation deposit etc. A MINIMUM deposit of $50.00 by August 1st 2008 will be required to keep you on the tour registration list. You will receive a "I'll be there" decal (see it on page three). Mail cheques to Linda Orza, 5150 Six Mile Lane, Cranbrook, BC. V1C 7C2 payable to "Coasters 2010" Many thanks we appreciate it. Your total funds paid will be refundable until August 1st, 2009. After that date the total will be refundable if someone fills your Coaster spot on the tour. We know things happen and don't want to profit on someone that can't make the tour. We estimate the total registration fee to be $500.00 per vehicle based on two people.
Jan 28/08 We contacted East Can Transport in St. John's Newfoundland, they were the transport company that gave us excellent service transporting our collector cars both to the 2000 tour, and depending on what Coast you lived on, back home again. East Can is now the Official Auto Transport Company of the 2010 Tour. They will transport your vehicle in an enclosed specially designed unit, all the way to St. John's or to anywhere you would like to start a little touring. They will also take it East from Victoria, BC so you can take a leisurely flight or Via Rail ride home. www.eastcantrans.com
Feb 16/08 The tour has taken on an international flair with participants from Australia, New Zealand, United States as well as from every Province in Canada, we welcome our old Friends and look forward to meeting new ones. The start date will be July 7th in St. John's and the final day will be August 21st in Victoria for a total of 47 days this is only two days longer than the 2000 tour.
Feb 17/08 I had a good conversation with Bob Ford in St. John's this morning and plans are progressing well in Newfoundland. Those who arrive a day or so early will be given even extra tours to showcase the breath taking beauty of the coast and the surrounding area. The tour itself will travel the coast route and avoid the Trans Canada as much as possible. Be prepared to enjoy one of the jewels in Canada's crown, your opinion of the 'rock' will change forever. I've added a 'Get to know the places we visit' section to the next page, I've started with Newfoundland and will add to it as time passes.
For those who wish to ship their cars from the west coast, Dorothy and I have an old Dairy farm with a large building we use for car storage in winter, during the summer it is empty and we can store your car here for pick up by EastCan transport. Secure and under cover. If repairs are needed we have a hoist, air and tools to complete most repair jobs for those of you driving east after the tour. We are a half hour from the Abbotsford airport and West jet makes five flights a day from there to all parts of Canada, we can shuttle you to the airport. We also have a fifth wheel trailer for overnight accommodations. We live in Deroche http://www.ourbc.com/travel_bc/bc_cities/vancouver_coast/deroche.htm which is about two hours from the ferry terminal. If you have a trailer and want a few days free camping we have private washroom facilities with shower in the 'redneck' building for those who wish to explore the area. This is a Dairy and berry farming area (we live on an Island in the Fraser River) but close enough to the big city for day trips, the West Coast express http://www.westcoastexpress.com/ leaves from here in the morning to Vancouver and returns in the evening. Park your car and enjoy the ride. I'm sure there are others who will offer an overnight on the way home, after the tour you're never far from a Coaster Friend.
March 10 I haven't put any updates in the last couple of weeks, this doesn't mean I have slacked off. There is a lot of progress done on many fronts, mainly organizing and checking out some of the tour items. Getting samples and prices all take time and things are starting to roll in. The emails have slowed down and we only have ten or so people on the list for the August draw so get your names in if you are interested. I imagine that in 2009 things will get hectic. A reminder to get your deposits in before the August deadline.
I'll be away for the next couple of weeks doing some volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity in Honduras so if you don't get your email answered right away, I'll be back the end of March and will catch up.
March 30 We've started to form committee's to assemble information and events in their areas. Newfoundland, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, PEI and BC are well into the event planning. I've contacted the Coasters in Nova Scotia and they are getting together, I will be contacting members in each Province in the near future to see if they are interested in contributing. To be part of the Committee is not a must, we know that there is a lot of valuable information stored in the grey matter about the special treasures in your area, this is the information that will make the 2010 tour special.
March 31 A minimum deposit of $50.00 by August 1st 2008 will be required to keep you on the tour registration list. This deposit is refundable as are all funds until August 1st, 2009, after that date a full refund is given if someone fills your Coaster spot.
April 23 Just an update, when emailing me please put Coasters 2010 in the subject line. The spammers have found my email address and are offering all sorts of stuff I am really not interested in. If someone could invent a program that would send back an electrical charge that would fry their computer they would make a fortune. I think spammers are pretty low on the food chain.
May 15th
I thought I'd better get some information going here before everyone figured I'd left town. One thing that disappeared from the site is the paragraph about going part way. Yes, if you are unable to go from coast to coast we have a limited amount of space open for people that can only join for a week or two. Naturally we can't have a lot of people just traveling the same part of the tour but we will do our best to accommodate. For the Ontario Coasters Jim Dawm and his trusty helper Carol Taylor are assisting with the planning of the Ontario portion of the tour. Jean-Pierre Viau and Ron Arseneault have come forward to help with the Quebec route, and we have others in every province that have offered their help and assistance. I haven't put everyone down but I will in the near future, don't feel left out as I will be contacting the movers and shakers next week to see how it's going, I have a 4 cent a minute plan with the phone so it's cheaper to talk than write. I can't believe the enthusiasm, thanks for all your support, The biggest problem we're having is getting enough days to spend in each Province, I've juggled the days back and forth, we need an extra couple of weeks to even get a taste of all the things there is to see and do. A lot of our route will be different than the 2000 tour and we will have a lot of decision making in Brandon this August. If there is something you must see contact me, and if it is impossible to include in the tour you can add it to your 'on the way there' portion.
July 24 Here are the latest updates: For those going to Brandon I have posted a tentative schedule of events on the following page. I talked to Bob Ford in Newfoundland and there are two early bird tours that will take you to a few very special places in and around St. John's. There will be two different Coastal areas that will offer a real display of the beautiful rugged NL coast and the picturesque villages that make it so magnificent. They are scheduled for July 4th and 5th so as we get closer to the event I'll be asking for numbers. We are presently arranging the Banquet site, camping, motels and other areas for our stay in St. John's. Bob and his assistants are arranging the stops and meals for the rest of the NL tour. It promises to be a great start to a great tour.
I also chatted with Jim Dawm and Carol Taylor, the Ontario part of the journey promises to be different from the 2000 tour and quite exciting.
Denis Robert has the Manitoba leg well in hand, and should prove to be fun and entertaining.
Lester McKay and Charlene and Ron Schriver's have New Brunswick well in hand
Rudy Croken in PEI has the Island plans ready for Brandon approval
Things are shaping up and we still have a couple of years to go, Remember to get your deposits in before August 1st.
August 24 We're back from Brandon, and what a great time was had by all. The weather cooperated and it wasn't to hot and the moquitoes stayed away making for a pleasant time. Lot's of time was spent at the map location, revising and updating the route so the special sights along the way could be enjoyed in 2010. Food of course was good and plentiful, and there was lots of visiting by all the 2000 Coasters, the new Coasters were welcomed, photo albums were available and everyone enjoyed the days of visiting. It was like a family reunion, you don't see each other often but it doesn't take long for everyone to enjoy each others company. A great Friday tour was arranged by Blake and on Saturday we were treated to a private tour of the Brandon Air Museum. Brandon closed the main street on Saturday night and many Coasters displayed their cars with the over 200 local vehicles that lined both sides of the street. We didn't get much input from the local clubs but a warm welcome was given by the owner of the A&W drive in, he came to the campsite to greet us and gave us some very nice door prizes for our event. I've posted some pictures on the following 'Brandon Photo's' page. The route and location dates will be available soon. We are waiting for a little more input before the official publication. I must thank everyone that gave so much information both verbal and written during the event..
August 28th
As we are now close to our 150 registrations anyone that hasn't sent in their $50.00 deposit will be removed from the registered list and put on the waiting list
September 10th We now have 17 openings in the tour, these are spots that were vacated by the people who didn't send in their $50.00 deposit. These will be filled on a first come first serve basis.
September 18th We have less than 10 registration spaces left. It amazes me on how fast the tour filled up and the enthusiasm that the participants have. We appreciate the encouragement.
On a different note Dorothy and I attended a Boler meet at Fort Langley this past weekend with over 50 other Bolers and Trilliums. Several of you have asked about towing a small trailer, part of the meet was a tour of Escape trailer in Chilliwack ( www.escapetrailer.com )All trailers and fifth wheels are made on site. They have a nice line of small fiberglass trailers and the big news is they have bought the molds for the Trillium line of fiberglass trailers. They will start production of the Trilliums this fall, so if you are looking, look there and save some freight. Tell them the Coast to Coast tour sent you.
September 21st I've had a couple requests about what is included in the $500.00 tour cost. Here is some of the costs etc, I probably have missed some, and as said above any overage will be refunded to the participants. Costs include:
Postage
Offices supplies
Telephone
Web site
Liability insurance
Bank Charges
Closing Audit and Accounting charges
Welcome wine and cheese
Facilities rentals
Opening Banquet
Closing Banquet
Tour package to include but not limited to
Jacket, golf shirts, T-shirts, hats, dash plaque, souvenir wall plaque, lapel pins, name tag, tour license plate, carry case, etc
Comprehensive tour book, including
Daily map, with the day’s events, points of interest, group stops, etc
List of participants and their car number
Colour pictures of the cars and occupants
This book became a treasured souvenir after all the Coast to Coast tours
We have participated in several tours and they average $200.00 to $300.00 for a weekend or a week.
As an example a typical tour charges $300.00 and is of very good value. T-shirts are extra and does not include the jacket (s) etc and many items that are included in the Coast to Coast tour. The Coast to Coast tour is for a month and a half and will include many free or inexpensive meals/events..
The final operating budget on the 2000 tour was $63,000.00 and we know that 2010 tour will be higher.
As this is a package, it is not negotiable and is based on two people per vehicle, additional occupants will be $150.00 to $200.00 for jackets, shirts, opening and closing banquets. The only deductions will be for banquets if the participant is only traveling part way and not visiting a city where the banquet takes place.
October 5th Just a short note, we still have a few spaces left all vacated by those who didn't send in their deposit..
I received an email from Kevin Greenaway in Australia. kgreenaw@bigpond.net.au He is looking for a kind individual that has a spare reliable car that he and his wife could use on the tour, starting in St. Johns.. Kevin was on the 2000 tour and many of you can remember his good company. He was planning on buying an older motor home and traveling with the group, we nixed that with the motor home rule. Maybe even a reliable car that could pull a small trailer that could be sold in BC at the end of the tour. Something in the spirit of the tour, hopefully not a 1985 beater... Contact Kevin direct at his email address..
November 19th It's nice to see the price of fuel coming under control, I'm sure Dorothy and I will take advantage of it and take the bus for a cruise over the winter.
Dorothy and I traveled to Cranbrook this past weekend and met with the 'committee' Things are shaping up well and a lot of behind the scenes work is accomplished. A lot can't be done until we get closer to summer as most facilities that we will use are closed for the winter season. We are planning a BC tour this summer so we can check our proposed route, check accomadations and make nessesary reservations. We hope to have everything keyed up by the end of summer so we can get on with the tour book. There have is several changes since the route planning in Brandon and we need to have everything firmed up before the Spring of 2010.
Our Provincial coordinators are working hard planning and organizing, it's a big job and their help is muchly appreciated. Everything is progressing smoothly and we are pleased with the results to date. Several Coasters have emailed me and they are burning the midnight oil preparing their cars for the tour. Look for some great looking vehicles traveling out on the roads in 2010.
January 18th, 2009
Did you miss me. Well it's a long story, our cable provider had some severe problems in our area and we haven't had internet service since the beginning of December. I'm back but it's still a little spotty. It's one of the pleasures of living in a rural area. We were spared the worst of the flooding but the road to our farm had 3 feet of water covering it for over a mile. We went from living at a ski resort to lake front property in the time of 2 days.
It's pretty quiet in the planning department as there is not a lot to report on during the winter months. Judy and Linda are busy finishing the books for our year end and getting details done to the registration and other paper work that seems to pile up. We're finishing up the colours that will go on the logo and it should be ready by the end of February so we can have it ready for the licence plates, shirts etc. We do have some prices in but not many suppliers want to predict prices in 2010. We will start ordering in September after the August registration fees are paid as we will have a better idea of sizes etc. Before August you will receive a detailed registration form that will ask for shirt sizes, about meals, camping and your start and finish location. Don't get excited and start asking for it now as I'm still doing the details. If there is something you think should be added drop me an email. It’s a couple of weeks late but I wish everyone a very good new year. I hear from several that they are working hard preparing their ride for the 2010 tour and there is a lot of excitement building.
February 24, 2009
We're starting to get into the groove as this is the year that most of the planning has to be confirmed, reservations made, routes planned and all the little bits put together to make it a smooth tour. I know I'm dreaming and there will be some glitches as we go along. It's the problems overcome that make the best memories and bring some smiles and chuckles at the end of the day. As the route coordinators return from their winter haunts they can contact me and we can get the ball rolling.
A couple of points: All 2000 tour participants will have their original car numbers on their tour license plate, if you wish a change contact me, we have a couple of numbers from people not attending. I'll see what I can do. People have asked what I think the total cost of the tour will be, including non group meals, gas, and other expenses. Hard to know what souvenirs you will buy but my total cost in 2000 for gas, extra meals, camping etc was $4,000.00, There and back. ( gas was over a $1.00 a liter even then) We hope to have a camping package available for all those going coast to coast which will include many free nights and many discounted nights, a single pass will let you enjoy a worry free camping experience this will be paid in advance of the tour. We are trying to get a couple of Motel chains that will offer us a corp discount for those who will be staying in motels. We will produce a list well in advance so reservations can be made. We will also put together a meal package so that most of the group meals can be paid for before the start of the tour, this will be cheaper that buying as you go, collecting money as we traveled last time was a nightmare and we don't want to do it again, we hope to streamline the operation a bit. This will put more smiles on more faces,
For those who are interested you can check out my ambulance web site at www.oldambulance.com
We have 73 90 100 107 112 119 121 123 125 127 137 142 146 133 145 149 155 Coasters registered. 82 are Coasters from the 2000 tour
Powered by 4goodhosting.com |
