Even as I approach mid-life crisis age, I find that the list, shows, and
meets are still the best way to meet a few people that I really can become
close friends with. Once that is done, I usually trade time, labor, and
used parts on a one-on-one basis. I don't expect to get along with the
whole world, nor will everyone find me to be compatible with them. One of
the guys I hang with is 15 years younger than I am, and he is dead center in
the "we tight" place in life. He gets my hand me down parts, I get my hands
dirty, and then we go screaming down the road on our own "spur of the
moment" driving tours.
Along a similar line: don't let the RB's get you down. A little tuning
thrown at them and the 1500 engine can be made to really scream, the body
structure is far stiffer, and you might actually survive an accident in the
car. You also get a really good transmission without having to convert to a
non-british box.
David Riker
74 Midget
78 Midget
63 Falcon
----- Original Message -----
From: <Thecarguru@aol.com>
To: <Tomsjetta@aol.com>; <spridgets@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 1999 2:01 AM
Subject: Re: Apathy and a challenge
> I avoided joining the MG club here for almost three years, finally gave
in.
> Once they all saw what I was driving and how I drove it (agressively would
be
> my term, crazy would be everyone elses) they started to ignore me. It was
as
> I thought-- if I didnt have an MGB or a chrome bumpered Midget I was
somehow
> "beneath" their expectations. I would say the average age at these meets
is
> between 40 and 50. The few "kids" in my age group are a rather spoiled and
> snotty bunch.(they have become "purists" in the marque or something) I've
> since learned that most of the true "gearheads" and "drive like you mean
it"
> crowd have dropped out in the last few years. My buddy was the vice
president
> of our chapter of the club for this year, and he went into it with gusto
and
> visions of a more exciting and involved year. I guess he got voted down or
> something because after a while I just got totally bummed out with the
lack
> of response to anything. I dont love my MG any less, but I think I can
love
> it just fine without paying 40$ a year to be looked down upon.
> I really wanted to join in on all the rallyes, but found that most of them
> were multiple day ordeals and I cant do that. They really catered to the
> "have lots of vacation time or retired and its all a big vacation" crowd
with
> three day weekends at fancy hotels etc.
> I had hoped there would be at least a 2:1 ratio but it was more like 5:1
> multiple day excursions to single day or evening events.
> Gary
> 75 Midget daily driver and terror with rubber lips
> 75 Midget project, hasnt got its lips yet
>
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