[Bmcu] Summer drivin' and the livin' is easy

[duff_lawson at att.net]

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 at 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 at 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 at 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