vetterdstr

For those who like to ride in a caravan, this will be a whole lot of fun.

vetterdstr :cheers:

CALVette

Hib,

Any new information?

Hib Halverson

Hib,

Any new information?

Yes.
We will post eNewsletter #8 here, early next week. Check back on late Monday or on Tuesday.

The Southern California Caravan Orgnizing Team
Paul Mariano and Hib Halverson, Captains

Hib Halverson

SoCal Caravan eNews #8 5/13/03

>>40 days until the Southern Calfornia Caravan rolls out of the California Speedway.

>>>TOP STORIES

>>Sponsorship Program Concludes. It Was a Resounding Sucess.
Goleta, CA (April 30)--Southern California Corvette Caravan Captain and "CFO", Paul Mariano announced that the SoCalCar's "Sponsorship Program" has ended with $6300.00 being raised. "Man, we really did great!" an elated Capt. Mariano said. "Our Team's hard work in beating the bushes for sponsorship help really paid-off. That money is going to make our job easier and make the Caravan experience better for all. We appreciate our sponsors' efforts for us."

The Southern California Caravan Organizing Team would like to thank all of its sponsors for their generous support. The Team would not have been able to organize the SoCalCar in such a short time without their help. The Sponsors are:
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.
California Speedway
Chevrolet Motor Division
Specialty Equipment Market Association
Flowmaster, Inc.
Pomona Valley Corvette Association
Red Line Corvette Club
Graham Chevrolet, Galles Chevrolet
Mills-Strebeck Chevrolet
Crest Chevrolet
Software Liaison
Envisage Design Labs
Gorilla Travel
Autotronic Controls Corp./MSD Ignition
Tile Collection
Santa Barbara Bank and Trust
Dave Madison, CPA
Dean Humphrey
Gary & Laura Mizuno
Corvette Club Santa Barbara
76 Racing Gasoline
State Farm Insurance of Goleta
Corvettes West
Corvette Mike

The money raised by the SoCalCar sponsorship program is being used to pay the cost of organizing and operating the Caravan. Typical expenses are: office supplies, postage, printing, graphic arts service, food and soft drink service at certain events, telephone expenses, team vehicle expenses incurred during pre-caravan route recons or meetings and some equipment used by Caravan Captains during the event. Any money left over after the Organizing Team is disbanded will be donated to the National Corvette Museum.

>>Radio Channels Announced
West Covina, CA (May 13)--Capt. Hib Halverson announced this afternoon that the official, Southern California Caravan radio channel will be General Mobil Radio Service, "class C" or "interstitial" frequency #5 (462.6625Mz). This is also Family Radio Service (FRS) frequency 5. For those with tone-controlled squelch (CTCSS) use the 94.8Hz tone. On many GMRS units this will be tone 10. For those who bought Maxon GMRS-50 HTs from the Solder Joint, that frequency is in position 7 on your radio. The secondary Caravan channel will be CB channel 23. We are hopeful that the Oklahoma and Arkansas Caravans will follow suit and name GMRS interstitial 5 and CB Ch23 as their official channels, too.

"Caravaners who read other Caravan's web sites," Halverson said, "will note that many other Caravans were using FRS freq. 1, however, that frequency has becoming a national distress and calling channel so we decided to eliminate any problem with us interfering with many others using that channel and go elsewhere." We picked CB23 to get away from Ch 6, popular with many using very powerful linear amps, and 15, 17 and 21, used by truckers.

Official Caravan information will be broadcast first in the frequency then on, if possible, on CB. The SoCal Caravan Organizing Team requests that all Caravaners use GMRS C5 as a monitor and calling channel but take informal communications to other channels. After you've chit-chatted, return to to the main frequency to monitor official Caravan communication.

The SoCalCar Organizing Team would like to thank Mark Foster at the Solder Joint for two-way radio services and consultation. For those who've been holding off radio purchases for the SoCalCar's decision, now is the time to buy. The Solder Joint as already sold more than a dozen Maxon GMRS HTs that are specially programmed for the Caravan. For more information, contact the Solder Joint at 800 914 4680 or sales@thesolderjoint.com

>>Party Hardy in Tucumcari
Yucaipa, CA (May 11)--"Lt" Ralph Snow, one of SoCalCar Organizing Team's Reception Specialists, announced today that Mills-Strebeck Chevrolet In Tucumcari NM will put-on a blow-out party for all Caravaners on Monday night June 23rd. At the Tucumcari Convention Center the fun will start at 6:30 with dinner which will be served until 7:30. The menu will be barbecued beef brisket and all the fixin's to go with it. There will be a no-host bar. There will be live music starting after dinner. The cost will be $8.50 per person. Tickets will be sold at the door so bring some cash with you.

>>>OTHER NEWS

>>Less Chips and you Look Braless
Since late February, we've been running a small advertisement for Envisage Design Lab at the end of each of these eNewsletters. Envisage's business is installing 3M Scotchcal Paint Protection Film on car exteriors. The purpose of this Film is to lessen impact damage to the car's paint by road debris.

Since Envisage's ad began, not only have we heard anecdotal accounts of how well Scotchcal works but your Captains got a look at a car belonging to a member of Corvette Club Santa Barbara which had been fitted with one of these "Clear" or "Invisible Bras".

Each Caravaner will drive about 5000 miles during the round trip to Bowling Green and such a trip has potential to do damage to the paint on the front end of any Corvette. Last week, SoCalCar's Capt. Hib Halverson recently preran the route we'll take on the first day and, prior to the trip, he decided to take the Caravan's Lead Car to Envisage in Torrance to have its front end fitted with a Clear Bra.

The 950-mile trip over the following two days was a tough test of the Scotchcal. "This Clear Bra stuff works great!", Capt. Hib said after returning from from the prerun last Thursday afternoon. I went out to Exit 139 (50-mi W of Flagstaff) at the speeds we'd run the Caravan, then I turned around and went back to Kingman and up to Henderson, Nevada. North outa Kingman on 93 up to the (Hoover) Dam, I ran 90-95-mph all the way. Not only did the Clear Bra protect the nose of 'Barney' (as his purple ZR-1 is affectionately known) from any new damage, but since it was applied to an existing, eight-year-old finish, it actually made some of the smaller marks that were already there invisible. When I got back, all I did was wash off the dead bugs. No way could I find any new chips. I'm sold on this stuff! In fact, the Envisage guys tell me this is not really a new process so I'm mad that I didn't know about this product sooner. If I did, I'd have put it on a long time ago."

The Envisage Clear Bra is a semi-permanent, urethane film that is applied by a professional installer. Its 6-mil thickness helps minimize damage from stone chips, smashed insects, surface scratches and weathering. It looks a heck of a lot better than a conventional auto bra and is virtually invisible unless you view it in bright light from very close to the surface to which it's been applied. Unlike a conventional auto bra, you don't have to worry about stones or dirt getting between the bra fabric and the car finish and causing just the kind of abrasion damage a bra is supposed to prevent in the first place.

The SoCal Organizing Team recommends Envisage Scotchcal applications to reduce front-end damage by road debris on the Caravan. A Clear Bra varies in cost depending on the type of car and how much of the material you want to apply, but the typical Corvette installation costs about $500 to protect the nose of the car and the first third of the hood. The oldest and most experienced retailer of Scotchcal in Southern California is Envisage Design Lab. Contact them at the email address or telephone number listed at the end of this eNewsletter.

>>Detailed Schedule for Departure Announced
On Saturday, June 21st, the Southern California Division of the National Corvette Caravan begins its official activities with the departure of Feeder Caravans from San Diego and Santa Barbara. Those wanting information about the San Diego Feeder should contact Bill Bennet at <58vettensd@***.net>. Those wanting information about the Santa Barbara Feeder should contact Paul Mariano at <vettltd@aol.com>.

On Saturday evening there will be a reception at the Best Western Heritage Inn in Rancho Cucamonga sponsored jointly by the SoCalCar Organizing Team and the Pomona Valley Corvette Association. This event will start at 7:30 PM and will go to about 9:30 PM. The Caravan Leadership will address the group at about 8:00 PM and will discuss the next four days' plans in general along with making any announcements not done so in the last issue of the eNewsletter or in the Driver Guide. The Caravan Leadership will also take questions from Caravaners about the trip.

On Sunday morning, June 22nd there will be no caravan from the hotel to the departure area, about 10-15-min. away, at the California Speedway. All Caravaners should make whatever get-up, load-up and breakfast plans they want, but they must be at the Speedway, by 7:30 AM. A driver's meeting will begin about 7:45 AM at which time last-minute route or time information will probably may be given out. Departure will be promptly at 8:30 AM. Please, note the departure time because it has been revised.

>>Fuel Stops Added to Day 1 and 2 Itinearies
Previously, on the SoCalCar web site, we stated the original Caravan route, inherited by the Organizing Team when it was formed back in January, did not allow stops for fuel on the two longest sections of the trip, Fontana CA to Kingman AZ and Flagstaff AZ to Albuquerque NM. We directed Capt. Hib to prerun the first day's trip. With the information from Halverson's prerun last week, we found out that if the Caravan runs between the speed limit and 5 mph over the limit, it can run fast enough to make time for fuel stops.

On the first section of the trip, because some C1-3 cars cannot go nonstop to Kingman, we've figured-in about 15 minutes for a gas in Needles CA, which is about 206 miles from Fontana. There are at least 8 sources for gas in Needles at two different off-ramps so a stop should take only a short time. There is also gas in Ludlow CA, where we leave I-40 to run 74 miles on Historic Route 66, but the services in Ludlow are limited and more time consuming. Needles is an Informal Caravan stop and those needing fuel may stop but the rest will continue on to Kingman for lunch.

On the second day of the Caravan, on the section between Flagstaff AZ and Albuquerque NM, we suspect few cars will make that distance (327 miles) non-stop. We will figure-in time for a fuel stop on that run, too and the Gallup NM area is the obvious choice. At this point, somewhere near Gallup is an informal Caravan Stop, but as even the Lead Car will need fuel on this section, it is likely, that the Organizing Team will upgrade Gallup to a Formal Stop and list it in the Caravan Itinerary. We will advise Caravaners via the eNewsletter if that decision is made.

>>ID for Event Admission
Admission to all events during the Southern California Caravan's five-day trip requires the National Corvette Caravan name tag that will be furnished in the Registration Package the National Corvette Museum sends to each participant. Certain members of the SoCalCar Organizing Team are exempt from this requirement. Bottom line: don't loose your name tag.

>>Caravan Flags and Staic Cling Decals
By now everyone understands that the SoCalCar Organizing Team is not selling the popular Caravan flags and static clings. Up until just recently we were referring those SoCal Caravaners wanting to buy that merchandise to the Mid-Atlantic Caravan web site, however, it has stopped selling them. Currently, the best place to buy Flags and Decals is from the Captain of the Kansas Caravan who, we might add, is having a bit of a tough time raising money and can really use the business. If you need Flags and Decals, contact Capt. Joe Moncado at jmoncado@aol.com

>>So Cal Web Site Updated
The Southern California Caravan web site, at http://caravan.corvettemuseum.com/californiasouthern/, has been updated with the posting of revised schedule information, a current list of SoCalCar sponsors and v2.0 of Capt. Hib Halverson's "Caravaner's Guide". Please visit the web site soon to get this updated Caravan information.

>>Arkansas Flash's Return Caravan
Capt. John "Arkansas Flash" Rupp of the AR Caravan is organizing a return caravan that will leave the Corvette Museum on Tuesday morning, July 1st. The route has been picked to avoid construction on I-40 between Little Rock and Fort Smith and also travel through some very scenic parts of Arkansas. This group will overnight in Hot Springs, Arkansas on Tuesday and Sallisaw, Oklahoma on Wednesday. If you are interested in joining this group, contact Capt. Rupp at <Arkansasflash@sbcglobal.net>.

>>Back Issues
In the last 30 days or so, the Southern California Caravan has grown quite a bit. If you are newly registered to the Caravan, have not received the previous issues of the SoCalCar eNewsletter and you'd like them, contact Capt. Hib Halverson by email at <capt_socalcar@earthlink.net

Thanks for reading.
The Southern California Caravan Orgnizing Team
Paul Mariano and Hib Halverson, Captains
_______________________________

Going on the caravan? 95% of new cars with less than 1,000 miles have paint blemishes from normal highway driving. Imagine what a cross country trip will do to YOUR paint. The solution: a "Clear Bra" that won't harm your Corvette. It is like a traditional auto bra but is more durable. This 3M Paint and Headlight Protection lasts for the life of your Vette.

Professional installations by California's most experienced 3M Installer: Envisage Design Labs. Call toll free (866) 335-3456 or on the web at http://www.transparentbra.com


[Modified by Hib Halverson, 4:46 PM 5/17/2003]

Hib Halverson

SoCal Caravan eNews #9 5/16/03 --YELLOW ALERT--

>>37 days until the Southern Calfornia Caravan rolls out of the California Speedway.

>>>TOP STORIES

YELLOW ALERT
>>Caravan Merchandise Purchase Deadline
Bowling Green KY (May 15)--3:00 p.m. pacific time on Monday, May 19 will your last opportunity to order Caravan participant merchandise and have it arrive in time for caravan departures. Caravan items are embroidered with a special logo and are only available to registered caravan participants. Jackets, duffel bags, t-shirts, caps, polos and more are available. You must have your caravan participant registration number to place your order. Order your caravan merchandise today at: http://www.nationalcorvettecaravan.com/index2.shtml or by calling (800) 53-VETTE.

>>Caravan Registration Deadine
Bowling Green KY (May 15)--The National Corvette Museum announced a reminder to anyone considering going on the Caravan: National Corvette Caravan registration ends June1, 2003. If you're reading this eNewsletter because your *thinking* of going rather than being a Caravan participant, you're time's gonna be up soon. If you want to register for the Caravan do it at: http://www.nationalcorvettecaravan.com/index2.shtml or call (800) 53-VETTE.

>>Tons of Vettes
Total Caravan registrations right now stand at about 8000 people and perhaps 7500 cars.

>>>OTHER NEWS

>>Car Prep: It's Gonna to be Hot Out There
In late June we'll be maybe three weeks short of starting the hottest part of the year in California. The Southern California Caravan will travel though places that on some summer days are the hottest or the second hottest areas in the United States, namely the southeastern Mojave Desert. Your number one car preparation priority will be to verify your cooling system is working properly.

Not only should you do the obvious, checking for leaks and/or overheating, inspecting hoses, clamps, drive belts, fan clutches, checking electric fan operation, testing the radiator cap, you also need to do some of the stuff that perhaps not so obvious: making sure cooling air flow is not obstructed by debris...this includes looking between the radiator and the air conditioning condenser on cars so equipped, making sure your front air dam is in place and functional, making sure on cars, such as C3s, equipped with sponge seals between the radiator and core support or between core support and hood, that all those seals are in place and in such a condition that they seal effectively.

When you go to buy hoses or drive belts, don't got to Pep Boys and look for bargains. Buy top quality hoses and belts from a supplier like Goodyear. That's the only way you can be sure the quality of the parts are OE or better. The Caravan's Capt. Hib Halverson does a lot of work on his own two Corvettes and he uses nothing but Goodyear belts and hoses. For those with poly-V or "serpentine" drive belts, the newer Goodyear "Gatorback" belts run cooler than standard poly-V belts and are a good idea on any car that's going to see hot weather use.

Lastly, in many cases adding a bottle of Red Line Water Wetter to your coolant will reduce peak coolant temperature by five degrees or so.

>>Goody Bags: Not
Figuring on questions about this, the SoCalCar Organizing Team will have no "goody bags" to give out at the Caravan departure. Because of the late start the current Leadership of the Caravan had on organizing the trip, we elected to not devote resources to acquiring items and assembling goody bags, much of the content of which ends up in the trash, anyway. We decided at our first Captain's Forum back in late January that we'd focus on solving the immediate problems of getting the core parts of the SoCalCar organized. We hope everyone understands this idea and apologize to those who are displeased by our decision.

>>Driver Guide Goes to Press
SoCalCar's Capt. Paul Mariano tells us that the Driver Guide was sent to the printer late last week. The Book will be each Caravaners most indispensable part of the trip. It contains route instructions, maps and Caravaning tips along with sponsor listings and ads. The Guide will be distributed by mail to all Caravaners except International participants and the few people registered for the SoCal Caravan but won't be traveling with us. We expect the book to go out on or about May 28th and be in registered SoCalCar participant hands by the middle of the second week in June.

>>Not Going or Know Someone Who's Not? Come to the Send-Off!
If you can't go on the Southern California Corvette Caravan why not come to the California Speedway to send-off your friends. There's plenty of parking and the Speedway has a sweet deal for you. The weekend of the Caravan's departure, June 21-22, is Fontana's "Historic Sports Car Festival". This is a vintage road racing event taking place on the Speedway's infield road course. Vintage racing Corvettes and Chevrolet-powered CanAm cars will be running all day Saturday and Sunday. Ticket "packages" include two tickets, pit and paddock passes, vehicle parking pass and a vehicle pass for a "parade lap" around the track. You can send-off the Caravan, then go into the racetrack and enjoy a day of Corvette race watching.

Ticket packages are $30 for Sunday and $20 for Saturday. Also, a single-ticket package is also available that gets you both days for one person for $30. Want to learn more? Look at the California Speedway web site at http://www.californiaspeedway.com or call the track at 909 429 5300. Also--this gets better--if you are in a whole group who can't do the Caravan but want to be there for the send-off and then watch the races, the Speedway has a group ticket plan for groups of more than 20 people. If you're interested in that, call Justin Bentley at California Speedway, 909 429 5308.

We couldn't ask for a better spot to start our trip to Bowling Green. California Speedway is on Cherry Avenue in Fontana. There is easy access to it from either I-15, I-10 or SR210. We'll stage in parking area #E3. You turn in the main gate off Cherry, get in the right lane then hang quick right and you're in lot E3. There will be signs and Pomona Valley Corvette Association volunteers to direct you.

To depart, we'll go out another gate on the northeast corner of the property, turn left and head up Cherry Avenue to I-15 North. On June 22, the Caravan will roll off Lot E3 at 8:25 AM and out the gate at 8:30 AM

Thanks for reading.

The Southern California Caravan Orgnizing Team
Paul Mariano and Hib Halverson, Captains



[Modified by Hib Halverson, 12:24 PM 6/3/2003]

Hib Halverson

SoCal Caravan eNews #10 5/22/03

>>30 days until the Southern Calfornia Caravan rolls out of the California Speedway.

>>>TOP STORIES

>>Latest SoCalCar Headcount
Goleta CA (May 21)--Capt. Paul Mariano of the So Cal Caravan Organizing Team said today that 183 vehicles, mostly Corvettes but with a few rental minivans (packed with our squadron of Aussies) and a pair of motorhomes, will leave The California Speedway on Sunday morning June 22nd. More cars will join us in AZ and NM. We should arrive in Tucumcari NM will upwards of 200 Corvettes.

>>Galles Chevrolet to Host Lunch Stop
Goleta CA (May 20)--Paul Mariano, announced today that Galles Chevrolet, one of the highest volume dealers in New Mexico and a big supporter of the Corvette hobby in that state, will host the Caravan for lunch. We'll arrive at Galles Chevrolet in Albuquerque about 1:30 PM local time. There will be plenty of parking across the street on what's usually Galles used car lot but which will be cleared for this event. The food will be served in the same place. The lunch will be BBQ style. The lunch will be furnished at no cost, however, Galles will accept donations to some of the local charities it supports and Caravaners may give what they feel is appropriate.

>>>OTHER NEWS

>>Goody Bags: Ok, We Lied
Last week, in eNewsletter 9, we said that the Southern California Caravan Organizing Team wasn't going to give out "goody bags" and we're not, but that doesn't mean you won't get freebes. After Captain John Rupp read that we weren't doing G-bags he emailed, reminding me that when we overnight in Little Rock, courtesy of Capt Rupp's Arkansas Caravan, the bags with tons of freebes will be passed out. So don't worry....you will get something for nothing.

>>Hotels
Some intel we developed this week indicates that some Caravaners still have not made hotel reservations at stops along the way. If that's you, DO NOT wait any longer! Make your reservations. You can contact SoCalCar's official travel agent, the Gorilla Travel Network at http://www.gorillatravel.com, ron@gorillatravel.com or 888-811-APES, and get rooms for all the cities the Caravan will visit. Gorilla can also book your rooms in Nashville or Bowling Green.

>>Places to Eat Near the Start
Many Caravaners are spending the night near our departure point, The California Speedway, at the Best Western Heritage Inn in Rancho Cucamonga. This Best Western has no food service and, while our Saturday night reception will have lots of tasty deserts, there is no main course so many Caravaners will be looking for places to eat.

"Lt." Elora Stidham, who heads-up the team of volunteers from SoCalCar sponsor, the Pomona Valley Corvette Association, was kind enough to compile a list of restaurants in the vicinity of the Best Western. Below is a condensed version of that list:

BREAKFAST LOCATIONS

BC CAFE
10123 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAMONGA
909-989-144O 6AM-3PM DAILY

TOLE HOUSE
8733 ETIWANDA AVE., FONTANA
9O9-463-6963 5AM-3PM DAILY

DENNY'8
11899 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAMONGA
9O9-481-9447 24 HOUR

FARMER BOYS
11499 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAM0NGA
909-987-6100 6AM-1OPM M-SAT, 7AM-9PM SUN

RESTAURANTS - VERY NEAR BY

BUDDIES ITALIAN KITCHEN (OWNER HAS CORVETTE)
8153 ASPEN, RANCHO CUCAM0NGA, CA
909-476-8400 11AM-10PM RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE

MACARONI GRILL - ITALIAN
10742 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA
909-484-3200 11AM-1OPM M-TH 11AM-11PM F-SUN

APPLEBEE'S -AMERICAN
10709 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA
9O9-98O-3633 S-TH 11AM-11PM F-S 11AM-12PM

ON THE BORDER- TEX-MEX
10680 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAMONGA
909-481-9150 11AM-9:3OPM S-TH 11AM-10:3OPM F-SAT

BUFFET DYNASTY -CHINESE SEAFOOD
10877 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAMONGA
1.1.116. 11AM-9PM DAILY

CHILI'S- AMERICAN
10598 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAMONGA
909-948-5955 M-TH 11AM-11PM FRI-SAT 11AM-11:3OPM

HOMETOWN BUFFET
10910 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAMONGA
9O9-481-7730 11AM-8:30PM M-F 8AM-8PM SAT

MIMI'S CAFE
10909 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAMONGA
909-948-1130 7AM-11PM DAILY, RESERVATION RECOMMENDED

PRIMAVERA ITALIAN GRILL
7890 HAVEN AVE., RANCHO CUCAMONGA
909-581-1951 11AM-1OPM, DAILY RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

ANTINORI RISTORANTE ITALIANO
8045 N VINEYARD AVE., RANCHO CUCAMONGA
909-841-0047 11AM-10PM, DAILY RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

COMPASS CREEK STEAKHOUSE & BREWING CO
11837 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAMONGA
909-483-1140 11:3OAM-MIDNITE M-TH 11:3OAM - 2 AM FRI-SAT

CLAIM JUMPER
12499 FOOTHILL BLVD., FONTANA
909-899-8022 11AM-1OPM SUN-TH 11AM-11PM FRI-SAT

SYCAMORE INN
8318 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAMONGA
909-982-1104 5PM-9PM DAILY FRI-SAT 5PM-1OPM RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

BOBBY BAJAS
8916 FOOTHILL BLVD., RANCHO CUCAM0NGA
909-989-9925 DAILY, NOON - 10PM

CASK N CLEAVER
8689 NINTH ST., RANCHO CUCAMONGA
909-982-7108 M-TH 5PM-9PM, FRI-SAT 5PM-1OPM, 4PM-8:30PM SUN
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

There is a more lengthy version of this list on Pomona Valley's web site at http://www.pvca.org which lists restaurants that are farther away along with, for those having car trouble before departure, some sources for automotive service in the area.

Capt. Paul and I would like to thank "Lt." Elora Stidham, PVCA's President "Chief" Ansel Boyce and all of the PVCA volunteers for the effort they are putting into making the Caravan's departure a memorable experience. As little as three months ago we had nothing....no plan for Saturday night, no people to implement a plan (even if we had one) and no sponsors. PVCA was the Caravan's first sponsor and its members generously volunteered to organize and stage our Saturday night reception.

Thanks for reading.

The Southern California Caravan Orgnizing Team
Paul Mariano and Hib Halverson, Captains




[Modified by Hib Halverson, 12:23 PM 6/3/2003]

Hib Halverson

SoCal Caravan eNews #11 6/1/03

>>21 days until the Southern Calfornia Caravan rolls out of the California Speedway.

>>>TOP STORIES

>>ZZ Top Plays Nashville
Nashville, TN (May 27)--Chevrolet announced today that Little Ole Band from Texas, ZZ Top, will headline the show, Saturday night at the 50th Celebration in Nashville. While Corvette celebrates its 50th year, ZZ Top celebrates its 34th year and is the longest running major rock act with original personnel intact: Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. With the forthcoming release of their RCA album, "Mescalero", the band is breaking new ground in terms of both their sonic approach and the material theyÕve recorded. ZZ TOP is the same, but always changing. From the early hits such as "La Grange" and "Tush" and the '80s classics including "Gimme All Your Lovin'," "Legs" and "Sharp Dressed Man" to the 16 new tracks on Mescalero, ZZ Top has always cooked with the same recipe: Billy's blues-based guitar virtuosity, Dusty's driving bass and Frank's fierce drumming. During the Corvette 50th Anniversary Celebration, you'll get a live musical taste test. Corvette's legendary status will unite with ZZ TOP's iconic rock, boogie and blues to provide a heck of a final party for the 50th Celebration's two days.

>>Driver's Guide Printed and Shipped
Goleta, CA (May 31)--Capt. Paul Mariano announced this afternoon that the Southern California Caravan Organizing Team's "Route Book" project was completed on budget and on time. On May 30, Copies of the book were mailed out to all Caravaners registered as leaving the California Speedway in Fontana on June 22nd or meeting the group which left Fontana somewhere along the route. The Route Book contains basic Caravaning information along with detailed route instructions, maps and information about SoCalCar sponsors. When SoCalCar participants receive the Route Book they will recognize its instant keepsake status. Not only will the Book guide you along the entire five-day route of the Caravan but it will be a great souvenir of the event.

>>Flags and Static Cling Decals Going Fast
West Covina, CA (June 1)--Capt Hib Halverson said this morning that all those who want National Caravan flags and static cling decals and who have not purchased them yet should order immediately. Supplies the various regional Caravans have on-hand are either getting low or have run out. The National Corvette Museum advised all Captains last week that once the current stock is exhausted there will be no more. The SoCal Caravan Organizing Team does not sell the flags and clings. SoCal Caravaners wanting them should order from the Captain of the Kansas Caravan, Joe Moncado. When you order from the Kansas Caravan, shipping is free. Capt. Moncado tells the SoCalCar eNews that he's got a good supply in stock. Contact Capt. Moncado at Jmoncado@aol.com or 913-927-5611.

>>Final Stretch of Historic 66 Announced.
Goleta, CA (June 1) As part of the SoCalCar Organizing Team's ongoing program of incorporating sections of Historic Route 66 into the Caravan route, Capt. Hib Halverson told the eNewsletter today that a final section of 66 in New Mexico, east of Albuquerque has been added to the route. The details of this late addition are not listed in the Route Book but will be published in an errata sheet that will be issued just prior to departure. In brief, after the lunch stop in Albuquerque on Monday, the Caravan will travel I-40 east out of Albuquerque for a short distance then will get on NM SR323 which is also Historic 66. We'll take old 66 through the towns of Sedillo and Edgewood then get back on 40 in Moriarty NM. With the addition of the NM stretch of 66, the SoCalCar will drive three different parts of it in eastern CA, western AZ and central NM. It is only fitting that a Caravan honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Corvette drive on some portions of that historic highway. The Captains welcomed the opportunity to modify the original SoCal Caravan route to include some of old 66.

>>>OTHER NEWS

>>You NEED Those Stinkin' Badges
When you come to a SoCalCar event, mainly the lunches and evening receptions, please, everyone....unless you a member of the Caravan Organizing Team, you must wear your Caravan name tags. Admittedly, what we got for the money we paid the National Caravan--name tags we have to fill-in ourselves--was pretty cheesy, nevertheless the Organizing Team will use them as ID for event admission. Why? The main reason is to prevent non-Caravan "visitors" from consuming food and drink at the events such that legitimate Caravaners end-up not getting served because supplies run out. Bottom line: if you show up without Caravan ID, you may be asked to produce your badge before you'll get in. You can expect exceptions to this will be extremely rare. The SoCalCar Organizing Team will appreciate everyone's attention to this detail.

>>Saturday Night's PVCA Party
The "home club" for the start of the Southern California Caravan is the Pomona Valley Corvette Association. The PVCA was the SoCalCar's first sponsor. Lead by reception coordinator, "Lt" Elora Stidham, Pomona Valley is planning a little party at the Best Western Heritage Inn, our HQ hotel, on Saturday night prior to the Caravan leaving the California Speedway at Fontana the following day. The reception will run from 7:30 to 9:30 PM with soft drinks and a variety of deserts being served. At 8:00 PM the PVCA President and SoCalCar Organizing Team member "Chief" Ansel Boyce, will open a presentation by the PVCA and the Organizing Team. Last minute route changes may be discussed, the Southern California Caravan sponsors will be recognized and any questions about the next day's trip will be answered by the Caravan Leadership.

About 20% of the Caravaners leaving from Fontana the next day are not staying overnight at the Best Western. We suggest that those not overnighting at the hotel still come attend the reception on Saturday. You'll meet fellow Caravaners and you may receive critical route update information. Captains Mariano and Halverson will do their best to make sure mission-critical information dispensed Saturday night will be repeated on Sunday morning at the Driver's Meeting, however, we still recommend everyone attend Saturday night.

>>Policy on Late Entries
As you read this, the advance registration deadline for National Corvette Caravan has passed. While it is still possible for persons not yet registered to join the Caravan, the "late registration" process is a bit different. Late registrations will be accepted by regional Caravan Captains. If you know someone who wants to register late for the Southern California Caravan, have them contact Capt. Paul Mariano by either calling 805-967-3756 or by emailing vettltd@aol.com. Late registrants will give their registration information to Capt. Mariano but MUST pay by check at Saturday night reception. At that point they will receive their Caravan ID. Late registrations do not receive the National Caravan t-shirt. Neither cash nor credit cards will be accepted for payment.

>>Gas in Gallup
The section of the route between Flagstaff AZ and Albuquerque NM will be the longest leg of our five-day trip to Bowling Green. While some C5s and a C4s can make that 327 miles without refueling, we figure no one is going to want to drive that part non-stop. We said in eNews #8 we were thinking about adding a stop in Gallup NM for gas. The Captain's Forum met last weekend and made the decision to go ahead with that plan. There are several locations in Gallup to stop for gas and it will be up to Caravaners to not jam-up one station. The Caravan will restage at a location east of Gallup to be named later. Further details of the Gallup fuel stop will be dispensed in later issues of this eNews and at the PVCA Party on Saturday night, June 21.

>>You Show Up at Fontana...Then What?
On Sunday morning, June 22nd there will be no caravan from the Best Western Heritage Inn to the California Speedway, 10-15-min. away. All Caravaners should make whatever get-up, load-up and breakfast plans they want, but they must be at the Speedway, by 7:30 AM. A driver's meeting will begin about 7:45 AM at which time last-minute route or time information will probably may be given out. The location of the driver's meeting will be next to the Lead Car at the head of the Caravan. The Lead Car will move off the staging area at 8:25 and out the California Speedway gate at 8:30 AM.

>>Captain's Car Prep Tips #2
Many of we Caravaners are hot rodders. We want to make sure people hear that great Corvette sound as we drive by. To facilitate that, some of us have replaced our Corvettes' stock exhausts with aftermarket mufflers. Problem is, many aftermarket exhaust systems are great for club runs, shows and other short trips but when you're spending 8 hours a day in your car; the loud droning or resonance some exhaust systems make at freeway speeds in high gear can be annoying and even fatiguing. In some cases, a solution is to replace your existing aftermarket mufflers with a set of Flowmaster Delta-Flow mufflers. Delta-Flow is a specific design feature of some Flowmaster mufflers that, in many cases, decreases resonance.

Now, these Flowmaster Delta-Flows won't fit every type of Corvette, but they'll fit many, except C5s. Capt. Hib Halverson replaced the existing aftermarket mufflers on the Caravan Lead Car with Flowmaster 50-Series Delta-Flows and noticed an immediate reduction in the loudness of car's 1700 rpm, sixth gear resonance. It wasn't eliminated, but it was reduced. The Lead Car's interior noise level dropped making our Capt. Hib a happier guy, but more importantly, his fiance, the Fairest Sandra the Red, will not be rendered deaf by the time she gets to Bowling Green. Flowmaster is a Southern California Caravan sponsor. For more information about Flowmaster Delta-Flow mufflers visit http://www.flowmastermufflers.com or call 800 544 4761.

>>Rancho Cucamonga Resturant and Auto Service List
Coming to Ranch Cucamonga to stay overnight on Saturday before the Caravan leaves the Speedway? Looking for some last minute service on your Corvette? Need to know where you can go to eat dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday? "Lt" Elora Stidham and "Chief" Ansel Boyce of the PVCA were kind enough to compile this information and post it at PVCA's web site at http://www.pvca.org

Thanks for reading.
We'll see you in three weeks.

The Southern California Caravan Orgnizing Team
Paul Mariano and Hib Halverson, Captains
_______________________________

Going on the caravan? 95% of new cars with less than 1,000 miles have paint blemishes from normal highway driving. Imagine what a cross country trip will do to YOUR paint. The solution: a "Clear Bra" that won't harm your Corvette. It is like a traditional auto bra but is more durable. This 3M Paint and Headlight Protection lasts for the life of your Vette.

Professional installations by California's most experienced 3M Installer: Envisage Design Labs. Call toll free (866) 335-3456 or on the web at http://www.transparentbra.com


[Modified by Hib Halverson, 12:18 PM 6/3/2003]

CALVette

Hib you guys are doing a great job! IMHO :yesnod: :cheers:

Hib Halverson

SoCal Caravan eNews #12 6/5/03 --YELLOW ALERT--

>>IT'S D MINUS 18!!!
>>18 Days until the Southern Calfornia Caravan rolls out of the California Speedway.

>>>TOP STORIES

YELLOW ALERT
>>Got Credentials?
Bowling Green KY (June 4)--If you have not received your Caravan credential package yet, don't worry. The final mass mailing of credentials from the National Corvette Museum is expected to take place this Friday. Typically it takes 2-3 working days for mail to move from Kentucky to the west coast. Please, wait until after your mail delivery on 6/11, before inquiring about not receiving your credential package. If you do inquire, the best results will come if you contact the Corvette Museum. You may contact the SoCalCar Organizing Team with credential inquires, but if you do, there will be a delay of a day or more for the Captains to, in-turn, contact the NCM then send the information back to you.

If you're taking in Chevrolet's 50th Celebration at Nashville, the intel we hear, courtesy of Capt John Rupp's Arkansas Caravan eNewsletter is that Chevrolet is mailing Nashville stuff also this Friday. So, middle of next week---what you mail box for two important letters.

YELLOW ALERT
>>Looking for Rooms in Bowling Green?
West Covina CA (June 4)--Want a hotel room in BG? Maybe you want to change from an outlying hotel to one in Bowling Green? Right at deadline for this issue of the eNewsletter, we learned that the Drury Inn in Bowling Green has five rooms left for the entire period we will be in B.G, 6/26-7/1. We also know the Travel Lodge in B.G. just had a cancellation for the 29th and 30th so if you want just two nights, there might be a good choice. For more information, contact the SoCal Caravan's travel agent, Gorilla Travel Network at 888-811-APES.

>>>OTHER NEWS

>>Latest SoCal Caravan Car/Head Count
Goleta CA (June 4)--Capt Paul Mariano of the Southern California Caravan Organizing Team announced this morning that the SoCalCar now totals over 200 cars with 185 of those starting from The California Speedway In Fontana and the rest meeting the Caravan as it moves east though CA, AZ and NM. Intel the SoCalCar eNews has developed on other caravans we'll meet indicates we'll add 200 cars in West Texas, 60 more in E. TX, 80 in OK and another 40 in AR. The numbers for the groups meeting us are approximate and probably will grow by at least 10% by D-Day (departure day).

>>Severe Weather? What to do.
During the first two days of the SoCal Caravan, it's just going to be hot...damn hot, however, on the third day, as we move into the Texas Panhandle and then across Oklahoma, and into Arkansas on the fourth day, not only will it be hot; it will be humid, muggy and icky. Heat and humidity sometimes cause isolated, afternoon thunderstorms which can come with hail or, even, a tornado. While the SoCalCar Organizing Team feels that, because we're crossing these states at a time when the weather patterns that generate severe storms in a large area are out-of-season; we still might experience these isolated thunderstorms. These isolated storms can cause large hail which can damage your Corvette.

So, how to avoid a hail storm? Well...be aware that these isolated thunder storms often move east or northeast. In the Caravan headed east, if a storm cloud is on your left (to the north), youÕll probably miss it. If it's on your right (to the south), it will move either parallel to our travel, which presents little danger, or it will move across our route at an angle which might be a problem.

If a cloud you see in the distance is tall, white and puffy with an anvil-shaped top; that's a thunderstorm. If you are closer to one, you may see a dark blue or black cloud mass with visible rain. If that cloud has a greenish tint, assume it contains large amounts of hail. At that point, you might want to stop estimate its direction and the speed and direction to determine if you should slow, stop, or proceed.

Information is power over severe weather and the best information can come by radio. Often, you'll be able to receive by radio: location, intensity, direction and potential danger of a storm. Best is a radio that receives National Weather Service (NWS) frequencies. Small, stand-alone NWS receivers are available as are Citizen Band radios which have the added ability to receive NWS frequencies. Next best is your car radio tuned to local broadcast station. Also, if you see a thunderstorm close-by on the right and you're traveling in the main Caravan group, monitor the Caravan radio channels: FRS Ch5/Tone 10 or CB channel 23. The Caravan Leadership will broadcast a weather warning if a problem is anticipated. Awareness, common sense, and knowledge will help you avoid weather problems.

>>Captain's Car Prep Tips #3
Check your tires. The SoCal Caravan will travel about 5000 miles. Tires that are near the end of their tread life must be replaced prior to the trip. Even tires with 30% tread depth might be suspect. Part of our trip is through the lower Midwest. Late summer weather can include afternoon rain storms. If your tires are short on tread depth, hydroplaning at highway speeds is possible. Don't gamble with tires and safety. Goodyear, the last big American Tire Company and a major sponsor of the Southern California Caravan has a wide variety of tires to fit Corvettes of many different model years. Capt. Hib Halverson has just installed new Goodyear F1 GS-D3s on the Caravan's Lead Car, uses Goodyears on all his other cars and suggests other Caravaners consider Goodyears for Caravan use. For more information on Goodyear's line of Corvette tires see http://www.goodyear.com or http://www.EagleF1.com

>>National Caravan Boss Gets Real Job
The National Corvette Museum is about to announce that Roc Linkov, currently the Chairman of the National Corvette Caravan, will assume the position of Events Manager at the NCM after the 50th Anniversary activities conclude in July. Roc is our boss. He's done a hell of a job over the last two years or so organizing this event. Capt. Mariano, Capt. Halverson and the entire SoCalCar Organizing team can't think of a better person NCM Dir. Wendell Strode could have appointed to fill that job. Congratulations "Admiral" Linkov!

>>Wet and Wild Poolside Fun?
Most of the hotels we're at have pools. Who's bringing squirt guns?

Well...that's it for now. Thanks for reading.

The Southern California Caravan Orgnizing Team
Paul Mariano and Hib Halverson, Captains



[Modified by Hib Halverson, 6:08 PM 6/19/2003]

Hib Halverson

Hib you guys are doing a great job! IMHO

Hey, thanks. CALVette!
We owe it all to a group of volunteers who lead the SoCal Caravan Organizing Team. I'm going to post the a list of all those hard-working people in an issue of our eNews later this week.

BTW: I love the little beer mug clinking smileys at the end of your post. That's going to be me on Sat. after the Caravan gets to BG...smilin' with a big, cold mug of brewski

Capt. Hib Halverson
SoCalCar

Hib Halverson

SoCal Caravan eNews #13 6/6/03 --YELLOW ALERT--

>>IT'S D MINUS 16!!!
>>16 Days until the Southern Calfornia Caravan rolls out of the California Speedway.

>>>TOP STORIES

YELLOW ALERT
>>Chevrolet to Offer Roadside Assistance to ALL Caravaners
Bowling Green KY (June 3)--National Caravan Chairman, Roc Linkov, announced today that Chevrolet will extend its "Roadside Assistance" service, typically extended to buyers of new Chevrolet vehicles for the period of their warranties, to all registered Participants in the National Corvette Caravan REGARDLESS of what model year car they drive or the existence of any warranty coverage. This service will operate from June 20th, 2003 and to July 6th, 2003. Roadside assistance includes expedited parts delivery, fuel when you're out of gas, flat tire repairs and towing, among other things. Now you can travel with the SoCalCar and have a bit more piece of mind. A dedicated Corvette Emergency Roadside Assistance Group will be available by calling 800-243-8971.
Put that number in your wallet, in your purse, in your console box or wherever---but just SAVE that phone number.

>>Late Registrations Continue
Bowling Green KY (June 5)--National Caravan Chairman, Roc Linkov, announced today registrations for the National Corvette Caravan will continue after the "cut-off date" for regular registrations, which was yesterday. From today to June 18, a "modified" registration protocol will be used. Registrations will still be done online at https://www.corvettemuseum.com/caravan/registration/registration.shtml, but no credentials will be mailed out to late registrants. Those registering after June 5 will use their confirmation email which carries their Caravan number as a credential until they get to Bowling Green. It is anticipated but not guaranteed that late registrants will have access to all Caravan events held on the road. Once late registrants arrive in Blowing Green they should pick-up their regular credentials at the Event HQ tent at front of the Museum.

>>Banner to be Auctioned
West Covina CA (June 5)--On each of the four nights the SoCal, TX, OK and AR Caravans are on the road, there will be receptions and/or dinners where we'll all get together, to eat, drink and be merry. Somewhere, at each of the receptions venues, you'll spot the official SoCalCar banner. The banner is in color. It carries the 50th Anniversary Corvette Caravan logo, the words "SoCal Corvette Caravan June 21-26 2003", the NCM logo and a list of all 25 SoCalCar sponsors. This morning, Capt. Hib Halverson, announced that, on Wednesday night, in Little Rock AR, the SoCalCar Organizing Team will Auction that banner. The minimum bid will be $200. All proceeds from that auction will be donated to the National Corvette Museum. Cash or checks only for this, please. The winning bidder will go home with a 3x10 ft. keepsake of Southern California Corvette history.

>>>OTHER NEWS

>>Brown will be Right There
The National Corvette Museum advises that UPS will be operating a remote shipping station at the NCM Wednesday 6/25 through Monday 6/30, so you can ship all your goodies home and not have to kick out your passenger. This is a darn good idea and the person who thought of it deserves our thanks. BTW, when you visit UPS, tell 'em we think Dale Jarett should "race the truck"!

>>SoCalCar Organizing Team Recognizes Support of Chevrolet and its Dealers
Over 400 people are registered for the SoCalCar. The majority of then receive this eNews. In addition, the Captains of the TX, OK and AR Caravans sometimes fwd. this eNews to their Caravaners. Various people at the National Corvette Museum read the SoCalCar eNewletter. Finally, there are other interested parties, not registered for the Caravan, who receive it. In short the SoCalCar eNews reaches an audience of thousands. From those many people come varied opinions about different aspects of the Caravan experience. It's come to the attention of the SoCal Caravan Leadership that a few people are critical of a perceived lack of understanding and support for the Caravan from Chevrolet and its dealers

That perception is based on lack of facts. The information below will correct that.

1) Chevrolet is making its Roadside Assistance Program available to all Caravaners, regardless of the model year of their cars, from 6/20 to 7/6. If someone's C1 breaks in the desert east of Amboy, call the Chevy Roadside Assistance, 1-800 number and you'll get the same expedited road service that a buyer of a brand new 03 gets.
2) Chevrolet Division is cosponsoring (with $600) the reception in Flagstaff, Monday night
3) Graham Chevrolet in Santa Barbara is Level 1 ($500) SoCalCar sponsor.
4) Crest Chevrolet in San Bernardino is a Level 2 ($250) SoCalCar sponsor.
5) Galles Chevrolet in Albuquerque, New Mexico is giving all Caravaners a free lunch on Monday.
6) Mills-Strebeck Chevrolet in Tucumcari, New Mexico is sponsoring a dinner and live band on Monday night.

Bottom line: Collectively, Chevrolet and several Chevrolet dealers are the biggest sponsor of the SoCal Caravan. We couldn't ask for any better help that that! Those who feel otherwise are stuck in some kind of "reality distortion" field. Snap out of it!! :)

>>Captain's Car Prep Tips #4
Ok. We're gonna be crossing the desert in the summer. It'll be dry there. Then, we'll cross Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas where it's hotter than heck but we could get an afternoon rainstorm so...don't forget about windshield wipers. In eNews #12 we talked about being aware of what the weather's doing once we get into the Texas panhandle and points east. While the Caravan might stop ahead of a obvious severe storm where hail is a probability, if it's just rain ahead of us; the Caravan Lead Car will not stop and you may need your wipers. Make sure you wiper blades are new. Make sure your wiper arms are in good condition and that the wiper motor and linkage functions properly. A fair amount of Corvetters on this trip[ may have never driven their cars in the rain. If you have a car that's older than 10 years, we strongly suggest you back it out of the garage, turn the hose on the windshield then have an assistant run the wiper system so you can verify it works properly. If you need wiper blades, don't buy cheap stuff. Go to a GM dealer and get OE blades or buy a top quality aftermarket brand such as Anco or Trico.

Well, that's all for now.
Thanks for reading.

The Southern California Caravan Orgnizing Team
Paul Mariano and Hib Halverson, Captains
_______________________________

Going on the caravan? 95% of new cars with less than 1,000 miles have paint blemishes from normal highway driving. Imagine what a cross country trip will do to YOUR paint. The solution: a "Clear Bra" that won't harm your Corvette. It is like a traditional auto bra but is more durable. This 3M Paint and Headlight Protection lasts for the life of your Vette.

Professional installations by California's most experienced 3M Installer: Envisage Design Labs. Call toll free (866) 335-3456 or on the web at http://www.transparentbra.com

Hib Halverson

SoCal Caravan eNews #14 6/12/03 >>>RED ALERT<<<

>>IT'S D MINUS 10!!!
>>10 Days until the Southern Calfornia Caravan departs the California Speedway.

>>>RED ALERT
>>Two Events-Two Registrations
Twice in the last week SoCalCar Organizing Team members have learned of SoCal Caravaners who did not know that the Chevrolet events in Nashville on July 27th and 28th are not part of the NCM/Caravan activities and require a separate registration. IF you plan on taking-in the ZZ Top Concert and other of the Chevrolet 50th Anniversary events in Nashville, you MUST Register and pay for those events separately. If you HAVE NOT REGISTERED for the Nashville Chevrolet events do so IMMEDIATELY at http://www.corvette50th.com.

>>>TOP STORIES

>>Whois: SoCal Caravan Organizing Team
So...who in the heck are all those crazy people who've given up a fair amount of their free time in last five months to organize, lead and operate the SoCal Car?

Here's the full list.

SoCalCar Captain's Forum
"Capt" Paul Mariano
"Capt" Hib Halverson
"Cmdr" Barbara Mariano
"Cmdr" Sandy Rubel
Caravan Ops. Support
"Lt" Mike LoMonaco
"Chief" Ansel Boyce
Departure Reception Leader
"Lt" Elora Stidham
Departure Staging Leaders
"Lt" Duane Stidham
"Lt" Randy Dimit
Flagstaff Reception Leader
"Lt" Bob Bortree
Kingman Lunch/Tucumcari Dinner Leader
"Lt" Ralph Snow
Santa Barbara Feeder Caravan Leader
"Capt" Paul Mariano
San Diego Feeder Caravan Leader
"Lt" Bill Bennett
Tucson Feeder Caravan Leader
"Lt" Bob Koblewski
Australian Caravan Liaison
"Capt. James Pierce
Travel Arrangements
"Lt." Ron Cohen

There are many, many more people who are working for and supporting the above listed leaders. The Southern California Section of the 50th Anniversary National Corvette Caravan greatly appreciates the sweat, toil and...even tears...all of these Corvette enthusiasts have put into organizing the SoCalCar.

>>At the California Speedway
Ok. We're starting' at the race track but...how do you get there and what do you do once you arrive? If you're coming from the Best Western Heritage Inn, find Foothill Bl. just north of the hotel and turn right. Drive east to Cherry Av. and turn right, again. Take Cherry south to the California Speedway main gate and turn right. The distance is about seven miles.

If you're not coming from the hotel, but you're coming south on I-15, get off on Summit. Turn right and go to Cherry Av. and turn left. Take Cherry south to the California Speedway Main Gate and turn right.

If you're not coming from the hotel, but you're coming to the Speedway from the west, east or south, get on I-10 headed towards Cherry Av. in Fontana. Exit at Cherry and turn north, or towards the mountains, on Cherry. Take Cherry north to the Speedway Main Gate and turn left.

Once you pass the Speedway Main Gate, stay in the right lane. At the first opening in the K-rail barrier, turn right. A Pomona Valley Corvette Association Departure Squad member will direct you to the Caravan staging line.

Best to be at the Speedway by 6:30 AM. The absolute latest you want to be there is 7:00 AM. Driver's meeting at 7:50. AM. Lead Car rolls off the staging line 8:25 and out the California Speedway gate at 8:30.

>>>OTHER NEWS

>>Radios....Again
The official, Southern California Caravan two-way radio frequency is 462.6625Mz. This is Family Radio Service (FRS) Channel 5. It is also General Mobil Radio Service (GMRS) "interstitial" Channel 5. Those having radios with continuous-tone controlled squelch systems (CTCSS) should use the 94.8Hz tone. On some FRS and GMRS handitalkies (HT) this will be "Tone 10." Those with non-user-programmable HTs should verify which channel selection is that frequency. Those who bought Maxon GMRS-50 handitalkies from the Solder Joint will find that frequency in selector switch position 7. The secondary SoCal Caravan radio frequency will be Citizen's Band (CB) channel 23.

The SoCalCar Organizing Team ran some tests on a recent Corvette Club Santa Barbara Club Run. A GMRS HT with five watts output, transmitting from inside the car with the rubber antenna on the radio has a range of 1.5-2.0 miles over open ground. As GMRS is UHF, range is decreased by terrain obstructions. Few Caravaners will have GMRS external antennas on their cars but, those who do can expect about a doubling of the range. CB handitalkies transmitting from inside the car using the rubber antenna on the radio are good for a mile or less. CB mobile radios using a properly selected and installed external antenna are good for 4-5 miles. FRS HTs (ie: Motorola "TalkAbout" or equiv) have a range of a half-mile or less.

>>Bobbie Jo sings
If you've ever spent any length of time at the National Corvette Museum, you know Bobbie Jo Lee. She's got, like...about the brightest smile and the cheeriest voice of anyone there. Bobbie's worked at NCM for a long time, first as a receptionist and currently as the Museum's Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Bottom line: this is a woman who loves Corvettes and our hobby.

Ms. Lee is also a pretty darn talented country-western singer who appears at various music venues in Kentucky and Tennessee and sings at certain NCM events. One of her more notable, recent NCM gigs was at the Museum's Celebration of the Life of Dale Earnhardt in 2001. To close a tribute to the late, seven-time Winston Cup Champion, held at the NCM's outdoor amphitheater, she picked Lee AnnÕs WomackÕs ÒI Hope You DanceÓ.Ê It was a touching way to close out the NCM's celebration of Dale's life.

Bobbie Jo is going to sing at the 50th Anniversary Block Party at the NCM Amphitheater on Sunday night June 29. While the theme of the Block Party is "Baseball, Apple Pie and Corvettes", Capt. Hib has stated categorically, that they'd better have plenty of cold beer. There's live music the whole time and Ms. Lee will be up on stage in the 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM time frame. You can bet we'll be in the front row taking in her set.

>>Captain's Car Prep Tips #5
For a two-week trip, you're going to have your Corvette loaded to capacity with stuff. One problem with just about any car like a Corvette comes when you fill the back end to capacity with cargo, fill the gas tank full and pile two people in the car. The back end might sag a bit. If the rear ride height is low, you scrape your exhaust easier and your headlights point, up in eyes of people in oncoming traffic. With most Corvettes there's a simple, easy fix for that: temporarily raise the rear ride height.

On C2, 3 and 4 Corvettes, you can either change the rear spring bolts to bolts of the same length but with longer threads, then move the spring bolt nuts 1/2-in higher on the bolt. Or, with stock spring bolts, you can add half an inch or so of spacers between the spring bolt nut and the existing, lowest, flat washer. On C5 you can raise the rear ride height by screwing-in the rear spring bolts to a maximum of 46mm, spring bolt height above the spring bolt nut.

Capt. Hib has been doing this to his ZR-1 for many years prior to going on long trips and it works like a charm. It makes the car sit level with the headlights aimed properly.

Thanks for reading.

The Southern California Caravan Orgnizing Team
Paul Mariano and Hib Halverson, Captains



[Modified by Hib Halverson, 6:06 PM 6/19/2003]

Hib Halverson

SoCal Caravan eNews #15 6/16/03 --YELLOW ALERT--

>>IT'S D MINUS 6!!!
>>Six Days until the Southern Calfornia Caravan departs the California Speedway.

>>>YELLOW ALERT
>>Remember: Departure Schedule has been Revised
In the last issue of the eNews, we published a new schedule for the Speedway departure. Please remember, the Southern California Caravan Organizing Team STRONGLY RECOMMENDS that Caravaners arrive at the Speedway by 6:30 AM and absolutely no later than 7:00 AM. Those opting for an early arrival may show-up at the Speedway as early as 6:00 AM. These times are about 30 minutes earlier than what had been published previously. Capt Hib Halverson, Departure Operations Supervisor, told the eNews "After a couple of meetings with the PVCA Departure Squad," Halverson said, "early last week, I decided that, to properly accomplish the staging of the cars at the Speedway, we needed to get everyone there a little earlier."

>>>TOP STORIES
>>Errata Sheet Issued
Goleta CA (June 16) The first, and only, Errata Sheet for the Southern California Caravan Route Book was issued toady by the Caravan Organizing Team. It includes updates to the radio procedures section of the Caravaner's Guide, the change in Departure schedule and details on the gas stop in Gallup New Mexico along with a number of other small changes. "We're mailing The Errata to Caravaners who are not leaving the Speedway but are joining us on the road," Capt Paul Mariano, Events and Route Planner, said," but we're going to distribute The Errata by hand to all Caravaners starting from the Speedway on Saturday night at the Best Western and Sunday morning at the track. All Caravaners should make sure they get a copy."

>>Galles Chevrolet Upgrades Caravan Participation
Goleta CA (June 13)--Capt Paul Mariano, SoCalCar's events and route planner, announced that Galles Chevrolet of Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is sponsoring the Caravan's Monday afternoon lunch, has upgraded the cuisine and added some entertainment. Galles Chevrolet spokesperson, Joe Trujillo, told the Southern California Caravan Organizing team that the original menu of burgers and BBQ has been traded for some more interesting local cuisine: a Santa Fe Mexican style buffet. We were also assured by Mr. Trujillo of some entertainment that will "...surprise and please the Caravaners." In addition, Joe tells us that Galles is going to hold a prize drawing in which jackets and other Chevrolet items will be given away. "Looks like Galles has stepped up their program about four notches from the original plan." Capt Paul told the eNews. "The fun starts about 1:30 Monday afternoon."

>>>OTHER NEWS
>>Sunday Night in Flagstaff
The Sunday evening reception at the Days Inn in Flagstaff will feature Mexican style appetizers and snacks along with a no host bar with prices discounted by the hotel. Added this week was a promise by the hotel to discount by 50% any purchase by a Caravaner from the hotel's "Hot Dog Bar".

>>Captain's Car Prep Tips #6
Actually, if you haven't got your car ready for the trip by now, about all you'd better have left to do are basic service items and a good wash and wax along with vacuuming the interior. The Caravan will be about a 5000 mile trip for most cars. Many people who believe in the proverbial 3000-mile oil change might be worried about having to stop on the trip to have their oil changed.

Captain Hib Halverson, former automotive service technician, currently a automotive technical writer for many different car magazines and who has tested engine oils for Red Line Synthetic Oil Corporation since the late '80s, tells the eNews,"Maybe, like...50 years ago, one needed to change oil that frequently, but not with today's engine oils, filters and engine sealing systems. That oil changes are required every 3000 miles is a ridiculously expensive myth propagated by the crooks who run the quick oil change business. As far back as 1963, the Corvette oil change interval was 6000 miles and that was with the engine oils of 40 years ago. Even with a car that old, with today's 10W30, SH- or SJ-rated oils, you're engine is going to be perfectly safe going the Caravan's 5000 miles without an enroute change."

If you're one of the most conservative owners with respect to maintenance, and you're driving a mid-'60s or later car, if you change your oil and filter just before you go; you're not going to have to stop on the trip to change oil again. Just take a couple of extra quarts with you to add if your engine uses oil on the trip.

A lot of people like to carry spare parts on trips like this. Generally, Capt Halverson tries to prevent break-downs with periodic, preventive maintenance before a trip rather than carrying a a lot of parts and tools to fix the car during the trip. Obviously, exceptions to this philosophy are very old cars, show cars or highly-modified cars. In addition, if you know there are certain parts of your car that are questionable in their reliability and you can't change that situation before departure, take whatever spare parts or tools necessary to address any on-road difficulty caused by that reliability shortcoming.

Capt Hib suggests everyone make sure that their spare tire is inflated and that the jacking tools are on-board and functional. Many Caravaners tend to travel in groups and at least one car in a group should have some jumper cables. Things like a spare drive belt(s), some duct or racer's tape, road fares, first aid kit and a little "electrical kit" consisting of spare fuses, some jumper wires and a circuit tester are in some people's cars. Most importantly are a small set of tools. We don't have the space here to list the contents but you need to carry some basic tools necessary to perform simple, emergency maintenance. Lastly, if you have an "Auto Club Card" make sure its in your wallet and remember that Chevrolet has extended its Roadside Assistance Plan to ALL cars on the Caravan, regardless of model year or warranty coverage (or lack thereof) for the period from June 20 to July 6. The number to call if you have trouble is 800-243-8971.

Most Corvettes on this trip are going to be loaded to capacity or near so. You are going to be driving through some of the hottest parts of the country in early summer. For safety, we suggest you inflate your tires to within a few pounds of the maximum inflation pressure listed in your Owner's Manual or the tire rating sticker on your driver's door. Once again, if you haven't done it after reading previous Car Prep Tips, take the time now to make sure your cooling system is functioning properly and the coolant is fresh.

This will be the final Captain's Car Prep Tips column. We hope the information has been useful.

>>More eNews to Come
Be watching your email client for one, maybe even two more issues of the eNews before the Santa Barbara and San Diego Feeder Caravans depart on this coming Saturday.

Thanks for reading

The Southern California Caravan Orgnizing Team
Paul Mariano and Hib Halverson, Captains





[Modified by Hib Halverson, 6:05 PM 6/19/2003]

Hib Halverson

SoCal Caravan eNews #16 >Final Precaravan Edition< (well, maybe)

>>IT'S D MINUS 3!!!
>>Three Days until the Southern Calfornia Caravan departs the California Speedway.

>>>TOP STORIES<<<
>>Finally, After All These Months
West Covina CA (June 19)--Some of you have waited two years or more for the Corvette 50th Anniversary Celebrations. Now, here it is, three days....just 72 hours before we crank-'em-up, roll off the staging area at California Speedway and get on I-15 headed for Bowling Green. Many people have worked hard to organize this event and will work hard to operate it in a manner that makes the trip as enjoyable as possible. You Caravaners have, also, put a lot of effort and money in to making your trip to Bowling Green a memorable experience. The Captains of the Southern California Caravan and the entire SoCalCar Team are grateful you decided to "run with us". We hope the event is the best you've ever been on.

>>Apply and Wear your Caravan Credentials
Goleta CA (June 19)--Don't forget to apply your Caravan sticker to your car and wear your Caravan name tags at all SoCalCar events. You will be denied entry to events if you don't have credentials. There are a very small number of people who registered for the Caravan so late that they did not receive full credentials. We have a list of these persons' names. Those trying to access Caravan events without credentials will be checked against this list. If their names aren't on it, they won't get in. Please....use your credentials.

>>Caravan Stats.
Goleta CA (June 19)--At the California Speedway we'll start with 178 vehicles, 169 Vettes and 8 other vehicles and 355 persons. On Monday morning in Flagstaff SoCalCar will have grown to 193 vehicles (186 Vettes, 8 others) and a crowd of 382. By lunch in Albuquerque NM, we'll be 206 vehicles (195 Vettes) and 407 people. Upon arrival in Amarillo, TX, where Capt Howard Dickman of Oklahoma takes over the Lead of the Caravan, we'll have 215 Corvettes and 430 or so people. From there, it'll just get bigger and bigger and bigger.

>>Where There's Smoke, There's Fire but, Sometimes There's No Problem.
Flagstaff AZ (June 18)--The U.S. Forest Service, Coconino Nat'l Forest Supervisor's Office in Flagstaff announced at 5 PM today (ed note: that's *Wednesday*) that the "Lizard Fire", about nine miles southeast of Flagstaff, is now 3400 acres and 50% contained, with full containment projected by Friday evening. Light smoke from the Lizard Fire was still evident along Interstate 40 east of Flagstaff today, but travel was not affected. One Hundred fire fighters from the USFS, local fire departments and one "hot shot" crew from California are on the lines. Interstate 40 was closed for six hours on Monday, June 16, but has remained open since then.

There were rumors going around the Caravan Internet community this morning (Thurs) of this wildland fire being a raging, freaking-huge, out-of-control inferno what was going to close 40 by Monday forcing the Caravan to either be stopped in Flagstaff or divert through Phoenix. Those rumors were found to be NOT CREDIBLE. The facts are as above.

The Lizard Fire should be contained by Friday and controlled, or perhaps even extinguished, by Monday morning when the SoCalCar passes though the area east of Flag. The Organizing Team will monitor the Lizard Fire and the Caravan Captains will relay any pertinant additional information about to Caravaners at the driver's meeting in Flagstaff on Monday morning. At this point, the Organizing Team expects the fire to be no threat to our event. Expect this eNews item to be the last you hear about it.

>>Departure Point Procedures Reviewed
The Southern California Caravan Organizing Team STRONGLY RECOMMENDS that Caravaners arrive at the California Speedway by 6:30 AM and absolutely no later than 7:00 AM. Those opting for an early arrival may show-up at the Speedway as early as 6:00 AM.

After you go through the Speedway main gate, stay in the right lane. When you get to the first opening in the barrier on the right, turn right and enter Lot 3. Follow the directions of the PVCA Departure Squad workers to the staging lanes.

>>Amarillo TX Fuel Stop Lengthened
The SoCalCar Organizing Team heard yesterday from "Lt" Bill Weir who heads-up the North Texas Feeder Caravan which meets us at the T/A Travel Center of America west of Amarillo. In 1999, this group only had three cars go on Caravan. They worked hard on the Amarillo area for '03 and have over 20 Corvettes joining us on Tuesday. Originally, we scheduled a 15-minute stop at the T/A Amarillo-West, but the owner of this facility is a big supporter of club in Amarillo. He's had the Caravan banner hanging in the Center three months and can hardly wait for us to stop there. The T/A is a large, new facility, built in 1999. T/A will be giving Caravaners dollar-off coupons for for drinks, snacks, gas, etc., courtesy of the owner. Our stop in Amarillo, to join with the North Texas Feeder and to get snacks and gas, will be lengthened by 15 minutes to a total of half-an-hour.

>>>OTHER NEWS

>>Vette Vues Magazine Looking for Writers and Photographers
Vette Vues wants to hear from each of the various Caravans. Those interested in writing a Vette Vues article should record their activities with a high res. digital camera, take notes on their experiences along the way and, then, write a one-page story about interesting things that happened on the trip. Contact Vette Vues Magazine when you are ready to send your pictures and story at: comments@vette-vues.com. Your story just might make one of the magazine's issues. Vette Vues does not pay for submitted material, but it does credit the writer and photographer with a "byline."

>>Your Picture in Tucumcari
"Lt" Ralph Snow, our Reception Director for Tucumcari, and the people at Mills-Strebeck Chevrolet arranged to have New Mexico automotive photographer, Bill Fouch, present at the "Route 66 Memorial" to photograph each Caravaner's Corvette in front of it, or any group or person from the Caravan with or without a car. Bill will have with him "Route 66 Calendar" model, Deeann LÕEsperance. You'll fill out a coupon, pay him, and your picture, photographed however you like, will be shipped home. The Memorial is a hundred yards or so from the Tucumcari Convention Center where Mills-Strebeck Chevrolet's Corvette Fiesta will take place, so it will be simple for Caravaners to leave the party for a short time to get their cars shot next to the Memorial.

>>Monday Night, Live in Tucumcari
All the radio stations in northwestern New Mexico will be present at the Tucumcari Convention Center covering Mills-Strebeck Chevrolet's Monday evening Corvette Fiesta. There will be remote radio broadcasts by KOB 93.3, KBZU 96.3, KIOT 102.5 and KTZO 103.3. If you want to get on-air, they'll be doing lots of interviews with Caravaners.

>>Tucumcari Morning: Coffee and Donuts
Mills-Strebeck Chevrolet will have coffee and donuts at our departure point in Convention Center parking lot on Tuesday morning starting at 6:30.

>>reset your Clocks...Twice
On Monday, when we cross the New Mexico state line, we go into the Mountain time zone. Reset your clocks one hour later. On Tuesday, when we cross the Texas line, we go into the Central time zone. Set your clocks another hour later.

>>How Far is it?
Courtesy of Capt Paul Mariano, here of some road mileages for the SoCalCar route:

Speedway to Needles 227 miles Elk City to Oklahoma City 106 miles
Needles to Kingman 63 miles OKC to Webbers Falls 146 miles
From Kingman to Flagstaff 167miles Webbers Falls to Alma 61 miles
Flagstaff to Gallup 185 miles Alma to Little Rock 175 miles
Gallup to Albuquerque 139 miles Little Rock to Memphis 169 miles
From Galles to Tucumcari 168 miles Memphis to Nashville 190 miles
Tucumcari to Amarillo 120 miles Little Rock to BG 66 miles
Amarillo to Elk City 144 miles

>>Final Issue
As the subject line says, this is most likely the final issue of the SoCal Caravan eNews.

The Captains of the Southern California Section of the 50th Anniversary Corvette Caravan and the entire SoCalCar Organizing Team are grateful for the chance do something for our hobby. We hope you all enjoy the trip to Bowling Green.

SoCalCar appreciates the generosity of Envisage Design Labs whose sponsorship made has eNews possible. We'd also like to thank the CF's Chuck Felton for his support in maintaining this thread as an important resource for Pacific Coast CF members interested in Caravan information.

Thanks for reading and we'll see you on Sunday morning, bright and early at the California Speedway in Fontana.

The Southern California Caravan Orgnizing Team
Paul Mariano and Hib Halverson, Captains
_______________________________

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