Next Years after dinner Cruise

Matt B · Post by **Matt B** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 4:28 pm

First let me thank all of you who donated money for the Police department in their support of the cruise. We ended up with a grand total of $530 in donations. We had a great time on the cruise and our escorts really enjoyed themselves as well!

On a different note, it was brought to my attention by several members, and our escorts that there were a couple of people who were getting a little out of hand. Those of you know who you are, and I will say 2 things about it.
1.This is a CRUISE, not a dragstrip or racetrack to squeel your tires all the time and hang the back end out. Please keep your foot in check so you don't spoil it for the rest of the participants.
2. The above actions jeapordize our chances of getting another permit for police escort next year. I've already assured the Police that it won't happen again. If I see it, I will simply ask you to leave the cruise immediately, and any attempts to rejoin will be met with a citation from our escorts.

If you feel I've acted too harshly please take it up with me via email. I've thought about this since Saturday night and feel I'm treating this incident fairly. My feelings are this: if you can't control yourself in a group setting, where we want to leave a favorable impression on the people of Sandusky, who tolerate our cruise as well as get an invitation to return, then please stay home. I'm sure I'm not alone on this, based upon some comments I've already received.

I'm already looking forward to seeing everyone next year, and I'm sure it won't happen again.

One other note: Next years cruise will be restricted to Firehawks only. Since the FAOA members sponsor the dinner, activities and organize it, its only fair we restrict it to members and owners. For those wishing to join without a Firehawk, we only ask that you drive an F-Body, and make a $20 donation to our Police fund.

Matt

Firehawk · Post by **Firehawk** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 4:39 pm

Well said and I am glad you said this publicly because it was what I was thinking.

We should also post it in the newsletter and bring it up at the next dinner so people can't say they haven't been warned.

Brian

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Where's the kaboom? There was supposed to be an earth-shattering kaboom!

fhawk149 · Post by **fhawk149** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 4:58 pm

Well said and I agreed completely. We should consider this event as something we are granted by the Police Departments and the Cities involved. Myself I am amazed that this event can be done. This is their busiest time of the year for tourists and once again we should feel Lucky & Honored that as a group we are permitted to do the Cruise. Once it is spoiled and taken away we will never get it returned. Lets give the respect to them that we would want if we lived there.

Wayne

HawkLT1 · Post by **HawkLT1** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 6:00 pm

Well said by all! I back this 100%. I DO NOT want to lose what we have for the sake of a few showboaters.
Bob D

Maplehawk · Post by **Maplehawk** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 3:55 pm

I would agree Matt. there were a couple of Hawks in front of me that were too aggressive. Loud is one thing.

With respect to Hawks only, the fact that some non-Hawk owners that tagged along were overheard joking about our event on the Sunday morning leads me to support your proposal.

Scott S · Post by **Scott S** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 6:49 pm

Maplehawk wrote:the fact that some non-Hawk owners that tagged along were overheard joking about our event on the Sunday morning leads me to support your proposal.

It's disappointing that it has to be said, but I agree as well. But Mac, now you have arisen my curiosity, what on earth was said about our event?

Firehawk 526 · Post by **Firehawk 526** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 8:36 pm

Yes, I observed a little of that activity, and cannot deny that I perhaps contributed to some of the "front end" red-necking, but was testing out some new cutouts for the next day's race event at Norwalk.

NO EXCUSE (well, except for that magnet on my foot, and that darn sticky excelerator) .......but it cannot be said I didn't have fun!!!

I should have refrained or restricted my testing on the road. My apologies to everyone, if, in fact I am a guilty party.

Be rest assured all testing will be performed PRIOR to the cruise, in OFF-ROAD conditions. Sometimes I push the outer limits of acceptability a bit too far. I'd NEVER intentionally jeopardize our status w/the local PD.

See what happens when you get outta town and let your hair down.

Matt B · Post by **Matt B** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 10:48 pm

Mark,

I have no problems with open cutouts, getting on the throttle a little bit, as that wasn't what happened.

It was a couple of really hangin the back end out and doing it more than once, not to mention smoking the tires right in front of the police. Not something I would personally view as a favorable thing.

I'm just as guilty as the next person for getting on it, but you have to do it in moderation depending on your surroundings. Don't worry...you weren't one I was worried about

Matt

02hawk796 · Post by **02hawk796** » Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:04 am

I wasn't around this year, but I had a blast on last year's Cruise.

It is very good to post the expectations and consequences. Please do not assume everybody is on the same page you are. Some "Cruises" are much, much more than liesurely. Some car events (parades, shows, fests) have major burnouts on the public streets in front of the cops, with them looking on and around (sanctioned, I guess) with a full crowd around (no barriers).

It is best when the rules, standards, expectations, consequences are all clearly listed for all to see. Maybe some saw others do it and thought it was accepted. Maybe the cops saw it all and assumed that was what you (or the club) had allowed.

In addition to posting and printing/handing out what is expecteed, provide an exact copy to the PD so they know what WE expect, what THEY can expect, and how WE hope THEY deal with any problems. Then they won't think WE endorse some misdeeds, and they know they won't be offending us by clamping down. The copy you give to the PD, highlight the portions pertaining to citations.

In short, this all should remove any confusion or misguided assumptions on the part of all involved.

Firehawk 526 · Post by **Firehawk 526** » Mon Sep 06, 2004 11:17 am

Excellent idea....but common sense should have overruled all else.

For the select few, this is most likely a mandatory item that needs to be included for next year's rally.

Thank you