Sat. April 16th - SPRING KICKOFF!!!!!!!

[John Vilsack]

http://i.imgur.com/qenYj.jpg (http://imgur.com/qenYj)

Click Here to Let Us Know You Are Interested! (http://springkickoff2011.eventbrite.com)

FINALLY!!!

After yet another long, cold Minnesota winter, its finally time for us to pull off those car covers, fire up our motorized babies and hit the streets!

This year, the Minnesota Ford Enthusiasts have planned a great day that is open to everyone AND FREE!

8AM - 11AM All Ford Event :: Minneapolis AutoMotorplex, Channehassen
Location on Google Maps: http://goo.gl/fTlqx

The morning starts off early at an inagural event being held at the Minneapolis AutoMotorplex; a special event for all Ford groups! The same folks that bring you "Cars and Coffee" are branching out to showcase more specific groups throughout the year.

MNFE will meet at the Motorplex and will have space reserved for those who pre-register.

http://goo.gl/fTlqx

11AM :: Motorplex attendees discuss food plans or route plans.

1PM - 2PM :: Spring Kickoff!, Brooklyn Center City Hall

We're going to rendezvous for our kickoff at the north parking lot for a brief how-do-you-do before heading off for the cruise.

http://goo.gl/HB6VG

3PM :: The Cruise!

We'll be traveling to the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt, WI.

http://goo.gl/n5W9m

4PM - 6PM :: Eat at the Willow River Saloon!

Click Here to Let Us Know You Are Interested! (http://springkickoff2011.eventbrite.com)

Share this event with EVERYONE: http://springkickoff2011.eventbrite.com

RAIN, SNOW OR SHINE - We are cruising!

The weather forecast in Minnesota is once again calling for cruddy weather on the day of a planned event but rain or snow (GASP!) won't stop us from heading to the AutoMotorPlex bright and early on Saturday morning. So bring your car, truck, SUV, show car, whatever you feel comfortable with and join us for the day!

The cars are what bring us together but it's the people who make it fun!

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the AutoMotoPlex or in Brooklyn Center as we cruise on to the Willow River Saloon in Burkhardt, Wisconsin. It'll be a jam packed day full of fun. Hope to see you there!

[ShadowGT04]

I will probably be their for the morning but I have my motorcycle license class/test that day in the afternoon

[MadJack]

cass and i are in, trying to find a baby sitter for our little joy since it'll be a long day.

[TaLoN]

I'm definitely interested... looking into possibly getting off work that day...

[BAD380R]

I'm thinking I would like to attend...Not sure on the cruise though...Hopefully will have the car ready and out by then..
Troy

[1991lx]

I would be intrested in the motorplex and drive to Brooklyn Center. The rest gets kinda too far away from home.

[Dazed1]

Definitely IN!!! gotta see how well the new mods work...:happydance: Plus the Motorplex is really an awesome location, just wish I could convince the better half to invest in one of the "condo's"...:banghead::banghead:

[HMMRDWN]

April 16th looks like a busy spring kick-off day. In another thread D9 indicated the April meeting is indeed on April 16th. But, I don't see the business meeting on the agenda for the cruise.
Was a decision made to not hold our regularly scheduled meetings at AVF?
Can someone please clarify?
Would hate for people not able to make the cruise to show up at AVF for the meeting...if there is no meeting. Thanks

[TF2v97SN]

our april meeting has ALWAYS been the spring kickoff

[DNeinstadt]

New people don't always know that Brett.

Marie, we have never formally said every meeting will be at AVF, many of our monthly meetings piggyback on other events.

There WILL be a meeting at the 1PM - 2PM :: Spring Kickoff!, Brooklyn Center City Hall timeslot.

Dan

[Stilz]

I'm definitely in for this, maybe the wife too. Last hoorah for me this year. heh.
Hoping to have some extra Foci joining this year also. The sad thing is... I might have to be late to my own going away party for this... lol but I'm SO in! :lol:

[drop top]

Just traded weekends, so I am now in!!!
:djparty::djparty::djparty:

[TaLoN]

Not looking good for me... Having a hard time getting the day off...

[MadJack]

I'm definitely in for this, maybe the wife too. Last hoorah for me this year. heh.
Hoping to have some extra Foci joining this year also. The sad thing is... I might have to be late to my own going away party for this... lol but I'm SO in! :lol:
sweet lol, i'm trying to get a few contours too.

Not looking good for me... Having a hard time getting the day off...
call in sick :uhoh: is worth it... :)

[HMMRDWN]

Thanks for clarifying. I've been a member a couple years now and I didn't know that...maybe others didn't either. Never hurts to ask!

[66gtk]

If I can get the Kar ready in time and the streets are reasonably clean I'm IN for the morning slot - not sure yet about the afternoon/evening.

[HELLFYR]

Not looking good for me... Having a hard time getting the day off...

I can swing buy and pick up your car ... :uhoh:.... just sayin'... :ontome:

[Tooslow]

I've only met one or two of you at a detail day, but looks like the wife and I (and the 4 year old) are going to be in for this event (assuming flight delays don't leave me stuck in AZ Friday night)! We're planning on the whole day, but depending on how our daughter is holding up, may cut it short before the WI leg.

Seems like a much more adult/family-safe environment than TC Stangs events, so we're hoping to start getting involved with the club more this year. I'm the car guy, she just wants to go along for the ride and meet some people!

Any info we need to be able to meet up with you guys? Or just show up at the address and look for the flamed orange Cobra? We'll be driving a black convertible Terminator with a roll bar... probably still be dirty at that point, due to my work travel schedule.

Jeremy and Katie

[Stilz]

sweet lol, i'm trying to get a few contours too.

call in sick :uhoh: is worth it... :)

sounds good buddy. I'm not sure if I'll have the foci or the contour yet... having some issues with the reassembly on the contour, but I'll be there through the cruise. :)

[notnss]

I shall be there, looks like I have someone lined up to drive the wagon so I'll be able to sit in the back and get some nice rolling shots of everyone again :photo:

[66gtk]

SWEET!
http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac199/jsphotog/MFE%20Cruise%20-%20April%202010/IMG_12822.jpg

[MadJack]

pics of ugly contours too? :lol:

[HELLFYR]

pics of ugly contours too? :lol:

Provided they don't go dashing off down the road running their own pace instead of staying with the group cruising... sure...

[vistabluevert]

I've only met one or two of you at a detail day, but looks like the wife and I (and the 4 year old) are going to be in for this event (assuming flight delays don't leave me stuck in AZ Friday night)! We're planning on the whole day, but depending on how our daughter is holding up, may cut it short before the WI leg.

Seems like a much more adult/family-safe environment than TC Stangs events, so we're hoping to start getting involved with the club more this year. I'm the car guy, she just wants to go along for the ride and meet some people!

Any info we need to be able to meet up with you guys? Or just show up at the address and look for the flamed orange Cobra? We'll be driving a black convertible Terminator with a roll bar... probably still be dirty at that point, due to my work travel schedule.

Jeremy and Katie

I agree that this group seems to be more family friendly and is the reason why I joined the club. Looking forward to the cruise on the 16th!! I'm planning on going on the afternoon cruise but will probably pass on the morning event.

[TaLoN]

I can swing buy and pick up your car ... :uhoh:.... just sayin'... :ontome:
Yeah... I bet you "can"... :warmup:

Saturdays are just difficult for me to do... Sundays would be perfect though... :shrug:

[Stig]

Cool photos! Hope you guys and gals have a great time. I'm a long ways away but we'll be watching from afar - hope to see some nice pics. I'll be at Griots Garage in Tacoma, WA that day with the NOS crew trying to get my free shirt and caffeine fix

:rcain:

[66gtk]

Tires are inflated, oil is changed, and the Kar had it's first little road cruise today!

[90SC]

Paula and I are in for the whole day. Tbird won't be waxed but its clean.

[John Vilsack]

Folks,

I came up with the routes for the kickoff cruise. Instead of going for the shortest routes, I played with them a bit to make them a bit more caravan friendly.

First up is the directions to the Motoplex:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2868958/ToMotorPlex.pdf

From the Motorplex to the cruise start:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2868958/ToCruiseStart.pdf

And finally, the route to the Willow River Saloon:

As a PDF (not working for everyone) 3181

As an Image: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/2868958/CruiseRouteImage.png

If you have any questions, please feel free to message me or email me!

Thanks!

[DNeinstadt]

John, the last file in your list (Cruise to Willow River) seems to lock my PC up. I've tried it on two other PC's (3 total) and had the same issue. Can you fix your link or just post/hotlink the PDF here?

Dan

[MadJack]

52 and dry is the forecast for saturday... :)

i also cant open the last link.

[John Vilsack]

Fixed. Let me know if anyone has any problems. It worked for me fine :S

[DNeinstadt]

Still locks up my PC.

[John Vilsack]

Ok, added an image. Not really sure why one is acting differently than the other two.

[DNeinstadt]

IMG works. :)

[TF2v97SN]

52 and dry is the forecast for saturday... :)

i also cant open the last link.

its showing high of 44 with rain/snow for saturday

[LadyCobra]

It's Minnesota. Wait 10 minutes and the forecast will change.

[MadJack]

It's Minnesota. Wait 10 minutes and the forecast will change.

when i posted thats wht they wre forcasting and ill will be wishfully thinking :D

[Dazed1]

Breakout the long underwear:boohoo::boohoo::badidea:

[MadJack]

so whats our plan if there is snow? or inclement weather?

[drop top]

so whats our plan if there is snow? or inclement weather?

Bring your Shovel??

[DNeinstadt]

The show must go on! We have too much planned to cancel or postpone. I'm going either way, if you want to drive your daily's, that's your call!

[John Vilsack]

Good god you people respond quick!

I was actually just thinking the same thing. Weather is being seriously unpredictable, so I expect some daily drivers. :)

Maybe I'll have to go buy mine!

[MadJack]

ok, kool, not like there is a difference for me as i drive mine any day anyways. just curiouse for those who have nicer cars. but i really hope to see our nice cars out .

[LadyCobra]

Talking with Rod last night, as long as its not raining or accumulated snow on the ground, we'll be out in the Cobra on Saturday. Not worried about it gettin dirty, can always clean it.

[HELLFYR]

Still need to replace front tires on it... so rain + cobra = Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[DNeinstadt]

Throw some chains on the front Rod, you'll be FINE in the snow......... ;P

[HAULNSS]

Throw some chains on the front Rod, you'll be FINE in the snow......... ;P

http://autospans.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/mustang_chains-Medium-doing-it-wrong-fail.jpg

60% of the time it works, every time.

[MadJack]

hmmm maybe i should try that...

[DNeinstadt]

You'd have to put them on the rear!

[vistabluevert]

I'll just pretend I'm driving a really big snowmobile with heated seats and an optional roof should the weather get too cold or wet. See you on Saturday rain (or snow) or shine!

[LadyCobra]

Morning time decision which vehicle we'll be headed out in. But we'll be in Chanhassen bright and early :thup:

[MadJack]

sounds like there may be a little snow but will burn off early with a high of 50 and low around 35 with light rain/snow mix early in the morning.

on a side note, we'll have our little one with us so it should be a long day lol.
what time is everone that is going to the motorplex going to be there?

[Tooslow]

How old is the little one? We'll have our 4 year old girl with us too.

Wife has an appointment in Burnsville that should be done at 8... plan is to head out from there. So I'm guessing 8:30-9:00.

As I have a hard enough time with traction when the temps are under 50 and dry, if it's in the 30s and raining and snowing we'll likely be no-shows :( If we brought the Cherokee instead, I'd just look pissed off all day at not being able to drive the Cobra, and the wife would be pissed at having to ride in my crappy Cherokee all day! Wouldn't make us look very approachable for meeting new people.

Then again, the rain would draw attention away from the fact that I haven't been able to give it a good cleaning yet this year!

[Dazed1]

Dirt washes off, I'll be there good and early to get a "good" spot....:hehehmn:take this snow :50cal:

[MadJack]

19 months. what time mike? i know your an early riser lol

[John Vilsack]

24 hour forecast says at most 1-2 inches but since they've blown the rest of the forecast this week, I'm inclined to think I'll wake up tomorrow to 75 degree temperatures.

I'll see you all at the MotorPlex!

[MadJack]

24 hour forecast says at most 1-2 inches but since they've blown the rest of the forecast this week, I'm inclined to think I'll wake up tomorrow to 75 degree temperatures.

I'll see you all at the MotorPlex!

in a sonic blue mustang? :uhoh:

[John Vilsack]

Haven't decided yet.

[LadyCobra]

I'll be baking cookies for tomorrow..... Just an FYI :thup:

[MadJack]

i say everyone needs to have there cars out, its gonna be a nice day after the morning :)

[66gtk]

Our thread/schedule indicates 8-11 at the Motorplex, but their website say's 9-12. I suppose with the weather in the morning, I doubt many will be there forcing them to open the gates very early...
http://www.automotorplex.com/images/BlogPics/189.pjpeg

[HMMRDWN]

mmmm.....cookies :)

[LadyCobra]

Yummy!

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff83/lady_cobra/IMG_0365.jpg

[jimbo020]

hmmmm, cookies.... :)
Freezing sleet here now.... yuk:thdown:

[MadJack]

nommy! see ya'll bright and early!

[Stilz]

nommy! see ya'll bright and early!

well I might not be out there at 8am, but I should be joining around 11. We finally got q place and moved so I'm kinda dead and need a extra hr of sleep or so. Lol

[notnss]

Maybe a half inch of snow in the northwest burbs but the roads are in great shape. Snow is melting on contact so they're just wet and not icy

[HELLFYR]

talk about a depressing sight out the window...ugh.

But... the orange beastie will be headed down to the motorplex shortly

cya all in a few

[John Vilsack]

Letter from the front by Lt. Colonel John Vilsack, April 16th, 1863

My Dearest Ford Friends,

We have shored up our defenses at the Brooklyn Center battlefield indoors. Troop morale is down, but I am committed to our resolve of winning this battle and thusly the war. The cold nights are spent huddled in masses praying for deliverance from Mother Nature's mighty wrath, yet the harsh chill of wind that hits our face abates none.

Rations and resources are dissolving fast, and I fear the worst. Should the nefarious French Chevrolet's rear there head at the worst time, Only by the grace shall we see the next dawn.

Pray for us.

Lt. Colonel John D. Vilsack IV
Cobra Company

[Stilz]

thank you all for a wonderful day! Sorry I ran out but the closer I get to leaving the more emotional I get. Lol.
Deployment party is at the Stillwater eagles on hwy 36 from 6 to midnight. See you all Jun of 2k12. :)

[prostang92]

Letter from the front by Lt. Colonel John Vilsack, April 16th, 1863

My Dearest Ford Friends,

We have shored up our defenses at the Brooklyn Center battlefield indoors. Troop morale is down, but I am committed to our resolve of winning this battle and thusly the war. The cold nights are spent huddled in masses praying for deliverance from Mother Nature's mighty wrath, yet the harsh chill of wind that hits our face abates none.

Rations and resources are dissolving fast, and I fear the worst. Should the nefarious French Chevrolet's rear there head at the worst time, Only by the grace shall we see the next dawn.

Pray for us.

Lt. Colonel John D. Vilsack IV
Cobra Company

I think someone forgot his meds this morning......

[prostang92]

thank you all for a wonderful day! Sorry I ran out but the closer I get to leaving the more emotional I get. Lol.
Deployment party is at the Stillwater eagles on hwy 36 from 6 to midnight. See you all Jun of 2k12. :)


was good to see you to....
thanks for serving our country, Its my privelage knowing you.
Hope to see you soon and in good health...

chris

[John Vilsack]

:)

It was absolutely frigid out there today. The temps didn't really speak to how cold the wind was making it.

We were lucky enough to get into the Community Center and had the meeting in there!

[John Vilsack]

Thanks for taking the time today to spend some time with us. Good luck and god bless!

[John Vilsack]

And...Thanks to everyone who showed up today and braved the elements with us today! We had a good showing (comparatively speaking) at the Minneapolis Motorplex and the cruise was a blast!

[66gtk]

I was there, and no cookies for me....
http://troy.krugercentral.com/snowcruise/P1000933b.jpg

[ptbr45]

Stilz:

Thanks for coming out yesterday. Stay safe and we will see you back here in 2k12. When you get back look me up, I wanna buy you a steak dinner at Ruth's Chris. Thanks for keeping our country safe.

-Paul

[ptbr45]

Sorry I bailed yesterday after one beverage. I had a lot going on this weekend and was trying to fit it all in. So when I got home to Eden Prairie from Burkhardt I changed clothes and drove to Hutchinson. I looked it up--Burkhardt and Hutchinson are almost the same distance from my house. YIKES! I didn't realize I did THAT much driving yesterday.

Had a great time--wish I had more time to meet more people.

On an interesting note I got 22 mpg in the 65. Not sure what that is all about but I think I gotta do something to fix that. That seems like an economy car!!!

-Paul

[Blackcoog]

I think someone forgot his meds this morning......

Chris you don't know John very well do you. He always forgets his meds. :lol2:

John you have to check out my new wheels. I think it's technically a Ford. I mean Ford did own them when they developed it. Dan N. said it counts. \/

[66gtk]

On an interesting note I got 22 mpg in the 65. Not sure what that is all about but I think I gotta do something to fix that. That seems like an economy car!!!

-Paul

What kind of running gear are you packing in that Pony? I once got that with 100% nice hwy driving in my old '65, but it was running a regular C code 2BBL (3 spd, single exhaust). I can see the gas gauge needle moving in my current convertible. Yikes!

[prostang92]

Chris you don't know John very well do you. He always forgets his meds. :lol2:

John you have to check out my new wheels. I think it's technically a Ford. I mean Ford did own them when they developed it. Dan N. said it counts. \/

so chris none of the rest of us are good enough to check out your new wheels? is this an invite only deal, suite and tie event?

[Aspette]

thank you all for a wonderful day! Sorry I ran out but the closer I get to leaving the more emotional I get. Lol.
Deployment party is at the Stillwater eagles on hwy 36 from 6 to midnight. See you all Jun of 2k12. :)

Thank you so much for your service!!! Stay safe and God Bless:patriot::patriot:

[John Vilsack]

Well, I DID almost buy his old wheels, and I'm also in the market so....I'm excited!

Does this mean Blackcoog returns to meetings? :) :) :)

[66gtk]

I noticed Alex was there snapping a few photos and I thought I'd share his page:
https://picasaweb.google.com/bellus.alex/AllFordCarShowAutoMotorPlex#

[MadJack]

nice pics! you even took some of my ugly contour.