Comment that pisses me off a little... I mean a little..
 

Every year, I get this question from someone who lives near DGRR event..



I get this question at least every year from someone.. And for some reason, always from people who live fairly close to DGRR, And from new or young rotary owner.

To those who might ask me this this year, ITS only $25 and it goes to a good cause (and you get an event shirt unlike some car shows which charges you over $50 with nothing to take home, etc). Its also by far the largest rotary event east of MS and this year, there are some high figures in rotary community are coming to this event. I mean, there are people who live over 500 miles away are willing to pay $25, drive full day, and pay hundreds on lodging and food to come to this event. Also, there are people who appreciate rotary event such as this and register, even though they can't not come. But, it also doesn't surprise me that some always think stuff like this should be free (usually people who doesn't understand how much time it takes to organize such event)...

So, before you ask me if you could stop by and not pay the $25 registration fee... Ask yourself, do you think event like this is not worth $25 and those who signed up for it are stupid to pay $25 registration fee?? If you answer yes, I highly advice you not to come.. If you are so tight on cash but want to come to the event, than please shoot me a PM and I'll work something out with you..

Phil

Damn, I was just gonna ask you that.

LOL!

Phil, we're taking you out one night and treating you to dinner and a bar tab. BTW - I have your old RX8 seats in the FC, they'll make my 28 hour drive, 1700 mile trip, $350 gas bill and lodging that much more comfy :smilielol5:

Same people that have never driven to Seven Stock I imagine...

Ah, the stress level rises for Phil proportionately to the stupid questions people ask. I say make them pay double! Or how about tell them it's free but they have to pay $1 for every car they look at?

Get 'em Phil!

I know people ask that every year. This is the CHEAPEST fun you can have. And this year is no exception. $25 and all the awesome cars that are coming???

Win!

You're kidding right?? :o11:

hey phil...i live about an hour away...do i...

oh wait, i'm already registered and have lodging for the weekend!!!

i will admit, i was unclear on the whole "registration" fee my first year of wanting to come to DGRR... I didn't pay and I didn't get food... nor a T-shirt... it was like "oh, you came too? go stand over there, the registered attendees are busy..." which was completely acceptable to me because I didn't register so I didn't get the perks associated with it...

I think we all just need to give PHIL a big :grouphug: and say "THANKS FOR ALL THE HARD WORK!!!"

I hear ya Tray.. And I understand the reason way some/locals think, "Why should I paid to be on US129?". I have no problem with those rotary guys wanting to come out to US129 during the days I have the event.. I see them every year!! But the problem is, they might not hear the safety lecture, understand the danger of the US129, and issues they might cause for the people whom are more cautious on US129. Also, the event DGRR IS NOT just driving on US129 but hanging out with the fellow rotary owners at NVNC. And NVNC is a private location, just as people will not let you into a racetrack without paying to get in... Same principle... And that's the difference between just showing up vs. driving on a public road. I can't stop you from coming to US129 the same day DGRR takes place, but I sure can ask you to leave NVNC or Top of the Fontana Dam (as I've reserved the lot specific for the event and has an OK by TN Valley Police to ask anyone to leave the area if requested).

If an older retired couple was cruising through the mountains, saw all the nice cars and stopped to check them out, would you really ask them to leave? Just asking.

This is the second post I read by you Don, that makes me think...

1. You are just wanting to stir things up, which you have before..
2. Joking around and giving me a hard time.
3. You've been to my event multiple times and but still not sure what this event is about.
4. Can't understand other people's position.
5. Can't understand other's jokes (regarding David's).

Either case, I think you and I both know the answers to what you are asking above... especially you've known me for the past 7 years or so.

Phil

Let me also point out what HDP/Don has pointed out on other local forum regarding my statement about the registration fee going to a "GOOD CAUSE".

He stated:
And this is regarding when I said

Let me be clear to my statement, "GOOD CAUSE". As there might be some mis-interpretation and wasting more of my time as some of you like to nick pick at what I might say..

When I say 'GOOD CAUSE', I see that there is NO big rotary gathering in this region where we, all generations of rotary cars could come together. So, hence when funds from the registration fee is used to organize this event, I see it as a "GOOD CAUSE" for the rotary community at hand.

I also think some ask such question because those of you think that I have some hidden agenda or something.. Maybe some of you think that I make a KILLING organizing this event.. If so, you really don't know what it takes and how much time it takes. Please ask my wife as she asks me every year, "Is it worth your time organizing and dealing with all these BS??". And this is also the reason, I debate about doing it every year..

So, Hopefully I'm clear about when I say "GOOD CAUSE"??? If you guys don't think so, please let me know.. Because I always thought I was doing something "GOOD" for the community and if I'm not, Hell, why the fuck am I wasting my time :)

Phil

Folks really have no idea of how much Phil does to pull this event off each year. I've known Phil for several years now, and I can honestly say that he puts his heart and a bunch of effort into this event. I really don't know how he keeps his job, or even stays married, because of this event.

Geez, folks, give him a break.

Phil, my suggestion would be to focus on all of the people that truly enjoy the event. Surely they outnumber the folks that don't really understand the event. I get excited every year, thinking that I am going to make this one.....and then don't. Now, it will be even more difficult to make the trip since I am living in SD. Wish I could be there to help a rotary brotha out.

Todd B.
(formerly of No Limit Ind.)

No, my folks said they might be in the Smokey Mountains around this time and when my mom said "we might stop in and check you guys out", I wouldn't want there to be any misunderstandings...

I'm sorry you "interpretted" all this from the one question I asked...