December 4, 2004

Happy Holidays.  And we survived the Greensboro Christmas parade.  And here is how Bobby enjoyed the parade:

We went ahead and got up early Saturday morning, so we would have time to do all of the things that we needed to do to prepare for our first ever GOV Christmas Parade. Susan suggested that I add a "big ole bow" on the front of my Squareback, and I liked the idea, but I had nowhere on the front of the car but the bumper, and I didn't like the idea of putting one there. So, I didn't bring that "big ole bow" with us. We filled the cooler, and the gas tank, and we headed to Herbie's Place to hook up with the other GOV members for the event. We arrived a little early, to find the number of cars already there, as kind of small. It didn't take long before the VWs started coming in.

As a result of Lee's job, and Shearin's plan's, Quigley didn't get to show off any at all, and this kind of irritated quite a few of us, not to mention Lee & Shearin. We did get the honor of having Shearin visit us and take a few pictures while we were doing our things though. When we left Herbie's, there were 15 VWs strong. We then had 2 more to join us as we were waiting to join the parade, for a total of 17 VW's. We were one of the last group's in the parade, so they had us line up at the end of the street to wait for the parade to start, and while we were waiting about 2-3 hours for the thing to start, our GOV members decorated their VW's with all kinds of Christmas decoration's, and even had some extra things that were given to us other member's that didn't bring any "big ole bows", if you know what I mean! We had plenty of time on our hands to catch up with the latest about our members, and listen to some of the bands tuning up and practicing, and even to get some admiring looks from the people as they rode past us on the street. We even had one lady to pull up beside us in New Beetle, checking out all of our VW's, with a grin on her face from ear to ear as she rode past our group. I even asked her to join our group, but she wouldn't do it. She just grinned! After a few hours, a few trips for food, and a few more trips to the port-a-john, we finally got ourselves lined up for the parade, and headed downtown. It was Harvey in his clown Bug leading us off, then Elliott in his Bus, April and William in their Things next, then me and Susan in my Squareback, and then 12 Bug's, being driven by Steve, Bill, Craig, Sixto & Kelly, Alan & Jan, Scott, Tyrone & family, Carl & his wife, Mary, (I'll need some help on these people) the newest members in their white convertible Bug, the young guy in a silver Bug with blue ghost flames, and a guy in a red Bug convertible. All of us waving and blowing our horns at the admiring crowd, and quite a few of us handing out candy to the kids. And then there was Shearin standing in the street taking pictures of us as we rode past her. Then we came around the block, and there was Shearin again, taking even more pictures. Then.....as soon as it had started, the parade was over and done with, and we all went our separate ways, to get something to eat or whatever. I would like everyone to know that we really enjoyed our first GOV Christmas Parade, and especially, all of the members that were involved with it, to make it the impressive sight that it was. Just a bunch of Good Ole Volks, doing our thing and getting some recognition in the process. This is also the largest caravan of VW's that we have had the pleasure of being in as well. In closing.... we would like to wish all of the GOV's a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy Hew Year. Till next time.......
Have a VW day,
Bobby McDowell

Lee will put some parade pictures on the web site for us to enjoy. Travel safe and enjoy the holidays,

Shearin

November 14, 2004

This time we travel East to Fayetteville.  And Bobby is there for the story: 

With the weather getting colder these days, the outdoor activities are getting limited. We did take a chance, and decided to check out the "Bugmania #3" at the Fayetteville Motorsports Park in Fayetteville, NC this past Sunday Nov.14,2004. We got up early, packed my Squareback with our things, had our breakfast at the Biscuitville, then headed to our first trip to Fayetteville, NC for the show. The sun was out, with minimal clouds, but that wind had some bite to it, and it was blowing pretty good too. We got to the show with no problems, and the traffic wasn't bad that early in the morning either. This was one of the smaller VW show's that we have been to. I did see Craig, Sixto, Kelly, Mickey, Tommy, and Chad Hicks there, as well as a lot of other people with some really nice VWs. As for the one's showing their cars...... just Chad and I showed our VWs. Chad had his red 1965 Bug, and I had my Squareback. Both of us won 1st in our class too! There were some great drag cars, and some were making some impressive runs down the track too. We had our own lunch with us and our cooler packed as well, so we had plenty of food to keep us happy, but we still had that cold wind to deal with, which wasn't all that much fun. I even broke out my new Gorgonz ear muffs to keep my ears warm. Even though this show was one of the smaller shows that I've been to, we did enjoy our time with these VW people, and even had one of our newest couples, that just came to Herbie's Place for the first time this past Thursday, to come up to us to introduce themselves, after seeing my GOV sticker on my window. The awards weren't given out till late, and the traffic was right congested on the way back, which put us getting home again after dark, but everything went fine for our trip, and I get to ad another trophy to the collection. I think that I can now relax till springtime next year on the car shows, but I have really enjoyed doing the VW shows this year, and especially having the company of good people like the GOV's. Till next time.......
Have a VW day,
Bobby McDowell

Yes, the weather is getting cooler.  But the bugs keep on rolling.  Stay safe, and warm.

Shearin

November 6, 2004

This time we are on the road with Dave Tosi.

A successful “Fall into Winter” cruise was held on Saturday, Nov. 6 for Good Ole Volks members and guests. The location was Billy Bob’s Silver Dollar Diner, a shiny chrome building, out in Winston-Salem. The day dawned bright and clear, but slightly chilly (38 degrees). Some of the bugs just pulled up on the heat lever, but other were not so lucky. Quigley’s humans had to bundle up like Nanook of the North, but they still came! Instead of everyone meeting at Herbie's, most of the group decided to go it on their own. Those of us out in the W-S area had a shorter ride. Some left so early that they had to drive around sightseeing until the appointed arrival times.

Bugs started to arrive around 8:15, we all parked together in a row and it was a pretty sight. We even had some first timers – a late model, white convertible beetle with an automatic stick shift driven by a couple from Lexington, and another older beetle with a young man called Eric. We ended up with buses, dune buggies, Ghias, and beetles, old and new. I think we ended up with a total of 13-14 vehicles. We all went in to eat at around 8:30, as we had an appointment with the cookie makers later. The food was great and the service quite good for such a rowdy group! We did have our own room, so we could all eat together. There seemed to be much enthusiasm in the room for VWs and for comradeship. After filling our tummies with hot vittles, Shearin had every body mount up and we followed Dewey and navigator, in his bus, for a cruise to Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookies. The air had warmed up and the weather was beautiful. I was in the middle of the pack and could see the VWs wending their way through the countryside. Bright colors and flashing chrome mixed with the heady sound of VW exhaust systems. The fall colors just about gone, but still cheerful. It was a very pretty sight.

After a short (25-30 min) ride, we arrived at the cookie shop. Just walking in the door was enough to make you hungry. The smell was wonderful! We had a personal, guided tour of the facility. We viewed the rolling room, where all the cookies are rolled and cut out by hand. We also saw the mixing room and learned that Mrs. Hanes’ son mixed all the dough, as he was the only one who knew the recipe! Hope he stays well! In the packing room, a woman was hand packing the tins. She was so expert that she could tell if she had the right amount of cookies in stack just by the feel. Amazing! At each station our guide took us to, there were sample cookies! Just setting the hook for the store at the end!

After the tour, we all ended up in the factory store (surprise, surprise!). I think a Guinness world record was set for the amount of cookies purchased by VW enthusiasts. Susan and Tony stuffed their Ghia full of cookies; I wonder how many made it home. She tried to tell us they were all for friends!

We met out in the parking lot with our purchases and bid each safe trips home. Some took the long way and others went right home, but you’ll have to ask them which way they went. I’m sure that all had a good time and enjoyed exercising the VWs. Y’all come next year!

Dave Tosi

Thanks Dave.  Not only are we a VW club, we know how to travel and eat. Drive safe.

Shearin

October 30, 2004

What a great idea, cool weather and warm stew.  Listen to what Bobby told us:

Hello GOV,
Did anyone notice what a nice weekend we had this past weekend? It was a great day to just get out and about on my Squareback to attend the Brunswick Stew get together that Alan & Jan Tickle were having at their house. We took the flier that Jan handed out at Herbie's and had a leisurely cruise on some NC county roads to get to the Tickles place. We did have to come in from the backside off of Hwy.#29, which was different from the posted directions on the flier, but it was such a pleasant day, we just enjoyed driving on some different roads that we've never been on before. When we arrived.... we were greeted by the people already there and the appetite arousing aroma of the Brunswick stew. You could tell that Alan & Jan had been busy getting things prepared for our crew, and a few of us were there. It was Alan, Jan, Mary, Stick, Beverly, Sixto, Kelly, Rodney, Donna & Nick, Robert, Gloria, Steve, and his family, Susan & me, plus some other friends and family members of the Tickles. There was plenty of that "delicious" stew, as well as pumpkin cake, pumpkin pie, and snacks too. Then, after everyone had gotten "at least" 2 bowls of stew and dessert, they had the karaoke machine for the ones that wanted to entertain the rest of us. We did find out that quite a few of our GOV's can carry a tune. After the sun went down, and it got a little later, some of us had to leave and get home, but the Stew was a great gathering for the GOV's that did take advantage of the Tickle's generosity. I would personally like to thank the Tickle's for inviting us to their cookout, and as always, we really enjoyed our time hanging out with the other GOV's as well. To the one's that missed this event..... you missed some really good stew, and a chance to hang out with some GOV's that don't mind making their own music. Till later........

Have a VW day,
Bobby McDowell

Thanks to Bobby McDowell, and the hosts, Jan and Alan Tickle.

Drive safe

Shearin

October 24, 2004

Once again, the weather and bronchitis conspired to keep us from joining our VW friends on another much anticipated trip, this time to Farmington. We just couldn’t risk another bronchitis relapse by driving in an open car in cold damp weather. As always, I can count on our “Roving Reporter, Bobby McDowell” to send me the scoop on the event. I will pass it along to you because it’s almost as good as being there. Almost. Thanks and congratulations Bobby.

Hello GOV's,
It started on Saturday, with me doing something to Susan's Square Back, that had never been done before...... waxing it for her. Yeah, I had to work for half the day, and then get started on getting 2 Square backs ready for the car show on Sunday for the "Fast Times at Farmington #2". Mine is usually pretty clean, so I knew that I could just polish on mine at the show, but Susan's Square back had never been waxed since we bought the car, and that's been a year this month.

By the time that Susan got home from work, I was just about finished with her car, and mine as well. Susan liked what she saw too! To the people that have seen Susan's car, you need to see it now.

After the cleaning and polishing, it was time for supper, then loading up the cars for the trip on Sunday. The weather reporters had been saying all week that Sunday was going to be a sunny, cool day. It sometimes makes me wonder where these weather guys get their information. We left Danville early Sunday morning (later than we wanted to.... found out that we had to go by the store for a few things. then get gas for our cars,) and by that time, I knew that there wouldn't be a lot of need in going by Herbie's Place to meet up with the group,

So, we just headed on to Farmington. Other than the nasty weather going to the show ,the trip went fine, the cars ran great, and the closer that we got to the track, the more the rain eased up. As we came off of I 40, and coming down Rt.#801 towards the track, we met Dave waiting on the side of the road for our bunch, and he fell in behind us.

The one's that made it to the show.... the one's that I know for sure anyway, were Tony & Susan with their blue Ghia, Dave and his green Bug, Steve with his black flamed Bug, Craig with his white Bug, Susan & me in our Square backs, the guy with the camouflage Thing, and all of us were showing our cars. Also there, was Stick & Beverly, who with the help of Pete & his wife, hauled both of Stick's Bug grills to the show, Bill, Chan, Sixto & Kelly, Alan & Jan, Alex & his dad Eddie, Alan, Elliott, and Gary, too. (who has yet to buy him a VW ),and a few other people that I'm still trying to remember their names.

We lucked up and finally got Susan that front right fender that she's been wanting for awhile, as well as a front bumper, another set of pop out windows, some rocker molding clips, and a set of VW mud flaps. After locating all of these parts, seeing a lot of old friends, and having Susan get stung by a bee, the majority of the GOV group ended up at Stick's area to eat. We had several people bringing things to the cookout, but it was Stick's cooking and grills that made the day. He got a lot of attention with his grills, too, especially if he fixed you one of his fried bologna sandwiches. Ummmmmmmm!!!!!

The track officials dried the track enough to have some quick runs by the drag cars, and there were plenty of vendors and dealers there to help you with any needed parts. My buddy Reid, from Roxboro, NC and his son Drew, had Drew 's 1959 "purple to gold" Bug there too. He had one of those paint jobs that change color as they pass you.

For the show results, our GOV club members earned us some good results, and I hope, some club recognition. Tony got first place in the Ghia class, Steve got first in the Under Construction class, I actually won first place in the Type 3 class against that tan 1968 Notchback, and I heard that one of our members won a trophy with his yellow Bug, but I'm not sure of his name or his placing.

After the awards were given out, we headed back down to hang around with Stick, Beverly, Pete, his wife, Sixto, Kelly, Alan, & Jan. Susan didn't win any award, but she was happy to show off her new wax job, and enjoyed getting the attention for her car as well. There was a lot going on at this event, and I'm sure that a lot of people will be going to the next show too. So, to all of the GOV members that didn't make it to this event, due to whatever reason, try to make it to the next show, because Farmington always seems to draw a good crowd of VW minded people. We got home after dark, but I walked into my house carrying my 1st place trophy, with a smile on my face, and thought...I'm ready to do this again! Till later.........
Have a VW day,
Bobby

Great job, friends! I’m very proud of all of you!

Our next trip is planned for November 6th. We will make our annual run from Herbie's Place to Billy Bobs Diner in Winston Salem for a breakfast run. Drive time is about 45 minutes from Herbie's Place and they will have the hot coffee waiting for us when we get there. They usually reserve a dining room for us and the food is great.

After a hearty breakfast and a “mini” show we will hit the road again for a cruise to Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookie Factory. These folks really welcomed our group last year, we watched them hand roll those thin cookies that are so popular around the holidays. All the while munching down on some free samples to whet the appetites.

This year we have arranged a behind the scenes tour of the factory for our group. What a treat! Be sure and mark you calendars for November 6th and join in the fun. Last year after the cookie factory we all sort of went our separate ways, but if anyone has any suggestions we’ll be glad to hear them on Thursday night.  We will leave Herbie's on Battleground in Greensboro at 7:30AM to travel to Bill Bob's.

We will need to be at the cookie factory before 10:00 so plan accordingly.

Drive safe
Shearin

October 17, 2004

Can you believe, our reporter Bobby writes again?  It gets better...Twice as lucky

Well, once again we're up early, for our "Cruise the Parkway #2" on Sunday Oct.17,2004. After bringing one of my Danville buddies to our gathering at Herbie's Place on Thursday, Pete decided that he and his wife, Pam, would like to join us on our cruise. We met them early in Danville, and headed towards our rendezvous spot on Rt.58 West, to wait for the rest of the GOV members that were making the cruise. We didn't have to wait long before they met up to us, and we were on our way.

 I had noticed that Pete was having some trouble keeping his speed up on the hills, and suggested that he get "a running start" as he headed toward those hills, but he still got behind. When we arrived at Mabry Mill for our group breakfast, and to meet the other members that were waiting for us there, Pete still wasn't there. We went inside the restaurant, found out that it would be at least an hour wait before we could be seated, and decided to go to another restaurant right down the road from Mabry Mill, and back on Rt.58 WE. Susan & I had eaten in this restaurant before for lunch, and the breakfast was just as good.

As we left Mabry Mill as a group..... Pete showed up at the restaurant, and followed us to the other place. He said he made a wrong turn, but he found us. After breakfast, it was onto the parkway, where we headed north for this trip. The leaves had colored up more for this trip, which made for a more scenic cruise, and we had a total of 15 VWs, which was 5 more than our last cruise. Pete was still having trouble coming up those hills, but due to the lower speed limit on the parkway, he was keeping up with the rest of us pretty good. Then, we pulled off at one of the picnic areas for some pictures of the group and cars, and Pete wasn't there. Rodney, who was at the rear of the line, said that he lost sight of Pete, and had waited for a few minutes to see if he was still coming, but Pete didn't show, and he didn't want to lose the rest of the group, so he caught up to us.

We took our pictures....had a rest stop....and then I went back down the road to where Rodney had last seen Pete, and sure enough...... sitting on the side of the road, was Pete's Bug.....and he or Pam wasn't with the car. I turned around and went to the store right up the road from there and found Pete. I took him back to his car, and he said that his coil had gotten really hot and his car just lost power and died. He had already gotten in touch with the Parkway Ranger and was waiting for some assistance or a tow. I dropped him off at his car, where he said that he was going to wait for the tow truck, and for me to go on back with the group, and enjoy our cruise. He didn't want to mess things up for us! That's what he said.

I went back to the group.... told them of Pet's situation..... and what do you think they did? We went south as a group, and pulled 14 VWs onto the southbound lane of the parkway, to assist 1 VW on the northbound lane. I wish that you could have seen Pete's facial expressions as we all pulled up to assist him. We had Sixto, Rodney, Robert, Bill, Alan, Elliott, Stick, and a few others diagnosing his problem, and then with a few spare parts of Robert's and the mechanizing of Sixto, we had Pete back on the road, running better that he was, coming up the hills to start with.

We had Craig on the northbound lane and Mary on the southbound lane directing traffic, and the rest of the GOV were standing on the side of the road enjoying ourselves. You can't say that you do that everyday, now can you? Then, we headed on back south down the parkway. We stopped at an overlook, and parked our VWs for a group shot of the car's overlooking the mountain, then went to the picnic area on the other side of the road, for our well deserved picnic lunch.

Then, it was back on the road for our trip home. Pete actually stayed with us pretty good coming back home, so the guys must have fixed him up pretty good, and Robert told Pete that he needed to have his engine rebuilt, due to the obvious problems that he was having. As the NC bound members headed off of Rt.58, us and Pete came on back to Danville. As we turned off of Rt.58, leaving Pete, he pulled up beside of us, with his window down, and said, "good people" as he passed. Overall, it was a good cruise. Sure, we had a situation with one of our group, but they don't call us, "Good Ole Volks" for nothing. I'm sure that we impressed Pete, but I was impressed myself by the way the members went out of their way to help a fellow VW owner.

To Lee and Shearin, who wasn't there due to sickness, and all of the other GOV members that couldn't make this cruise, you missed a good event. I highly recommend all members to join your Club on these events, simply because of the recognition that we receive as we cruise down the roads, as well as the friendships that are made with the other members by participating in these events. Till next time.......

Have a VW day,
Bobby McDowell

Thank you Bobby.  Just reading about how our members came to the aid of an "almost stranger" makes me proud to be a GOV member.  Your mama's raised you right.  Now the next trip is to Farmington on Sunday, October 23rd.  And then on November 6th, it is to Winston Salem for Breakfast, and then off to the cookie factory.  Lets see if we can get all our VWs to join us.

October 3, 2004

Twice as lucky.  We are lucky and very fortunate a second time as Bobby McDowell reports for Bug Bites. This time from Sevierville.

Well, we're back from our trip to Circle Yer Wagens #20 in Sevierville, TN. This was an interesting trip. We made plans with Stick & Beverly Collins (our car of the month) on Thursday night to meet them at Hickory, NC on Friday, and this is how it went.

After having breakfast at Bojangles, we headed to Hickory to hook up with Stick & Beverly. The car was loaded with everything that we needed, plus some extra things. My Square back was running as well as expected, and there was a section of I 40 between Statesville and Hickory that posts a 70 MPH speed limit. Lets just say that I blew the cobwebs out of the car!

We met Stick at K-mart, and he took us to his house, where Beverly was waiting for us. We got to meet their son, their dogs, and got to see their VWs as well. Just in case that you don't know..... Stick has built several grills, where he took an old VW front end & rear end, and converted them into rolling grills that he pulls behind his Bug at some VW events. Then, he showed me his Baja Bug, that he said was "strictly off road", and took me for a ride through the trees and hills on his property. If you need something to get your blood flowing.... take a ride with Stick in his Baja Bug! It was definitely a rush. Then we went to Subway for a light lunch, filled our cars with gas, and headed west on I 40 towards TN.

We hadn't gotten far when my Square back went to popping, spitting, and backfiring really bad as I came up those hills. I kind of figured that it was a sparkplug problem, because I've had this to happen to me on one of my previous VWs. We made a couple of stops at the rest centers along the way to check things out like the oil and such, and Stick told me that he had some friends that were going to be camping out at the Fairground where the VW show was, and they would be able to get me straightened out.

After a few more hours, we pulled into Sevierville, TN and got a room at the Riverfront Inn. This is a really nice motel that has one of the main traffic routes in front of it and the Little Pigeon River behind it, as well as a field where they have horses running, and several kinds of ducks roosting, and Bluebirds too!

After getting situated in our rooms, we headed to the Sevier County Fairground to meet Sticks friend's. They were a good bunch of guys, and it didn't take long at all to find out that it "was" a spark plug problem.

We made plans to meet up with them early on Saturday morning to take care of the situation. Then it was off to one of the local Cracker Barrel restaurants for some much needed "good food" that was right on time. We ate so much that we were ready for a good nap, and that's what we did, went to the room and went to bed for a good nights rest.

Early on Saturday morning, Stick and I hit the show at the Fairground, and Susan & Beverly found a really nice walking trail that ran behind the motels. Susan & Beverly went on and on about the squirrels being so trusting, that they would just about come right up to you as you walked the trail. When we got to the Fairground, we went to one of the vendors and got a 4pk. of sparkplugs AND an electronic ignition, that Stick recommended. Then, it was over to Sticks friend's camper, to borrow his tools to fix up the Square back. It didn't take long at all, and the difference that the electronic ignition, as well as the plugs, made was unreal. I would recommend an electronic ignition to anyone using the 009 distributor.

I lucked up and got us another set of pop out windows and a back bumper for our Square backs for a great price, and also some VW toy's that I've been looking for as well. This was a 2 day show for the show cars, and there were quite a few there on day 1, but I wasn't going to show mine till the following day, due to needing to clean it up.

After repairing my car, we road back to the room to get the wives, and to get something to eat, at the Cracker Barrel again. Afterwards, we went to "The Incredible Christmas Place" in Pigeon Forge, TN for some great finds, and to watch the model train set up outside at the place.... I always like to watch those trains!

Then, it was off to the carwash to clean on the cars, and to remove several layers of bugs and such. After another trip to the show, we came back to the rooms and had Susan's favorite meal of "pizza and beer" while sitting on our front porch watching all of the VWs going down the street.

Sunday...... we had our "continental breakfast" at the motel, then headed for the show. I do believe that there were more of the older VWs at this show than any other VW shows that I've been to. But, there were 4 cars in my class (Type3-Type4), A 1965 Notchback, 2 Fastbacks (2 brothers), and me. I won 2nd place in my class. I was really proud of this, due to the fact that all of the cars in my class were beauties.

As far as the "Circle Yer Wagens" show goes, I would definitely recommend attending these shows, which are held twice a year. They have a nice selection of bugs, buses, buggies, etc! They have a bunch of vendors and the swap meet had all kinds of good finds. We got a bite to eat after the show, then headed home. We got home pretty late but the Square back is running better than it ever has, and we had a really good time getting to know Stick & Beverly. Until next time, this is your roving reporter signing off!

Bobby

September 26, 2004

We have a special treat for this Bug Bite.  Our roving reporter Bobby McDowell does the honors for us.  And Bobby writes:

I had a birthday yesterday! Did you know that? Of course you did! I think that I have had more fun in the last 2 days than a man is supposed to have. Susan had our get together, at my favorite Chinese restaurant, with quite a few of our friends, on Saturday night for my birthday dinner. The food and the company were great.

Then, I get to get up really early on Sunday, my birthday, and stand out in a parking lot, on the highway, to wait and see how many VWs are going to join us for a Parkway Cruise. To my delight, by the time we got to Mabry Mill for our group breakfast, we had 10 VWs in our little caravan. I still like the looks that we get as we cruise down the roads and everyone that we meet watches us as we ride by. It's kind of like a rolling car show that takes you back in time.

If the kids today are playing "punch bug", and we rode past them on Sunday, there are some sore arms somewhere. It's also neat to be cruising in a group through the mountains, with the hills and the curves and all. The tree's canopying over the road...cabbage patches growing on the side of the mountain. apple orchards. roadside produce stands. VWs in front of you....VWs in back of you, and the scenery was great too. The weather worked out in our favor as well. I know that it was on the chilly side Sunday morning, but it really turned out nice by lunch time.

Then there were the GOV members that participated in this cruise. The more that I get to know our members, the more that I appreciate this group of people that we call "Good Ole Volks"! I can't remember a time when I had a birthday to be as enjoyable as the one I had this year. I think that it was a combination of a lot of different things going on at once, but it was just a great time. Can you imagine......think for just a minute....... How do you think it would look, if we had those 61 VWs that was at our "Break The Record Night" cruising together up and down the parkway together? Just imagine! What do you think the waitress's at Mabry Mill or    Doughton Park would do if we had a crowd of people like that to come in at once? I bet that we would get some recognition, don't you?

Then, I have the memory of Bill giving me an unexpected birthday gift, that was really nice. And, how about Gloria's slam dunk of her whipped cream in my glass of tea. And Lee actually had Quigley in overdrive for a change. You should have seen his antenna ball as he went on down the highway. I could go on and on about how much everyone seemed to enjoy our time together, and I would recommend this experience to all members. We did arrive home tired, but we're ready to go again as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, some of us (GOV members) will be in Tennessee this coming weekend at the "Circle Yer Wagens #20 VW show! Have a VW day,
Bobby

September 10, 2004

Hi Folks,
I hope everyone had a safe and relaxed Labor Day holiday. It’s kind of nice to see the hectic summer season wind down so we can rest up before the manic November/December holidays knock us flying.

Lee and I cruised down to Asheboro on Saturday, the 4th, to take in the first day of the East Coast Trike Show. WOW! I’ve seen a few trikes in the past, but to have that many in one place at the same time was outstanding. It was most interesting to observe the creativity used in the building of the Trikes. Some were heart 'stoppingly' beautiful and others didn’t quite make it that far, but all of them were much loved by their owners. Kind of like our V-dubs. I wish we could have made it down for the Sunday show, when I understand there were many, many more.

After leaving the show, we stopped for a sandwich on highway 64 and observed a pickup truck with a wheel dolly, loaded with a nice looking older model Westy. It was in traffic headed toward Pittsboro. When we finished our lunch we headed in the general direction of Chapel Hill and as we came over a hill, we happened upon very slow traffic, as in dead stop.

Blue lights up ahead, cars on the side of the road. A wheel on the dolly had disintegrated, sending that very nice Westy sprawling all over the highway. Laying on the drivers side across the lanes of the highway, the roof over the front seat had shattered, no windshield, the undercarriage was torn apart and in pieces all around the Westy. Heartbreaking. It really was a fixer upper now. The sad part is, the towing driver looked like he was doing everything right.

You folks just be careful out there. You never know when something is just going to let go, even if you’ve checked and double checked everything.

I hope everyone has marked their calendars for the last weekend of this month for the breakfast run to Mabry Mill. From there it will be a lunch cruise down the Blue Ridge Parkway and on to the intersection of highway 421 and back into the Triad area. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather and watch this “column” for further information.  Check the 'Members Section' for more details.

Some of our members went to Manassas for the Labor Day bash. Its too far to travel in Quigley so our “at large” reporter sent me this very informative missive. I’ll share with all of you that didn’t get the chance to go.

Hi Shearin,
I hope that your weekend wasn't too strenuous. Just to let you know...we had a great time in Manassas. The motel was of better quality than the one we had at the spring show. You actually had a commode that would flush with the first push of the lever, there were numerous other VW people there from all over the country (even from Canada), and they had a continental breakfast for the customers.

Our trip started as usual with Susan and me waiting at the Kangaroo station for the rest of the pack. While we were waiting, I decided that I had the time to polish on my VW some. As I started on the hood, a guy with a pick up truck, pulling a trailer came over with a can of spray wax that he makes himself in Roanoke, had me try some it on the hatchback of my car, and then gave me the can to show my friends about it. The stuff is alright, but you know how I like the Liquid Glass!

About that time......here they come down the road....VWs! The pack this time was Craig in his white Bug, his son Jordan and his friend Eric in his red Golf, Chan in his blue Bug, Bill in his gray Bug, Stick and his wife Beverly in their black Bug, Nettie and Johnny in their yellow New Beetle convertible, and Susan and me in my blue Square back. After everyone met everyone else, gassed up, and got something to eat or drink, we were off on out trip.

Our first stop was the Golden Corral in Lynchburg, VA for the breakfast bar, and to see how much we could all eat. I even saw a group of Danville friends there with a motorcycle group that had decided to stop there on their trip to grab some grub. Then it was on to our stop at the bottom of the hill before Culpepper for our last gas up before getting to Manassas.

We let Jordan lead the group from there, and let him lead us to Custom Restorations in Manassas. The shop was closed for some reason, but we went ahead and pre-registered for the BUG OUT 56, and saved ourselves $5 in the process.

Then is was off to our motel at the Day's Inn. This motel was definitely a step up from the motel at the spring show. After everyone had gotten settled in and all, Craig led our group to Old Dominion Speedway to let us know how to get to the show, then we headed out to another Family buffet restaurant and tried to fill ourselves again.

After a trip to the grocery store to get a few items, it was back to the motel for some serious car cleaning. As I was doing my cleaning thing on my car, numerous people would come by and chat with us about the car and VWs that they have. The one thing that I didn't like was everyone in our group was at the back of the motel, leaving us in the front.

After doing my polishing till after dark, and having a really nice couple hang around with us to talk about our VWs, Susan was ready to retire for the evening. So, I got a shower and headed around back with the rest of the group. Craig and Chan were still out and about, and we met some guys from Quebec, Canada, as well as some others that were there for the show. It made for a very interesting evening.

We were up early on Sunday(6:00AM) to get ready for the days activities. After loading the car we went to have our continental breakfast, turned in the keys at the desk, and headed to the Old Dominion Speedway for the show. The swap meet produced some great finds for some of the GOV members, and I believe that the burger place was piping the exhaust out into the crowd to keep every ones’ appetite up. Man, that burger sure was tasty.

As the day went on, the VWs continued to roll in, but the numbers were smaller than the spring show. There were only 3 cars in the Type3/Type 4 class, so I knew that I would be getting a trophy. Then I found out that if you were to leave early for some reason, and if you won a trophy, they would mail you your trophy.

I already knew that some of our group were going to be leaving early instead of hanging around for the awards to be given out, and I knew that if I waited till the awards part, it would put us getting home at dark again. Would you like to guess what I did?

Well, Nettie and Johnny left a little before we did, but we left early with 6 of our 7 cars heading home in a back home caravan. After our first stop, Susan had an upset stomach. I told Craig that we might have to be stopping due to that fact, and he suggested that I just lead the group then, so that if we had to stop, they would know what was going on. I just let the Square back roll, and they all kept up as I rolled.

All of the rest of the group but us stopped in Lynchburg for something to eat, but we decided to just head on home since we were so close anyway. Overall, we had a great trip. I think that I enjoyed this trip even more that the spring show. Nobody had any major problems with their cars, and considering the MPH that we were doing coming home, nobody had a meeting with the lawman.

I'll have to say the VWs in our group were running really well. The only thing that might have made this trip any more special, was if we could have had more cars in the group. If any VW people would like to have a really good time with a bunch of VW minded people, I would like to suggest a trip to Manassas. Yes, it's a long drive..even longer for the people in NC, but it's well worth the time.

Have a VW day,
Bobby McDowell


Thanks for the report Bobby. I really appreciate you taking the time to share the adventure with me (and us) One of these days I’ll make it up there.

That’s it for now

Ya’ll drive safe out there now
Shearin

August 24, 2004

There are times that “members” really come through with their VW trips. This is from Dewey Hylton, one of our “regulars”.


Shearin, this wasn't a GoodOleVolks-only event, but we had plenty of representation there.

Despite his engine sitting on the garage floor as late as noon on Wednesday, and electrical problems preventing the scheduled trip with Beetle on Thursday, “Mr. Peabody” was able to make the trip Friday morning to Tennessee for Bother 2004.

Thankfully, I was able to carabus with Luke starting in Winston-Salem; after replacing the heads and other major work on the engine I'd never have attempted the trip by myself. The "long hill" approaching Boone snuck up on us this time as we'd been chatting via CB the whole way up and kinda’ forgot where we were. That little toy made the trip seem much shorter than it would have seemed otherwise, and having a new alternator (and therefore a radio!) helped in the same category.

We stopped a few times and Luke had problems with his starter, but nothing a screwdriver (and a lot of sparks) couldn't work around. We took "the scenic route" from Boone (read: took 30 minutes to realize we'd gone the wrong way) and extended our trip just a tad. Otherwise we made it to TN without incident, and “Mr. Peabody appeared to have lost no oil, which is a very big improvement over the trip to HCBF. (I replaced the rear main seal and a few other things last week, though I think the biggest contributor to my oil loss problem was the cam
plug).

When we arrived, Jerry put a large sheet of paper under our engines to determine who leaked the most oil during the campout. I'm very proud to report “Mr. Peabody” didn't leave a single drop on the paper the whole weekend.

My first order of business was to score myself an event tee; it is great, and I LOVE the phrase on the back: "just a bunch of tree-hugging hippy crap" ... makes me smile every time I read it, hopefully it'll do the same for people who see me wearing it.

I got to catch up with several people I'd met at HCBF (my first outing, this one being my second) and met several more for the first time. This is by far my favorite part of the campouts - the fellowship. I'm not the most outgoing guy at the campouts (Beetle may be) but I’m certainly a "people person" and these events bring out lots and lots of very cool people.

The river was low and slow, and therefore not as "exciting" as last year - though it was relaxing and I enjoyed floating down the river plenty. After all, I go camping to relax. After it had rained fairly hard for an hour or so, we headed back down the river, which had risen somewhat and become a bit more fun. My trips back to camp in SS Farfrumflotin were memorable, if not a bit harrowing at times.

I didn't win the raffle for the awesome painting, but I did win a very useful door prize - a 20$ gift certificate for busdepot.com. Lots of other cool stuff was given away; Mike obviously did a lot of leg work knocking on the doors of sponsors.

After the awards ceremony, the kids got to see "Finding Nemo" and the adults sat through "Deliverance." Given the movie content and our location, whoever picked the adult movie was either a genius or a real sicko. I'm still not sure which. :)

The carabus back included myself, Luke and Beetle - all with CB radios this time. I highly recommend using them when possible - it makes these trips much easier, as well as more enjoyable. “Mr. Peabody” and myself made it back home (Welcome, NC) without incident, and were greeted by a much-missed family with whom I plan to make the trip to Bother 2005.

All in all it was a great experience, and I appreciate all the hard work and preparation that went into making it a very stress-free and relaxing weekend for me. So to all who were involved - THANKS!

Dewey Hylton
Welcome, NC

August 19, 2004

WOW! OUTSTANDING!

Couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you.

After last weeks’ rain out it was decided to have a Rerun Night to try and beat the record of 46 vehicles at our Thursday night gathering. Boy! Did you folks come through!  We set a new record of 61 VWs!

We had folks from Danville, VA, Winston Salem, Asheboro, Burlington, Thomasville, Pfafftown, Greensboro, and, I think, all points in between. What a great gathering! It makes each and every one of you very special to me, that you would make the effort to show up and be counted.

There were some especially fine looking vehicles there tonight. Be sure and check out the street buggy and Ghia that is for sale on the web site. Carlos is being called into active duty and wants his cars to have a good home before he leaves. Storage would be a problem for him so he is selling these two fine vehicles. The price is good, too.

Most of you had left before Don from Danville came in with his hybrid. The front was a classic beetle, the back half was a square back. The combo comes out looking like a little pickup truck. Really cool and the paint job was great. Wish more of you could have seen it, but he said he would come back, just a bit earlier next time.

Thank you for a great turnout. Come back anytime for more of the same. See the pictures in the 'Activities' section.

Remember, for some great entertainment this weekend, come on out to Bryan Park on Saturday for the Triad Highland Games. You’ve all heard of the ones at Grandfather Mountain, well now we have one in our own back yard. The fun begins at 9 am and will close at 5 pm. Come on out and have a great experience, you might learn something too.

I’ll be just inside the gate at the Battleaxe demonstration/competition. Its open to all so just try it. (bet you can’t throw just one)

Drive Safe

Shearin

August 13, 2004

Greetings Folks!

Well, we didn’t beat the record as planned, thanks to our tropical depression “Bonnie”. We still had a nice turnout, with several new folks attending. Just a couple of years ago we would have been excited beyond measure to have 29 vehicles show up. It was great to see everyone that made the effort and those efforts are appreciated.

I hope that all of you are safe and sound with your families and will continue to be with these storms that are passing through. Please don’t take chances when conditions are unsafe to be out and about. It’s completely understandable when you feel like it’s unsafe to be at any meeting. We miss you, but we understand.

It was pretty much unanimous to have a “RERUN NIGHT” next week (August 19). Maybe the weather will cooperate and we can have a really outstanding gathering. We still want to beat the record, we’ll just be a week off.

Please remember our host and though the food is not gourmet, it really helps our waitresses when we get a bite to eat on Thursday night. These friends depend on our tips to get them through. Herbie's owner brought in extra help for our record night and although the weather can’t be controlled, we can show our appreciation for having a great place to meet by patronizing “our” place.

Please be safe in the coming week and I’ll look forward to seeing all of you next week for our “RERUN RECORD NIGHT”

Drive safe
Shearin

August 2, 2004

Hi Volks!

I just love it when this member of GOV goes to a show. When he writes about what went on, I feel like I’ve been there myself. I think you will too. Thanks Bobby & Susan. I love the info.

We're just back from our trip to Rockingham for the "VW's At The Rock" event. With the threat of rain during our entire trip down, and with it actually sprinkling a few times along the way, we drove till we got there. Several of our group there. Billy & April Dye had their Thing there, and the guy with the red '58 Bug (I think his name is Terry, I know that he traded a Harley Davidson for that Bug), Tony that drives the blue Ghia, Mr. Moore, Craig Walker showed up, and Bob & Chad Hicks were there too. It made for a really interesting trip.

We arrived there, and had no sooner gotten the E-Z UP shelter up, and here came the rain. I dried the car off, and here it came again. I dried it off a second time, and again it rained on us. And the next time after starting to dry it off, we had a major downpour with wind and rain, and the crowd flocked to our shelter to get out of the rain, even the guy that had just finished judging my Square Back. Then the sun came out for a while. Long enough to give me a sunburn on my legs and arms and neck and ears! Susan suggested that I wear shorts and this is what happens. She said...."What happened to the sunscreen!"

Anyway.... they decided to go ahead and give out the awards a little early since another cloud was getting ready to move in and quite a few of us got trophies. I know that April's Thing, Chad's Bug, Mr. Moore's Super Beetle, and my Square Back got "First In Class" trophies, but I'm not sure about the other people.

Overall, it was a good trip, we got to hang around with some good people, and my car did real well down there and back. I would liked to have seen more of our club members show up, but overall the show turned out to be an enjoyable day for all of us.

Have a VW day,
Bobby and Susan

Congrats on the trophies folks. I may not have the right, but I’m proud of all of you!

Let’s not forget the BREAK THE RECORD NIGHT! Coming up on August 12th. We had 46 vehicles there for our record last year and I know we can do better this year. Just remember to mind your manners and be extremely careful in the crowd. We don’t want any injuries or problems to deal with.

There is talk of a trip to Mabry Mill for breakfast the last Sunday in September. We’ll meet at Herbie’s Place at 0 dark 30, drive to Mabry for Breakfast, then cruise the Parkway to Doughton Park for lunch, then further South to 421, and  home by nightfall. Sound like fun??? Let us know if you’re interested and be sure and mark your calendars. More details to come when all the preparations have been worked out.

Hope to see you all on Thursday..
Drive safe
Shearin

July 21, 2004

Dear Volks

How’s your summer progressing? Mine seems to going by at the speed of light, anyway, much faster than a VW.

There is a lot to catch up on.

Bobby McDowell and his beautiful square back won another trophy a couple of weeks ago at Stuart, VA. If any of you have seen this gorgeous vehicle you will know why. Just about every time he enters, it seems he comes home with a trophy. Way to go, Bobby!!!

Susan McDowell’s red square back is coming along nicely and I’m sure it won’t be long before she is entering and winning too. Can you imagine, two of these cars in the same house?

Those of you who had other plans on the day of the drive to Hanging Rock, you missed a good trip. I think next time we will get an earlier start so we can be involved in more activities before the summer storms move in on us, but it still was a great time. I hope everyone that went enjoyed it as much as I did.

Twelve VW vehicles left Herbie's Place at 11:30 on Sunday morning and let me tell you, it was an impressive site. Lee and I were in Quigley on point and it was really interesting to see the on coming traffic start pointing at our vehicles before they ever got to us. We picked up number 13 in Stokesdale as we drove through and when we passed by a local church the minister and all the folks on the front steps stopped to stare. And why not? Not a sight to see everyday. Mary, number 14, joined us at the park.

We had a very nice shelter all to ourselves and everyone packed a picnic lunch to chow down on before we split to the other activities. Some went to the lake, but just as they got there they closed it, due to a thunderstorm. Some hiked down to Window Falls and Hidden Falls. (Walked off that lunch!) The thunderstorm was moving in fast and most left about 2pm, but Lee and I stayed until just after 3pm. Yes, we did get wet in "Quigs" coming down the mountain, but we were dry by the time we got back to Greensboro.

All in all, it was a good “scouting” trip. There is talk of a camping trip when it gets cooler, and a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Lets hope the fires don’t ruin it between now and then.

Erhard Kostler got his Schwimmwagen out last Saturday and invited some of us to meet at Phil Parkers community lake and see how that “duck” really swims. For a once in a lifetime experience, you can bet Lee and I were there. It is the most amazing thing to watch as a wheeled vehicle enters the water and floats off into the sunset, but under control. I actually got to ride in it, and it’s a little unnerving to be in a vehicle with wheels and enter the water and watch the water rise up the sides. Suddenly you feel the wheels leave terra firma and you’re floating with front wheel drive! Several folks got the honor of riding in it that day and I know we all appreciated Erhard indulgence. He even had air time on the local Good Morning Show (WFMY-TV) that morning. What a great opportunity for the area to see one of our own and his historical vehicle.

I hope everyone makes the effort to join us for BEAT THE RECORD NIGHT at Herbie's Place on August 12. You will meet a lot of great folks and see some really wonderful cars. Just remember to police yourself so that we will be allowed to continue our meetings there. Rowdy behavior will not be tolerated. Remember that we are not to park in the spaces directly in front of the restaurant. That is for “regular” patrons of Herbie's.  Remember, they do serve food and drinks there, so please help our favorite waitress.

Another of my hobbies is attending Scottish Highland Games. This year, the Triad Highland Games has moved from its five year location in Archdale, NC to Bryan Park in Greensboro, NC. Greensboro has given them a ten year contract on this site and it looks like we finally have room to grow. The date for the Games is Saturday, August 21, 2004. There is even a golf match on Friday before the Games.

For those that have never attended one of these festivals, it’s a real treat. It is a stirring historical event full of sights, (kilts!) sounds (bagpipes!) and music, dancing and food and competitions that you usually don’t see everyday. And Lee, dressed in his kilt, is again the Master of ceremonies for the Games.

I am coordinating the Battleaxe competition again this year. (Yes, I do compete and no, I’m not insulted by the name.) If any of you would be interested in volunteering to help this year in any capacity contact me and I’ll pass your name and information to those in charge. You would be allowed in at no charge, but you would be expected to help out in some capacity. A wristband would be issued in your name as a pass to get in.

We could even do this as a club project for the community. Think about it and get back with me.

I know I sometimes hear comments about needing to update Bug Bites. I will be glad for help in this. This is not strictly for my amusement and gratification. I really would appreciate guest writers to take part in contributing to this section of the website. As long as it’s not political, insulting, or harmful, I see no reason why others can’t take part in this column and of course they will receive the same compensation I do. Any takers?

Till next time

Drive Safe
Shearin

June 12, 2004

Awesome! Fantastic! Extraordinary! Wonderful! Superb! Wow!

Wow folks;

Once again, I am in total awe of the loyalty, and generosity of this club! I know that we have other things to accomplish on the Saturdays of our busy lives. But you put things on hold today and did a wonderful thing!

Our Car Show, that we do for the American Heart Association, is our major fund raiser of the year. I appreciate your efforts and support and I know the American Heart Association does.

Last year, when we were brand new at this car show business and didn’t really know what we were doing, we had 41 vehicles show up and we thought we did great taking in $483.00 and change for the AHA. And it was a good, for a first time effort.

This year blew last years efforts completely out of the water! We had 43 vehicles show up for the show. Beautiful cars, every one. (Even the ones with a few “warts”) Our donations totaled $2,781.00 and change! How wonderful! I’m deeply touched by all your efforts.

Our 50/50 Raffle took in $77.00, of which “Speedy” Hinshaw received half and the American Heart Association got the other half. And we only sold tickets one day! Plan for next year.

In our donation collection efforts, there were several folks that did an outstanding job this year. Remember: The only way to win one of the three trophies was to collect more donations that anyone else, and you were limited only by your own efforts and imagination. There were seven members that broke the $100.00 mark this year, and it wasn’t all their own money. They brought checks and donations from friends, family, co-workers, employers and even corporate matches to achieve their goals.

I salute all of you who worked to achieve your goal. Your goal helped the club achieve our goal. I respectfully present the following honors:

Our Third Place honor goes to David Slomka of Greensboro with $304.00
Our Second Place goes to Lee Wimbs of Greensboro $320.00
And First Place goes to Dewey Hylton of Winston Salem $617.50 !!!!

What an outstanding job, by everyone.

I hope everyone had a good time and will plan on being here next year to make it bigger and better than this year. All suggestions will be welcomed and considered for the show in 2005. To make it work, we really need to start well in advance of the show to set things in motion.

Once again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loyalty, support and efforts on the clubs behalf. Without you, we wouldn’t have a club or a show. You make it happen. Thank you and congratulations on a great show.

Drive Safe
Shearin

               JUNE 11, 2005:  3rd Annual GoodOleVolks Car Show, Greensboro, NC  

June 9, 2004

Hi folks.
This is just a quick note before the car show to give you a “heads up” on what’s happening.

A huge THANK YOU to Bobby McDowell of Danville, VA, and Dewey Hylton of Winston Salem, for their efforts on Wednesday morning. They were at the walk site at 7am to do a live cut for the Good Morning Show on Channel 2, WFMY-TV. Lee was sandwiched between their fine looking autos in his street buggy. I also want to thank the rest of you who volunteered to make the effort. They were just the first two to step forward and there was only so much room for the shot. The shot aired just before show sign off at 8am. (last thing heard, first thing remembered, I hope)

If you have not pre-registered, please try to download and print the registration form from the web site and bring it with you. I’m hoping for a big crowd to show up and we don’t want long lines at the gate.

On the website is a map on how to get to the entrance gate off Lawndale Dr. I’ll have posters for show contestants. We will be the only non-park vehicles in the park but we will not be allowed to drive around in the park on Saturday. You can hop on the tram they run if you would like a tour.

The park hot dog vendor will be set up at the playground not too far from us. The AHA is bringing in some subs from Subway for our lunch. But be good scouts and come prepared. Bring a cooler with plenty of cold drinks, and maybe a picnic if you would like or if you have a special diet. We have a very large picnic shelter right behind us for our use and there are a bunch of tables and a grill if you want to go that route.

Bring bug repellent, (no pun intended) sunscreen and umbrellas (just in case). Plan on it being hot and muggy. Dress accordingly. Bring your camp chairs if you like. We’ll be there from 9 until 3, and then you’re on your own.

I truly appreciate all your support, encouragement, and commitment in holding this event for the American Heart Association. They appreciate it more that you know and so do I. We’re going to see some great cars, collect a bunch of money for the AHA and enjoy fellowship with like-minded people. I look forward to seeing all of you there on Saturday. We’ve had 102 one gallon-paint buckets donated for the cause and I would like to see every one of them in use and full of money for the AHA.

Until then
Drive safe
Shearin

June 3, 2004

Hi folks
What a great night at Herbie's Place! We had 31 vehicles tonight and everyone seemed to want to linger. It was just that kind of night.

I’m finally beginning to get some pre-registrations in. If you can get these to me before the show it will cut down on the time you sit at the gate waiting to get in. Remember: No Entry Fee!

Having been in this world for quite some time now there in not much that takes me by surprise, but tonight it happened. A gentleman by the name of Frank George came up to me and handed me a sealed envelope and said his company had donated it to AHA. Being a naturally curious person I opened said envelope and found a check for $100.00 made out to the American Heart Association from Mother Murphy’s Laboratories, Inc. What a generous gesture on their part and how wonderful of him to personally deliver it. (For those of you who aren’t familiar with the name. Mother Murphy’s makes food flavorings at a plant in south Greensboro. Drive by some time with the car windows down and smell the Vanilla)

We have been lucky enough to have several generous donors this year and the amounts they have donated will be tallied at the end of the show and the amount will be equally divided between all the entrants of the show. We will have no empty buckets because of their generosity. But, I am trusting you to do your part and bring in those donations to meet the $2500.00 goal this year.

We will have three trophies this year and there are hundreds of dollars worth of door prizes to be given out to the contestants. We have numerous sponsors that have donated gifts to make this a great show. I hope everyone has a fun time, but remember the reason we are involved in this endeavor.

And now I want to share with you an email sent to me from one of our newest “members”, so loyal he and his wife, Susan, drive down from Danville, VA every Thursday night to join our group. (our borders continue to expand)

I thoroughly enjoyed his note and I think you will too. I would love to have any of you contribute to Bug Bites at any time.

Hi Shearin,
     I figured that I would let you know a little about our trip to Manassas, VA for the Bug Out 55. It started early on Saturday morning with Susan and me waiting at the Kangaroo station on Rt.29North. It's always impressive to see a caravan of VW's coming down the road, and this is even before I was in the group.
     We had 7 VW's in our caravan going to Manassas. It was Craig in his white bug, his son Jordan in his red Golf, Alex and his Mom in his Orange bug, Keith and his girls in his blue bug convert, Tyrone and his son in his burgundy bug, Chan and his wife Kim in their blue bug, and then me and Susan in my Square back, all going down the highway looking pretty cool, if you ask me.
     We stopped first in Lynchburg, VA at the Golden Corral buffet to see how much that we could eat. Then we stopped in Culpepper, VA for a fuel pit stop. From there, we made it to VW Restorations and Customs to check out their shop, and that is a major attraction for us VW drivers in Manassas.
     They were giving tours of their facilities and providing brunch for all that visited their shop. This was definitely a interesting place, with all of the work in progress on the body off restoration process and the engine builds and all, and quite a few VW people too.
     Then it was on our way to the Olde Town Inn in Manassas, VA. We were there. We were eventually joined by Mickey Shaw, Tommy, the guy with the blue '67 bug, (he stayed in room 54),Bob Hicks, his son Chad, in their VW rails, and one of Chad's buddies driving his red '65 bug, as well as their girlfriends too. This made for a really great Saturday evening.
     There was all kinds of things to see and do, but unfortunately, we didn't see that many VW's riding around town or at the motels. We did see a few, but nowhere what I thought that we would see.
     On Sunday we all headed to Old Dominion Speedway for the Bug Out 55, and there was a mess of VW's there. The only one's that entered the car show was Alex, Keith, Bob & Chad Hicks, and myself. The only one's that received trophy plaques were Bob Hicks (1st in Buggies), Chad Hicks (2nd in buggies & Best looking engine), and myself (3rd in Type 3-Type 4), and that was against 7 entrants in that class. I was sweating this one, because there were some really good looking Type 3's!
     It was overcast clouds with a treat of rain all day, and it even started dropping some rain as they started giving out the awards. Then, it was back home we went. Everybody left but Alex, the Hicks, and us, we stayed for the awards presentations, and everybody else had headed out ahead of us. Alex, his mom, and us got a quick bite to eat and we headed back home with me leading the way.
     It started raining as soon as we headed out, and things were going pretty good till we got past Charlottesville, VA. I was coming up a hill and my fan belt pulley broke, which threw my fan belt off and knocked off one on my air hoses.
     This caused my generator light to come on and my car started to heat up somewhat. We made it to Lynchburg, VA before we stopped to get some gas, and to check the damage. The car was running good, it never stopped running good, but you know how it is when things act up. You get a little concerned and hope nothing else happens.
     Alex and his mom stayed with us till one of my friends that lives in Lynchburg arrived to assist us and then they headed on home by themselves. My friend loaned us one of his vehicles to get home and put a battery charger on the battery to keep it charged till Monday.
     Then yesterday, Susan and I rode back to Lynchburg, picked up my car, and brought it home to my mechanic. My car is still running good and it doesn't seem to be anything major, but I'll have it back in a couple of days and I'll be a happy camper again. I know of another car show this coming Sunday right outside Danville I'm considering entering and I'm hoping that I'll have my car before then so that I can enter this show too. More on that later!
Well..till Thursday at Herbie's Place then!
     See ya,
     Bobby

Drive Safe
Shearin

June 2, 2004        ** Urgent Bulletin **

May 27, 2004

Hi Folks,

We appreciate all the VWs that joined in the Summerfield Founders Day Parade.  There were 10 vehicles for this event, and no rain.  A perfect combination for a parade.

Congratulations to the trophy winners at Farmington. We had such a good attendance of club members at the show and it was great to see everyone. Four of “our” members took home trophies, including one to our new Boone chapter. Way to Go! I saw some beautiful and unusual vehicles and it was great fun, except for the threat of rain. Great fun anyway.

We’re getting down to the wire on the car show. June 12th is just around the corner and coming up fast so I hope you are all getting your “babies” all shined up and collecting your donations from family, friends, and co-workers. Even your employer can get involved. Remember: If they give a sizable donation and would like to have a receipt, I have those available.

Please remember also. Pre-register on-line. You can go to the website and see the information needed to get you registered and it will help get you through the gate faster.

If you know someone that would like to donate a door prize to the show, please feel free to collect these and bring them to me at the Thursday night gathering. Gift certificates for goods or services, gift baskets, dinners, and shows are all acceptable. Be sure and get names and addresses (a business card works wonders) along with the donation so we can give the proper recognition on the website. We can also give a receipt for “in kind” donations and it will be tax deductible so we will need to know the dollar amount that the donation is worth. . You will get “credit” for you donation bucket.

We’ll see you on Thursday night
Drive Safe
Shearin

April 30, 2004

Hello all you fellow V-dub lovers!

Well, the weather is warming up and the gathering at Herbie's is growing. I don’t know what happened this week with only 18 vehicles showing up, versus 36 last week. Where’d everybody go? As long as we have more than last year we’re doing fine.

On May 15th we have told the Summerfield Parade board that we will bring a group of vehicles out to be in their Founders Day parade. This parade is HUGE. I’ve heard that it is much better that the Greensboro Christmas Parade. We will meet at Herbie's Place  that morning and leave at 8:30 to go in caravan out to Summerfield to get in position. We’ve been invited and it would be great if we can make a decent showing for them. They’ve read about us in the Northwest Observer, so lets have a large group show up for their parade. It will be good exposure for the June car show, too.

The next day, May 16, is Farmington and there is talk of caravanning over there on Sunday morning. More on that later.

I hope everyone is gearing up for the GOV car show for the American Heart Association on June 12th. Remember: YOU (Not me) are responsible for getting the money in your bucket. The only way to win the show is to have more money in your bucket than everyone else. Here are some ways you can obtain the funds you need. Remember: Our goal is to raise $2500.00 for the American Heart Association. If we only have 25 cars enter and each raises $100.00, see how simple that is? It would be wonderful if we could surpass our goal!

This is directly from the American Heart Association letter that I received via email today from Elizabeth Honeycutt:
“Here are some easy steps for your path to success for raising money to hit the $100 t-shirt level, and even better, hit the $500 Club mark by raising $500:
Step 1: Jump start your efforts by making your own donation    $ 25
Step 2: Ask five co-workers to contribute $25                        $125
Step 3: Ask five family members to contribute $25                 $125
Step 4: Ask five friends to contribute $20                             $100
Step 5: Ask five local merchants to donate $25                    $125
                                                                         TOTAL $500
This will put you in the $500 Club, which entitles you to special recognition at the Walk and throughout the coming year!

Additional STEPS for fundraising success:
• Be sure to set up your walker page on http://HeartWalk.kintera.org/GreensboroNC and email the link to friends.
• Ask at least one person a day for a donation.
• Carry your Walker Collection Envelope with you at all times.
• Ask your company about matching gifts.
• Tell donors WHY you are walking for the American Heart Association.
• Everyone is a potential donor.
Aim high—ask for $100 and graciously accept $50. Base your request on the person’s ability to give.
Feel free to call (668-0167) or email me ( Elizabeth.Honeycutt@heart.org ) with any questions. Thank you for what you do to help save lives!
~Elizabeth Honeycutt, Guilford County Walk Director”

As you can see, it is aimed at those taking part in the walk that day, but the same techniques can apply to the car show. You are just as much a part of the “walk” as anybody, and can apply many of the above ideas.

Remember: You pay no dues. There are no hidden costs to you as a club member and there is no entry fee for the car show. It’s just going to cost you a little effort.

We want to spread the word on the car show. You can go to the car show icon and download the “front page” announcing the show and make copies to hand out. Encourage people to come out to the park and see the show and support the cause. Ask if you can put a flyer in the window of your favorite grocery store, gas station, or drugstore. Usually management will allow it for a worthy cause and the American Heart Association is very worthy.

I hope to see all of you at Herbie's Place next Thursday. Until then

Drive Safe
Shearin

April 1, 2004

Well, It’s been almost a month since I last wrote so I guess I’d better catch up.

The Summerfield Founders Day Parade is coming up (Saturday, May 15) and we want to make a great showing for them. This parade rivals the Greensboro Christmas Parade and we are allowed as many VW’s as we want. Get in touch with Phil or Lee and get signed up. We want at least as many as we had for Christmas and would like to double the number. (that would be 26)

The Habitat Happening was a great success. The folks at the Re-Store were very pleased with the turn out of vehicles and there were so many cars in the parking lot they had to have folks directing traffic! Twenty-six VW’s showed up for the car show and a total of about $300.00 was taken in donations for Habitat for Humanity. It was a good mix of models, dune buggys, a rail, buses, Beetles, a Ghia, single cabs, and two bio-diesels or eco-diesels that were running on used cooking oil. This looks like it will be a yearly event, so keep us in mind for the future.

The car show for the American Heart Association is coming right along. Sponsorship looks good and it looks like we will have a very successful show. Be sure and check the website for sign up information. Word has gone out to Raleigh and Charlotte clubs and most points in between and we would love to have any, and all join us for this worthy cause. SEVW club has also received information on the show and we hope some of their folks will be in the area and will join us. Our goal is 80 to 100 vehicles and $2500.00 for the American Heart Association. WE CAN DO IT!

In talking with the owner of Herbie’s Place, she is concerned that no one be injured on the property. Please respect her concerns and the flowers and bulbs planted in the garden area and don’t allow our younger members to trample over it or climb the trees. We are lucky to have a place that is so welcoming to our club and we must respect the property. Also a reminder that club members are welcomed to park in any of the places but the front row of spaces right at the front of the building. Those are for non-member patrons.

Daylight savings time starts Sunday, April 4, so “Spring Ahead” and come on out and join us at Herbie's Place. More daylight means more fun. More cars, even more fun!

Until next time,
Drive Safe
Shearin

March 4, 2004

Wow!!!  The weather warms up and the “bugs” come out of the woodwork!  If you didn’t make the scene at Herbie’s  Place tonight,  you missed a GREAT night.  What a fantastic gathering!  We haven’t had that many Volks show up since October 16^th, ’03.  We’ve never had 5 Ghias show up.  I was so glad to see everyone and I hope things will continue to get better at the weather improves.

We had a very short drivers/owners meeting in the parking lot about 7:30.  Dave Tosi reminded everyone about the VW show at the Habitat Restore on March 20^th, from 9am until 2 pm.  We’d like to have a good turnout to benefit Habitat for Humanity.  Each car will have a container to take up donations for the cause.

 I reminded everyone about the Good Ole Volks car show on June 12^th to benefit the American Heart Association.  Things will be done a bit differently this year so be sure and watch the website for information updates. 

Ya’ll enjoy this bit of Spring fever but continue to drive safe.  Hope to see all of you and more next week.

Drive safe!

Shearin

March 2004

A beautiful, early Spring Sunday. Temperatures in the high fifties to low sixties, sunny skies, light breezes and most of the snow from two days past was quickly melting. So what could mar this beautiful Leap Day? YOU WEREN'T THERE!!!

I know the invitations went out almost six weeks ago and were reissued several times since then. I understand that some of you may have had other commitments, but ALL of you??? It’s kind of like planning a party and no one bothers to show up!

Lee and I were at Herbie's Place at 11:15 am on Sunday. We were supposed to leave at 11:30, but we waited until 11:35, just in case there were some stragglers. When no one showed up we decided there had been a commitment made to friends that had arranged this day trip, so we weren’t going to disappoint them by being a no show.

The pavement was dry as we cruised by-pass 40 to 421N and on to Billy Bobs’.
When we pulled in the parking lot, there sat Tony and Susan (from over near Thomasville) in their beautiful light yellow bug. (no Ghia this trip) As we sat there discussing where everyone was, Dave Tosi and son rolled up in their green ’71 “June Bug”. (That’s what it looks like to me.) Dave had really worked some long hours to get his bug ready for this planned road trip, and it was running great.

When it became obvious there would only be the six of us we went inside the diner for lunch. Beverly Tosi joined us after church. Billy Bob had set aside tables for us in “our” room. We proceeded to have a very enjoyable meal. Service was great, food was good, and companions were the greatest.

After lunch, we left Billy Bob’s and took the back roads through some of the most beautiful rural countryside to be seen in this area. Dave took point, and led us right to the top of a very crowded Pilot Mountain. The view was fantastic! We could see snow in the mountains to the west of us, we think we identified Kings Mountain to the southwest, and Saurtown Mountain and Hanging Rock looked close enough to touch.

About 3:30 PM we decided it was time to call it a day and head to our respective homes. It was a bit “airish” in Quigley and we wanted to be off the road and safe before dark.

All in all, it was a wonderful day!
Sorry you missed it.

I realize that winter can bring on the Blahs and it gets dark early, and it’s cold. So? I have things I like to do when the weather is nice, too. There are still 24 hours in the day, and there is still a Thursday in every week that comes along. What other club asks nothing of you but to just show up?  Even if its only once a month! Let us know you’re still a part of us. We miss seeing you and hearing about what’s going on in your lives.

We have two car shows coming up between now and June, and we need your support and participation to make these a success!
Dave Tosi has really gotten the ball rolling for the Habitat Rehab Store Show at the end of this month. (March 20) I’m talking trophies, prizes, stuff for the kids. Really first class. I suggest you mark it on your calendar.

The American Heart Association Heart and Stroke Walk, and the Good Ole Volks Second Annual Public Vote Car Show, both in Country Park is rapidly approaching. We want to do a really great show to benefit the American Heart Association this year. If you would like to volunteer to help with either (or both) shows, please get in touch with Dave or me. We want as many involved as possible. We don’t want Good Ole Volks to be known as a “one year wonder” for the American Heart Association. Let’s not let this great and worthy cause down.

Drive safe!

Until next time.....

Shearin