2014 Drive from Vegas to Charlotte

[mherman2]

In 2009 a group of about 7-8 cars stuck together all the way to Birmingham from Vegas. We all talked today after the announcement and we will be meeting at Shelby in Vegas and running to Charlotte over 5 days, 440 miles a day.

I asked Mustang One to reconsider canceling this great event. We are going to make the run in my 1968 GT500 KR convertible regardless of whether its official or not along with several other cars. My guess is we will have a big crew up for doung this, lets make it happen. Anyone else interested??

[Mustang 3]

By the time the dust settles I think you will see 2 shows...a week apart. WITH a run from Vegas to Charlotte from Sunday (Vegas show Fri/Sat) to Thursday (Charlotte show).

MCA has had a slight brain fart...they will quickly realize the error.

[bigdaddy]

Hey all

Big Daddy here. I agree with Dave. I think if enough folks say something to MCA they may change the dates of the events. They could easily increase the attendance at both venues by playing up the MAA drive. A once in a lifetime drive from one MCA celebration to another! I know I would be up for it. We need to keep letting the MCA know if they want to have 2 shows then we as the members want them a week apart. Now, I will repeat what Mustang One said, this is not a bitch session. We are simply stating our wishes as members of the MCA and not a gang of thugs. Let us wait a bit and see what happens.

[BlueStang09]

In 2009 a group of about 7-8 cars stuck together all the way to Birmingham from Vegas. We all talked today after the announcement and we will be meeting at Shelby in Vegas and running to Charlotte over 5 days, 440 miles a day.

I asked Mustang One to reconsider canceling this great event. We are going to make the run in my 1968 GT500 KR convertible regardless of whether its official or not along with several other cars. My guess is we will have a big crew up for doung this, lets make it happen. Anyone else interested??

I would definitely be down for it (if an official MAA drive does not take place).

Btw, does your group include that red '66 Shelby clone with the 5.4 GT500 engine filling up the entire engine bay?

-Victor

[gofastguy]

By the time the dust settles I think you will see 2 shows...a week apart. WITH a run from Vegas to Charlotte from Sunday (Vegas show Fri/Sat) to Thursday (Charlotte show).



Oh doesn't this sound fun!

[mherman2]

I would definitely be down for it (if an official MAA drive does not take place).

Btw, does your group include that red '66 Shelby clone with the 5.4 GT500 engine filling up the entire engine bay?

-Victor

Yes sir!!! We'll run one way or another and have a blast doing it:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxudakT19Ks&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[PAUL GEMELLARO]

Yes sir!!! We'll run one way or another and have a blast doing it:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxudakT19Ks&feature=youtube_gdata_player

I have no doubt MAA members will cruise together again in 2014 !

[bigdaddy]

Hey all

Big Daddy here

I am going to post this on all the threads dealing with the MCA & MAA decisions about the 50th. I agree with Sam, let's wait a bit and see if the MCA comes to their senses. It would be alot of wasted work if everyone agrees to go one direction then finds the MCA has changed its mind and all those plans get shot in the water. It takes alot of planning to make a trip of this nature. It may start off easy enough but as it grows the logistics get harder and harder. Right Sam? Right now everyone, including me, are thinking with our hearts. Let's give our brains a few minutes to catch up (a few hours in my case!) Again as Sam said earlier keep watching the forums and keep posting. Also let MCA know how we feel. Maybe things will look up!!

[PAUL GEMELLARO]

Hey all

Big Daddy here

I am going to post this on all the threads dealing with the MCA & MAA decisions about the 50th. I agree with Sam, let's wait a bit and see if the MCA comes to their senses. It would be alot of wasted work if everyone agrees to go one direction then finds the MCA has changed its mind and all those plans get shot in the water. It takes alot of planning to make a trip of this nature. It may start off easy enough but as it grows the logistics get harder and harder. Right Sam? Right now everyone, including me, are thinking with our hearts. Let's give our brains a few minutes to catch up (a few hours in my case!) Again as Sam said earlier keep watching the forums and keep posting. Also let MCA know how we feel. Maybe things will look up!!

I agree with you. i doubt MCA will cancel one of the shows but who knows ? We will improvise, adapt, and overcome !

[mherman2]

We Ride!!!

[GoofNOff]

I'd be willing to cross the USA twice like I did for the 40th! I agree with Richard though about logistics. We'd need to let the hotels know we're coming and if it isn't an official MAA event(can't step on Sam's toes), we'll need to come up with an something to reserve rooms and possibly get discounts for the event. Also, MAA drives are supported by local Clubs along the route greeting us along the way. It'll be hard to do anything without their support as well. Also, local law enforcement may need a heads up considering how many folks would like join in along the way. Because of this, I really hope Sam will be able to come up with something that can possibly make us all happy and might even be supported by the MCA and Ford as well. Hoping something will come up between now and April 2014...

[2yellowstangs]

We're up for a drive from Vegas to Charolette. Give us a date, time location meet in Vegas, and We're there. The 04 trip was so much fun for us, from Fl. to Vegas and then on to B'ham. We meant so many people, new friends, and it was a trip of a life time for me. Some fellow local "stangers" heard of all the fun we had and decided to join in the 50th with us. Also, my daughter and 3 Grandkids wanted to join in too for the 50th. What a learning expirence for the kids to see the Ol' U.S. of A.
I for one will be heartbroken if MAA doesn't do "some" kind of drive. We all where looking forward to a drive.

[MustangOne]

Let me state for the record that this thread is a discussion among people about an idea, not an official Mustangs Across America statement for an event.

While I love to watch these discussions, I want to make sure newbies that come upon this thread do not take this to be an official announcement or discussion about a planned event.

At this time Mustangs Across America is NOT planning a 50th Anniversary drive to any MCA Show and has not yet announced what and where a 50th Annivsersary Drive will be.

Carry on :)

[jeremyfd]

There must be several people around like me who have been planning shipping our Mustangs to the USA from our different countries for the drive; in my case the UK. So for my part I'm watching this forum and am prepared to hitch myself to a group that's going to be doing something if the MAA drive eventually fails to happen.
Thanks everyone.

In 2009 a group of about 7-8 cars stuck together all the way to Birmingham from Vegas. We all talked today after the announcement and we will be meeting at Shelby in Vegas and running to Charlotte over 5 days, 440 miles a day.

I asked Mustang One to reconsider canceling this great event. We are going to make the run in my 1968 GT500 KR convertible regardless of whether its official or not along with several other cars. My guess is we will have a big crew up for doung this, lets make it happen. Anyone else interested??

[gofastguy]

We , like everyone else, were/are looking forward to the 50th drive. If an official MAA event is not to be, we would certainly be open to joining a group of like-minded travellers.

[2yellowstangs]

I would prefer to travel with MAA "IF" there is a drive. For now lets wait and see what the powers to be decide on the what happens. Its safe to say that another 10-12 months will pass before anything "FINAL" is decided for 2014.

But "talking' about doing a drive on our own is something to ponder. Heck, I've already map quest a route from Vegas to Charolette, planned my layovers, lunches and site seeing stops. Yep, I have no life, Don't get out very much, and just plain bored sometimes, ;-).

[White05GT]

Since I'm only about 6 hours from Charlotte it's not much of a cruise. Really want to go out west again so I'm definately up for it. Maybe it will be a week or month long celebration for the 50th.

[tony289k]

Hi There,

I travelled from Australia for the 45th MAA in 2009. Had a fantastic time and so did my wife. Planning to come again for the 50th with an old friend of mine. If all goes sour and there is no MAA official run, then I would still be interested in a Vegas to Charlotte run. I am sure that either way we will have a blast and meet alot of terrific people along the way.

Cheers,
Tony

[bigdaddy]

Hey all

Big Daddy here

I too would love a drive from Vegas to Charlotte. As with all of you, I am waiting patiently for MCA to realize their mistake and correct the event schedule. If that is not in the books I am in the early stages of trip planning to go back east. If there is enough interest I will go to Charlotte. If not I will go to my back up plan. I am planning on doing all of Rt. 66 from Jackson Blvd (Chicago) to Olympic Blvd and Lincoln (Santa Monica). I do not yet know how long it will take. I am currently doing research as to the attractions I really want to see. I will not have a set schedule per say but I will have a loose daily plan of what I would like to accomplish. Since I do not have a 4 wheel drive Mustang or exemption from the law I realize it is impossible do "every" bit but I do plan on doing at least 95%. Since I am retired I do not have a time frame I will forward my mail to my daughter and pay all my bills on line. With that said, I hope to make a trip to Charlotte, either official of unofficial, with my MAA family before I begin my Rt. 66 adventure.

[PAUL GEMELLARO]

I would be very interested in doing the Route 66 trip with you. Will have to see how complicated life is for me at that time. I definitely want to be part of the trip to Charlotte. Its my plan to get my 65 2+2 GT running by then and drive it to the 50th the good Lord willing !

[bigdaddy]

Hey Paul

Big Daddy here

I agree. I will have my 70 back on the road for this drive. I am planning on getting started this winter after my son-in-laws racing season is over. He has the garage space I need and I have all the tools. The only thing that the 70 needs to get on the road is gaskets. I have a bad oil leak somewhere. My plan for this winter is pull the engine and dash. I will powder coat the engine tins and jet coat the exhaust maniford. I will replace everything behind the dash since it will be much easier with the engine out. I will also replace the AC unit. The rest I can do over time as it is all cosmetic. I mentioned the Rt. 66 trip as that is my plan but just be aware I will probably be taking at least 2-3 weeks just for the Rt. 66 portion. You are welcome to come but be prepared as I want to be able to soak in all the sights and not just stop and take pictures.

[Mustang 3]

Richard--want some company on the return trip...
I'm currently booking a month off in April to do Charolotte and the return.

[bigdaddy]

Hey Dave

Big Daddy here

As I said before, would love to have company but I want to be able to set my own pace. Stop when I want and really see the sights rather that just photo ops. If you up for that then welcome.

[Mustang 3]

Hey Dave

Big Daddy here

As I said before, would love to have company but I want to be able to set my own pace. Stop when I want and really see the sights rather that just photo ops. If you up for that then welcome.

Like we've talked about before--that is the only way to "see" Route 66 and the remaining small town feel. You stumble across some small town festival and find it interesting--you stay and not try to make some artifical deadline for that night.

Sending ya a PM.

[debbie fetters]

Whats wrong with MAA and MCA...its the 50th of the FORD MUSTANG. We went on the 45th and had a really great time. Can't believe there will not be another run like that. We will do the Vegas to Charlotte run if anyone does that again. What a loss. What the hell is wrong with people and stopping a good thing!!!!! Please keep me and others informed of the activities ahead!!!!!

[debbie fetters]

Sounds good..we'll come along. Keep me posted. Had a great time on the 45th}}

[luckyman2002]

I guess I better really start saving if I wan t to come out and play with you and Big Daddy I love exploring small town's..get away from the tourist stuff.



Richard--want some company on the return trip...
I'm currently booking a month off in April to do Charolotte and the return.

[lloyd]

I live in New Orleans, I can pick up the drive in Oklahoma City and make the drive to Charlotte, in 2009, 45th, I did the same, picked up the drive in Oklahoma City and drove to Birmingham.

Looking forward to some type of drive with a lot of Mustangs

[luckyman2002]

Sam I really wish you could see Our Facebook link where we chat about how much Mustangs Across America means to us all and how much what You & Tony created means to us all. Sam you created a FAMILY of people who have become lifelong friends and although we don't see each other every day when we do it is with a hug not a hand shake. Sam most of us are planning on going to Charlotte and we could really planning and leadership to pull it off. You have done an amazing job with the past shows so lets blow them away with a 50th Anniversary Trip across America. You know your friends here will help pull this off. Anyways Sam you created a group of people who really care!

[Doug Gompertz]

Sam you created a group of people who really care!

Sam didn't create the group of people . . . Sam created the event, the activity, the thing that brought this group of people together.

It does not matter when a person joined the group, those already there welcomed the newcomer with open arms, and immediately made them feel a part of the group.

Sam, with his personality and choice of associates, created the environment and the experiences that fostered the growth of the MAA Family.

I am certain that there will be a group of MAA Alumni, with some newcomers, who will caravan together to Charlottte for the 50th. There may even be more than one group, as there are a couple of different ideas floating as to which route to take - the southern I-40 route or a more northern US50 route.

Personally, I've spent enough time on I-40 and Route 66 and I am looking to see some different country, in what will probably be my last MAA trip, so I am hopefull that Sam will #1 decide to lead a trip to Charoltte and #2 decide on a more northern route, with just MAA people and not dilute our activity by joining up with any other caravans. Lets do it ourselves, GOING ALL THE WAY AS MAA.

How about it Sam?

[luckyman2002]

Personally, I've spent enough time on I-40 and Route 66 and I am looking to see some different country, in what will probably be my last MAA trip, so I am hopefull that Sam will #1 decide to lead a trip to Charoltte and #2 decide on a more northern route, with just MAA people and not dilute our activity by joining up with any other caravans. Lets do it ourselves, GOING ALL THE WAY AS MAA.

How about it Sam?

Like Doug say How about it Sam?

[MustangOne]

Thank you for all the nice words. What has come of the MAA events, the camaraderie and family is exactly what I had hoped would come of it back in 1993 when the first one was in its beginnings.

With regard to an event in 2014, selfish though it may sound my heart has to be in it. I have to believe in it and know there is a magnet in it, a tug in the heart. And right now it just isn't there for me. We are still well more than a year out. So things may change. But right now I'm not seeing or feeling it.

Please keep up the conversation tho. We never know what might come of them.

[2yellowstangs]

I have done the last 2 trips. I now Have 3 grandsons who I want to have the experience and carry on to the next generation of mustang lovers. I have made friends around the world and are looking forward to seeing them again. Your picture of your son is the one I want to see with my grandsons. I am ALL IN what ever you decide.

[jsgreene55]

By the time the dust settles I think you will see 2 shows...a week apart. WITH a run from Vegas to Charlotte from Sunday (Vegas show Fri/Sat) to Thursday (Charlotte show).

MCA has had a slight brain fart...they will quickly realize the error.

I'm new to this forum so I don't want to start off by saying something that would offend anybody. But, I was so looking foward to a cross country drive in 2014. I was planning on buying a Mustang just for this purpose. I hope that I will have a real reason to stay with this group, and that can only be done if there is a drive from Las Vegas to Charlotte.

[luckyman2002]

Even if there is not an official drive I'm sure there will be a lot of people heading form the West to Charlotte...I know I will if I can save the funds. I'm gonna be eating a lot of Hot Dogs for the next year and a half....lol


I'm new to this forum so I don't want to start off by saying something that would offend anybody. But, I was so looking foward to a cross country drive in 2014. I was planning on buying a Mustang just for this purpose. I hope that I will have a real reason to stay with this group, and that can only be done if there is a drive from Las Vegas to Charlotte.

[69gmachine]

If there is a group however loosely organized that is trekking across the country, I plan to be in it. I'm on the east coast, so if anyone would like to join me in a drive to vegas, I'd be up for that as well. I had a blast on the last MAA tour, and I started planning upgrades to my car specifically for the 50th. I will drive cross country to one or both shows, and I hope it will be with other Mustangers. If Sam's heart is not in it for whatever reason, we should respect his decision and move on. We can call it whatever we want. Would he really care if we use MAA?

[luckyman2002]

I am going to wait till about a year out by then Sam's decision either way will be final then move on and plan a basic route maybe something other then I-40. When I was working I had the money to take off try a route and check out the hotels like I did on our trip from Sacramento to Edmonton.


If there is a group however loosely organized that is trekking across the country, I plan to be in it. I'm on the east coast, so if anyone would like to join me in a drive to vegas, I'd be up for that as well. I had a blast on the last MAA tour, and I started planning upgrades to my car specifically for the 50th. I will drive cross country to one or both shows, and I hope it will be with other Mustangers. If Sam's heart is not in it for whatever reason, we should respect his decision and move on. We can call it whatever we want. Would he really care if we use MAA?

[FirstHusband]

if MCA would move the show in Vegas to the previous weekend then the "I have to be home for Easter" folks could attend a 50th show making everyone happy.

[joefenbert]

We have a 1965 original owner 200hp coupe that still runs. It stopped being a daily driver in 1983. We hope to make a family event at Mustangs Across America. Not sure we can handle the 440 miles a day, but we will see. Also, we bought the car from Pat Milliken Ford in Detroit Michigan, so might approach them for a publicity stunt for their dealership. Might have to take a left in Texas and head north to Detroit...like a spawning salmon coming home.

[69gmachine]

Personally, I've spent enough time on I-40 and Route 66 and I am looking to see some different country, in what will probably be my last MAA trip, so I am hopefull that Sam will #1 decide to lead a trip to Charoltte and #2 decide on a more northern route, with just MAA people and not dilute our activity by joining up with any other caravans. Lets do it ourselves, GOING ALL THE WAY AS MAA.

Just a thought but what about I-80, at least until say Illinois then start heading south east to Charlotte? I've only done the MAA tour once, so I'm not tired of the I-40/Rt 66 trek, but I'm open to an alternate route.

[Doug Gompertz]

Just a thought but what about I-80, at least until say Illinois then start heading south east to Charlotte? I've only done the MAA tour once, so I'm not tired of the I-40/Rt 66 trek, but I'm open to an alternate route.

Actually I am thinking of US50 if I go to the 50th. At this point in time I am thinking that I will not go . . . might not even own a Mustang by then - getting too hard to get in and out with my artheritus.

[luckyman2002]

Doug US-50 was a fun trip when we did it I know in the beginning everyone thought I was crazy to suggest The Loneliest Road in the U.S. just not sure about snow on that route in April as you are mostly over 5000 ft in elevation as I remember. It's kinda sad that if we go we won't be going as a group but as several little groups and two different shows. Unless thing change over the next year and it looks like a good group travelling together I think I might pass because for me the fun is in the drive. I have seen enough Mustangs cleaned up at car shows to last me 100 lifetimes it's the people I enjoy.



Actually I am thinking of US50 if I go to the 50th. At this point in time I am thinking that I will not go . . . might not even own a Mustang by then - getting too hard to get in and out with my artheritus.

[jcdaniels2003]

well i am definitaly thinking with my heart. My husband passed away in May after 45th Anniversary trip in April and said it was the trip of a lifetime! I know it can't be the same but have several family members who have been anticipating the 50th run. Totally get how life changes things, but if at all possible would love to take the 64 1/2 out for another run like that! I will be watching the posts and hoping to meet up with you guys somewhere if unable to start in Vegas. Thanks for all the hard work that has been done in past and in future!!!