Who's interested in a GTG in Richmond, VA in early April? There are some great parks we can get together and grill some weekend afternoon. Post and let's arrange something!

Eric

if you can do it this friday , i'll be passing by heading south! :D

any good tips from y'all on cheap diesel in va.?
close off I-95 natch..
thanks in advance ..

cheap diesel, i don't know. but good diesel, as in 47 cetane is right off I-95 on Belvidere at the Amoco. id be up for something friday!

thanks eric ! i was j/k about the gtg as i will be driving to florence,sc on friday i will not have much time to spare .. too bad.
i would have loved to see your 'Peyton' in person.

thanks for the tip on amoco diesel - is that place just south of fredericksburg? it would be interesting to see any difference in performance/mileage when using 'premium' diesel.

bob

190Rev is sponsoring a Mercedes GTG this saturday in the DC area. I'm sure diesels are welcome.

March 29, 2003 Saturday
1:00 PM SHARP!!
Dave & Buster Rockville Maryland
11301 Rockville Pike
Rockville Maryland

Regards,

Don

Our spring GTG at Ft. Marcy Park outside DC was a LOAD of fun! Love to do this more often.

Please e-mail me at jbeek@samhsa.gov

What gives, and how can we contact him/her? Live only minutes from "rally" site!

Oh, I'm sorry I should have clarified. Click here: 190Rev (http://www.190revolution.net)

Regards,

Don

Let me know where and when & I will see if I can make it. I will be out of town the first 2 weekends in April. I hope to have my 300D back from the body shop by this Friday. played a little bumper pool with a guard rail about 3 weeks ago on an icy overpass just east of the Airport on I-64 Russ

Hey All-

I am totally up for meeting in April sometime- I am in C-ville, but can easily make it to Richmond.
Can bring one of two 123 diesels, or maybe my new (to me) 73 280sel 4.5 (which is on its way from CA as we speak).

Talk about the other end of the fuel consumption spectrum....

Check it out:

Cheers,

JAS

I'm up for a get together. Just let me know when. This will give me a great reason to wash and wax my car!

Scott

Let me just throw out an idea- I am very willing to "host" a gtg in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area, too- there are amazing mountain roads around here, not to mention Blue Ridge Pkwy/Skyline Drive just up the road. Also, there are numerous vineyards that make for perfect afternoon diversions. Wine, mountains, Mercs, does it get any better?

Maybe later on this spring/summer, after a Richmond gtg. If there's any interest, just post or email.

Cheers-

JAS

...and offer a "weekender" opportunity for those so inclined.

Keep me informed!

but my April schedule is very full. On the other hand, our subdivision (7 miles west of WMSBG toward Richmond on scenic route 5) has a park which might not be too small for a Fall event, although it often is booked up by the members quite far in advance.

So, are you guys going to have a GTG or not?

I can remember the goading leathermang gave us up here in New England/ New Jersey when we began planning a second after we had our first and no one actually found anyone else at the agreed upon site. It was apparently a mall or some other heavily populated spot in NJ where it is pretty common to see a significant number of MB's. Without some very specific gathering place, the forum members were not sure enough the other MB drivers were there for the GTG, or just shopping, to approach them.

Anyway, leathermang was instrumental in the success of our following ones, mainly by dropping some serious "hints" about how to organize one. The first steps though, are picking a place and a date. The place should be somewhere where a bunch of MB Diesels stick out and you can find each other, and the time should allow for those that show up early or late and leave early or late. The boys in Texas also add some grub to the event, which would be nice at one of the next NE GTGs.

Good luck on the GTG though, and keep us posted on the location and date. You never know when someone from Texas or Connecticut might be planning a drive through your area....

Jim

LOL yes, I remember Greg called me while I was on my way up to the meet in Connecticut a month or two ago to see if everyone was actually meeting.. I think he needs to chime in again..

I should be able to make it to Richmond in April if it is not the weekend of the 5th and 6th.


thebern

It sounds like most people can make it the third weekend in April (19th-20th). Is this still the case? Should we tentatively plan on this weekend for now?

Scott

It sounds like most people can make it the third weekend in April (19th-20th). Is this still the case? Should we tentatively plan on this weekend for now?

Scott

.

sounds GOOD!

I should be there!


thebern

The weekend of April 19 th will be good for me. Just let me know where and what time CUL Russ

Depends when exactly that weekend- might be able to make it.

Where and when?

-JAS

VA .. GTG ..

LOL .. I can see that you guys need some help ..
:D :D

I'm from CT, but after a quick review of the 'ole
Rand McNally road atlas .. check the south side of
Richmond off route 288 .. Pocahontas State Forest and Park ..
Say April 19th at 1:00 PM .. meet at the first obvious
parking area once you're in the park ;) ;) ;) ;)

Just kidding .. but as Leathermang pointed out to us
New Englanders .. someone has to step up to the plate
and set a date/time/and place or it won't happen :cool:

Jim in Ct .. 1996 e300d

Now that we've got the weekend lets set the place.

Peyton300TD: Since you first thought of this, what are your suggestions for a good park where we can grill? I'm not too familiar with all the parks around here.

Also, we should probably set a date for that weekend. How about that Saturday (19th)?

Scott

Saturday the 19th sounds great. How about either Shiplock Park (located in Shockoe Bottom, Richmond) or one of the great areas near Maymont?

I should investigate if they have outdoor grills first hey?

eric

How about having the GTG at Dorey Park in eastern Henrico County. They have plenty of parking and several open shelter buildings. I have seen folks grilling there and it's an easy jump off of I 64. Just one exit before the Airport if you are coming from the north, south or west. just my $0.02 worth Russ

For those of you who belong to MBCA or those of you who are interested in belonging, we are having a Tech Session at Brown's Mercedes in Charlottesville in May or June. It was scheduled for May 22, however, I understand it is being rescheduled as that is Memorial Day Weekend. The cost is $15, payable in advance.

I just bought an 84 300D and plan on being there.

Great, thanks!

First mercedes, will you come to our richmond GTG? how do you like your new ride? tell us about it!

eric

I'm there! Just exactly when and where is there? Actually, I don't have my "new ride" just yet. I should take delivery by the end of this week. I'll let you know then!

Of course, as luck would have it, I saw a 1981 300SD with 84,000, yes I said 84,000 miles on it today. It was literally driven to Church every Sunday. The sign said $5,000. I called, and the man said $4500, and he's negotiable! It's pristine, however, it is that "canary yellow" sort of color.

If this keeps up, I'll have a car lot!

So, Guys, when and where is the event?

Jim

Here is the text of an email I received from Greg Magnus, President Central VA Section, MBCA. Please go to http:..mbca.org/virginia/

Hello Everyone,

TECH SESSION DATE HAS CHANGED!

Brown Mercedes, Charlottesville, VA

Saturday, June 14 (8:30am – 12:30pm)

Pre-registration Required (see newsletter for details)

As many of you already know, the Tech Session was inadvertently scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. Therefore, at the request of Brown Mercedes, our Board Members and our members, we have changed the date of the Tech Session to Saturday, June 14 (8:30am – 12:30pm).



There is a “first register, first serve” policy in effect for the Tech Session. Your car is placed on the “service list” in the order of registration. Your name goes on the list upon receipt of your registration info. & check; please see the newsletter for details. Several members have registered to date and the list is growing rapidly. Please register as soon as possible if you want Brown to look at your car (time permitting).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at your convenience. Happy motoring!

Regards,

Greg Magnus

Phone: 804-640-9574

gjmagnus@attbi.com

I went last year with my 84 TD. Taking my new 108 chassis this year. A great group of people.

-JAS

What do they teach you at the tech session?

Basically, you register your car, and a M-B tech from the dealership puts it up on the lift and goes over it with you. It's pretty fun, but usually leaves you with about a grand in possible repairs...

Sounds like the tech session really isn't a learning experience but instead is a way for the dealership to drum up more business. I like how they are going to charge you for it too. How thorough of a check do they do? Do they do a compression check? Injection timing? Timing chain stretch? If they did all of that I would definitely think its worth it. But if they are just going to look around and tell me where it's leaking oil and that my belts and hoses need to be changed, I'd rather save my $15 and the time to drive up there.

Well, that's about what you will get, so I wouldn't waste your time. They don't get involved enough to actually take anything apart...

for an alfresco picnic, talk, and tire-kicking.

We had a NICE time doing that last fall at Ft. Marcy Park just above Alexandria, VA. These GTGs can get TOO elaborate.

"A good GTG today beats a perfect GTG tomorrow"

Let's just pick a time and place.

TIME = april 19th NOON to whenever
PLACE = TBA i am researching a good central location

Scott,

Do you know what it would cost you to have a MB Tech look at your car if you drove it over to McGeorge, etc? Pick a number!!! How about 1 hour's labor @ $100 plus per hour??????

Hey, you also get to meet other MB owners and learn something!

By the way, the Techs volunteer there time. When's the last time you had a pro look at your MB???

First Mercedes:

I don't mind paying a tech to look at my car if I actually feel like I will get something for my money that I otherwise couldn't do myself. In fact, before I bought my diesel I took it to a mechanic (not a dealership) and paid about $75 to have them go through the car thoroughly - i.e. compression check and many other things to get a good idea about the condition of my car. If the tech in Charlotesville is just going to put my car on the lift and give it a visual inspection, I don't think he is going to spot anything I can't see myself.

On the other hand, I'm not trying to knock this whole idea. $15 is definitely not much money, and people who don't otherwise work on their cars can probably get a lot of benefit from the tech session. I just don't think it's for me. I also agree with you that it is a great opportunity to meet other diesel owners and have a good time. I just have very limited spare time and have to be selective as to how I spend it.

Just my $.02

Scott

okay..

Date: Saturday the 19th
Time: NOON-whenever

Place: Dorey Park - which is just off I-64

They have grills, a pond. It's a cool park that used to be a farm. How does that sound to everyone? we can snack and chat. I'll have a digital camera so we can post photos. Maybe someone can bring a frisbee or three. Bring your dogs if you want. Let's just have fun.

So, who will be there?!

Eric

Can you post directions for everyone?

I will be there around noon. I assume we will meeting the back near the lake/ pond where the shelters are. See you all there. Russ

Hey Peyton,
Do take lots of pictures so I can see fellow MB enthusiasts automobiles. I will actually be out of town in NC with my in-laws for Easter. I believe everyone will love the park..I actually live just a few exits north of there in Mechanicsville and it is a great setting. Hope to see lots of good photos..have a great time!

Would someone kindly supply some rudimentary directions-

Luvmy84300sd- what exit number is the park? That might suffice.

Thanks-

Jas

I'll actually check on the exact exit number tonight and reply back later with the details. As long as you can access I-295 (coming either direction) you won't have any problem. I checked on Mapquest and they are giving the in town directions for everything.

I would offer directions, but ive never been there. Russ, I think you know how to get there, do you mind explaining?

Here is a link for what I believe is the park:

http://www.dgif.state.va.us/fishing/lakes/dorey_park_lake/info.html

eric

Directions to VA GTG at Dorey Park saturday April 19, 2003 Noon til .....

From Richmond and points west take I-64 east out towards the Richmond Airport. Keep an eye out for Exit # 195 Laburnum Ave. Laburnum is one exit after the Nine Mile road exit. From the exit ramp turn right on to Laburnum Ave.

If coming from the East, exit #195 is one exit past the airport. Turn left onto Laburnum ave from the exit ramp. There is a traffic light at the intersection.

Ukrops will be on the right just as you get on to Laburnum ave from the ramps at Exit #195. Proceed 3.8 miles on Laburnum Ave. You will pass Williamsburg Rd, the Laburnum motor mile and finally the NABISCO cookie plant. ( you should be able to smell the cookies) The next intersection after the Nabisoc cookie plant dissapers in your rear view mirror will be Darbytown Road. There is a sign pointing to Dorey Park. Turn left on to Darbytown Rd. Drive 1.3 miles on Darbytown road to the entrance of Dorey Park. The entrance is on the right. Shelters and pond are all the way at the end of the road. I guess just look for the line of diesel powered cars.

See you there around noon

Russ:cool:

Okay, so far here's who thinks they are coming

me -Peyton300TD -300TD
Scott98 - 300D
Russo 85300DT - 300D
First Mercedes - ??
jas2wa - 300TD
JimB+? -300CD?

anyone else?

i know of several people in the area who just couldn't make because it was easter weekend, next time hopefully we can see you though.

what do you guys want to do about food? if anything?

eric

The Chrysler Art Museum is having an exhibit entitled something like: "The Art of the Ferrari." 12 important cars featured, in the real metal, and a lot of other related stuff; granted, some of the quotes on the local TV, such as that there are only 2 surviving original Testa Rossas (while the camera pans over a
GTO, yet), may be a bit stretched. Just opened and runs till just after the 4th of July, I believe. That might be another opportunity to gather.

Me and my girlfriend may take a trip down.. not sure yet.

I have to work.. would be fun to attend

okay so i heard it would rain this weekend but right now my forecast looks like it will be 70 deg F and sunny!

eric

Wish I could have made it- did anyone get together?

-JAS

hey justin, yea we did. check out the link

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=62722&pagenumber=2