Just like it says .. Who has been to a site meet before? I know it seems silly for me to post, but heres my thought.
There are lots of us who have been to mini meets and chapter events and even one of the two previous full site events. There are also a heck of alot more whom have not. Many of those folks may be thinking... oh heck no, not Internet folks nope no how no way not me.. or perhaps their better half says OH HELL NO YOU WONT..
well perhaps if we all post our experiences in the past, the fellowship and enthusiasm we experience will help someone make that choice in coming.

Feel free to add a picture to your post and multi post away.. think of it as a brag book for past shows :)

Went to last years meet, and also made the Chickenwingding and several Cruisin' the Coast where we had "meet" type things.:lol:

I must admit, last year my wife and I both had "second" thoughts on what the h*ll we where doing loading a 9 month old baby into the old family van and stricking off over an INTERNATIONAL border going to meet people that I have never met face to face, but that feeling left about 3.3 seconds after getting to BOSS' house. Everyone was so receptive and amazing. We already had our sights set on the 2008 meet on Saturday morning of last year's meet. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Norwood 07, 1 TN Cookout 05, 3 TN Cookouts 06, 4 TN Cookouts 07, 4 Planned for 08,
TN Truck'n Nats 05, Maggie Valley 06, Maggie Valley 07, and Planned Maggie Valley 08.
(Although the last line was all events, they were all really Mini Meets instead of shows)

I have not been to any of the big board meets, but I went to ChickenWing's deal and been at Pigeon Forge twice and like Krue mentioned we had a few of us meet up for Cruising the caost the last few years..

Haven't been to the big on yet. Just too far away for the time we have right now....which isn't much. But we will make one some day.

Oh, the wife IS up for it, especially my 7 y/o son. Just too far away and not good timing.

Yeah, yeah......:waah: LOL, I know!

Can I borrow your fiddle?I`ll go if I can,just won`t know until I`m on my way.In other words.There would be no question about going if I wasn`t in this seemingly endless topsy-turvey state I`m in.What I ain`t givin` a lawyer is paying off crazy debts,or some other b.s...I`ll spare the details,not good.Just believe me when I say,it`s out of my hands.:whine:

I must admit, last year my wife and I both had "second" thoughts on what the h*ll we where doing loading a 9 month old baby into the old family van and stricking off over an INTERNATIONAL border going to meet people that I have never met face to face, but that feeling left about 3.3 seconds after getting to BOSS' house. Everyone was so receptive and amazing. We already had our sights set on the 2008 meet on Saturday morning of last year's meet. I wouldn't miss it for the world.

That's awesome James. I know when I saw ya'll at the meet I was amazed that you drove so far especially with the little one. I'm even more impressed knowing you had second thoughts, never having met folks face to face before.

Well, I have stopped by and chatted at the local swap meet and stopped by CG's when LHM was out, but the big one was my first. My wife gave me the whole "are you crazy?" but she has at least been supportive enough to let me go (as long as she doesn't have to :lol:) But yes there were a few times when I asked myself "What the heck did BOSS talk me into?" as I took a roundabout route to Norwood last year via a plane then 4hr drive ;). Really didn't know what to expect until I pulled up the drive and met all these "strange internet folks" who I only knew from screen names and avatars. But I had alot of fun met a ton of cool people and really enjoyed every minute.

I've been to several small mini meets and the Norwood meet '07. I've had a blast every time and we're only missing the Tennessee '08 meet because of a conflict in schedules. This is a board full of great people (even you LIZ:D) that I like to hang out with any chance I get.

I guess if you count a board gathering as more than 20 miles to meet up with more than 2 members...
4 members when i got my longhorn back in 02
10 or so at a meet in Ky
a bunch at the first Ohio meet
a few less at the second ohio meet
no idea how many at the norwood meet
10 or so at the second kentucky meet
work party/board meet when I picked up the burb.
I had a blast at every single meet I attended.
At the bigger ones, there were plenty of spouses/girl friends, and kids too, and they all seemed to be having a good time.

If you are considering going... I highly recomend it.
What could be the worst outcome? You don't have fun, and you feel you wasted a few bucks and a weekend. You've probably done worse than that before.
So get the atlas out, pack up the cooler, get the sunscreen, and point the truck towards Tn. You don't need a pretty truck, don't need a show truck, you don't even need a truck. There were enough dodge mini vans in norwood to have a chrysler show! I drove a stinkin lincoln to one of the ohio meets.
And, if your POS won't make it, see if someone local to you is going. I rode in the back of RacinJason's mini van to norwood last year, and cruised in fine69's 67 cougar to the kentucky gathering last summer too. You can help with gas, or offer to give someone else a ride and get some gas money from them.
It'll be a weekend of fun. No way around it.

It is a great time. If you can possibly work it out, you will not be disappointed. It really is great to put faces to the names/avatars.

I made the Mo meet last year, five Tn meets, Pigeon Forge once and Maggie Valley twice. You will not regret making one of these events for the friends you will make and knowlege you will gain.

Here is a few shots from my 2006 meet/greet. All the boards were invited.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/230x/100_0436.jpg http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/230x/100_0434.jpg http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/230x/100_0447.jpg http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/230x/100_0455.jpg http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/230x/100_0456.jpg http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/230x/100_0461.jpg

I forgot about Luv's gettogether. I made that one too.:D

A few more.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/230x/100_0472.jpg http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/230x/100_0474.jpg http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/230x/100_0459.jpg http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/230x/100_0431.jpg http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/230x/100_0479.jpg http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f99/230x/100_0484.jpg

That was my first attempt at a meet and I was happy with how it turned out.

i have been to 7 total and will go to all i can. the people have all been great and i have seen some beautiful trucks,blazers and suburbans.

hope to see you all at the 2008 meet

I went to the Indy meet and only stayed for a little while. I found that everyone was very friendly and it was nice to meet different people from the board.
When it came time for the Norwood meet at Boss's, I figured I would stay longer this time. I am glad I did. Other then pretty hot that weekend, it was nice. There was plenty of friendly people, food, nice trucks(except for mine).
It was relaxing and enjoyable to just get away and mingle. Seems like adults & children had fun.
I am sure we all lead a pretty hectic life in this day and age so it's kinda of nice to just kick back for a few days. Eat, BS, relax.
Looking forward to this years meet in Tenn.

:flag:

I'd say pretty much the same ones that Craig's been to. I love getting together with you guys and I always look forward to it.

You won't regret it!!!!

I've been to the NC meet last year and the National Meet in MO last year, and certainly wish I could make it to a lot more of them. This is a great community, and I am honored to call a lot of the folks on here friends...some are more like family.

I've been to the NC meet last year and the National Meet in MO last year, and certainly wish I could make it to a lot more of them. This is a great community, and I am honored to call a lot of the folks on here friends...some are more like family.

And this old, big brother is going to get his feelings hurt if you don't make it to see me this year. So put it on the calender and make it happen.

She'll be there... she'll go just to see me again.






OK, she'll go just to kick my butt.

:haha:

The thing about this national meet is it`s in an area where guys already gather all the time anyway.It`s sure to be a great one.

been to both national meets and plan on making it three :)

Never been to a meet before but been to Ron's place. :metal: You can't beat the front porch for coffee and bs'ing in the morning :mm: should be fun

I look at meets this way(and I have been to quite a few).All of us are truck/car nuts,so we are going to talk drive and work on trucks.All of us have to eat.All of us need a weekend away whether with or without our signifigant other.Now would you rather do that on a cruise with people you never met or some nuts you are familiar with? BTW the ones on the cruise probably will avoid your talking about trucks

So if you don't go to a meet of any sort then you are just missing out on some great fun.There's some things you should know though.
1.We do parking lot mods.We're truck nuts we fix trucks.It's what we do.
2.No one gets stuck with all the cooking or cleaning.We don't do that.
3.You do have to pay your way but there are many people who need a ride or help with gas money.CARPOOL(OOPS TRUCKPOOL)
4.There is always good natured ribbing about folks who's truck isn't finished.We all have lives and have to take care of them Trucks are our passion and hobby so if yours isn't ready don't sweat it.We've all been/are there.
5.Fun is a given.
6.Weather.Remember the road trip you took with so and so, to whereever,whenever?The one where it rained and you had a flat/bad starter/broken x or whatever and got soaked fixing it.You remember it cause it was one of the best times of your life and you laugh every time you think about it.That's how meet weather is.
7.Want to look at some cool trucks both finished and in the works/They will be at the meets.
8.Ever been rigidly scheduled to do things.We don't do that.It's just a laid back enjoy atmospere.

Still having second thoughts? PM one of the members who go and ask if they would do it again.Bet you every one of them says YES!!!

i wouldn't say yes... I'd say hell yeah!

Made it to 07 norwood...Had a GREAT time. If you are thinking about going, do it! :)

I have made several meets/cookouts but missed the Norwood meet last year. (had truck loaded and ready to go when leg problems took a turn for the worse) So ain't taking no chances this year I'll just have it at my house so I'll be here. I hope you will be here too.

that's one way to make sure of it eh ron?

If you can make it. Don't miss it. Norwood was awesome last year and I'm sure this year will be just as fun.

cory, you gonna be able to drive your rig this year?

that's one way to make sure of it eh ron?

Only way I will miss it this year is......we ain't gonna go there.

cory, you gonna be able to drive your rig this year?

I'm hoping too

Just another post to keep this going, you want to know how much fun these
things are? Well here is what happens where I work every year in January ;)

Vacation meeting - All team members must submit a list of requested dates,
anywhere there are conflicts they must be resolved before meeting ends. I
have 20 days of vacation and the 4 TN cookouts and the NBM are priority,
then vacations for truck shows like Maggie Valley and Memphis SCS, then if
there are any days left the wife gets her choice of what and when. Do you
see a pattern here? :lol: I have yet to not get most of everything I asked 4.
However if you REALLY enjoy these type of things they have to be a priority.

Yes maybe I am spoiled cause the TN ZOO CREW does 4 events a year, but
that is what we CHOOSE to do and I will continue to do until I'm not able. :D

You need to move the zoo further south. :D ;)

I have never been to a meet or a cruise. but im DYING to go. And now I dont have any excuse for not makin it to Ron's , since im only about 30 min. from Big Sandy. My only exscuse is , and i know this may sound silly to most. I have been dealin with health issues for the past 10 years. That have affected my speech & balance. im really self consciences about it especially around strangers & big crowds.

yeah i know , stupid reason huh?

So if yall see a black 4x4 72 cheyenne pull up, and the driver is real quite, all most speechless LOL. but is grinning from ear to ear, Thats Me !! :hi2:

See Yall there
Brian

I have never been to a meet or a cruise. but im DYING to go. And now I dont have any excuse for not makin it to Ron's , since im only about 30 min. from Big Sandy. My only exscuse is , and i know this may sound silly to most. I have been dealin with health issues for the past 10 years. That have affected my speech & balance. im really self consciences about it especially around strangers & big crowds.

yeah i know , stupid reason huh?

So if yall see a black 4x4 72 cheyenne pull up, and the driver is real quite, all most speechless LOL. but is grinning from ear to ear, Thats Me !! :hi2:

See Yall there
Brian

Brian, a lot of us are self conscience about many different things. We all feel things that we wish we could change.
One thing we have together is our like for chevy trucks.
The way I see it you are close enough to go to Ron's and, if you feel uncomfortable, leave (which I doubt will be the case).
I don't meet, and mingle, with people very well but last year at Norwood I had a good time.
It will be worth the trip.

I have never been to a meet or a cruise. but im DYING to go. And now I dont have any excuse for not makin it to Ron's , since im only about 30 min. from Big Sandy. My only exscuse is , and i know this may sound silly to most. I have been dealin with health issues for the past 10 years. That have affected my speech & balance. im really self consciences about it especially around strangers & big crowds.

yeah i know , stupid reason huh?

So if yall see a black 4x4 72 cheyenne pull up, and the driver is real quite, all most speechless LOL. but is grinning from ear to ear, Thats Me !! :hi2:

See Yall there
Brian

You won't be alone with your health problems. Several of us are affected in some way but we will all help each other and have a good time. If you would like to get a lay of the land early feel free to stop over any time for a guided tour. It would be a good idea to call and make sure we will be here. Would be glad to meet you.

My sons and I went last year. Some people thought I was crazy, being a female and taking off to another state with a 1 year old and an 17 year old to meet a bunch of (mostly) guys that I have never had much more than internet connections with. We had such an AWSOME time, met so many people!! Some Ive been in contact with for 5-7 years, some much less. Lots of huggs, smiles and great friendships made. Cant wait for JULY!!

You won't be alone with your health problems. Several of us are affected in some way but we will all help each other and have a good time. If you would like to get a lay of the land early feel free to stop over any time for a guided tour. It would be a good idea to call and make sure we will be here. Would be glad to meet you.


Thanks Ron, I was down your way last weekend . Went for a lil drive to Camden and went thru Big Sandy on my way back. Next time im down your way, I might stop by.

Thanks Ron, I was down your way last weekend . Went for a lil drive to Camden and went thru Big Sandy on my way back. Next time im down your way, I might stop by.

Would be glad to have you. Directions and contact info is in post 1 of the announcement post. Come on down.

I made Indy, and Norwood last year. Hope to make it 3 for 3.

So much fun was had at Norwood. Minus the ticks & chiggers but they had a good time too. Even FIREDOG had a good time & his engine blew half way thru the trip!

I'm just wondering around the BB this morning and I noticed something.Almost every meet pic I see has two things in common.
First is that everone is smiling .
Second every shot of a table or food has TnBlazerK5(Robb) and LUV2XCLR8(Craig) in it.

I don't think that last thing is a coincidence.

:agree::lol:

No need to be concerned about meeting everyone. Just walk around look @ everyones rides. I might be the only one that wondered how in the world SPRAYBOMB drove that truck from Tx with bald tires, non exhaust, with one single seat & no lights. And smiled the whole time.

I might be the only one that wondered how in the world SPRAYBOMB drove that truck from Tx with bald tires, non exhaust, with one single seat & no lights. And smiled the whole time.

Nope you weren't the only one...:lol: Whenever I think of Spraybomb and his truck at Norwood I think squeak ....squeak....squeak.

Nope you weren't the only one...:lol: Whenever I think of Spraybomb and his truck at Norwood I think squeak ....squeak....squeak.

me too..lol

i been to both nationals and a few locals.. all great imo..

Been to the last 2 Maggie Valley events and been to Ron's (Dad's) a bunch.... :bo2:

I've only made it to Craig's (Luv) once, but had a big time. Missed Norwood, but will be at BIG SANDY.
I think I read that Longhorn Man was coming. I can't wait to see if he brings his flowers (or if a new bunch is waiting for his arrival).
Gonna go ahead and dump my camera memory 'cause there will be some picture takin' going on! (evidence)

For anyone who is undecided about coming....it's like a weekend summer camp for BIG kids.

There you have it folks, Longhorn Man and Putter at one place at the same time. Who could ask for anything more........ we are just getting started. Come on and check us out.