Lets do a MEGA meet
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Northern VA
Can I assume you would travel from Columbia to OC via Rt 32 then 97 to Rt 50 and those in VA could meet you anywhere before the Bay Bridge? I also assume you would be using FRS radios (maybe channel 4) to communicate with each other while driving.
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From: Usa
Anyone can text me at 443 718 1347 to know the location of the cruise so we dont lose anyone.
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I do not have FRS Radio and im not sure if anyone from Columbia has it. If anyone from Columbia has it, please let us know.
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Northern VA
When you're driving in a group its good to be able to communicate ...... Check this topic out RE: FRS 2 Way Radios
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Hey I'll actually be bringing my S2000 down to fedex field to drive the Focus ST as well. Also, not planning to sell my s2k, but I came from 2 Foci and have a soft spot for them. My appt is at 1PM, I might see you down there.
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From: Usa
One of the member was kind enough to share this valuable information with me regarding the cruise. I thought i'd share with all of you 
Below you will find a set of guidelines called Road Rules that are recommended for our outings and day trips, since traveling as large groups of enthusiasts to a destination can be a challenge.
Road Rules - Tips for Safe Driving during a club drive
One of the most enjoyable aspects of belonging to our Car Club is driving together in a group or caravan. The following is a simple set of Rules and Guidelines that will contribute to a FUN and SAFE TOUR.
Remember the basics - Vision and Control
It is important on a group drive to keep your vision up and ahead. It is all too easy to end up just watching the car in front of you instead of looking ahead to see where the road is going and what lies ahead in traffic.
A caravan of just 20 S2000’s can stretch over 1-2 miles of highway. If the group is too large, divide into 2 or more groups of 10 or less if possible, each with a Drive Leader and a Tail Gunner that have FRS radios. All other cars with FRSs should be interspersed within the group. At no time should any S2000 pass the whole group to reposition to a forward position. This is a caravan NOT a RACE to see who can drive the fastest.
The group should travel in the middle lane or the RIGHT lane on a freeway or highway so as not to obstruct the flow of traffic.
Use the 3-SECOND RULE to maintain adequate separation and the 4-SECOND RULE when conditions indicate caution. For the 3-SECOND RULE, note a point on the road ahead. When the car in front of you passes it, begin counting "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three." If you are maintaining a good interval, you will pass the same point on or after you say "three" and "four" when the going gets tough.
Drive with your HEAD LIGHTS on for safety and identification.
When traveling though congested areas, parts of the group may become separated. The Lead S2000, through radio communication, can elect to slow down to let the group catch up, use the BREADCRUMB technique where the last car in the main group stops and waits for the trailing group to reach that point, or stop and pull off the road to regroup.
To REGROUP, the Lead S2000 will look for a shoulder space with adequate clearance for the entire group to pull over. As you come to a stop, TURN YOUR WHEELS toward the road. DO NOT turn off your motor or get out of the car. When the Leader and Tail Gunner decide the road is clear, the last S2000 will pull out and BLOCK and the group will pull onto the roadway at the SAME TIME. This is why you turn your wheels TOWARD the road when you stop.
When parking in business parking lots, pull to the FARTHEST open spot and park HEAD IN. This allows the caravan to get safely off the highway quickly.
Safety First
It is very difficult to keep a caravan together in heavy traffic, congested areas, and on major highways. Plan to regroup when that part of the trip is over. Most drives are planned with re-grouping stops along the route.
Be aware of the NO ZONE, the large areas of restricted visibility around large trucks, semi-tractor trailers and buses.
Pass only when legal and safe. Do not pass on or cross over double yellow lines or curves.If a member of the group wants to pass you - let them, however passing within the club group of cars should not be necessary and is not recommended.
Speed
Stay within the posted speed limits. Trips are planned to be driven and enjoyed at posted legal speed limits. There is no need to rush or speed to keep up with the lead car or cars ahead of you if you get separated in traffic.
The Lead S2000 will set the pace for the caravan but it is each drivers responsibility to keep the S2000 behind him or her in sight.
Radios
Use of a FRS radio is helpful in maintaining contact in the driving group. This keeps you in touch with the Leader and is a fun way to communicate during the drive. Always be careful using a FRS Radio while driving, don't let the radio be a distraction to you while driving.
The Club generally uses CH 4 for communication.
General Guidelines
Use common sense, be COURTEOUS and follow the law.
Arrive at the starting point on time, with a full tank of gas. Ensure fluids and tires are up to par
Be ready to leave on time. Listen carefully at the Drivers Meeting (usually held at the beginning of the drive) to the description of the route and safety precautions.
Advise the Event Coordinator if you are going to meet the group along the route or leave before the end of the tour.
Always drive within your personal limitations. You will be provided with directions, rest stops and destinations, should you have to leave the group.
If you need to pull over and do not have a radio, do so and turn on your flashers, the Tail Gunner will stop behind you.
Tips for the Event Coordinator
The Event Coordinator is most often, but not always, the Lead S2000
Hand out written driving directions, make sure each driver and passenger signs an insurance waiver if applicable, and have a short Drivers Meeting to explain the route and go over safety precautions.
If there are more than 20 cars on the event, try and break up into two or more groups.
Have one or more additional drivers know the route.
Exchange phone numbers within the group.
Pull over safely for a faster driver
Allow for frequent rest stops and avoid rest areas or stops which require the caravan to cross oncoming traffic. Be aware of changing weather and road conditions and provide extra stops if necessary.
The Tail Gunner must stay in frequent contact with the Leader in congested areas and let the Leader know when all cars have cleared a controlled intersection, as well as advise the Leader if the pace is too fast or too slow.
Do no pass an S2000 that has pulled over unless they have told you they are dropping out or wave you by.
Don’t think it's a race.
Don’t Show off.
Be courteous, respectful, and most of all, have a good, SAFE, time.
Below you will find a set of guidelines called Road Rules that are recommended for our outings and day trips, since traveling as large groups of enthusiasts to a destination can be a challenge.
Road Rules - Tips for Safe Driving during a club drive
One of the most enjoyable aspects of belonging to our Car Club is driving together in a group or caravan. The following is a simple set of Rules and Guidelines that will contribute to a FUN and SAFE TOUR.
Remember the basics - Vision and Control
It is important on a group drive to keep your vision up and ahead. It is all too easy to end up just watching the car in front of you instead of looking ahead to see where the road is going and what lies ahead in traffic.
A caravan of just 20 S2000’s can stretch over 1-2 miles of highway. If the group is too large, divide into 2 or more groups of 10 or less if possible, each with a Drive Leader and a Tail Gunner that have FRS radios. All other cars with FRSs should be interspersed within the group. At no time should any S2000 pass the whole group to reposition to a forward position. This is a caravan NOT a RACE to see who can drive the fastest.
The group should travel in the middle lane or the RIGHT lane on a freeway or highway so as not to obstruct the flow of traffic.
Use the 3-SECOND RULE to maintain adequate separation and the 4-SECOND RULE when conditions indicate caution. For the 3-SECOND RULE, note a point on the road ahead. When the car in front of you passes it, begin counting "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three." If you are maintaining a good interval, you will pass the same point on or after you say "three" and "four" when the going gets tough.
Drive with your HEAD LIGHTS on for safety and identification.
When traveling though congested areas, parts of the group may become separated. The Lead S2000, through radio communication, can elect to slow down to let the group catch up, use the BREADCRUMB technique where the last car in the main group stops and waits for the trailing group to reach that point, or stop and pull off the road to regroup.
To REGROUP, the Lead S2000 will look for a shoulder space with adequate clearance for the entire group to pull over. As you come to a stop, TURN YOUR WHEELS toward the road. DO NOT turn off your motor or get out of the car. When the Leader and Tail Gunner decide the road is clear, the last S2000 will pull out and BLOCK and the group will pull onto the roadway at the SAME TIME. This is why you turn your wheels TOWARD the road when you stop.
When parking in business parking lots, pull to the FARTHEST open spot and park HEAD IN. This allows the caravan to get safely off the highway quickly.
Safety First
It is very difficult to keep a caravan together in heavy traffic, congested areas, and on major highways. Plan to regroup when that part of the trip is over. Most drives are planned with re-grouping stops along the route.
Be aware of the NO ZONE, the large areas of restricted visibility around large trucks, semi-tractor trailers and buses.
Pass only when legal and safe. Do not pass on or cross over double yellow lines or curves.If a member of the group wants to pass you - let them, however passing within the club group of cars should not be necessary and is not recommended.
Speed
Stay within the posted speed limits. Trips are planned to be driven and enjoyed at posted legal speed limits. There is no need to rush or speed to keep up with the lead car or cars ahead of you if you get separated in traffic.
The Lead S2000 will set the pace for the caravan but it is each drivers responsibility to keep the S2000 behind him or her in sight.
Radios
Use of a FRS radio is helpful in maintaining contact in the driving group. This keeps you in touch with the Leader and is a fun way to communicate during the drive. Always be careful using a FRS Radio while driving, don't let the radio be a distraction to you while driving.
The Club generally uses CH 4 for communication.
General Guidelines
Use common sense, be COURTEOUS and follow the law.
Arrive at the starting point on time, with a full tank of gas. Ensure fluids and tires are up to par
Be ready to leave on time. Listen carefully at the Drivers Meeting (usually held at the beginning of the drive) to the description of the route and safety precautions.
Advise the Event Coordinator if you are going to meet the group along the route or leave before the end of the tour.
Always drive within your personal limitations. You will be provided with directions, rest stops and destinations, should you have to leave the group.
If you need to pull over and do not have a radio, do so and turn on your flashers, the Tail Gunner will stop behind you.
Tips for the Event Coordinator
The Event Coordinator is most often, but not always, the Lead S2000
Hand out written driving directions, make sure each driver and passenger signs an insurance waiver if applicable, and have a short Drivers Meeting to explain the route and go over safety precautions.
If there are more than 20 cars on the event, try and break up into two or more groups.
Have one or more additional drivers know the route.
Exchange phone numbers within the group.
Pull over safely for a faster driver
Allow for frequent rest stops and avoid rest areas or stops which require the caravan to cross oncoming traffic. Be aware of changing weather and road conditions and provide extra stops if necessary.
The Tail Gunner must stay in frequent contact with the Leader in congested areas and let the Leader know when all cars have cleared a controlled intersection, as well as advise the Leader if the pace is too fast or too slow.
Do no pass an S2000 that has pulled over unless they have told you they are dropping out or wave you by.
Don’t think it's a race.
Don’t Show off.
Be courteous, respectful, and most of all, have a good, SAFE, time.
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From: Usa
Maryland Group -- We ALL will be meeting at the Starbucks at 12 noon, no matter if you will be cruising to OC or not. Lets all meet at the same spot. Ocean City group will leave at 1:15pm SHARP, please do not be late if you are cruising down to OC.
Virginia/DC Group -- We will be stopping at the shopping plaza right BEFORE the Bridge. We should be there by 2:00pm and will wait there for 15mins for you guys to join us. If there is any issues or delays, please text me at 443 718 1347.
Delaware Group -- Please let us know where you want to meet us, so we can stop and wait for you as well.
We will be taking Route 32 to I-95 towards Route 50 to MD 404 through Main street all the way to Ocean City Expressway. This route has less traffic, less traffic lights, speed limit is 40miles at some points but its only 140miles (driving time is 3 hours)
If we go through Salisbury, we hit more traffic, more traffic signals and its about 160miles away.
We can Discuss the route when we meet up at the Starbucks
zhashmi will arrange for the Radios, if any one of you already have them, please bring them as we can always use Extras.
Please fill up GAS before you come to Starbucks as we will leave on time. also, if you need snacks for the travel, get them while you are at the gas station. We MAY have one stop over during the entire cruise.
Virginia/DC Group -- We will be stopping at the shopping plaza right BEFORE the Bridge. We should be there by 2:00pm and will wait there for 15mins for you guys to join us. If there is any issues or delays, please text me at 443 718 1347.
Delaware Group -- Please let us know where you want to meet us, so we can stop and wait for you as well.
We will be taking Route 32 to I-95 towards Route 50 to MD 404 through Main street all the way to Ocean City Expressway. This route has less traffic, less traffic lights, speed limit is 40miles at some points but its only 140miles (driving time is 3 hours)
If we go through Salisbury, we hit more traffic, more traffic signals and its about 160miles away.
We can Discuss the route when we meet up at the Starbucks
zhashmi will arrange for the Radios, if any one of you already have them, please bring them as we can always use Extras.
Please fill up GAS before you come to Starbucks as we will leave on time. also, if you need snacks for the travel, get them while you are at the gas station. We MAY have one stop over during the entire cruise.