To all that ran the Big Bear run on 6/23

[Zeke]

My wife tells me I sounded like a jerk telling people about the hazards of running in our local mountains in a year of a record drought. What I mentioned was to be careful where one parked in a emergency at the side of the road (very dry grass in many places) and any kind of cigarettes, etc. That would be in or out of the car, as many flick the ashes in the wind as they drive.

Also, more than a few of the cars are modified with aftermarket exhaust. Who knows how hot some of these get.

What we don't want is a catastrophe that can be associated with this BBS. Or Porsches in general. This would include any kind of serious accident that could make the news. Anything like this could be devastating to our host and beyond.

If I take this too seriously, so be it. I know some folks can speak in front of a group with more ease and keep it light, yet meaningful. I don't want to sound like a prick, I'm just concerned for all of us as a group.

To those that thought any of my comments about cigarettes were uncalled for, I can only say that I could do better, but I'm not going to apologize.

Thanks for reading.

[84porsche]

Milt,

I want you to know coming from me, your comments are absolutely correct. Our environment is so important and with the dangers of fires in full swing during this hot summmer that something need to be said. I saw the signs all along the way. I would not feel bad or apologize.

I live remarkably close to a fire zone and have had to breathe and drive through smoke to the point where my A/C was all the way up, the windows obviously closed and await for fire trucks from all over Southern California to come and put out the fires because someone lit a stolen car on fire right next to the brush.

We as Pelicans, I believe are not going to intentionally start a fire but it is good to make this issue known and I really appreciate you standing up with me and making this known as well as the other points brought out and to the attention of the drivers. I can plan an event from behind a computer but I still have a long way to go on public speaking thing.

Chris

[Mo_Gearhead]

Apparently A. J. Soprano does NOT read this board? tisk...tisk...

[Zeke]

Chris, I know what you're saying about the public speaking thing. I actually thought about what I was going to say and was hoping to get a laugh or two. It's all a matter of timing.

When I was relating about running in the back and stopping to help anyone who had pulled over, I recollected the story of the Thanksgiving run when I did just that. I did a U-turn and drove back a couple of miles to a Targa that had pulled to the side of the road. Just as I was about to access the situation, I saw he was taking a leak in the bushes. Had I paused a bit before the line about the leak, I think that would have brought out some hearty chuckles.

It takes practice to get your point across and keep it light.

[Banning]

Originally posted by milt
My wife tells me I sounded like a jerk telling people about the hazards of running in our local mountains in a year of a record drought. What I mentioned was to be careful where one parked in a emergency at the side of the road (very dry grass in many places) and any kind of cigarettes, etc. That would be in or out of the car, as many flick the ashes in the wind as they drive.

Also, more than a few of the cars are modified with aftermarket exhaust. Who knows how hot some of these get.

What we don't want is a catastrophe that can be associated with this BBS. Or Porsches in general. This would include any kind of serious accident that could make the news. Anything like this could be devastating to our host and beyond.

If I take this too seriously, so be it. I know some folks can speak in front of a group with more ease and keep it light, yet meaningful. I don't want to sound like a prick, I'm just concerned for all of us as a group.

To those that thought any of my comments about cigarettes were uncalled for, I can only say that I could do better, but I'm not going to apologize.

Thanks for reading.

Milt, I saw your post and had to reply a thank you. The fire danger is extreme because of the record "no rain" we are experiencing. The general public isn't aware of how fast fire can spread and travel. In a steep draw on a hot day, fire can travel up to 60mph uphill. The brush when heated from the sun, lets off a methane gas that is explosive and can ignite almost simultaniously. My family had a taste of this in 1963. If the firemen hadn't made a stand at my home during the infamous Bel Air fire, I would have been homeless that night. They stood defiantly around my hilltop with hoses blasting, while neighbors reported seeing 80 foot flames enclose the entire hill. They saved mine and my neighbors homes that day, god bless them. The firemen derserve a lot more applause for all their efforts in this world.

As far as taking this too seriously, you can't take it seriously enough. Fire consumes all.

Your comments about cigarettes hit home. Every day it seems I witness some filthy, sub-human slime throw their cigarette out their car window. You can only imagine how I wish I could react to this. Not only is it killing all the sea turtles that try to ingest the cigarette butts, but we know that some of the fires are started by these inconsiderate low-lifes.

We have never met each other Milt, but I like your attitude. I've heard many good things about you from other people. Please keep your comments about cigarettes and the fire danger coming. ...and god bless.

[Zeke]

Originally posted by Banning
...

Your comments about cigarettes hit home. Every day it seems I witness some filthy, sub-human slime throw their cigarette out their car window. You can only imagine how I wish I could react to this. Not only is it killing all the sea turtles that try to ingest the cigarette butts, but we know that some of the fires are started by these inconsiderate low-lifes....

Well, I have to say that is not our demographic (Pelicans). In fact, I know of one smoker who was on the run and lives up there. He knows the rules, for sure. But, then, there are some that don't get up that way too often and we get them up there with these gatherings. It doesn't take but an instant of non thought to cause a catastrophe.

For the record, here's what I said, "If you smoke, make sure you could eat your cigarette or match before disposing of it. In fact, maybe you should eat it (to be safe)."

It didn't come off too well according to my wife, who was in the crowd. Oh well, if that's the only mistake I make this week, it will be a good week.

[450knotOffice]

Milt, I don't think anyone there considered your comments harsh at all. I certainly didn't. The purpose of the little meeting was to remind all present to have fun but to be responsible. People expect reminders like that. You made the comment (very wise comment, btw) to be careful about pulling over into the grass and starting a fire. I made the comment about keeping our competetiveness in check and resisting the urge to make stupid passes.

These things need to be said. We expect that.

By the way, you looked very comfortable out in front of all of us, Milt.

[slodave]

I don't smoke, but I didn't find what you said to be offensive. I got a laugh out of the "eating butts and matches". I have no issues with people that smoke, but they really should use the ash tray IN their car.

Dave

[nameisbauer]

I thought it was a very poignet point. I am not familiar with brush fire areas, so I would have never thought about pulling over and starting a fire. It was a great point.

About smoking- I think it was funny commtet, but I HATE when people throw cigs out the window. If I throw a drink out the window(which I would never do) I'm littering, but throwing cigarettes is "OK". It surely isn't and in this case dangerous.

[GO DAWG GO]

Pelicans,

Milt is absolutely right IMO. Although I didnt go on this run. I'm not sure that this is really the problem. Thanksgiving and New Years runs were fun, but any reasonable person would have to step back and analyze the situation with wide open eyes. Guys..that sh-t was out of control...
Including me.. We were driving down residential streets out by Mulholland like a race track...Those two Ferraris that were with us and the Carrera GT turned on Topanga Canyan and I was all over the throttle in my turbo. IT was like being on the Nurbergring.
I'm not a caution freak but I would hate to ruin our reputation driving way too fast in the city. It was dangerous but fun...

Was the Big Bear run incident free? Do you guys remember the poor guy who wiped out his SC two days out of the bodyshop, New Years Day!

Bob

[Brillo]

I was not on this run, however I feel Milt is right on and I'm glad he spoke before the run. To Bob's point, I have been on several New Year's runs and was quite surprised by some of the driving that I witnessed. So much so, that I have to say I have lost much of my interest on going on any runs.

My purpose for going must be different from others. I like to go to meet folks, to look at the cars and to go together as a group driving sensibly to a destination or just for the fun of a drive.

I see no reason to be wreckless. If you want to race or have something to prove, take it to the track. Just because you are on a run, does not mean the rules of the road are suspended or that safety is out the window.

[NICKG]

tree huggers!

[450knotOffice]

These Big Bear runs tend to be much slower, due to constant traffic, and people seem to drive sanely. No incidents on this run.

Maybe there's a different, more relaxed mindset with these all-day trips up to the mountains.

[Drew001]

Originally posted by milt
My wife tells me I sounded like a jerk telling people about the hazards of running in our local mountains in a year of a record drought....

I'm glad that you did give that little speech regarding the risks of fire because it probably wouldn't have occurred to me otherwise.
Because of that and this thread reinforcing the dangers you pointed out, I will, quite likely, remember it forever.

Thanks, milt.

Apologies to your wife for very much disagreeing with her, btw.