Midwestern HondaSUV meet

[chinchillax]

I am wondering if anyone from the Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas, Indiana, and other areas in the midwest want to have a HondaSUV meet. Its a good time have a meet since its getting warmer and stuff! I haven't been to a CR-V meet before, but I've been to plenty of Acura/Honda meets and a TSX owners meets.

Start planning now. I want to see if any HondaSUV members from the Midwest is interested. Post here, then we can set up the schedule... :)

[Racoon]

Criana from the Northeast will be coming through Indianapolis in May. Maybe we can plan something to welcome her to the midwest?

:)

[crvdad]

Count me in Racoon! :D

[chinchillax]

I used to goto school in Indy....you can count me in if this May meet is during a weekend.

Also, locations and time would be great.

[Paul_arbouw]

Just posted on Criana's road-trip thread... I'm in!

Paul

[Paul_arbouw]

IT"S ON .... Talked to Criana this morning to get some more details on her estimated arrival and entry route and here goes:

WHEN: Saturday May 8th
TIME: Arrival between 9am and 9:30am
WHERE: Indianapolis Museum of Arts grounds (http://www.ima-art.org)
When entering the IMA grounds, there is a parking lot directly to your right(just behind the tea-house), I suggest this to be the initial meeting spot.

There are park grounds for picknicks and kids to play, so bring the whole family if you want (as well as nerf football, frizbee and other summer time toys)!

All CRV's, Elements and Pilots welcome. Special Appearance by CRIANA :lol:

After the Meet & Greet at IMA, Criana may stop off at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, before continuing on to St. Louis.

If you plan to attend, please contact Paul_Arbouw (http://www.hondasuv.com/main2/privmsg.php?mode=post&u=629)with contact information, your vehicle (CRV, Element, Pilot) and how many people are in your party.

[CRIANA]

Hey guys!
Wow, I sure hope I can live up to the "special appearance by CRIANA". LOL.

It was great to talk to you this morning Paul. There is quite a bit todo in Indianapolis.

chinchillax - if you head up to Indianapolis, that will allow me more time to stop in Indianapolis and visit with everyone. If it's possible, if not no prob, and we'll make a stop in St. Louis.

This will be so much fun to get a chance to meet all of you :-)

[chinchillax]

I might just drive out to Indy....go visit my friends I have there and chill that weekend. I haven't seen them since last year. I used to live in Anderson up until summer 2001.

[Racoon]

There is quite a bit todo in Indianapolis.
I'm always amazed when people make a comment like this. Indy is the 12th largest city in the US, so yes there are lots of people here, and there's lots of things to do here. :D

Infoplease.com: Indianapolis (http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108531.html)

I've put it on my calendar. It'll be nice to see you again.

:)

[CRIANA]

When I think of cities with lots to do, I think New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Paris, London, Toronto, Montreal.

Indianapolis is not the first thing I think of when I think Art Museums either, not to say that I shouldn't, it's just that I associate Indianapolis with auto racing.

Im looking forward to having my view of Indianapolis changed :-)

I can't believe the time is coming up so quickly. I just bought a new cell phone tonight, that has bluetooth and will work with my laptop :-D

[Racoon]

I associate Indianapolis with auto racing.
Most people in the world do.

I work in higher education. One of the places I've worked was the University of Indianapolis. They used to be named Indiana Central University (and Indiana Central College years before that). The university President who instituted the last name change was visiting China, and was introduced to an important person there as being the President of ICU. This person looked rather blank, so the President said ICU is in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Without waiting for the translator, the Chinese gentleman is reported to have said "Ah, Indianapolis! Vroom vroom!"

:D

[njkris]

Lets hope Diana thinks Berkeley Heights, NJ is a city, I hope I get a visit before the trip is over! :D

[CochonChien]

There is quite a bit todo in Indianapolis.
I'm always amazed when people make a comment like this. Indy is the 12th largest city in the US, so yes there are lots of people here, and there's lots of things to do here. :D

Infoplease.com: Indianapolis (http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108531.html)

I've put it on my calendar. It'll be nice to see you again.

:)

This should not be a surprise as it is all about perspective and experience. Criana is from Connecticut, which is like a suburb of NYC..... #1 on the list. Indy, while being a fabulous place and one of the best kept secrets around, is still a relatively small city.

I don't feel that size is the most important measure, in this case, but as you brought it up Indy still needs to whoop up on San Jose and Detroit to even break into the Top Ten. :wink:

BTW - Put me down as a maybe..... Having done my undergraduate studies in Indiana I will have to check the statute of limitations to make sure I can safely cross the state line. kidding....

[Paul_arbouw]

CochonChien - Hope that you make it... the more the better... I'm coming with the wife..

Paul

[CRIANA]

CochonChien,
That summed it up best. I am only 90 minutes from NYC, and less depending on the speed I'm driving ;-)

Where I live, if you say "We're heading down to the city for the evening". Everyone knows your not talking about Hartford, Danbury, Waterbury or even New Haven, it's just an unwritten knowledge you mean NYC.

I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone - 2 Weeks to go!!!!

[chinchillax]

I could just go out to Indy for the weekend and goto this meet. CRIANA could then follow me back to MO. I am taking my CR-V in for rears this weekend. If I don't get it back in time I might have to drive my Acura there. I hope you guys don't mind a TSX there.:D

CRIANA, let me know if this okay, and maybe a quick stop in MO to take pictures too.:)

[CRIANA]

Hey chinchillax,
I will probably only be able to stop for about an hour to an hour and half in Indianapolis, I don't want to pull you away sooner than the meet ends.

Also, I'm not sure of your driving style, but we'll probably be cruising along at 75-80 mph.

If those are both ok, then yeah following you down to St. Louis would be just fine. Do you have an FRS radio?

I'd love to get a picture of my V with that beautiful arch you guys have there :-)

[charlie408]

:?: I live in St.Louis and there is a great place to have an off-road meet very near St.Louis, at St.Joe state park orv area. any one interested??

[Pilot Critter]

this sounds like so much fun! i've been waiting to do this since i bought my pilot, but may 8 i will be in cincinnati for a reds baseball game :(

i hope another opportunity comes along. i'm very close to indy and yes, there are lots of things to do, and lot's of good restaurants. i recommend the old spaghetti factory on meridian south of the circle.

have fun!

[Paul_arbouw]

Hi Pilot Critter.. You're saying the Reds are more important the CRV's, Pilot's and Elements???? :))

I'm sorry you can't make it this time, but hope to see you at the next event!

aul

[Pilot Critter]

well, i have already paid for the tickets....

but, the guy i'm going with is an art teacher in my school, so he might be interested in getting up early saturday morning and stopping in since the meet is at the IMA. put me down for a possible, and i'll try to confirm before saturday.

thanks. critter

[CochonChien]

It's official.... I can't make it this weekend. Have a good time.

[Paul_arbouw]

Sorry to hear that Cochonchien, maybe next time.... :(

The weather for saturday is supposed to be GREAT:
Sat May 08 Partly Cloudy 85°/61° 20 % (weather.com)

Should be a good time! Critter: I got your message... hope to see you there!

[chinchillax]

I am willing to drive out to Indy for this meet, but I won't have my CR-V cuz its still being fixed from the rear-end collision. I hope you guys don't mind a TSX showing up. :)

[Racoon]

We won't give you too hard of a time, seeing as how your CR-V was in an accident. ;)

Everyone is welcome.

:)

[CRIANA]

chinchillax,
i don't mind seeing the TSX, if you don't mind my husband hovering over it :-)

I can't believe I'm leaving in 2 days. Looking forward to seeing you all.

[Paul_arbouw]

2 more nights untill the big day; time to get started in polishing up those vehicles!

Those who want are encouraged to bring some breakfast food/munchies, but don't feel obligated. There is a Starbucks nearby (38th and Meridian) so someone can make a coffee/frapachino run if so desired.

Please also note that The Mini (Marathon) is happening as well this Saturday, so those of you passing through downtown might encounter some detours and busy traffic.

If you want/need a contact number, just in case, send me a PM and I'll respond with my cell number.

Paul

[CRIANA]

I'll be detailing mine tonight. Wasn't sure if we were going to have time before the trip, but it looks good. Craig's got my V today and is home working on it now :-)

Oooh Starbucks, we'll both definitely go for some mocha frapps.

Hey Paul,
Where exactly are we meeting at the IMA? Is there a main parking lot, or is there somewhere off to the side I should be looking for?

I'm finally getting excited about this trip and no longer nervous :-D

[Pilot Critter]

criana - i read somewhere back that we are to meet in the parking lot to the right after you come in the main entrance. it's the lot behind the tea house. unless there's been a change, i think that's right.

[Paul_arbouw]

As a reminder:

WHEN: Saturday May 8th
TIME: Arrival between 9am and 9:30am
WHERE: Indianapolis Museum of Arts grounds (http://www.ima-art.org)
When entering the IMA grounds, there is a parking lot directly to your right(just behind the tea-house), I suggest this to be the initial meeting spot.
This is the teahouse which you'll see on you right hand side when you enter the grounds from Michigan Rd: http://www.ima-art.org/images/insetGardenTerrace.jpg

There are park grounds for picknicks and kids to play, so bring the whole family if you want (as well as nerf football, frizbee and other summer time toys)!

Attached is a map of the grounds with the meeting spot indicated. (as well as the location of the Starbucks (SB). Criana, You're actually passing it on your way in.

If you want a contact number in case you're running late, PM me and I'll get you my cell number. In case the park is closed for whatever unknown reason, right across the street on Michigan from IMA is the Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) and they have a sizable parking lot you can see from Michigan Rd. It's just North (couple 100 ft) from the IMA entrance. Here is a map (http://www.cts.edu/../../images/maps/cts/city_area_map.gif) indicating their location and more surrounding streets

I would suggest Starbucks, but they have a TINY lot and we likely wouldn't fit.

I've detailed the inside... doing the wash -n- wax tomorrow!

Paul

[Pilot Critter]

current weather forcast for saturday calls for isolated thunderstorms for the next 5 days here in indiana. i cleaned up the pilot, but i'm afraid it will all be for nothing if it rains tomorrow and then saturday morning.

[Paul_arbouw]

Detailed instructions and maps are on page 2; at the bottom of the page :)

Weather.com:
Sat
May 08 Mostly Sunny - Temp: 84°/62° - Chance of rain: 10 %

I hope weather.com does a better job then the local forcasters Critter! :))


Paul

[CRIANA]

My V is all detailed to the best of our ability with 2 hours to work on it. Just can't open up my hood, my engine bay is really dirty.

The rain that was supposed to hit here seems to have bypassed us. So I should still be clean upon arriving in Indianapolis.

If we see the Starbucks on our drive in, we may stop quick and grab a drink and some finger food.

Paul I'll give you a call in the morning and give you an update as to where we are and how long it looks like before we get to Indianapolis.

TGIF!

[Paul_arbouw]

Just FYI, Paula and I will be bringing some breakfast/finger food to the meeting site... nothing special, just so that we all can sit, chat and snack :)

Drive safely everyone!

Paul

[Racoon]

Well, it was a beautiful morning this morning! The gathering was wonderful. It was nice to see CRIANA and her husband again, and Paul_arbouw and meet his wife, and also to meet Pilot Critter.

Paul picked a wonderful spot on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum or Art, under a nice shady tree for brunch he and his wife provided.

One 1st Gen CR-V (mine), two 2nd Gen CR-Vs (Paul_arbouw and CRIANA), and one Pilot (Pilot Critter) showed up.

And CRIANA and her husband then headed west on I70 towards St Louis, MO.

:)

[chinchillax]

too bad I missed out and CRIANA didn't call me when she passed through or I forgot it was last saturday...nar! :x

[CRIANA]

Hey guys,
I had an awesome time visiting. Thank you so much to Paul and his wife Paula for organizing the event and bringing food. The location was beautiful and the weather was very nice.

Chinchillax,
I thought you were in Chicago, so I didn't call when we went through St. Louis :-(

Here are some photos I've got from the day.

http://www.dianaleroi.com/gallery/albums/day2/P5080432.sized.jpg

http://www.dianaleroi.com/gallery/albums/day2/P5080437.sized.jpg

http://www.dianaleroi.com/gallery/albums/day2/P5080460.sized.jpg

Thanks again!!

[chinchillax]

you should have at least called, let me know where you were....oh wellz, we'll meet another day....nar! :x

[CRIANA]

I'm really sorry Chinchillax :cry: :cry: :cry:

Don't worry I have to come back through there. Craig took a bunch of great pics of the arch, then proceeded to delete them all except one, because he didn't know how to use my digital camera yet :x

[2000crvlx]

Craig took a bunch of great pics of the arch, then proceeded to delete them all except one, because he didn't know how to use my digital camera yet

My wife did that same thing on our honeymoon! 128 pics missing :evil:

[Paul_arbouw]

This second MW Meet was a blast... good to see that attendance was up as well!... More pictures to come as I get mine developed (brought EVERYTHING except my digital camera which I left sitting on the kitchen counter!!). Thanks to Racoon and Criana for posting so far.

Paul

[chinchillax]

I'm really sorry Chinchillax :cry: :cry: :cry:

Don't worry I have to come back through there. Craig took a bunch of great pics of the arch, then proceeded to delete them all except one, because he didn't know how to use my digital camera yet :x

so you'll be back before you head back to new england?

[Pilot Critter]

i need to get a couple pics on too. i'll try to do that in the next day or so.
sorry i didn't meet you chinchillax. everyone esle was a lot of fun to hang with.

[Pilot Critter]

p.s.
is my avatar picture really huge on your screens like it is on mine? i may need to go in and size it down. thanks.

[2000crvlx]

It is a bit big. I run at 1024x768

[Racoon]

p.s.is my avatar picture really huge on your screens like it is on mine? i may need to go in and size it down. thanks.
It is a little big, but not as bad as some.

You could crop off a little on the right, and then only make it slightly smaller and it'd be better IMHO.

:)

[CRIANA]

I won't be back to St. Louis this trip. But we will be back down to see Craig's cousin in Arkansas again, and we'll be traveling through that area again.

Again I'm really sorry, it was nothing personal :)