Dream Cruise - Thanks for Coming Everyone!!

[MikesMerc]

Wow, I can't beleive its over already, but what a blast!! The rain on Saturday morning didn't seem to dampen spirits at all, and (just like last year) the day dried out and turn out beautifully. What an awesome day!

I hope everyone had a good time and enjoyed themselves. Although we scaled things back from last year a bit, it seemed the itinerary was enough to keep folks busy and smiling. My particular favorite events were the opening dinner at Capers (an unexpected super turnout there!!), drag racing on Thursday night (the Marauders were the hit of the show says all the FME guys) the Saleen tour (where we saw the Ford GT being hand assembled), hittin' Dugan's with my good buddies from Florida, and of course, the Dream Cruise on Saturday.

We had more folks come in from out of town then I thought we'd have, and I'm especially greatful to all of you that traveled such a long distance to be there with us. I hope you found the trip worthwhile!

I'd also like to thank all of you for saying "thanks" in the manner you did on your way out last night. The heartfelt appreciation from all of our guests made the efforts just that more rewarding.

Finally, I'd like to thank everyone who pitched in and helped out to make the event happen. This includes all my brothers here in the MCM with a special thanks to Darryl (with 2 R's :) ), DJ (our impromptu parking marshall), John (mister "hardcore" in my book), Chuck and Mark (from our florida connection), Jerry (the man of "danger") and of course my partner in all of this, Dave.

I'd like to ask everyone who attended a special favor. I was so busy during the event trying to keep things on track that I didn't shoot a single photo. Not a one. So, if all of you would be so kind as to post up a few photos or send me a few pics, I would be greatful.

Also, we've pre-reserved the lot for next year already. However, nothing is in stone. So, if you liked the event and would like to return, or you'd recommend it to others, please step up and say so. Good participation is crucial and we'll need to know if we have enough interest to keep the tradition going.

Thanks again everyone!!

[SergntMac]

Congrats on a successful event, you did a good job Mike.

[STLR FN]

Mike,
It was my pleasure to help out.
Also let me mention I just woke up 15 mins ago. I'm beat.

[bigslim]

I would also like to thank everyone for coming. Rick-N-Miami, I will never believe another word you say about power. Charlie, good thing that guy had another sign. Cheesehead Bob, nice hanging with you. BigJoeP and Kim, so glad you two made it and I enjoyed meeting you Kim (bring your bowling ball next time Joe). My man Norman, had fun doing what we were doing. Chuck and Marc, always cool hanging with you guys and thanks to all of your help. John and John with the cool azz Grand Marquis, see you two next year. Too my MCM brothers, thanks for a great time and the help to pull off another standout event. A special thanks to Dave and Mike for organizing this event.

I hope that everyone that attended this event had a great time and we hope to see all of you next year.

[dwasson]

As always, it was a great time. A few impressions:

A couple bicycle cops can overtake and pull over an Escort.

I was passed by the kid from Dominos at 12 Mile ... he was walking.

There are some SUV owners who used "Spray on Dirt" to demonstrate that they weren't like the cruisers. But, they were out cruising anyway.

The look of joy on Meteorite's face upon seeing "Elliot's Mess".

The cover of Lowell's canopy can hold a gallon of water for hours, until it is poured into someone chair.

High school girls are better built every year.

Paul finally figured out how to motivate himself to replace those raggedy folding chairs.

It's fun to listen to ignorant guys trying to impress their wives/girlfriends with their car knowledge.

The Canadians sent their nicest people to join us.

For the third year, I forgot to order a box or two of beads (http://www.orientaltrading.com/application?namespace=browse&origin=searchMain.jsp&event=link.itemDetails&demandPrefix=12&sku=24/12640&mode=Searching&erec=6&D=beads&Ne=90000&Ntt=beads&Ntk=all&Dx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&Ntx=mode%252bmatchallpartial&N=377320&sd=BEAD+NECKLACES-METALLIC+ASSORTMENT)from Oriental Trading before the cruise.

There is a very cool GM in west Michigan.

Mike, Dave, Darryl, and the rest of folks who planned our day on Woodward really did a great job. I hope that we can do it again.

[Hack Goby]

I just got my pic`s up.enjoy.Sorry I left early but you guys that know me I hope yoiu will understand.

[FastMerc]

I would like to say that just being there the one day I had fun,It was good to see everyone again.So its on for next year I just might be up for a couple of days next time.My friend Sharon was impressed,she had no idea how big this hobby is,she is all for it.:D Thats a good thing...

[shakes_26]

Just got back home and can't wait to get back next year. Mike Z and all our friends at MCM put on a great Regional event. We had a blast crusiing Woodward, hitting Milan (apparently pronounced My-LAN and not Me-lan)for some drag racing. The visit of the Saleen operation and touching, well it was more like downright groping, those Ford GT's as they were being hand built, priceless.

Always amazed at how a week can fly by so fast.

To our friends from North of the Border pleasure to see you all again and meet some new ones. To my friends from the East, what can I say? Trunk Cooler mod 1.1 lets test it some time soon.

[DEFYANT]

Thanks again guys! I had a great time. The ride up and back was fantastic. I missed the Ford Museum and Saleen, but it was worth it to see Lidio and (be part of) his crew at work.

Three whole days of various Marauder mods on various Marauders.

Hey, I think I got the better deal! :lol:

And this meet produced a new cheepo mod..... :D ;)more to come

[modular46]

I had a great time, already planning to attend next year, perhaps in for more events. Thanks to Dave & the Motor City Crew for setting it up. 16 hours on Woodward went fast!! :)

[MI2QWK4U]

I am sorry I was late to this thread. Last night as we were shutting down the show my wife called me to let me know our youngest, 3 1/2 years old, took a tumble down the stairs. Being a nurse she knew something was worse than a bump or bruise and took her to the ER where she works to get her arm X-rayed. Bottom line, she fractured her little arm and that has really turned things more upside down than usual around the house. So between being exhausted from the WDC and tending to the demands of a pisssed off 3 1/2 year old, I crashed hard finally this morning!



Well folks, I dont know where to begin... First off it was a great week again. Seeing some old friends and meeting a host of new ones. To all of those that attended that pulled me aside to thank me for helping pull this off again and that you had a great time makes the work worth while and means the world to me. While Mike and I barely sit down once things get rolling, I have come to enjoy seeing to business and watching everyone enjoy themselves.

I have so many great memories from this event it is overwhelming. The dyno day at Lid's is turning into more of a social event to go along with the work being done, which adds a new twist to the day! Like Mike mentioned earlier, the turnout at Capers was far greater than we expected and was by far the largest Marauder Owner turnout that we have ever had there, MVIII excluded. The FME guys welcomed us with open arms to BOTH of their events on Thursday, including the Milan Drag Night, in which the Marauder participation is really becoming popular with their club; as well as the FME involvement in the Ford Fan Appreciation Event at Ford Field in downtown Detroit where the Marauders were invited to as well. The Saleen tour was eye opening, and I am happy to say I think I found the new hood for the Mustang there! The high points were the evenings on Woodward and the Day of the Cruise itself.

It was great to see cars and friends from accross the country again! Someone had the tally of states that were represented, and it was impressive! Especially impressive was the turnout from north of the border eh! The Canadian Marauders were WELL represented from Ontario!

Without the help from folks like Mike, Darryl, Jerry B, Paul, John, DJ, etc etc the day of the event, it would not been as smooth as it was. The Motor City Crew really pulls together and works hard to pull of an event like this.
Ultimately I want to show my appreciation to the folks from out of state that took the time and expense to attend this year. I am always worried about doing enough to make the trip worth your while and that you enjoy your stay here in Michigan. The Hampton Inn always comments on our members that come in for Woodward, and pulls out all the stops to assure our return the next year. The Burger King LOVES us, we are the classiest group they have ever had and can't wait for our return.

This was a great time, so for those that attended, share your experiences with us all. Let the rest of the MM.net family know that the Woodward Dream Cruise is worth the effort. Like Mike said, we are locked in for the property, and need to know if there is sufficient interest to do it again.

[O's Fan Rich]

Make sure we get the dates for next year asap, as I got the OK to schedule the time..... for real.
Thanks for all the help out there guy's.
Lidio did a fantastic job of tuning my car up. Gas mileage is up ( 22.3 average coming home.) and power an throttle response is great!
Putting faces to the names was a real pleasure, even though my mind was abit out of it after the long drive up and very little sleep.
And a special thanks to Charlie and Bob for putting up with me on short notice!
Bob, waiting for results from you!

[Bradley G]

Boy, It was not easy, sitting this one out.
Glad to see and hear my pals had a nice event!
Thanks to all that partisipated.

[dwasson]

Make sure we get the dates for next year asap, as I got the OK to schedule the time..... for real.

Yeah, yeah, someone else will die and you'll just skip out on us again.

[dwasson]

Like Mike said, we are locked in for the property, and need to know if there is sufficient interest to do it again.


Oh puleeze! Can we do it again? Next weekend maybe?

[bigslim]

Make sure we get the dates for next year asap, as I got the OK to schedule the time..... for real.
Thanks for all the help out there guy's.
Lidio did a fantastic job of tuning my car up. Gas mileage is up ( 22.3 average coming home.) and power an throttle response is great!
Putting faces to the names was a real pleasure, even though my mind was abit out of it after the long drive up and very little sleep.
And a special thanks to Charlie and Bob for putting up with me on short notice!
Bob, waiting for results from you!
Rich, it is always the third Saturday in August.

[Meteorite]

I was amazed at how great a time Eliot and I had, in spite of the rain. Some of my high points were:

+ Actually getting Eliot's Meteor roadworthy so we could make it to the event. The windshield wipers even worked.

+ Getting to park Eliot's Meteor next to the gorgeous red '63 1/2 Marauder.

+ Listening to dwasson's continuous stream of hilarious commentary about the cars in the cruise.

(Dan, that seafoam green micro-car we saw was a Peel Trident. They were made about a decade later than I thought. The Peels on Parade video can be seen here! (http://www.microcarmuseum.com/video/index.html) )

+ Jay Leno's "Tank Car" parked across the street.

+ Purple Australian Falcon parked briefly in the BK lot.

+ Hearing various guys trying to impress their girls (and other guys) with their extensive car "knowledge" about the Marauder and classic Mercs.

Thanks Dave and Mike for all you did to make this happen! I will always remember Mike asking me several times if I was having a good time. You bet I was! I hope we can make the financials work out to get the lot next year. My one disappointment (if you could call it that) was all the Marauders and other classic Mercury vehicles that passed us by with barely a glance at our cars. They should've been parked with us!!

[Pops]

Thanks to everybody for a great time. I liked all of the feedback on my GM. WE had fun. You guys allowed me front row parking. Making friends is what this is all about. I like all the feedback about the car and possible future mods. The test ride in Trilogy 2, well what can I say. Thanks again to a great group with a lot of very cool cars, the legend will live on.
John

[Cheeseheadbob]

Thanks to all of the Motor City guys for making the event possible for us Marauder folks. It was great meeting everyone and putting faces to names. Well the final results for all of the work I had done at Lidio's are.....
Max POWER = 459.2
Max TORQUE = 458.6
:D :D :D :D :beer: :beer: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout:
Thanks again to everyone who made the week so memorable.

[fairlane347]

This was a great weekend as always, great to meet some of the people I have not meet. I can't wait to do it next year. Thanks to all the guys that set it up!:beer:

[Tallboy]

Wow! What a week!

As usual the MCM had this thing covered from front-to-back. Dyno-Day, Caper's, Drag Racing at Milan, Saleen Open House, and a spot on Woodward second to none. Duggan's every night for some cold beers and great times. I cannot thank my fellow MCM members enough-you guys hit another one into the cheap seats.

Regional Event? You guys have one hell of a "region". I counted 38 cars, and people from Canada, Florida, Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and New York. [I'm sure there were others I missed]. Special thanks to Defyant [the ultimate wing-man] and Cheeseheadbob for spending so much time with me and supplying some cold "beverages" in the BK lot. Hanging out with you guys all week was awesome. Mike Z, Dave, Slim, Hack, Lowell, and all the other MCM guys made me feel right at home for the second year in a row-thank you all. Jerry Barnes-your hospitality and generosity meant the world to me. I count you among my closest friends and will go to the wall with you anytime, anywhere. Thanks for all you've done!:bows:

The funny thing was this year the cars were "second" for me. While the Dream Cruise is unsurpassed in the volume and quality of cars, I was looking more forward to seeing my friends again. My favorite times were Duggan's and having a few beers in the host hotel parking lot. I truly enjoyed talking to all my old and a few new friends.

See you guys next year...:up:

[Rick-n-Miami]

After a long delay flying through Atlanta, I finally got into Miami at about 2:30am last night.

I wanted to thank all of the MCM guys for their efforts. Making this event happen the way it did was a great accomplishment, topped off with their great hospitality; how can you go wrong?

It was great to finally meet all of the faces behind the screen names. My Marauder has brought me so many new friends, it’s amazing. This is the greatest car club; correction, the greatest “people” club I’ve ever been in.

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and look forward to doing it again next year!


PS – Slim, have you considered using dual aerosol cans? :burnout:

[bigslim]

What about the mod that Charlie did for you?

Thanks to all of the Motor City guys for making the event possible for us Marauder folks. It was great meeting everyone and putting faces to names. Well the final results for all of the work I had done at Lidio's are.....
Max POWER = 459.2
Max TORQUE = 458.6
:D :D :D :D :beer: :beer: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout:
Thanks again to everyone who made the week so memorable.

[bigslim]

After a long delay flying through Atlanta, I finally got into Miami at about 2:30am last night.

I wanted to thank all of the MCM guys for their efforts. Making this event happen the way it did was a great accomplishment, topped off with their great hospitality; how can you go wrong?

It was great to finally meet all of the faces behind the screen names. My Marauder has brought me so many new friends, it’s amazing. This is the greatest car club; correction, the greatest “people” club I’ve ever been in.

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip and look forward to doing it again next year!


PS – Slim, have you considered using dual aerosol cans? :burnout:
I tried it and beat a Vette today!!;) Glad you made it home safe. Nice hanging with you Rick.

[grampaws]

Thanks to everyone from MCM,We had a great time..
There is a great sense of comradery within the Marauder
entusiasts. We are thrilled to be associated with such a
Fantastic group of people..The planning for next year has
already begun for Myself...
Thankyou to Ralph and J.F. for rescueing our Tent and Chairs..
Thanks to Cheeseheadbob for the exillerating drive in His Trilogy
Marauder-I am still Grinning. It was amazing how quick and controllable
the car was..If you haven't driven one you don't know what your missing.
Thankyou again to Everyone!!
Looking forward to seeing everyone next year

[Meteorite]

I too, was musing this weekend about the great camaraderie in our MM group.

In fact, I coined a new word for it: caMarauderie ! :D

[grampaws]

Thats good I like it:beer: !!

[O's Fan Rich]

Thanks to all of the Motor City guys for making the event possible for us Marauder folks. It was great meeting everyone and putting faces to names. Well the final results for all of the work I had done at Lidio's are.....
Max POWER = 459.2
Max TORQUE = 458.6
:D :D :D :D :beer: :beer: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout: :burnout:
Thanks again to everyone who made the week so memorable.

Whoa! Maybe now even SRT-4's will respect you, Bob!!

[Daily 03]

Dave and Mike you can count me in for next year. Everything was great.
Dale

[ex00p71]

Sorry I didn't make it down your way to see you guys, I mainly stayed between 13 (named something else I think when it crosses Woodward) and 14 mile, but I say some of you guys cruising, I also saw a couple of the early 60's Marauders parked in town.

[dwasson]

(Dan, that seafoam green micro-car we saw was a Peel Trident. They were made about a decade later than I thought. The Peels on Parade video can be seen here! (http://www.microcarmuseum.com/video/index.html) )

I was thinking it was this one:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/bv/images/59messerschmit.jpg

[fastblackmerc]

I was thinking it was this one:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/bv/images/59messerschmit.jpg
That is a Messerschmitt KR200 I believe.

[bigslim]

Sorry I didn't make it down your way to see you guys, I mainly stayed between 13 (named something else I think when it crosses Woodward) and 14 mile, but I say some of you guys cruising, I also saw a couple of the early 60's Marauders parked in town.
You missed a great bunch of folks. BTW, it is called 13 mile when it crosses Woodward. ;) You may have been at Coolidge Rd. It is very near 13 mile.

[mr.continental]

It was great to me all of our out of state Marauder brothers. it was great talking and get to know everyone.

And a special thanks goes out to Dave. Had you not invited me to join the Motor City Marauders, I would have missed out on the Dream Cruise fun.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again next year.

[Mebot]

Hey it was nice to finally put some faces with the names on here. I said I was going to take some pics and post 'em up, and I haven't forgotten, I just haven't had any time to load the pictures up yet!

I promise I'll get those pics up. I think I have about 90 pictures on the digital camera and about 12 or so are Marauders. I also used up 3 one-time use cameras that I need to get developed.

[Threept4me]

Like everyone else here, thanks for making this event happen. Motor City Marauders do it again!!:beer: You know i'll be back next year!!:D

[LILALLEYKATT]

I drove up to Detroit from Birmingham Ala in my friends 05 Mustang GT to check out the dream cruise. We paid for a space at the cvs at the corner of 13 mile Rd & Woodward. We decided to hoof it and walked up to see the GM Heritage collection in Birmingham Mi. On the way back we came across you guys at the Burger King and I decided to check out the 4 cars you had parked fronting Woodward. I dont know whom I talked to but you have me now looking for a nice Silver low miles MM. I want to thank you for your eagerness to share your enthuisiam for Maraders. You have opened up my eyes to what I hope will be a great car. If anyone knows of or has a nice Silver MM please contact me. Distance is not a problem.. Thanks again for taking the time to talk to a complete stranger. I will DEFINATELY see you all at the 07 dream cruise, Sincerly AL PHILLIPS A.K.A. LILALLEYKATT

[Meteorite]

I drove up to Detroit from Birmingham Ala in my friends 05 Mustang GT to check out the dream cruise. We paid for a space at the cvs at the corner of 13 mile Rd & Woodward. We decided to hoof it and walked up to see the GM Heritage collection in Birmingham Mi. On the way back we came across you guys at the Burger King and I decided to check out the 4 cars you had parked fronting Woodward. I dont know whom I talked to but you have me now looking for a nice Silver low miles MM. I want to thank you for your eagerness to share your enthuisiam for Maraders. You have opened up my eyes to what I hope will be a great car. If anyone knows of or has a nice Silver MM please contact me. Distance is not a problem.. Thanks again for taking the time to talk to a complete stranger. I will DEFINATELY see you all at the 07 dream cruise, Sincerly AL PHILLIPS A.K.A. LILALLEYKATT
Welcome, LILALLEYKATT!

Glad you found us on Woodward, and hope you find yourself a Silver MM!:burnout:

[Tallboy]

I drove up to Detroit from Birmingham Ala in my friends 05 Mustang GT to check out the dream cruise. We paid for a space at the cvs at the corner of 13 mile Rd & Woodward. We decided to hoof it and walked up to see the GM Heritage collection in Birmingham Mi. On the way back we came across you guys at the Burger King and I decided to check out the 4 cars you had parked fronting Woodward. I dont know whom I talked to but you have me now looking for a nice Silver low miles MM. I want to thank you for your eagerness to share your enthuisiam for Maraders. You have opened up my eyes to what I hope will be a great car. If anyone knows of or has a nice Silver MM please contact me. Distance is not a problem.. Thanks again for taking the time to talk to a complete stranger. I will DEFINATELY see you all at the 07 dream cruise, Sincerly AL PHILLIPS A.K.A. LILALLEYKATT

It seems everybody stopped by at one time or another-Welcome aboard!

Another compliment to the day-when I went down to see my buddy from Eaton [he's head of supercharger development] he saw my t-shirt and said "Chuck, you've got to get me one of those shirts!"

I made sure he got one, with compliments from the MCM.:cool:

[jgc61sr2002]

Al - Welcome aboard.:D :welcome:

[DEFYANT]

Welcome aboard Al. Good luck in your search.

[bigslim]

I drove up to Detroit from Birmingham Ala in my friends 05 Mustang GT to check out the dream cruise. We paid for a space at the cvs at the corner of 13 mile Rd & Woodward. We decided to hoof it and walked up to see the GM Heritage collection in Birmingham Mi. On the way back we came across you guys at the Burger King and I decided to check out the 4 cars you had parked fronting Woodward. I dont know whom I talked to but you have me now looking for a nice Silver low miles MM. I want to thank you for your eagerness to share your enthuisiam for Maraders. You have opened up my eyes to what I hope will be a great car. If anyone knows of or has a nice Silver MM please contact me. Distance is not a problem.. Thanks again for taking the time to talk to a complete stranger. I will DEFINATELY see you all at the 07 dream cruise, Sincerly AL PHILLIPS A.K.A. LILALLEYKATT
I have the siver MM that was out front that had the supercharger. You may have spoken to me. I really can't remember. I'm getting old. Anyway, maybe next year you can join us for the Dream Cruise.

[modular46]

I'm getting old.


Aren't we all brother, aren't we all :sleepy:

[LILALLEYKATT]

I am an old Gearhead with many projects under my belt. I am confident that I can become a positive contributing member. I just need you guys to help hook me up with a nice silver or blue low mile MM. I will stop in MT Clements on the way home to have a blower ect installed.... I will definately be a dream cruiser from now on. You guys really have something special going on here and I feel lucky to have stumbled into you all....FORWARD ALL NICE CARS MY WAY....preferably w/a Trilogy...

[grampaws]

We will be looking forward to meeting you next year...
Welcome to the boards!!