My commodore and I remain definite participants. Looking forward to spending time with you and other F-Typers.

 

I'm in, and maybe one guest, but I'll confirm that in another couple of days.

 

 

We are in!

And it's within the new 12 mo restriction on LL Bean's return policy, in case the Bourne's have any shoes purchased during Lobster Run 2k17.

 

She actually already returned them! Told her never to buy slippers for her Dad. They never fit

 

Well, sorry to say we'll be returning from Europe on the 5th; I'd been thinking the Blast was going to be 2nd or 3rd week of Aug, so REALLY disappointed that we'll have to miss it and especially will miss reuniting with the gang from the Lobster Run and meeting new folks.

 

OH NO...I'll have the only MT in the group!

 

I imagine you'll find a way to keep up.

Don't know about copilot yet, but I'm in. Sorry it doesn't work for you Jim!

 

...and I really wanted to see that badass ride of yours.

 

.

 

Yes...I have the VAP Equalizer.


A short ride from MD to MA in an F-Type. There will be other opportunities.

 

Jay,
For route planning purposes When do you need us where to start on Thursday (8/2)?

 

I think we should plan to “kick” things off on Thursday August 2 @ 5:00 PM. I’m still trying to determine where to kick things off - and I have options - but will make that determination soon. Like last year, most attendees showed up “on time” with several stragglers showing up as the night wore on. Perhaps I should start the event @ 6:00 PM? That way we avoid the evening “rush hour”, not that poses much of a problem here.

It’s good that we are starting off on a Thursday as the traffic coming into Maine in the Summer, especially on a Friday, can be pretty heavy.

Last but not least, at least for now, a gentle reminder that you’re not gonna get a lot of sleep during this event; so where you end up staying isn’t all that important in my estimation. I have sent an e-mail to the Reservations Manager at The Press Hotel last night asking for a group discount and if they can hold a block of rooms for us but haven’t heard back from him. MBourne informs me that after he went to their website last night, it stated that they were sold out...which doesn’t surprise me. I’ll let you know what, if anything, the Manager says once he e-mails me.

P.S. I just reminded a Forum member, via PM, that staying that Sunday, August 5 might not be a bad idea as traffic leaving Maine on a Sunday night is usually as heavy as it is on a Friday coming into Maine. Just a thought.

 

Jay, can you suggest any nearby lodging alternatives?

 

I’d be happy to. [After lunch OK?].

I will say there are LOTS of places to stay - including The Regency Hotel, The Hyatt, The Portland Harbor Hotel, The Marriott, etc., etc., etc. One attendee - who sent me a PM - was even thinking of a nearby AirBnB. I’d also consider something just outside of Portland, especially since Portland pricing is getting a bit crazy.

I’ll do some checking and report back!

 

[re] Places to stay:

As I suspected, and after a rather exhaustive search, it ain’t easy (or inexpensive).

I did get a very nice and friendly reply from the Reservation manager at The Press Hotel saying he will look into what might be possible, adding that they have numerous “programs on the books” (in other words, they’re jammed) and that he will get back to me on Monday.

I even went looking into accommodations in Brunswick (where I live, 30 min north of Portland) and/or Freeport (about 20 min) and didn’t come up with much. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Freeport had rooms for $218 with an 8.8 (out of 10) rating and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Freeport had a $197 rate and an 8.4 rating.

I dunno. I guess for $100-$200 more per night it might be worth it to have something in Portland - particularly considering the hours we’ll keep - but, then again, I drive not only back and forth from Brunswick to Portland every day, I’ll do so for this event as well. And...be there by 7:00. AM.

Let’s see what The Press Hotel comes up with - or not - and go from there?

 

Being able to walk to some of the restaurants was nice. There was a small park not far from the Press Hotel - I call dibs on one of the benches.

 

 

A later start on Thursday is also ok with us. Whatever the boss (Jay) decides. The Press was great as a headquarters. Would be very happy there again. My number one concern (with wherever would be chosen as headquarters) is the parking situation. The guys at The Press took excellent care of us and our cars. In Jay I trust.

 

Like the commercial says, “you’re in good hands”.