Saturday June 3
Finally, the Beginning!”
Wow, what a long strange trip it’s been.
And it’s just started. Lemme tell you a story: Once upon a time there were four not-so-little suitcases that wanted to go on the Power Tour. Momma Suitcase and the two Teen Suitcases flew just like they were supposed to.
But, Poppa Suitcase decided to fly around a little. He went to Saint Louis, then Minneapolis, then Atlanta, then Dallas, then Orlando. Poppa Suitcase was some tired guy when he finally arrived in Orlando — on midnight of the day after he was supposed to be there.
He might have arrived sooner, but the largest airline around decided he didn’t need to be where he was supposed to be, despite all the begging in the world. “You’ll get it when it gets there. There is no reason for us to put it in a taxi when there is a perfectly good delivery service to bring it to you when they get around to it.”
Thanks American. I’ll remember how well you treated this million-miler.
So after admitting Poppa Suitcase was MIA, yours truly fired up the not-so-easy-to-miss bright yellow Lotus Elise in Atlanta and headed for Orlando. Momma Suitcase and the two Teen Suitcases followed along in a rental minivan, all the better to carry luggage since there isn’t much of a trunk in an Elise.
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If you’ve ever wondered how an Elise compares to an 18-wheeler, take a look:
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In exchange for my family agreeing to chauffer the luggage for our Tour cars in the minivan, I had to agree to arriving early so we could visit some of Orlando’s attractions
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and stay in themed park resorts for a few days.
This actually helped with my Elise driving, because my wallet was much lighter.
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Arriving at the Orange County Convention Center was a breeze — I just drove past all the other Tour hopefuls
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to take my place at our big rig. In no time at all the team had the rig unloaded
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and looking good.
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Shane even got in the act of impersonating one of our new inflatables.
Just call him the Richard “I am not a crook” Nixon bunny rabbit inflatable.
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Ken spent his time as all marketing/PR execs do, handling radio interviews; this one with Motor Trend Radio
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while I once again prognosticated on meteorological possibilities (aka guessing what the weather will be)
while wowing the crowd with my keen sense of humor.
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This is what a lot full of Tourers look like, circa 2006:
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Tomorrow morning we head for Gainesville, Florida and their dragstrip. Just what we need — sun, humidity, asphalt and lots of hot cars.
I’m going topless tomorrow and every day thereafter. While others may have more horsepower, my 29 miles per gallon are only exceeded by the 200 smiles per mile the Tour generates.
Stop back by to see what excitement we find as the Tour treks north. It’s time to get serious about having fun.
Your humble and obedient servant,
Forrest Tosie
Mothers® Polishes•Waxes•Cleaners
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2006 Cruise Night Schedule
Saturday, June 3
Orange County
Convention Center
Orlando, FL
Sunday, June 4
Gainesville Raceway
Gainesville, FL
Monday, June 5
Georgia National Fairgrounds
Perry, GA
Tuesday, June 6
Colonial Center
Columbia, SC
Wednesday, June 7
Salem Civic Center
Roanoke Valley (Salem), VA
Thursday June 8
Farm Show Complex
Harrisburg, PA
Friday, June 9
Old Bridge Township
Raceway Park
Englishtown, NJ
Saturday, June 10
Old Bridge Township
Raceway Park
Englishtown, NJ
(Long Haulers Photo,
Ceremony and Awards ONLY)
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