Northeast Rally Recap...

[ragingfish]

While not QUITE as large as I had hoped, the Northeast Rally was by far a success! We had about 30-35 cars there at our peak, the majority of which were Vibes. Day started with Juliana (AtWork) and myself enjoying breakfast at the eclectic Milford Diner. Seems in Milford they don't know milk from half-n-half. We arrived at Milford Beach at 10 AM. Was a very nice site! We had a huge field to hang out in. Though the cars were banished to just the edge, it worked out very well. We had a reserved picnic area which was a bit of a walk from the cars, so most people just set up the BBQ at the car line and started cooking! Lots of people contributed with last minute additions, such as food, soda, and grills (go figure) so we actually ended up with a lot of people going home with a lot of stuff (myself included!) Though it was hot, people sought shelter in the shade. Not sure if anyone actually went to the beach. I had planned to, but never got around to it. Took a look though, looked very nice! Next year, I hope to plan a little better. Not so much food. Maybe just even do pizza instead, then people don't have to drag so much crap out there. But we'll look into that down the line.One of the highlights of the day had to be when a group of "late teens" were traveling down the line, checking out cars, and they came to Juliana's. We're like "it's Canadian you know." They're like "SERIOUSLY?" One kid goes around the back, sees her Ontario plate, and yells "HEY GUYS, IT REALLY IS CANADIAN!" They beg to see the gauges. She lights 'em up. "OH MY GOD, IT GOES UP TO 240!!! AND IT'S ONLY 25 DEGREES OUT! THIS IS COOL!" It appeared that this Canadian gauge cluster was the most exciting thing these guys had seen in a long time. But that's ok. I'm guilty too. I spent many minutes that night trying to get pics of it for my own enjoyment. As I learned later that night, they didn't come out, ebcause I'd been taking pictures all day with a huge smudge on my lens. ARGH!As the day wore on, we did the traditional rally lineups and photo ops...people started heading home. Around 530 or 6pm, it was down to just myself, Juliana, Rob (RTrac1 from MatrixOwners), Jay (Greenfire), and Nick. We chatted for many hours. Around 730, we did the final cleanup, and a few last minute photos of "the stragglers." Then, as we were about to bid adieu and head off, a Matrix pulls up, and, joins the line. Turns out he was from Maryland, left around noonish, and hit tons of construction on the way up. He was bummed to have missed the rally. But he did show us some of his cool stuff. Had "dragon head" washer fluid jets, and the eyes lit up, as well as major light effects inside, some crazy LEDs on the shifter, lights on the pedals, some flashing stuff above the visor...nice ground effect lighting too. We talked some more (after several of us said we needed to leave), then headed BACk to the Milford diner for some late nite grub. The picture below is of "the new stragglers." Note the smudge smearing several faces. Sorry guys. Thanks goes to the mirror for making it easier to take the picture! Myself holding the camera, Jay behind me, then "John Doe & Friends," the two guys behind Jay and the girl at the end on the opposite side, in front of her is Juliana, then Rob, and finally Nick. Good times to be had! I just want to take a moment, before I forget, to thank everyone who helped me make this event a success. Juliana (AtWork) for coming ALL THE WAY DOWN from Ontario, not giving up when her motel gave her room away, meeting me for breakfast, and helping me orchestrate the whole thing. Nick, for trekking all the way to and from Ohio on the same day, taking all those pictures, and (hopefully) writing the article for the front page. Anonymous guy (sorry, I forget your member name and real name! ) for playing chef and cooking some, from what I hear, excellent hot doggage. RTrac1 from MatrixOwners.com, for also trekking down from Albany and helping to arrange the pictures. Jay (Greenfire) for helping out with little things, and hanging out with us at the end. And to everyone else who helped make this a success! I apologize I can't name you all individually!I'll now open this post up to everyone to post your feedback, pictures, opinions, likes, dislikes, and whatnot for the rally. Hope everyone had a great time...I did the best I could to make it a great one!Once again, the picture:Myself with the cameraGreenfire behind meLast minute Maryland guy behind him (we never got his name)Last minute Maryland guy Friend #1 on the endLast minute Maryland guy Friend #2, girl on end of opposite sideJuliana (AtWork)Rob (RTrac1 from MatrixOwners)Nick (NSimkins)Hey last minute Maryland guy: if you read this, sign up, and tell us who you are!

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[NSimkins]

Well Mike pretty much stated the general consensus of the meet. It was great to meet everyone and check out their rides! Here's my photo gallery of the NE Meet. There are over 100 large pics (sorry 56k! .. they're worth the wait!). Enjoy!http://nicksimkins.com/vibe/ne-meet/(let me know if there are any broken images)

[rasermon]

WTG ragin on your rally.Great job Nick with all the pics. Sorry I couldn't make it, just to many people on vacation at work.

[ragingfish]

quote:WTG ragin on your rally.Thank you! I tried! quote:Great job Nick with all the pics. Yes, thanks again for being photographer!quote:Sorry I couldn't make it, just to many people on vacation at work.Well, you know how the Vibe was so awesome in it's first few months, but there were TONS of bugs to work out, and now that they did, it's better? Same thing with the rally. Lots of finer details I overlooked that next year, I'll take into consideration. So next year's will be even better, and you'll have to come down then!

[ragingfish]

quote:Mike.. We have to get together at another Meet. It will be fun. Most definitely. Perhaps if I go to IU I'll be able to make more Michigan meets.And I PROMISE not to smudge up my lens next time!

[huy397]

Very nice pics.thank you for sharing.

[dmitri]

yea thanks mike i had a good time at the meet

[ragingfish]

Glad to hear it!

[MrMke]

Great job on orchestrating the meet as well as a great job on the recap!!Applause for all the huge pics Nick Thank god for high speed cable!!Looking forward to the next meet!

[meathead333]

sweet, looks like fun. wish i could have made it

[msmyer]

Nick-Nice pics! With so many of then I feel like I was there! I guess I will "help" take the Ohio meet pics! You'll still be worn out from takin all of these!

[greenfire]

MIke...The pic in the Dinner came out great considering it was through a mirror. I had great time and it seems everyone found their way. Great Job getting this organized. There was such a wide variety of vehicles to look at... Matrix xr, xr4wd, xrs, Vibe, Vibe4wd and GT; Celicas and even an RSX, Delsol, and that Dodge Colt. It was great towards the end, relaxing in the shade. I dont have any pics, but on Matrixowners this meet is a big topic of discussion, People asking questions about the cars in pics. Just another note...the RSXs are planning a meet in AUG, in Paramus, NJ. This one will close out the summer . Ill post on that soon.

[ragingfish]

quote:MIke...The pic in the Dinner came out great considering it was through a mirror.Considering it was through a mirror...AND A SMUDGE!

[ragingfish]

Come on people, I know more of you took pictures. Share them with us!

[Triton]

Great pics! Looks like you had a great meet!

[ragingfish]

quote:Will have pics for you after lunch - got a nice one of that fancy speedo on the trip home - a little lift showing on the tach too of course YAY for Canadian gauges!

[ragingfish]

And I'm proud to say that my meet has now corrupted another member. AtWork has informed me, after seeing the cars at the meet, she wants to do some modding!My friends, our work here is done.

[ragingfish]

Perhaps you should add to your signature some "notches" for all the stuff you've killed! Bugs are too hard to count, but let's see, a squirrel, a bird, and a bat now, right? Have I missed anything?

[dmitri]

RSX meet? yea id go paramus isnt far from me at all. Im sure Brandon from matrix owners will go too cause his friend had the RSX. Definitely we can represent there...

[greenfire]

Dmitiri, As soon as Matix/vibe.net gets back online Ill post the link.

[greenfire]

Here is the link. I posted this in "events" also... http://www.matrixvibe.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3288

[dmitri]

sh*t...august 24th...going to wildwood that weekend and meeting about 20 friends there and getting smashed!!! maybe ill come but dont kno yet

[greenfire]

Wildwood!! I was just there...Wildwood Crest