After a week traveling together...
After a week traveling together on a Road Tour folks become one big happy family. This group of Road Tourians had just completed the Classic Automobilia Tour from the NSRA Nationals North in Kalamazoo to the NSRA Northeast Nationals plus in Burlington, Vermont. We will again be attending these events in 2010 and our route this year will take us through Canada.
2010 marks the 15th season for the Road Tour and the fifth year that we have invited folks to "come along for the ride" and join us for a week of fun with their cars. We have again put together eight week-long vacation tours as we travel to major automotive events around the country. .Each year folks have questions about the Road Tour and how to get involved. These are a few of those frequently asked questions about the Tours, what is involved in registering and what you can expect when you are a participant.
What does the registration fee include?
The $75.00 registration fee gets you officially registered for one of the eight week-long vacation Tours. It includes a Tour T-shirt for each registered vehicle, ID badges for both driver and passenger, and a window sticker for each vehicle. Each year's goodie bag is an embroidered tote that is filled with catalogs, literature and a metal license plate of the Road Tour logo. Participants receive the entire week's schedule and maps for each day's travels. Most importantly, you will get behind-the-scenes looks at some fantastic private automotive collections as well as private tours at some of the best street rod manufacturers and shops in our hobby.
How are rooms along the way handled?
A reduced rate is negotiated at hotels along the Tour route. Although we block a specific number of rooms at each evening's headquarters, each participant is responsible for booking their own rooms directly with the hotels. We try to use national chains and rooms generally range from $85 to $110 per night. You are not required to stay where we have blocked rooms, but if you do you need to make reservations 30 days prior to the Tour to get the reduced rate. You will receive a hotel list when you register for the Tour.
How fast do you go and does everyone stay together on the highway?
We realize that everyone has a different comfort level and driving style when they travel. We get together at a driver's meeting each morning before we leave. Since each day's route is mapped out, we encourage people to go at their own pace. Most folks quickly find others within the group who travel at a similar rate of speed.
How far do you travel each day and how often do you stop for gas?
A typical Road Tour day is between 250 to 400 miles depending on whether we have a specific lunch stop or not. Folks stop for gas when they need gas.
What about meals along the way?
We have been able to enjoy some great complimentary meals along our Tours. If we have an evening shop tour it usually includes some food, but not every day includes a complimentary meal.
Who can register and generally how big are the groups?
We do not require a specific year or style of vehicle to join us on the Tours. Be aware of the event that we are leaving from and going to and check for specific year limitations at those events. Sorry, but trailered cars and motor homes are not permitted. Pop-up campers pulled behind a registered vehicle are OK, but you will need to find your own campground facilities.
We have had as many as 65 vehicles and as few as 10. Most Tours are between 20 to 35 vehicles. About 75% of the participants are couples.
What about the events at the beginning and ending of each week's Tours?
Our Tours cover the week BETWEEN the events. You will be responsible for registering for the events on your own. You may also need to make room accommodations at the location of the events. Refer to the hotel list that you receive for all the details.
Can I participate on only a portion of the Tour?
You are welcome to join the Tour at any point along the route, but you do need to register and pay the total Tour fee. While we do ask people to register in advance, you can register at any time along the route. In most cases local folks are welcome and encouraged to stop by and say "Hi" if the Road Tour has a stop in your area.
This year the Canadian Classic Car Tour from Kalamazoo to Burlington crosses the border into Canada. What paperwork will be needed?
As is the case now anytime you leave the United Sates, a US Passport is needed. The procedure to obtain a passport has been streamlined considerably, but give yourself plenty of time to get your documents. Of course have your vehicle registration in order and leave any firearms at home.
Will I have fun on the Tour?
Judging by the happy faces, great comments and repeat participants, I can almost guarantee that you will have the time of your life on one of the Road Tours.
How can I get more information about the Tours?
Log on to our website at www.streetrodderweb.com and check out the Road Tour section. Watch the pages of Street Rodder and Street Scene or give us a call on the Road Tour hotline at 1-800-664-1362. I hope you can join us in 2010!