Reflections on the Block Party - PT Forums - The PT Cruiser Enthusiasts and Owners Resource

GretchenKohl · #1 (**permalink**) 23rd November 2003, 05:43 PM

What a great time!! Weather was perfect. Crystal clear, light breeze, mid-60s day-time, but chilly at night. Light dusting of snow on the nearest big peak.

For those that didn't get to go: we all arrived and got part way in before they actually opened the parking lot [they were a bit late]. This caused a huge line of cars, 4 across, backed up for a LONG ways. Did anyone get upset? I don't think so. Everyone just turned off their motor, got out, and wandered up and down the lines looking at other cars, discussing assorted features, finding old friends, making new ones. When the line started moving, folks were scrambling to try to find their Cruiser in this mass of similar looking cars. I heard one guy on his cell phone asking his wife to blow the horn so he could locate her.

Our favorite feature was the drag racing. I got a 180 hp and Gus got a 220. What a hoot! I shifted better [brag] and had a better time in the 1/4 mile than he did.

We both regretted not going back and trying again since we'd have been a bit smarter the second time. Hadn't ever used the auto-shift before and were so busy being impressed with the car that we were'nt paying total attention to the race part.

The next best thing was wandering through the parking lot and looking at the other cars. I validated in my mind that I was on the right track with the way I'm modifying mine. Saw a lot of things in "the flesh" that I'd previously only seen in catalogs and it made it a lot easier to decide what to order in the future.

Saw some really nice mods and, frankly, some that didn't quite "make it" to me but I'm sure were the pride and joy of their owner.

What a great cross section of people being nice to each other. All we really have in common is one great little car and it sure brought out the best in us.

Matt · #2 (**permalink**) 23rd November 2003, 07:28 PM

Thanks for the update, sounds alot like last year's block party. They took their sweet old time opening the parking lot (big backlog of cars waiting in line), then they took their sweet old time opening the park (stood in line another hour) and then they took their sweet old time starting the rides (another 30-60 minutes).

But I guess it was free so that was cool.

PT_Sean · #3 (**permalink**) 23rd November 2003, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt_kdude

But I guess it was free so that was cool.

Free is cool! Freeloading is way cool! Congrats.

Great news from the event- its really amazing what DC does for the PT community.

EeyoreCruzr · #4 (**permalink**) 23rd November 2003, 09:57 PM

I totally agree, Gretchen. Waiting to be parked was kind of fun. I walked up and down the lines and saw a lot of cars I've never seen before. It also gave me time to give my PT a quick cleaning.

Matt · #5 (**permalink**) 24th November 2003, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EeyoreCruzr

I totally agree, Gretchen. Waiting to be parked was kind of fun. I walked up and down the lines and saw a lot of cars I've never seen before. It also gave me time to give my PT a quick cleaning.

Last year pic waiting in line. Sounds like some things didn't change.

GOLDMEMBER · #6 (**permalink**) 24th November 2003, 05:09 PM

I can't wait til next year

basset hound · #7 (**permalink**) 24th November 2003, 05:52 PM

Pam and I had a blast all day. It was a super event and very well run. I could have spent several hours just looking at the PT Cruisers in the parking lot. Seeing all those Cruisers and greeting my friends made for a fantastic day. Being part of the PT Cruisers in the Custom Court, I was also able to meet a lot of new people too. I even got a chance to meet Air Ride. Since the Block Party was held at the L.A. Fairplex, right next to the NHRA drag strip, we got to use the strip to drag turbo powered PT Cruisers against the time clock. I'd never done that before and can't wait to do it again. I thought for my first time on a drag strip that my top speed of 93.58 MPH in the 1/4 mile was pretty good. If I hadn't spun the tires (rookie mistake) my ET of 14.997 would have been a little better. The concert was fantastic. They had first rate groups for just about everyone there. It's too bad it got so cold that by the time the fireworks started Pam and I watched then from our PT Cruiser. Next year the Block Party should be even better. BTW--They announced at the concert that Los Vegas may be the site of Block Party 3. If it is we will be there.