2012 VIPER ROUND UP DETAILS!!!! Spread the word!!!

[got one]

SPREAD THE WORD!!! 41 folks so far have already RSVP’d to me…have you?

This is a Viper event…so if you have a Viper…you are invited! Even you E from Houston who showed up in his Ferrari back on 2010 (but we all love you E!).

Sorry it took so long folks, but funding was a little bit of an issue this year…but we have had support from ART so far and they have come through to help insure that we will all have a great experience and get to enjoy some of the great things we have had in the past!! J Now with that said, any donations or further help is always appreciated and can still, up till the last minute, help out. ON TO THE FUN!!!!

Here is the agenda…enjoy!

Friday March 30[SUP]th[/SUP] :
***note: there are other hotels in the Domain complex…so don’t feel you have to go with that one. I like to promote flexibility. J
So you drive 30 minutes or 15 hours to get to the Westin (I know it is a few bucks more than the last hotel, but trust me, the location being where it is and the quality…well, you won’t be sorry!!!!) hosting hotel where this is going down…you arrive to a parking lot of Vipers. Check out all the Domain has to offer here! This place is amazing and if you aren’t into driving or doing car stuff…then you can spend all weekend just walking around and experiencing all the Domain has to offer!! At this point, I think, wow, this was already worth it You get there Friday late morning just in time to catch the intimate caravan of snakes (leave at 1:00pm from the Westin parking lot, but if you arrive late, you can take the short 30-45 minute drive over and meet us) to slither through Austin over to American Racing Technology to meet up with Todd the Owner of the shop AND a track prepped ACRX that he runs (lunch will be provided onsite) where we have three events taking place:

1. Cleaning instruction (inside and outside) of our wonderful cars with a professional detailer that has worked on MANY of our Vipers over the years, this guy will teach you so many cleaning tips and tricks that you yourself can use that your head will spin!
2. Dyno…that’s right, put your car on the dyno for a quick run to see how you motor is running and to make sure that all 10 cylinders are firing Or throw it on there to hear your own exhaust in a garage environment at wide open throttle Oh, and bring your video camera
3. Tech/BS session J, see the different generation Vipers on the lift and get a perfect view of the differences between the cars and ask as many questions as you want to learn as much as you want
4. For the Women in the group (and some men) there will be a jewelry party inside the A/C show room.
5. Oh…and of course, a bunch of Viper Owners talking and hanging out at a performance shop and telling tall tails of the Viper ownership experiences!

Now, after the route 66 hangout at ART, we head back to the hotel for a quick meet up and then a short walk over to dinner out at the very social Domain selection of eateries and stroll through the terrace and over hanging trees that are lit at night…very nice and bring the cameras for this will be a place to take some pictures (yes, they put on weddings here on a regular basis). At this point, dinner will be pay as you go.

Then, we make the short walk back to the hotel where we will have the tailgating in the bar. J

Saturday March 31[SUP]st[/SUP]:
Yes, hard to believe…yesterday was just the first day and we had all that fun…surely there can’t be more??? Well, there is! Saturday we all get up for the driver’s meeting at 9:30am from Westin parking lot and then we all head out at 10:00am for a day of driving, eating, taking breath taking (garage framing and hanging) pictures and stories! The route will be even better than last year…and yes, that says a lot! For those of you who were here the last couple of years, this year will be even better! Lunch will be at the historic downtown Fredericksburg, Tx…once again, if you want to take a break from cars, there is PLENTY of shopping to do…and unique shopping it is! So bring your shades and get ready to kick back and chill…Central Texas style J After we chill out a bit, then we head out and walk over to the National Museum of the Pacific War, trust me, this is not something to be missed, this place has everything even full history fighter planes inside! Once we have our fill and are ready to do our parade lap through main street and hit the back roads for a trip you folks surely won’t forget…turns, hills, views, and 50+ Vipers in the pictures…ya, how many of you folks have done that before and have a picture to show for it (other than a Round Up J )??? Will you can now J

Our drive back into town will end up at our Dinner spot located right in Austin, so be prepared to stop traffic and fill up the cellular networks with camera phone pictures being taken of our cars on the streets of Austin…yes, folks on the car forums will be a buzz about seeing all of us so be on the lookout that following week on the internet At this point, dinner will be pay as you go…but we promise the location will fantastic as it always has been!

We make the short drive after dinner over to the Domain/hotel where we can expect drinks in the bar and heightened conversation about who was faster than who…and who knows what else J

Sunday April 1[SUP]st[/SUP]:
Yup, last day…can you believe it is already here! Well, this day will be fun! ART has stepped up yet again and negotiated a half day at Harris Hill…a closed road course…so, keep your cameras on hand, because whether you are driving or watching, it will be loads of fun! We will be leaving the hotel early-ish from the Westin parking lot (times will be presented in your packet when you arrive). IF you have never taken your car out on a track before, then this will be a great learning experience…and no…your car won’t get wrecked or beaten up…just a little road dust that you can get off with your California duster (yes I always keep one in the trunk of my car if you need one J ) After this we will say our goodbyes till next time…I promised myself I wouldn’t cry….

So, to recap…a short 3 day weekend FILLED TO THE GILLS with fun, Vipers with NO registration costs, a BUNCH of Vipers from the south western United States. Yes, Barb will most likely be the furthest again from Utah!!!

Maps and further event details will be available when you arrive on Friday J See you then!!!

Costs:
Friday

• Lunch – Provided Ryan…for now (but don’t expect much )
• Dyno – Provided by ART
• Dinner – pay as you go

Saturday

• Lunch - pay as you go
• Museum - pay as you go
• Shopping - pay as you go
• Dinner - pay as you go

Sunday

• Brunch – provided Ryan…for now (but don’t expect much )
• Track – provided by ART

 

[rpm9000]

Is there going to be any special rates at the Westin for the Roundup participants?

 

[TexasTonka]

Looking at approx $412 plus fees for Friday an Saturday. Domain is cool but I am on the lookout for a good alternative. I cleared with the Omni that they will honor the past two years of $99/ night. Never had an issue with security there although it is a bit of a drive from the domain. Easy road access though. I'll be at the Omni I'm so far. Save the rest of the coin for gas money!

 

[RevHeat]

Omni - Any codes needed for the $99/rate?

 

[rpm9000]

The Omni sounds good to me too. $412.00 is pretty steep.

 

[got one]

sorry...no special deals on the hotel yet unless someone can help me out and get one...with no strings attached

 

[VicTxV10]

The Aloft Austin at The Domain has rooms starting at $149 and is located right up the street from the Westin. The Westin has a lot of promo's listed but I tried to book online and the all come up invalid. The best one I saw was the "Pay your Birth Date" promo code: NBR. You pay $169 first night and second or third is the last two digits on the year you were born. So, if 1970 was your year, then night two is only $70. I'm going to call and see if the codes are just not active yet or not valid for the dates. I'll also see if the Aloft has any promo's going or they can extend and will post back.

 

[got one]

The Aloft Austin at The Domain has rooms starting at $149 and is located right up the street from the Westin. The Westin has a lot of promo's listed but I tried to book online and the all come up invalid. The best one I saw was the "Pay your Birth Date" promo code: NBR. You pay $169 first night and second or third is the last two digits on the year you were born. So, if 1970 was your year, then night two is only $70. I'm going to call and see if the codes are just not active yet or not valid for the dates. I'll also see if the Aloft has any promo's going or they can extend and will post back.

Thanks! I really appreciate the help!

 

[rpm9000]

Looking at approx $412 plus fees for Friday an Saturday. Domain is cool but I am on the lookout for a good alternative. I cleared with the Omni that they will honor the past two years of $99/ night. Never had an issue with security there although it is a bit of a drive from the domain. Easy road access though. I'll be at the Omni I'm so far. Save the rest of the coin for gas money!

It looks like the Omni is about 15 miles from the Domain.

 

[got one]

It looks like the Omni is about 15 miles from the Domain.

Ya, it can be a drive...but if Murray is able to find out anything on the hotels in the Domain...then that would be great! Like I mentioned in the email, the Domain has a TON to offer families and guests, etc. but in the end...we are only sleeping at the hotel...the rest of the time we will be out

 

[VicTxV10]

I was able to get the Westin Domain to offer the Viper Round-Up 2012 a special rate of $119 per night for the Mar 30-Apr 1 weekend. Please PM Kurt (TexasTonka), Ryan (GotOne) or myself and let us know if you want a room. I need to turn in a room count list for the hotel to block off. Once I get the number of rooms turned in, I'll post up the Westin contact info for the special rate.

Thanks and hope to see many of you there!!

 

[cubican]

Exellent Im in !00% and PM sent .

 

[MikeG]

Ryan,

PM sent.

 

[got one]

Reposting in compliance with our VCA stipulations…
Just so folks are clear... Like the first Texas Viper Round Up I put on back in the day, this will not be a stricly VCA event. This is an event that anyone with a Viper can attend...and also vendors/sponsors of our fine Dodge Vipers can attend as well so that folks can meet one another from around Texas or simply touch base with old friends, learn about the VCA, learn about the different car models, modifications and talk to experts on how to keep their cars running great on and off the track etc. The VCA is, as always, invited and deeply encouraged to come given their role in helping this spectacular vechicle stay alive and well!

SEE YOU ALL SOON!!!

 

[MikeG]

Ryan,

Any word yet on the "Code" for reserving at the $119 rate?

Thanks.

 

[got one]

I don't have them...but I think Murray does...or perhaps Murray passed them to me and I lost the email...in other words...ask Murray

 

[TexasTonka]

Thank you Ryan, Unfortunatly due to stipulations the local regions must follow we can not fund this event so it is not an 'official VCA event'. It is not an event put on by any club affiliation other than some viper owners. it is pay as you go and free admission for all (outside of the cost of a Viper ).

I have been to every Round Up for the past 4 years and even helped plan portions of a few of them. I plan to be at this one as well and look forward to getting out as a big group and having some fun.

There have been a few speed bumps on the road to the 2012 Round Up but we have worked them out and the road looks smooth ahead. I hope to see all of you in March!

 

[TexasTonka]

Reposting in compliance with our VCA stipulations…
Just so folks are clear... Like the first Texas Viper Round Up I put on back in the day, this will not be a stricly VCA event. This is an event that anyone with a Viper can attend...and also vendors/sponsors of our fine Dodge Vipers can attend as well so that folks can meet one another from around Texas or simply touch base with old friends, learn about the VCA, learn about the different car models, modifications and talk to experts on how to keep their cars running great on and off the track etc. The VCA is, as always, invited and deeply encouraged to come given their role in helping this spectacular vechicle stay alive and well!

SEE YOU ALL SOON!!!

Thank you Ryan, Unfortunatly due to stipulations the local regions must follow we can not fund this event so it is not an 'official VCA event'. It is not an event put on by any club affiliation other than some viper owners. it is pay as you go and free admission for all (outside of the cost of a Viper ).

I have been to every Round Up for the past 4 years and even helped plan portions of a few of them. I plan to be at this one as well and look forward to getting out as a big group and having some fun.

There have been a few speed bumps on the road to the 2012 Round Up but we have worked them out and the road looks smooth ahead. I hope to see all of you in March!

 

[TexasTonka]

I was able to get the Westin Domain to offer the Viper Round-Up 2012 a special rate of $119 per night for the Mar 30-Apr 1 weekend. Please PM Kurt (TexasTonka), Ryan (GotOne) or myself and let us know if you want a room. I need to turn in a room count list for the hotel to block off. Once I get the number of rooms turned in, I'll post up the Westin contact info for the special rate.

Thanks and hope to see many of you there!!

Murray... What is the code?!

 

[RevHeat]

I believe Murray has halted being in charge of the room block.

 

[VicTxV10]

I believe Murray has halted being in charge of the room block.

I talked to Ryan and Kurt. I should/hope to have things completed tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed.

 

[MikeG]

I guess I must be the most dense person on the planet. Because of the debacle the past two or three days, I went and downloaded the National ByLaws and read them cover to cover. I just plain don't comprehend the infraction and fail to grasp the issue that resulted in deletion of threads and posts and the departure from participation of at least one member heretofore formally assisting with helping to make and insure the Texas Roundup is a huge success. At no point was it ever stated the event was a Nationally sanctioned VCA event by the author of the original thread covering this topic. Given that, there must be other violations, about which I profess to be ignorant, and therefore fail to grasp and comprehend.

Frankly, at present all I see is confusion and the apparent unraveling of what by all appearance, was an endeavor that had enormous possibility and potential for bringing the three VCA clubs, as well as Texas Viper owners in general, together in the fellowship and spirit described in the ByLaws, in a warm and welcoming environment where we could finally all get to visit with and know one another, and admire each others Vipers, et al. Additionally, exposure of non-club Viper owners to this event had enormous potential for recruitment of new membership for the three clubs. I would think this would also be welcomed at the National level for all the obvious unnecessary stated reasons.

I can only speak for myself, but the air has been let out of my balloon, and the excitement initially kindled, pretty much extinguished. I envision all the other non-sanctioned VCA events that heretofore have made their way into discussion on the Houston, North Texas and Central and South Texas VCA sub-forums, will going forward, also come under scrutiny and be subject to the same rules of engagement, and erased from the chalkboard. Not sure what that leaves for discussion going forward? I guess only events sanctioned at the National level. I'm confused as to why this endeavor has to be conducted in a closed closet, so to speak. What exactly are we doing wrong and why are we getting our hands smacked with rulers?

Up until now, it seemed okay to discuss events like TWS, Texas Mile, San Antonio Speedway, Vendor sponsored Go-Cart Racing, Dyno Days, and Coffee and Rides. All of these events were by, and for Viper owners. And none of them, inclusive of the Roundup, to my knowledge involve sanctioning or profiteering by a competitive club or organization outside of the VCA and associated VCA Vendors. I've seen all sorts of posts, threads, pictures and videos involving Vipers and Viper events that clearly were not sanctioned at the National level, on the VCA Forum. What about the inclusion of pictures appearing in the Published VCA Magazine encompassing Vipers participating in events not sanctioned at the National Level? For clarification, where then is the "Line in the sand" drawn? How do we know when it has been crossed? In the ByLaws there was mention made of an "VCA Operations Manual". I can't locate it to download and read. Is that where the infractions are defined about which we are guilty?

Going forward, if not here on the VCA, where do we discuss all the other events planned and being planned for the remainder of the year? If not the VCA, where then is the proper venue/forum for VCA Member Viper owners to discuss events and drives occurring outside of Michigan and the National level, that are to be shared and enjoyed together at our respective local level? It looks like personal email addresses are going to be more important than ever. That, or we just happen to run into one another while out in our respective Vipers, and pull over and make an event out of the spontaneous meeting.

Please understand this is not a rant, nor meant to be argumentative. I hope I have not put a bulls-eye on my backside. I am truly confused, and more importantly, losing interest very fast. I didn't join the VCA for the magazine.

 

[Vip1]

When posts are removed it seems they are dictating what we can and cannot do as a viper owner and we pay for this!!, and the post about everything being free... someone either it be a company such as ART or Tomball dodge or just members of the VCA that are pitching in to make this a great event has to pay (time or Funds). To hide behind bylaws just doesn't seem right. Everyone that's enjoyed this event in the past should have stepped up and helped out, I can understand why we don't have more events like this nobody's willing to put a target on their back, fortunately we have someone that will. Thank you to all past, present and future that help with this event. Looking forward to a great event.

 

[TexasTonka]

Mike-
It is fantastic that new members like yourself take the initiative to review the by-laws and do some homework before coming to a conclusion on something like this. I wish more voters in America were like you! To answer your inquiry the National Bylaws are vague. In Article VIII Section 2 sub paragraph C of the National Bylaws it instructs to maintain a clear objective of utilizing all revenue for the purpose outlined in our National Bylaws Preamble, “The purpose of our club” in the Preamble of these Bylaws. The Preamble states that #1 first and foremost we are to “Help MEMBERS have more fun with their Vipers”. The Viper Round up for the past four years has always been a big reason for members to renew their membership early as it was funded by the SCTVCA with help from the Dallas and Houston clubs as well as several vendors in our area. The 2012 event was going to be funded as all the others and all regions were on board. I myself sent out a teaser trailer to get people excited. I love the Viper Round Up, so much so when I took over at interim president in 2011 prior to the elections my first email sent on Fri, Apr 15, 2011 10:54AM addressing the entire club had a full outline of the year to come. #5 on the list states: “South Central Texas Round Up: The Round Up will stay in Austin for the foreseeable future, I spoke to Ryan Fox about this and as long as he is willing to organize it, it will be his baby” We discussed the Round Up a year in advance, knowing it would be a SCTVCA event, in order to get stipend funds from National it must be a VCA event and we must provide receipts and the usual expense report.
As previously stated all regions were on board with funding the event on one stipulation. As discussed in our 2012 Annual meeting in which you were in attendance, no event will be funded by this region without full transparency and a fical year financial statement will be sent to all active members at years end from now on. All three regions were in 100% agreement with this and as a member you also have a right to know where your funds are going. After several weeks of emails asking for any of this information, as well as a year of prior knowledge that this would be needed, the Round Up was ‘stolen’ from the SCTVCA. I use the word ‘stolen’ because for the past 4 years it has been a SCTVCA event, for the past solid year I have been your President it has been a SCTVCA event. I have even promoted the event as a SCTVCA event to our membership and to other regions. When asked for estimates, budgets, vender donation amounts and full details of the event so all regions could contribute to the event and help out financially as much as possible, the event was taken away from the SCTVCA and has been privatized. The vendors were unaware they were no longer backing a SCTVCA event and most members (yourself excluded) by reading the email sent out about the event assumed it was still a SCTVCA event.
All regions felt the same way about this as you are feeling now. That the ‘air has been let out of my balloon’. We wanted to fund this event; we wanted to make it the best it could be. Dallas and Houston were both pledging $500 each minimum and I was pledging $1000 and ALL proceeds of the Poster Raffle which could have been a total combined of $5000 to help better this event. I have several emails where we are all pleading to let the regions give funds for this event and start promoting the details. But none of your membership dollars were going to leave the bank without knowing precisely what it was funding as we discussed at our Annual meeting.

Long story short: National will not let regions fund events other than for members or charity, our region will not fund events without complete transparency, and most important I must follow the direction of the National officers and was instructed to remove these posts as were other regions due to the inherent confusion of the involvement of the VCA with the event.

I have relisted the threads and discussed with Ryan the need to disclose that this is no longer a VCA event for 2012 to vendors and members. It is still a viper event and the VCA is invited to attend. As you can see from the schedule of events it is free admission and you pay your own way so there is no funding needed.

The three Texas regions have discussed and are planning an event later in the year for a VCA member event that will be a yearly Regional Rendezvous event which a different region will take over each year. Last year Dallas hosted, this year we will host, next year Houston has the reigns and so on and so on. This event will be in mid Fall well after VOI so we can all enjoy the 90+ degree heat in October/November! All three regions are working on that now and details should come out within 2 months. Several more raffles will be coming out as well to gain funds for VCA events such as these.

 

[MikeG]

Thank you Kurt for taking interest and the time to explain the issue. You articulated it clearly and concisely. I now fully understand. My apologies for the confusion. I now understand why I could not decipher the issue from the information contained in the National ByLaws. The issue was a bit outside of the scope of what the ByLaws address. This might serve as a cause for revisiting the ByLaws and closing the gap.

I am now fully on board. And I'm looking very much to the VCA sponsored event hosted by our Region to come later this year, to which you made reference.

Thanks for all that you do Kurt. Awesome stuff. Kudos to you and your staff.

 

[VicTxV10]

We are done.

You can call reservations at 1800-228-3000 and ask for Viper Club rate.


Thanks,
Murray

 

[cubican]

Im all booked up by calling the #. Thank you all

 

[MikeG]

Done. Many thanks Murray.

Very much looking forward to seeing new folks & Vipers. Awesome.

 

[RevHeat]

Nice post Kurt. I truely support all of your efforts and hope that everone can understand our postion and that of the SCTVC board. The Round up will go on and it will be a blast as Ryan never fails to provide great events.

 

[Bird325]

For those Texas and surrounding states Vipers that have never been to the Roundup, it's well worth the effort and time. I've been every year since I got my Snake and have enjoyed it immensely.... my better half has too, and she isn't into the speed part of my habit. This is a gathering of both the drivers and the family that is fun for all and The Domain offers some options that past Roundups have not: the better half can SHOP TILL HE/SHE DROPS! It may not be VCA sponsored, but it SHOULD be. If you can swing it in your schedule, join in and enjoy the pure joy of Viper ownership with a bunch of people that have the same passion.

You can call reservations at 1800-228-3000 and ask for Viper Club rate.