What is AudiFest '98?
In a nutshell, it is a nationwide gathering of Audi enthusiasts. Most of the individuals that participated in last year's journey out to Pike's Peak originally met "electronically" via the internet's Quattro List, (a mailing list where Audi enthusiasm and discussion takes place), although there were some non-q-list subscribers that also showed up.
Given that, I guess we can say this is our "Second Annual" event... with hopes and plans of more and better to come in the future!!
Foremost, let me state that ANY Audi enthusiast, from any part of the world, and their "significant other" and family is welcome!! Last year we mostly had individuals gather from all over the U.S., but believe it or not, we even had one international friend visit!!
I'll go out on a limb and say... "It was a great time had by all!!" If you are not sure of attending, I encourage you to talk to some of the folks who went last year... once you do, I'm confident that you'll be making plans for this year's event!!
For some pictures and tales of last year's event, visit the AudiFest '97 site!!
Where are we going to meet? And when?
Considering that last year's event went so well at Pike's Peak in Colorado, we've decided to hold the event there again this year. The event will take place on and around July 4th.
For lots of detailed info about the Pike's Peak event, click here!!
(Note: Some of the info shown on this link is from last year... I haven't yet received the specific info on this year's event at Pike's Peak. If you want to get a rough idea of the event, then it is still worth taking a peek... almost all of the info still applies.)
What can I expect? What exactly will take place?
Plans are progressing but we are still open to suggestions and recommendations. Conceptually, this event can mean many things to many different people. Individuals can participate as much or as little as they want. We envision many different "caravans" travelling from all directions, "picking" up others along the way out to Colorado. We also envision others meeting the "troops" along the way, at designated stopover points.
Tentatively, we plan to make the long-distance-travel worth it by driving through some of the country's best and most scenic areas along the way, stopping perhaps at some tourist-type locations, whilst enjoying great friendship with other enthusiasts along the way.
This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the wonderful sense of comraderie and friendship that is unique to Audi enthusiasts. Owning an Audi is quite a rewarding experience, and owners tend to share a common bond. Come meet some great people, and enjoy the Audi experience!!
What route should I take? Is there a caravan making the trek out?
Certainly, you can map out your own travel plans, but it would be best (and the most fun) if you tried to hook up with others along the way.
Right now, the "eastern" caravan has begun finalizing plans for the trek out. Once we finalize all the details, this page will be updated. In the meantime, here are the rough plans for those coming from the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Eastern Central (if that makes any sense!!):
July 1: Meet in Louisville, KY. Stay over.
July 2: Head to St. Louis, MO to meet up with some local folks, and add more individuals to the caravan. We will spend a couple of hours here... having lunch etc. With fuel in our cars and our tummies, we will head to Kansas City, MO. Stay over. (See hotel info below.)
July 3: Head from Kansas City, MO to Colorado Springs. Meet in CO at the Sheraton Hotel whenever we all arrive. (See hotel info below.)
Once the highway routes have been established, we'll post the info here. You might just be able to meet up with us on the highway... or at least wave to us all as we pass by!! :-)
Once we get there, what are we going to do?
We are planning on meeting for dinner on July 3rd. Where and what we will eat is undecided at this point. Just plan on making it to the Sheraton right now... once we finalize the plans, info will be posted here.
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On July 4th, we will meet REAL EARLY (i.e. 6:00 a.m.) prior to starting our ascent up the mountain. After spectating a fantastic event all day, and enjoying the camraderie of fellow Audi enthusiasts, we will continue our day with dinner, at an undetermined location (i.e. stay tuned).
~~~~~
The following day, on July 5th, a "track" event is planned. Here is more info, from Bruce Bell:
I have reserved Sunday July 5 at the Pueblo Motorsports Park in Pueblo, Colorado. This is about a 35-40 min. drive from the hotel, give or take a bit.
They do not care how many cars we bring. The cost is $75 per car and
that includes the $20 paving fee they pay to the Colorado Motorsports Council
for the recent re-paving of the track. It also includes insurance! So,
if you want some track time it is $75 for the whole day and that is per
car
not driver. Don't think it gets any cheaper than this.
Two issues on our use of the track 1) Helmets are required. (Insurance)
and 2) Inside this track is a midget car track of some sort that will be
used all day as well. Since the entrance road cuts across the road course
we are using, we will need to take turns at being a track steward to assure
there
are no collisions ala figure 8.
They really don't want us doing any fender to fender racing - and I'm sure most of us will appreciate that since we need something in which to drive home.
More info will be forthcoming after meeting with Jay (Track Manager) on how he plans to collect and details.
This track is at about 4900' in elevation and in July you can expect temperatures from 65 f to 95 f with humidity ranging from near 0 to 30% Afternoon showers are not unusual though average annual precipitation in this area is only around 10-12 inches. No I didn't check a weather map these are just my estimates.
We should plan to have water and food on hand for lunch. Either we all take responsibility for ourselves or we will need a rough head count so I can arrange something.
~~~~~
After a good night's sleep, most folks are planning on heading home on July 6th. No discussion has taken place about a caravan on the way home. That may be decided out in CO. If a decision has been made prior, we'll post the info here.
How is this being organized? Who should I contact?
Below is a list of people that have volunteered to serve as coordinators
for certain geographic areas of the country. Please contact the person
in your territory for general questions and info relative to the gathering
in your area. They are also working on the route out to Pike's Peak from
there.
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| New England | Brett Dikeman | brett@arthur.malebolge.com | TBA | TBA |
| Mid-Atlantic | Bob Myers | rmyers@inetone.net | TBA | TBA |
| Southeast | Eric Renneisen | renneie@hlthsrc.com | TBA | TBA |
| West | Michael Williams | daserde@ucla.edu | TBA | TBA |
If you have any "general" questions, please feel free to contact:
Ben Howell - bhowell@rmi.net in Colorado or Jim Griffin - JGriff@pobox.com in Maryland.
Dedicated Mailing List
There is a dedicated Mailing List established for this year's event. If you plan on attending (or are even remotely thinking of attending), it is recommended that you subscribe to the list. Link over to the instruction page on how to subscribe:
AudiFest
'98 Mailing List
Lodging
So far, we have arranged a group rate at two hotels... one out in Kansas
City, MO (for the convoy on the way out), and one in Colorado, our "Official"
hotel and gathering place. Here is the info:
Kansas City, MO:
NOTE: The hotel for Kansas City has changed!! I will post the updated info soon (it is at the Hampton Inn in Olathe, Kansas... at the same rate). In the meantime, if you made a reservation here, you must cancel!!
Hampton Inn - Kansas City Airport
11212 North Newark Circle
Kansas City, MO 64153
Telephone: 816-464-5454
Fax: 816-464-5416
Reservations: 1-800-426-7866 (1-800-HAMPTON)
Group Code: AUD
Group Rate: $69.00
Reservation Deadline: Monday, June 1, 1998
Amenities: Breakfast 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM, Pool,
Jacuzzi
Directions: I-70 West to I-435 North. (I-435 is the outer loop around KC)
I-435 North to
I-29 South
I-29 South to
Exit 12 (couple of miles)
Exit 12 Left
Hotel is behind
Bank of Weston
We have set aside 25 Double/Double rooms - 22 Non-Smoking & 3 Smoking. They have King Studies (King with additional foldout) available, if we request. Everyone should call 1-800-HAMPTON, give them our group code, AUD, and make their own reservation, by Monday June 1, 1998. After that time all rooms will be released.
Arrangements have been made for a small meeting room off the pool area, that can be used as a hospitality room after 5:00 PM on July 2. The hotel manager has also offered to have a BBQ buffet set up with a local restaurant at a cost of $11.50 per person. We can do that... or if not, there are plenty of restaurants in the area.
Colorado Springs, CO:
Sheraton
2886 South Circle Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Telephone # (719) 576-5900
Reservations: 1-800-981-4012
Group Code: Audi Quattro Group
Group Rate: $89.00
Reservation Deadline: Monday, June 3, 1998
Amenities: Pool, Jacuzzi
The discounted price should be in the system.
If you have any questions beyond that, call Lisa Coleman at 719-576-5900.
Directions: The Sheraton is easy access from I-25 which is the main artery feeding the whole front range of Colorado. It shouldn't be a problem for anyone to find. We'll get more info (i.e. exact exit number etc.), and post it here.
We currently have a 15 room reservation with the Sheraton (i.e. 30 people sharing rooms). When and if you decide to confirm your reservation, you simply call in and give them your credit card number. You then have until June 3rd (30 day notice) to cancel. If all the rooms aren't filled or reserved by June 3rd, we automatically forfeit the extra rooms. The discounted Audi Quattro Group price is $89 per room/per night.
Our 15 rooms are all in a block. They are in the first level with sliding glass doors accessing the parking lot. As of right now, all rooms have double beds. Lisa indicated King beds may be possible in one or two rooms only. As far as the roomate situation goes, it's all up to ourselves to find an individual to share a room with. Maybe sending a message to the list letting us know who needs one etc. is the best way.
The Sheraton has what looks like a great restaurant, a nice bar that can accommodate plenty, a swimming pool, and a hot tub/jacuzzi.
There is a nice canyon within about 6 miles of the Sheraton that is very handy for campfires, cookouts, barbeques, etc. Also, there are plenty of restaurants nearby (Chili's, Outback Steakhouse, Carrabas Italian grill, Hardees, Burger king, Arby's, Fazzoli's and bagel shops).
Tickets
The great people at Pike's Peak are granting us dedicated parking (which might not sound like much, but really, it is... parking is at a premium at this event) near the top of the hill, at Devil's Playground. This really was fantastic last year... and it is great that we have the same luxury this coming year. Between our dedicated parking and the caravan of Audis going up and down the mountain, the Audi marque was certainly noticed!! What a site!!
We have been able to get a slight discount of $3.00 off. Tickets are $22.00 apiece if purchased through Ben Howell by June 1st. They will be $25.00 after June 1st, and on the day of the race. Please contact Ben Howell - bhowell@rmi.net in Colorado with any questions, or for his address to send the $$.
PLEASE NOTE: AudiFest '98 is NOT officially sponsored or endorsed by Audi.
DISCLAIMER: Any and all activity relative to this event is done so by the participants at their own risk. Individuals shall be responsible for their own actions, and be held accountable as such for any legal course of action as a result of their behavior.
Stay tuned!! This page will be updated as more info becomes available.... come back for updates!!
© 1998 JGriff@pobox.com
- Jim Griffin