2009 Chicago Auto Show Trip

For several years, I’ve had the fleeting thought that it might be fun to attend the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place with a busload of similar minded “car crazy” folk…unfortunately, that idea usually hits me sometime in late January…too late to act upon. For some unknown reason, the thought hit me this year in October….

So….I did a little legwork, got some bids, put together a plan and presented it to our Board for approval at the November board meeting and voila – we now have an opportunity for 55 folks to head to Chicago Saturday February 21st. I’ve also approached the Iowa Chapter, BMW Club and local Heart of Iowa club members to solicit their interest.


Schedule:

4am: Departure from Des Moines; location to be determined. It’s early but you can sleep on the bus we hope! Bus is a 55 passenger tour bus. See www.arrowstagelines.com and http://arrowstagelines.com/equipment.asp

~5:45am: Stop at Coral Ridge Mall to pickup additional participants; depart 10 minutes after arrival

11am: Arrival McCormick Place

Six Hours to see Auto Show or any side adventures you wish to pursue on your own; Chicago’s full of places to see besides the Auto Show….BUT…..”Don’t Miss the Bus”

5pm: Departure McCormick Place; if you’re late, see ya later!

Fast food stop along return route

Stop at Coral Ridge Mall to let off participants

End Des Moines….likely around 11:30pm to midnight…a FULL Day o' Fun!!!

Price: $55.00 per person; check payable to DMVR, SCCA, and …..MUST BE RECEIVED by Rick Talbot No Later Than Monday January 12th.
This includes bus transportation, soft drinks/morning pastry, some snacks and your Auto Show Ticket. In addition, we will request participants provide a customary driver tip during the return trip.

Mail Reservation & Payment to: Chicago Auto Show Trip, 3890 92nd Drive, Urbandale, IA 50322 and….. Include participant’s names and e-mail addresses. I will confirm receipt via e-mail and tell you your reservation number (#1-55). First come/paid, go.


• Open to SCCA and non-SCCA members alike

• Must sign SCCA waiver

• This is intended as an adult event but accompanied minors (under age 18) must have a SCCA Minor Waiver form completed and pay full price.

• You must be on time; bus will depart promptly at 4am from Des Moines and 5pm from McCormick Place

• No alcohol on the bus (there’s plenty in Chicago I’m told)


• If we don’t fill the bus with 55 PAID participants by Monday January 12th, the trip will be canceled and you will receive your check back uncashed. So…we’re all in this together so let’s fill the bus!!!

• If we seriously oversubscribe the 55 person capacity by early January, I will explore reserving a second bus (but no guarantee that will be an option at that time). Otherwise, those > #55 will be wait listed and their checks will be returned if we don’t have a seat available.

• If after you reserve and pay for a seat, and assuming the trip takes place but you must cancel, there is no return of your fee as we committed to the cost of your seat (unless you find a paid replacement for your seat).

• If weather causes the bus line to cancel, you will receive all but the $10.00 cost of the Auto Show ticket refunded to you. I will send a cancellation e-mail if this occurs asap Friday before the event. We will pre-purchase the Auto Show tickets to save time waiting in lines Saturday morning.