(Author: ikom Friday November 5, 2004 ,
Nov,06,2004Nov,06,2004
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WebMaster's car - stunning Estoril Blue paint
Friday November 5, 2004
The much anticipated morning of the USA ULTIMA CLUB inaugural gathering dawns. I get up early, dress and head downstairs, "MAPQUEST" in hand, intent on being on time at the hangar where we are scheduled to meet at 7:00AM.
USAGTRMAN's previously emailed detailed directions make it easy to find the correct hangar, a large US ULTIMA CLUB sign strategically positioned over the entrance door ensures that participants will find the venue without any drama.
The hangar is empty, readied for receiving and displaying the completed and partially completed cars expected to arrive later during the weekend as the attendees make their way to Chicago from various parts of the US and Canada.
Inside the man door USAGTRMAN has set up a table which is filled with all manner of ULTIMA literature, magazine articles, brochures etc. and a large box of "krispie kreme" donuts this weekend is going to be all about over indulgence.
It appears that I am the first person there besides USAGTRMAN, the host and organizer. We dispense with the customary introductions and start conversing about things ULTIMA, a few minutes later SKY from Seattle arrives and shortly thereafter Eric from Los Angeles - the conversation continues, touching on all manner of issues, all ULTIMA related - stories of individual decisions to purchase, the bureaucracy and excitement of delivery, the issues with building, modifying and improving the car and the inherent weakness of the factory build manual.
The conversations continue late into the day and we hardly notice that it is well past lunchtime before we decide to break. We return after a late lunch and continue the conversation eagerly waiting to examine the cars in person, which are expected to arrive later in the evening or early Saturday morning.
