| Leaving FMCA Glamarama [message #279260] |
Sun, 07 June 2015 10:14  |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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You have to know what FMCA is, Glamarama is the rally of the Great Lakes Area Motorhome Association .......
It is a rally, bigger than an international, and pretty well organized, but with few exceptions, the seminars are all by people with something to sell you. The travel things were not travel logs. They were, in actual fact, more sales of travel packages. "Don't you want to come along with other mega-buck SOB coaches and see tourist traps?" Only XXXX$us plus your fuel.
The exception to that being Gary Bunzer. He had lots of good information. He also said something interesting about his regular writing. It turns out that he will not mention any product by name that he (or his group) has not actually tested. An interesting fellow, we chatted a little. I did learn some things.
The standard morning fare is pale in comparison to to GMCMI events. But, the did have two catered mornings that were good. The other food provided, was pretty good, and the best of those was the volunteer's dinner. No cold water or popcorn.
We were there early because we volunteered to help the event. Mary had signed up to work with food and largely worked cleanup. I had volunteered to help with parking. I knew the GMCs would be in a group, so I arranged to be there and the nearby lot as well. GMC people were easy. Even when I couldn't make it back to that lot, everything was handled by the others that were already there with zero commotion. Let's just say that the other lots I worked were not always that way. Not only are there a goodly number of owners that don't have any clue where the corners of their coaches are, or how to use the mirrors to advantage, but also more than a few that do not seem to know right from left. Until now, I thought pull through parking was largely for big fivers. Nope.... Some SOB behemoth drivers seem to only be able to manage those.
All of this left me proud to be a part of the GMC family.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: Leaving FMCA Glamarama [message #279269 is a reply to message #279260] |
Sun, 07 June 2015 12:05  |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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I learnt to guide folks into tight places from an ALCE team leader, who was directing M-35s into a series of C-141s. The trucks clear about ten or twelve inches total, with the mirrors folded in. "Put it in low transfer and reverse.Back it onto all four alignment marks. Fold the mirrors in. Place your hands on TOP of the steering wheel. Watch ME. When I point to the side, move your hands and the wheel one quarter turn in the direction I point. If the truck hits something while you're watching me, it's my fault."
At our dog shows, where I park these rigs, we see everything from Econolines to 45' Prevost motor coaches. People our age driving them who have shown dogs all their adult life, but can't back up on a ten dollar bet. No idea where the corners are. If I can't pull them through, I stand on the driver's side at the rear of the space in line with the side and mirror. Same drill, "Put your hands on top of the wheel. Watch me in the mirror. If I point, turn the top of the wheel in that direction one half turn. When I stop pointing, straighten it one half turn. When I cross my arms, STOP." One of our Stewards is a 72y/o lady who's about 4' 9", and drives a 35' coach. I've seen her put that dam' thing in a spot with less than a foot to clear the mirrors on either side and stop it three feet from the fence. Without a backup camera. Some does, some doesn't.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Leaving FMCA Glamarama [message #279286 is a reply to message #279260] |
Sun, 07 June 2015 16:30 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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I visited Matt and Jim briefly over there at the rally on Friday. I did not attend any of their functions but was impressed at the number of attendees. I would guess that they had 400+ coaches there.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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