Melbourne to Moscow done...so what's next?

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Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2012: Melbourne to Moscow done...so what's next?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Constantine in Melbourne, Australia on Friday, November 09, 2012 - 08:58 pm:

I've been asked by a number of people whether I have plans for more such trips in the future.

As it happens, I've begun working on an idea for a trip in 2017-8.

No point going into too many details at this stage, but like Melbourne to Moscow, it will be an intercontinental journey marking an anniversary of a famous motoring journey. It will not be in Africa; nevertheless it will be a VERY tough trip because of distance (over 10000 miles) and weather conditions.

A 1920s vehicle, such as a Model T or Model A, would fit the year of the journey being commemorated.

I think it would be great to have three or four vehicles doing the trip together.

It’s not cheap or easy to put together a car for such a trip but perhaps there is a way.

The MTFCA / MTFCI and the MAFCA / MARC are big clubs; wouldn’t it be great if each of them could put together a car and for various club members to drive these vehicles during different legs of the journey? If the various Model T clubs (also the Model A clubs) throughout Australia combined they could also do the same. With clubs backing the idea there’s a chance sponsors of some sort could be attracted.

Apart from the trip itself, I think it would be great for the clubs and their members to unite behind such a project. Also, I think it would be good promotion for the clubs and the hobby itself and will catch the attention young people which the hobby needs.

What do you think?

2017 is 5 years away but it’s now the time to get started on such a project.

I'm starting to more ahead on this idea myself, if there's anyone who might be interested in being part of the project in some way let me know.

Constantine


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joe Van Evera on Friday, November 09, 2012 - 09:01 pm:

My guess would be from the tip of So America to Hudsons Bay.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Constantine in Melbourne, Australia on Friday, November 09, 2012 - 09:08 pm:

No, not in either North or South America.

Forget about where the trip will be for the moment. What do you think about getting the clubs involved in the way I mention?


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Dallas TX on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 09:54 am:

I think the clubs would be happy to publicise such an event and help promote participation by a member or members. They would not contribute any financial aid.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joe Van Evera on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 10:06 am:

I think Royce must have meant to say, "they would not HAVE TO contribute any financial aid." From reading the posts of your recently completed trip, it was apparent that many on this forum were eager and willing to help, financially or otherwise. I can easily visualize clubs "getting behind" you, and yes, even sponsoring you with some financial help. It is, after all, a great thing for the Model T hobby. In my opinion.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Willie K Cordes on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 10:33 am:

The MOON has not had a T on it yet, only that little special built hot rod.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Constantine in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 10:38 am:

I wouldn't think the clubs would need to put in any of their own money for building the car or trip...that would come from interested members and sponsors. The club or someone else would need to coordinate the project.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Dallas TX on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 10:43 am:

I said exactly what I intended to say.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Constantine in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 10:57 am:

Joe,

I'm not looking for help from any club for myself. If I go ahead with this idea, which I'm likely to do, I'll make a website, buy and prepare a car, and look for sponsors and partners by myself. If someone wants to join me, I'm open to the idea.

I think it would be good to do the next trip with a few other cars...more fun; that's all.

The club idea is one way for more cars/people to join me.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 11:18 am:

Joe's guess got me thinking about the geography of that route. Rather than Hudson Bay, why not the north shore of Alaska? I can imagine an expedition from Tierra del Fuego to Prudoe Bay. The tough part would be in the middle. Colombia to Panama would probably have to be by boat.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Alex Brown on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 02:05 pm:

Not sure this will do anything to catch the attention of young people. The issue of young people and cars and antique car clubs is much deeper and is not being dealt too anywhere enar fast enough to keep this hobby alive for the future.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joe Van Evera on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 02:28 pm:

In '09 a young gal in the Ocean to Ocean tour had a blog called Katie across America. I think it was seen by lots of folks and I'm sure it got out there to some younger people as well. If you own a T and never have any contact with the general population, that's ok, but I believe there are lots of opportunities out there to foster some excellent "PR."

Also, Royce shouldn't attempt to be the spokesman for any Model T club, unless it's the one he's a member of, and he's in a position to decide whether that club would or wouldn't "donate" any aid (financial or otherwise) to a Model T venture like this thread is talking about. Just my humble opinion.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Alex Brown on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 03:24 pm:

I cannot speak as to Royce's reasons for his post but I never the less agree with his comments. Clubs funds should surely be spent where they can be of the greatest benefit to all members not for the minority.

If we really want to get young people into the hobby perhaps free memberships for under 20s and subsidised membership for under 30s etc? Not an expensive trip across the world.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Constantine in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 04:00 pm:

Alex,

Did I suggest that clubs spend their money on "an expensive trip across the world." as you describe it?

No, I didn't. In fact I wrote: "I wouldn't think the clubs would need to put in any of their own money for building the car or trip...that would come from interested members and sponsors."

I then went on to say:

"I'm not looking for help from any club for myself. If I go ahead with this idea, which I'm likely to do, I'll make a website, buy and prepare a car, and look for sponsors and partners by myself. If someone wants to join me, I'm open to the idea. I think it would be good to do the next trip with a few other cars...more fun; that's all. The club idea is one way for more cars/people to join me."

I also never suggested such trips are the solution young people not joining antique car clubs.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Royce in Dallas TX on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 04:10 pm:

I am not attempting to be the spokesman of or for anything. This is an opinion forum.

In my opinion none of the national clubs will elect to spend any of their treasuries to fund any individual or group effort of this nature. I've been in a multitude of antique, classic, and muscle car clubs for many decades. I've yet to see one of these clubs that had a whole lot of extra funds to spend on anything. It is not possible to get money when there is none to be had.

On the other hand, as I stated originally, each of these clubs and all of its members would like to se this sort of thing happening. As such they will do everything in their power to support such an effort through their publications and web sites. As long as it does not cost the club any money.

Please, stop arguing about my opinion. If you have an opinion of your own and some frame of experience to make your opinion plausible please express it. We are all here to learn.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Steve Jelf, Parkerfield KS on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 04:21 pm:

Sometimes we read A and think it says B.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Joe Van Evera on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 04:38 pm:

Sorry Royce.

Constantine, I hope your plans "get off the ground." If, in the future, you may be seeking aid and or sponsorship, I hope you get it. I know, as I said, that there are lots of generous people on the forum who would help. I'm even sure that a lot of clubs would "step up" like the one did that donated the motor for raffle earlier this year. (I'm sure it must have cost someone something.) Anyway, I wish you well with your planning and look forward to the posts about this venture.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Constantine in Melbourne, Australia on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 05:34 pm:

Thanks Joe.

Can people posting on a thread PLEASE read the first post and respond to that, rather than to a post further down that drifts from the topic or turns a minor point into the main theme.

This thread is about whether clubs, such as the MTFCA, could facilitate (facilitate means: to make easier, to bring about...it DOES NOT mean to give money) club members wishing to put together a car for a journey in 2017-8.

And when I say "put together a car" I don't mean for me; I mean for members wanting to join me.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Norman T. Kling on Sunday, November 11, 2012 - 07:01 pm:

If you are not going between South America and North America, and not through Africa, I would suppose you plan to cross Europe, Siberia, and perhaps China. Why don't you post your route so we can see what you are planning?
Norm


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Constantine in Melbourne, Australia on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 - 10:55 am:

Norman, I have not settled of an exact route yet but you're on the right track.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Hjortnaes, Men Falls, WI on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 - 02:56 pm:

Sounds like he wants to be Marco Polo of the 21st century.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Norman T. Kling on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 - 03:07 pm:

Be careful of Siberia. A friend of mine took a trip across Siberia and while he was on the trip he had a massive stroke. He was there for a longer stay than planned. When he got home, he said "Siberia is not a good place to have a stroke". I personally don't think anyplace is a good place to have a stroke, I guess he was referring to the medical treatment or distance he had to go to get treatment.
Norm


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