[Pat Braden]

General Convention Discussion

Hi Cheryl-- From one history fan to another, I'll chime in on what John has already told you regarding your question. Yes, there are three covered bridges on Alfa Touring in the first leg that are located in northeastern Kentucky. There may be one or two more out of state that Touring Chairman Steve Hawkins has planned, but I'm not aware of those. There are 13 covered bridges still existing in Kentucky, some of which bear local (restricted) traffic. The oldest is near Maysville, and dates from circa 1840's. You have a choice of seeing covered bridges on Alfa Touring, which traverses three states, or the self-guided tours available via the hotel dedicated PC. We have complete and detailed route instructions available on the self-guided tour which will take you to up to six bridges, and will occupy most of a day! It was a tour route we set up back in 2005, and ran again in 2007 for our regional Alfisti. It goes from Lexington to Maysville (on the Ohio River), and back, and will literally guide you turn-by-turn.

Either way, I know you'll enjoy the experience. We'll soon have posted on the website the URL's for the locations on the self guided tours. This will allow folks to check out the websites ahead of time for those places they'd like to visit during convention "downtime". For the history enthusiast, there's a lot to see in these parts, but try not to miss Shakertown (35-40 minutes south of Lexington), Perryville Civil War Battlefield (80-90 minutes south, Boyle County), Ashland, Henry Clay's estate here in town, or the capitol city of Frankfort (site of Daniel and Rebecca Boone's graves).

Sorry to get windy, but I told you I'm a history fan!

Dave,

Thank you so much for the further information and with included details. The Shaker Village is on my list as is a boat cruise, which I found on the Women's Alternate Activity list. I'll also add the Boone Graves. Now all I need to do is find the time. I think we're going to spend most of Thursday touring on our own and we will have most of the day on Monday, depending which airport we fly in and out of. Right now Indianapolis is the cheapest; although, I don't like the connection in Houston, which they all seem to use. Thank goodness he doesn't mind driving even in unfamiliar areas. A GPS is a lifesaver, hopefully, if your written directions fail us.

We will be driving in from the track on Wednesday. Any bridges along that route as we come into the Campbell House?

Dedicated hotel computer? I understand that to mean all the self-guided routes are available for print off from this computer?

 

[alfaloco]

Cheryl, if you're driving into Lexington from Putnam Park on Wednesday as you say, first bear in mind that it's about a 4 hour trip. Now, that being said, there is in fact a covered bridge along your general route (Kentucky's longest span). This is the Beech Fork bridge in Washington County (Bridges to the Past - Kentucky's Remaining Covered Bridges). If you all (or y'all, as we say in these parts) take Interstate 65 south through Indiana from the track, remain on I-65 south passing through Louisville. At Elizabethtown, take the Bluegrass Parkway east toward Lexington. Take exit 34, Ky route 55, south off the Parkway toward Springfield. Route 458 turns left off 55, and will take you to the Beech Fork (aka Mooresville) bridge. To return to the Parkway, continue as you were north on 458 to Polin Road, route 433. Take a right onto Polin Road and follow to state route 555. Turn north (left) onto 555 and follow back to the Bluegrass Parkway, where you'll continue east toward Lexington once again (about 30 minutes). Note! This entire side trip could add another hour to your journey, depending on the time spent checking out the bridge.

Regarding the computer, yes we'll have a setup there including a color printer where folks can look over the various choices, go directly to the website, print out whatever they need and drive away! This is all courtesy a sponsor and local vendor, Kentucky Trade, specialists in computers, accessories, hardware, software, diagnostics and repairs. This PC kiosk will be available from daylight 'til dark all during the convention week, directly across from Registration.

 

[alfaloco]

South of the Mason-Dixon Line

Well y'all, during a lunch hour trip up the street today, I had the pleasure of ordering Long John Silvers fish and thus conversing with a very nice lady, who addressed me sweetly and respectfully as "dearie". She was, after all, a bit older than my 61 years, and was obviously a local.

Which brings me to my tongue-in-cheek topic for this evening: Cultural adaptation to Kentucky. Please just kick back, relax, and I'll emphasize that this is all in good humor, again, written tongue-in-cheek with a bit of a grin, simply to relate how things are in these parts.

Now you may experience something similar to what I did today. You'll be seated perhaps in a restaurant, or walk up to a counter, and someone (usually a maternal type) will smile and call you "sweetie", "darlin' ", or something similarly personal and undoubtedly affectionate. Please do not take offense, or be taken aback by this nature of familiarity. If you're from the South, then it will go by you like water off a duck's back. It's just her way of making you feel at home, comfortable, and being served well. As Chief Dan George noted in the movie Josie Wales, no offense meant... "none taken."

Another thing. Once they get to know you, if folks razz you a bit, joke around mildly at your expense, it's a sure sign they like and accept you. If not, they will remain polite, but they certainly won't kid around with you. Like most places, good humor goes a long way.

And contrary to what you might have heard, you don't have to be a college basketball fan to get by in Kentucky, but it sure helps! Lexington is the home of the University of Kentucky Wildcats, the program with the most wins in collegiate basketball history, past 100 years old.

Although the urban county population exceeds 300,000, Lexington still feels like a small town in many respects. Most drivers will still let you into traffic here, or otherwise demonstrate some degree of courtesy on the streets and roads. Folks on the street will smile and speak to you, hold the door for you, and so on. We like to think of that as normal everyday behavior here.

We are very much looking forward to having you as our guest here in Lexington this coming July, thanks to the backing of the fine Alfisti of the Ohio Valley Chapter of AROC! And hats off also to the many others who have stepped up to volunteer to help this convention function. Those from our nearby KARS Chapter in Louisville/southern Indiana, those here in Lexington, from Michigan, Indiana, the Tennessee Chapter which has volunteered in massive numbers! And others arriving from afar who have stepped up to assist-- we truly and sincerely appreciate your doing so.

FORZA Alfas in the Bluegrass!

 

[alfaloco]

Trailer and RV parking at hotel

Alfisti friends--

Just an FYI regarding available parking for those of you with race car trailers, RV's and other large vehicles-- we will have the side lot of the hotel designated for your use, that is the long lot on the north side of the hotel. Overflow parking will be provided also that is very convenient, literally across the street from the hotel, with easy entrance and exit. This is at the intersection of South Broadway and Mason Headley Road, on a large lot in the rear of St. Joseph Hospital Childrens Center. Overnight security will be provided at both locations during the convention.

Here's an aerial view of the hotel for your reference. See you soon!

 

[msiert]

Cultural adaptation to Kentucky!

Things are just slower in Kentucky and there's nothing slower in Kentucky then a white spider!

 

[HeavyMetalAlfa]

Are there any plans for music? As everyone would expect, I'll have my usual Alfa parking lot jam, open to all comers. But, hey, this is Bluegrass country, right? I've been known to pluck a string or two in that style !!

Very psyched for the Convention, I have an interesting and informative tech session planned. Track day is a treat and much looked forward to, I wish we had two days of it !

 

[Nicola]

Alfisti friends--

Just an FYI regarding available parking for those of you with race car trailers, RV's and other large vehicles-- we will have the side lot of the hotel designated for your use, that is the long lot on the north side of the hotel. Overflow parking will be provided also that is very convenient, literally across the street from the hotel, with easy entrance and exit. This is at the intersection of South Broadway and Mason Headley Road, on a large lot in the rear of St. Joseph Hospital Childrens Center. Overnight security will be provided at both locations during the convention.

Here's an aerial view of the hotel for your reference. See you soon!

Hey Dave -
When I made my reservations, I requested a room overlooking the parking lot. I see I should have been more specific if I want to have a room where I can hear HMA and his troupe of Alfa musicians. What's your recommendation so I can sit on my balcony, overlook beautiful Alfas, and enjoy loud (I mean good) music all at the same time?

 

[alfaloco]

slower things in KY?

Things are just slower in Kentucky and there's nothing slower in Kentucky then a white spider!

Yeah Murray, I ran across a Ford Lightning pickup with SC plates a few years back that was definitely slower than our 164LS on Interstate 75

...but our LS was definitely not WHITE! (nor black-- sorry)

 

[alfaloco]

front row seats you want??

Hey Dave -
When I made my reservations, I requested a room overlooking the parking lot. I see I should have been more specific if I want to have a room where I can hear HMA and his troupe of Alfa musicians. What's your recommendation so I can sit on my balcony, overlook beautiful Alfas, and enjoy loud (I mean good) music all at the same time?

Gee Gordy-- you're easy to please!

Let me check into that for you my friend. Understandable! Our son Mike can really milk his Epiphone, I predict he'll bring it along too especially for the parking lot party!

 

[alfaloco]

music genres- AITBG

Are there any plans for music? As everyone would expect, I'll have my usual Alfa parking lot jam, open to all comers. But, hey, this is Bluegrass country, right? I've been known to pluck a string or two in that style !!

Very psyched for the Convention, I have an interesting and informative tech session planned. Track day is a treat and much looked forward to, I wish we had two days of it !

Hey HMA we're very much looking forward to hearing from you, too. Folks appreciate just about everything in these parts...Bluegrass, jazz, blues, rock, you name it and they'll congregate for it. So you just bring your axe and let it flow, man. I know some others will be toting, too, as will our son Mike. He can flat light up his Eppy, believe me! He has a nice old acoustic Dove replica too (by Dixon) he can play well, too. It won't be long now...

 

[HeavyMetalAlfa]

Thanks Dave !
I should look into a room overlooking the parking lot as well, to know when I am on !
I have an old Dove, beat to heck , though I usually have a "road guitar' that's very play-able, but less valuable. I have played rock, blues, Celtic, bluegrass, Metal of course and even played in the symphony,, I love to jam with people of all styles. I hope Frank brings his mandolin and Alex his geetar. I will look forward to jamming with your son as well.
I have got to get my room soon I guess, so I don't lose out !

 

[Alex Csank]

Thanks Dave !
I should look into a room overlooking the parking lot as well, to know when I am on !
I have an old Dove, beat to heck , though I usually have a "road guitar' that's very play-able, but less valuable. I have played rock, blues, Celtic, bluegrass, Metal of course and even played in the symphony,, I love to jam with people of all styles. I hope Frank brings his mandolin and Alex his geetar. I will look forward to jamming with your son as well.
I have got to get my room soon I guess, so I don't lose out !

Should I bring a 1930's 'Royalist' blues 'parlor' guitar, a Surf Green Telecaster (and a small portable battery-powered amp), a vintage 12 string Yamaha, a John Deere Stratocaster, a Willie Nelson style old Aria nylon-stringed classical... or something else?

 

[msiert]

We'll need a motor home close by to stage the party and provide the juice for the music maybe Schweikle's would work?

 

[alfaloco]

what to bring????

Should I bring a 1930's 'Royalist' blues 'parlor' guitar, a Surf Green Telecaster (and a small portable battery-powered amp), a vintage 12 string Yamaha, a John Deere Stratocaster, a Willie Nelson style old Aria nylon-stringed classical... or something else?

Well Alex, Mike and I are standing here shaking our heads, but he suggests you bring at least an extra Strat and a good old Marshall amp. And whatever else you happen to grab going out the door.

 

[Pat Braden]

General Convention Discussion / Parking Lot Music

We'll need a motor home close by to stage the party and provide the juice for the music maybe Schweikle's would work?

Murray,

I would think that the hotel could run extension cords taped down to the pavement or properly covered to avoid a tripping hazard. I've seen it done previously where electricity is needed for an event.

 

[alfaloco]

Thanks Dave !
...I have got to get my room soon I guess, so I don't lose out !

Hey man-- three words: Book da room!

 

[alfaloco]

Correct there Cheryl! Don't be concerned about power Murray, we'll get 110VAC to the amps! There are circuits available back there right off the vendor/banquet room area.

 

[Alex Csank]

OK, here's the line-up I was speaking about. I have one other neat older Stratocaster, a Les Paul copy, a Univox Coily Semi-Hollow Body and a few others hanging around as well.

 

[alfaloco]

Facilities and services near the Campbell House Hotel

Just an FYI, folks, something you may want to jot down or print out here, the hotel is convenient to the downtown area and the following services:

MEDICAL- St. Joseph Hospital emergency entrance is literally just across the intersection.
PHARMACY- A Rite Aid, next door to the hotel, just off South Broadway.
COMPUTER SUPPLIES/ACCESSORIES/REPAIR- Our sponsor for the Self-Guided Tours kiosk, Kentucky Trade, is just three blocks down South Broadway, right onto Red Mile Road. For anything related to your laptop, tech gadgets, cables or troubleshooting, Ky Trade expertise is 5 minutes away.
TIRES- Towery Saunders is across the street from the hotel, selling most all major brands of tires.
GASOLINE- A Shell and a BP station are within three blocks of the hotel.

There's even a donut shop across the street. There goes your last excuse for not attending Alfas in the Bluegrass!

 

[alfaloco]

Alex!! Some gorgeous old axes there. But I thought I would never see a John Deere Strat (Mike told me they existed...I thought you were pulling my leg, man!).

A John Deere Stratocaster... I have now seen it all. Did old Willy use one for his Farm Aid concerts perhaps?