Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I know this isn't an easy question. I'm trying to commit to one of these events next year. What event, in your opinion would I get the biggest bang for my buck? I guess what I'm really trying to say is, where can I meet more of the forum roadster folks? This is my main objective. Not to really show my car, or see other cars, but to meet as many great members as I can. I need to get my vacation schedule in by the first of the year.

Let the controversy begin.

Wow,that's gonna generate some responses. My Wife and I were just discussing this last night. We've been to Solvang, which is a lot of fun, great crowd, great location, but this year, if we go West, I think we'll try for Shasta. Dave Premo has been asking me for years, and it's about time I get there. We also want to see southern Oregon, so it should work as long as airfare doesn't go crazy.
Whichever you decide, you can't go wrong.

Perfect timing! We were just having this conversation.

I've not been to either event, so I'm in the same boat. For a relatively new roadster owner, in a part of the country where you just never see them, going to one of these events is kind of like visiting mecca. Even more so today since we are in the middle of a huge snow storm.

I am leaning toward Shasta primarily due to the big anniversary year. I may be swayed by this discussion, though. I've got a big drive ahead, so planning has to start now.... 30 hour drive to Mt Shasta.

Kyle and Dave,
Let me know which you decide on as I am in the same boat. I had planned Solvang this year but was really curious as to which most would be attending, Solvang or Shasta. Its a long drive for me so I doubt that I would make both. I'm pretty flexible with my vacation so keep me in the loop.

Bob

Bob, we should coordinate. I'm going to do one of these next year. Are you going to trailer #218? A Solvang April trip could still bring snow in my neck of the woods. If it does snow, I would trailer as well.

Skyman wrote:I guess what I'm really trying to say is, where can I meet more of the forum roadster folks? This is my main objective. Not to really show my car, or see other cars, but to meet as many great members as I can.

For sheer # of cars and forum members/owners: Solvang
For more driving/activities and obvious majestic surroundings: Shasta

I think it really depends on how much time you have and whether you are a tourist or a Roadster driver.
I have never been to the Shasta meet only Solvang.
Weather: Shasta is hot (July) Solvang is mild ( April)
Accomodations: Good, a little pricey as both are tourist destinations. But there are some moderate options also.
Scenery: Solvang: Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, Morro Bay, Big Sur, Los Angeles.
Shasta: Mt Shasta, redwoods, Napa Valley, San Francisco
Events: Shasta has more it appears as it is longer. Show, dinner, fun runs.
Solvang- Fri nite meet and greet, Sat show and dinner.
Shasta for a few years was not as well attended and suffered from poor publicity IMHO, but the event planners always worked hard, as have Solvang planners.
It seems more Cansdian, Wash etc cars make it to Shasta. More Bay area, So Cal show up at Solvang.
Seems there is ample opportunity to meet owners but I wish there were name tags for a short time as I have missed meeting some regular 311 members .
Many other reasons to attend, I am sure others will add.
My .02

Linda

If you were attending as a tourist primarily I would pick Shasta. Fly into Sacramento, rent a car and see SF, Napa, redwoods, Shasta.
For Solvang, Burbank airport, rent car to see LA, Santa Barbara etc

Linda wrote: I have never been to the Shasta meet

shame on you

Solvang was an amazing event and delivered on the roadster-Mecca experience for sure. We stayed in Anaheim with the family and day-tripped it. I wold stay in Solvang next time...

+1 for Nametags...with your 311 handle. No one will remember your real name anyhow. Dave B, Alvin, and Ted. Don't need nametags. You will meet them whether you want to or not...

It has been several years since I went to Solvang (late 80's). It looks like a great time and a beautiful setting. I love Shasta, and last year discovered some fun towns to explore as well. The drive up/down the mountain is a kick, but not one I did hard in the borrowed car I had last year (scary suspension!). Given that this year is the 30th anniversary, there will be a huge number of Canadians and more nothwest cars there for sure, and nothing beats hanging with some of my Canadian friends! Weather is always perfect.

Regardless, either one will connect you to Roadster owners from around the world, or at least Shasta will. It is not unusual for a contingency from Japan being there, and we have no problems with the language barriers... They speak perfect beerpizzaroadster dialect! Of course, I expect Captain Canada will make an appearance in his new, brutal KA-turbo beastie! And Damn-it Bill will surely be plying the crowd for votes with his favorite social lubricant (tequila!).

Im not much help here, but you can't loose either way! Go with which ever one meets your schedule best, but keep in mind that a 30 yr anniversary of the original Roadster meet only comes once!

Looking forward to seeing you all!

Linda wrote:
I have never been to the Shasta meet


shame on you

I don't have your unlimited Roadster budget and an SR20.....
Also,shame has absolutely no effect on me

Linda

There will be many many many cars at Shasta this year and I am predicting over 100. In its first year, there were 30 cars, half of which came from Canada. I am hoping to see more than 20 Canadian cars at Shasta 30 this year. If I were to pick only one, it would be Shasta!!!!!

Ross Mullen
Shasta organizer for the first 11 years, oh so long ago............

I would love to do both, as I really enjoy Solvang, but as others mentioned, the 30th Shasta, if you can only make it once, is the one to go to.
Now, we got BikerMike out East for Watkins Glen last year, who's making the trip this year!

Linda wrote:

Linda wrote:
I have never been to the Shasta meet


shame on you

I don't have your unlimited Roadster budget and an SR20.....
Also,shame has absolutely no effect on me

Linda

1)
Nope. RCMike did it with his R16:


2)
I did it in my U20:


3)
Jim and Susan did it from Mexico in their U20

4)
Bill Cole drove from Oregon to SOLVANG so you owe him at least one Shasta

So really, you have no excuse It's the 30th Anniversary
ps I haven't spent a dime on my roadster since 4/12!

Depending upon when I can get the time off from work, the plan is to drive the roadster down from Anchorage to one of these events. Which one will come down to how the schedule works out with my coworkers. Only 2,882 miles to Shasta, 3,350 to Solvang!!!