The second annual Colorado Rally has drawn to a close, and judging by the overwhelming amount of positive comments and feedback, I think I can confidently call it a resounding success. The past weekend was an action-packed party, and I’m grateful for all the effort that everyone gave to make it such a success.
Frankly, without the efforts and family connections of “Blue Thunder” Jeff and Deborah, this event simply would not have been possible. Jeff’s nephew did a lot of legwork for us in Durango - and we benefitted tremendously from having that “locals’ knowledge” in the selection of our venues and the hotel location. Jeff managed the last-minute shift to Sweeneys for dinner - complete with the reservations and travel schedule - when the Ore House plans fell through, and he also masterminded the “OP TrafficCam Convoy,” allowing us to maneuver through closed streets, show our numbers in the webcam, and still manage not to get us in trouble with the Durango PD. A last-minute plan to do a Sonic run was even included - folks, this was stuff that was not on the itinerary, but we were able to do them due to Jeff’s quick planning and hard work. Blue Thunder - thank you so much for everything you and your family have done to make the ‘08 Rally such a success.
Doug Allen offered his support and help early in the planning process, and he and Debbie came through with the event artwork, handled the T-shirts, patches and coordinated the dash plaques with Yellow Tub, and put together an impressive collection of raffle prizes. Friends - these are jobs I don’t personally relish, and I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciated not having to worry about these details. Thank you, Doug and Debbie, for taking on these tasks!
Thank you to everyone who donated an item or two or ten to the raffle - we had some incredibly valuable items available, and I know every winner was happy with their raffle items (if not outright thrilled!)
Thank you, Duane and Elaine, for the ready-to-frame mounted event logos - what a great way to commemorate the event! Mine will look good hanging in my office, and I know it will generate comments that will enable me to relive the event in the stories I tell to others.
Yellow Tub donated the funds for the terrific looking dash plaques - thank you, Bruce, for your donation!
The Kelsos helped us out early in the year with a donation to the rally fund, which was used in setting up a separate account for this and future rallies as well as getting things in place for the PayPal invoicing. Thank you, Gene and Kathy, for your donation!
The staff at the Doubletree was wonderful to us during our stay, and I highly recommend them for your next stay in Durango.
Sweeneys Grubsteak went out of their way to welcome and serve us. Their menu had a remarkable variety of steak and seafood to choose from, and the service was top-notch.
A special thanks goes to The High Rollers Band, who put on one heck of a show at The Wild Horse on Friday night, and even let Jeff Henry sit in on a couple songs - let me tell you, he packed the dance floor! If you get a chance to see these guys, don’t miss them!
Once again Steve, Mike and Richard (Umpire13) were conducting impromptu tech sessions and upgrades to SSRs in the parking lot, and Steve’s arrival from Saskatchewan was a real surprise. I was referring Gnarlydude to Steve to replace his tonneau cylinders just 30 minutes before Steve arrived - needless to say, the upgrade was quickly done. Oh, and I replaced the tonneau cylinders on my ‘03 as well. Richard had a few Trailblazer SS frame stiffeners he installed - after seeing one, I need to get one myself. I hear there was a cooling fan or two installed over the weekend, too. Richard, Mike and Steve - thanks for your hard work in helping the rest of us keep our SSRs on the road. (edited - I got Bruce (Yellow Tub) and Richard (Umpire13) mixed up - sorry for the mistake.)
There was plenty of other stuff brought to round out your SSR-centric collection, from jewelry to toys to challenge coins to visors to duffels and folding chairs - if a fellow Fanatic didn’t have it, you didn’t need it.
Folks - if you don’t have a challenge coin from AZSSR Joe, you should really think about getting one. It could get expensive if you’re having a drink with the Fanatics and fail a coin check. 
Besides, it’s a cool way to keep your poker cards covered when you’re playing Texas Hold’em - much cooler than a plain ol’ poker chip.
Once again, Lloyd and Gerry were a big help during the rally - and I think Gerry’s dance lessons Thursday night got a few more Fanatics on the dance floor Friday night than would have been there. School was in session at the Wild Horse Saloon, with several fanatics and maybe a bar patron or two joining in on some line dancing. Fun follows you two around - I’m glad you could bring some of it to Durango!
Finally, thanks to everyone who came and made this such a fun weekend to hang out with fellow Fanatics! Once again we managed to astonish the locals - many who had never seen an SSR in person, and now had 52 of them suddenly appear in their town.
I have no idea how, or even if, we can top this event for Colorado in 2009, but Lori and I are already working on some ideas for next year. We will keep you posted - until then, I look forward to seeing all of you at the next SSR event!
