So it was off to Ocean City, with a group of somewhere around 150 cars or so, all heading to the same place. So you can imagine the mayhem that ensued! and to be honest, and maybe i shouldn't even put a voice to it, not a single ticket, or issue on my end. A few people weren't so lucky, and a few others got lost altogether. But that's what happens haha. From our start in Va, we headed to New Jersey to meet up with the other legs of the rally. So on arrival at the mall, we multiplied to around 300 or so cars. From that point, some left early, some later, for the final 90 miles to the ending point, the Convention Center in Ocean City! All the usual suspects of the VW and Audi world in attendance, and a lot of hot metal to check out in person, vs a magazine or online forum. This was my fourth trip out east for the show, and i have gotten to know quite a few people over that time, literally to the point that i have trouble seeing and saying hello to everyone. Try as i might though, i do what i can, and always come away having a good time.
So we arrive in Ocean city, and all gather at he convention center. Meet up with more old friends, and chill for a bit, and then everyone fans out from there to their rentals from there. Friday night was just for a chilling out,and a few different GTG's were going down. I spent the night relaxing, and cleaning the car from the drive out. Hadn't been washed for the entire drive, and was in severe need of it. We have found a chill spot next to our group of condos that has its own hose and water supply, so no need for the quarter wash for any of us. So through the night, we got the entire DubAudi crew's cars cleaned up and ready for the next day. Just hung out and enjoyed the company for the rest of the night, and got prepared for the following day..
Saturday morning was an early one, at least for some of us. the do-it-yourself wash is always a cluster fuck of epic proportions. Though it seems this year the owner finally figured out a way to corral everyone in and out in a timely fashion. Those of us that did run down there, just needed to get at the vacuums anyhow. And it was early, so there wasn't too much of a line as of yet. By the time we left, it was a different story though. Luckily i was parked right there at the exit, so i didnt have to dig through the crowds to get out, and on my way.
Off to the condo to meet up with everyone, then off to Ocean Downs, and the Big Ass BBQ. We all parked up, wiped down the cars, and were off to wander about.
Was a good day, and the weather held off for the most part. Walked around taking in all the cars and people, and checking out all the goodies up in the Vendor row. Saturday is always low key, and just about friends and food for the most part. Not everyone shows up on Saturdays, being that its not the actual show, which is Sunday. And who can blame them, with the show being held in a resort city. So there are a whole bunch of different things going down. All sorts of different get togethers, from the MK1 meet, to the Air Affair GTG for the air bag fans, and any number of various goings on for just about any other reason. I had a few plans to attend to, all of which ended up being trumped by the days events on Saturday though. After some back and forth, i ended up being chosen as one of the 10 "Top Dawg" cars for the next days show. Which on one hand was absolutely killer, being chosen as one of ten, out of 1300 cars! But on the other hand, seeing as how most in that category are trailered in, or at least only driven a short distance after being fully primped and pampered, and readied for the judging. Mine on the other hand, had not been cleaned before leaving, and then had covered roughly 1700 miles to get to the show in the first place. So i had some cleaning to do, and spent the night drinking a few beers in the parking garage while doing just that...
So up and at early the next morning. And go figure, its raining outside. They do a photo shoot beforehand of all the cars in this category, so i had to meet up for that early on. And with the weather, it was get there and wipe the car down. Then wait your turn for the single car shots, so you can wipe it all down again lol. And all without my first cup of coffee, grrr.From there, it was off to the show grounds for the roll in. The roll in portion took so long, that a few of us were starting to worry about overheating issues. The rain had stopped, and the sun came out just in time to cook us all while we sat there in line, cars heating up. I even damn near ran out of gas while making our way in, light coming on and all. But we finally get sorted, and are back to wiping the cars all down again, but this time with the added effect of being surrounded by all the spectators at the show. I don't remember exactly who it was( i think it was Vic Cortez, thanks bro!), but someone showed up shortly thereafter with an ice cold beer to save the day..
A few of the group pics..
And a couple from the show....
And in the end, all the hard work turned out to be worth it. the little golf held its own against some serious competition. Ended up with a 3rd place in the category. Not too shabby considering it was driven, and will always be a driven car. I for one, wasn't even expecting to be chosen for the category, let alone expecting to win anything of the sort. And the candy in the trophy really did keep me going for the 24 hour drive home too...
Time to get home, and 3 weeks to get ready for the next adventure. Modball Rally....
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