POG3 Seminars/Discussions

[Gary & Peggy Stevens]

Tuga, Peggy said she was absolutely interested. Any driving help from someone that actually knows how to handle these big rigs, ( as opposed to me who thinks he knows how ) would be greatly appreciated.

Can I get some behind the wheel training too? I am not afraid to admit I am knew at this, and could use some tutoring as well.

[merle&louise]

Gary,

Karen & I will gladly help you and Peggy learn to drive; it's easy.

Look forward to working with you two in Kerrville!

[Ray Davis]

Karen & I have been considering doing a seminar on "Wives Driving a Coach

Tuge, obviously that is a great idea. Ken and I had tried to actually schedule out a professional bus driving school got the same purpose. However, it turned out that this school was committed to an SKP's rally which is being held the same week elsewhere.

We should probably try to locate an area where the wives could meet to do the bus driving course. This is most excellent!

[Ray Davis]

On other topics for the wives. Kathy, Jean and Janet are planning on meeting real soon to go over ideas for wives topics. I know there has been some discussion on some kraft type of seminar. And then there is some great shopping (and eating) in the town of Fredricksburg, which is about 30 minutes away. Just beyond that is the Wildflower Ranch for those who are into gardening, it's a must see. And the LBJ ranch is not far beyond that. There's also some discussion of driving into San Antonio for a day there (about 1 hour away).

As always, we'd love any suggestions.

[merle&louise]

Ray,

We will start planning the Driving seminar today. I am happy to see that so many people are interested in learning to drive a coach.

I was going to let everyone begin driving in the campground; the streets are wide and the turns are gentle. Additionally, it would facilitate the scheduling of driving times. If each person drives on the campground streets for 10 minutes, and we have 20 people sign up; it could take about 4 hours for everyone to drive. Having 4 people in the coach at one time the others could either watch or return to their coaches for R&R until their turn to drive comes up.

I would really like for everyone to drive on the interstate. In order to accomplish that, we may have to do a 2 day seminar; one day driving in the campground and the next day driving on the interstate.


Let me know your thoughts.

[rmboies]

Ray,
I would really like for everyone to drive on the interstate. In order to accomplish that, we may have to do a 2 day seminar; one day driving in the campground and the next day driving on the interstate.
Let me know your thoughts.

Tuga,

I am glad I suggested the idea but now I am regretting it a little because I likely will not even be there! I almost didn't post it because I thought, hmmmm, maybe I should wait until the next POG rally, hoping that we would be able to attend The the generous side of me won out so all you ladies, pop a wheely for me in Tuga's coach!!

[Gary & Peggy Stevens]

Ray,

We will start planning the Driving seminar today. I am happy to see that so many people are interested in learning to drive a coach.

I was going to let everyone begin driving in the campground; the streets are wide and the turns are gentle. Additionally, it would facilitate the scheduling of driving times. If each person drives on the campground streets for 10 minutes, and we have 20 people sign up; it could take about 4 hours for everyone to drive. Having 4 people in the coach at one time the others could either watch or return to their coaches for R&R until their turn to drive comes up.

I would really like for everyone to drive on the interstate. In order to accomplish that, we may have to do a 2 day seminar; one day driving in the campground and the next day driving on the interstate.


Let me know your thoughts.

I just wonder if Buckhorn RV Resort will have any thoughts about newbies driving around their resort ? I can see the dogs, and kids running for their lives now

I am checking into Sams Clubs or Super Walmarts or large Trucking companies close to the resort that we may use as a training facility for driving, just to see if there are any other options for your driving classes.

The I-10 freeway both ways for miles around Buckhorn is hilly, and wide open and great for training purposes, using the Jake or Retarder and downshifting techniques.

[Just Plain Jeff]

Helen says:

I think that having the women drive the coaches is a great idea. Every one should be able to drive their own camper because that's the fun of having one. But the instructors should NOT be the husbands. I would like Jon to teach me how to drive our camper.

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JPJ says:

We should make time in the schedule for people to do the driving sessions. Probably on the days where there is as much free time so that shuttling back and forth is not a problem. It wouldn't be a "POG" sanctioned event as there is no insurance to cover any problems, but some of us have our good Explorer RV policies covering both drivers, so that's probably OK. I would like some driving lessons too, but not from Jon. He would want to read the manual first.

[Ray Davis]

I don't know, but I would probably suggest that we try to locate a spot off the RV park. Having a bus drive around for 4 hours might not be super appreciated, especially when it's people who have not driven before.

I can do two things if it makes sense:

1. Contact Buckhorn, and see if they have any problem with the course.
2. If they do, ask them for suggestions where we could run it?

Or we can try to do it on the sly ....

Thoughts anyone?

Ray

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Since Di has driven our coach (the first one) and has chosen to not drive any more (she doesn't like the responsibility although she did great), she knows there is a lot to this. The professional drivers in this group will agree that driving up and down the roads in the campground will not prepare a new driver for narrow construction lanes, parking, turns, and managing the energy of a 45,000 pound bus.

I think the idea is excellent, but except to introduce the feel of it to the wives, driving is something that an entire rally can be dedicated to. That would give the ladies (or gentlemen) sufficient time behind the wheel over a several day period to learn all of the necessary skills. That should be conducted by a professional driver or trainer and the students should have the learner's permits if their state requires them. I think the training should take place in the student's own bus.

Since a lot of states now require a special license (usually a non-commercial class B) that is another consideration before going out on the highways at this rally.