Author Topic: PagodaFest 2019 - San Diego - Gauging Interest (Read 26217 times)

Peter van Es · « **on:** April 30, 2018, 07:53:15 »

We are gauging interest in a Mercedes 113 event we are calling PagodaFest. Do you want to tour beautiful San Diego the first weekend of October 2019 with other Pagodas and Pagoda owners? Are you interested in learning more about your car? Would you like to meet and socialize with Pagoda drivers from all over the world?

The expected event cost will be $300-$400 per person which would include most meals, venue costs, and other give aways. If you plan on staying at the event hotel, the additional cost would be around $600 total for three nights (room, parking).

The format is expected to be a meet/greet/sign-in on Thursday evening, Friday Tech Day seminars and Saturday touring through San Diego. Within the two days there will be food, excitement, information, new friends waiting to be made, and old friends to enjoy.

PagodaFest Organizing Committee - Jon Bernardi (jonny b) Chair

Please vote in the poll above, selecting the options (up to 4) that apply to you. If you have comments, suggestions, ideas or technical topic suggestions, either reply to this thread, or mail: PagodaFest+Survey1@gmail.com

stavro · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2018, 10:22:18 »

This is a fantastic idea and I will try be there for the Thursday night event and part of the Tech Day on Friday. Unfortunately the first weekend of Oct is also the last (and biggest) weekend of Oktoberfest in Munich so for those of us that make the annual trip to Munich this timing presents a confiict.

Amanda · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2018, 10:59:23 »

Sounds like a wonderful weekend, but I have sadly sold my pagoda because didn’t feel like it was getting out enough (East coast weather often too hot or too cold). Wishing all the best!

Purdey · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2018, 11:19:33 »

Dear Pagoda Group,
Thank you for inviting me to your fest basically for two reasons:

First i do not own a Pagoda but a w111 coupe with 220se engine that being relatively similar in some aspects to the 230se i use your magnificent group as a knowledge database (specially with the cold start machanisims). There is no better place in the web than your place.

Second of all, i live in Spain.

Thank you for inviting me.

ncsurfer · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2018, 11:27:19 »

My wife and I had a great time at the VA event last year. We would love to drive our Pagoda in CA, but not the 3000 miles in between. Anyone else interested in shipping your Pagoda by the same carrier to the event from the NC-SC-VA area and spending a few extra days driving the CA coast?

Bhollins · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2018, 11:33:24 »

I may be interested in shipping my 1968 280SL. I live near Asheville, N C.
Bhollins

Amy McKenna · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2018, 12:13:38 »

I would like to attend event but can't travel this far for this location. I can do East Coast and mid-states.
Thanks for asking. I love these types of events. Good luck!

Amy

PS. Full disclosure, I did ship the SL to nieces wedding in Napa Valley couple years back. Richard and Laura Simonds were kind enough to photograph the wedding! Great time by all. Great people I am met over years with the Mercedes clubs!!!!

neelyrc · « **Reply #7 on:** April 30, 2018, 12:17:19 »

Quote from: ncsurfer on April 30, 2018, 11:27:19

Anyone else interested in shipping your Pagoda by the same carrier to the event from the NC-SC-VA area and spending a few extra days driving the CA coast?

I am in Birmingham and your transporter would pass within 20 miles of my house if he drove the shortest route. I would be interested in this possibility.

Justin B · « **Reply #8 on:** April 30, 2018, 12:41:08 »

I would love to attend but I wouldn't attend a gathering without my SL which is still under construction and restoration. (I am putting a M113 and 722.4 automatic transmission in it). Living in North Carolina, I would be very interested in an east coast event in a few years.

Baybear · « **Reply #9 on:** April 30, 2018, 12:47:57 »

Quote from: ncsurfer on April 30, 2018, 11:27:19

My wife and I had a great time at the VA event last year. We would love to drive our Pagoda in CA, but not the 3000 miles in between. Anyone else interested in shipping your Pagoda by the same carrier to the event from the NC-SC-VA area and spending a few extra days driving the CA coast?

I would be interested in shipping as well. I'm not up for a 40 hour drive from the East coast.
Will

Norm · « **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2018, 13:05:00 »

I think this is a great idea and will look forward to developments.

In the mean time, is there any chance the artwork on the original post could be made available as a poster?

Norm

werinhari · « **Reply #11 on:** April 30, 2018, 13:53:47 »

Hi everybody,

thanks a lot for the invitation, though I am a German resident and must check whether we can hopefully manage to attend the meeting in Oct '19.
Since San Diego is one of my worldwide most famous places to be anyhow and we have just only been visiting it a couple of weeks ago and plan to go there again soon, it might add up to a positive result. I know Lufthansa offers a direct flight from FRA to SAN newly, but one cannot book more than 1 year in advance...

Best greetings from Hamburg/Germany,
Wolfgang

TheEngineer · « **Reply #12 on:** April 30, 2018, 14:01:07 »

This is a wonderful idea! In San Diego not so much - Why not in the Pacific North-West? This here is the fastest growing area in the USA with the best weather: Not too warm, not too much UV to hurt our cars and - contrary to popular perception - always nice weather in the summer. Yes, we get about 30 inches of rain a year, but that is during the winter and spring. And - this is a big plus - I don't have to drive 1255 miles to get to San Diego.
We have a very big car show on Father's day (June 17th) at Issaquah (15 miles from West-Seattle) and I have been showing my car there for several years now. Come on you Bigfoot W113 owners!

scoot · « **Reply #13 on:** April 30, 2018, 14:08:40 »

I'm currently Pagoda-less. Could I attend in a 1959 Borgward instead?

ncsurfer · « **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2018, 14:15:36 »

OK Will & Ralph, plus hopefully other members, I will start looking into transportation from east to west on a carrier to get a base cost now. Then we can work out the details. I am thinking that there are several members that would ship their cars and plan on spending a few extra days driving the coast before shipping the Pagodas back.

jeblack123 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 30, 2018, 14:22:54 »

Good morning,

Sounds like a great plan and city! I too would be interested in attending and shipping my Pagoda to he left coast (from SW Georgia). I do have a couple of questions, though. Is this event intended to replace PUB 2019 or will both events be held at principally the same time as PUB has been held in the fall of odd numbered years? If separate event, has there been any consideration to having them on opposite years as to eliminate folks from having to decide between two great events.

Thanks for the planning and effort.

James (Eddie) Black

Whipcity · « **Reply #16 on:** April 30, 2018, 14:26:42 »

Hello Organizers,

Yes, I’d love to attend such an event, but as Amy previously stated it would be better to have the event more centrally located. I live in the Midwest USA so driving the car long distance would be torturous. That said, the car could be transported by a covered and secured carrier. One thing that would be mandatory is overnight protection of the cars. MBCA had a Route 66 Tour back in ‘06 which had numerous attempted break-ins at one of the stops. The tour was fortunate to have a few attendees who were living out of their MB “motor homes” which prevented further damage. Also understand how weather can be a predication as to locale of an event. San Diego has some of the best weather on the planet most of the year.

1970 280SL ZF5
1999 500SL
2012 E550 Cabriolet
2014 S63 4Matic

dirkbalter · « **Reply #17 on:** April 30, 2018, 14:40:40 »

I would love to attend, hopefully but unlikely my pagoda is ready by then.

Redbruin · « **Reply #18 on:** April 30, 2018, 14:45:51 »

I would love to attend and drive my Pagoda. West Coast owners don't have enough get-togethers. Lets do it.

Sigman · « **Reply #19 on:** April 30, 2018, 14:50:29 »

It’s great to finally have a Pagoda event in California. Events always happen on the east coast for the years I’ve been a member. I’m definitely in.

Neil · « **Reply #20 on:** April 30, 2018, 15:00:47 »

Nice idea. Thanks for the invite, but the restoration will not be complete by then.

mmizesko · « **Reply #21 on:** April 30, 2018, 15:31:10 »

Given the Psychedelic logo depicting the event, As President of the Pagoda SL Group, I cannot condone or endorse the use of any Hallucinogenic substances, even if it is in Southern California. I may be interested in shipping too from Ohio. When I ran some quotes, looks like it is roughly $1,000.00 each way. I was told that you want to ship in an enclosed container, because evidently in the Western USA, Trucks or trains with fancy cars provide good target practice for bored cowboys. I am serious.

Mike Mizesko

Dennis 280 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 30, 2018, 15:35:46 »

My wife and I would love to attend something like this but would be much more interested if the event was in Northern California.

ncsurfer · « **Reply #23 on:** April 30, 2018, 16:00:37 »

Here is my 2cents on all of the suggestions on where to have the event besides San Diego. I suspect that the reason we are looking at San Diego is because we have members in the San Diego area that are willing to take this event on and are prepared to work hard to put it together to pull off a great event like the VA event. So, my suggestion is that anyone that wants an event somewhere else, you need to start working on what year you want to host the next event and then start planning it.

ChrisZeiss · « **Reply #24 on:** April 30, 2018, 16:27:40 »

Yes, I'd love to drive my 1966 230SL Euro version down to San Diego from Edmonton, Alberta - and enjoy early October sun there - before winter sets in here (and the car goes into the garage for 5 months) ! Also love to learn about technical issues and maintenance - and meet other Pagoda Passionates !

Cheers,

Chris Z
Edmonton, Alberta

labella · « **Reply #25 on:** April 30, 2018, 17:06:40 »

I am interested and excited about attending this event.I can help with arrangements for shipping the cars from the east coast. I do this frequently and could get prices from the most reliable transporters.i am happy to help in any way to pull off this SL happening!

Atazman · « **Reply #26 on:** April 30, 2018, 17:08:48 »

Definitely interested! Thanks to the organizers.

mdsalemi · « **Reply #27 on:** April 30, 2018, 18:39:58 »

As much as I would love to, it's too far to drive for me, and the timing doesn't work with other commitments!

steven harris · « **Reply #28 on:** April 30, 2018, 19:04:54 »

Sounds like a TERRIFIC idea! There are several Pagodas in Palm Springs and it is a fantastic drive over the mountain. I am sure we'll all show up. I am not sure if the others are members of the forum, but I will spread the work. I have already responded to the poll (yes).

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ · « **Reply #29 on:** April 30, 2018, 21:06:36 »

I will be attending, however, single. So if someone needs a Navigator (it goes without saying that gasoline costs will be shared), I'll be happy to volunteer for the service. Give me a PM.

I just put it on my "Bucket List" and will combine the trip with 2 more side trips. One being to visit my former business partner that will be at his winter residence near Palm Springs and the other being a trip to The Mercedes Benz Classic Centre only 78 miles up north along the coast line.

Who knows perhaps several others have the same idea to visit the Classic Centre while in the area. Last year I joined the Mosel Tour in Germany as a passenger, it was super fun, made many new friends it was a great outing.

Dieter

specracer · « **Reply #30 on:** May 01, 2018, 00:30:53 »

Sadly just too far, but would have interest if closer.

49er · « **Reply #31 on:** May 01, 2018, 00:58:12 »

My wife has been suggesting a trip to San Diego next year so when I saw this it was a no brainer to check the “will attend” box. Unfortunately, our SL will have to stay behind as it would be a bit too far to drive for us.

John

Howard Long · « **Reply #32 on:** May 01, 2018, 01:07:36 »

I think that is a great event. The PUB in Virginia was my first event and it was spectacular. I will be at the San Diego event if at all possible.

Howard

Atazman · « **Reply #33 on:** May 01, 2018, 02:10:25 »

C'Mon, John (49er)! I was hoping we could caravan along with several others in our area.

Mike Hughes · « **Reply #34 on:** May 01, 2018, 05:32:19 »

Sadly, we are already committed to be in Germany and Switzerland at that time - taking my dad on a Viking cruise up the Rhine to celebrate his 90th birthday!

Lorilao · « **Reply #35 on:** May 01, 2018, 06:39:00 »

A participation to the Pagoda fest 2019 is complex, unless adding some other events, rallies or tours. A participation with a rented Pagoda is like to a participation to a party with a rented companion! I will miss you. Hip, hip hip Pagoda

hands_aus · « **Reply #36 on:** May 01, 2018, 09:29:05 »

I would love to join the group in San Deigo.
However as I will fly in from Australia I will be restricted to just the Tech day events.

I will watch this thread for the final decision.

mrfatboy · « **Reply #37 on:** May 01, 2018, 09:59:56 »

Hands_aus,

The 2nd day is a "driving" event. It is not limited to pagodas only. Non pagoda vehicles can certainly join in the fun. We understand not everybody will be able to bring their cars.

I'm sure some pagodas will need "navigators". So if you are not driving at least you can be a passenger. Also, a good opportunity to make a new friend 👍

Harry · « **Reply #38 on:** May 01, 2018, 10:40:47 »

I would be interested but wouldn't be able to join the event. Never-the-less, thank you very much for taking the initiative to put the event together.

Harry Bailey

waltklatt · « **Reply #39 on:** May 01, 2018, 15:52:22 »

Aww Shucks! Has to be the first weekend of October?
Same weekend as the Hershey AACA show, the one show I attend each year.
Carlisle is not the same as it used to be, so I stopped going.

Could the Pagoda gathering be another weekend, would love to go back to SD area.

Walter

Garry · « **Reply #40 on:** May 01, 2018, 21:56:25 »

I am a sucker for attending Pagoda events so I am another that would be flying in for the event from Australia. Easier this time being on West coast.

Maybe I should take my car!!!! I want to give it a big drive.

spumarola · « **Reply #41 on:** May 01, 2018, 22:41:04 »

The Pagoda Fest sounds pretty good.
The thing is that I am living in Barcelona, Spain.
For me, could be really hard visit the event with my Pagoda,
but in case that the event happens, I´ll be there in person.
Best regards,

Santiago

raybragg@roadrunner.com · « **Reply #42 on:** May 01, 2018, 23:56:16 »

What is the event hotel? I would use it if it were a Marriott property.

Ray Bragg

LUVSL · « **Reply #43 on:** May 02, 2018, 01:38:23 »

As a west coast resident I would be delighted to attend with my Pagoda and only have to drive around 10 hours!

Thank you for the idea and the effort you have already put into the event

Challenger_7 · « **Reply #44 on:** May 02, 2018, 08:28:20 »

Thats what classic car owners should be doing, enjoying the drives and showing their cars around, no better joy than that.
I wish I could be with you, but am in Beirut - Lebanon 7,499 miles away $:-\$

Wish you all a safe and happy event.

Cheers

neelyrc · « **Reply #45 on:** May 02, 2018, 12:06:31 »

Quote from: 49er on May 01, 2018, 00:58:12

......as it would be a bit too far to drive for us.

Come on John, almost identical to the distance we drove to PUB Virgina last year! Besides, if we don’t get these two almost original Pagodas together here, when will we ever do it??

49er · « **Reply #46 on:** May 02, 2018, 15:56:47 »

Sorry guys, much as I would love show off my car, I am afraid the drive down I5 in the central valley with 80/90+ temps that time of year and the likely hood of Santa Ana winds over the passes into LA with it it's 24 hour bumper to bumper 12 lane freeways which pretty much continues all the way down to San Diego would be too hard on me (left leg in particular) and the navigator (no AC) let alone the car. It will be a short plane ride for us. I am however really looking forward to meeting all of you in person to share stories and the love we all have for these great cars.

John

neelyrc · « **Reply #47 on:** May 02, 2018, 16:08:49 »

Well understood John. Looking forward to meeting you there!

rutger kohler · « **Reply #48 on:** May 04, 2018, 07:56:40 »

Hi, I would love to come back up from New Zealand, my wife and I had such a wonderful time at the PUB2017. Have mentioned it to my wife, she would like to come back to the USA again next year, but we have already "done" San Diego (and loved it). Will work on her.

cheers

Rodger Kallu

UJJ · « **Reply #49 on:** May 04, 2018, 14:58:31 »

Great Idea. Wherever it will end up being, as long as it is within reasonable distance I'll be there.
I missed PUB this year because of my move to CA. so I am desperate to make up for it especially if it happens on the West Coast.
Urban

570TE · « **Reply #50 on:** May 05, 2018, 00:18:02 »

Sounds like FUN!! Sandy Eggo is always a great trip, and even better with the PAGODA!

114015 · « **Reply #51 on:** May 09, 2018, 17:35:12 »

Definitely interested.

Will take every effort to come 6 join all three days.

Achim
(without Pagoda)

Steve.k · « **Reply #52 on:** May 10, 2018, 00:50:43 »

October has the best weather in Southern California, not too hot, not too cold, just right. I’ve soent a lot of time in SoCal and San Diego is a perfect setting for Pagodas,(as is Palm Springs).
I’d love to attend, and if there are any others from Southern Ontario that are interested in shipping together, let me know. I’d definitely want to spend about 10 days down there.
Hope we can make it happen.

Brian in NL · « **Reply #53 on:** May 30, 2018, 06:11:35 »

I will plan to go, but I'm afraid the cost of shipping my car over from the Netherlands would be a bit over my budget. So if anyone has an extra Pagoda (Jonny?!) or needs a navigator, let me know! Sounds like great fun and at a perfect time of the year!

Jonny B · « **Reply #54 on:** May 31, 2018, 00:04:40 »

Brian,

There may be a Pagoda seat with your name on it..... Bribery offers will be accepted in September.

Drewtee · « **Reply #55 on:** June 07, 2018, 18:17:52 »

Yes, please put me down. I will have a Pagoda there for sure

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ · « **Reply #56 on:** June 07, 2018, 18:48:41 »

I too like to attend, however, to drive my Pagoda all the way to California would be quite a stretch. Last year I had the good fortune to be a passenger in a Pagoda for the Mosel Tour. This year I’ve been offered a Pagoda for the Euro Event in September by one of our Members that I will share with Garry Marks.

So like Brian I like to ask if anyone needs a navigator

let me know. Perhaps Chris from Edmonton or someone in California or the midwestern part of the US. Otherwise, I would drive the Big Brother from my Blue Tornado all the way across the country along Route 66, in that case, I would take on a navigator that can help share the cost and thirst of the 518 HP engine zum zum

So if there is someone out there that has please PM me it will be fun

Cheers,

Dieter

PS. Last week was the 5th year aneversary that I found my Pagoda and on the same day last week I found my dream car the (Big Brother to the Pagoda) my now SL 63 AMG Daily Driver, love that car. Another item off the Bucket list

suzy · « **Reply #57 on:** July 31, 2018, 00:19:39 »

scott, i bought some parts from you years ago. you MUST attend--you can say my pagoda is yours also!

UJJ · « **Reply #58 on:** July 31, 2018, 22:36:45 »

I'm IN for sure
Looks like an 8 hour drive from my house, no problem for a Pagoda!
Fun to see you all.
Greetings from vacation on Lake Tahoe, Urban

BaronYoungman · « **Reply #59 on:** August 01, 2018, 15:04:07 »

We are in, too far for Pagoda but wouldn't miss it. Urban I was really confused when I saw your travel time, I forgot you moved to sunny California

.

Jonny B · « **Reply #60 on:** August 03, 2018, 13:23:23 »

Well, to add a bit of interest. The event is scheduled for 4,5 October 2019 (Fri/Sat)

The current plan (although order and some items subject to change, dates are already pretty well locked in):

An informal meet and greet on Thursday evening, 3 October.
A partial tech day on Friday, followed by a car showcase
Saturday - a poker rally, highlighting various areas through San Diego county.
Saturday evening - dinner
And other stuff too!

Garry · « **Reply #61 on:** August 06, 2018, 02:28:45 »

Now to get my Pagoda there from Melbourne Australis, to LA then drive up to Seattle, drive East to NY, down through Virginia, then truck car to SanDiego, should take a few months and a lot of planning. I had better start now on the finer details!!!!

And my wife Kate has agreed to be co driver.......

Suedtiroler · « **Reply #62 on:** August 10, 2018, 08:26:01 »

I will attend too. Does anybody know if there is the possibility to rent a Sl (R231) in Cailfornia!

Peter

neelyrc · « **Reply #63 on:** August 11, 2018, 20:55:42 »

Peter, if you google "luxury rental cars San Diego" or something similar you will find a number of agencies renting luxury or exotic cars there. Perhaps one of our local San Diego members can refer you to a reliable agency specializing in MB cars rather than working thru all the list looking for one having an R231 in their fleet. I suspect it may be a bit early to try to tie down a rental this early.

Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ · « **Reply #64 on:** August 11, 2018, 22:21:10 »

Hi Peter,

Check here ——> https://www.sixt.com/mercedes-benz-rental/mercedes-benz-sl-class/

Unfortunately reservation is not possible less then 12 months in advance. Perhaps check with them at the end of this year.

Dieter

PS. I may make the trip in my R231 unless I get a passengier seat from one of the members. If I due take my R231 then I am willing to make my passengier seat available. I would take Route 66 (as much as it is still available), I did it in 2011 when I had a Z4 BMW 3.5is. It would take me From London, Ontario Canada to Chicago then follow Route 66 all the way to the Pasific coast. Return trip will be along the coastal highway 1 up to Portland then heading east back via Chicago. I know, it’s a long trip, what can I say I love the open road

The Benz Dr. Would have first choice for this 2 week Mother of all Road Trips it is I understand a item on his Bucket List. Naturally it goes without question stopping along the way at some of our Member(s) locations for a cup of coffee would be part of the plan.

Suedtiroler · « **Reply #65 on:** August 13, 2018, 06:51:02 »

Thank you! Will see next sommer how to do!

See you in France in September.

Peter

Rick007 · « **Reply #66 on:** August 13, 2018, 12:18:14 »

Really great initiative , going to free my schedule to visit

See you guys next month ...

cbdesign · « **Reply #67 on:** July 09, 2019, 07:16:50 »

This is also the same weekend as the Porsche 356 US gathering in Flagstaff, AZ. I have both kind of cars. Hummmm!

News:

Poll

Would you be interested in attending the event, see details in the message

Author Topic: PagodaFest 2019 - San Diego - Gauging Interest (Read 26217 times)

stavro

Amanda

Purdey

Bhollins

Justin B

werinhari

Neil

Dennis 280

ChrisZeiss

steven harris

spumarola

Challenger_7

570TE

Steve.k

suzy

cbdesign