[AT] Portland Handicap Permits

[Cecil Monson]

> Well friends, I have been following this thread with much interest but 

have refrained from saying anything but feel that now I must jump in. My

wife & I have been(were) regular campers and



	I'm sorry to hear you are not going to continue going to the
Portland show over the Gator issue. I have also been going to this
show off and on for over 20 years although only the last 4 or 5 times
with the ATIS group. I usually went by myself as a part of the return
from business trips around the country.

	I have to comment on users of Gators. Personally, and this is
not directed at you, John, in any way, I have never seen more pushy
and impolite users of any vehicle than those who drive Gators at shows.
They seem to have no regard for others, want everyone to get out of
their way, drive faster as a rule than need be when it is dusty, and
brought this all on themselves. The show personnel are banning them as
a result of complaints - many of them - brought on by the behavior of
owners and users. I have heard them warned, personally, about their
driving habits and behavior and after the club person left, their
attitude seems to be "who are they to question what I want to do?
and not that of someone who is contrite and hoping it won't go any
further than that. I am sure the Club has a file on complaints and
that it is a big one.

	As to tractors, bikes, golf carts and butt buggies in general,
I have a feeling the whole thing is at the advice of legal and insurance
advisers to the Club and not the result of complaints. It is important
if they want to continue having shows, that Clubs like Portland have
insurance to protect themselves - and if insurance companies start
telling you either ban uninsured vehicles or lose your insurance, it is
a no brainer.

	Golf carts are easy to transport, comfortable to ride around on,
are a lot less expensive than a Gator, also a lot quieter and smaller
and are generally a pleasure to have anywhere you need transportation.
My wife and I happen to own 4 of them - two electrics and two gas - and
will certainly be bringing one of ours to the next show.

Cecil