[AT] Portland Handicap Permits

[jfgrant]

Cecil, and others who have responded. It's not the "gator issue" that is 
keeping us from returning to Portland. I too have a rascal but my wife can 
no longer walk any distance either so it made sense to me to use the gator 
as we already had one. The camping issue is and was the main problem. Yes I 
know I could have asked to join in and camp at the ATIS site but our rig is 
a big one and as I have not be able to join in on any of the work days don't 
feel it was right to horn in.
It is for sale by the way. A 2001 Coachman  31" w/ slideout.
 I too have seen many forms of transportation misused at Portland and other 
shows as well. There is little that can be done with folks who are 
inconsiderate to themselves as well as others. I have seen folks who are not 
disabled using others transportation against all rules. I understand that 
rules  are necessary and do not disagree. I just object to the unequal 
enforcement and exemptions for "friends". (rant off (:>)
You folks have a good time and I hope the weather is not too hot or too wet 
for the week. If I can get someone to drive down for a day I may try to 
bring my rascal.(:>) and will try to meet some of you. John
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Cecil Monson" <cmonson at hvc.rr.com>
To: "Antique tractor email discussion group" <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2005 4:34 PM
Subject: Re: [AT] Portland Handicap Permits


 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