Do you love to travel in your MX-5 Miata roadster? Of course you do. Have you ever thought you’d make a great travel guide? Sure you have.
The best way to exercise your event planning skills is to plan and lead an event for the First Coast Miata Club. Just follow these 10 easy steps.
Select a destination— preferably accessed via some scenic two-lane roads. Recent FCMC events include:
Amelia Island-Fernandina drive & dine
Charleston, SC (3 days, 2 nights)
St. Augustine drive & dine (plus boardwalk & miniature golf)
Mount Dora drive & dine (plus classic boat show & antique shops)
Savannah, GA (3 days, 2 nights)
Cedar Key & Crystal River (2 days, 1 night)
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens drive & dine
World Golf Village drive & dine (plus putting contest & Imax)
Select a meeting place for departure. Usually this is a fast food restaurant that serves breakfast, has clean restrooms and ample parking.
Select a departure time.
Gather everybody for a drivers meeting about five minutes before departure time. If needed, hand out a copy of the route that includes your cell phone number and CB handle.
The event leader’s Miata should be equipped with a Citizens Band (CB) radio. Ask another driver with a CB-equipped Miata to volunteer as the “tail gunner” who will communicate with you from the end of the caravan. The tail gunner will inform you when all your drivers have made it through busy intersections. Position Miata drivers without CB radios in the center of the caravan.
The leader should broadcast when the route changes, such as “turn right onto U.S. 19 north.” Have your tail gunner confirm when all the Miatas have made the turn.
When a traffic light turns yellow, do not accelerate to beat the red light— instead, brake for the caution light so your Miata caravan doesn’t get split up.
Plan some “rest stops” along the way for restrooms and refreshments.
If you made arrangements with a restaurant ahead of time, give them a call when you are about 30 minutes away— and confirm the number of people who will be dining.
When the event wraps up, solicit participants’ feedback for future events.
