Thanks to Riverside Subaru for being at Rendezvous

[Michele Jackson]

I thought it was very nice of the folks from Riverside Subaru in Little Rock to help with the canoe donation (along with Ouachita Outdoors of course!) and to be at Rendezvous with their "goodies." I enjoyed talking to Ron (I think that was his name) about the cars. I just emailed the dealer to thank them for being there; I'll bet they would appreciate some feedback as they are considering getting more involved with community events. Following is the link to their contact page if anyone would like to drop them a note.

http://www.riverside.subaru.com/ContactUsForm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Richard]

RATS! I did not realize they were there. I would have liked to have visited their display.

Interesting because I own a Forester and parked behind Roger Head's Outback. When I got out of my car someone from Shreveport walked up a said he owned one and he rarely ever saw another in that area and I said Conway is about the same. Yet somehow ACC members and Subaru have an attraction unlike this geographic area as a whole.

[okieboater]

Add my thanks to the Subaru Team!

I have been to a lot of events where vendors are there to give away things that rarely get used after the event.

Coming from a long time boater, two things that I use all the time are sponges to get that last bit of water out of my kayak and cam straps out the wahzoo on my raft. No way can a rafter have too many cam straps.

Whom ever advised you on what to logo and give away as advertisement and something to remember Riverside by - was right on target for the boating universe.

Thanks Riverside!!!!

[Crane]

That particular advertizing give-away (straps) will spend a lot of time displayed on top of my racks!! I am hopeful it will get a LOT of visability soon!!!!!

[Louiscov]

Thanks for the reminder and link to Riverside, Michele.

I sent them a message and a thank you, and will be taking my Subaru Baja to Little Rock for maintenance whenever I visit my son there. I was tickled to see a number of Subaru vehicles this weekend and enjoyed talking with Richard about them. Hardly ever see one in northwest La, and I'm glad a number of ACC members have seen the light on Subaru vehicles and also their corporate involvement in conservation and outdoor recreation/paddling/hiking/cycling.

[Lupe]

I was impressed, too, with the usefulness of their giveaways...although perhaps we shouldn't be too surprised: Subaru is a big sponsor/partner with ACA and with NOC, so clearly they have learned over the years just want us boaters want and need!

I wish I had thought of this during the 'Vous, but maybe at a future club event (Canoe School maybe) we should round up the healthy contingent of Subarus that all our club members have and do a "group" photo of all our Subies with assorted canoes and kayaks atop. Might make a nice promo photo for Riverside, and certainly would show just how much paddlers do enjoy their cars! I know I love my Outback, and I loved my little Outback Sport before this one.

Thanks again Riverside for supporting our club!!!

[Louiscov]

This is an A++ idea, Lupe. I love it, and it would be a great way to thank (and keep) Riverside & Subaru 's support. Count me in.

Louis C.

[sugarmtngal]

Great idea LUPE! The subaru tent was the best, he even let me have his last Red Bull, and naturally I accepted the free straps (which I needed) and sponges. Last year he participated and this year he had to work, what a guy! THANKS M. Jackson for thanking them!

[Eric Esche]

I did go by to let him know that Susan has said our next car will be a Subaru Forester with reflexing racks. He didn't know about the racks, but said he would look into it and maybe next years demo would have them so folks could practice loading their boats on the racks.

Eric

[Cowper]

I can't believe DeBo hasn't chimed in here - she loves her Outback. And anyone who has seen her "color coordinated" boat & car combo knows it will look good in that group photo!

On my last two Ocoee trips, the general reduction in the number of trucks, and increase in use of smaller vehicles to get boats to the river, was noticeably dramatic. For those of us who live in a state that still has many unpaved roads, and where some of our floating has us out in weather where snow or sleet is a possibility, it's hard to give up the 4WD's. The Outback has enough clearance, to handle those roads, and the AWD makes sure you will get there and get home. At this time, I think it is still the mpg champ among the AWD vehicles out there.

DeBo insisted on getting the manual transmission. On several road trips, we've topped out at over 30 mpg by keeping it to 65 mph, even with DeBo's canoe on top. At 70, I'd say it is still 28 mpg. Mix in some around town driving, and she still rarely drops below 26 mpg. If they would bring in the green diesel that is being released in Europe, I'd probably have to stand in line to get one.

I liked the fact that the guys from Subaru didn't pack up and leave early when bad weather knocked down our attendance a little bit. They hung in there and mingled with us long past when some might have been tempted to call it quits.

I say much of the above simply to reinforce the idea - Riverside and Subaru have come to the right place to market their product - kudo's to them for supporting Rendezvous in such a big way!

[Jody]

Another post another vote for the love of the Outback. I adore mine too. Safe, utilitarian, sporty, gorgeous.

Funny, the reason I started looking at OUtbacks way back when, long before I ever got one, is because I overheard Michele Jackson saying that was the next car she and Randy would get.

On another note: have you seen those Honda Elements? They are HIDEOUS!!!! Good grief, I can't believe they can actually sell such an ugly car.

[Renee H]

Honda Elements? They are HIDEOUS!!!! Good grief, I can't believe they can actually sell such an ugly car.

Watch it now Several paddlers have Elements and while they may be unattractive vehicles, they are pretty practical vehicles for boaters. You can just hose out the inside since everything is waterproof and they are pretty roomy. You can take out the seats and hang them on the side to make room for sleeping. Of course, I would still take a Subaru over the Element, but the Elements are pretty neat.

All this talk about Suby's, I'm sad I sold my Outback

[Jody]

They be ug-lee vee-hickuls. Element owners know this.

[DeBo]

Yes, Jody! You also recognize true beauty and that the GOLD Outback is supurb!!! It will look amazing in that photograph.

[Jody]