[HCRA] Boxboro Bus Trip

[kk1w at charter.net]

I floated the idea about putting together a bus/van trip to the ARRL Convention in Boxboro on August 23rd. A number or people thought it was a great idea - save some gas money and have company on the way as well. I have dug into the prices and this is what I've come up with so far.

1. Finding a 12 passenger van isn't easy. Not a lot of local dealers carry them, and some of them that do are not open on Sunday. The bottom line is the cheapest I've found so far that allows pickup/return on the same day is at Bradley Field at a cost of $180. This includes unlimited mileage but we would pay for gas. Guestimating the mileage and gas costs this will work out to almost $25/person. If anyone has suggestions of a cheaper (or closer) rental site I would appreciate the information. Either way it is still less expensive than driving your 20 mpg car round trip from Springfield (and more fun too)
2. Boxboro tickets are $15. There are no early purchase discounts this year.

Overall this works out to about $40/person. I would imagine we would want to stop somewhere for a nice meal on the way back?

I would expect someone would pick up the van early Saturday morning, then meet everyone at a local area for pickup. The Walmart in Chicopee makes a good central location with lots of parking. We would leave at perhaps 7:30 AM? Stopping for a meal on the way back I would anticipate a return to Chicopee around 8:00 PM.

I have had at least five people that are in for this game, do we have another seven? There are no downsides to the trip, you'll save 'some' money on gas, save wear and tear on your vehicle, help reduce your carbon footprint, get out of driving, have fun 'chit chatting' and picking on the driver, a good meal and a day out of yard work. Oh yeah, you get to go to the ARRL Convention as well.

Good deals, flea market, new vendors, forums - a ham Saturday!

If this sounds good to you please respond directly to me so I can start the list and make the van reservation. These vans aren't easy to come by and one rental place I talked to was already renting for dates in September so the earlier we get this to bed the better.

Of course if one of our members happens to 'own' a 12 passenger van...

More info about the convention can be found at: http://www.boxboro.org/home.html

If we don't fill the van the prices will climb slightly but I'm thinking we may need two vans instead!

Please let me know your thoughts,

Jim, KK1W