Looks like it isn't going to be a WBCCI caravan but open to all. Perhaps because of liability issues? Posted by Rich Luhr on his blog tonight.
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Speaking of Africa, I heard from Bert Kalet today. He's organizing the Capetown to Cairo caravan in 2009. Bert told me something rather shocking: the WBCCI leadership has refused to approve the caravan. This means it will have to run as a private caravan, without the support of the Airstream club.
On one hand, this is an opportunity. Now anyone who wants to take an Airstream on the trip can go, without having to join the club. Bert says they already have 52 couples signed up for both the north- and south-bound legs. More are welcome. We are even considering it, although I have no idea how I could possibly break away for four months by 2009.
On the other hand, it's a really sad moment for the club. This was the club that, back in the 1950s under the leadership of Wally Byam, caravanned in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Central America, and around the world. Now the club is such a weak shadow of itself that a single African caravan is considered too much, and European caravans don't even take Airstreams (they rent other brands locally). They've lost the spirit of adventure that once made the club great.
If you want to have the adventure of a lifetime in Africa, send a note to me via the Contact form on this website and I'll send you the email addresses of the administrators who are organizing it.
I talked to Bert Kalet (CCCC organizer and wagonmaster), today on the phone about this subject. He said he can't believe the decision IBT made on the Caravan. He said it was a split vote...... one of the voters hasn't even been on a Caravan here in the USA! He's still positive about the Caravan, and will work toward it's success (with or without the WB).
'm working on getting RV solar panels to be donated so we can deploy them when parked. It's a complicated process to get everyone aligned and ready to go on this trip.......but I think it's going to come off!
We're taking our Argosy (the trailer we're taking to Africa) to Alaska in Aug/Sep for a trial run mostly boondocking in the wilderness. Maybe a trip to Perry, GA for the INT would be more in line for the type of weather we'll be encountering in Africa!
Jim, that is going to be a trip of a lifetime! I am sure anyone with enough indomitable spirit to go caravaning through Africa would never let a thing like IBT sanction get in the way of their dream. They certainly aren't winning any popularity contests with their decision making these days. Glad to hear you aren't being put off by it. Now that you don't need to be a WBCCI member perhaps you will have more sign up.
Wow Alaska for a trail run. That's a trip I'd like to make some day.
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Maybe a trip to Perry, GA for the INT would be more in line for the type of weather we'll be encountering in Africa!
Speaking of Africa, I heard from Bert Kalet today. He's organizing the Capetown to Cairo caravan in 2009. Bert told me something rather shocking: the WBCCI leadership has refused to approve the caravan. This means it will have to run as a private caravan, without the support of the Airstream club.
Well, it would be a huge challenge to pull a Four Winds motorhome out of a mud hole after it became stuck, so perhaps the IBT saw no future in this type of historical club caravan. Its just another sign of the times that the WBCCI national leadership is becoming pavement bound in order to support their style of 50 amp "camping".
__________________
Fred Coldwell, WBCCI #1510, AIR #2675
Denver, Colorado - WBCCI Unit 24
Charter Associate Member FCU
Vintage Airstream Club Historian
Airstream Life "Old Aluminum Adventures"
WBCCI sanctioned caravans include insurance under the WBCCI umbrella policy. An international caravan of this sort would certainly have an effect on the club's rates overall for the few that will participate.
Sounds like an interesting experience - lots of stories will come out of it, that's for sure...one I will certainly be watching unfold. Enjoy!
Shari
__________________
Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008
WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005)
AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
If it is a liability issue- -it is one sided.
That problem was anticipated and is being resolved. The following is from Bert’s newsletter:
“Cindy Reed at the Airstream Club Headquarters has received a tentative quotation from the insurance company and has had the lawyer develop a draft agreement and release letter for us to sign which will ensure that we all understand that the club and caravan leaders (etc., etc.) are not responsible for liability and that we all as participants cannot sue them or anyone else in the event of accidents, etc.”
I talked to Bert Kalet (CCCC organizer and wagonmaster), today on the phone about this subject. He said he can't believe the decision IBT made on the Caravan. Maybe a trip to Perry, GA for the INT would be more in line for the type of weather we'll be encountering in Africa!
It sounds as though the weather in Perry, GA will be cold and uninviting, at least at the International, even in July. Maybe they should call it something other than "International" considering the current voting record. How about the "Thor National", that should get some support?
For those who are going to Africa with an Airstream.....you are carrying the spirit, with or without the WBCCI's formal support.
It's called the Wally Byam Caravan Club International. It's not an RV Association or Organization or LLC.
Say the words out loud! They have meaning!
Capetown to Cairo is an opportunity.
Are there risks involved? Of course. But c'mon.
IMO, the WBCCI is missing out on a marketing bonanza and the IBT has decided once again to make the club even more irrelevant. By their own actions, the IBT consistently tells the owners of Airstreams that they do not want to be leaders.
Once again, the IBT has snatched defeat out of the jaws of victory.
The good news is that I heard there will be a consolation "African themed" luncheon at the Golden Corral and you can bring your Mandalay motorhome, too. I hope it's in a safe part of town...
Airstream will be fine too. They'll sell their product. The IBT, however, has just figured out yet one more way to lose more of its members. Way to go...
No support to WBCCI for International either.. it goes both ways!
Dear WBCCI,
It is with sad regret that I have to cancel my 2007 International Rally registration. As I understand, I have to formally notify via letter correspondence my desire to withdraw from the rally. I am enclosing my 2007 International Rally registration coupon as required. I also understand that I will be charged a $25 fee, and will lose the $135 for the 30A electric fee.
My reasoning to cancel is based upon the WBCCI IBT Executive Committees decision to not support the 2009 Capetown to Cairo Caravan. If the WBCCI can not support that (what the WBCCI was founded on – a CARAVAN!), then I can not support the WBCCI International. I know, what is one person. IT IS NOT JUST ONE PERSON! Many feel this way – and I bet I am not the first – more will do so! I pay $55 a year for membership, and then $510 for an International Rally to support the WBCCI; and then the WBCCI can not support its members on a 50th Anniversary event? I think Bert and Roger have done all that has been asked by the WBCCI, and even more so – and then the WBCCI IBT EC says No. Poll the membership – I bet majority is willing to support it! If you feel you can’t – maybe the WBCCI should seriously consider dropping the “I” - it stands for International right? Or is it Isolated?
At this time, I will remain a WBCCI member. I had serious thoughts on dropping my 6 years of membership all together. I am remaining for two reasons. 1. The camaraderie of the Washington DC Unit of which I am the 2nd Vice President – this Unit still has the Spirit of Adventure that started it all!, and 2) I enjoy being a member of the Vintage Airstream Club (VAC) and will continue to do so! Just so you know – these are the only reasons I am remaining a WBCCI member!
In the letter to Bert Kalet and Roger Wilson, the WBCCI International President, Don Schaffer, states that the WBCCI has never promoted a caravan of this type. What? Sure, Wally was still running the show, but the WBCCI, started in 1955, ran many Caravans in the late fifties. They were done from then to now, with and without Wally. As a young Airstreamer, third generation WBCCIer, (age 37) with a family, and member in good standing, I say “It should!!!”
I think the WBCCI has lost the bubble on what Airstreaming is all about! Why support the Caravan? The WBCCI has a lot to gain from it. The advertising of the WBCCI on the international stage will attract like minded people looking for the sense of adventure. I truly believe the sense of adventure in the WBCCI has become tepid in the group and is increasingly looking less like the club Wally envisioned. What would Wally have said if his own club stated, “ We are not supporting you Wally” ? He’s no doubt rolling over in his grave right now.
I am embarrassed by the IBT EC decision not to support Bert and Roger’s African Caravan. The WBCCI, being risk averse, is missing out on the adventure spirit that started it all – a great opportunity for some much needed press! I will remain a member – albeit, dis-heartedly at the moment. When dues time comes up, re-newing will be a hard decision that I will have to weigh. It will depend on what the club leadership does this year at International. If the club continues in what I consider the wrong direction, I may have to resign and drop all-together – that remains to be decided upon. In addition – I VOTE NO on the MH issue!
Recall two points of Wally Byam’s creed:
1. To lead caravans wherever the four winds blow... over twinkling boulevards, across trackless deserts... to the traveled and untraveled corners of the earth.
2. To play some part in promoting international goodwill and understanding among the peoples of the world through person-to-person contact.
Concerned Member,
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Rob, Zoe', Stanton, Bryce and Braedon Baker
WDCU President
Do you Listen to the www.theVAP.com
Plymouth, NY 13832 WBCCI #2820
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58 30' Sovereign of the Road: http://sweetsovereign.blogspot.com
65 17' Caravel, 54 22' Safari, 1959 Buick Electra
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