Chicago Loop Cruise

[OperationROL]

I did. 2 hour cruise. All working great. On the way home now.

 

[Speedling]

We drove around for a bit today as well! The wind picked up and it got chilly though. Went out about 8 am and had breakfast at the local joint before heading to party cove which is out of the wind a bit to just chill. Kids kicked around on the back deck and got good and wet and when we had to chase a toy floating away, we decided it was time to go in. Wonderful time, but home for lunch!

 

[scot71]

I got out yesterday. Everything worked great, ready to go for next Saturday.

I'm kind of curious if you guys that have done the cruise before could kind of give me an idea about how it all works.

Will they park me when I get there or just find a place?
Once I check-in will they set me up with the inspection or do I need to find the person/people doing on my own.
Can I get the boat in the water at any time or do they like to organize that somehow.

I'm sorry for asking so many questions but I just like to have an idea of what I'm doing so I'm not getting in anyone's way.

 

[Speedling]

I have not gone to the official thing like this before. I would assume they have to guide you in for the whole thing, but that you would park on your own, find them at a booth or setup of some sort, at which they would guide you to the next steps. If Neil says he gets on the water by 7 am, then I am sure someone is there plenty early for the whole thing. I would think they would want it a little spread out with timing as well, so as soon as your inspection is done etc. then you are good to go.

 

[007]

sorry for asking so many questions but I just like to have an idea of what I'm doing so I'm not getting in anyone's way.

It's a pretty loose affair. Plenty of parking. Shirts/sign in with Don Chambers next to the bathroom. I think he collected everyone's launch fee last year too. You have to flag down the inspectors, they just roam from boat to boat. You'll do great, no worries on the questions.

 

[007]

Launch as you inspect. Then everyone either tied up to courtesy docks or idles around until go time.

 

[007]

When in doubt, look for someone on a Yamaha!

 

[Julian]

If you are staying at the hotel, you just find a spot to park. Depending on when you arrive there may be people out directing parking. They roam around looking for boats to inspect. At the ramp it is simply...get in line and wait. They have people helping with launching so it goes as fast as possible.

 

[scot71]

Thanks guys. I wasn't to worried about anything but the more I know ahead of time, the less anxiety I'll have when I get there.

When in doubt, look for someone on a Yamaha!

This is the best advice of all.

Thanks again guys.

 

[OperationROL]

Just visited the other place to retrieve this photo. This is from the Chicago Loop Cruise 2 years ago (2013). That year Jim, Jeff and Jim (007, jcampbell and buckbuck) rode with me. We ended up having to rescue this canoer. He was not experienced and a boat that went by swamped him. We told him to climb up to safety as we rescued the canoe. We then picked him up and gave him a lift to the destination. Hopefully there will be no need for rescues this year.

 

[Steve & Heidi]

Neil, just heard back from Sheboat they have 6 or 7 going so if it's okay with you and Jeff we'll ride with you guys.

Assuming it is, what time do you get to the launch?

Thanks

Neil,

Heard back from SheBoat and all the passengers canceled so we will go back with our original plan and ride with SheBoat. Thanks for being flexible.

 

[OperationROL]

Neil,

Heard back from SheBoat and all the passengers canceled so we will go back with our original plan and ride with SheBoat. Thanks for being flexible.

Ok

 

[Sheboat]

The forecast is 60% rain on Saturday and neither us our crew are interested in boating in that weather. We will probably go hang out Friday night at the hotel or go Sunday if they postpone but as of now he is saying it's a go. Let me know if you want me to pick up your shirts for you if you can't make it.

 

[007]

Surprised he didn't just call it Sunday at this point...

 

[Justin G.]

Boating in 50 degrees and rain does not sound like fun at all. We will be there if it is changed to Sunday, but not on Saturday. Was hoping to meet some of the folks going to Shelbyville prior to that outing, but that may not be possible now. I guess we will wait and see what they decide in the morning.

 

[scot71]

Well, I'm out. I was really looking forward to doing the cruise and meeting some of you before Shelbyville, but high 40's and rain just doesn't sound like all that much fun to me. If it were moved to Sunday I wouldn't be able to attend anyway. I am wondering if any of you that are still planning to attend would want to pick up my shirt and I can arrange with you for shipping. I would be very appreciative.

 

[Steve & Heidi]

I thought this was to be called one way or the other today? I agree with 007 it should have been called to a Sunday cruise. 44 degrees, rain, and 20 mph winds with gusts to 40 mph will NOT be fun. We are out and cannot make Sunday due to other commitments. See you guys at Shelbyville!

 

[scot71]

Did anyone else get the e-mail that he is going to run the cruise on Saturday and Sunday?

 

[007]

Yes. Silly stuff that is.

 

[scot71]

I wonder why they've not thought about having this at a later date so weather wouldn't play into it so much. With there being so many people coming in from out of town for this you would think that would be a logical thing. It's been done this way for a lot years though so what do I know.