Grumps can suck it, it's Friday!

[bigbill]

It's Friday and I'm in Fountain Hills, AZ getting ready to ride with friends from all over the US who gather each March. It's going to be in the mid 80's and possibly negative humidity. I hear that the ride is only 25 miles today, maybe it's time to schedule a massage this afternoon.

[robin3mj]

Will probably be a minivan owner before this weekend is done.

[mainemike]

I am skiing this wknd as usual. It has been the worst Season snow-wise that I can remember, though I haven't had any less fun! Sailing baby, it's coming!

[rwsaunders]

Will probably be a minivan owner before this weekend is done.

Coming from a mini-van driver since 1999, you will be surprised by the number of pleasantries exchanged at stop lights and SBUX with other likeminded, mini-van driving soccer moms like "Hey, how many cupholders does your Honda have?" or "I absolutely love how your RocketBox is centered on the rails." Perhaps even "Those Blizzaks rock!" ...said no one ever.

[EricKeller]

Will probably be a minivan owner before this weekend is done.

why isn't this in the grumps thread? Our minivan was actually a nice vehicle. Just seemed like we really didn't need it any more at about the same time that every single system started to fail (yes, GM). I used to joke with the people at the fast food window when they asked if I wanted a drink holder, "this van has 17 cup holders, what to I need that for?" Of course, being a GM, the cupholders were horrible.

[mmoore]

why isn't this in the grumps thread? Our minivan was actually a nice vehicle. Just seemed like we really didn't need it any more at about the same time that every single system started to fail (yes, GM). I used to joke with the people at the fast food window when they asked if I wanted a drink holder, "this van has 17 cup holders, what to I need that for?" Of course, being a GM, the cupholders were horrible.

you can fit a gallon cup, with a beer coozie in it though. loads of space!

[davids]

why isn't this in the grumps thread? Our minivan was actually a nice vehicle. Just seemed like we really didn't need it any more at about the same time that every single system started to fail (yes, GM). I used to joke with the people at the fast food window when they asked if I wanted a drink holder, "this van has 17 cup holders, what to I need that for?" Of course, being a GM, the cupholders were horrible.

A GM minivan? All the cool cats drive Odysseys.

And since it's Friday: The kid will soon be home for 20 hours or so, a stopover on her journey from Lake Lanier back to the Connecticut River.

Attachment 90982

[robin3mj]

why isn't this in the grumps thread? Our minivan was actually a nice vehicle. Just seemed like we really didn't need it any more at about the same time that every single system started to fail (yes, GM). I used to joke with the people at the fast food window when they asked if I wanted a drink holder, "this van has 17 cup holders, what to I need that for?" Of course, being a GM, the cupholders were horrible.

The grump thread is cramming two infants and a rear facing toddler into the second row of a Touareg, the dog taking up most of the trunk, and hoisting all our luggage into the roof box, and still having to leave the double stroller at home.

Suburbia, I give up- come and take me away.

We're getting the Toyota. Need to remember to get a tow hitch, and start shopping for hitch mount bike racks.

[Brandon White]

The grump thread is cramming two infants and a rear facing toddler into the second row of a Touareg, the dog taking up most of the trunk, and hoisting all our luggage into the roof box, and still having to leave the double stroller at home.

Suburbia, I give up- come and take me away.

We're getting the Toyota. Need to remember to get a tow hitch, and start shopping for hitch mount bike racks.

Get a KUAT when CC has a 15% off coupon.

[davids]

The grump thread is cramming two infants and a rear facing toddler into the second row of a Touareg, the dog taking up most of the trunk, and hoisting all our luggage into the roof box, and still having to leave the double stroller at home.

Suburbia, I give up- come and take me away.

We're getting the Toyota. Need to remember to get a tow hitch, and start shopping for hitch mount bike racks.

This really belongs in the Auto thread but... Embrace it.

The minivan, at its best, is a vehicle that is extremely successful at its mission. It's an honorable mission, carting around your children and their friends and all the stuff that makes life outside the car exciting and fun. Some of my favorite people drive minivans.

[dashDustin]

i'd love to get a minivan as a 2nd vehicle.

[Matthew Strongin]

We regularly rent them when going on road trips with bikes and dogs. I'll admit it, I'm a fan.

[bking]

I didn't want to prolong this minivan thing, but...
When i visit my mom in Phx, she has a nice new 7 series BMW, and a Honda minivan. I could drive either one, she doesn't care. I take the minivan. Lot's to like about minivans today.

As i recall, it has 12 cup holders. Oh, and a refrigerated box next to the driver. BMW doesn't come close.

[maunahaole]

There was a video out a while back that , IIRC, showed an odyssey minivan trouncing a mid 60s lotus cortina or something similar on a race track. I think that if I was to go Van, it would be odyssey or previa.


The good news...Hawaii took Cal out in the dance.

[dogrange]

I never understood the hate for the minivan. We have an odyssey and it is as good as a car can be, but I don't like cars much so that doesn't mean much coming from me.

[Drew]

Get a KUAT when CC has a 15% off coupon.

I've used both. Saris > Kuat, every time. Saris also made in 'Merica by 'Mericans. Kuat made in Taiwan/China.

Superclamp is the business. My only bitch about them is you can't order them with fat trays... you have to buy them separately.

And I have an Odyssey. It is fantastic. Decent mileage, build quality OK, but the space... wow. And the kids dig it. There are a gazillion of them on the roads, so it's not like parts are hard to find or nobody can fix them. Tough to go wrong, from a practicality point of view.

The wife swore them off a long time ago. Then I convinced her to go with me to look... and she saw the boy open the door, climb in, and get into his carseat... by himself. She was sold that instant. We've had one since.

[Brandon White]

I've used both. Saris > Kuat, every time. Saris also made in 'Merica by 'Mericans. Kuat made in Taiwan/China.

Superclamp is the business. My only bitch about them is you can't order them with fat trays... you have to buy them separately.

And I have an Odyssey. It is fantastic. Decent mileage, build quality OK, but the space... wow. And the kids dig it. There are a gazillion of them on the roads, so it's not like parts are hard to find or nobody can fix them. Tough to go wrong, from a practicality point of view.

The wife swore them off a long time ago. Then I convinced her to go with me to look... and she saw the boy open the door, climb in, and get into his carseat... by himself. She was sold that instant. We've had one since.

Is this info in the Racks thread? Good to know!

[David Tollefson]

Took the day off for a trip to the zoo with my wife and daughter-the-younger (her first time!). Brought my bike so I could ride home while they drove and took naps.

[joosttx]

This week:
1) Taught my son's preschool class about bugs.
2) Got a big promotion at work.
3) took two days off where I road my bike and had one really special lunch with my wife.
4) flying to Buenos Aires tomorrow to celebrate something very cool.

Feeling pretty god damn good.

Now only if my buddy kenny can wake up.

[Drew]

This week:
1) Taught my son's preschool class about bugs.
2) Got a big promotion at work.
3) took two days off where I road my bike and had one really special lunch with my wife.
4) flying to Buenos Aires tomorrow to celebrate something very cool.

Feeling pretty god damn good.

Now only if my buddy kenny can wake up.

Right on!