A "test run" for the Gulf Coast Event Anyone?

#1 02-09-2010, 11:53 AM

I just talked with the Safety director and they are still working on an outcome. Mike said most drives have no problem and that kiters are polite and have even waited for the next trolley when one is full or partial full. He said the only thing that may be a problem is the surfboard, like my NSP, which is 6ft. the twin tips do not seem to pose a problem. He did say some drivers my be sticklers and that is why they are trying to come up with a solid answer. He did ask that we not give them a hard time if one drive says no and one says yes, they will have an answer soon. He may take us up on bringing some gear to show what we carry on the trolley. I gave him the measurements of one of my twin tips and he said that would not be a problem. I get the felling they will say yes, but will be a size limit, but twin tips and smaller directionals I think will be a go, JMO.

robertovillate · #2 02-09-2010, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stpetesal

I just talked with the Safety director and they are still working on an outcome. Mike said most drives have no problem and that kiters are polite and have even waited for the next trolley when one is full or partial full. He said the only thing that may be a problem is the surfboard, like my NSP, which is 6ft. the twin tips do not seem to pose a problem. He did say some drivers my be sticklers and that is why they are trying to come up with a solid answer. He did ask that we not give them a hard time if one drive says no and one says yes, they will have an answer soon. He may take us up on bringing some gear to show what we carry on the trolley. I get the felling they will say yes, but will be a size limit, but twin tips and smaller directionals I think will be a go, JMO.

This is good to do some "discovery" on their concerns so that we have valid responses.

I think we really need to make a case for surfboards allowed - since IMO they are as safe (or more safe) than a twin-tip. Twin tips usually have harder edges, surfboards are lighter and have rounded edges. Personally I would MUCH rather be bashed by my surfboard than a twin tip. Aside from that, I wuold say many down-wind riders are now directional board riders. I forgot how to ride a twin-tip

#3 02-09-2010, 12:22 PM

I think the size will be the issue, not the material, but a very good point. I need to ride my directional more so I can do DW's with it, they are a very nice ride for sure. Either way I would want an answer so you don’t get left 12 or more miles from your vehicle when I could have made other arrangements as Scott F stated.

Unimog Bob · #4 02-09-2010, 02:41 PM

Thanks for all the time and effort, Scott. I know you mean well.
I don't know what will happen though.
As is right now, some people get rejected on occasion. Would hate to see all kiters always get rejected.

But maybe all kiters will always be accepted.

Anyway, I think one of you nailed it. I rode the trolley probably 50 times (maybe 75) without incident (with TT board) over an 8 year period.
Then I started using surfboards for DWs about 2/3 years ago. That's when I started having a 25% rejection rate (3 of 12).
That was never verbalized as a reason for leaving me hangin', but it probably is what is going through the driver's mind.

My primary goal with "bitching" was to alert people to have a good backup plan if your primary plan was the trolley. 15 bucks and a thumb is what I found works well. If we get guaranteed rides, always, that'd be sweet. :mrgreen:

#5 02-09-2010, 02:59 PM

Believe me, this is one of the least important things in my life, just wanted to do some DD for myself, being that I am not able to kite now. I know most of us plan ahead and if things do not work out, it is not the end of the world.

robertovillate · #6 02-09-2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stpetesal

I think the size will be the issue, not the material, but a very good point. I need to ride my directional more so I can do DW's with it, they are a very nice ride for sure. Either way I would want an answer so you don’t get left 12 or more miles from your vehicle when I could have made other arrangements as Scott F stated.

My biggest surf directional is 5'-8" (172cm)...so please make sure I fall under the limits

...or should we pull out an old Litewave 179 TT?? ahhrghh

#7 02-09-2010, 08:11 PM

If anyone would like to take the time out to do more research then please do so, I have never been rejected but, always can get a ride

robertovillate · #8 02-09-2010, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stpetesal

If anyone would like to take the time out to do more research then please do so, I can get a ride

Scott, if you can brief me on exactly how things were left with Shirley I will pick up the ball and see what can be done. Now that the issue has been brought to them it's better to follow thru in a somewhat organized manner, so they don't base any final decisions on the perception that this was an isolated or whimsical call from a single kiter.

I just don't want to call her out of the blue and break the continuity. Even if you can introduce me/or tell her I will call. But keep in mind these people are probably busy and don't want to be bothered with the same questions and inquiries over and over from different people, when we could show some group interest.

I think there are plenty of good arguments (aside from our own self-interests) for us to ride the bus which include:

- good use of taxpayer resources - better than seeing half empty buses driving around
- increase ridership for their system, good for their stats
- saves energy and emissions for us to drive vehicles back and forth
- demonstrates the diversity of the transit system and reasonable access to all who want to support mass transit.

If anybody has other thoughts and ideas please share them. There must be more than 4 or 5 people who have enjoyed this over the years. This is one of the unique features of living/riding at our Gulf beach's. It would be a shame to lose the privilege.

#9 02-10-2010, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertovillate

Scott, if you can brief me on exactly how things were left with Shirley I will pick up the ball and see what can be done. Now that the issue has been brought to them it's better to follow thru in a somewhat organized manner, so they don't base any final decisions on the perception that this was an isolated or whimsical call from a single kiter.

I just don't want to call her out of the blue and break the continuity. Even if you can introduce me/or tell her I will call. But keep in mind these people are probably busy and don't want to be bothered with the same questions and inquiries over and over from different people, when we could show some group interest.

I think there are plenty of good arguments (aside from our own self-interests) for us to ride the bus which include:

- good use of taxpayer resources - better than seeing half empty buses driving around
- increase ridership for their system, good for their stats
- saves energy and emissions for us to drive vehicles back and forth
- demonstrates the diversity of the transit system and reasonable access to all who want to support mass transit.

If anybody has other thoughts and ideas please share them. There must be more than 4 or 5 people who have enjoyed this over the years. This is one of the unique features of living/riding at our Gulf beach's. It would be a shame to lose the privilege.

Very short with Shirley, she has nothing to do with making the decision on what can and cannot go on the trolly saftey wise, she is the manager of the drivers. Mike Gloss (not 100%of the spelling of last name) is the Saftey director and I am sure if you would like to call Shirley at the number I provided, she would be glad to get you intouch with Mike, he was very nice on the phone. From what Mike said there is no way we will lose the privilege of useing the trolley, just may be a size on the board, may be that they will not allow 8ft boards, I have no idea, anyone is free to call him. I am sure they are well aware of the many benifits of keeping the trolleys as full as they can,

http://www.psta.net/beachtrolley.html, also, one being their jobs.

not saying there are not some jackass drivers by all means.

whimsical call? Keep in mind I have never got kicked off the trolley, if I had and was that concerned I would have done my own research as to why one driver would let me on and another would not, being that I live 1.5 miles from TI and was born and raised here,and plan on using it much more than I have, I wanted to get the facts for myself. I am in no way a great kitesufer,, just have fun with friends.

robertovillate · #10 02-10-2010, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertovillate

the perception that this was an isolated or whimsical call from a single kiter.

my point is that it was NOT a whimsical call...anyway,

I'll give Shirley a call tomorrow and see if I can provide any info they may want and a reasonable viewpoint for all those interested.

I've already spoken to another kiter who used the trolley today, with a surfboard. He actually called Shirley in advance of his DW and checked with her. She told him that if he encountered trouble boarding that he should instruct the driver to radio her for authorization. That's very encouraging - for now. But hopefully we can get it past the point where even that type of encounter is necessary. It would be really nice if we can just plan on getting on the bus without a hassle, every time - any time.