bleckstein@monmouth.com wrote:
>
> I'll probably regret writing this, but here goes:
>
> I've been in the hobby 20 years. I have nine MGs. I don't care for racing,
> autocross and have limited feelings for car shows. I'm nuts about the cars,
>the
> people, the history and tradition of MG and understand others' likes and
> dislikes in the hobby. I certainly am not designated to condemn anyone for
>their
> special interest or views.
>
> I have seen some crash into the hobby like a comet and enter every show and
> event until it becomes all consuming. Two or three years later they are gone.
> They did that, they have been there, there is nothing left.
>
> I started with a TD ,and attended local club meets for two years before I ever
> heard of the NEMGTRegister. Then I attended a GOF or two. Slowly I got to know
> the people, the History of MG and aquired another car or two (a BGT and a TC)
>
> Suddenly in 1986 I was swept up into the Ocean to Ocean trip and for 19 days I
> didn't see my wife or kids, the longest separation ever in our thiry years of
> marriage. I soon was in charge of the Circuit of Britain and almost four
>years
> of endless work went into it. My wife did twice as much as me and she can't
> drive stick!
>
> I have now gone on five extended trips, two with my wife, two with my sons. I
> have missed three. I believe I am an enthusiast with out being a fanatic.
>
> In the NEMGTR there is a fellow named Izzy Ramos. His TD has been apart for 15
> years, and he has no other MG. Yet he works on every GOF and devotes hundreds
>of
> hours to the hobby. Is he an enthusiast, I think so.
>
> I think the Ramoses of this world who stick with the hobby and devote
>themselves
> over long years are more valuable to all of us then those who arrive on the
> scene, devour the hobby and are gone.
>
> If you like to polish your car and nothing else, thats fine. I once spent a
> lovely English evening going through a grave yard looking for Captain Eyston
> grave. Nuts? Probably. That was however important to me.
>
> Anyone on this list who has been on it more than a month, is somewhat of an
> enthusiast just doing that.
>
> Please, we must respect every aspect of this hobby, and no one has the right
>to
> judge the commitment and inner feelings of the other.
>
> David, you are usually entertaining, witty, and an asset to this list. Time
> however will be the ultimate test of enthusiasm. And no, I am not angry at
>you.
>
> Mike
Well said.
Geof Love. The English Connection
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