Important Update!

[Derwin]

Attention all those that were/are concerned about Venture Vehicles and Ian Bruce.

I just got off the phone with Ian, and things are proceeding swiftly with the project. I can't go into any details about what is happening, due to our agreement, but I can say with CONFIDENCE that all is well.

Ian is still working on the project, along with many other people, and he has definitely NOT gone anywhere!

As for the sudden disappearance of the youtube video's and Ian's youtube account, this was a mistake. Ian Bruce told me that they have been in contact with the company in Europe and Jeremy Clarkson about using footage for a new presentation being produced. While doing this, they needed the footage converted from one "zone" to another "zone" so it could be used in the United States. At any rate, Ian will be creating a NEW youtube account, and posting new video's. So please don't worry about this anymore. Again, all is well!

My conversation with Ian was very good, and he did hint to a few nice things that are coming up, which I cannot divulge at this time. Please keep an eye on, or subscribe to, this forum in order to be the first to know what will be transpiring in the near future.

Derwin

[MVRacing]

Derwin,
Thanks so much for the effort! I'm antsy as anyone else, but with all the progress we had seen in the past, my only worry was some catastrophic failure. I was personally confident that things were progressing.

[danbucks]

How do we really know that was Ian on the phone? If it was, was he reading from a script at gunpoint? And how do we really know this is Derwin?
This is a massive government coverup, I tell you, I demand to know the truth!! :COP:

"move along, nothing to see here, move along..."

[Derwin]

Don't worry, danbucks, I am the real slim-shady! And I know it was Ian because he gave me the secret password that we created together. Here it is...... *****************. See, I told you it was him!

Derwin

[danbucks]

BTW, in all seriousness - certain other threads with my posts have been removed.
Sorta like the General Administration of Sport of China removing incriminating documents re: the age of certain olympic athletes immediately after them being found by several independent sources ... it smells of foulness even if [will never be proven] there was no wrongdoing.

I think they [the flytheroad threads] should have been removed, but the lesson is: better to post, and post correctly or conservatively, than go back to censor perhaps inflammatory or now very misleading notes....

BTW2, thanks for the update.

[Derwin]

BTW, in all seriousness - certain other threads with my posts have been removed.


BTW2, thanks for the update.

Are you talking about threads at the company forum? If so, than this is probably a GOOD sign! It means somebody is actually looking at the forum and actively involved in pruning it. I think I can confidently say this bodes for good things ahead!

Derwin

[danbucks]

In this case, I am referring to your own thread, on this site, re: Ian and Howard cens:or:ed1
wrt flytheroad - it needs some major love and care compared to easy-to-use vbulletin. Prune: yes, please!
The difference between prune v. censor?
freshness (posts/writers) and number/freshness of views (readers), mostly.

[Derwin]

In this case, I am referring to your own thread, on this site, re: Ian and Howard cens:or:ed1

Yeah, sorry about that bit of pruning I did. But after speaking with Ian today, I thought the thread was a big mistake, and needed to be taken down. This does NOT happen often here, and only happened this time because of the nature of the thread that I created. Let's put it this way... I MADE A BIG MISTAKE! And now I have corrected my error in judgement. Ian never mentioned it, but I just knew that it was wrong after hearing all he had to say about what is going on. I think it is always good to be prudent, even if that prudence is a bit late!

Derwin

[RAN]

Honestly, Derwin we don't know anything now that we didn't know before, except that the doors are apparently still open. It sounds like you got the patented "moving forward, great things coming" speech that we've all heard too many times before.

I'll reserve getting my panties in a bunch until I see some real pics of a prototype and real vids of it moving and real numbers as to it's performance.

[PHEVadvocate]

Ran, I second your point of view. How much can it hurt to just post a picture or a video?

no:p:i:c1

[waboom]

Well, they must have their reasons. Whether we would consider those reasons good or not, they still have their own reasons for not posting. In the mean time, I wish they (or us!) could set up a "push" notification system for new news, instead of having to frequently wade through the vitriol on the ftr forums.

[CelticFlyer]

Derwin could divulge everything he and the Ian meister discussed, but then he'd have to transmit a 20,000 volt shock through your keyboard via the Fly The Road Club forum to silence the masses! :LOL:

In udder woids... Good things come to those who wait. v:i:c:t;o;ry1)

[timo2112]

hey celticflyer ... i love your vv 1 logo !
I sent you a e-mail .... regarding your artwork !

[Miracleman89]

Derwin that is great news!!!! I am really glad that we can put to bed some of the rumors. However I am a bit disappointed that even after Ian spoke to you he has chosen not to come forward and make a small statement So that people can hear this from the horses mouth! I have no idea what you two talked about but I have no doubt you are telling the truth, Unfortunately not everyone thinks the way I do, and will probably dismiss your comments as rumor until they hear from Ian directly. I am a bit saddened by the fact that even after talking to you he still has not stepped up to the plate and addressed the official forum himself! To me it just seems screwy for him to not take immediate action to destroy the rumors! But man I tell you hearing from you on his behalf is still a load off my mind even if others do not accept it!

THANKS BIG D!!!!!

[TazmanianKoala]

Derwin
This is really great news. I assume that Ian told you far more than you can tell us.
In the way that you are speaking about the progress, there are still great things to happen.
We will wait for another update, hopefully that will be public.

Taz

[Derwin]

I have no reason to lie about speaking with Ian yesterday. We did indeed speak, and he hinted at some great things. He also hinted at some big news being posted very soon. Now what "very soon" means, I don't really know. But he DID say that he would be releasing it to this club FIRST! He even verified my phone number so he can call me when the news is ready to be released.

He did tell me a COUPLE things that I would REALLY like to post, and I asked him if I could post, but he said no. He did give me approval to post the generic "all is well" line, and to give the general explanation for his youtube account being down, but that is all.

For those that think I'm making this all up....well, what can I say? Ian logs onto this club forum regularly, and can read what I am posting. If it weren't true, it would be slammed pretty quick!

Anyway, let's cool down now. You guys even had ME getting nervous! But after speaking with Ian I now realize that things are going as planned, and really great things are in the works.

Derwin

[TazmanianKoala]

Derwin
Your update on your conversation with Ian convinced me even more that Ian knows that the real enthousiasts of the Venture One are to be found on this forum.

If anything happens, we will know this at first. All others lurking around the forum on the official website will have to wait longer. This also shows that Ian has more confidence in you (and the other club members) than anyone on the other site.

For now, i'm really happy with Ian's input!

Taz

[Jack Willard]

OMG Derwin. A telephone call? You mean you actually talked on the telephone? (technology reversal: email < = tele) no:wor:thy1 cool:thu:mb1

While I admire and salute you for your word keeping pact with Ian, we still know nothing. Ya got two hints (Mawwwvallaaas I'm sure) and a shut up. :confused: There...there...it's okay.

:(

[Derwin]

byteware,

Well, I respect you for the fact that at least you believe that I talked to him, and that I'm not lying about it! As to whether Ian is truthful, well, I can't speak to that. And you are correct about all of the past projections that they have made, and broken, as well as all of the promises in the official forum that have been made, and then broken.

But let's look at this seriously. Venture Vehicles purchased the rights to the tilting tech from Carver. They received $6 million in funding. They then entered the X-Prize contest. They have indeed been sharing a great deal of information with us over the past 2 years or so. Now the updates have dried up.

Answer me this.... Why would a company just go through all of the motions outlined above, for no reason? It just doesn't make any sense. This isn't a religion, and I don't have "faith" in Ian or Venture Vehicles. But what I do have is a view of what they are doing based on what I believe is common sense. Could I be wrong? You bet! And I guess we will all see soon enough.

As to the bits of information he DID give me.....Well, he asked I not divulge it just yet. I need a certain level of TRUST to be built up between this club and Ian (or Venture Vehicles in general). I need this in order to receive Ian's continued help and cooperation in club projects and future events. If I betray his trust NOW in LITTLE things, than he will obviously not trust me in the future, and this club will dry up pretty fast.

I cannot "prove" anything that Ian told me. Why should I want to? The man is the co-founder of the company, and he owes me nothing. If I were an INVESTOR, than maybe it would be a different story. But I am simply an enthusiast, as are all of you. Things are happening. Actually, there are very good REASONS for the silence, but I can't go into anymore detail. To be honest, Ian didn't go into great detail with me about it, but what he did tell me was good enough.

I love this company, and I love the vehicle they are coming out with. I guess I'll just leave it at that.

Derwin

[beeson]

So I will be (very) cautiously optimistic. I hope everything turns out OK because I REALLY like this vehicle. But I'm not ready to bet the farm on anything yet. I have no doubt that you talked with Ian and I have no doubt they really want to put this vehicle on the road. I just hope that they succeed and it's in the same ballpark as the original specs.

[Mike kZ]

I totally believe you talked to Ian! I hope what he told you is great news that we will find out soon.
Now the rest of us need to jump into our ninja suits, and pay Derwin a visit, and get it out of him! :)

[Derwin]

I won't discuss whether or not it is a religion, however you do have faith in Ian and Venture Vehicles.



Good grief.... To anybody that has been a member of this club, and has witnessed my reactions to everything, this comment is completely laughable! Ian and Venture Vehicles does not have my FAITH; it does not have my TRUST; and it does not have my devotion. What they have is my ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT for what they are attempting to do.

Will they succeed in bringing this to market? Well, only time will tell. But this club was created for enthusiasts of this proposed vehicle. We all HOPE that it will come into reality. But do we have "FAITH" that it will in fact happen? Obviously and emphatically..... NO.

Derwin

[Charles]

Chaps,

I see no mileage in argueing around the short comments that Derwin has made regarding his converation with Ian. As usual we'll have to wait and be patient for an update from the people who know. We're all tired of the lack of communication and we'd all love to be in the workshop watching the vehicle's progress, that goes without saying. However, the reality of it is that we're all mushrooms and we can choose how to view our nurishment. We either see it as nector from the Gods, class A1 furtilizer or just plain old sh*t. I think it might be better to think of it as the former rather than the later because otherwise we might as well drop VV and frequent another site to preserve our sanity. The glass is half full not half empty.

JMO

[Derwin]

Amen, Charles! wel;co;m;e101))

Derwin

[CelticFlyer]

hey celticflyer ... i love your vv 1 logo !
I sent you a e-mail .... regarding your artwork !

Got it. And so will you. Thanks! ;)

[Charles]

I must admit I've been quite obsessed with the V1 for sometime as I thought it was my only chance to own a Carver style vehicle. Now I've come to the conclussion that what ever will be will be (hey, where have I heard that before?). There are a number of great concept cars out there just waiting to get the chance to break into the big time. I'm not naive enough to buy something without trying it and although I love the V1's design if it doesn't drive well or if I'm not comfortable in it I won't buy it. As I mentioned in a previous post I recently found the Gazelle on the tiltingvehicles.net site. This thing looking great and it has four wheels just like the NARO. Who knows what will actually make it into production. All I can say is that the future looks great for we non-mainstreamers who want something different to cruise the boulevards in. Just keep the faith my friends our time will be soon!!!

[rogwild]

Did Mr Papp do everything above. I even think his vehicle was registered in the X Prize wasn't it?

No, Michael J. Papp never registered for the Automotive X-Prize (from all the data I've read); he was more BS than action, although he did import some Chinese vehicles to use as 'props', and even sold a few.

[AZEqualizer]

It's all in the perception. It's funny how ones perception colors ones view of things. People will believe talking heads (news people - I can tell you stories about accuracy here) Web sites (gee look at FOSH... better yet don't) Blogs (autobloggreen, Edmunds etc ... a number of these posters are not journalists they are volunteers) And yet here on this site people have to get it direct from Ian Bruce or Howard Levine or it is all BS rumors and YOU deserve communication only with them or you take your toys and go home.

Derwin and a couple others have talked to Ian and have the same information and posted it (just like a lot of other sources that if they posted it you would then seem to believe the info) and you poo poo it and demand a answer direct. If it was posted by Matt Marshall you would probably even believe it.

Get out of the Cave ... Vv will post when they feel the time is right or when their partners or corporation members or NGen or lawyers say it is right... It is the way of the world. It is not to appease me or you but to give Vv the business edge they need to succeed. We may not understand it but that is the way it is. Lots of stuff goes on in the background everyday that you or I am not privy too. The bottom line is we all want the V1 or we wouldn't be here [except for the Trolls ;^) ] and if this is what it takes to get the job done then so be it. Take the second hand info ... stand back and wait for the RSS feed from Ian to give you the info you want ... It's hard to wait for Santa but hopefully in this case the present will come sooner rather than later. Nuff Said!!

[ziggy951]

But I like my cave. Its cozey and I aint leavin!

p:ss:dY((

[timo2112]

Hey thanks celticflyer --- I accidently sent ya the wrong e-mail , sorry!

[AZEqualizer]

No byteware I don't think you should trust anything until you can place your hands on it and try it to buy it. In the mean time it is only info and until (or if) it comes to market take it for that... sit back relax and wait and see. Creatively discuss it and make input (no matter if it is taken or not) maybe you are part of the process of a new vehicle being made. A new direction. But in the end it doesn't matter until (or if) it shows up ready to buy. And if you feel so strongly that you have been and will be lied to then you have to ask yourself
"1. Why are you still here?"
"2.Would you buy a v1 from that mans company?"
If the answer #2 is no ... then see question number 1.

Did Ian really lie to you (us)? Or is it just your conclusion. Or was it his intent to follow through but he was told or things had changed in the mean time forcing a change of plans. Since you or I don't know the background it is hard to say which it is. My feelings from communicating with the man is that it is second part and that he is willing to take the assault rather than point the blame elsewhere. Once again it is only my opinion and my ability to read someone, along with my life experience. So, I have a different conclusion.


Lie: intransitive verb 1 : to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive 2 : to create a false or misleading impression

[Baja_Traveler]

Meanwhile - on the sunny West Coast of Southern California, Baja Traveler maintains his layed back style and positive attitude, firm in his belief that he will indeed be one of the very first drivers to hit the road in a VV (insert name here).

[AZEqualizer]

That is why ... indeed ... you ARE the Baja Traveler!!!!

[timo2112]

Hi everyone ! v:i:c:t;o;ry1)
I still have faith that venture will come through for us !
but on a different subject how would you all feel about
a ralley of some sort when we all get out VV's .....
I have a friend with a mini cooper and their club goes on several ralleys across the country every year...
think about it 1000 ventures cruising across country !!!
now that would be awsome ! no:wor:thy1

[MikeB]

Derwin has the real info, so he's not allowed to speculate. I, on the other hand, know nothing, so my speculation is entirely allowed.

The last real statement that Ian made to us mentioned that the efficient vehicle market is getting lots of attention right now, so he couldn't talk as freely as he'd like. I assumed at the time that he was referring to competition, but this silence points me towards something else: merger/partnership/buyout/investment.

Lawyers generally insist on absolute secrecy when such things are happening, which is pretty much what we saw when Ian was trying to score the first $6 million in venture capital. I'm guessing that round 2 is happening now, even though I expected it next year. A new partner of some sort, or just another round of financing, is probably just what Venture Vehicles needs, since the first round was never intended to take them to the finish line of production.

Howard (being the lawyer) won't let Ian post anything on the forums, but I suppose an 'all is good' message via phone is still allowed.

This is just my speculation, but it would explain what we've been seeing lately, along with Derwin's indirect message.

Derwin, I'm glad you had a chance to chat with Ian by phone, and I hope we'll be able to confirm (or refute) my speculation sometime soon. I think you (and this club) have earned a little bit of trust from Ian, and I expect that's good for all of us in the long run.

[luckylindy]

I have been following Carver and VV since the beginning. I don't generally post to these forums but have been following closely. I was getting tired of all the negaive talk about the lack of info from VV.... so yesterday I picked up the phone and called VV. Guess who answered the phone.... IAN himself.

We spoke for about 15 minutes and his comments were very positive in my view. He did reveal to me that the California ONLY roll out was being re-visited and that the target date for release was still 2010.

We spoke about legislation bill AB 2272 regarding HOV lane use and IF the V1 will be allowed in. Some people think that just because it is classified as a motorcycle it will automatically be allowed in the HOV lane which is not true. (I am speaking specifically about CA)

He also let me know that the production location was Detroit.

I think you all need to just chill out!!! Do you people have no life but to speculate on a company's progress on a mode of transportation? GREAT TRANSPORTATION in my view but still it is just not going to progress faster because you moan about it on this forum.
I want this vehicle as much as the rest of you, but let's get real... owning one of these is still probably 2 years away.

I have no reason to NOT believe IAN and the only fault he may have is that he promised something (regular updates) that he can not provide due to reasons that are NONE OF OUR BUSINESS !

Patience children.... patience.

[wireman]

Hi y'all from Big "D"! I, too have been lurking for a few months, and this latest round of acrimony is my reason for my first post, unfortunately.

First, I would like to give KUDOS to Derwin for his efforts on our behalf. Thanks Bud, for the info. Know also that I was impressed by your gentle replies to some not so gentlemanly posts. Also to MikeB and L.L., you guys pretty much said it for me, too.

[Derwin]

I think you all need to just chill out!!! Do you people have no life but to speculate on a company's progress on a mode of transportation? GREAT TRANSPORTATION in my view but still it is just not going to progress faster because you moan about it on this forum.


Patience children.... patience.

Hey, lucky.... Why do you join this club and then immediately begin talking DOWN to us members? It's not a great way to win friends or influence people, and it sure is not a good idea if you want respect from us.

In case your not aware of it, the very reason for this clubs existence is to TALK ABOUT Venture Vehicles and the project they are working on. Some of this "talk" will be about how the company has not followed through on many things that they have said. A lot of the talk will be about other various aspects of the project. For you to come into the club and trash us for simply discussing this company.... Well, it's simply reprehensible IMHO.

I would suggest that you go to another forum and play with the other children, since it seems that you cannot play nice with us!

To all other members.... I'm sorry for being so harsh, but I'm getting just a little bit tired of people talking down their nose as if they are better and know more than anybody else. A lot of the members of this club have been following Venture Vehicles since it's very inception. They know fully what is going on, and don't need to be talked down to by anybody.

Please feel free to discuss the Venture Vehicle project in any way that you choose, but please try and be polite and respect other people in the process.

Derwin

[Derwin]

Derwin,

I guess TRUST is a better word. Something you have in Ian and I do not.



byte..... I guess you are not reading what I am posting. Please go back and read my post which stated the following...


Ian and Venture Vehicles does not have my FAITH; it does not have my TRUST; and it does not have my devotion. What they have is my ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT for what they are attempting to do.

I don't think I could have stated that any clearer.

AZE.... You hit the nose on the head, as usual. When we are actually SITTING in the vehicle, and taking it for a test drive, is actually when you can say you "trust" that it is real!

Derwin

[RichDC]

Derwin, glad to hear that Ian is alive and well and still making promises of news to come. You have the luxury of having some inside dirt that the rest of us do not. For now, I remain enthusiastic, but a bit put off at the lack of any official news/updates/breadcrumbs...etc.

And I stand by my premise that with the entry into the X Prize competition this turned into a top secret project - hence the well of information going dry. I hope I'm right, and I hope they win the prize and get em on the streets as soon as possible.

[meckman1]

Is it possible that we may be getting a little too high strung about all of this?
Speaking soley for myself, I've been trying to be careful how I word things. I think that we may be going to extremes at times, and we may not be helping the situation. Just some food for thought...

[luckylindy]

Is it possible that we may be getting a little too high strung about all of this?
Speaking soley for myself, I've been trying to be careful how I word things. I think that we may be going to extremes at times, and we may not be helping the situation. Just some food for thought...

Thank you Meckman for noticing Derwin's "high strung" state. It's that type of high and mighty attitude why I generally don't post to these forums. I was really not trying to disparage anyone so sorry if I did.

I have been reading this forum from the start and I like the sharing of ideas and positive input from everyone..... I just got sick of the last month of complaining and speculation about funding.... IAN's dead, the design won't work ...speculation after speculation. But maybe a place to vent your frustrations is what forums are all about.

I actually was trying to give everyone a positive report about the phone call I had with IAN. But I guess Derwin is a little insecure about some "newbie" to the forum talking on the phone to the elusive IAN .... oooohhh
.... too threatenting to his ego!!!?

I'll tell you, I was soooooo excited about this vehicle from the beginning of the Carver hittting the Europe market, that I felt like I could hardly wait.
And when I found the VV website I followed it closely and then this site... and then I began to noticed the talk turned so much to doubt and how things are being done wrong. I have been in business for myself for 30 years and have developed and manufactured my own projects from the ground up... I know what it takes. It amuses me to hear people that have NEVER owned or run a business tell everyone how it is done best.

Anyway I look forward to owning my V1 SOMEDAY and the big smile it will
put on my face.

LuckyLindy out of here ...... for good. Happy Derwin?

[RAN]

I can't speak for Derwin, but *I'm* smiling. You can pick up what's left of your personality at the door.

For someone who's "been in business for myself for 30 years" you don't have much respect for the man who dipped into his pocket and devoted much of his time to creating this website and forum.

[Miracleman89]

Unfortunately, I just got my first chance to respond to this thread and luckylindy. I for one, certainly am glad to see you go...... for good! Thirty years in business????? r:o:f:l:2:2:1 Your kidding right???? I have a hard time seeing a person with your arrogance and mouth could manage a company for more then a couple of years!!!! You see, the problem I am having is picturing you working with a client. The people who are investing money in what ever it is you have to offer, don't like to be talked down to! Anyway good lucklindy with your stand up comedy routine!

[Derwin]

I actually was trying to give everyone a positive report about the phone call I had with IAN. But I guess Derwin is a little insecure about some "newbie" to the forum talking on the phone to the elusive IAN .... oooohhh
.... too threatenting to his ego!!!?

LuckyLindy out of here ...... for good. Happy Derwin?

I really shouldn't respond to this, but I will anyway!

Lucky, if all you were trying to do is report a telephone conversation with Ian, than you should have done just that. But instead you reported the conversation, and then immediately began talking down to everyone as if we don't have a clue. This just shows a complete lack of class on your part.

As far as being "insecure" about you talking to Ian.... Your joking, right? If you check on the company forum, I offered to give Ian's phone number to anybody that contacted me. Doesn't sound like I'm too threatened, does it! I've been in communication with Ian since this club began, and I'm always happy to share anything that he sends me, wether it be information or files. No threatened ego here, fella.

I think we all just expect people to act with a little class, and respect each other like adults. Please feel free to come back and join us when you think you can meet that requirement.

Derwin

[meckman1]

Thank you Meckman for noticing Derwin's "high strung" state.

I was not taking a shot at Derwin. If I was, I would have been more direct, and I would have said it in a private message, not a public forum. My point was simply that since most of us have never met one another, and don't know one another that well, we may want to temper what we say a little bit. If you look at the post I made all "I" and "we" statements.

[Derwin]

Meckman1,

That's exactly how I took your post, and I actually agreed with every word!

Derwin

[AKP23]

I BELIEVE! I BELIEVE! I BELIEVE! I BELIEVE!

I can see me riding into the great nothern sunset on my (insert VV name here)!!!

I'm gonna come down from the Great White North and PARTAY with all you other believers, too!

2thumb:up no:wor:thy1

Seriously,tho... (a little bit)
Don't get to fired up ya'll, until we get 'TRUE' and 'REAL' SPECIFICs from "The Source". Until then, we are all just working the dream machines and loving the possible (probable?) near future. And enjoying some good company from all over, right here, in Derwin's Pub!

[Jack Willard]

Hey AKP23, you'd be our perfect beta tester for cold weather! And I'm sure you are probably already set up with your car electric plug-in facility, since most up in AK already have one for the oil pan heater to keep the car from freezing up solid. My family (less myself) lived in Alaska back in the very early 1970's. I was in Nam at the time.

Cold weather is supposed to be quite bad on batteries as I remember. And I read on one of the new hybrid car websites that battery performance is bad on the L-ion ones too. :(

I visualize a V1 with a ski up front and studded tires in the back. I hear studded tired aren't allowed here in CA, not that that would keep me from getting them in NV and putting em on anyway if I felt like blowing everyone's mind one day at the ski resorts just up the mountain from where I live. dr:ive1) That would be FUN! cl:ap)1

You would also beta test the cabin heater real well too, and the lights (24/7 dark in Winter). Are you up for the job?

[AKP23]

I've been away from the keyboard.

Cold weather and batteries is the reason I'm going for the hybrid version. When it hits between -15 to -30, thats when I will see how well I can take care of the system, how well it will stand up to harsh treatment. It may be that it will only be a spring, summer and fall vehicle.

If it holds up to the deep freeze, then the ski and studded tires will be a potential WaHOOOO!

When I get one, that is my plan...how many months of the year will be safe to operate it. Longer than a motorcycle, that's for sure. But year round? That would be awsome!

[Hardtime11]

Jack, do not forget that there are a couple of others who are Alaska property owners. Tugboatwilly is use to the heavy rains south of Kenai/Homer and I am from where it gets the coldest up in the area of Delta Junction where I met my wife. While we are currently on somewhat of a vacation from there you have to remember that AKP23 still lives down in what is considered the banana belt of Alaska. I know he sees a lot of snow where he is at. I am not trying to put him down or anything and I am sure he knows what I am saying. :-)

I will probably (hopefully) be back up there before the VV is released/fully released.

I have seen well past +/-100° of 0° on both sides of the thermometer in the same place in Alaska. I have actually driven in both at the same place. :-)

[AKP23]

Hardtime is correct. Delta has some of most severe temperature variation I have ever seen. Like he said from around +90 to -100. And Tugboatwilly's rain this year (and last year too) caused some serious flooding.

As for the Matanuska Valley where I am, we average about 14 inches of rain a year. That makes us officially a desert! Yet we have a LOT of lakes and rivers and creeks around here. And the Matanuska Valley is known for its super growing seasons. With record size vegetables every year at the Palmer Fair.

My property is mostly undeveloped, so it is still heavily forested. And when you dig down below the brush and fireweeds and devils club, you find not grass, but moss. Dig into the soil and in January you'll go down 5-8" and find ice. In July, the ice will be anywhere from 2 ft to six feet down. It's called permafrost. That's what keeps the rain from soaking into the soil. And that's why we look like we live in a swamp, tho' technically we are a desert.

Just take my word for it. Alaska is truly weird as far as the weather compared to the rest of the US. Tho' we don't have tornados, hurricanes, and major storms that decimate towns, like some of you guy's get.band:ana1

And Derwin, I know I off the conversation track by at least a mile and a half. Sorry!

[Jack Willard]

Actually, I envy you guys in Alaska. I've been there four times and really love it. It's the wilderness! There's SO much of it. There is nothing I like better than evergreen alpine forest and watching all the wildlife.

I have had a dream about building a cabin in the woods of Alaska and living off the land for at least 30 years. Watching that TV show "The Alaska Experiment" really lit my fire. Of course I volunteered to do the second season, as did a zillion others I'm sure. I do love an adventure! no:wor:thy1

[Hardtime11]

Jack, I just finished watching a mini marathon on the History Channel showing "Tougher in Alaska (http://www.history.com/minisites/tougher-in-alaska)" (I have liked it for the downloads). Made me and my wife Homesick.o:h"we"ll1 I have walked the "Bering Straights" and performed a lot of search and rescues. I love it but the job market is tough. But like you I can see traveling the expanses between two mountain ranges and watching the great sunset or traveling under the Northern Lights with the top panel removed. It would be great.

AKP23, I have seen many a broken shovel in the permafrost (Mine are made of steel). As well as many a stuck vehicle.

My favorite saying for Alaska is "The summer is worth the winter and the winter is worth the summer!". You have to of lived there to know what I mean.

Back to earlier discussion in this thread:

luckylindy and meckman1, one thing I can say about Derwin is that he is very enthusiastic about his hope and devotion towards things like the VV or the Can-Am Spyder (http://spyder.brp.com/) and sometimes to a fault but at least he is sincere about it but who is not when it is in something they believe in or want to see come to fruition.

I can say that anyone trying to be an Internet Rambo or trying to slam someone (put others down) is looked down upon for the most part especially when there is little known about them or the background for the sayings is not there or at the most very weak.

If you check mine and Derwin's history it is very rocky at best. I do commend him on his motivation and willingness to step forward and promote this vehicle.

[Derwin]

If you check mine and Derwin's history it is very rocky at best. I do commend him on his motivation and willingness to step forward and promote this vehicle.

Very Rocky? I didn't know that! j:o"k'e)

Yes. We did indeed have a "rocky" beginning over at the company forum. But I am hoping and praying that we BOTH can just put all of that mess BEHIND us, and keep it there. As I have told you in many emails, I respect what you have done over the past year+ at the company forum. You, probably more than ANYBODY else, have helped new members of the company forum find what they needed. This took a lot of time and effort on your part, and you should be commended for that. Heck, as you may recall, I was so impressed with your efforts over there, that I asked you to be the administrator of THIS CLUB site. I'm still a bit sorry that you were not able to do it!

Anyway, I am happy that we have now gotten over our past disputes, and can now enjoy this adventure that is before us. As you already know (and pointed out!) I am "enthusiastic" about Venture Vehicles and this incredible tranport they are creating.

Derwin

[Miracleman89]

Well I think at this point I have no doubt that the V1 will come to market and be a huge success! My reason for this is simple!

1.) When V1 hits the market everyone will want one!
2.) If they try to back out there are about 563 members at current count that will hunt down Ian! LOL

So I think it is safe for all to be enthusiastic!!!!