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Volume I Issue No. 4 June 2005 FEATURES OF THIS ISSUE The Allegro Club Newsletter For Leisure & Living 3 Tracing history in Tiffin coaches Club members help christen Natchez Trace Parkway TIFFIN MOTORHOMES 4 Biscuits & Chocolate Gravy Who says breakfast can’t have some pizazz? 6 Fueling the debate ‘I can’t let them hold me hostage’ 10 Bolo Balls & Hillbilly Golf The games people play at Allegro Club events

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Page 1: TIFFIN MOTORHOMESw.tiffinmotorhomes.com/pdfs/sideroads/sideRoads-06.05.pdfslide with a 350-hp Caterpillar engine, towing a Ford F150 extended cab pickup truck when he left the Tiffin

Volu

me

I Iss

ue N

o. 4

June

20

05

FEATURES OF THIS ISSUE

The A l legro C lub News le t ter For Le isure & L iv ing

3 Tracing history in Tiffi n coaches

Club members help christen Natchez Trace Parkway

TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

4 Biscuits &Chocolate Gravy

Who says breakfast can’t have some pizazz?

6 Fueling the debate

‘I can’t let them hold me hostage’

10 Bolo Balls & Hillbilly Golf The games people play at Allegro Club events

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Flint Hills RV1523 Ledgerwood Dr.159th Street East and Highway 154Andover, Kan. 67002316-733-8300 / [email protected]

New dealers join the Tiffin Motorhomes networkTiffin Motorhomes welcomes three new dealers to a network that now approaches 100 dealership locations in the U.S. and Canada.

MidAmerica RV Sales5439 S. GarrisonCarthage, Mo. 64836417-358-4640

Hawkeye Auto & RV 2385 Kerper Blvd.Dubuque, Iowa 52001563-557-0313

P.O.BOX 1429RED BAY, AL 35582ADDRESS SERVICE

REQUESTED

PRESORTED STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT # 159BIRMINGHAM, AL

If you’re reading this newsletter, you’re enjoying one of the benefits of Allegro Club membership. Other benefits include rallies, caravans, local chapters, discounted insurance, and discount car rental through Enterprise. When you buy a new Tiffin Motorhome, the first year of Allegro Club membership is free. After that, a one-year

membership is $25, a two-year membership is $46, and a three- year membership is $70, payable by check or credit card. For credit card payment, cal l (256) 356-8522. We want you to continue your membership and help us build our numbers by recruiting other owners of Tiffin Motorhomes.

Become an Allegro Club member or update your address info

Names:

Nicknames for Allegro Club ID badge #1:

Nicknames for Allegro Club ID badge #2:

Email:

Home Phone: ( ) – Alternate Phone: ( ) –

Serial No. of Your Tiffin Motorhome: Chassis type: VIN

Does your motorhome have slides? If so, on which side or sides?

Name of dealer where motorhome was purchased: Date of Purchase:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

In 1972, when Bob Tiffin only hoped to make two 21-foot motor homes a day, and those coaches didn’t have all the wonderful features of the current Tiff in models, he didn’t require a very large work force. In the March issue, when we celebrated the production of the 50,000th Tiff in coach, we invited readers to guess how many checks were written each Tiffin payday. The correct answer wasn’t

200, 100 or even 40. Tiffin Motorhomes, which currently employs almost 1,000 people in Alabama and Mississippi plants, had just 10 employees when the company started its operations. Our contest winner, drawn f rom t he correct ent r ies , i s Bill Gillespie of Cartersville, Ga. He will receive a prize package from the Allegro Club off ice.

Tiffin Motorhomes payroll was spartan in plant’s early days

Mail or email your answer along with your name, address and phone number to Allegro Club, Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582. Please, only one entry per household. The Allegro Club is not responsible for lost entries. The winner will be selected by a drawing of correct entries received by July 13, 2005.

Our new quiz question: Allegro Club President Jimmy Johnson led a caravan of Tiffin coaches at the invitation of the National Park Service to celebrate the completion of the Natchez Trace Parkway on May 21. The 90-mile caravan stretched from Clinton, Miss., to Natchez, Miss. Johnson topped off the tank on his 2005 Phaeton 40-foot quad-slide with a 350-hp Caterpillar engine, towing a Ford F150 extended cab pickup truck when he left the Tiffin plant in Red Bay, Al. Driver Johnson and one passenger camped within 10 miles of the route in Clinton and Natchez, running the generator a total of 20 hours in the muggy Mississippi heat, putting a total of 660 miles on the odometer. How many gallons of diesel fuel did the Phaeton consume by the time it pulled back into Red Bay? (You should have enough information for your calculations or guess, except for the weight of Johnson’s foot on the accelerator.)

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Deep within the results of our written survey from the FMCA Pre-Rally in Macon is a significant current: Many Allegro Club members, while they enjoy their coaches, want to know more about them to feel safer on the road. We heard suggestions of driver safety programs, orientation for new owners and a driving course for insurance discounts. A third of the owners present said they would be interested – at an additional cost – in a driving school at future rallies. Rick Ackerman fills many of those requests in one easy-to follow guide that he is well qualified to write. For the past eight years, he has been an Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliance officer in Mobile, Ala. Ackerman previously served as program manager of the U.S. Army’s worldwide motor vehicle safety program, and developed the Department of Defense safety guide for the Atlanta Olympic Games. An RV owner off and on since 1971, he has a 2000 Allegro and is past president of the Pride of Mobile Allegros chapter. Here’s his advice, edited gently because of space restrictions, modifiable for gas and diesel models:

• No pilot would consider getting behind the controls of his aircraft without first doing a “pre-flight” or walk-around inspection of the machine, so why should we as motor home operators get behind the controls of our machines without a walk around? Below is a simple yet effective way to check our motor homes before we pull off. All items should be checked before we begin an outing and most should be checked even if we have only stopped for an overnight rest.

• Begin by opening the engine compartment. After examining the general condition of the engine compartment, check the f luid levels and belt conditions. Look for any loose wiring.

• After closing the engine compartment, starting at the left front of the coach, check the tire’s tread, sidewalls and air pressure. Confirm that the leveling jacks are retracted and not leaking any fluid.

• Continuing down the left side of the unit, look for any damage, anything out of place or just not right. Disconnect and store the TV cable, sewer hose, water line and power cord.

• At the left rear, check tread, sidewalls and air pressure on both tires. The inside tires are difficult to reach, but the inspection is important to your safety. Confirm that the leveling jack is retracted and not leaking any fluid.

• Check the general condition of the rear cap. Ensure that the tail light lenses are not broken and that tail lights and turn signal lights are operating. Check the rear view camera to ensure that the cover is in place and the lens is not covered with dirt or debris.

From thedriver’s seat

2 SIDE ROADS

Jimmy Johnson

SIDE ROADSIs published quarterly March, June, September and December

by the Allegro® Club, Inc.

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PaidPermit # 159, Birmingham, AL

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Allegro® Club, Inc.P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, Al 35582

NOTICE OF RESPONSIBILITY:The Allegro® Club, Inc., Red Bay, AL, has designed tours, caravans,

and rallies for your pleasure and enjoyment and has attempted to select for you the best campgrounds, accommodations, restaurants, and transportation facilities for the prices charged. Allegro® Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of Directors do not own or operate any of the campgrounds, hotels, restaurants or transportation facilities and, furthermore, assume no responsibility for delays, losses, accidents, or for damage to persons or property caused by any person, firm, corporation, or other legal entity providing the following services: campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, transportation (including but not limited to transfers and sightseeing) or any other services incident to these tours, rallies, caravans or any activities of the Allegro® Club, Inc. The right is reserved to substitute campgrounds, hotels, restaurants and alter the itinerary or reverse the places to be visited. The right is reserved to cancel the tour or caravan prior to departure. In the event of a tour or caravan cancellation, the Allegro® Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of Directors’ liability is limited to a refund of money received.

The Allegro® Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of Directors reserve the right to make any changes, with or without notice, that might become necessary with the understanding that there is no extra charge. After a tour, caravan or rally begins, any unused portions of fees paid are not refundable. The Allegro® Club, Inc., also reserves the right to terminate tour, caravan and rally services for any client at any time for good cause.

The mission of the Allegro Club is:1) To promote friendship, fellowship and camaraderie among all

owners of Tiffin-built motor homes;2) To provide pertinent information and assistance regarding Tiffin-built products, their maintenance and related safety topics;3) To promote brand loyalty to Tiffin-built motor homes among current owners; and 4) To encourage ownership of Tiffin-built motor homes among non-owners. The Allegro Club reserves the right to edit submissions for space and

clarity. Manuscripts, photographs, illustrations and other proposed content are welcomed and will be considered for publication. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Content, including statements of fact and opinion, do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. or the Allegro Club, Inc. Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. and the Allegro Club, Inc. are not responsible for content. Privacy laws and policies prevent Side Roads from publishing memorials, illnesses and other personal information without written permission.

ON THE COVERSeven Tiffin-built motor homes represented RVing in a 90-mile caravan May 21 celebrating the completion of the scenic and historic Natchez Trace Parkway. The Tiffin coaches followed vintage automobiles from Clinton to Natchez on a sultry Mississippi afternoon. A full account of the event is on Page 3.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORWant to share an experience you had in your Tiffin Motorhome? Have a comment or suggestion about Side Roads, the Allegro Club newsletter? Write to:

Side Roads Editor, Allegro ClubP.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582

Please include your name, address, email and phone number so we can contact you.

CONTACTS:Tiffin Motorhomes Parts & Service:

(256) 356-8661

Allegro Club: (256) 356-8522

Jimmy Johnson, Allegro Club [email protected]

Verbon Jones, Allegro Club office manager,[email protected]

Cynthia Skinner, Allegro Club secretary,[email protected]

www.tiffinmotorhomes.com(Continued on Page 15)

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The Natchez Trace Parkway, now off icially open from Nashville, Tenn., to Natchez. Miss., is paved with invitations for RVers and other visitors. Just ask Fran Mainella, director of the National Park Service, who called the 444-mile scenic parkway “a welcome mat for people across the nation to come visit” and predicted that the seventh most visited attraction in the National Parks System would double its use within a year. Honored guests and participants in the May 21 ceremony included the owners of seven Tiff in-built motor homes. The gleaming coaches were the final act in a 90-mile caravan that included vehicles representing each of the 67 years since the parkway project was launched during President Franklin Roosevelt’s second term. “We are honored to have been invited to participate in such an historic event,” said Allegro Club President Jimmy Johnson.

“Tiffin owners, employees, dealers and suppliers are proud to represent the 7.2 million recreational vehicles on the nation’s roads. This is recognition of the Tiffin name that has gone on more than 50,000 coaches since 1972. From family vacations to tailgating at athletic and entertainment events to living on the road, RVs are part of the American fabric.” Joining Johnson for the historic ride along the Trace section lined with waving, cheering onlookers, were Tom and Miriam Chaffee of Decatur, Al., Al and Rose Pitts of Crystal Springs, Miss., Doug and Kay Alexander of Cullman, Al., Dave and Adella Hicks of Hernando, Miss., Walter Yow of Petal, Miss., and John and Inez Poague of Memphis, Tenn. “Our Allegro Club chapter, the Tennessee Valley Allegros, had a campout scheduled for this weekend, but we wouldn’t have missed this for the world,” said Miriam Chaffee. Yow almost missed the caravan when a stubborn front leveler refused to retract. Tom Eller, visiting Timberlake Campground in Clinton, Miss., in his Tiffin coach, provided his mechanical skills, helping Yow join the snake dance of vehicles through bayous, fields of row crops and mixed timber. As if seven coaches were not a big enough presence for the event, the Tiffin representatives handed out Tiffin caps and bottles of cold water in the hot and humid Mississippi weather. Mississippi’s congressional delegation sang the praises of the parkway that honors the ancient trail used by Choctaw, Chickasaw and other American Indian tribes between the Mississippi River and salt licks in what is now central Tennessee.

“Natchez has the richest tradition of history in the southern United States,” Sen. Thad Cochran said. Sen. Trent Lott called the Trace “hallowed ground” and urged the audience, “Let’s make sure we promote it to the maximum and invite everyone to come down to Mississippi and enjoy it.”Added Rep. Charles “Chip” Pickering, “I have a sense of awe and wonder driving down the Trace. I think of our first explorers, our first traders, our first commerce. I do believe it is our promised land.” Natchez Mayor Phillip West made no bones about his tourism invitation: “There are no limitations on the amount of money you can spend.” According to the National Park Service, the Trace experienced its heaviest use from 1785 to 1820 as boatmen floated the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to markets in Natchez and New Orleans, sold their boats and returned north on foot to Nashville. Tiffin was invited to be a part of the ceremonial events because of what Stennis Young, one of the National Park Service event planners, called the “tremendous RV traffic” on the parkway. Allegro Club President Johnson added, “RVers are also important to the economy, including fuel, food and entertainment expenditures. In Mississippi alone, my Woodall’s directory lists 41 private campgrounds. Mississippi also has 25 state parks and 22 federal recreation areas and facilities. That quick count

Tiffin coaches help open Natchez Trace Parkway

SIDE ROADS 3

When there’s a break in the action for Allegro Club members, you can expect the folding chairs to come out. Awaiting the start of the Natchez Trace Parkway caravan are, from left, Allegro Club President Jimmy Johnson, Dave Hicks, Miriam Chaffee, Adella Hicks, Al Pitts, Tom Chaffee, Rose Pitts, Doug Alexander, Inez Poague, Kay Alexander and John Poague.

(Continued on Page 15)

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4 SIDE ROADS

Roadside recipesby Gail Johnson

Wow! What beautiful spring days we are having in northwest Alabama. I hope you are enjoying the fast approach of summer and the anticipation of hitting the road in your Tiff in-built motor home. Whether you truly enjoy cooking while traveling or just consider it a necessary task for survival, I think we have some recipes to share that will be useful and easy. Some believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. With that in mind, we are featuring some favorite recipes

from my files to get your day off to a great start. The standard recipe will be given with suggestions at the end for adapting it if necessary for preparation in your coach. We sincerely solicit your comments and favorite recipes; just send them along to Jimmy Johnson’s e-mail at the Allegro Club, jimmy.johnson@t if f inmotorhomes.com or to mine at [email protected]. I hope to see you on the road, “Roughing it Smoothly.”

Ingredients:Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy

Biscuits: Cut 1 stick of butter or oleo into 2 cups of self-rising flour. Stir in 1 cup buttermilk and mix until blended. Knead gently on floured surface, roll and cut. (Sometimes I just use a round drinking glass to roll and cut with; you don’t have to carry a rolling pin and biscuit cutter.) Bake for 10 minutes at 450 degrees. To adapt to convection microwave, preheat oven to 375 (comp bake); bake on low rack for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Chocolate Gravy: Melt 1⁄2 stick butter or oleo over low heat; mix together in separate bowl 2 cups sugar, 4 tablespoons cocoa, 4 heaping tablespoons plain flour and a dash of salt. Whisk dry ingredients into melted butter. Stir in 2 cups milk and whisk over low heat until thick and smooth. Serve warm over biscuits.

Instructions:This is a bit like having chocolate cream pie for breakfast, but occasionally why not splurge. Yum.

Breakfast PizzaIngredients: 1 pound bulk pork sausage 1 (8-oz.) package refrigerator crescent rolls 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 6 eggs, beaten ½ cup milk

¼ teaspoon dried oregano ¹⁄8 teaspoon pepper (green and red pepper slices, optional)

Cook sausage until browned; drain and set aside. Separate crescent dough into 8 triangles. Place triangles with elongated ends toward center of greased or sprayed 12-inch pizza pan. Press bottom and sides, pressing seams together, to form a crust. Bake at 375 degrees on low rack of oven for about 5 minutes. Crust will be puffy when removed from oven. Reduce oven temperature by 25 degrees. Spoon sausage over dough; sprinkle with cheeses. Combine eggs and next 3 ingredients. Pour over

sausage mixture. Bake at 350 on lower oven rack for 30 to 35 minutes. Garnish with pepper slices, if desired. Yields 6 servings. I have also used ham or Canadian bacon in place of sausage on this dish. To adapt for convection microwave cooking, reduce oven temperature by 25 degrees each time, use low rack in oven, and adjust baking time slightly. The dish is done when the egg mixture is set and no longer runny; check the center for doneness.

Instructions:

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SIDE ROADS 5

Ingredients:Blueberry Muffins

1¾ cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon ground allspice ¼ teaspoon salt

¾ cup skim milk ½ cup sugar ¼ cup vegetable oil 1 teaspoon grated lemon rind

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 large egg 1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) blueberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine first four ingredients in medium bow; stir well. Make a well in mixture; combine milk and next 6 ingredients. Add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moist. Gently fold in blueberries. Divide batter into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray or lined

with cupcake liners. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until golden brown. For convection microwave, bake at 375 (compu- bake) and check after 15 minutes. This is a Weight Watchers’ recipe: serving size 1 muffin. Calories, 159; Fat, 3.2 g; Carb. 26 g; Fiber,1.3 g.

Instructions:

Ingredients:

French Breakfast Biscuits

Muffin ingredients: ¹⁄³ cup shortening ½ cup sugar 1 egg 1½ cup all purpose flour

1½ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ cup milk

Topping: 1 stick melted butter or oleo ½ cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cream shortening, sugar, and egg; add dr y ingredients alternately with milk. Spray mini-muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray; fill cups half full. Bake in pre-heated 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes. After removing from oven, while still warm, dip each muffin first in the melted butter and then

roll in the sugar mixture. For convection microwave cooking, decrease the baking temperature to 325 degrees and bake 10 - 15 minutes on compu-bake (preheat), using the low baking rack. (This is NOT a Weight-Watchers’ recipe.)

Instructions:

This delicious little muffin also makes a delightful party food, especially for a brunch!

Ingredients:Cheese Grits

1 cup grits, cooked according to package directions 2 eggs

1 stick oleo or butter 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce ½ pound sharp cheese

1 tablespoon garlic powder

Melt cheese and butter in hot grits. Add remaining ingredients and bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour. To adapt to convection microwave, decrease baking time.

Instructions:

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A gallon of fuel and a gallon of milk may be neck-and-neck, price-wise, but Allegro Club members and other RVers are determined to keep Roughing It Smoothly, and a national survey forecasts an increase in spring and summer RV travel. Allegro Club Chapter presidents were asked about the impact of rising fuel prices in early April. While the presidents who responded said chapter campouts will continue as scheduled, they added that fuel cost is a recurrent discussion topic and will affect many members’ travel plans. “I am pleased to report that we are not changing any of our planned campouts for the year,” wrote Lenchen Radle, president of the Chesapeake Allegros. “Nobody likes the increased cost of fuel, but we plan to adjust something else in our lifestyles, such as food. Some of us need to cut back there anyway, but seriously, we will adjust because we love our motor homes and the RV lifestyle and will not give in to change that easily.” Radle’s grit is echoed by members of the Allegros in the Heart of Georgia. Secretary Ann Hoffman quoted her members Bryson and Frances James: “We do not plan to change our RVing because of fuel prices. Of course, we prefer shorter distances to meet with friends, but we’ll go wherever is best for everyone and where the sights, entertainment, etc., suits best.” Dwight and Martha Jordan, members of the Mississippi Allegros, admit that the rising fuel prices concern them, but “I can’t let them hold me hostage. I will go as far as I can and work long enough to go a little farther,” reported Chapter President Mildred Geary. Geary added that she and husband Chuck “will probably make our annual trip to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., in October unless prices go so high it would be

cheaper to drive the car and stay in a motel or share a cabin with other couples. We will still go on all club campouts as they are not that far away.” L.D. Waterson, president of the Mid-Tennessee Allegro Chapter, had a similar report: campout plans remain unchanged, but his plans for a November trip to Florida

“will be by auto and moteling it.” San Francisco Bay A rea Chapter

President Elinor Smith reported, “We will no longer be going on cross-country trips” because of cost. Paul Beck, president of the Florida-Georgia Allegro Ramblers, added, “The average cost of the same trip last year has increased by about 30%. It all depends on where your priorities lie. For some, the increase will definitely limit their adventures, but it is time we all explore the states we live in.” While David Smith, president of the (Florida) Space Coast Allegros, reported that most of that chapter’s members are not making as many long trips, he is. “My wife and I started planning last year to go to Alaska this year,” Smith said.

“We are still going. We are taking a 48-day

caravan. I wish the fuel prices were lower, but we are still going.” The Comanche Allegros will limit chapter outings to within 150 miles of Granbury, Tex., said President Jerry Bennett. He added that very few members will opt for continuous travel this year, preferring to

“travel to a favorite location and stay for one or two months.” David Cotton, president of the Puget Sound Allegros, picked up some pessimism among his members. “Many are concerned about the future of RVing and if it will be an affordable vacation method. Others are wondering just how long they can justify keeping their motor homes with the rising fuel costs. No matter whom you talk to all have made some modifications in their RVing plans due to the current high fuel cost, and all agree that it is only going to get worse. While some have made very drastic decisions to cancel planned trips, others are taking shorter trips and a few are going to continue with their plans, but cut back on side trips or other additional costs…” Bob Reed, president of the Allegro Classy Chassies in the Los Angeles area, said some members of his chapter are rethinking summer plans. “We feel that any pressure that the RV industry can put on the fuel industry would help RV owners as well as the RV sales for the future.” After a “Campfire Canvass” of 444 RV owners as fuel prices rose in March, the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) predicted more mini-vacations in RVs this year, reflecting a national trend toward shorter, more frequent getaways.

“Over the last several years it appears that spikes in fuel prices have had a minimal impact on RV travel plans,” reported Robert Hitlin, president of the research firm that

6 SIDE ROADS

Allegro Club chapters are talking about rising fuel prices

“It all depends on where your priorities lie. For some, the increase will definitely limit their adventures, but it is time we all explore the

states we live in.”

– Paul Beck, PresidentFlorida-Georgia Allegro Ramblers

(Continued on Page 14)

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SIDE ROADS 7

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CU

T HE

RE- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Allegro Club Fall Mountain FestOctober 11 – October 15, 2005 (Check out October 16)

Garden of the Gods Campground

Attention: No refunds will be given after the refund deadline. Upon cancel-

lation a $20.00 handling fee will be charged. Travel insurance is an option available

through Farm & City Insurance (1-800-331-1520). Full payment must accompany each

rally registration. Be sure to note cancellation information as stated above.

Important: Allegro Club, Inc., has planned this event based upon claim assump-

tions, including a minimum number of participants. On occasion, circumstances arise which

make the event impractical. Accordingly, Allegro Club reserves the right to cancel the event

for any reason, at any time and without obligation beyond the refund of any prepaid fees

for the cancelled event. By registering for this event you acknowledge and agree to the

following statement:

“I understand that neither Allegro Club, Inc., Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc., nor any camp-

ground, restaurant, bus service (if any) or suppliers assume any responsibility, directly

or indirectly, for the use or operation of a car or recreational vehicle going to or from

or during the rally to any cause whatever; or for injuries within or without the rally; or

damage to property of any kind during or after event.”

Cost: Motor home with two (2) people / $575.00 • Each additional guest / $195.00 • Motor home with one (1) person / $395.00

Total Cost: $

Cost Includes: 5 nights camping fee, full hook-ups (30 amps), 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 evening meals, prizes and surprises, supplier/partner seminars, games and entertainment. Tiffin factory technicians will be available for minor repairs. Dealers will display the latest in Tiffin-built motor homes for your viewing. Plenty of food, fun and fellowship. Dinner and entertainment at the Flying W Ranch, a tour of the Air Force Academy and the Garden of the Gods are among the special activities planned. Because there is such a variety of sightseeing and tourist activities available, we felt it best to allow you to schedule your own time.

Number of people Amount enclosed $ Name:Spouse Name:Mailing Address:City/State/Zip:Allegro Club #: Telephone number: Chapter #:Name of guest(s) in member’s motor home:We wish to park with our chapter (listed above) or individual:We will be in: Allegro Allegro Star Allegro Bay Allegro Bus Open Road Phaeton ZephyrMotor home length: Slide(s) Right # Left # License plate #: State: Tow vehicle: Make: License plate #: State: My chassis is: Ford Workhorse Chevrolet Oshkosh Spartan Freightliner John Deere Other:YES / NO This is our first Allegro Club rally.YES / NO We wish to park in the handicapped section. (Enclose Handicapped Certification copy with your registration.)YES / NO We will bring our pet(s).Please register together if you wish to park together! Get your reservations in early. There will be only 120 spaces available. No reservations will be taken after the deadline of August 26, 2005. The refund deadline is August 26, 2005.

Send check, money order or complete credit card information below: Visa Master Card DiscoverCredit Card Number: Expiration Date

___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Month Year

Signature:

Mail your reservation form with check payable to: Allegro Club, P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, Al 35582-1429

This event is available to the first 120 eligible applicants (Club membership is required).

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8 SIDE ROADS

Participants at the Allegro Club’s Pre-FMCA Rally in Macon, Ga., gave the organizers a great report card for the event, but when you ask 229 RVers where they want to go next, you can expect a wide range of responses. Nova Scot ia, Duluth, Charleston, and San Antonio, plus many points in between, received mentions as future ra l ly locat ions . The most popula r recommendations were Florida (20 votes), the northeast (17), and Branson (5). “Those result s real ly pleased us, because our tentative 2006 rally schedule lists Florida, Vermont and San Antonio as destinations, and we just returned from a wonderful April rally in Branson,” says Allegro Club President Jimmy Johnson.

“We plan our rallies by listening to our members. We know our east and west coast members may not be interested in cross-country journeys for rallies. Also, Tiff in Regional Sales Managers Dan Blanke and Tom Kirk offer great regional rallies along the Pacific coast.” While rally site recommendations were all over the map, the owners of the 114 coaches at the March pre-rally were in close agreement on many responses: • 3-4 nights is just right for a rally or pre-rally (88% of respondents); • The balance between planned versus free time was about right (82%);Bringing entertainment on-site worked in Macon (98%); • Three breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners was about right for the three-day event (83%; 16% said drop the lunches); • The $195 registration fee for two adults in a coach was appropriate (87%); and, • Members will attend future rallies (97%). The Macon pre-rally was a dry-camping event, and that prompted suggestions that campgrounds for future events should

provide full hookups. Johnson said he was not surprised that members prefer electricity, water, sewerage and other conveniences, but he noted that the pre-rally was advertised as “no hookups” and the price was about a third what the Allegro Club charges to recoup major costs at other rallies. “Our goal with each rally is to ensure that participants have a great time and enjoy the company of other A llegro Club members,” Johnson says. “We can’t achieve that goal without incurring some considerable cost . Just of f the top of my head, for Macon we spent $15,000 for food, $5,000 for prizes and gift items, $4,500 for a tent that kept us warm, $2,100 for the campground fees and $1,000 for the entertainment. Even without taking into account the Tiffin service technicians who traveled from the plant and spent three long days making minor repairs, our costs signif icantly exceed our registration fee.” Macon pre-rally par t icipants also suggested a wide range of activities and

entertainment for future outings. While several asked for more games, others said they would like more educational activities. A tour of the area topped the list of recommendations, but country music was close behind. Animal acts, belly dancing, karaoke, talent show and a sing-along also drew mentions.

Rally location suggestions cover the map, Macon survey shows

CorrectionThe Folkston (Ga.) Funnel is a double track that serves as the main artery for railroad traffic into and out of Florida. The trains traveling through Folkston carry automobiles, coal, gravel, phosphate, grain, molten sulphur and orange juice. Several Amtrak trains pass daily, including the Autotrain. Judith McNaugh knows that. In the March issue of Side Roads, a chapter report referred to the Folkston Tunnel. Folkston does not have a tunnel, probably because in that area, it would be a canal. We tip our hat to McNaugh for her sharp eye for detail. Folkston, by the way, is the gateway to the Okefenokee Swamp, which doesn’t have a tunnel either. If you want to know more about the Folkston Funnel, visit: www.folkston.com/trains/trains.htm

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SIDE ROADS 9

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10 SIDE ROADS

Are you a “Value Card” customer? As we travel across the warm southern st ates ever y winter since reaching retirement age, we have encountered a variety of preferred customer discount plans at local and chain grocery stores. The store specials and manufacturers’ promotions are only available to customers with the store club card or tag. The price difference for cardholders is significant and worth spending a few seconds getting one at the store customer service counter. Each store wants our address to send special of fers in the mail and collect marketing research data. I’ll bet we throw off their demographics when they try to chart a new customer from thousands of miles outside their service area. We have collected a large ring of cards over the past eight years. There might be a collector opportunity here and someday we might be showing them on the PBS Antiques Road Show program. Wouldn’t it be great if our collection were worth thousands of dollars? Hum, better get some more, quick. We attended the Allegro Club Pre-FMCA Spring Rally in Macon, Ga., before the FMCA event in Perry. The pre-rally was really rather robust. Allegro Club President Jimmy Johnson just jumped for joy as we all started arriving on Thursday. His preparat ion and planning were perfect. Off ice Manager Verbon Jones and Secretary Cynthia Skinner assured that everything was on schedule and kept Jimmy pointed in the right direction. The days were f illed with activities, competitive games with huge prizes and lots of outstanding meals. Two Tiffin dealers displayed new units on the grounds and trades were taking place. The Tiffin factory technicians made

the rounds of all 114 units attending and made the minor adjustments owners had requested. Evening entertainment helped slow us down from an exciting day so we could drift off to sleep easily. A caravan to Perry commenced on Sunday morning following a southern style breakfast with something called “grits.” What was that? We met many new friends at the pre-rally and will continue communicating with several of them. This was an excellent chance to get to know fellow Allegro Club members and share traveling experiences. We enjoy playing games to interact with others and get to know them while we are camping. Most of the games are the old standards: horseshoes, volleyball, shooting baskets, dominos, cards and the like. We have been introduced to some hilarious new games. A member of our chapter brought a takeoff on horseshoes and golf to an outing last year and its popularity extended to the pre-rally. He didn’t have a name for it and our chapter came to his aid with a variety of suggestions. Some are best not repeated in print. The two we settled on were Bolo Balls and Hillbilly Golf. The game has two frames with three horizontal rungs spaced at 1, 2 and 3 feet above the ground, placed 40 feet apart. Opponents face each other to throw a pair of golf balls, separated by an 18-in. string, at the frame at the other end, trying to hang them on a rung. Each rung has a value depending on skill required. Scoring is done as in horseshoes. The balls and string resemble the device used by South American cowboys, hence one of the game names. Everyone laughs when the string spins around a rung several times and falls to the ground without any score or a short throw

bounces onto the bottom rung. We tried Backing Your Wagon at the pre-rally. One participant sits blindfolded in a heavy-duty coaster wagon. A partner is allowed to give only left, right, forward, backward commands as they tried to negotiate an oval course backward against two other teams. We observed several crashes, pile-ups, jams and one load-dumping during the heats. It looked like several of the campsite parking attempts by new coach owners we have witnessed. Fortunately, participants were still talking after their backing experience. Washer Toss is a lawn game that does not involve getting impaled with a heavy dart and can be played in the shade if it’s too hot in the sunshine. We played a dice game called Farkel at our tables in Macon and wound up buying a set. Every time we play we will remember the great times we had with new friends in Macon. Next t ime someone invites you to participate in a game, jump right in and have a great t ime. It makes camping much more fun and creates a feeling of neighborhood while you are away from home. Have a game that you would like to share with club members? Jot it down and send it to Jimmy Johnson at [email protected] or P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582 so we all can enjoy it. Until next time, we hope you will join with us as we play our way across the country in our trusty Allegro Bus.

Around the Campfirewith John & Lynn Sicklesteel

Nearly one in 12 U.S. vehicle- owning households owns an RV, according to a recent University of Michigan study commissioned by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association.

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SIDE ROADS 11

For H.C. and Marlene Stewart, it all started back in 1978 in Beaumont, Texas. The Stewarts bought a 1979 Allegro from a Tiffin Motorhomes dealer. That was the first of seven. Seven sounds like a lot of motor homes for one family, but the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association says that’s about average for dedicated RVers. For many, it’s the lure of new features that leads to trading up – that new floor plan, a Freightliner diesel, another slide or some electronics fit for a 757’s cockpit. Ask H.C., a retired U.S. Postal Service letter carrier, why he keeps coming back to Tiffin and he’ll name names, not features. He likes the way Bob, Wade, D-Ray and the rest of the folks at the Tiffin plant in Red Bay, AL, treat him. He likes his Tiffin dealer, too. He pauses, maybe caught between a chuckle and a tinge of confession, when he’s asked if he brings cookies and other goodies to Wade Humphres and D-Ray Hester when he comes to Red Bay. Wade is the service manager of Tiffin Motorhomes, holding court over 24 service bays, putting 65-70 Tiffin owners back on the road each week. D-Ray is shop supervisor, overseeing 46 technicians. D-Ray is H.C.’s favorite, of course behind Bob Tiffin, founder, president and CEO. Yep, H.C. and Marlene do bring cookies. But not always, he adds, emphasizing that the relationship that he admires for being so personal is also business. H.C. is busy, and it’s hard to catch up with him. He and Marlene spent three months last summer in South Fork, Col., elevation 8,500, in their 2004 Tiffin-built Allegro. Between fishing adventures, recovering from coronary bypass surgery, he shares a few minutes about the S-word at Tiffin that keeps him coming back: Service. “Mr. (Bob) Tiffin is the finest man in the world,” drawls H.C., but you can tell he means every word. “He’ll bend over backwards for a customer.” Tim Tiffin, general manager and one of Bob Tiffin’s three sons integral to Tiffin Motorhomes, would not be surprised by H.C.’s comments about service, because Tim Tiffin knows that Tiffin Motorhomes lives and breathes service. “Our customer service people have been doing that so long, they know how Daddy wants them to treat people,” Tim Tiffin says. “They are veterans. That doesn’t come by formal training, but from the years of experience learning what a customer likes or doesn’t like and how we can help.” “We do what we can within confines,” he adds. “We don’t do

a wholesale remodeling. We might change a booth dinette into a freestanding dinette, but the key is to zero in on a specific component that isn’t working right and fix it.” Service Manager Wade Humpres came to Tiffin Motorhomes

when he was 20. Most Tiffin employees have at least a high school education. Many have years of college or a degree. Wade started in a cleanup job, advanced to utility status and has been service manager for the past three years. In a business built and grown on service, the service manager has to be the diplomat, the diagnostician, sometimes even the lightning rod for a customer who wants something the company doesn’t handle. But not at Tiffin Motorhomes. “We don’t get unreasonable requests,” Humphres says. “Sometimes what customers want is not what we can provide, so we refer them to other service providers.” Customers love to return, again and again, to Red Bay for service. “We come to Red Bay at least twice a year just because we enjoy it so much,” H.C. says. Texans have a reputation for talking like that, but the more H.C. says, the more you believe him. “Every time you go down there, everybody is there to help you. There are no restrictions about where you can go. You can even walk up to folks on the assembly line and talk.” H.C. sounds like he works for the Red Bay Chamber of Commerce or the Tiffin Public Relations Department when he tells you about the campground the Tiffins developed in Red Bay for their customers. It’s $10 a night unless you’re there for warranty work. In

Tiffin service: ‘Everybody is there to help you’

H.C. and Marlene Stewart pose proudly in front of their 2004 Allegro, their seventh Tiffin coach.

(Continued on Page 14)

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Restaurants T h e S p a c e C o a s t A l l e g r o s i n Melbourne, Fla., say Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant is world famous, so we’ll take their word for it, even though the explanation was a bit sparce: “As always, they served a delicious meal and we all enjoyed it very much.” Dixie Crossroads is in Titusville, Fla., where the chapter visited in mid-January. Coyote Ugly doesn’t sound very pretty, but the restaurant near a campout at Tres Rios RV Park in Glen Rose, Tex., g e t s t he no d f r om t he C om a nc he A l leg ros in Granbur y, Tex . “ They served just about anything you could think of and the food was very good,” we are told. Hmmm. Beef Wellington a t C oyo t e Ug ly. How app e t i z i ng. The Comanche Allegros also enjoyed especially good Italian food at Pasta Fina in Granbury. In Hollister, Cal., just two miles from Casa de Fruta RV Park, the C a l i f or n i a A l leg ro Roadr unners found the Cedar House Restaurant , described as remodeled with excellent food, except ional presentat ion and reasonable prices. All dinners include soup and salad. That was in February. In March, the chapter dined at AJ Spurs Saloon and Dining Hall, one block from Marina Dunes RV Park on Monterey Bay in Marina, Cal. Excellent food, says the chapter. We’ve saved the most glowing report for last, and it comes to us from the Allegros in the Heart of Georgia (Macon). In Fort Myers, Fla., in February, the chapter kept passing by Skip One Seafoods because it looked like a hole in the wall, but the parking lot was full. Chapter Secretary Ann Hoffman picks up the

story: “Well, to make a long story short, the food was wonderful and the people who owned and worked there were just as wonderful and friendly. The seafood is prepared as your order is placed. Nothing is cooked ahead. Even the shrimp are cleaned and deveined the day it is cooked. We ended up going back there for the last three days we were there.” Now that’s what you call repeat business. Skip One is a seafood market, too.

Campgrounds, RV parks & resorts Talk about a view: Manatee Hammock County Park in Titusville, Fla., is on the banks of the Indian River Lagoon. Just sit back in your camp chair and watch the show at Cape Canaveral. The Space Coast Allegros (of course) from

Melbourne, Fla., watched a satellite launch in January. The campground is

“a nice park in a nice setting.” The fol lowing month, the Space Coast Allegros tried a “very remote” campground, Lake Oklawaha RV Resort near Fort McCoy, Fla. Don’t expect to find outlet malls, Wal Marts and fancy (or plain) restaurants in Fort McCoy. With apologies to the Fort McCoy Chamber of Commerce, the chapter says Fort McCoy is just a wide place in the road. But the resort lends itself to camaraderie. From remote to bustle: The Space Coast Allegros next visited the Lazy Days RV dealership’s Rally Park in Seffner, Fla. This complex includes stores, a restaurant and a service center. In what may be a slight exaggeration, the chapter reports, “There are also about a million

Chapter Chatter: Next time you pass this way

12 SIDE ROADS

The new Tiffin Motorhomes parts and service facility takes shape adjacent to the Tiffin campground in Red Bay, Al. The 40-bay facility will replace the 26-bay service operation at the nearby plant. Currently, Tiffin serves 65-70 service and maintenance customers a week, a number that will expand significantly when the new facility opens this summer. While service appointments are not being accepted at the plant for the remainder of this year, service advisers can usually work customers in within a few days.

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new motor homes to inspect including about a thousand Allegros of all shapes and sizes. It’s a wonder that doesn’t sink Florida and half of Georgia. Meanwhile, far to the northwest, the Puget Sound (Wash.) Allegro Chapter found peace and happiness at t he Hoquiam River RV Park in Hoquiam, Wash. The park opened in 2003. It has 60 full hookup sites, wireless internet, 50-amp service to all sites, a “wonderful” clubhouse, laundry facilities and a picnic area. The Hoquiam River offers fishing and wildlife watching and the Pacif ic Ocean is just 20 miles west. Marina Dunes RV Park in Marina, Calif., on Monterey Bay is recommended by the California Allegro Roadrunners. The park is “beautiful” with all gravel and paved spaces, fine sand, clean, with

“plenty of room to play on the beach or just walk and enjoy the peace watching the waves come in.” The chapter also enjoyed Sugar Barge RV Park in Bethyl Island, on the California delta, described as a lovely clean park with lawn, swimming pool, clubhouse and boat launch ramp. The Cit r us A l leg ros of Cent r a l Florida like the five-star Tropical Palms campground in Kissimmee, Fla., and visited there in April. The campground owner provided a cottage for meetings, social gatherings and meals. “Beautiful landscaping with flowers all around the park” is the description.

Destination attractions The Space Coast A l leg ros f rom Melbourne, Fla., discovered a tasty bonus while visiting Rally Park in Seffner, Fla., in mid-March. Seffner is dangerously close to what the chapter refers to as

“the strawberry capital of the world.” Strawberry Shortcakes are served at the farm. The chapter describes the dessert treats as large and wonderful. Not long after the Space Coast Allegros enjoyed collecting calories, the Citrus Allegros of Central Florida enjoyed inspecting a collection of classic cars. While on a campout at Tropical Palms-Kissimmee, the chapter visited Old Town

nearby and learned that every Saturday night the vintage vehicles appear with hoods raised for close inspection. The cars parade down the main street, too. The A llegro Classy Chassies of Southern California must have a lot of horsepower. The chapter dry camped in a roped-off area of the Santa Anita Racetrack parking lot. Santa Anita Park provided a tram tour including Seabiscuit’s stable and commemorative statue , plus dorms for trainers and grooms. A jockey gave an interesting talk on racing and the jockey lifestyle. The chapter watched a morning workout from the observation post at the Clocker’s Corner while enjoying breakfast. The Comanche A llegros went to school during a March campout at Tres Rios RV Park in Glen Rose, Tex. The chapter toured Happy Hills Children’s Farm, described as “a beautiful, quiet, peaceful place for children, some of whom have had problems with school, parents or authorities.” The children live with counselors at a working farm and attend the K-12 school. The chapter was treated to lunch in the dining hall. How’s this for a list of destination attractions: Golf at Pebble Beach, the John Steinbeck Museum in Watsonville, Calif., one-of-a-kind shops in Carmel, and in Monterey the Thomas Kinkade Museum , whale watching cr uises , C a n ne r y R o w, t he M onte r e y B ay Aquar ium and w ine t ast ing . T he California Allegro Roadrunners win the destination attractions award for that list collected in a March campout at Marina Dunes RV Park in Monterey Bay. The California Allegro Roadrunners also timed a visit to Sugar Barge RV Park in Bethel Island, Calif., to coincide with the Bethel Island Opening Day Boat Parade. The theme was Disney on the Water.

Quirky occurrences You would think that the members of the Citrus Allegros of Central Florida would want to stay away from a place like Alaska, a continent diagonally away and known for slightly different climatic

conditions than the Sunshine State. Not so. At the chapter’s April campout, the buzz was that four couples were headed to Alaska in May. If we had to guess the name of one of the Alaska-bound travelers, it would be Tom Sissung. At that April rally, Sissung won the name-the-state-capitals contest with a score of 47. Who says chapter meeting minutes are not exciting? Just feast your eyes on this entry from the North Texas Allegros:

“Next the President recognized Bunk Gilbert who said he would like the chapter to honor Willard Edgett in a small way as we have done for others in the past, such as the Renfro Gavel. Remembering how Willard would go around rattling the coffee can for donations when it got low, Bunk proposed (in the form of a motion) that he would like to have a brass plate made and engraved to be attached to the coffee fund donation can. Carl Troyer seconded the motion and the members present agreed by acclamation. Bunk said he would see about getting the plate and having it appropriately engraved and Dale Ford said he would make a wooden plaque to attach the brass plate to the coffee can.” We hope to have Willard’s acceptance speech for a future issue. In a related development , K aren McGrew brought out her “Campfire in a Can” at a Allegro Classy Chassies (Southern California) campout. We hope some day Karen will be honored with a brass plaque on that can, too. Bob Sykes couldn’t resist getting in the action when the Allegro Adventurers (Southern Minnesota) visited the Golden Vista RV Park’s monthly Comedy Club. Funny. The chapter report does not include a review of Bob’s act.

SIDE ROADS 13

Consumers purchased RVs a t a r e c o r d p a c e i n 2 0 0 4 , according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association. A total of 370,100 RV shipments were made last year, which surpassed the previous peak of 321, 200 in 1999.

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Fuel price impact

14 SIDE ROADS

conducted the RVIA study. “RVers are desensitized to these fuel price spikes because we have had several of them in the past few years.” The RVIA study shows almost half the RV owners surveyed expect to travel more miles this spring and summer than last, averaging 3,000 miles – nearly 100 more than 2005 – over 35 days and eight weekends. “Whether traveling five or 500 miles, RVers enjoy the same quality time with loved ones, taking advantage of closer-to-home recreation opportunities and destinations or staying in one place to cut costs,” said RVIA President David Humphreys. “Although some RV owners are concerned about fuel prices, the added cos t i s on ly a sma l l pa r t o f the equation and not an overriding issue. Gas prices impact all forms of travel, and RV trips remain less expensive than f lying and driving, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. For most RV owners, the advantages of RVing – such as greater flexibility, control and comfort

– outweigh the higher costs of fuel.” Respondents to the RV I A sur vey listed several reasons for their planned increased RV usage: desire to enjoy nature (41%), escape stress (38%), spend more quality time with family (38%) and enjoy outdoor activities (36%). According to the survey, camping is the overwhelming favorite activity of RVers, cited by nearly nine out of 10 respondents. Grilling /cookouts (85%), campfires (81%), hiking/walk ing (68%), scenic dr ives (67%), visiting historic sites (66%), fishing (59%), swimming (55%), visiting family/friends (55%) and shopping (54%) rounded out the list of favorite RVing activities.

(Continued from Page 6)

that case it’s free. For all his life, and H.C. turned 80 last August, he says he’s heard the phrase “send me the bill.” To H.C., it had a hollow ring until he began hearing it from Bob Tiffin. “I met a fellow in Colorado who bought a Class C Tiffin years ago (Tiffin only manufactures Class A motor homes now),” H.C. says. “He bought it used from an individual, not from a dealer. It was riding rough, so he called Mr. Tiff in. After a couple questions, Mr. Tiffin told him he was running the wrong tires on it. Mr. Tiffin told him what tires to buy, and

Mr. Tiffin said he’d pay half. Now that’s service.” Bob Tiffin minces no words as he explains Tiffin service: “We have an obligation to our customers and our dealers, as long as they own our motor homes. The warranty may expire, but our service commitment will never expire.” H.C. says his 2004 Allegro “is probably it.” He’s not saying he’s seen his last Allegro Club rally or RV park. Nor is he saying he’s made his last visit to Mr. Tiffin and D-Ray in Red Bay.

For the next year, when you ask Bill and June Nelson where they live, they will smile and point to their 2005 Phaeton. Shown here washing their coach at the Tiffin campground in Red Bay, Al., the Nelsons were Connecticut residents until last December, when they bought their coach. They will be building a new home in Venice, Fla.

Tiffin service(Continued from Page 11)

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SIDE ROADS 15

Tiffin coaches help open Natchez Trace Parkway(Continued from Page 3)

tells me that Mississippi welcomes RVers, and many thousands of us will be driving this lovely stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway. There are 16,000 public and privately owned campgrounds in the U.S. The number of RV-owning households is projected to increase 15% by 2010. RV owners average 4,500 miles and 28-35 days on the road annually, so this 90-mile jaunt was a cakewalk,” Johnson said. David Humphreys, president of the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, also praised the completion of the parkway and the involvement of Tiffin. “RV owners love to hit the road with their families and discover the real America,” said Humphreys. “ T he op en i ng of t he r ema i n i ng segment of the Natchez Trace Parkway gives RVers yet another wonderful place

to explore, and we are very pleased to have the RV industry represented on this momentous occasion.” M i k e M o l i n o , p r e s i d e n t o f t h e Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association, said, “The nation’s RV dealers salute the people of Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee, as well as the National Park Service, for all the hard work that led to the completion of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Not only does the Parkway cross one of the most scenic areas of the country, it offers travelers access to an array of historical sites, tourist attractions, and recreation areas.”

From the driver’s seat(Continued from Page 2)

• At the right rear, check tread, sidewalls and air pressure on both tires. Confirm that the leveling jack is retracted and not leaking any fluid.

• Moving forward on the right side of the coach, look for any damage, anything out of place or unusual.

• Check the tread, sidewalls and air pressure on the right front tire. Confirm that the leveling jack is retracted and not leaking any fluid.

• Check the roof for damage. Lower the TV antenna. A small hang tag on the antenna crank will help you remember this task.

Thanks, Rick, for helping us keep Roughing It Smoothly!.

For additional information: Jimmy Johnson, Allegro Club President: [email protected]

Verbon Jones, Allegro Club Office Manager: [email protected]

or Cynthia Skinner, Allegro Club Secretary: [email protected]

Phone: 256-356-8522 | Fax: 256-356-9746Allegro Club, P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582-1429

2006 Allegro Club tentative rally scheduleAllegro Club Fun in the SunRally ParkSeffner, Fla.Feb. 27-March 3, 2006 (break camp March 4)

Allegro Spring FlingLakewood Camping ResortMyrtle Beach, S.C.April 17-22, 2006 (break camp April 23)

Allegro Club FMCA Pre-Rallylocation and specific dates TBANorth CarolinaAugust 10-13, 2006

Allegro Club New England GetawayChamplain Valley ExpositionEssex Junction, Vt.Oct. 9-13, 2006 (break camp Oct. 14)

Allegro Club Fall FiestaBlazing Star RV ResortSan Antonio, Tex.Nov. 6-10, 2006 (break camp Nov. 11)

The typical RV owner is 49 years o ld , marr ied , with an annual household income of at least $56,000, according to a University of Michigan study. M o s t RV ow n e r s ow n t h e i r own homes and spend much of their disposable income on traveling, an average of 4,500 miles over 28-35 days a year.

Among the 125 million users of online auction eBay, “RV” was the most popular search term in 2004.