WCX Apology

[Kernel KlinK]

The owners of the World Cup Express would like to apologize and explain why we arrived at the match at 7:40 instead of the planned 3:30. Two hours into the trip, climbing over the Alleghany Mts. the brake line blew out. Luckily we were able to contact the bus mechanic who drove 120 miles to fix it. This took 3 hours out of the trip. But our troubles weren't over. The bus lost significant power - -in fact, every mountain or hill slowed us down to 15 MPH and we could barely hit 50 on the flats. It turns out that the clamp to the turbo hose broke off. Thus it took us almost 13 hours to get to Columbus from Frederick, Md. (a trip that normally takes 7.5 hours).

So, sorry for not getting the inflatable Uncle Sam to the game. Sorry to Rich for not getting there in time to help with the tailgating and sorry to the guys on the bus for not getting you all there earlier.

Now, a couple of side notes: When we were stuck on the highway we were visited by the "Red Bull" babes who brightened everone's spirits. We also took our pinata of Blanco (one we hoped to be whacking while tailgating) and strung him up to a tree and "stoned" him good. And most importantly, even though we dropped an extra $525 to get the bus fixed on the highway, the 19 on the bus showed great spirit and determination to get to the game and do our part. So thanks to all, to C-Bus for having us, for the help along the way and to our boys for the victory.


Cooking hot Dogs on the Bus - - $20
Ticket to game - -$40
10 cases of beer - - $200
New brake kine - - $525 (ouch!!!!)
Eddie Lewis making his way to the WCX after the game to thank us for making it to the game - - PRICELESS!!!!

Also priceless:
US 2, Mexico 0. Again.
Dejected Mexican players NOT acknowledging their fans as they departed the game.
Landon's comments.
Gooch's scowl.
WCX 19's great attitude.

See you in Germany.

Joe and Bill

[Mikeymike15]

You guys rock as always, never did thank you guys for your hospitality in Chicago. Took in refugee JoeSoccerFan to OShaughnessy's after the game and heard all about it. Look forward to partying with you guys in Germany!

[GoDC]

Great work guys. We were hoping to see you before the game. My kids had heard about the bus and wanted to check it out. Glad you did finally get there and of course the result was worth all of it.

[michael greene]

I drove out from DC Sat AM and saw the bus on the side of the road. I didn't know where the bus was coming from, so I figured you had stopped and spent the night on the side of the road or something since it was only 9:30 or 10AM at that point. I'm sorry I didn't stop and give at least a few of you a ride to the game.

Glad you eventually made it and if you break down 4 years from now, I'll be there for you. :)

[nancyb]

I'm kind of surprised I didn't see you. I left NoVa at 7am. Did you take the PA turnpike or the 68 route?

[JoeSoccerFan]

I'm kind of surprised I didn't see you. I left NoVa at 7am. Did you take the PA turnpike or the 68 route?

We took a break at Milemarker 52 on I-68. The stoning was awesome! Large stones were stuck in Blanco's shoulder, torso and groin (ouch!).

Joe - no worries! Result was worth every minute!
Mike - Thanks for the ride to O'Shaunessey (sp). That was a blast.

Mike - we had a lot of folks honk on the way past. But at the time, we didn't think that we were going to be late because we had built in a 5 hour cushion. Actually, we had an english fellow offer a ride for 3 (but by that time the mechanic (a true hero) had just about finished).

Hopefully, we get some pictures. Best picture - the night after. With 19 folks, half the group slept outside. We looked like a mass of homeless with all the tailgating trash strewn about the lot.

Rishi - I have the blow up Uncle Sam. Let me know how you want to get it - or have it go to the next Game in Foxboro.

Great time, great result.

[Winoman]

Good on ya guys! We honked at you on the way back home, on I-70.

Honk-Honk-Honk, Honk-Honk-Honk

(U-S-A, U-S-A) :)

[MelH]

Joe & Bill - Missed you at the match, was sure looking forward to meeting you guys.

I'm hosting the WCX website for you (http://www.WCXUSA.com) - and I feel bad because there isnt more done on it. It's hard to be connected enough with you guys to keep the website development going... Do you have someone local that would want to work on it? Someone who could put up the new and updated info (pics, news, etc)?

You got anyone on The Bus who's html/ftp literate?

Let me know what else I can do for the website... if you just want more pictures up, send them on down...

Mel

[flmls]

Joe,
I was sad when i heard the bus had broken down, Always been a fun time when the WCX is around...Flying down from Buffalo, you guys showed great hospitality to me in DC and before that at the game last labor day in foxboro. Cheers!

Hopefully it's all fixed now and will be ready to go for '10 qualies.

[Bigdog]

When are the propellers going retrofit for the trip to Germany ? :D

[monster]

No need to apologize. Glad you finally made it!

[EdTheRed]

No need to apologize! A good time was had by all of us on the WCX...plus, Operation Rolling Tailgate (which kicked into high gear when we realized we weren't going to make it to the stadium in time for any pre-match festivities) just meant we had food left over to grill up after the game...and more time to play poker on the drive out. I can't imagine it would be possible to have a Rolling Tailgate in, say, a Hyundai. Plus, splitting the cost of diesel 19 ways is a pretty good idea these days!

Thanks again for the ride and all of the hospitality, Joe!

[andygus]

Well said Ed. Joe, no need at all to appologize to any of us who were on the bus. We had a blast. Yes, I do love the tailgate, however, our rolling one was fantastic. I was hoarse from singing before we even made the stadium!

The stoning of Blanco will never be forgotten. I thik it was Ed who came up with the chant, "A tree, a lasso, to hang Cauthemac Blanco!" Classic. Though my arm still hurts from throwing all those rocks, it was great.

The WCX is awesome. The trip was awesome. The people on board were awesome. The game was awesome. Meeting Eddie Lewis was, well awesome!

Joe, thanks for a great trip.

Andy

[FK Partizani]

On our way back on I-70 we honked at you guys. We also said hi to three of you at the visitor's center in Pennsylvania. Sorry to hear about your misfortune.