Welcome to The Friday Files!

This Friday I would like to start off with some thoughts on xoutpost.com and WestFest IV. I'm sure that if you're reading this that you are already very familiar with both X5world and WestFest IV and you've probably seen some of the post and pictures from WestFest IV. The brief history of WestFest is that it started in 2001 or 2002 when our very own SuperGreg got a group of X5 owners together for a meet in Orange County, California. WestFest II came shortly after when again, SuperGreg made it happen. Crevier BMW was involved and that was also the first one I attended. Both I and II were held in a nice park in Orange County. While it was a great setting, when I decided to plan WestFest III in April of 2003, I wanted to take it to the next level. With the support of Crevier BMW, I was able to secure a private venue and the turnout was fantastic. I think we had about 25 X5's. It came time for another meet and while there was much discussion about where to hold the next one, when I took on the responsibility again there was only one choice: The Empire Polo Club. While we had fewer X5's this time with about 16 or 17 showing up, we had many people fly in from all over the country and even one couple who flew from the UK! That is the short version of WestFest. Each one has been better than the previous one so WestFest V will have to be something really, really incredible. Give me some time and maybe I'll take that one on too.

WestFest IV was an amazing event. I had this recurring nightmare that no one would show up and it would tank but much to my relief, many people showed. Many of the regulars here flew out to spend the weekend. Kaefer, Motordavid, Michelle, cmyX5go, fln8tive, ArtZ8, and acedeucy all flew out to join us while SuperGreg, Quicksilver, Autoxer, Rob X5K9, Kewl X5, Katt, asawadude, andaya, B-Line, JonK, Blondboi, Kirkx5m, Mhuggs, AzX5, Bruinman, jek889, and Tyson all drove out to show off their X5's. White05X3 was the sole X3 in attendance. SANguru drove over 3 hours just to meet us for dinner on Friday night. It is these people and the rest of the attendees that made the event a success.

Crevier BMW was the backbone of this event as they always have been. Joe and his family are firmly entrenched as fundamental part of WestFest. Thanks to Joe we had some the best barbeque ribs and chicken ever, fantastic raffle prizes, and gift bags. Invision Industries and European Auto Source were also integral in making WestFest IV happen.

After the excitement of WestFest IV subsided and it was time to get back to normal, I thought about what had just happened. What makes people spend serious money to fly or drive great distances to meet with people they met on some Internet BMW forum? Was it the thought of a relaxing weekend of sun and relaxation in La Quinta, California? I don't think so. Was it the chance to check out other people's X5's? Hmmm. Nope. Perhaps it was the free food and chance to win some cool prizes? Not likely. What was it then? It was the chance to meet people with whom we have established relationships here. Remember, here at xoutpost.com you come for the information but stay for the friendships.

Quicksilver posted about the conversation he had with his wife in deciding to come to WestFest IV. When you think about it, it does sound very strange to day that you are traveling to meet some folks you met online. I think my wife thought the same thing. She wondered why I was going to such effort to host an event for many people I've never met. Perhaps there were more significant others who thought the same thing or worse. Ultimately the skeptical found out that those strangers online don't have horns or eat babies for breakfast but instead are a diverse group of very interesting people who share a common interest in BMW's and enjoying life. Many of us had the chance to eat dinner, lunch, another dinner, and breakfast together. We got to know each other and discover the people behind he screen names here. We had some serious conversations and definitely had some laughs. The variety in ages, races, and backgrounds made it such an interesting adventure. I came way with a better appreciation for everyone and feeling that we've really got a strong community here. I truly believe that is what makes our X5world such a unique place. I don't think there's any other place like it with such a strong and connected core of membership.

WestFest IV may have ended but in many ways, things have just started. Old friendships were reinforced and new ones were forged. What was a little strange was just how natural and easy it was to meet guys like Motordavid and Juan. Having never met face to face shaking hands with them was like I'd done it before. It struck me as odd because I had to remind myself that I've never met them. The power of the relationships formed here is pretty impressive. I don't know when WestFest V will be but I'm sure the old gang will be there.

Sorry for the ramble. I'll move on now. Strange occurrences? I had one last night. I went to my sister's house to check on things while she's out of town and she has had some people come in to do some work. I made sure things were in order but then I stumbled across something interesting: I found someone's meth pipe, etc. Needless to say my sister made a phone call and took care of that. I hate letting people into my house to do work. You just never know. :eek: Speaking of drugs, this dude must be smoking some good stuff. This guy deserves to be locked up for being an idiot. Kids will be kids but some are going get themselves killed. It reminds me of the kids running around with those Airsoft guns. This is a bit late but I just had to post it. "Wonderjock" isn't a guy who's a really good athlete. Here are a couple of bad Halloween costumes: Hitler, jailbird,, Capt. Underpants. Bet you didn't know about this law in South Korea. What a witch!

That's all folks! Have a great weekend!

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