Emergency contact lists

[Merc_Girl]

Hi folks

Apologies if there has already been such a suggestion and I’ve missed it.

So, many moons ago when I had a Triumph Spitfire IV, I belonged to the Triumph owners club, as one does.

Anyway, they had a scheme where they asked members to put their names and contact details forward if they were happy to help out fellow Triumph owners in distress, ie had broken down. There was a little form to complete which included obviously names, addresses and contact details, but also what help could be provided, ranging from mechanical help, tools, room to stay overnight, parking for your broken down car etc.

I’ve seen a few posts on various road trips etc, and indeed would like to do one myself at some point, but rather scared of breaking down without anyone to talk to about getting help

I would certainly be more than happy to help out fellow pagoda owners and I’m sure others would. You had to be a member of the Triumph owners club to access this, so I would imagine the same here given folks home information and also another good reason to become a member.

Any thoughts.

Katie

[FGN59]

Great idea! Count me in

[dirkbalter]

I like that, great idea.

[GM]

Smart! I like it!

[ChrisInNashville]

I like it.  Unfortunately, I’m shocked that we only have a handful of folks in my area active here.  I’m wondering now if the local Mercedes Club has such a list

[jeblack123]

Count me in! Great idea!

James (Eddie) Black

[g2000tpembroke]

Excellent idea would be happy to be included

[zak]

Good idea. Pls count me in.

jz

[hansr433]

I like the idea.  A major US-based motorcycle club publishes an annual little "Black Book" for their members which lists fellow members willing to help out, what facilities they have and what they are prepared to do.  Memo to the Membership Admins:  if this idea gets traction, a questionnaire could be put to the members when they renew.  This way a database could be built to create such an emergency network.  Of course, this being 2021, this should be an app which lists the nearest emergency contact based on where you are at the moment.  I would be happy to participate in a brainstorming.

[Merc_Girl]

With thanks to all for positive reactions

I like the idea of a little black book😁

Maybe we could get a section placed on the members site, not sure how I do that?

I remember the ‘Board’ sending a mail shot to all members about past issues of pagoda world, maybe something similar could be done with this to kick it off. When it comes to renewals, reminders could be included to either ensure details are up to date and also ask if people wish to join the little black book group!

Unfortunately I don’t know anything about Apps, other than using them of course, but idea good so long as we can limit just to ourselves

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Hi Katie,

It is a wonderful and great idea. In addition what should be added would be the shop that the member would use for his or her maintenance needs (shop name, location and a phone number). The list should be sorted by shop location.

This way if one travels more then say 200 miles from his home (or across the country like Garry did) one can direct the tow truck in the direction of the shop.

I don’t know what our site regulation would be, I would feel comfortable in having the first name and city or town in the list. I don’t think it would be appropriate. I’m sure you plan to discuss this at the next board meeting. I make a print out of the area I travel to of members in that area so that I can post a PM to someone near by also I make a list of possible shops (using Google) looking for shops that service Mercedes, Porsche And other euro cars), before I leave town.

I also carry with me a listing of Mercedes Dealerships that are near by we’re I plan to travel. I have to check I think amount my documents I have a listing of MB Dealerships I cannot remember if it came with my Pagoda or one of my AMG’s

Dieter

[dirkbalter]

I also carry with me a listing of Mercedes Dealerships that are near by we’re I plan to travel.

Rolf-Dieter,

Based on my experience, I would be careful with the dealerships. Most of them do not have the talent any more to work on a pagoda. I further believe that this is nothing they like to work on for that reason. If it doesn't have a computer, telling them the problem, its gets tricky. You are likely better off with a good local mechanic that is somewhat familiar with older German cars.     

[Garry]

I think it is a good idea also. When i did my big trip around the USA i had the names of repair shops that i knew or that i had gathered from our site that i would have trucked my Pagoda to in the event of a break down in addition to some known parts suppliers and also rather than carry spares, had asked certain people to have available such things as fuel pump by Bob Youngman and ready to sent to me where ever i may have been.

Whilst i did not need any of these, it was nice to know  that i had this info if needed. 

Garry

[Merc_Girl]

Hi Katie,

It is a wonderful and great idea. In addition what should be added would be the shop that the member would use for his or her maintenance needs (shop name, location and a phone number). The list should be sorted by shop location.

This way if one travels more then say 200 miles from his home (or across the country like Garry did) one can direct the tow truck in the direction of the shop.

I don’t know what our site regulation would be, I would feel comfortable in having the first name and city or town in the list. I don’t think it would be appropriate. I’m sure you plan to discuss this at the next board meeting. I make a print out of the area I travel to of members in that area so that I can post a PM to someone near by also I make a list of possible shops (using Google) looking for shops that service Mercedes, Porsche And other euro cars), before I leave town.

I also carry with me a listing of Mercedes Dealerships that are near by we’re I plan to travel. I have to check I think amount my documents I have a listing of MB Dealerships I cannot remember if it came with my Pagoda or one of my AMG’s

Dieter

Hi Dieter

I think we may get into sticky ground if we start ‘suggesting’ who may repair cars as could put one in an awkward position if for some reason something went wrong?  May be easy to just keep it simple to start with?

I’m not aware of when the next board meeting is, I was merely floating and idea to get folks thoughts. Maybe one of the Board members could PM me if they pick this up?

I’m not sure what you do not believe would be appropriate (I would feel comfortable in having the first name and city or town in the list. I don’t think it would be appropriate...). Do you mean providing your full address?

Casting my mind back to Triumph days, I believe there was effectively a table with counties (presume we would need countries as well as we wouldn’t want our ‘London’s’ and Birminghams’s mixed up for example..... that could cause even more confusion!.!?), then towns, contact name, contact number, then some tick boxes on what those individuals could help you with, even if just tea and sympathy 😂

[GM]

To keep it simple, my recommendation would be:
City/State/Country
Name
Phone number with text message capability

No personal address info is necessary.
If someone in an area needs help, they look up a participant in a nearby area, and can text that person in the area for recommendations of where to take their car.
No guarantees expressed or implied. YMMV
But at least it's better than nothing.
My 2 cents

[RAY]

Good idea, I would be up for that.

[Hugh]

I think it is a good idea.

I have made a note to bring the idea up at the next board meeting. Thanks for your creativity!

[Merc_Girl]

I think it is a good idea.

I have made a note to bring the idea up at the next board meeting. Thanks for your creativity!

Thank you

I as going to contact Jon Bernardi as hadn’t seen comments from Board members  (albeit I mat may missed)

Maybe have ‘country reps’  maybe for large countries such as USA that may need to be divided up!!,, to update details  rather than leave it to board members to do? Obviously better if there could be an area for folks to update themselves

It can’t be too hard if the little Triumph Owners managed to do this many years back with little technology!,

Anyway, happy to  help if  needed

Katie

Katie

[SEB]

Hello Katie,
great idea, you can count also on me. Unfortunately, I do not have seen a lot response from Europe to this idea, but anyhow it is the beginning.

[yves]

Katie i'd be glad to offer any pagodadriver a safe rest and more on the middle atlantic french coast...

[Pawel66]

I will be in as well.

[MikeSimon]

The BMW Motorcycle Owners Club of America has a booklet that comes out every year. It contains lists of members who offer emergency service. Tools, camp-side, overnight stay, towing, parking, coffee and conversation. Whatever level of support you can and want to offer to someone traveling through or having a problem. 

[Merc_Girl]

Katie i'd be glad to offer any pagodadriver a safe rest and more on the middle atlantic french coast...

Ooh, La Rochelle!! My parents had a home a few miles away some years back, lovely part of the world. Maybe when I take Bessy Benz on a road trip, I can swing by and say hi?

[yves]

Y're welcome.  Have a beer and a swim....and a pagoda talk in the garage 

[Jonny B]

The Board is working on a couple of ideas for this. The dicey part is making sure we stay compliant with the various privacy legalities out there.