Why We Looked Forward to the South Shore Cruise and Barbecue

The year of the double twenty hasn’t been a particularly good year for the members of TOCNYS, or anyone for that matter. The global pandemic has affected many of the planned meets for this group. It has especially affected the Long Island and NYC contingents, several of whom are in the healthcare field. Fortunately, now New York State is in a better situation than it was a few months ago, and the State has gradually opened up, albeit with caution.

It was for the reasons mentioned above that members of the Long Island and NYC contingents of TOCNYS were looking eagerly to the South Shore Cruise and Barbecue, hosted by Regional Director – Keith Spiro. Located in what is known as the outer barrier of Long island in southern Nassau County, village of Island Park, the waterfront home of Keith Spiro was the staging area for this long awaited event. For many it was a relief and a well-deserved break from the uncertainties of the year. On Sunday October 11th eleven Teslas, including two Model Xs and nine model 3s, converged at Keith’s home. Two other members, both model 3 owners, would later join us on route.

Eleven Teslas quietly roared down the streets of Island Park. We headed towards Lido Blvd where we all took a brief photo break at the parking lot of the local marina. The blanket of boats on the marina went well with the blanket of Teslas that covered the marina’s parking lot. The inquisitive harbor master was in awe and amazement. He had never seen so many Teslas in one place before. Our members were more than happy to quench the harbor master’s curiosity and answered all of his questions. The brief respite gave our members an opportunity to view and admire the customizations some have made to their Teslas.

Off we went, from the marina, to our next destination – the famous Jones beach water tower. The water tower sits precisely where Ocean Parkway meets Wantagh Parkway, towering 231 feet above the parkways and Jones beach itself. Down Ocean Parkway, our procession of Teslas cruised. Being Teslas, it was the quietest procession of vehicles that ever came down the parkway. Awaiting us, at the water tower, were TOCNYS members Gary Sappelsa, and Steven De Sosa. There we lined up and parked in single, half-moon, file with the two Model Xs capping off the rear. The half-moon shape was due to us parking by the large traffic circle that surrounds the water tower and connects the two parkways. We stretched our legs, took some photos and videos, and conversed all things Tesla. One member even had a skeleton as his riding companion. We all joked it was to take advantage of the HOV lane, or perhaps it was due to Tesla’s insanely quick acceleration.

Unfortunately, one of our member’s drone suffered an attack while filming our rendezvous. A bird swooped down on his drone, and unfortunately for the bird, the bird was no more. His drone did survive the attack and the ground impact, thus giving credit to the build quality of his drone.

From the water tower we headed to nearby Richard L Brooks Memorial Park. Its expansive parking lot was the perfect place for our second to last destination. Towering behind our Teslas was Old Glory herself, flapping majestically above the lot and the beach. A few bikers were also their along with a 1960s era corvette stingray and a classic Jaguar. Side by side, in a straight line all our Teslas parked. The model Xs, like bookends parked at our flanks. When both model Xs opened their falcon wing doors, some onlookers even began to take notice and quickly took out their phones for a few pictures and videos of the rare sighting of a Tesla pack. After all, you can see individual Teslas here and there but it is rare to see a pack of Teslas.

Our day culminated with a cruise back to the Spiro home. Along ocean parkway, bicyclists, and joggers waved at our procession of Teslas. Once at the Spiro home, we all converged in the spacious backyard that borders a canal. Where we watched two beautiful white swans swimming along the canal, and we played with Xena and Adrian, the two beautiful German shepherds that are a part of the Spiro family. We ate, we talked, we laughed, and we shared all things Tesla; we reminisced at the day’s events…  It was a beautiful day, indeed, and it was made possible thanks to the Spiro family for graciously hosting and welcoming us to their home.

As I’m writing this, I can’t help but be amazed at how Tesla has brought us all together. Individuals from all walks of life, who have one major thing in common, their love and passion for Tesla. A company that has turned the automotive world upside down and has upended the status quo.  I cannot think of another automobile company that is able to bring joy and a sense of camaraderie to so many. I cannot think of another automobile company where so many owners are willing to go out of their way to help other owners. The fact of the matter is when you purchase a Tesla, not only do you get a terrific EV, you get a wonderful community… All while making the world better place.

‍