Testimonials

 From: Mark A
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 3:01 AM
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Subject: Bent poles

Hi --

I have a 10x12 Cottonwood shade shelter, which I have had for several years now (maybe 5 or so years -- the memory is not what it used to be).  I love it (more on that later).  A couple of years ago I had it up and a pretty stiff wind storm came along suddenly.  I did not have it completely guyed out and it took a tumble.  Completely my fault, but it came as a big surprise, and I was alone in the campsite at the time so I had all I could do to save the whole thing from sailing off.  The net effect was that two of the curved sections of the poles got bent.  Otherwise it survived fine.  Well, since it is integral to my group-camping gear, I just bought another one, rather than to do without, and the broken one has been sitting in its bag.  (Silly me.)

Now with the new season upon us, I decided to do something about it.  I can probably get the sections straightened in a metal shop, as they are bent but not crimped. But before I go through the hassle of finding someone who can do that, I thought I'd see what it would cost to get replacements.  Can you tell me what two pre-curved sections will cost, shipped to NYC (10022)?

I do a lot of motorcycle camping and often take the Cottonwood with me.  It is hardly backpacking or mc-touring weight, so it is impractical to take touring for one night camping, but if I am staying more than a day or two in one place, I usually tote it.  It has been from Maine to North Carolina with me.

I also have a 10x12 screen room that gets a lot of duty in our motorcycle racing pits.  I love the flexibility to raise and lower and switch canopies as the sun moves and the need for shade changes.  I wish I had bought the 12x12 -- same with the Cottonwoods.

I also recently bought a shower shelter.  I admit, it seemed a little overkill, and it will not likely see the back of my motorcycle, but I got a soiled return pretty cheap (at Campmor), so I thought I'd give it a try.  I am sure my friends will give me endless grief about the shower shelter, but at least I'll smell good. ;-)

I love your products, and I get a lot of admiring looks at the camping areas.

I look forward to your reply.

Thanks.

Mark

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On Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 6:18 PM, Jason Rogers < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it > wrote:

Hi Mark,

            First of all, I would love to see some pictures from the pits with our gear in view it it's at all possible to e-mail them. Chances are we'll use them on our site.

As for your Cottonwood, we have to repair the damaged poles. Poles from that time are no longer produced in the same way. But we can fix good as new. Just give me a call when you have a chance so I can get some more info from you and give you a return authorization number. We're here Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, PST. I look forward to hearing from you. Happy trails!

Sincerely,

Jason
Customer Service

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On Tue, Jun 24, 2008 at 10:59 PM, Mark Amrhein < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it > wrote:
Thanks, Jason.  I don't recall having taken any pictures specifically of the equipment in our pits.  The Cottonwood or the screen room may show up incidentally in the background, but certainly none that display it prominently. I took a quick cruise through my old pictures just to see if I had taken a "vista" shot that I did not recall, but it is a daunting task to look at all events over several years.  I recall having some pics of a camping trip in 2005(?) to vintage auto races at Lime Rock, CT, with some MC buddies that show the screen room pretty well, but I can't find the folder right now.  Argghh. I'll look again later.

Thanks for the info on the repair.  I'll call you in he next day or so.

Mark
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From: Mark A

Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 4:34 PM
To: Jason Rogers
Subject: Re: Bent poles
 
Attached are some pix from Bonneville Speed Week, August 2004.  Hope you like them.

The bike under the shelter belongs to Jon W. of Marquette, MI, also known as "Seldom Seen Slim."  He was my pit-mate.  The red bike in the foreground of one is my bike, a Cagiva Mito 125, and a record breaker that meet.

The one picture shows social hour, demonstrating that the Cottonwood works and plays.  I even got the logo in one, entirely by accident. ;-)

Mark.

Cottonwood canopy shading bike and people

Cottonwood Canopy working for shading working.

 This is a fast motorcycle!