SCOTT: Last year taught us a lot of things. Like packing an umbrella; but forecasts for this Saturday promise nothing but clear skies -- so sunscreen may be the better choice.

And come early. Woodward is already filling up with classic cars and classic onlookers. Some -- I'd venture to guess that they're retirees -- showed up Tuesday as early as 10 a.m. to grab a prime piece of sidewalk along Woodward.

TOM: And it's only a matter of time before RVs begin to park on the green strips along Woodward, mostly in the area around Roseland Cemetery in Berkley.

You're absolutely right about using sunscreen on Saturday; I'm famous for my 'Seattle tan,' so I use some stuff with an SPF rating of about 500; basically, it's a sweater in a tube. Cruisers and spectators might consider packing some of those moist towelettes; throw them in a lunch box with a cold pack for that refreshing, cool feeling.

SCOTT: This is only my third Cruise, so I'm not as steeped in towel-etiquette. But I do see this event growing more and more. This year, Detroit muscled into the action with its Cruisin' Motor Cities and kicked off events over last weekend.

Today there's 'Model T's Live' from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Campus Martius, downtown. During the Tigers game, Comerica Park will pay tribute to the Woodward Dream Cruise; there'll be displays and merchandise adjacent to the main park entrance. After the game, music and other festivities will take place around the ballpark.

And for the carnivores among you, don't forget the special Big Boy's at the Michigan State Fairgrounds -- at Eight Mile and Woodward -- where they're creating the biggest outdoor drive-in in the world Friday and Saturday. Big Boy will activate the 'way back machine' with roller-skating carhops who will deliver BBs and Slim Jims right to your car.

TOM: OK, let's talk about cruisers: If you're motoring on Woodward, but you're not in a classic/collectible car, please limit yourself to the two median (left) lanes and let all the classic Detroit iron occupy the two right lanes. That way, curbside spectators can get a closer look at the good stuff.

You won't be arrested or hassled if you drive in the right two lanes in your late model car, but c'mon, do the right thing!

SCOTT: There should be a 'no minivan' rule in effect on Saturday along Woodward, as those family haulers screwed up more than a few photos last year. But the roads are technically open for everyone.

I also learned that while driving along the strip, don't try to prove to people that your 1969 'Cuda is a hybrid: able to burn gas and rubber.

Police are everywhere during the Cruise and nothing is more embarrassing than seeing a 600-horsepower menacing machine pulled over by a police officer in spandex on a bicycle.

TOM: Here are a few tips about scoping out the classic cars up close:

SCOTT: Don't touch it.

TOM: Take all the photos you want, but keep snarky comments to yourself. The man who spent his life savings and countless hours working on his dream machine doesn't need to hear that you're just a Mopar Man.

SCOTT: Don't let your kids touch it.

TOM: Be considerate. It's not your car. Opening up the door and sitting down in the driver's seat is not merely a faux pas; it could cost you a few teeth.

SCOTT: Keep your paws off it. Mind your strollers. And a couple of collectors told me that women with big purses never realize they're scratching a car door as they lean over to look inside. The same goes for the guy sporting the Dale Earnhardt Memorial belt buckle. It's OK to drool, just don't drool over them, it tarnishes the shine.

TOM: Most of all, just enjoy yourself. Please look for us out on Woodward the rest of this week. I'll be the cool, white haired dude in the 2009 Mustang GT convertible. Scott will be the one walking.

SCOTT: That's because the cars may make the best photos, but the people have the best stories. So there.