A big thanks to Steve Malins and Larry Sutton from the Vancouver Mini Club, who have written a couple of stories about the 2009 Spring Thaw Adventure for the club’s “Mini Scooper” newsletter. We’ve reprinted their stories for you below!

Spring Thaw Classic Car Adventure 2009
by Steve Malins

I must admit I’m a little sceptical of something new, I like to see something proven before I’ll jump in. This is due to the fact that I’ve seen some good ideas go in the toilet because nobody thought things through. Often our club will hear about a new event someone has just created but in the end it’s a big letdown. There are occasions though when I am pleasantly surprised (and even wowed) by the precision of a first-time event. The Chinatown Mini Dragon a few years ago was one of those times. The 2009 Spring Thaw was absolutely another. Continue reading →

I think most would agree that the social aspect of the Spring Thaw was what made it so memorable.  The great roads and weather certainly contributed, but both Dave and I are still buzzing about all the great people we met! We’ve already announced next year’s Spring Thaw date, but that seems so far away and there is an entire summer ahead of us to enjoy our classic cars.

We thought the best way to keep the buzz going was to build an online ‘hub’ and invite all the Spring Thaw’ers and other crazy car friends to join in!  Another great aspect of the Spring Thaw was the variety of cars that entered. Many of us are already in clubs that are specific to the type of car we drive, but we think there is a great opportunity to bring people together as a whole.

Throughout the summer there are numerous historic races,  car shows, rallies, and other good excuses for road trips. We have started a discussion forum where you can talk shop, plan socials and road trips, and generally keep the enthusiasm alive!

First up, if anyone is interested in joining us, Dave and I are planning a day trip from Vancouver to Kelowna to watch the final day of the Knox Mountain Hillclimb on Sunday, May 17th. It is North America’s longest running hillclimb, and usually has a fantastic variety of cars.  Pack a picnic, fill up the tank, and let’s go!

The town of Port Alberni has long been following the motorsports escapades of Dave Koszegi – from his days competing in the Canadian Rally Championship to his Targa Newfoundland effort in 2007. Shayne Morrow of the Alberni Valley Times put together a great article about the Spring Thaw last week. He writes about the event itself, and also includes the story behind Dave’s Porsche 356!  Click “more” below to read the full story…

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With only six days left before we all meet in Squamish, we have to wonder…are we the only ones not-quite-ready?

Event wise everything is set, and like you we are just eagerly awaiting the days to count down to registration. On the car side, however, we're perhaps a little behind schedule. I know that my white board originally had this weekend set aside as more of a 'final cosmetics' and mountain biking weekend. I'm know Warwick was planning on skiing the final two days of the Telus Ski and Snowboard festival. But here we are, cars on axle stands…hanging out in the garage.

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The Squamish Chief has a short article about the Spring Thaw in today’s paper (April 24, 2009), encouraging locals to come check out the cars at the start of the event. One week to go! (Click image to see full size)

The Spring Thaw is fast approaching, participants are busy in their garages getting cars ready, and the route is looking great!  All registered participants were sent an email on Sunday with more info about preparation, start location, and other details (if you didn't get it, let us know!). For those of you unable to make the full weekend, there is still an opportunity to join us at various points along the route.  Here are some details to help you rendezvous with us!

FRIDAY, MAY 1 – OFFICIAL START – SQUAMISH, BC
We know you probably like historic machinery of all kinds, so we thought we’d start the event at the West Coast Railway Association’s Heritage Park in Squamish. Google Map

The best time to come check out all the cars would be between 12:00-2:00pm when everyone has signed in and final preparations are being made before the start. Take some extra time and check out the Railway Heritage Park!

SATURDAY, MAY 2 – SUNPEAKS RESORT, BC
Perhaps you're located closer to the interior of BC?  Well, head on over to Sunpeaks in the Kamloops area on Saturday afternoon! Spring Thaw cars will be arriving around 4:00pm, and we're planning to meet up with some local car club members outside the Village Day Lodge. The drive up to Sunpeaks is a great road, so come join us!  Google Map

SUNDAY, MAY 3 – HOPE, BC
And finally, after a weekend of adventuring through BC, the cars will be arriving in Hope, BC for a Lion's Club fundraiser BBQ lunch, where the cars will be on display. We will be arriving around 12:30pm at the Hope Curling Rink – about an hour's drive from Vancouver. Google Map

We hope to see you out there, and hopefully next year, you can play hooky from work too and join us for the whole trip!