Tag Archives: rally

Hagerty Fall Classic – Day 2

Where else, besides a Classic Car Adventures event, can you find yourself driving a Volkswagen Beetle amongst two Alfas, three minis, a Jaguar, a Caterham 7, a Camaro, an RX7, and a Citroen? That’s exactly how my morning started.

Yesterday, despite throughly enjoying the 1958 Beetle I’ve brought, I found myself often wishing I had the power of the Rally Bug (my usual event vehicle of choice). While I can keep up with the group on the flat sections, as soon as the hills appear the ’58 simply can’t keep pace. It was mid morning yesterday when I even waived sweep on to go ahead without me. “A timing adjustment,” I thought, “and moving to mid-grade fuel, should squeeze a couple more horses out of the tired engine I’m using.”

As cars started departing the parking lot after the Driver’s meeting, I quickly tossed my gear in the ’58 and tried to start as close to the first cars as possible. If I start in the front, it will take longer for me to end up all the way in the back! I nosed the car out into the group, and soon we were on the road departing from Goldendale WA.

Our route took us east through Washington farm and wine country, along rolling hills and meandering highways, before heading south into Oregon. As the road meandered, and I followed the group mentioned above, I enjoyed what felt like a touch more power. It’s easy to forget it’s 2018, and instead find yourself looking at the Minis as they dart around corners without (seemingly) any suspension movement. A sharp contrast to the Citroen DS who’s wheels seem to dance independently, while the occupants inside never move due to road conditions. In the absence of traffic, we could be a convoy heading to work in 1968, instead of a rally of enthusiasts out for a fun drive.

At the first gas stop, the Mini’s admitted to me they were holding back to allow me to keep up. I turned my back for a moment, and zip! They were gone from the gas station. I suppose 30 below the speed limit up hill was really cramping their style! No worries, as the Jag, Caterham, Alfas and RX-7 were more than happy to drive with me south to Heppner, where we all found lunch together.

Dining on a Classic Car Adventures event can be an interesting affair. Entrants are typically on their own for lunch, encouraged to support local restaurants along the way. Sometimes, when we all descend upon a small town at once, it can result in some challenges! The poor look on the bartender’s face as we walked into the Tavern in Heppner, and replied “yeah, I think we will” to her question of “are you all going to eat lunch? Roughly twenty of us ordered lunch at once, and as the grill was fired up the exhaust hood in the open kitchen failed.

Secretly, I think our bartender/waitress/chef (she was doing it all herself today) is a classic car owner in another lifetime. She fired up a couple of fans, tossed the multitudes of burgers on the grill and we all made the best of it! When the food arrived, and the smoke dissipated enough that we could see it, we happily discovered it was excellent, and worthy of being “the best place to dine in Heppner”.

Following a hearty lunch, we headed south over mountain passes, through the Umatilla and Ochoco National Forests, carved along canyon walls and eventually popped out at our overnight spot of Prineville OR. Along the way a BMW had to McGyver a repair for a damaged clutch slave cylinder, and a Camaro has started spraying gear oil out of the shifter boot(!), but everyone made it in time for dinner and repairs will be made before morning.

I can’t believe day three is tomorrow, and we only have one day left together…

Thanks, once again, to Andrew Holliday Photography for another stunning preview of images from today’s adventure.

Rush to Gold Bridge – Day Three

As the Rush to Gold Bridge awoke for the third and final day, it was bitter sweet. We had one more day of fantastic roads to enjoy with each other, but it was the last day. Great friends would be saying goodbye before dinner. A couple of our guests, or their cars rather, decided that they should do that earlier!

The Mercedes of Barb and Edwin had developed a mysterious feeling in the steering coming into Hope the night before. A worn tie-rod end was discovered…not unsafe, but the wise move was to head home directly instead of joining the route. Paul’s Saab 96, which earlier had one valve badly out of adjustment, had now reached “horribly out of adjustment”. Paul and Tony would limp it home, discovering once they got home that the push rod decided to leave the rocker assembly entirely, and simply enjoy the ride inside the valve cover. Not one to miss a party, they bee-lined it north to meet the group at the finish.

The rest of us headed off after the driver’s meeting for a west-coast favourite. We travelled up Highway one, into Lytton for a coffee and then over to Lillooet for the traditional gas stop at Lightfoot Gas. Ten years ago, when we started running classic car events, the staff at Lightfoot were always shocked to see a group of classic cars depending upon the pumps. Now, they laugh and say hello to folks who have become regular faces throughout each motoring season.

Departing Lightfoot gas for Pemberton, one must traverse the “Duffey Lake Road”. Years ago this was a gravel gem, but paving in the 90’s has created a brilliant mountain road. We climbed from Lillooet, with gorgeous views of Seton Lake, and then over the divide between BC’s interior desert and the coastal rainforests. As you pass Duffey Lake, towering peaks fill your windshield ahead, and after passing alpine meadow after meadow, it’s into the descent. Harrowing for anyone driving an RV or loaded vehicle, the descent into Mount Currie is a driving enthusiasts dream. The speed limit is 60km, and if you like both your brakes and staying on the pavement, you’d be wise to heed the signs!

As we rolled into the finish at the Black Squirrel Restaurant, it was nothing but smiles. The Duffey, even with a light touch or rain, is far too good to not beam when you’re done. We told exaggerated stories of our tarmac and gravel adventures to one and other, discussed the ideal car we should purchase for next year’s event, and simply enjoyed our final meal together…but before we could depart, there must be some awards!

Taking home the Hard Luck Award was certainly Paul and Tony in the Saab 96. The cylinder head (at minimum) is coming out of the engine bay for some serious overhaul, and from experience we know that only leads to more items needing serious work.

The McGyver award, generally reserved for the best fix, was given to John Hinde for the astounding method he used to ensure his Intermeccanica could finish not only day one, but the entire event. “Astounding?”, you might ask? Well, yes. You see, when it seemed as though a fix might be hopeless, or certainly not forthcoming in a parking lot in the middle of nowhere. John knew just how to encourage the team of friends trying to solve the problem. “I bet there is cold beer at the restaurant tonight,” he’d mention, “I’m definitely going to have to buy some rounds.” Ah yes, nothing like a little encouragement to get the fix happening! Lying half under a car in a puddle of oil, sun beating down on my legs, that cold beer was sounding like very good motivation indeed!

The Spirit of the Rush award is reserved for the person or persons who best shows what it is we’re trying to do here at Classic Car Adventures. Traditionally, on the Rush to Gold Bridge, we prepare a stunning award from a 12” genuine gold-panning pan. This year’s award was carefully packed into the Mini, and made it all the way to our first road-side stop where we did a wheel bearing adjustment. A couple of days later I asked Mark “hey, have you seen the Spirit Award?” We couldn’t recall when we had last seen it, but a review of my phone’s photos told the tale. Mark, you see, had placed the award on the roof to get to the tools. That is where the award was last seen…neither of us put it back into the mini’s trunk.

For this year’s Spirit of the Rush award, we thought it appropriate to honour a gentleman who’s often working on the CCA team, and thus isn’t really eligible for an award. On the Rush to Gold Bridge, however, he takes a full vacation from his restoration shop, a full vacation from his usual role as sweep on our events, and this year invited his son to join him. His love for classics is infectious, and his knowledge across makes and models almost unbelievable. One minute his tuning weber carburetors, the next he’s fixing a Porsche headlight, and moments later identifying why a door doesn’t quite fit right. “If we just tweak it here…” and suddenly it fits better than new. And so, this year, we presented Robert Maynard with the Spirit of the Rush award…hastily remade with a roadside Pie Plate and a spare decal. Hmmm…maybe we should take that McGyver award back?

With the awards presented, there was just one final task before our departure. All weekend our guests had been trying on my Roue Watch, asking about the various styles, and imagining what one might look like on their own wrists. In Colorado, we drew a single car number and presented the two watches to driver and co-driver. For the Rush to Gold Bridge, we decided to draw individual names, and see where they might end up. Jim McLagan and Paul Westwick were both excited to head home sporting new watches on their wrist!

2018 Rush to Gold Bridge – Day Two

On each of our classic car adventures, it’s not uncommon to see cars being worked on in the parking lot. Most cars get a quick check over at the end of the day to confirm things are alright, and others get a little deeper into their tool box. Our Spring events seem to have more parking lot fettling than our fall events, but the Rush to Gold Bridge sure tries to upset the scales!

When John & Marci’s Intermeccania arrived to our Friday night hotel, I was expecting that they would need a quick inspection of our roadside oil pan repair. Instead, they required a full front end inspection to see how much damage hitting a deer at 70kph had done! I guess bad luck comes in multiples, and John might be looking over his shoulder the rest of the weekend. Fortunately, with the exception of some scratches and new fur accents, the car was relatively unscathed.

Paul and Tony were burning the midnight oil adjusting the valves on the Saab 96, it seems that while most were within .005” from the factory specs, one valve was almost 0.25” out of spec. Hmmm…that is going to need some careful attention this weekend! Helen and Chase discovered their front wheel bearing was a little loose…about 8 full turns of the adjusting nut loose, but fortunately that was caught right before leaving on Saturday Morning.

Perhaps the most fun, however, was the Lancia Beta. After filling up with fuel Robert returned to the hotel to discover it didn’t want to run, and certainly wanted to backfire out the exhaust sounding like a 30-6 hunting rifle! Usually a CCA event books out the entire hotel, and morning tuning sessions aren’t a problem…but this time we were all rather apologetic while the Lancia (and a failed condensor) were sorted out.

With everyone finally running, it was off to the town of Hedley via a favourite of ours, Old Hedley Road. Despite the 60 km/h speed limit, the fresh pavement and twisting curves make for a wonderful driving experience, and the perfect start to a day of motoring.

In the town of Hedley, the gravel route turned off onto Hedley-Nickel Plate road, and immediately started a steep switch back climb up the mountain. Given the challenges of yesterday’s gravel road, I was surprised to find out that, once again, every car on the event had chosen to do the gravel route. We were rewarded with a freshly graded climb, and stunning views of the switch back route once you arrive at the top.

Originally a pack-mule route, the road has seen little changes on the climb over the decades, but remains surprisingly smooth given the grade. The road eventually pops out a the Nickel Plate Gold mine, before becoming a gravel highway to the top of Apex Mountain. Along the way you pass historic cemeteries and the foundations from ghost towns, if you know where to look.

Apex Mountain is one of B.C.’s hidden skiing gems, and the route book suggested exploring the site to check out the ski hills. In the summer you can drive all the way to the top, where some guests found historic fire equipment. With exploration and views complete, we began the paved ascent down into the Valley, where we hit another CCA favourite paved road. Green Mountain road has all the twists and turns to entertain, and is sufficiently off the beaten path to give you the impression you’re the only one who’s driven it this week. As we got closer to B.C.’s wine country, the group split. Half of us took the gravel to Keremeos, while the other half went to explore some winery’s in Oliver. Eventually, after an afternoon of travels, we met up at our overnight location of Hope B.C.

293 Wallace was our dinner host for the evening, intending to be a culinary surprise for our guests from the Organizer. The tables were turned, however, as the guests conspired to host an impromptu birthday celebration for the organizer! The Rush to Gold Bridge, you see, was originally “Dave’s Birthday Touring Adventure”. Long before it became an official CCA event, the idea was to simply get out on my birthday weekend and enjoy a car challenge with friends. Over the course of a few years, the idea for the event morphed into what has become the Rush to Gold Bridge. With the addition of “Happy Birthday”, and two birthday cakes, our planned four course meal became a five course meal featuring an extra dessert course for the entire group!

Eventually we retired to bed, stomachs full and minds full of anticipation for our final day of driving, and more favourite roads to end the event.

The morning climb out of Hedley was fantastic.

Dave's Birthday Party was a hit!

"I dunno, can you get a signal?"

Group wheel bearing session...

Helen providing the lighting for Paul's wrenching session. The favour would be repayed in the morning!

Roue Watch supports the Rush to Gold Bridge, and two lucky entrants will go home with a new watch each.

Hagerty Silver Summit – Day Two

When we awoke in Telluride, it was to clear skies and incredible views. Towering peaks of granite, lightly snow topped, rising up beyond our condos to blue skies. Below, an eclectic selection of classic cars awaiting more twisty roads. My Instagram started pinging updates at about 7am, a number of entrants were posting photos of their morning coffee along with a classic car and the mountain view. Collectively we all had the same message; “a wonderful thing to wake up to”.

With the driver’s meeting over, we began our descent from Telluride into a route which would take us from rugged rocky mountains with towering pine trees, through desert scrubland and into red rock canyons carved by years of water and river movements. While travelled just 366 miles over the day, it was like changing worlds completely. The Canyons surrounding Moab seemingly having zero connection to the peaks of Telluride..

Our group explored Hole N” the Wall, a famous 50’s road-side stop that still holds all the charm and leaves the impression of stepping back in time. Some toured Arches National park, taking in the wonder of massive stone arches formed by wind and water erosion. Some enjoyed Colorado National Monument, a twisting road with breath-taking views of stone spires, coke ovens and other geological formations. We had shared the same roads, but enjoyed different experiences throughout the day.

Dinner tonight was a gathering of friends, a chance to share stories of the day, and to show off plaid purchases in the past year. Apparently we now have an unofficial “Plaid Party” on Saturday nights! Dave’s love of flannel and plaid is clearly rubbing off of the Colorado natives. As dinner wound to a close, tools were borrowed and parts were sourced, and the party continued outside in the parking lot. A Datsun was getting some cooling fan work, a beetle was needing a hand brake adjustment, another Datsun was getting some cosmetic adjustments. A 914 hosted the “roof top bar”, and friendships (new and old) were celebrated.

As we drove today, through incredible views and changing scenery, I was struck by how different the areas were, our cars were, and our different walks of life. I enjoyed the Rally Bug as Erik Bergman, Jacob Fielding, and Ross Nellums all took a turn at driving it. Each had a slightly different take on the car, but collectively could agree why I love it so much. As we drove along, discussing work, cars and life…I one again enjoyed that events like these are so much more than the cars, the roads, or the scenery. The thing that makes the Hagerty Silver Summit so special is the people.

Enthusiasts gathered for one single reason; to enjoy classic car motoring on fantastic roads. Does it get any better than this?

(Special thanks to Andrew Snucins and Dan Evans for another day of absolutely incredible photography.)

SS2018 – Day One

How do you put the perfect day into words?

I’m honestly not sure it’s possible to share the beauty of today with those who didn’t get to experience it. Last year, as I led the driver’s meeting inside at the beginning of the Silver Summit, I was looking out to a foot and half of snow in Golden Colorado. This year, outside in a t-shirt and shorts, we basked in the sun of Clifton as I went over the usual driving expectations. First year guests were asked to raise their hands, but already they were becoming close friends. Our unofficial Thursday night welcoming party was possibly trumped by the “pre-party” parking lot gathering that occurred while waiting for cabs to dinner. By the time we started Friday morning, everyone was at least somewhat acquainted. “What car did you bring?”, “Oh, how did you hear about the event.” Friendships, which prove to be long term, were being formed.

We began the day by climbing up the Grand Mesa, a risky choice for anyone in a classic car. If you can make it to the top without overheating or a mechanical failure, you’re probably going to survive the whole weekend without problem. It’s steep, and long, and sure to test your car to the max. Once on top, however, the altitude and melting snow help to cool cars as they head south towards Delta. We looped slightly north and then dropped down into Gateway, where a number of guests stopped at the Gateway Canyons Resort for lunch and a tour of the auto museum on site.

Following lunch, we pointed our cars south on highway 141 and perhaps my favourite road in all of North America. Certainly one my top three. The Gateway Canyon highway follows the Dolores River has it snakes its way left and right. The highway is a combination of 180 degree bends, tight 90’s and fast flowing sweepers. Remote and desolate, one carves along the canyons enjoying beautiful red rock cliffs and views of the flowing river. For our journey, we shared the road with 914’s, a 911, the Fiat Spider, a Datsun 240z and a Healey Sprite. Corners were carved, suspensions were loaded, steering wheels gripped, as we wound our way through twenty-nine miles of incredible twisties.

Soon we were leaving the desert and climbing towards the town of Telluride. The heat of the desert made way for the cooling breeze of mountain evergreens, appreciated by both car and crews alike. We arrived at the Mountain Lodge Telluride, where the group enjoyed a cocktail party in the log-home-style lodge, followed by the traditional group dinner. As I travelled from table to table to see how the day went, two themes became apparent. Our group loved the roads and fun driving, but appreciated the chance to spend time with fellow car enthusiasts the most. Epic mountain views, a fantastic parking lot party, and incredible machinery was all just icing on the cake…

A huge thank you to Andrew Snucins and Dan Evans for their stunning photography.

2017 Sea to Sky Thanksgiving Run

This morning Vancouver classic car enthusiasts woke up to blue skies and sunshine, and thus a huge crowd of classic cars met up in North Vancouver for the annual Sea to Sky Thanksgiving Run. After a short parking-lot show and shine, while we waited for everyone to arrive, there was a quick driver’s meeting and we were off!

The group enjoys a drive North on the famous Sea to Sky highway, where twists and turns swap between hugging cliff edges on one side, and ocean views on the other. Along the way you may find yourself driving with a group of pre-war cars, early volkswagens, European sports cars, Italians, American Hot-Rods or an example from pretty much any enthusiast area of interest.

Our destination was the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, where the group enjoys coffee, morning pastries and a chance to really check out each other’s vehicles. As per our tradition, donations for the Squamish food bank were collected. This year we raised just over $450 in cash donations, and enough food to take up the parking space of an entire Volkswagen in the garage!

We’ll post more photos as we have them, but here’s a selection from Dave and Warwick

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2017 Hagerty Maple Mille – Day Three

“How did you find these roads?”, I was asked at our finish. “We’ve lived here all our lives, and travel up here almost every weekend in the summer and we’ve never driven those roads…”

With the sun rising on Lake Simcoe, and the morning mist slowly burning off, a number of cars made use of the lakeside lawn for early morning photos. Not having the keys for the Mustang, I made my way to the breakfast room. Inside, groups of friends new and old were already seated and eating, and the effects of our late night gathering were clearly non-existent. You could feel the anticipation for another great day of motoring.

Departing Jackson’s Point, we headed counter-clockwise around the lake, on a route not usually used by most people. Typically when travelling the east side of Lake Simcoe, one endures the straights of highway 48, 12 and then 169 on the north side. A closer look at the map, however, and you’ll notice a shoreline ribbon of tarmac that follows almost the whole lake, with wonderful views to compliment your morning drive.

On the north end, we explored Cooper’s Falls, Housey Rapids, and then almost into Gravenhurst before turning south for a portion of CCA’s favourite Ontario road. With the afternoon beginning it was time to head towards our finish, at the Erindale Aerodrome.

The Aerodrome was packed with classic cars, all attending the Hagerty Family Funfest weekend. As our group of cars rolled into the show grounds, it was clear we were a little more dusty than the show cars already on the field! Having just finished roughly 1100km of driving over the past three days, however, we were welcomed with great interest from a number of the other attendees.

The Hagerty Maple Mille group retired to the Hanger for Lunch, a much needed cold beverage and a chance to share our final stories and goodbyes. Mike Kieley was awarded the Hagerty Spirit of the Maple Mille Award, for his efforts in ensuring Scott Gray would still make the event. When Scott’s 356 motor gave up the ghost in final testing, Mike wouldn’t accept Scott’s cancellation. “Take my ’74 Targa,” he insisted, “it would be a shame if you missed the event.”

And that, really, is the type of people we get to share our weekend with. Wonderful Car guys and gals who love classic cars, driving great roads, and getting to meet new and wonderful friends. We’re already planning the 2018 route for the Hagerty Maple Mille, mark your Calendars for September 21^st to 23^rd2018!

Photos of the day were provided by our talented photographer Ralph Saulnier

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Additional photos of the Maple Mille, by CCA’s Dave Hord

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