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Posted by: Tobra Feb 1 2006, 03:31 PM

Pretty darn fun, not a race, a rally on some scenic mountain roads

Check it out, it is 500 miles, starts in Sacramento and overnights at CalNeva. This will be my 4th time. Last weekend in April, but if you are interested you best hop to it.http://www.alpine500.com
It is for 1975 and older, but I am sure if you have a 1976, they would cut you some slack

Posted by: lapuwali Feb 1 2006, 03:53 PM

This has been on my TODO list for years, and I usually forget about it and miss the event. I'm going to put it on my calendar for this year, and really make an effort. ALL of my cars are 1975 or older, so I can drive whatever seems to be running the best in April. I wouldn't put money on the 914 being in shape by then. The FIAT, however...

Posted by: Flat VW Feb 1 2006, 04:13 PM

Wow, cool event.

John

Posted by: jgara962 Feb 1 2006, 04:13 PM

That looks pretty cool. Think I'll check it out.

Posted by: lapuwali Feb 1 2006, 04:20 PM

So, the website is spectactularly unhelpful. Is this just a group drive? A TSD rally? A poker run? What? How much to enter? How limited is the entry? It looks like there's one overnight stop. I presume they provide hotel reservations, at least...

Posted by: jgara962 Feb 1 2006, 04:34 PM

QUOTE (lapuwali @ Feb 1 2006, 02:20 PM)

So, the website is spectactularly unhelpful. Is this just a group drive? A TSD rally? A poker run? What? How much to enter? How limited is the entry? It looks like there's one overnight stop. I presume they provide hotel reservations, at least...

No kidding. Looks like it starts (and hopefully ends) in Sacramento with an overnight stay at the Cal Neva lodge in Tahoe. I sent them an e-mail for details and cost.

Posted by: lapuwali Feb 1 2006, 07:04 PM

Posted by: fiid Feb 1 2006, 07:28 PM

I might be in to this if the car is running.

Posted by: Tobra Feb 1 2006, 07:31 PM

Sorry, posted and bolted

It is $280, includes the hotel room, breakfast on Saturday at start(In Sacto, across the street from the Rubicon Brewery), coffee bagels. You take a a circuitous route, which has included highway 16, 88 and 395 in the past, arriving at the CalNeva casino. Also includes dinner where we happen to end up, last year at a Winery near Pollock Pines, was at the Towe Ford Museum a few years ago, and the first one ended up in Isleton(Delta town not far from Locke) You get a few T-shirts for driver and co-driver, have had pins, armbands and other stuff too, as well as the vinyl numbers. I already got 14, but 47 should still be available. It is a good time, with a wide diversity of cars and people. Last year the coolest car(to me anyway) was a ratty Lotus 7 that was screamin fast. There was a guy with a Alfa Romeo Montreal the first few years that was the coolest Italian rig I have ever seen in person, and I have been to Pebble Beach for the Concours.

Limited to 50, and it filled up the last two years. Not timed, but they do run your ass all over, one lane roads, water crossing, covered bridges, rain or shine, snow or sun. Have not had to put chains on, but saw snow the first year.

Posted by: neo914-6 Feb 1 2006, 07:36 PM

My friend from LA ran his 2002 Tii last year and had alot of fun. I posted about this event http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=26643&hl= It would be nice if more 914's were represented...

Posted by: Tobra Feb 1 2006, 08:19 PM

QUOTE (neo914-6 @ Feb 1 2006, 05:36 PM)

My friend from LA ran his 2002 Tii last year and had alot of fun. I posted about this event http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=26643&hl= It would be nice if more 914's were represented...

Does the Tii have a REALLY loud paint job? Nice car. A 914 has not run this rally, though the organizer has a sweet 912, and there was a guy with the nicest 356 I have ever seen in 2003.

Hopefully at least one 914 will finish, I know at least one will start

Posted by: Howard Feb 1 2006, 08:24 PM

Looks like a hoot. Wonder if I could spend the whole summer doing stuff like this???

Posted by: jgara962 Feb 1 2006, 08:27 PM

QUOTE (Tobra @ Feb 1 2006, 05:31 PM)

Sorry, posted and bolted It is $280, includes the hotel room, breakfast on Saturday at start(In Sacto, across the street from the Rubicon Brewery), coffee bagels. You take a a circuitous route, which has included highway 16, 88 and 395 in the past, arriving at the CalNeva casino. Also includes dinner where we happen to end up, last year at a Winery near Pollock Pines, was at the Towe Ford Museum a few years ago, and the first one ended up in Isleton(Delta town not far from Locke) You get a few T-shirts for driver and co-driver, have had pins, armbands and other stuff too, as well as the vinyl numbers. I already got 14, but 47 should still be available. It is a good time, with a wide diversity of cars and people. Last year the coolest car(to me anyway) was a ratty Lotus 7 that was screamin fast. There was a guy with a Alfa Romeo Montreal the first few years that was the coolest Italian rig I have ever seen in person, and I have been to Pebble Beach for the Concours. Limited to 50, and it filled up the last two years. Not timed, but they do run your ass all over, one lane roads, water crossing, covered bridges, rain or shine, snow or sun. Have not had to put chains on, but saw snow the first year.

Is it $280/person or team?

Posted by: Tobra Feb 2 2006, 03:35 PM

$280 a car(team) you can get a room with two beds, or one bed if you are sleeping with your co-driver. I would really hope someone else will go too, so when I get stranded, someone will know what to do It has started in the same funeral parlor lot each year, but different final destination and various routes to and from Tahoe.

Posted by: lapuwali Feb 2 2006, 03:46 PM

I emailed the guy, but no answer yet. I'm intending to go, if I ever hear from this guy. It's unlikely I'll take the 914, more likely the FIAT. My wife will co-drive. Sounds like bringing a toolbag would be a good idea. :-)

Alfa Montreals are pretty cool. They're a 2.6L V8 made by taking two 1300cc Alfa twincam top-ends and putting them on a common crank. They have the Alfa equivalent of MFI, with two four-cylinder injection pumps bolted end-to-end to get one 8-cylinder injection pump. They chassis wasn't so hot, and unfortunately the engine was never put into anything really sporty.

Posted by: jgara962 Feb 2 2006, 04:10 PM

I e-mailed the guy too, but no response yet.

Since I'm getting most of my information here, do you rally up, spend the night, and rally home, or is the event just on the way up to Tahoe?

$280/per team sounds good. I'm working on my navigator, chances are I will go if I can get some info from the organizers.

Posted by: Tobra Feb 3 2006, 08:35 AM

Rally up and back, 500 miles(approximately) with an overnite at the CalNeva(do the tunnel tour, it is pretty interesting). End of second day they will feed you dinner, so you can commiserate with your fellow ralliers. Few years ago they screened that movie about that Mexican road race with all the old iron, can't recall the name, Pink Floyd(Maybe just Roger Waters) soundtrack at the Towe Museum. Last year, it rained for a good part of it, but cleared up for a stellar wine and brick oven pizza at a winery. Sitting out on that deck overlooking the fields, watching the sunset

Posted by: lapuwali Feb 3 2006, 09:45 AM

I got a reply, and he wanted a snail mail address for a paper application. In transit.

There's another event in a similar spirit called the California Melee that runs in September in the Napa/Sonoma area.

Posted by: Tobra Feb 3 2006, 03:40 PM

Fair number of guys had the stickers from the Melee at all the rallys, is there a website for the California Melee, mille, whatever.

This guy is a school teacher, so he may be busy working while you are waiting for a reply.

Posted by: jgara962 Feb 3 2006, 04:27 PM

QUOTE (Tobra @ Feb 3 2006, 01:40 PM)

Fair number of guys had the stickers from the Melee at all the rallys, is there a website for the California Melee, mille, whatever. This guy is a school teacher, so he may be busy working while you are waiting for a reply.

I did a search for the California Melee and it came right up. Looks like another good event, except over three days during Labor Day weekend. Might be ready to kill my navigator after that much time in the car together

Posted by: lapuwali Feb 3 2006, 05:13 PM

QUOTE (Tobra @ Feb 3 2006, 01:40 PM)

Fair number of guys had the stickers from the Melee at all the rallys, is there a website for the California Melee, mille, whatever. This guy is a school teacher, so he may be busy working while you are waiting for a reply.

There's a California Melee AND a California Mille event. The latter is basically Pebble Beach on the move. Very different kind of event.

Posted by: jimtab Feb 4 2006, 12:05 AM

Yeah, and the Mille won't accept 914s or even (shock) 911s...only cars that might have run in the old Mille Mille in Italy before it was discontinued...they get some bitchin cars tho...starts from Nob hill in SF

Posted by: Tobra Feb 25 2006, 11:30 AM

Got my stuff back on this I got number 14, so tough luck if you wanted that.

They give preference to people that have done it before, so they are probably going through those still. I imagine they do a mass mailing to the guys from last year.

Oh yeah, pre party is at Swabby's again, ends up at that winery/bed and breakfast in Fairplay(Fitzpatrick) Hope it is nice weather, had a stellar view off that deck

Posted by: Flat VW Feb 25 2006, 01:38 PM

I'm hoping my entry stuff will arrive soon.

John

Posted by: Flat VW Feb 25 2006, 05:38 PM

I just checked the mailbox, ------ no joy ---------



John

Posted by: lapuwali Feb 25 2006, 05:48 PM

I got my confirmation the other day: Number 124 for my FIAT 124.

Posted by: Flat VW Feb 25 2006, 06:03 PM

QUOTE (lapuwali @ Feb 25 2006, 04:48 PM)

I got my confirmation the other day: Number 124 for my FIAT 124.

Gotta rub it in huh?


Well PHX is a lot further, mailwise, than SJ..


John

P.S. San Jose, San Mateo, it's all the same thing...

Posted by: Flat VW Feb 27 2006, 07:50 PM

I received my confirmation in today's post.


#27

I am really looking foward to this event.

James, Tobra, I am interested in meeting each of you.

I think I will drive out from PHX and Laurie will fly out for the event and then perhaps ride home with me.

What is the nearest, easiest airport?

Tobra, is there any recommended reading or advice on the rallying aspects?

After all, this is not a race.

Is funny clothing required for this event?




John

P.S. I've got a lot of planning to do.

Posted by: Flat VW Feb 28 2006, 08:48 AM

Posted by: Tobra Feb 28 2006, 01:07 PM

They have the same start and finish points as last year. Swabby's is out on garden highway near the airport, assuming it is still there after this weeks El Nino class rain. Fly into Sac International(SMF), there are hotels by the airport, or in the midtown area. Meet in midtown Sacramento parking lot across the street from a brewpub for bagels, coffee and a pep talk. The route is generally East from there, out Capitol to Jackson Hwy(16) take windy roads, from 4 to 1 cars wide, over hill and dale, past Volcano and up Hwy 88 to Kirkwood for lunch. South of Tahoe and up the far side, ending up at Cal Neva, Mr. Sinatra's place. Next morning leave Cal Neva and end up in Fairplay, which I don't think is really a town, more where there is a gas station, with a few vineyards up in the surrounding hills, South of US 50, not far from Pollack Pines.

There is a couple that has gone every year, made it the entire way except for the first one, in a big Jaguar 3.8 sedan, had the full on vintage English Driving attire, complete with matching luggage to stay at the B&B/Winery. Don't know how much it is to stay overnight there, but there was a spectacular view off the deck.

They provide you with maps and directions, such as turn R at unmarked road 0.8 miles past abandoned truck in field, or whatever. Be ready for any sort of weather, though snow is unlikely. A GPS would be handy, I will have my Haynes manual and various tools, parts and fluids in my trunk

Phone #of B&B is 530-620-3248, or check websitehttp://www.fitzpatrickwinery.com

Posted by: fiid Feb 28 2006, 01:08 PM

I'm probably going to be navigating for Lapuwali.

Posted by: Flat VW Feb 28 2006, 06:59 PM

QUOTE (fiid @ Feb 28 2006, 12:08 PM)

I'm probably going to be navigating for Lapuwali.  :D

Gonna bring you helmet as in the avatar?


John

P.S. Are You and James gonna wear funny clothes?


P.P.S. What would FIATERs wear anyway?

Posted by: lapuwali Feb 28 2006, 07:11 PM

I'm the only "FIATer". Fiid's 914 is in the same state mine is: up on stands. So, FIAT or nothing.

I don't intend to wear deliberately funny clothes, but who knows what others think of my fashion sense.

Perhaps if his 914 is running by then, we'll do the California Melee in September swapping places. I'll co-drive his car.

Posted by: Flat VW Feb 28 2006, 07:11 PM

Thanks for your reply Tobra.

Who may navigate for you?

How 'spirited' may the driving get?


John

Posted by: Flat VW Feb 28 2006, 07:14 PM

QUOTE (lapuwali @ Feb 28 2006, 06:11 PM)

I'm the only "FIATer".  Fiid's 914 is in the same state mine is: up on stands.  So, FIAT or nothing. I don't intend to wear deliberately funny clothes, but who knows what others think of my fashion sense. Perhaps if his 914 is running by then, we'll do the California Melee in September swapping places.  I'll co-drive his car.

cool,

Is the Melee a large event?

John

Posted by: Flat VW Feb 28 2006, 07:16 PM

QUOTE (Tobra @ Feb 28 2006, 12:07 PM)

Phone #of B&B is 530-620-3248, or check websitehttp://www.fitzpatrickwinery.com

Booked

Posted by: Tobra Feb 28 2006, 09:24 PM

Yeah the place only has a few rooms.

The driving can get pretty spirited. Had a lotus 7 leave me on a twisty bit like I was draggin' a safe last year, and the year before got to see why it is that Mini Coopers won the Monte Carlo Rally so many years in a row first hand. One guy got a ticket the first year, but a lot of the cars are, shall we say, incapable of high speeds.

Posted by: Flat VW Mar 4 2006, 08:50 AM

Recommended rallying supplies?

GPS, grease pencil, stop watch, two stop watches, silly hats?



John

P.S. James, have you done a rally before?

Posted by: Tobra Mar 4 2006, 09:31 AM

It is not really a timed event, GPS would be nice to have, or at least an odometer. The bug had a rather inaccurate speedo/odo from when the crappy little plastic gear in there was replaced with a brass one that was not quite the exact size. This is more a test of how well you follow instructions, good practice for a real time and distance rally I bet.

Where you planning to go straight(or more likely windy mountain roads) home after or scenic route? You could go down through Yosemite(if you have never been, and assuming the road is open, which is unlikely as it is one of a few roads over 10,000 ft, I highly recommend it) via 395, then Joshua Tree and home. There are places to stay in Placerville, W of conclusion on Hwy 50, or you could stay at the "haunted" Truckee Hotel, a little farther away off I-80.

Posted by: Flat VW Mar 4 2006, 09:44 AM

QUOTE (Tobra @ Mar 4 2006, 08:31 AM)

Where you planning to go straight(or more likely windy mountain roads) home after or scenic route?  You could go down through Yosemite(if you have never been, and assuming the road is open, which is unlikely as it is one of a few roads over 10,000 ft, I highly recommend it) via 395, then Joshua Tree and home.  There are places to stay in Placerville, W of conclusion on Hwy 50, or you could stay at the "haunted" Truckee Hotel, a little farther away off I-80.

I am just getting to the "plan making" phase now.

I am open to any interesting ideas on sights, places to stay or eat, and also, interesting routes.

I quite unfamiliar with the entire area or the route anywhere beyond Las Vegas.

I have heard Bakersfield is a good half way point.

Any advice or ideas anyone may add will be appreciated.

John

Posted by: Tobra Mar 8 2006, 07:57 PM

After the rally, you may want to go and stay at South Lake Tahoe, not far from conclusion, usually have cheap rooms. Highway 395 might be a nice route to take. , there are also numerous 2 lanes in Cali that sort of skirt the foothills, past Yosemite and Sequoia Parks. I guess you will do most of your sight seeing on the way back, con su espousa. There is not a heck of a lot between Vegas and Reno in Nevada. How much time you got for return trip?

Posted by: ppickerell Mar 8 2006, 09:26 PM

Is this event full yet Sr. Tobra?

Posted by: jimtab Mar 8 2006, 09:27 PM

QUOTE (Tobra @ Mar 8 2006, 05:57 PM)

After the rally, you may want to go and stay at South Lake Tahoe, not far from conclusion, usually have cheap rooms. Highway 395 might be a nice route to take. , there are also numerous 2 lanes in Cali that sort of skirt the foothills, past Yosemite and Sequoia Parks. I guess you will do most of your sight seeing on the way back, con su espousa. There is not a heck of a lot between Vegas and Reno in Nevada. How much time you got for return trip?

Down 395 is great, all the way to Bishop before you cut over thru Death Valley and down to Vegas. If you want to do a suspension test, be sure to go out to Bode a mining ghost town, used to be the largest city in the state....for a few years during the "silver/gold rush"...Mono lake, take the tour of the tufa spires...great sandwich place just south of the lake in the little town....can't remember the name but just ask anyone.

Posted by: Flat VW Mar 9 2006, 09:18 AM

QUOTE (Tobra @ Mar 8 2006, 06:57 PM)

How much time you got for return trip?

Four days on the return leg, Tobra, although Laurie may end up having to fly back to PHX after the rally.

John

Posted by: Flat VW Mar 9 2006, 09:23 AM

QUOTE (jimtab @ Mar 8 2006, 08:27 PM)

Down 395 is great, all the way to Bishop before you cut over thru Death Valley and down to Vegas.  If you want to do a suspension test, be sure to go out to Bode a mining ghost town, used to be the largest city in the state....for a few years during the "silver/gold rush"...Mono lake, take the tour of the tufa spires...great sandwich place just south of the lake in the little town....can't remember the name but just ask anyone.

Tufa spires?

That to me means, HOT SPRINGS!

Are there any developed or undeveloped hot springs in the area accessible by 914?

I prefer to STAY on the pavement.


John

Posted by: Tobra Mar 9 2006, 02:15 PM

Don't know if it is full yet. Check this, has a lot of info and links regarding the Mono Lake area

http://www.monolake.org/

Posted by: Flat VW Mar 9 2006, 08:22 PM

Great link Tobra,

thanks,

John

Posted by: Flat VW Mar 20 2006, 12:58 PM

Well, I am signed up for the rally but my car is a little out-of-order at the moment.

Anybody here have any interest in my slot?


John

Posted by: lapuwali Mar 20 2006, 01:17 PM

There are several people on the waiting list now. The event is full.

I'm very sorry you won't be there...

Posted by: Flat VW Mar 20 2006, 01:45 PM

QUOTE (lapuwali @ Mar 20 2006, 12:17 PM)

There are several people on the waiting list now.  The event is full. I'm very sorry you won't be there...

Kind of you to say.

Thanks,

John

Posted by: ppickerell Mar 20 2006, 03:27 PM

I will take your slot!

Posted by: Flat VW Apr 3 2006, 04:28 PM

Pat, it is yours if you want it . I spoke to the Rally boss and he is cool with it, please reply here.



John

Posted by: Flat VW Apr 4 2006, 01:21 AM

Posted by: ppickerell Apr 4 2006, 10:25 AM

Incredibly enough, and even though it has been in the shop for almost 2 years, MY F'IN MOTOR IS STILL NOT FINISHED. When I made the offer I was SURE that it was going to be on the road. Now I just want my MONEY BACK.
Sorry for offering to take your spot and FAILING TO DELIVER.

Posted by: Flat VW Apr 4 2006, 02:26 PM

QUOTE (ppickerell @ Apr 4 2006, 09:25 AM)

Incredibly enough, and even though it has been in the shop for almost 2 years, MY F'IN MOTOR IS STILL NOT FINISHED. When I made the offer I was SURE that it was going to be on the road. Now I just want my MONEY BACK.  :shoot2kill:  :shoot2kill:  :shoot2kill:  :shoot2kill: Sorry for offering to take your spot and FAILING TO DELIVER.

Rat Farts!


I was hoping you would be thrilled to get in this year.


John

Posted by: ppickerell Apr 4 2006, 02:45 PM

I was thrilled and I appreciated the offer. I even though about trying to rehab my sons 914 in time to make it.

Posted by: merrill Apr 4 2006, 04:19 PM

For those of you attending this event, please call me when you get to the Cal Neva. I will meet you at the bar and or car and share drinks and stories! My leash is not long enough to attend this myself

Posted by: Flat VW Apr 4 2006, 04:20 PM

Posted by: Flat VW Apr 23 2006, 06:24 PM

Well to update this thread, JohnnyX and his boy from San Diego are running in my spot.


I have been thinking about you fellas all weekend as I know I would be making sure all was ready, carwise, in preperation for the rally next week.

How's it going?

PLEASE, do share......

Lapuwali, Fiid, Tobra, JohhnyX, et al.


How has the weather been?

Are your rides ready?


GOOD LUCK TO ALL.


John

Posted by: lapuwali Apr 23 2006, 06:51 PM

Weather has been dreadful, but it seems to be clearing up, and will hopefully be dry up in the mountains. The FIAT is as ready as it's going to get.

Posted by: Tobra Apr 23 2006, 11:44 PM

Got my bushings in the rear, hooked up the sway bar, helped a lot with handling. Did the shift coupler bushings a week or so ago, shifts nice now. Replaced all the fuel lines under the gas tank, they were, cracked, leaking and starting to disintigrate. Stock fuel pump under the tank the Master Cylinder well.

Working on the mirror for the passenger side. Took the day off work for my birthday, my present from me to me is installing the R side mirror.

It has been bad weather, but it seems like it always gets nice when I take the car out, hopefully that keeps happening.

See y'all at Swabbies on Friday Night, in the funeral parlor parking lot on Saturday morning. This is the first year a 914 has run in this thing, had some 912's, old 356's(this one coupe was the nicest pre 1970 car I have ever seen, well second after that old chevy at the autorama) I will swing by Swabbies this week and see if it is under water, it is right on the river, and the river is a little bigger than normal right now.

Posted by: Flat VW Apr 26 2006, 12:48 PM

Hopefully two teeners, you Tobra and JohnnyX.

JohhnyX, when will you leave?

Good luck to all, even the guys in the EYEtalian car!

John

P.S. I would have left this morning, darn it.

QUOTE(Tobra @ Apr 23 2006, 10:44 PM)

Posted by: Flat VW Apr 27 2006, 05:28 PM

Posted by: Tobra Apr 27 2006, 06:51 PM

There is a Kings game tomorrow at 7:00, with party at Swabbies at 7:30, so the traffic might be a little rough, as Arco is sort of out that way. You exit I-5 at the airport and turn left to get to it, it is pretty close to the Interstate at that end of the Garden Hwy. Just talked to the gal at Swabbies, you can get in and out of the parking lot, and the water is going down since it is like 90* today.

Polished my mirrors and got the passenger one (Thank you Martin)installed, woohoo

I will be sort of interested to see the list of cars, should be sunny and warm all weekend, will make for a stellar dinner on the deck at the winery.

Posted by: Flat VW Apr 28 2006, 02:41 PM

BE SAFE and have FUN lads!

Posted by: Flat VW Apr 30 2006, 11:56 AM

Posted by: Tobra May 1 2006, 01:21 AM

Here is a pic of a nice 356 that a really cool dude was driving, that is my brother with the blue pullover on the L, guy on the same side as bro, close to the snow bank is from the 914Club(which is down again, dammit) drove up from San Diego with his kid(8-10 yo boy, nice kid who played with Eric the Frenchman's kid. Eric spent most of his time over the weekend laying on his back under his green metallic 914 by the side of the road, did not get a pic of any 914's, no good ones anyway) Guy on R near the snow is the owner of the very nice 356, that is Bill on the R, older gentleman who holed his oil pan on his beautiful white 1957 TR-3 on day one, hope he shut it down in time. That is Matt about to drill my dumb ass with a snowball shortly after I take this pic, there was a bit of a guantlet you ran into the Loon Lake Parking area. Should take a picnic lunch with us if they run up that very nice, relatively vacant road. Ran this in my 914, brother is co-driver Up to Tahoe, stay at Cal-Neva, great time. Taken midway through day two, check the depth of the snow

-Note to self, buy new battery before the 500 mile Alpine run-

Posted by: Tobra May 1 2006, 01:22 AM

Cal-Neva, Frank Sinatra's old casino with a bunch of old cars in front of it, end of day one

Posted by: Tobra May 1 2006, 01:25 AM

At the winery in Fairplay, see if you can guess the 3 members cars, two are easy, mine is the ratty orange one, no, it is not the red Ferrari

Posted by: Tobra May 1 2006, 01:27 AM

Very cool ass dragger, along with a few others, nice 3.0 BMW Coupe, 308 Ferrari, all being slowed down by a beautiful old MG

Posted by: lapuwali May 1 2006, 11:07 AM

Fiid took a lot more photos than I did, so I'll let him post pics.

This is quite the wacky bunch. Everything from a Ferrari 330GTC to an Abarth 850TC (FIAT 600 with an 850 engine) to a bone-stock Ford Anglia showed up. A 356 Coupe, couple of 911s, and three 914s. Eric the French Guy had fuel feed problems on and off the whole time (crap in tank). John from SD had a trouble free run in his 1.7.

Loads of 2002s (including one with a six out of a 325i in it), and several Alfa GTVs were easily the most popular cars entered.

Our FIAT was way underpowered for this trip. The little 1400 struggled up the steep grades forced us to run in 2nd or 3rd much of the time, a couple of times all the way down to first. The high altitude and these high loads overtaxed the cooling system, as well. We lost the nut that holds the top of one of the front shocks at one point, and the shock kept popping out and jamming the spring. We had to jack up the body to let the shock back into the right place. I need to park the car now for a complete suspension overhaul, and perhaps a swap to an 1800 or 2000 engine.

There are a number of events like this. A couple run near the Bay Area like the Shamrock Rally, from Dublin to Dublin via Mt. Hamilton. The big daddy is the California Melee, which runs this September, and is 750-900 miles over three days in Napa, Sonoma, and points NE of there. Fiid and I are shooting to get our 914s ready for this event, and will take either or both cars, depending on whether or not we can get them finished in time.

Posted by: BMXerror May 1 2006, 02:07 PM

CRAP!.. Why didn't I know about this sooner? I'M THERE NEXT YEAR!!
Mark D.

Posted by: BMXerror May 1 2006, 02:27 PM

So it's just one of those "close off the roads and haul ass" things, or is it open road? What would they say if your 1970 914 has had the crap modded out of it and is not exactly vintage anymore?
Mark D.

Posted by: BMXerror May 1 2006, 02:29 PM

<_<HEY, What's the '06 mustang doing in that pic above? That's retro, not vintage!
Mark D.

Posted by: lapuwali May 1 2006, 02:41 PM

This is basically a "group ride" on open public roads. No timing, no scoring, no rules, no competition. They do give out awards at the end, but they're for things like "car most likely not to finish, that did anyway" (which went to the Anglia).

Nobody cares if the car is modified, so long as you have it registered and insured. For example, one 2002 had a late 325i engine in it. The '59 Alfa Sprint had a 2000cc Alfa Twincam in it, in place of the usual 1300. The car just has to be pre-1975 and street legal enough to be registered.

Lots of the roads are pretty rough, so having good suspension and reasonable ground clearance is a good idea. Some of the cars are pretty fast, but many are pretty slow.

Posted by: Flat VW May 1 2006, 04:03 PM

So how vague were the "directions"?

Any examples?



Were cars "spaced apart" at the start?

Were there "off-road segments"?

The elevation would have taken a lot of the fun out of my "low desert" carbs, huh?

John

P.S. Many funny hats?

Posted by: Tobra May 1 2006, 11:58 PM

Lotsa funny hats, there were some stretches where the roads were very rough, as I said, a beautiful '57 TR-3 bled all over the road. I had one chunk of asphalt drill the pan under my brother's feet that scared the heck out of me. The directions were pretty detailed, very helpful to have an accurate odometer.

The D-jet worked extremely well, going from basically sea level to well over 8000 feet on several occasions. Some very fast cars, the MB 450 SLC (or whatever that big coupe was) was brutal, sounded tough, quite a bit of body roll. We were behind him one time when he passed two cars on the shoulder going downhill into an off camber corner with water running across the road at a little better than double the posted limit. Saw him squirt through a little gap, heard his tires squeeling but did not hear him going into the trees, or having a head on collision with anyone. Most people drove a little more discretely and in control. On the right sort of in this pic

There is nothing like the sound of a Ferrari V-12 when the loud pedal gets stepped on, he about sucked our windshield out on this one passing lane

Posted by: Tobra May 2 2006, 12:00 AM

liked the Lotus the best, always loved the Loti(is that a word?)

Posted by: Flat VW May 2 2006, 11:30 AM

for Fiid fotos

John

Posted by: Flat VW May 3 2006, 01:35 PM

QUOTE(Flat VW @ May 2 2006, 10:30 AM)

for Fiid fotos

John

Posted by: fiid May 3 2006, 04:11 PM

All my pics are online at: http://www.fiid.net/modules/gallery/2006-Alpine-500

Was an awesome run - I'm feeling REALLY inspired to have my car running for the next one - and also the WCC...

Posted by: lapuwali May 3 2006, 04:28 PM

Good gallery. You should email the link to the Alpine folks so they can put it on their site.

Posted by: jimtab May 3 2006, 05:15 PM

Nice Fiid, I think maybe I'll go next time too, looks like a good crowd...maybe we should just load em up with 914s....

Posted by: Tobra May 3 2006, 06:32 PM

Norm gives preference to people who have gone on it before, so it would not be 50 914's rollin'. It is a good crowd though, had a lot of fun every time, Fiid, you took a lot of pics dude, I second the suggestion to e-mail link to Norm, though it will likely take a while before he gets it updated.

Posted by: Flat VW May 3 2006, 07:27 PM

Wowzeers, GREAT job on the photos, Fiid!


John

P.S. Norm will love those.

Posted by: fiid May 4 2006, 10:24 AM

Thanks all! I sent an email to Norm with the link - I'm guessing he's pretty busy recovering... it seemed like it was a lot of work holding it all together.