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.Alpine 500
It is for 1975 and older, but I am sure if you have a 1976, they would cut you some slack

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...

Wow, cool event.

John

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

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...

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.

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

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.

My friend from LA ran his 2002 Tii last year and had alot of fun. I posted about this event last year It would be nice if more 914's were represented...

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 last year 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

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

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?

$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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

I'm hoping my entry stuff will arrive soon.

John

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



John

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

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...

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.

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 websiteWiney Website

I'm probably going to be navigating for Lapuwali.

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?

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.

Thanks for your reply Tobra.

Who may navigate for you?

How 'spirited' may the driving get?


John

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

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

Phone #of B&B is 530-620-3248, or check websiteWiney Website

Booked

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.

Recommended rallying supplies?

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



John

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

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.

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

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?

Is this event full yet Sr. Tobra?

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.

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

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

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

Mono Lake

Great link Tobra,

thanks,

John

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

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

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

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