Sunday May 6, 2007
The Rocky Mountain Saab Club Spring Drive was a great success! While May often brings rain and snow and Saturday’s weather was clearly less-than-desirable, Sunday provided just enough favorable conditions for a terrific drive. Thanks to all members who eagerly participated and contributed to this event.
Paul Callahan - ‘99 9-3 Bruce & Gayle Harbison - ‘97 900 Talladega Dave Murray - ‘00 9-3 convertible Jim Beetham - ‘97 9000 Don & Pat Palmer - ‘84 900 Jerry Danner - ‘94 900 convertible Mitch & Jeannie Alter - ‘88 900 convertible Andy Katz & Rosemary - ‘66 Monte Carlo Charles Stoyer - ‘93 900 convertible 9:00am. Met at Heritage Square, departed 9:20am. Coffee, tea and Sonetts at the Stoyer home (elev. 7,400'). Current location of two RMSC project cars, Charles Stoyer and Bruce Harbison provided information on both ventures. Joined by the Alters, Charles, Andy, and Ro our caravan again departed with muddied Saabs down four miles of snow covered dirt road. Mitch wins for the sloppiest, mud-throwing treads around! 10:40am. Headed West on US-40 (parallel I-70) to historic Central City and Blackhawk via Central City Parkway. From here turned North on State Hwy 119 thru Rollinsville on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway before breaking for lunch at the Sundance Café, Nederland, CO. 12:45pm. Undeterred by overcast skies and snow flurries, the drive continued along the continental divide on State Hwy 119 to Ward (elev. 9,890'). One of many former mining towns in the area, it now provides majestic views of Fourteeners, world class cycling, and the chance to experience a full-fledged hippy haven. Andy Katz’s Monte Carlo ran well at altitude setting a 40-50mph pace for our group. Although, concerns surfaced over his freewheeling two-stroke as the group descended Left Hand Canyon toward US-36 near Lions. With 12-15% grades and not a single uphill section in fourteen miles, Jerry Danner’s convertible acted as a downhill safety net in case the little drum brakes failed. Thankfully, there was no such need to test out this idea! At the ‘99 Saab Owners Convention, Neil Plucknet from England discovered how much fun this can be. Without engine decompression to slow his borrowed 2-stroke Monte Carlo, excessive braking was necessary in the rugged San Juan mountains of SW Colorado. It wasn’t long before the vintage car was gaining speed and the brake pedal dropped unresponsively to the floor. Aside from a soiled pair of shorts, Neil safely and happily finished the event rally. At the base of Left Hand Canyon, our group turned South to Boulder along US-36. After making our way through downtown Boulder and past the University of Colorado campus, we turned East up Baseline Rd. to Bruce Harbison’s home. Hosting many RMSC project cars, Bruce provided an update on restoration work and allowed the group to tour his abode, including the all-important garage and a working plant nursery. The drive fittingly concluded with libations and more Saabs at the newly remodeled home of your’s truly. Covering a modest but enjoyable 113 miles, most of which I can proudly say were driven convertible top-down. Jerry Danner Rocky Mountain Saab Club of Colorado Events Chairman
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