You couldn’t have asked for a better first day. The morning meeting was held in the sunshine, the roads (with the exception of one) were incredible, the cars beautiful, and the people? Oh my the people are so much fun.
It’s been a year since I was in Ontario and while traditionally I only meet with our Maple Mille friends annually this year the anticipation seems stronger. For most of the participants, this is the first and only driving event they’ve attended in 2020. The chance to see friends, properly distanced, to drive cars and enjoy roads…the driving meeting felt like Christmas morning.
We headed out from Lindsay Ontario and headed out on smaller backroads for the day, avoiding a lot of the usual towns we’ve passed through in the past. It was a quieter day, only hitting the towns of Kinmount, Dorsett and Dwight. The rest of the day was simply ribbons of highway between trees just starting to change their colours. A lack of bakeries or shops wasn’t going to deter this group from a good time, our arrival at a lake-side resort for the night was filled with nothing but smiles. Dining, watching the sun set across the lake, was simply icing on the cake.
Tomorrow? We get to do it all over again.
Elliot Alder was out in his AMC Eagle to capture some fantastic images for us. A preview of day one photos is available below:
The Ontario-based CCA Hagerty Maple Mille event takes participants through the gorgeous fall foliage, offering great driving and photo opportunities! Elliot Alder was there to capture the action and atmosphere, and has a great gallery online. Check them out, relive the fun, and please support the great photographers who come out. https://www.elliotalder.com/milleproofs?fbclid=IwAR17Yttknbj5BOMUGP15paDVDqTMKFkbnBtFwLjmz-dzerP0XgTgXo5sUfM
As we departed the hotel, I tried to explain to Victor (an American) exactly what “The Big Nickel” was. While the route book described the roadside attraction, and the history of how it came to be, I was having a tougher time of selling Victor on the idea. “So it’s a statue of a coin?” Well, yes. “I’m okay, I don’t need to see the Big Nickel”, he said to me. “Vic,” I replied, “as a Canadian I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t bring you up to the Big Nickel.” Since I was driving, I won the debate!
As we rounded the corner in the parking lot, I was proud to see that 90 percent of group had agreed with me! The parking lot was full of classic cars, and despite the rain folks were out of their cars and walking up for the perfect picture of the Big Nickel. So, what is the big nickel? You might be asking.
Alright, to be fair, the Big Nickel is a 30ft tall exact copy of a 1951 Canadian Nickel…a five cent piece. Constructed to represent the wealth that Sudbury has contributed to the Canadian economy through nickel production, it’s become one of the many tourist attractions that bring people north to visit a town once known for its barren landscapes. It’s the largest coin in the world, and one does not return from a trip to Sudbury without being asked “did you go to the big nickel?”
And so, with our tourist duties done, we headed off onto the route. Today’s route book took us into the town of Whitefish, before everyone was instructed to use the “re-route” notes handed out at the driver’s meeting. It seems our original route was now 24km of gravel, and we’d need a twisty and wonderful reroute to avoid the gravel. We headed northwest on regional road three, then onto regional road four and finally regional road five. The twists were fantastic, as we followed rivers and dodged small lakes left over from glaciation. If the road was so great, you might wonder, why wasn’t it the original route?! Well, regional road 4, and some of five, was what we would call “rough”. Between frost heaves, potholes and pavement patches, the conditions were far from ideal Given the choice between rough pavement and gravel construction, however, and I think were were all okay with the roughness!
We worked our way westward, and then south onto Manitoulin Island. A usual day-three on a CCA event means non-stop driving to the finish, so that we can enjoy a lunch and awards before departure. This year, however, things were different. The route book suggested a route on Manitoulin Island that highlighted a coffee shop, waterfall, museum and art gallery stop. Guests, however, were also given the local tourism map and magazine, and encouraged to explore the things that interested them the most. Roads on Manitoulin Island are well maintained, and an interesting mix of gentle curves and winding twists as they travel around lakes, or the spine of the island (us westerners hesitate to call it a ‘mountain’).
With our island explorations complete, we met once again as a group at the South Baymouth Ferry Terminal. Included in the 2018 entry fee was a reserved space on the Chi-Cheemaun ferry. As the group checked in, we discovered the ferry crew had reserved three lanes for us, and planned to park us on the boat separately (to avoid any dings or damage from other passengers). As the boat left the dock, we met on the stern for a big group photo, and then headed to the restaurant for our final meal together.
As we rocked, ‘slightly’, to the wavy conditions, we hosted a two-course dinner and ran through the final awards and draw prizes for the event. For two years now, one of our guests has been trying so hard to earn himself a coveted award. Announcing, as we left the garage in a back-up vehicle, that he was family and thus ineligible for an award, John Hord was hopeful he wouldn’t be singled out. Fortunately your organizer is a crafty one, and a very special “Hard Luck” award was assembled for John out of the parts that stranded his Beetle before it even started. The actual Maple Mille Hard Luck award, assembled from Scott’s engine failure last year, was presented to Larry Nobbs for the fact that he left his Buick in Sudbury with a failed transmission.
Creemore Springs Brewery had prepared a gift pack for us to draw names for, and Mike Martin was our lucky winner for 2018. He heads home with Creemore Springs glasses, a T-Shirt, and a gift card for a free 8-pack of the organizers favourite beer. If you follow Dave on Instagram, you’re already well aware of Creemore Springs Beer!
Roue Watch donated two brand new wristwatches for our driving enthusiasts. Penni Matt was the first entrant to be heading home with a new time piece, and Victor Ceycis was our second. Every entrant on the Hagerty Maple Mille received a discount code, should they be interested in adding a new time piece to their own wrist.
Our final award, is the Spirit of the Maple Mille. This award is used to honour the entrant(s) who best demonstrate the goals of Classic Car Adventures. Here at CCA we’re all about spreading the love of classic car motoring, and we enjoy honouring the guests who help make the weekend special. Honourable mention this year went to a pair who started the event as a way to honour their father in his beloved classic car. What they found along the way, was an incredible way for two brothers to spend a weekend together, and a new found love for classic car events. What started out as a one-time-adventure, became a fun debate about “what car will we take next year?”
For 2018, however, we couldn’t let a particular pair go without recognition. Originally the vehicle they were running was purchased to run the Hagerty Spring Thaw out in British Columbia. When that didn’t work out, the car was shipped to Ontario in an attempt to run the 2017 Hagerty Maple Mille. Delayed shipping meant they didn’t make it until the 2018 running, and quickly made friends. Was it the classic rally styled Mercedes? Their enthusiasm to know more about each vehicle in the parking lot, regardless of make or model? Perhaps it was the way they stopped to offer help, or tools, to anyone who found themselves on the roadside. Regardless of the final reason, Jason Plugowsky and Simon Wheeldon were certainly worthy of being this year’s Sprit of the Mille award winners!
Alas, with the final award handed out, and the ferry quickly approaching the dock, it was time to close our event for 2018. We had avoided thunderstorms, tornadoes and cold weather. Instead we experienced sunshine, twisty roads and friendships which will last for years to come. Entrants are attracted to CCA events because of the roads and adventure, but we return to hang out with our “Classic Car Family”, in addition to the great fun each event provides.
A special thanks to Elliot Alder & Clayton Seams for the photos that accompany today’s story.
“Well,” I said sarcastically to Larry as the temperature continued to drop, “at least the view is nice!” The two of us were standing in a dark parking lot, making small talk as we both pretended we weren’t shivering. The rest of the group was at our night two hotel, enjoying the banquet dinner. Needless to say, Saturday was not ending the way either of us had planned!
We awoke in the morning in Collingwood Ontario, and dined as a group for breakfast in the Gustav Restaurant. Outside was chilly, bordering on ‘cold’, and so we hosted the drivers meeting in the spacious hotel lobby. With the usual important items for the day covered, an Ontario specific item was mentioned…where on the route guests would find the best Butter Tarts. Our American friends looked confused, but we assured them things would make sense before lunch.
Leaving Collingwood, we followed the lake side past historic shipbuilding yards, and into the tourist town of Wasaga Beach. With summer over, we turned east and headed across the last of the farm fields we would see for the 2018 event. Rolling farmland soon turned to granite, signalling our approach to the Muskoka, and the twisty roads within.
We started with Upper Big Chute road, before taking Muskoka Road 38 into the town of Bala. Upper Big Chute is famous for its marine railway, but known to those who love twisty roads as a wonderful warmup in the Muskokas. Highway 38 into Bala has probably been featured in every motorcycle book, magazine, or ‘Don’t-miss’ ride list for the province. It twist, turns and delivers on every corner. Moments after ending in the Town of Bala, you could find the entire event parked outside of Don’s Bakery.
First opened in 1947, Don’s bakery has been using the same recipe for their butter tarts for seventy-one years. Butter Tarts, if you’re not familiar, are a small pastry tart that is known as a quintessential Canadian treat. Resembling a little pie, the butter tart has a filling of butter, sugar, syrup and egg. Baked until the crust is flakey, and the filling semi solid. The best butter tarts, according to your organizer, contain raisins and no nuts. But you’ll find pecan varieties, plain (no raisins), and many others. “The best butter tart” is a hotly contested Canadian designation, one which would cause civil wars and territory disputes…if us Canadians were inclined to such things. It seems no two people can agree to which bakery the best are made. Ontario, though, is certainly the home of the best examples…While you’ll find butter tarts elsewhere, much like Poutine outside of Quebec, they pale to those found in the home province. A silly, but tasty, tradition on the Hagerty Maple Mille is for the route book to highlight at least one spot during the weekend where “the best” tarts can be found. This year, it was Don’s Bakery, and many a butter tart were purchased!
With our morning cravings subdued for a short bit, we launched into more Muskoka twisties in search of lunch. We headed North, through Port Carling and then into the Town of Rosseau, where it seems most of the group decided to stop in at the Crossroads Restaurant. They were quite busy for a September Saturday afternoon, but we soon discovered that most of the area was without power and folks hadn’t been able to cook a dinner the previous night!
Following Rosseau, the route took us North towards the city of Sudbury. Typically travellers who head to Sudbury are subject to hours on highway 69. While full of wonderful views of rock formations, and phenomenal canoe tripping rivers, our route aimed to avoid highway 69 as much as possible. We explored Nobel (home of the Avro Arrow program), Shebeshekong, Shawanaga, Naiscoot, and other towns long ago used for the fur trade. As we passed the French River, it was off to towns like Noelville, Lavinge and Markstay-Warren. As the route turned south, for the final loop of twisties in Greater Sudbury, Larry’s Wildcat started acting up.
At first, he thought the transmission might be low on oil and slipping. But as the decision was made to high-tail it direct to the hotel was made…the transmission decided that no drive at all would be allowed. Neither forward, or reverse, would do anything. Larry was stuck. Fortunately on each of our Hagerty sponsored events, guests are supported by the Hagerty Roadside Assistance program (regardless of who insures their vehicle). While I started the banquet dinner, our Sweep crew of Aaron and Elliot called Hagerty with Larry.
While Larry’s transmission issue occurred with over an hour of route left, the truth is he was less than twenty minutes from the hotel! Rarely do I have an opportunity to rescue sweep and get them a hot dinner when their stuck, so I drove out relieve them and hang out with Larry. Before long, we were walking into the banquet hall to cheers, and concern, about the condition of Larry’s car. Plates had been saved for both of us, cold beer was waiting, and we enjoyed a late dinner with friends as we debated possible solutions for the transmission.
A mechanical, especially one requiring a tow truck, is never desirable. But to spend a sunny day enjoying great roads, arguing the fine art of pastries, and enjoying great meals with friends surpasses any negative roadside experience. A storage spot for the Buick had been arranged, extra seats for the rest of the weekend were available, and we had stories (and scotch!) to share. What could be better than this?
A special thanks to Elliot Alder & Clayton Seams for the photos that accompany today’s story.
Tornado warning? I asked, via text message, “That’s what it said, but the radar looks like we’re going to miss everything.” Hmmm, this might not be the usual Hagerty Maple Mille we run!
For the first three years, the Classic Car Adventures Hagerty Maple Mille has enjoyed stunning weather. We’ve had cold mornings, but every day has been top-down motoring. Looking at the Ontario weather reports yesterday, I had concerns that we were going to get wet today. Most of Ontario was under a moderate to severe thunderstorm warning, and while sunny, the wind was certainly picking up before the driver’s meeting!
For the most part, however, I shouldn’t have worried. Our route today began in Guelph, and went west through Maryhill to find some twisties on our way up through Elora. Just as it seemed we were going to pass through a band of dark clouds, the route would turn north instead of west, or east instead of north. We zig-zagged our way north through small country towns, rolling farm hills and past long-forgotten historic places of Ontario. Our group lunched in Mt Forest or Durham, and after visiting Markdale, headed for the afternoon loops.
For Clayton and I, powering along in his 1970 Corvette, we saw little rain. We put the T-Tops back on at lunch, but quickly pulled them off as things got sunny. We pulled over at one stage to put them back on, but decided we may have made an error. No worries, we thought, we’ll take them once we’re done taking photos. As the front half of the cars passed us, I seriously wondered if I was wearing enough sun screen. As we were waiting for the back half of the group, a small shower came through and we opted to move on. It was a little rain, nothing worth even mentioning. The roads were dry just a few kilometres later. I guess, for some of the group, that wasn’t the case. As the storms of Ontario powered up, portions of our group got rained on in absolute deluges, but always short lived.
We visited the twists and turns of my wintering youth. In the early days of my licensed driving career I was instructing skiing or coaching snowboarding at Devil’s Glen Country Club. The many roads that follow river valleys and the escarpment mountains were the “Monte Carlos” of my teenaged years. What could be better than taking our Maple Mille guests on them? The route book took us on little known roads near Horning’s Mills and Honeywood, before twisting up through Dunedin, Creemore and Glen Huron. In amongst the road instructions were stories of Mrs Giffen’s pies, and what would eventually (once I was legal) become my favourite beer in Canada. We went to Stayner, past a family favourite restaurant, and into the backside of Collingwood where I honed my mountain bike skills. The whole time we took every twisty road the area has to offer.
Arriving at the hotel resort for the evening, our traditional “parking lot party” was cut short by the high winds, but some things simply can’t be stopped with weather. The sun had once again come out in full, and cars were being washed. The Corvette was being looked at by five or six intrepid mechanics….an attempt to find the odd drivetrain noise we seem to be developing. A group of guests found a patio sheltered by the wind to host an impromptu get together. Winds, a spattering of rain, possibly a couple of ‘torrential downpours’ (really…are convertible people truly trustworthy about weather reports?)…none of it could hamper the day.
The roads today were wonderful, the towns lovely and scenic, but we’re most excited to simply be out enjoying driving our classics with other like minded people. Over half the group raised their hands this morning when asked who was here for their first Maple Mille, and by dinner you couldn’t tell who was new. Gather great people, some interesting cars, and some great roads…and it’s bound to be a perfect day. The Classic Car Adventures Hagerty Maple Mille is off to a great start.
“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 21st to 23rd 2018!
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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