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2018 Hagerty Maple Mille – Day Three

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.

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2018 Hagerty Maple Mille – Day Two

“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.

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Hagerty Maple Mille – Day One

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.

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Hagerty Fall Classic – Day Three

With our final drivers meeting complete for this year, our group hit the road from Prineville to The Dalles for the end of the Hagerty Fall Classic. Despite being the final day for the event, we certainly hadn’t used up all the great roads…and by the time we got to the finish, many of us had wished a second half of the day was yet to come.

Leaving Prineville, we headed west along the Oneil Highway, a meandering journey through golden fields of cut hay. Just as you begin to think about whether the morning will be all rolling hills and fields, the road twists and the towering rocks of Smith Rock jump out into view. It’s a stark, and almost shocking, contrast to the rolling fields. Similar to driving along the plains of Nebraska, only to turn a corner and see an example of the Rock Mountains towering over a tiny town.

From there it was North to Willowdale, where we left the fields and plains for canyon carving. The road twisted relentlessly up onto a plateau where we went through Antelope, the historic towns of Shaniko and Bakeoven, and then tested the brakes all the way down into Maupin.

For the start of the twisties I was following the group of Minis and an Alfa Romeo, with one of the BMW’s and a Corvette behind me. I realized, too late, when the road started to twist and climb that there was no where for me to pull over. The ’58 Volkswagen was going to have to keep up to the Minis and not disappoint the cars behind me. With my foot firmly planted to the rubber mat, I gripped the steering wheel and dove into each corner. As the theme music to a certain childhood movie staring a white car with the number 53 on it played in my head, an old saying came to mind. “Its better to drive a slow car fast, then drive a fast car slow.” No where was this more true than the climb up onto our first plateau.

While the Minis danced their way up the corners looking like a life sized slot-car set, the BWM and corvette behind me appeared to be enjoying the drive while not riding onto my back bumper. In the ’58 beetle I was merely doing the speed limit up the hill, but I couldn’t have found an single extra mile per hour if you had closed the road and called it a race course.

Leaving Shaniko, along a road we’ve used in a previous event, I looked forward to the reverse of our canyon climb, as you drop all the way down to the Deschute River in Maupin. It’s a series of twists and switchbacks that will test the brakes on any car not driven with foresight and planning. Upon reaching the bottom, there’s a beautiful drive along the river, where the slow speed limits allow you to take in the views and watch the white water rafters next to you in the river. Soon you arrive at a stop sign, and turn left…er, right? Hmm, the route book says right…I don’t remember this road?

Moments later were climbing up a canyon twisty that would be far more at home in the Alps vs the middle of Oregon. Every 100ft there was a sign proclaiming “Abrupt Edge”, when it honestly should have read “no shoulder, that’s a cliff.” With zero guardrails, and a sudden drop for hundreds of feet, I was sure happy to be in the driver’s seat and not the co-drivers spot! We crossed the Deschutes river canyon, made our way up through the grass valley and eventually over to The Dalles, where the Columbia Gorge Discovery Centre hosted our finish lunch.

This being our final meal together, it was time for some awards, recognition, and draw prizes. The Hard Luck award will be headed to Duane and Sylvia, who had to head home early in their Jaguar XK140. A float issue was causing one cylinder to flood, and despite a couple of roadside attempts no repair could be made.

The McGyver award went to Bill and David in the BMW. Initially we thought it would be for the way they managed to repair a clutch slave cylinder with a bolt, and rebleed it on the side of the road…but they decided to add to the effect by arriving at the finish with an exhaust system held onto the car with bailing wire, rope and a whatever else they could find in the car. As it turns out, if you see the exhaust system appears a little rusty on your pre-event inspection…you should probably check to see if it’s surface rust or almost all the way through!

The Hagerty Sprit of the Classic award was (unknowingly) in stiff competition this year. Ross flew in from Colorado, to join Jacob in a car they bought together essentially sight-unseen three days before the event. The Mini crew continued to be the life of the evening party, while entertaining us all on the road with their usual parade antics. Jay and Linda arrived as new entrants, but made friends so quickly they were “regulars” before the Thursday dinner had even started. But in the end, we could only award the honour to one entrant.

They began the weekend as new entrants, but not only quickly made friends…they made it a mission to get to know as many people as possible. Each night they were seen dining with new people, finding out all about what made them join our adventure. On the road, when their center console of their Camaro became a gear-oil volcano through the shifter, they were unfazed. Together with help from other cars, they created axle stands from rocks, diagnosed where the oil fountain was coming from (a torn shift boot) and worked out a system by which the co-driver was now in charge of both directions and oil deflection. When the problem couldn’t be solved on Saturday night, rather than head home directly, they decided that an adventure such as our should be finished! Besides, the whole underside needed to be cleaned anyways…what’s another day of oil? All smiles as they shared stories of their adventure at the finish, Aaron and Zafera were the perfect choice for our Spirit of the Classic award!

RWM & Co. graciously donated two gift certificates worth over $300 each for use at their Delta BC restoration shop. Len Swanson and Aaron Aaron will be making good use of their certificates in the coming winter!

With our event almost complete, it was time to draw for the two Roue Watches which had been asked about all weekend. Bill Eastman, winner of the McGyver award, will be able to time their next repair using his new SSD model Roue watch. Helaine has found the perfect early birthday present for her husband Curt after having her name drawn for the CHR model watch. We think it will look pretty good with his Hyabusa powered Lotus Seven!

All too soon it was time to say good bye until next year. We’ll be back for next year’s Hagerty Fall Classic, and you certainly won’t want to miss out on the fun. Events, much like slow cars driven fast, are much better experienced in person vs. reading about it!

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

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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.

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Hagerty Fall Classic – Day One

Imagine, for a moment, that you just spent the day hanging out with your best friends. Perhaps you haven’t seen them for a few weeks, months, or even a year…but the time that has passed simply doesn’t matter. By the end of day one, that’s exactly what the Hagerty Fall Classic was, hanging out with best friends who haven’t seen each other in a year, or maybe ever before!

Alright, in fairness the Hagerty Fall Classic started last night with the “unofficial, unorganized” Thursday night party. These started a few years ago as a way for the out-of-town guests to connect the night before an event, but have become so popular that the local guests are sure to make their calendars free so they can attend. Last night we jammed a local Italian restaurant beyond capacity and got to know one another over rich pastas and Italian reds.

Despite our dinner the night before, however, after the driver’s meeting this morning I was wondering if we had started to gel as a group. Usually I can barely keep the group together until the end of the meeting, they’re briskly walking to their cars to get a head start before I finish. This morning, though, there was a lull. It turns out everyone was trying to work out which friends they were going to start the event with!

We started out in Troudale Oregon, and headed for a taste of the Columbia Gorge, with it’s wonderful roads that twist and turn around both sides of the canyon. The route was quick to head south, in order to give our entrants fantastic views, and the twists and turns, through Mount Hood National Forest. From there it was north to Hood River, where many of us stopped for lunch before crossing North into Washington.

In Washington we carved north through the pine and oak forests of Trout Lake and Klickitat, before heading east, and into the desert scrub region. At one point you’re high up in the trees, the air thick with the smell of pines and, in just a single corner, the road twists and suddenly its dry prairie grasslands. Between the rugged river canyons, the high alpine meadows, the pine and oak forests, and then the dry deserts it felt as though we had driven through four different planets today.

As the group gathered amongst the cars before dinner, one thing was clear; the roads were fantastic and we couldn’t have had better day. Interestingly, by dinner time you couldn’t tell who was a new entrant and who has been here for a few years or more. By the start of dinner, it was clear we were just one big happy family of collector car enthusiasts, a sentiment that spilled out into the parking lot party that went on until midnight. Bed time came, not because we wanted to sleep, but simply because we wanted to be ready and alert for tomorrow’s adventure!

A selection of photos from day one, provided by Andrew Holliday Photography, are below.

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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!

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