Spring Thaw 2015 - April 24 to 26

[Charlie V]

This thread will be to post a few pics and adventures documenting our fun in the 2015 Spring Thaw.

Classic Car Adventures | ST Entry List 2015

I have participated in this event for a few years now and have enjoyed the fun. This event is always in late April along some great B roads within BC. Frequently, the mountain passes can get a little cool with snow showers giving us that last blast before Summer.

This event has become my start of the driving season. This year Paul will be my co-driver. I recall asking Paul last year if he would be interested in joining me. Well, took him about 2.5 seconds before he jumped at the opportunity. Looking forward to sharing the drive with Paul - he is a true gentleman and an amazing car nut.

Love this event. This year the adventure starts in Hope and ends in Whistler - no idea where we are going or where we are staying. If you look at the list of some 70 vehicles, there is something for everyone. Great fun for gearheads.

This winter repairs/maintenance on Rosie was the usual stuff to prepare the car for another driving season. In addition, I tried to chase down a clunk in the front end of Rosie. Found it and did make some shims to tighten a few things - which did help, but the t-bar adjusting keys are still a little loose in the cross member.

I've had the front on Rosie apart a few too many times. Can almost do this in my sleep.



Making shims out of pop cans.



Annual power washed the underside. Had leaves and bits of twigs stuck everywhere from the late Fall run we did through Washington and Oregon last October.





Got an alignment yesterday at Turn 3. Turn3Autosport Great people that care about doing a professional job. Went a little more aggressive with camber, toe and caster this time. Like the feel already - this weekend will confirm how she handles.

There is still some clunking with the t-bar adjusters, but I will deal with that when we get back. So - as Paul said....we will have a couple of old clunkers riding in an old clunker.

This afternoon was tarting up Rosie for tomorrow morning. Cleaned her inside and out, aired up the tires, checked the lug nuts and fitted her with her formal black bra. Even put on her spats - temp magnetic rock shields on the back flares. I duct tape them in place - lost one once.





Very excited about tomorrow morning.

[wacko]

Hey Charlie,

My wife and I are going this year as well. We will see you in the morning!!!
Craig

[Charlie V]

Was talking to a couple buddies this evening and they are already headed to Hope. Something about not getting up early for the drive. Whimps!!!

[Charlie V]

Originally Posted by wacko

Hey Charlie,

My wife and I are going this year as well. We will see you in the morning!!!
Craig

Good stuff. See you there.

[Drisump]

You and Paul have a great drive. I think John and Marcie usually do this one as well (in their Intermechanica Speedster). I think the best shot that I saw from last year was a Mini-Moke (open car) driving through pouring rain with the occupants "soldiering on"....LOL.

[Charlie V]

I finally have some time to update....

I'm retired, but seem to have less time now compared to when I was working. WTH????

WOW, wow and wow. What a trip!! Paul and I had a blast. Covered some 1300 kms over the 3 days. Weather was everything from torrential down pours to snow covered roads and warm sunshine.

Day 1:
We started in Hope - heavy rain getting there with the sun breaking out for a short stretch and then heavy rain again. Really glad I put new wiper blades on the car.

Rosie parked between 2 Brits. Bentley and an MG Mini - both rare and opposite ends of the classic car world. More on the amazing car that attend this annual event. Rosie still looked clean....that was going to end soon!!



Does anyone recognize this building?? It is the Hope municipal building. But, in the first Rambo movie it was the police building where Johnny Rambo made his last stand. Just love that movie.



The Mayor asked if we would like to get out of the rain and offered the council chambers including the Mayor's chair!!



After the driver's meeting we head up through Alison Pass with some snow. Beautiful.



Dropped into Princeton and grabbed a Subway sandwich before heading into Tulameen for a picnic lunch beside Otter Lake. Getting to Tulameen is a small pass. This is where the hail and snow completely covered the road. The little car was dancing trying to grab what little traction there was. Sorry - no pictures....too freaking white knuckled.



The boys......... Good friends also participated in the event. Doug, Tim, Paul and me. That is Tim's Cassis Red 1983. An absolutely beautiful car. 100% stock. We like to give Tim a bad time. First started calling the car Princess Peach. But, this seemed a little feminine and felt we needed to have a more manly description for the colour. So, we now call the shade of pink Foreskin Metallic. Will we ever grow up??? NEVER!!

[Charlie V]

Throughout the day, we would swap leads. We would chase Doug and Tim for a while and then Paul and I would be the one's chased. Fun.



We got to the hotel in Penticton - took a number of great little back roads to get there. Supper was a few hours out and we enjoyed a celebration with a few beers. Almost a few too many. Raised a glass for Dave Mitchell. Dave was unable to attend.....car is under construction. https://www.facebook.com/groups/condagreen/575705005865626/?notif_t=group_activity

Dinner was fantastic - like always.

Day 2:
The next morning we were a little fuzzy headed. Packed up the car for the next leg. Yes, there was some leftover beer. Imagine..............



The route was Penticton to Salmon Arm then west to Kamloops south to Merritt north to Logan Lake and back to Kamloops. As many back roads as possible. A long day, but a fabulous drive.

Driver's meeting.



A few of the amazing vehicles.

This E Type bumped into a deer. Driver front fender got wrinkled. Car can be repaired - deer not.



Almost expect Inspector Clouseau and Cato to step out of this one.



A rare Jensen GT. Is it a hatchback or a station wagon??? Hmmmmm........

[Charlie V]

Just beautiful with some tastefully done upgrades. Would motor right along the rest of them.



Slight bladder problem. Leaky gas tank.



Mid 30's Bentley with 66,000 miles. Would cruise along all day at posted speeds. The owner Dave told me it is a real workout to muscle the car along the twisty roads.



I had one of these back in 1975 - great fun. Drove the crap out of it - 3 engine rebuilds while under warranty. The dealer didn't like my showing up at the service counter. I managed to make it last for 2 years before trading it in on a replacement.

[Charlie V]

The open air cars..... Yes, some folks participated in open air car without heaters. Not something I would brave, but these folks did.

A Mini Moke. The Brtis must have built a 100 variations of the Mini - this is one of those variants.



A Super 7. Nice.



A Jaguar. A D Type Jag!! A real one!!! Driven like it should be.



There was a number of really nice 356's. Love these cars.

[Charlie V]

Another French car. Love the lines.



Volvo made a number of different looking vehicles. This was a nut and bolts restoration just a few years back. Owner is out of Seattle and drives it regularly.



John's spotless Intermeccanica. John is one of those folks that needs to wash the car.



Duane with his nicely upgraded SC. He too wanted to scrub the salt and dirt off the car.



The roads were quite and spectacular. Beautiful British Columbia - just like our licence plates say...............

[Charlie V]

This was about one of the highest passes for the trip. 2 days earlier there was 1 foot of snow covering the road. I'm glad it warmed up!!



A sea of classics in the parkade.



Day 3:
Day 3 we were running a little slow. I suspect a little too much food and drink may have contributed towards how we felt. Paul and I finished breakfast when Tim and Doug arrive for their meal. Yikes, Paul and I were going to late for the driver's meeting.

Route was Kamloops to Cache Creek and over the Duffy Lake Road to Whistler. Always a great drive.

Before heading home, I thought I should get my dear Debbie a gift. I'm guessing it is a good thing the shop was closed on a Sunday morning.



Getting close to the end of the trip. Rosie was looking a little dirty. I have to laugh, we spend hours polishing and cleaning our cars and within 15 minutes of driving at this time of year and she is filthy again.

[Charlie V]

Tim and Doug headed directly home from Kamloops on Sunday morning due to work commitments. They were missed. But, got to chase John and Marci along Duffy Lake.



It was a pleasure to have Paul along as co-driver for the event and I thank him for joining me. We had a great time. Here is Paul enjoying his turn at the wheel. The look of concentration and the tach tell everything. Glad his right hand is positioned where it is for the picture.

[Drisump]

Looks like a blast Charlie! David (Bentley guy) used to live on Galiano. Cheers

[Charlie V]

Was able to get things cleaned up between rain showers yesterday. Laundry is drying. Yes, that is 2 928 engines waiting to be turned into coffee tables for my "man patio".



Rosie looking clean again and ready for the next adventure.



A short video clip along Westside Road.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g5z574wUWE

[Charlie V]

Originally Posted by Drisump

Looks like a blast Charlie! David (Bentley guy) used to live on Galiano. Cheers

Yes, he mentioned purchasing the vehicle on Galiano. Parked in a barn for many years.

[pyoung]

Fantastic log of our trip, Charlie! I certainly enjoyed getting to know Rosie "intimately". Thanks so much for letting me drive some of the most fun sections... Westside Road, Barnhartvale Road and the Duffy Lake Road come to mind but there were many more than that! Had a great time!

[wacko]

Charlie we captured a shot of you and Paul headed up through Manning Park

Unfortunately we didn't get to travel together but we had a great time