Vintage Rallys- Have you done one?

[Linda]

I wondered if anyone on this forum has done one of the rally/ events that occur periodically. This weekend is the CA Melee in No Cal and it looks like a great driving experience.
If you wouldn't mind sharing your experience/ stories / expectations etc I would love to hear it!

Linda

[Steve Simmons]

Not in a long time. They can range from fun to frustrating. I would go into it without a competitive attitude, and just focus on having fun with it.

[Linda]

Hmm, what was frustrating?

Linda

[malcolmr18zoy]

Hi Linda,
They are a lot of fun. I've done dozens of them. They're much like our day runs, but last two, or three days. Great fun, great people, and great cars. I highly recommend them. The SoCal TT is in October, I can forward you an application, if you like.
Malcolm

[Steve Simmons]

I responded after reading your post on my cell phone, and I missed a critical part. I thought you were talked about TSD rallies where you are timed. Totally different thing!

I'm not much of an organized event kind of guy so I'll refrain from voicing my opinion on them.

[Linda]

I don't expect happy news about everything all the time , so I like knowing the pitfalls then I assess the risk. Of course had I known all the pitfalls of a Datsun Roadster I might not have bought one ..., But anyway seems that some like the event and some don't.
Macolm, I am aware of the upcoming So Cal TT, can't do that one. Would have liked to do the CA Melee for the scenery. But I think I should start small with a shorter event to see if I 'd like it.
Any info on upcoming events appreciated.

Linda

[tannyo]

You might want to try out the California Carrera in November if they run it this year. I had a blast and unlike the TT, no dirt roads. At least on the run. We did go on sand roads to see the giant metal sculptures.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2132

[Linda]

Thanks for that info. Looks like that might be a possibility, I'll check their website. I like the casual approach, and I very much enjoyed reading the Carrera write-up of an event in the past. Of course reading about getting rained on thoroughly is more enjoyable than experiencing it.
Slightly OT but for those who enjoy epic driving experiences, or "road trips", here's one from the Datsun world going on now. So much fun to read, start from the beginning if you can:
www.roadsterroadtrip.com

Linda

[Steve Simmons]

The Datsun's route looks very similar to the route I've planned for my wife and I in our '49 MG TC. We were going to do the trip a few years ago but had to postpone a bit. Hopefully we'll get to do it before too long.

If you like reading trip logs, here is one I wrote a few years ago.

http://www.mgnuts.com/tales/gofwest2007/

And a few more posted on this page: http://www.mgnuts.com/tales

[Linda]

Looks like fun Steve. I do enjoy reading about road trips. hope you get to take the trip you mentioned, but from what I read, seems like you have gotten to travel a bit anyway!
Here's a link to some California Melee shots:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68144590@N ... 479094637/
Some inventive cars in that one.

Linda

[Linda]

Well I wound up deciding to tag along unofficially on the So Cal TT rally on Sun, leaving from Frazier Park. The rally left from Echo Park and thru Angeles Crest but I had a earlier committment so I thought I could just meet up. Unfortunately no cell service so I couldn't check on the group's whereabouts, so after waiting a bit past the estimated time, I left on the route. I thought I was behind them but turned out I was ahead. The driving was quite spectacular. I would normally never go on those roads so i was having a good time even though it was a Rally of One I stopped at the Place for some pie and coffee and found out the group had not yet been thru yet. I left, got to Ojai, then Santa Paula, onto 23 into Simi Valley and home. It was a nice driving day, and my car ran great. Not sure I would want to do a second day of it though, but I heard everyone had a good time.
Anyone here on the rally?

Linda

[DaveC]

I took the Peerless on the TT - first long run for it, and the car ran perfectly. Everyone that aimed for the two days made it to Lompoc, though I think one or two limped home on day two.

I was fearful of the dirt roads, but the worst was easy to avoid. Angeles Crest had a lot of rocks that did some damage to a couple of cars.

I'd certainly do it again - fun people, great roads. Very casual.

dave

[Brad]

Dave, really good to meet you on the TT. Love the Peerless.

And I'll second the motion that it's a very casual thing. If you're lucky you can find some people that go about your speed - I don't like to push the Spitfire too hard, certainly not as hard as some people run the TT - but it really doesn't matter that we're "off the back." Everybody has the route and is free to follow or not follow it as you like.

For instance, day two had some stretches that I don't really enjoy - gravelly and tooth-rattling - and so we detoured down to Jalama Beach instead. Great two days out in the car, except for the ominous u-joint clanking that developed.

You can see our photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/milestonki ... 566392985/

Brad

[Steve Simmons]

Looks like y'all had a great time.

The driving was quite spectacular. I would normally never go on those roads so i was having a good time even though it was a Rally of One

Linda, some of my favorite days on the road have been when I just go out exploring. Group drives are great, but a different thing than just doing something spontaneous on your own. There's nothing better in my opinion.

[Linda]

I agree completely Steve. I quite like a leisurely drive thru the SM mountains, and as well a casual group drive where you can go as fast or as slow as you like are my preferred activities. I was curious about doing a longer drive though thru unfamiliar territory and the TT fit the bill, it was a nice nudge to explore. Some might have been disappointed that they missed the group, but I was having a great time anyway. Only neg thought was the idea of a breakdown out in the middle of nowhere. But the car is pretty well sorted so I felt OK. I would have liked to see the various cars though, more than just the driving as a group. Thankfully there are some nice pics taken. Links posted elsewhere:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28166409@N ... 593884873/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/milestonki ... 566392985/

Linda

[Steve Simmons]

In the old days, the threat of a breakdown in the middle of nowhere was a bit frightening. Today there are very few places where cell phones don't work, so the only difference between breaking down in the middle of the city or 100 miles into the Mojave is the time it takes for the flat bed to reach you.

[tannyo]

I agree completely Steve. I quite like a leisurely drive thru the SM mountains, and as well a casual group drive where you can go as fast or as slow as you like are my preferred activities. I was curious about doing a longer drive though thru unfamiliar territory and the TT fit the bill, it was a nice nudge to explore. Some might have been disappointed that they missed the group, but I was having a great time anyway. Only neg thought was the idea of a breakdown out in the middle of nowhere. But the car is pretty well sorted so I felt OK. I would have liked to see the various cars though, more than just the driving as a group. Thankfully there are some nice pics taken. Links posted elsewhere:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28166409@N ... 593884873/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/milestonki ... 566392985/

Linda

Yep, gravel and dirt roads on the second day. Not my idea of fun. I'll bet the first day was fantastic.

[Steve Simmons]

You guys would hate touring with me.

Heavily rocky road in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, hours of hiking from civilization and no cell service.....

[DaveC]

The one rocky section of the TT is easy to avoid as it's really just a big loop staring and ending on the same highway. We just drive right on by and enjoyed the reast of the excellent route
Dave

[VWNate1]

Nossir ! if I could , I'd be right behind you in my Metro .

For those who fear the rocks , simply slow down .

Linda ; the very appeal of The TT is that although a 'Group Run ' , most of the time you're all alone out there unless you decide to lead or follow some others .

I did it once again this year , they have a Moto TT Ride in the Spring in case you ride .

-Nate

You guys would hate touring with me.

Heavily rocky road in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, hours of hiking from civilization and no cell service.....

[Linda]

Only a few days left to get your entry request in for the California Mille. 4 days of driving in No CA , map included for only 6250
http://www.californiamille.com/amicievents.html#newyear
I think you have to be a "mille ionaire" to afford this one....
I wonder if they have scholarships?

Linda

[VWNate1]

$1,750 for a single night's lodging ?! .

I don't know if I'd do this even were I filthy rich .

Thanx for the reminder Linda ! .

I'll be dreaming of this fun drive .

[Steve Simmons]

Why dream about it when you can do it for free. It's public roads and I'm sure the hotel will give you a far better rate than that if you cut out the middle man. I really don't understand these mega-expensive paid rallies. A person could simply put out the word that it's happening and people would show up. But then I guess you would have us poor, ordinary folk ruining the glamour.

[Linda]

I figure someone is making some money. Or, if you wanted to keep out the riff-raff you charge alot, invite your friends who may or may not have paid, or maybe were never expected to, and off you go.
I suppose there would be an " Anti- CAMille" event that could take place at the same time, 62.50

Linda

[VWNate1]

Thankfully , the good people here and elsewhere often do put on free or low cost Road Rallies , I attend every one I can .