Doc1647545523

It looks like a nice couple of days for getting together, only a slight chance of rain this afternoon. Quaker at 6:30 tonight? Then ....... Columbus Cars & Coffee for Saturday 9 a.m., of course. Feel free to post any other events of interest.

Here is a link to the FordNXT article by Jeff Southard https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fordnxt.com%2Fevent-coverage%2Fmustangs-stampede-south-at-rally-appalachia-2%2F&h=ATPe2NSCDxeUnS5pwbo1l9u2vSgnfNntSB6OFYjL9frJlY37fdHhzfYXfaQo9wdOvNzFk47WNSsz_8x6-USyU8ALpkXaUa7Qmu5PwII1nMob2JHKj7ZxVI0oy2J_Yd-yfrL35QSeEWvxmdgFk0uVm2MkFKyaFgK5CLiBG4jCLNJIkHgZrL9BX15ziC4iWOHkwimtfXB1SkoDh6iEEWkKhlE8A9bGn7_taX7IJIenoBL5G7RsbmTaxaGD-LHJ-o0idpcRsVcIwVD-7V9uaFOjDl4XWjuKRmxoCDM732rqcdqD and photos that are much better than mine: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fordnxt.com%2Fphotos%2Fevent-coverage%2Fmustangs-stampede-south-at-rally-appalachia-2%2F&h=ATNq001rv1i59UvQV7fxyqVk030dvL4oL2AHHQb1c3-cOukitltY3_-xogAVNAlU7iJaAgMY-WeJSu7Mjna8kTCDfG_izLoDZ58NfkLC0jondKVb9RRgxdjahh6jqBLla8OHmKvex1y_2cFlk8jeuFvbqUlmKB-jtUTldR8BaMaSaXRJBh-KLcizfx6cYbp-HK3GgRkCa8m5LN2Yf9lbVVeh5G1S1iIVS4qhDdAYMKxd_6D7kxdZiMBQjm1kfGoiR8XMdAd2LOPPFQFSF3h6yVLxUZwx1yxlaOb51SyOXWwN It's looks as though Ford Muscle ran the same thing. It's true that the Mustangs seem to have taken over the event, which isn't a bad thing. CJ Pony Parts is the major corporate sponsor and they also sponsor a team each year. It's not like Figaros will ever have a major competitive presence in the Rally.

You and Nikki were missed. Behind Big Sky, it was my most enjoyable rally.

Day 4 of the Rally was Talladega all day! We had about an hour of travel from Rome, Georgia to Talladega, Alabama. We continued to have the hot, clear weather we had enjoyed for the whole Rally and of course a state police escort, inevitable when 72 "racecars" take to the roads. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Talladegga%20gate_zps9jq8pmas.jpg I had driven Talladega before, but this time there was very little lecture/instruction and a lot more driving for Charlie and me. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/waiting%20to%20start%20paced%20laps_zpshrzxzh6k.jpg It was still a big thrill coming up onto the sides of the track, and it's hard to prepare yourself for just how wrong it feels the first time, even with the laps paced and limited to about 120 mph. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Talladega%20banking_zpsi9boj4xb.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Skyline%20fireball%20Talladega_zpsy52ez2d3.jpg (Rally North America photo) After Talladega some went karting, but most of us headed back to the hotel in Rome. I suspect a few kraft brews were drunk and I know that a dessert or two was eaten. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/sundae_zpsuzsyvori.jpg I'm all unpacked, the stickers are off the car, and I'm settling back into my usual routine. But for a week in July 2017, I drove some of the greatest roads in the U.S., flew around some great tracks, explored obscure places, and discovered hidden treasure. The drivers in Rally North America are cheered as if we were heroes ourselves, interviewed on TV, our cars on the front pages of the local papers. But we know we were just lucky to have a part in raising money for a charity that helps real heroes and their families. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/headlines_zpspy0j1ums.jpg Many thanks to CR for their support and a special thanks to the donors who helped Team Bentley raise over $5,000 for Hope for the Warriors: WheelMedic, coleyounger3, tdyguy2k, Zx2guy19, AngryBMW, Coaster, iwashmycar, 2highpsi, clone, caseyctsv, Farkas, 99stockGT, DTA09, CSTMG8

Day 3 (Thursday) had us heading off from Waynesville, North Carolina, doing our usual staging in the downtown and schmoozing with the local officials http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Bentley%20at%20start%20with%20Charlie_zps1msjnipk.jpg We would be sent through North Carolina and Tennessee to find TVA dams built in the 1930's and 1940's http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/dam_zpsujuznguw.jpg these were interesting to explore, and the roads to and from were great http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/dam%202_zpsw0qmaqnt.jpg along the rivers and lakefronts http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/island%20in%20lake_zpsabiavkxn.jpg but then our checkpoints put us all over the Tail of the Dragon, Deal's Gap, the Back of the Dragon, and many of the legendary biker/sport car roads of the area. Suffice it to say that although we shared the driving on these famous roads, the colonel seemed to enjoy the roads somewhat less than I did. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Charlie%20on%20the%20Tail_zpsbpjv9b8j.jpg We finished the day along the Cherohala Skyway and then on to Rome, Georgia, where the downtown was closed off for our parking around the Rome City Brewing Company, http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Rome%20City%20Brewing_zpsdvt7jzvz.jpg a watering hole where many a story was told of the driving that day. That night we were put up at the Hawthorne Suites, a converted warehouse that was very attractive and comfortable. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/30838_atrium_1_zpsiook6hs3.jpg

Day 2 of the Rally (Wednesday) had us vacating VIR because of some undercover testing Ford had rented the track for. More checkpoints for the morning, then off on the Blue Ridge Parkway http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Blue%20Ridge%20view_zpswdlvaf2d.jpg and then on to the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. It is America's largest private residence with 179,000 square feet (that's four acres of floor space ) 250 rooms, and 43 bathrooms. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/biltmore%20exterior_zpsiu8rbnff.jpg (photo from Biltmore website) We got a big discount on the tour, but it would have been worth 10 times the price. I'll leave you to research the place, but here are just a few of my photos from the tour: The four story spiral stone staircase: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/spiral%20stairway_zpsxcjhtyv6.jpg The indoor garden on the first floor: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/winter%20garden%202_zpsjtrykldu.jpg ceiling of the indoor garden http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/winter%20garden_zps9jmuou6q.jpg parts of the library http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/library_zpspjikhxqc.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/libary%20fireplace_zps7nmgz8nf.jpg "intimate" family dining http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/dining%20area_zpsglfy04ur.jpg cabinet work, masonry, tile work ....... everything of the highest order http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/cabinet%20work_zpseybcitaj.jpg look closely at the fireplaces and you will get some idea of the scale of these rooms http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/IMG_20170712_151519_zpsvhv4nuwu.jpg billiards anyone? http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/billiard%20room_zpsvre6tlsg.jpg perhaps some bowling? http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/bowling%20alley_zps4mt2ahqd.jpg the Promenade outside the second floor bedrooms, and the view from there http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Promenade_zpsttjznoc4.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/view%20from%20Promenade_zpsuxdjb6dr.jpg The original estate was a vast 125,000 acres, or 195 square miles. The current estate is around 8,000 acres, much of which is managed forest, park and gardens. George Vanderbilt, who had this home built for himself and his family, employed 2,000 people to work at the House and the estate. After the Biltmore tour, we headed to The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa for the night. The rooms there were much smaller.

And so we were off from there hunting for a dozen other checkpoints. First, it was northwards to Bramwell, West Virginia, a terrific little town of "millionaires in the middle of coal fields" (and some great roads along the Bluestone River Valley as well). http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Bramwell%20Home_zpsdepcyxk1.jpg We enjoyed a great lunch at the Bramwell Corner Shop, which seemed to be caught in a decade long past http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/ice%20cream%20store_zpse6ixhoom.jpg and enjoyed the soda fountain, complete with soda jerks http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/ice%20cream%20store%202_zpsdm7gxgkj.jpg something that many in our group had never seen Then, after hitting peaks, covered bridges and waterfalls, we were sent to find a Mayan Temple. Last I heard, the Chichen Itza was still in the Yucatan, so we needed to find something a bit closer. Fortunately, the little town of Marion, Virginia, has one of the three Art Deco Mayan Revival theatres in the world, and it's an architectural gem: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/theatre%20hall_zpsgozyqrup.jpg Build in 1929 just before the great Depression, the interior of the Lincoln Theatre was designed to look like a Mayan temple, but with six huge murals depicting scenes from local history http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/theatre%20ceiling_zpsegndatsl.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/theatre%20stage_zpsnsqxiwwk.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/theatre%20mural%202_zpsfukxntty.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/theatre%20mural%201_zpsqu0otpje.jpg Even the HVAC grilles pick up the theme http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/theatre%20vent_zpskqqxtjd0.jpg The Rally arranged to have local volunteers familiar with the history of the place there to take us on a tour. This is just one example of how, when you travel with Rally North America, you don't go to the Zoo and a Clippers game. Instead, you're going to get outside your comfort zone, off the beaten track, and visit obscure and unique places. After some more twisty roads, we reached that day's destination, Virginia International Raceway. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/cars%20on%20track%20at%20VIR_zps9cvllzan.jpg We did paced laps then were turned loose for hot laps, trying to keep in mind that our cars needed to complete the Rally and still get us home at the week's end. We stayed at VIR that night. Team Bentley got a room in the North Paddock with a great view of the track http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/VIR%20paddock%20balcony%201_zpsc7uildbl.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/VIR%20paddock%20balcony%202_zpsq9mp3d7f.jpg and our own private garage below http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/paddock%20garage_zpsi3cggfwx.jpg

A little Skyline action: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Skyline_zpsbwmsyc2x.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Team%20Stangy_zpsmwscmton.jpg Top money-raiser Bob Blanton with his Challenger http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Blanton%20and%20Challenger_zpsjsmvt1wg.jpg And we had our share of funny plates: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/SS%20LOL%20Stang_zpsbvtzhj3g.jpg On Monday there was a pre-rally drivers meeting with a charity auction to raise more money for Hope For the Warriors. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/drivers%20meeting_zpsjcsdqneb.jpg The charity sent its community engagement director to speak to our group, but most notably there were two families who had been helped by Hope for the Warriors. A couple who lost their daughter to suicide after two deployments spoke of the help and support they had been given. A single mother whose son was targeted by a Taliban sniper brought her younger son, and they both shared their experiences. I think it's safe to say that there wasn't a dry eye in the room when they finished speaking. It was very kewl that they took us up on our invitation to travel with us for part of the Rally. As it happened, the younger brother was a big Bentley fan and asked if he could photograph my car. He also beamed when we took photos on his cell phone of him sitting behind the wheel. Tuesday morning we staged in Christiansburg, Virginia. They closed the downtown for us and the city officials thanked us and wished us well in our journeys. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Mayor%20speaking_zpswv1e6bcq.jpg 72 cars can clog a downtown (next 2 photos are taken from opposite directions from the town square) http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/lining%20up%20in%20VA_zpsddgqs7nm.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/cars%20lining%20up_zpsviizcxpp.jpg Mayor Michael Barber exercised his mayoral prerogative and tried out the big green beast http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/mayor%20in%20Chirstianburg_zpsiffz345v.jpg We were off to the first checkpoint of the Rally, which was especially fun for me. We were told we had to find a car dealership that had TONS of a rare little car that had made its Rally North America debut last year on the Big Sky Rally. The photo clue for us was a Figaro. Of course I knew that the dealer was Duncan Imports, so Team Bentley had a bit of an advantage getting to that checkpoint. I knew the dealer from their online reputation but had never been there myself. Needless to say, it was my kind of place ... http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Figaro%201_zpstofga5e3.jpg I thought I was in Figaro heaven! http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Figaro%202_zps6kbueo47.jpg Buildings full of the rare and/or unobtainable: American muscle, import, classics ... http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/classics_zpsxf8oigbq.jpg Did I mention they had Toyota Centuries? http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Centuries_zpsqc1uqvvk.jpg

Last weekend I returned from Rally Appalachia 2, the 2017 Rally North America event. This year I was the only team from CR competing. My co-driver was Charlie, a buddy of mine of nearly 40 years and a retired Marine colonel. We made up Team Bentley. Rally North America was started in 2009 by a dozen or so rally fans who were unable to attend a national rally. Among that original group was CR member Scott Speilman. In the eight years since its founding, Rally North America has grown to an organization staging two large annual events and has to date raised over 750,000 dollars for selected charities. Scott is recognized as the co-founder of the Rally and continues as co-director, along with Tony Interieri. This year's charity was Hope for the Warriors, an organization committed to help combat-wounded veterans and their families. The 72 teams competing this year raised over $150,000 which went directly to the charity. The rally is a time-limited, checkpoint-based road rally along the lines of a scavenger hunt. It requires teamwork, strategy, navigation, driving experience and internet skills (plus a lot of luck) to successfully complete. CR teams have a strong tradition of podium finishes ever since we began competing in 2010. Cars are required to wear livery identifying their team number, Rally, and the major Rally sponsors. A little bit of everything got entered this year: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Lotus%20Evora_zpsk9d8g7fw.jpg (This and all other night photos are by Aerial Automotive in Sarasota, FL) http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Lotus_zpsp2dva8gx.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/old%20school%20Camaro_zpsuraj6smp.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Suburban_zpsr4kxyde6.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Goldrush%20Camaro_zpsl5oh46to.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/top%20two%20line%20up_zpsfbghj5rm.jpg Mercedes was well-represented: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/C43%20AMG_zpsvaklsali.jpg even a 2017 http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/new%20Benz_zpsug1ufdid.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/black%20C7_zpspwqk0xxe.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Focus%20ST_zpstksemkjf.jpg Some graphics were mind-boggling: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/camy%20wrap_zpsqtqywe55.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/audio%20team_zps8gqwrzoh.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/RWB%20stang_zpsta4aol3q.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Miser%20Mustang%201_zpsb4uauhzv.jpg closeup of the hood shows the individual donors: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/2017%20Rally%20Appalachia%202/Miser%20Mustang%202_zpsxpijjao0.jpg

The former Andersons General Store 7000 Bent Tree Blvd (off Sawmill). 10 p.m. There's a small group that meets there already .... it would be great to see some of the CR crew. Warm night, low chance of rain before 2 a.m., radar clear right now. Bring your own chair.

It was too late to count towards the Team, but by far the more important thing is that it your donation still goes to the same place, Hope for the Warriors, which will put it to good use. Many thanks, sir! :thumbup:

Many thanks to all of you on CR for your support and your donations. Team Bentley raised $5,100 for Hope for the Warriors. This places us in the 4th starting position on each day of the rally. The 70 teams of the Rally this year have raised $126,000 pre-rally. More will be donated during the Rally auction Monday night. I'll post the final numbers, along with photos, after I return from the Rally on the 16th. Again, your help is much appreciated. :thumbup:

I'll be headed to Dayton early, prolly leave Columbus around 6 a.m. if anyone wants to convoy down. Cars begin to arrive around 7:30 there, and lots head out by 9:30, although some stay as late as 11.

Congratulations on your achievement. Having mastery in your field is its own reward, but being recognized for it is a great added perk.

Welcome! Lots of people on here can give you reliable information about mods. A number of local vendors are sponsors on here, too. Hope to see you out at our meets and track days. :nopics:

The early crowd is not so bad, mostly newish Mazdas and a few Hondas. Now, moved north to island Fitness because of some lot painting.

The patio is just right. At least I'll have a good meal even if it gets rainy later.

Thanks for the info. I wasn't even aware that there were meets there on Wednesday nights. I'll prolly stop by there tonight anyway. If there's no meet, someone will likely know where the "new spot" is.

The weather will be dicey -- lots of little pop-up showers in central and northern Ohio -- but I've got a few cars which will run even in the rain. :fuckyeah: Quaker @ Polaris 6:45 on the patio Best Buy (across Morse Road from Mercedes Easton) @ 9:30

LOL, well, thanks yet again, Adam. You should get a special award recognizing you making two donations! :thumbup: I suspect we're gonna hit 4k. My other team member is a retired Marine officer and his company is planning to put together a donation, too.

Thank you, Addison (Good Guys Detailing) for your donation. It's much appreciated! Addison's contribution to Hope for the Warriors puts Team Bentley at $3,660 raised so far, 91% of our team goal. Overall, the Rally is also at 91% of its goal of $100,000 for Hope for the Warriors. We've still got a week before the cutoff. For anyone still considering making a tax-deductable donation: http://support.hopeforthewarriors.org/site/TR/Events/2017RallyNorthAmerica?team_id=1572&pg=team&fr_id=1180#.WTSK2LpFxdi

Great pickup. It's hard to find such a fun toy for a thou'. I see it has the requisite pine tree air freshener. I'm sure Clay is kicking himself for not finding it first.

Many thanks to Bryce, Hannah, and the crew at Wheel Medic for their generous donation to Hope for the Warriors on behalf of Team Bentley. I can always count on you guys to come through with your support and, of course, in the excellent work you've done with the wheels on all my cars. Your donation moved us up to 15th place in the starting lineup. My team has raised $1,500 so far. We're in no danger of overtaking the top team for the pole position, though, as they're already at nearly $12,000 with two weeks to go. Overall, this Rally has raised $79,000 so far. Not bad for just a small group of people who enjoy driving our cars on America's greatest roads. :zoom: http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af208/trentrbrts/Big%20Sky%20Rally/12829243_1019707524735109_1061326685837348153_o_zpsjbj2g5ai.jpg

Benjamin, thank you for your donation and for your support.

Mark, thanks for doing this open house. Great location for your shop, with lots of other car-related businesses in the area. It was fun providing some "intermission entertainment" with the Bentley on the dyno. I look forward to seeing any photos/video you end up posting.