The Manic Mechanic

I see that The Vatican has issued a 'Ten Commandments' for drivers. Still, if I caught the Pope hogging the road I'd still blow past him and give him the finger. ;)

1450-some miles? Done.
Triple-digit speeds? Approached.
Tires? Pretty much shot now.
Broken stuff? None, though I lost two aluminum billet caps that were not supposed to come off.
Friends? Old ones gretted and hugged, new ones made.
Dragon? Slayed.
Demons? Confronted.
Me? Spent.

It was a good trip. And it was more than just a chance to wear out some tires and chit-chat with friends this time, though I did quite a bit of that. Among the .9G+ turns, the smell of brakes and rubber, the surprisingly good food found at ramshackle roadside eateries, the mob scene of MINIs and the gathering of friends, I found a lot of myself around every turn. It's a healing process. It's what I like to do, it's what Mom would urge me into, it's a chance to be myself. Yeah, it appears strange to some, but it's so, well, me.

I'm exhausted. I'm home, and I'm happy.

I'll write more soon.

Off to sleep for me.

Me.

Yep, it's that time of the year again. Time to head down south to NC and the Tail of the Dragon, aka US129, which runs along the Smokey Mountains from NC to TN. 318 delicious switchback and sweeping turns in 11.8 miles of asphalt nirvana. This time Jeff and Bear are braving the trip. This year there is at least 650 (omg) people attending, most of whom have MINIs. Yeah, it's probably going to be gridlock at times, but I plan on getting my gonzo runs in. Today I amped up the brakes on the MINI, with new Stoptech crossdrilled rotors, Axxis ceramic pads, stainless brake lines, Motul 600 brake fluid... in other words, good stuff that makes for fade-free braking. A couple weeks prior I tuned the suspension, switched out the rear swaybar for a stiffer, adjustable one, added camber links and installed oil and water temp gauges (with navigation I lose the temp gauge, which in a MINI is not much better than the idjit light I have now). This, coupled with some show-level detailing and cleaning (you could eat off of the engine, but that would mess it up) and I am set. I just hope Jeff or the dog doesnt hurl all over the inside.

I am hoping this is a problem and stress-free little excursion, since I have been in need of such for quite a while. I am still not blogging to speak of, been trying to catch up work-wise and doing the springtime yard and garden duties. The latter is not always a hassle, there is something Zen-like about mowing the lawn and having some think time (or veg-out time) while running the tractor.

Unfortunately, there is a potential dark cloud following me down the road these next few days, as it has for a couple weeks. Mom has been having her twice annual checkup regarding her cancer treatments, and there has arisen some as-yet unknown concern. Additional tests and PETscans were done today; the last time she was pushed through this battery of tests was when they discovered the cancer in the first place. Both of us have a feeling that some bad news awaits in a couple days. I'm hoping for the best, but sadly expecting the worst. Keep Mom in your thoughts, I think she's going to need them.

Tomorrow we are heading out stupid early to get past the DC/VA traffic snarls and to hopefully arrive at a decent hour at Fontana. Wont be online for a few days, nor have cell phone coverage. Sometimes, it's nice to disconnect from the world at large. I cant wait to catch up with my friends that I have made in the last few years. Plus I want to burn up those new brakes.

(Yet another in a series called "This Isn't Me Driving, But I Sure Wish It Was")

What follows is an underground classic among driving enthusiasts. Take one Ferrari 275GTB, an early August morning in Paris, an unnamed F-1 race car driver, and a new-for-it's-time (1976) gyroscopic mount and camera and combine. What you have are the perfect ingredients for an amazing, bumper's-eye view of French cobblestone streets and scenery, bewildered motorists, frightened pigeons, shocked bystanders as well as the soundtrack of the Ferrari's sweet music and screeching tires greeting the day at speeds over 130mph. While those who know me well are certainly aware of my need for speed (rarely a day passes where I dont exceed 90mph for at least a short distance to sate my addiction), a run like this one would alas only be a dream for me. Mainly because I hate getting up early.

Without further adieu, C'etait un Rendezvous.

(35MB Quicktime Movie file)

( Backstory of the film... )

I have the urge to go for a drive now...