The Bullet and the Midget: photo

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Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Pittsburgh Grand Prix Countryside Tour

Montse with our flight

Last July we drove out to join the Countryside Tour put on in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. The Grand Prix is a huge event over several days but unfortunately we had other commitments and could only make it there for the Countryside Tour.

This year, the tour began at the Century Inn in Scenery Hill, PA and ended at the Coventry Inn in Indiana, PA. That is quite a hike out into western PA from where we live so we left the morning before and planned on spending the night at the Century Inn to be where the action was the following morning. As luck would have it, rain followed us all the way from home until we got there but fortunately it let up shortly before pulling into the Inn and it didn't rain again for the rest of the trip.

Our flight catches a faster flight at a light

The following morning there were quite a bit of cars for the tour and we selected to go with a slow flight composed of a Healey, a TR3 and a MGA. The flights were generally made up of four cars and were divided into fast, moderate and slow categories. The run out to Indiana took us through some very nice back roads and very scenic terrain. We left around 09:00 and got there at about 13:00. If we had gone on a straight line it would not have taken half that long but the purpose of the thing was to run out and have a good time on the back roads.

Ed's car

We met a bunch of really nice people at breakfast at the Inn. We also met a couple of the guys from the MGTDr forum. It was great fun and could not have asked for a nicer day for a run like this. Unfortunately, we needed to be back in Philly by evening so we left right after lunch for the long ride back home on the turnpike.

Montse behaved admirably, even in the rain on the Turnpike on the way out. We had no issues but it sure was a major beating driving all the way there and back. I've bought a tow bar to use on trips like this from now on. The long distances on the interstate are just not fun at all. We are planning on going back next year and stay for at least a couple of days to join in on the festivities.

To see more pics from the run, please, checkout my Flickr Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Album.

Tail gun Charlie

At the midway point

Great Valley Baptist Church, Valley Forge, and Deer

At the Baptist Church in the Great Valley

Yesterday we took the MG out in one of our early evening spins. Instead of heading out to the Goshen loop we took the Darby Paoli Rd route to go Valley Forge Park. That route goes out to Church and then Waterloo following Waterloo until it merges with 252 and goes into the park.

I was very surprised to see that road conditions on Waterloo have not improved very much since the last ride we took there. The road is still full of pot holes on torn up in several sections, especially on the return side. I thought that by now this would have been repaired but it doesn't appear that they have done much work at all.

As we passed the Great Valley Baptist Church I made a quick decision to stop and take a couple of shot there. I've been wanting to do that for the last 3 years and have never stopped. Not the best or most dramatic shots ever but they will do.

From there we continued on to Valley Forge and did a couple of loops through the inner and outer defense lines. The light was falling dramatically, especially under the canopy, and we had seen several small group of deer on the way in so I did not take the twists as hard as I would have liked for fear of having a close encounter of the deer kind. However, it is still a nice fun drive on the MG with all the tight hair pin turns and hills to climb.

On the way back I wanted to avoid Waterloo because of the road issues so I went under 202, took the left and followed that to the West Valley Rd for another left under 202 in the opposite direction to get to Swedesford Rd. Once there I followed it out to Walker and took that towards Old Gulph Rd. On the way out we noticed more deer in small packs and somewhere on Walker we drove up to a doe and fawn sitting no more than 10 feet from the edge of the road. They look at us as we slowed down and didn't even blink and eye.

Once on Old Gulph we took the left to South Wayne and took that across downtown Wayne and into the Louella neighborhood. We followed some side roads, instead of cutting across to Conestoga, that wound us around back to 30 over by Chamonix. From there we just took 30 to Radnor Chester Rd and Newtown Rd to home.

A great ride, specially in the park. At this time of day there was hardly anyone else on the back roads at the park and even if I couldn't go as fast or as hard as I would have liked, it was a very enjoyable ride. Other than the concern about keeping an eye out for deer we could not have asked for better conditions.

I made an appointment to take the MG in today for a complete check before we head out for Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix next week.

Antique Plates (Part II)

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in its infinite wisdom, has seen it fitting and proper to issue Montse with an antique plate. The plate and title came in a week ago under separate cover. The title came directly to me in the mail but the plate was delivered to First Class Auto Tag Service for pick up. The lady at First Class called me a week ago Friday but we were in New York then and did not get back to PA until late on Saturday night. First Class is closed on Mondays so I was not able to pick up the plate until Tuesday but it's finally on the car. I also bought a new frame at Pep Boys yesterday to replace the original since it was cracked on the top. Surprisingly enough, Pep Boys had the same identical frame for about $7.00.

Once the plate is issued there is no need to ever renew it and the inspection requirement for the car goes away. I will continue to have a safety inspection performed once a year by a qualified VW mechanic to make sure that all systems are go but that is something that I will have to do on my own.

Odometer reading on 27 June 2015

The new title used the same mileage as I reported on Sept. 26 of last year, 2214 miles, but I am not opening the can of worms to get it revised. The odometer reading yesterday (26 June 2015) evening was 4325 miles and I am using this blog and the photo of the odometer (with EFIX dating) as a memorialized evidentiary support of that fact.

The trick question is whether once I move from Pennsylvania would I be able to keep the car registered as a PA antique vehicle. I think so but only time will tell.

Random accidental shot of the last inspection sticker Montse should ever have

The Lost Week

Ahlanna at the wheel

For the last week and a half we had our great-niece staying with us as she does every summer and, other than for a couple of errands, I didn't get to ride the Bullet very much because we were busy doing other things. However, Ahlanna and I did enjoy several rides on the MG.

We took several short rides around the Goshen loop and then last Monday we took a real long ride on the Dragon. We first stopped at Thornbury Farms to get some cookies. Being a Monday there was no one else there and when paying I noticed a picture of a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang reproduction that I had seen at the Chester County Antique Car Show in May. I pointed it out to Ahlanna and the girl behind the counter told me that it was their car, her father, the owner of Thornbury Farms, had made it for her and her siblings and that they took it to several shows. I showed her the picture I had taken of it at Kimberton and we chatted about it for a while. She said it was built on a 1929 Model T and that it was very popular whenever they showed it.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Kimberton

From there we rode down to the Birmingham-Lafayette Cemetery and took some shots of Ahlanna in the car in front of the octagonal school house. Then we continued on down the way to get on the Dragon. We had taken the precaution of fueling up the night before at the Wawa on the West Chester Pike and 352 so we didn't need to stop at the Sunoco on Route 1 to fuel up.

(When we fueled up on Sunday night, the tank took 3.520 gallons of Premium for a total of $11.79. I had to take a picture of the pump because it didn't give me a receipt. Since the refuel the week before we had put on 86.3 miles on the odo which, at refueling, read 4229 miles. (This will become important on a later post.) The mileage on this tank was 24.51 mpg.)

4229 miles on 21 June 2015

We stopped at the Taqueria Guadalajara for some carne asada tacos and horchata that we both enjoyed tremendously. Instead of staying on the Dragon we veered off to stop at Baldwin's Book Barn. We took a little break there and then doubled back to Birmingham Rd to catch 926. On the way back we took Route 3 back to the edge of West Chester to run some errands but came back home via Strasburg/Goshen. All in all we put almost 100 miles on the car on this ride. It was the last opportunity that Ahlanna and I had to ride together (although we got two or three shorter rides before that) and she really enjoyed the car and the attention. There were several instances were I noticed young boys her age who could not figure out where to look, at the car or the girl. It was great fun for both of us.

On this Monday ride we saw two black Ferraris, a dark colored Tesla, a hot rod, and a late 40s early 50s pickup. That brings the exotic tally to 17 Teslas, 17 Ferraris, 11 Maseratis, 5 Bentleys, 4 McLarens, 3 Cobras, 2 Austin-Healeys, 2 Lambos, 2 Unknowns,1 Rolls Royce, and 1 DeLorean. The classic car tally is now three Nash Metropolitans, three 1950s Jags, three 1960's 'Vettes, one MGA, two Hot Rods, one 1950s Chrysler, one 1950s Oldsmobile, one 1950's Plymouth, one Karmann Ghia, one 1950s grocery-getter, one 40s/50s pickup, one Triumph TR4, and one Ford Model A.

On the way for a ride on Wednesday night

Wednesday night

At Thornbury Farms

Birmingham, Lafayette

Snuff Mill

A natural at the wheel

Fourth Annual Paoli Car Show

Paoli Car Show

Saturday morning, the Paoli Methodist Church put on a car show at the church on Devon Rd. We had attended this show a couple of years back and we wanted to take the MG to it. It's a very small show, maybe fifty cars at most but it seemed like a fun thing to do and the last time we went there were some interesting cars.

This time the show did not disappoint either; there were at least six Ferraris in attendance, some really nice looking Model As, and one really cool yellow MGB. We met a couple who are also members of HCCP, Bob and Pat Bodek, who have a red 1930 Model A hotrod and the yellow MGB. We chatted with them for quite a while and really enjoyed our conversation. They were really nice people and I think both of us learned quite a bit from them. I am looking forward to seeing them at some of these events. Bob told me that there is a cruise night at the East Goshen Park Famers' Market on the 18th, unfortunately we won't be able to make it this time.

This was a great outing because the show was small but there was still quite a bit of people traffic and it was very relaxed. They organizers don't collect a registration fee but accept donations for the sponsoring church. They also had food and music. Both of us really enjoyed this show.

On the way back home we took a ride through Devon and Wayne and generally took the long way to enjoy the car.

See the rest of the photos from the show in my Flickr Cars Album.

Bob's 1930 Model A Hotrod

Pat's MGB

Two of the six Ferrraris on the field

Thornbury Founders Day Show

Thornbury Park

On Saturday afternoon Charlene and I took the MG to the Thornbury Founders Day Celebration Show at Thornbury Park. This was a small invitational show put on by HCCP for about 20 cars. Jim Mooney had secured and invitation for us from Bill Kinnett so we were able to show Montse there.

The show began at 17:00 so we headed out of the house at about 16:30 to go to the Liberty Station on the West Chester Pike and Winding Rd for a refuel. When we made the right at Winding Rd there was a green Tesla waiting for the light on the left turn lane. I'm starting to think that Teslas are as thick as fleas around here. At the gas station there was a white McLaren fueling up right next to us. The guy was fueling up and I wanted to take a picture of the car but he looked a little sour faced so I didn't ask. At the pump the odo read 3854 miles for 160.8 miles since the last fuel up. The tank took 5.410 gallons at 3.699 a gallon for a total of $23.71 and a mileage of 29.72 mpg.

From there we headed up the Pike for the left at 926. We followed 926 across 352 and made the left on Tanguy. We stayed on Tanguy until we reached Cheney University and made the left onto Cheney Rd. I had planned on taking Thornton off Cheney but I missed the turned and continued on Cheney until we reached Glen Mills Rd. I made the right but soon found the road blocked. I turned out that the blockage was part of the Founders Day Celebration, they make people park at outlying lots and ferry them in, so the guy just let us right through.

The Turners 1910 REO

When we got to the park most of the cars from the club were already there so we found a spot and parked. We pulled out our chairs and set out to join the rest of the club. We met the Turners (1910 REO) and the Alexanders (late 40s Chevy) and sat with them. They were really nice and welcoming and we really enjoyed talking to them about car shows, tours, and the car life. Also got to finally meet Jim Mooney in person, another great guy and very interested in photography so we had a ton of stuff to talk about.

Later on in the afternoon, Jim pointed out that there was an MG parked at the edge of the park. It wasn't in the show area but evidently they let him in to the park. We could see it from where we were standing and I could tell right away that it was a replica. We walked over and took a look at it. It was a white London Roadster, which I determined before I saw the plaque. It was in good shape but not as good shape as Montse. One of the things I noticed is that it had a Pennsylvania Antique plate, this is something that I want to get for Montse so I will have to do some research on that. I had a huge brain embolism and didn't take a shot of it. I don't know what I was thinking about but I didn't get a picture and I didn't leave a note with my number. I would have liked to talked to the owner about the car.

We really enjoyed the picnic, there were some food vendors and we got a roasted pork sandwich form Duffer's that was really good. We have passed this place quite a few times on 352 but have never stopped. We are going to put it in as one of our food stops in the rambles.

We didn't stay until the fireworks, leaving early at around 20:30 to avoid darkness and mosquitoes. It was a great time and we are definitely planning to do more club activities.

We took the same route in reverse and enjoyed the early evening ride. I could tell that some grubby fingered ankle bitter had put his little mitts all over the hood because I could see sticky hand prints everywhere. Not a big deal, simple wipe with McGuire's Ultimate Quick Detailer and it was good as new again.

The exotic tally stands at 15 Ferraris, 14 Teslas, 11 Maseratis, 4 Bentleys, 3 Cobras, 3 McLarens, 2 Austin-Healeys, 2 Lambos, 2 Unknowns,1 Rolls Royce, and 1 DeLorean.

For the rest of the show photos, see the Thornbury Show Set on Flickr.

Thornbury Park

1960s Excalibur Roadster

Jim Mooney's 1970s Blazer

1920s Hottie

Found in a Chadds Ford antique shop

Saturday morning we took the MG out for a long spin. We drove about a block down the road before we realized that we were severely under-dressed for the temps so we turned around and geared up. Not much was needed just an extra layer and gloves. However, before we got on the road again the parking brake had shot its button off and I had to hunt for it, find it, re-install it, and then we were ready.

We headed up Goshen to Garret Mills and across the Pike for 926 with the intent of doing the Dragon. As noted before, the road surfaces have been greatly improved so the ride is a lot smoother. Also, I took the advice of one of my friends from the TDr Forum and lowered the air pressure on the tires from 32 psi all around to 18 psi in front and 24 psi in back. It is amazing how much just such a simple change has improved the handling and cornering of the little beastie.
On the way out 926 we saw a sign for Thornbury Farms off New Street so on the spur of the moment we took the left onto New St and followed the signs. It's just a short jaunt to a right fork on to Thornbury Rd and soon after that the farm stand is on the right at the top of a steep dirt driveway. They have the usual farm stand fare and in addition the have some really good chocolate chip cookies so it is definitely a place to visit from time to time. They also have an old truck tricked out like Tow Mater and a pretty cool old red tractor. I also noticed a sign that said the farm was established in 1709 so if that is true, it's pretty impressive. We got some cookies and sourdough bread and headed back to 926.

Tow Mater

Once on 926 we saw an older red Ferrari and shortly after that a gold 1950s grocery-getter with huge fins. I did not have time to identify the make of the grocery-getteras I just caught off the corner of my eye because he honked at us. They were both headed in the opposite direction and soon after that we made the turn onto Creek Rd. We thought we would stop at Hank's Place and get some lunch but when we pulled in the parking lot the line was out the door so we went with plan B.

Tower and reflections - will try again soon.

We continued on Creek Road out to Kirk and made the turn to link up with 82 and ride that into Kennett Square. This is without a doubt the best part of this loop. With the changed tire pressures, the MG handled the twists and hills like a champ. I used to think sometimes in the tight turns it was like driving a brick but now it really grips the road and grabs the turns in a most satisfying manner. I slowed down on Kirk for Charlene to take a shot of the tower there but she only had time to snap through the windshield and it did not turn out really well. I guess that is just an opportunity for a redo.

Multiple sightings Ferrari

Once in Kennet Square we saw a newer red Ferrari which we saw twice more in town. Once when we were parking on State Street and then later when it was parked on the same street. We stopped at the Half Moon for lunch. We had eaten there before and liked it enough to come back. We had a wild game sampler with buffalo, elk, and venison, alligator gumbo, and a wild mushroom plate. It was all delicious. The gumbo wasn't really gumbo but it was good whatever it was.

After lunch we took a little walk in the downtown area and tried La Michoacana Mexican ice cream place. Not so much. The chocolate ice cream wasn't very chocolaty at all, it was mostly vanilla and if I wanted vanilla I would have ordered that. Live and learn.

Once back on the road we took Route 1 north rather than continue to 926 because we want to stop at one of the antique places along the road. We stopped at Brandywine Rive Antiques, the first place we came upon, we have been there before and they always have some interesting things besides it is in an old barn and I love old barns. It was there that we found the photo of the flapper, or as I like to call her the 1920s hottie. We both thought she was too cute to pass up so we bought the photo and brought it home with us. We are framing it and putting it up on our wall somewhere.

After that we continued on 1 north until we hit Creek Rd. and took that to 926. At the turn onto Creek Road we were passed by a metallic light blue and white stripped 1960s 'Vette. On 926 I saw a dark grey Bentley just before getting to 352. We took 352 to the Wawa on the West Chester Pike for a refuel and frozen coffee. By the time we got to the Wawa we had run 142.7 miles since the last refuel and the odo read 3693. The tank took 5.532 gallons (taking care not to over-fill) at $3.319 a gallon for a total of $18.36. Mileage on this tank was 25.79 mpg.

From the Wawa we just headed back down Strasburg/Goshen for the ride home. No problems, no issues, except that the gas gauge has gone out again. Maybe this has to do with the same circuit that the horn is on but it doesn't matter, I got the trip odometer and I can figure refuels on that. Despite the earlier chill, the weather was great and since we were mostly on shady country lanes the sun did not create a big problem. Much fun was had by all.

The exotic tally stands at 15 Ferraris, 13 Teslas, 9 Maseratis, 4 Bentleys, 3 Cobras, 2 McLarens, 2 Austin-Healeys, 2 Lambos, 2 Unknowns,1 Rolls Royce, and 1 DeLorean.

The classic car tally is now three Nash Metropolitans, three 1950s Jags, two 1960's 'Vettes, one MGA, one Hot Rod, one 1950s Chrysler, one 1950s Oldsmobile, one 1950's Plymouth, one Karmann Ghia, one 1950s grocery-getter, and one Ford Model A.