august 2014 'round the benz
DESCRIPTION
Monthly Newsletter of the Pikes Peak Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.TRANSCRIPT
FWelcome new members!
Inside this issue:
View From the Peak 2
Dragonman’s Tour 3
Mixer Board Mtg 3
Chile Run 4
2014 Christmas Party 4
Gold Mine Tour 5 Mile High Section 5
Autobahn Fee 6
Congrats to the Star 6
MHS Utah Event 6
Der Marktplatz 7
Click 7
P3 Photo Montage 8
Star Party Recap 9
Picnic Recap 9
Techno Classica 10
Letha Robison
David Wood
Lin York
Newsletter of the PIKES PEAK SECTION
AUGUST 2014
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The Pikes Peak Section has created a regional event extravaganza for 2014, “Mountains, Movies & Mercedes.”
The weekend experience begins with a catered, hosted reception at Mercedes-Benz of Colorado Springs on Friday night amid the Star Cars of today. We will provide heavy hors d’oeuvres and adult beverages to all of our participants.
This is a big weekend in Colorado Springs with the Balloon Classic and USAFA Par-ents Weekend, so we have reserved hotel rooms for our out-of-town participants at the local Hampton Inn. For reservation information, contact Cheryl Kerbs, 719-594-6017.
Saturday, meet for a hosted breakfast at our event HQ before leaving on a guided tour of the most spectacular spot in Colo-rado Springs – Garden of the Gods. Then we head up the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit of America’s mountain, Pikes Peak. The fee to drive to the top is $12 per person or $40 per car. This fee is not included in your registration. After photographing our Star Cars in the world’s highest (n altitude!) Car Corral, we’ll return down the mountain for a hot brake check and a complimentary box lunch at a sce-nic picnic area on the mountain.
Then it’s on to the world-famous, 5-star Broadmoor Hotel and a tour of the El Po-mar Carriage House Museum. Dinner (no
host) will be at the iconic Golden Bee Pub. Fish & chips, yards of ale and plenty of English charm are just a few reasons our folks will enjoy the lively atmosphere of this authentic English pub.
The main event is on Sunday. We will rendezvous for a theme-based rally keyed to the mystery drive-in movie. Clues along the route will provide hints as to what the title is. At the end of the rally, we will be treated to a sit-down, catered dinner and dessert. We will present prizes to the cool-est driver on the Pikes Peak Highway and rally winners.
At dusk, we will line up the Star Cars in front of the two gigantic movie screens; convertibles with tops down, of course. At dark, everyone can visit our movie con-cession stand to stock up on popcorn and Twizzlers. Tune in your car radios to the proper frequency for the soundtrack. Then settle back and enjoy the movie.
The cost for this great weekend is only $70 per person and includes the recep-tion, continental breakfast, box lunch, rally, dinner and snacks, and adult bever-ages. We also have an ala carte option for the rally, dinner, and movie only for $45 per person. Your paid reservation must be received by 11 August. Fill out the registration form on page 4 and make your check payable to Pikes Peak Sec-tion MBCA. Send both to Dan Kerbs, 7183 Stinson Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.
View From the Peak by Andrew NelsonSection OfficersPresident:Andrew [email protected]
Vice President:Judy [email protected]
Secretary:Mary [email protected]
Treasurer:Julie [email protected]
Directors:Stan [email protected]
Gary [email protected]
Glenn [email protected]
Henry [email protected] Sylvia [email protected]
Dave [email protected]
Webmaster:Robert [email protected]
Editor:Judy [email protected]
Regional Director:Charlie [email protected]
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‘Round the BENZ is published monthly by the Pikes Peak Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA), Inc. Articles and ideas are the opinions of the writers and no authentication is implied as to the validity of any infor-mation contained therein. Explicit permission to republish any article with proper attribution is given to all sections of MBCA, Inc. Articles for publication consideration should be mailed to Pikes Peak Section, MBCA, Attn: Editor, 4335 Penhurst Place, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 or, whenever possible, emailed to: [email protected]. Deadline for receipt is the 18th of the month prior to the month of issue.
Pikes Peak Section members are encouraged to support the advertisers in our newsletter. They help to make this publication possible.
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What a great turn-out for our Joint Sec-tion Pic-nic, again graciously hosted by Clark and Karen Absher at their house and ga-rage, aka
“Absher Acres,” out in beautiful Peyton, CO.
After a delicious lunch in the garage, we commenced an always challenging rally organized by the Abshers. We had to perform various tasks at several stops, i.e., counting Post Office boxes at the Elizabeth, CO Post Office. The key to a good score was to not rack up too many penalty points. It was a lot of fun. The rally ended at a “secret” location where we were all treated to ice cream sundaes at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and a “saw” solo. Thanks to Clark and Karen for planning and executing a great event. This was the second time in two weeks that we made the trek to Absher Acres - our Star Car Star Party served as a great practice run for the picnic. We had an awesome time at both events.
August is a big month for the Pikes Peak Section. Please join us on August 16 for our monthly breakfast at the Egg & I. After breakfast, we will drive out to Dragonman’s Military Museum to tour the amazing exhibits. After the tour, the rifle/pistol range will be available for those interested in some target practice.
The highlight and can’t-miss event of this summer is our Mountains, Movies & Mercedes event held over Labor Day weekend. This year it will be a multi-day, Rocky Mountain Regional event. This gala event will begin with a catered reception at Mercedes-Benz of Colorado Springs on Friday, 29 August.
On Saturday, we’ll have a driving tour of the Garden of the Gods before driving up to the summit of Pikes Peak. The day’s festivities conclude at the world-famous Broadmoor resort for a Carriage House Museum tour and dinner at the Golden Bee English pub.
Sunday’s main event will be a movie-based theme rally with the clues keyed to the mystery title of the drive-in movie. After a catered dinner and dessert, we’ll start the movie at dusk. We will line up our star cars in front of two gigantic mov-ie screens. We will enjoy the movie from the front seats of our cars and tune in to the soundtrack on our vehicle radios. Of course, popcorn and Twizzlers and other movie snacks are provided for our enjoy-ment. RSVP with your paid reservation by 11 August. We’ve got attendees com-ing from as far away as Texas and New Zealand. Don’t miss this fun, fantastic regional event.
As a final note, the Mercedes-Benz F1 team scored another big win at the Ger-man Grand Prix with Nico Rosberg taking the checkered flag and Lewis Hamilton coming in third.
As always, drive safely, and I will see you down the road.
Andrew
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Dragonman’s Military MuseumSaturday, 16 August 2014
9:00 a.m.The August 16th event should be another winner. Whatever you do, don’t miss this one. This will be a chance to help support a local business. We will start by having breakfast at the Egg and I at 9 a.m. We’ll drive to Dragonman’s in time to arrive around 11:30 a.m., for what should be a good time. If you don’t wish to have break-fast, you can still join us at Dragonman’s at 11:30 a.m.
Mel Fisher’s (aka Dragon-man) Military Museum is of-ten overlooked because he really doesn’t advertise it. This is one of the most com-plete military museums in the state. There are exhibits from WWI to the present. Many uniforms are displayed on full-size mannequins. He also has an Elvis area that contains a number of items from the 60s. I’m sure MOST of you remember the 60s. This museum is constantly grow-ing; Mel has mentioned he may have to build an extension soon just to handle the new items. I’ve been through this museum several times, each time I spot something
new, or something I haven’t seen before.
Each tour can handle up to 40 people. If more than 40 sign up, we’ll have a second tour. The tour will last about 1-1/2 hours. The normal price is $10 per person, but we will be get-ting a special
rate of $5 per person. Mel is also offering us a special deal on the rifle/pistol range. The normal price is $10
per person or $18 for two. We will be able to use the range for $5 per person, and that includes targets. In addition to the Museum, and rifle/pistol ranges, Mel has an extensive paintball course (very popu-lar with the younger weekend warriors), and a motocross area.
Please RSVP by 9 August by contacting Ken Sheehan at [email protected] or 719-433-9025.
Mixer Board Meeting - 5 September 2014This September’s Board meeting for the Pikes Peak Section will a bit differ-ent; we’ll meet on a Friday, 5 September, at 5 p.m. at the Airplane Restaurant for a meet-and-greet with the board mem-bers. We’ll have appetizers available and conduct a short meeting so we can enjoy the end of the work week and chat about everything except work.
The Airplane Restaurant offers a unique environment with all things “airplanes and jets”, the KC-97 dining platform is unique
and is a must-see. The lounge offers a wide selection of adult beverages and their menu of-fers something for everyone. Check out the restaurant at: http://www.so-losrestaurant.com/
The address is 1665 N. Newport Rd.(one block east of Powers on Fountain Blvd).
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Paved Passes and Peppers - 28 September 2014Join us on Sunday, September 28 (time and location TBA). We’ll caravan around south-ern Colorado, bagging LaVeta, Cuchara and Raton Passes for our passports, and enjoying beautiful mountain scenery. Expect a stop along the way for lunch at a Mexican restaurant.
We’ll finish the afternoon at Milberger Farms in Pueblo, where you can buy locally-grown, roasted green chilies, as well as other fresh produce, baked goods and deli
items. Complete details will follow as plans come together. To RSVP, please call Julie Nelson, 719-634-7522, or email [email protected].
2014 Christmas Party - 7 December 2014
Save the date! The 2014 Pikes Peak Section Christmas Party is set for 7 December 2014. We will return to the El Paso Club for this must-attend event of the season. Come join us for a sumptuous meal in the elegant surroundings of this historic landmark. Experi-ence a no-host cocktail hour, 3
course gourmet meal, and raffle prizes all for a reasonable price.
We’ll provide more details for you in future newsletters and e-mails to our membership. Please direct your questions to Gary and Diane Gagnon, (719) 282-9313 or [email protected]
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PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS!
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Loveland Sculpture InvitationalDate: 9 Aug 2014; 9:00 a.m.Location: 261 E. 29th St., Loveland, COCost: $7 per personContact: Michael Davison, [email protected]
Braille RallyDate: 23 Aug 2014; 7:00 a.m.Location: 6400 W. 92nd Ave (Costco), Westminster, COCost: $50 for drivers; $20 for lunch onlyContact: Bob Mashburn, 303-988-2710-
Mile High Section EventsFor more information, visit the MHS website at http://www.milehighmbca.org
Gold Mine Tour - 14 September 2014The Pikes Peak Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America is planning a fun trip to the Cripple Creek & Victor (CC&V) Gold Mining Company in Victor, CO on Sunday, September 14, 2014 (notice this is a change in the date from Septem-ber 20th). If you want to have breakfast with us, we will meet at the Hungry Bear Restaurant on Hwy 24 in Woodland Park at 9:00. The Hungry Bear Restaurant is located at 111 E. Midland Avenue Woodland Park, CO 80863.
We will then travel to Victor (the trip to Victor will take about one hour depending on traffic). We will be on our own until 12:30, when we will check in for the tour at the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum. The museum is located at the corner of Third Ave and Victor Ave, 298 Victor Ave. The tour will start at 1:00 and last 1.5 to 2 hours.
Cost for the tour is $7.50 per person. Remember that this is Colorado; we will be at about 9300 feet so you may need a sweater or light jacket. The tour will take us into an active mining area and around large equipment. This is not an under-ground tour. The elevation will vary as will
the temperatures and driving and walking surfaces will be rocky. Please wear ap-propriate walking shoes and no open-toed shoes or sandals are allowed.
The trucks used in mining the gold are massive and can carry more than 260 tons. The tour is well worth the trip; bring
your cameras. We will then have a bite to eat at the Fortune Club res-taurant which is located at 300 Victor Ave. They have great food and ice cream also. After lunch, return to the museum and for a minimal cost, tour the museum which also includes panning for real gold. Try your luck and see if you can find that elusive gold.
There is a lot of history in the Victor and Cripple Creek area that can be explored. Feel free to roam the area and learn more about how the gold of the old days contrib-uted to Colorado, and believe it or not, even
Colorado Springs. Please RSVP for the event by August 29; the maximum num-ber allowed for the tour is 27. Get your reservations in soon so you won’t miss the experience of this exciting tour. Please let Henry Russell know if you will be attend-ing. Phone number is 719-649-0276. Plan to join us for a day of fun.
“There is a lot
of history in
the Victor and
Cripple Creek
area....”
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Mile High Section Road Trip
MHS Fall 2014 Regional Event! September 5-8, 2014
Friday, Sept. 5th
Meet at 8:00 am at Perkins Restaurant 1495 Simms St. (Corner Simms & Colfax)
We will depart from Perkins at 9:00 am Lunch in Grand Junction
Tour Castle Creek Winery in Moab Dinner at the Blue Pig In Moab
Saturday, September 6th
Arches National Park -- Over 2,000 arches are located within the park's 76,518 acres, as well as a variety of other geological formations, including colossal sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires that warf visitors as they explore the park's viewpoints along a paved scenic drive and a variety of walking and hiking trails.
Lunch in Moab Drive the Scenic Potash Byway along the Colorado River
Dinner at the Moab Brewery Sunday, September 7th
Canyonlands National Park - You won’t want to miss spending time atop the mythical sounding Island in the Sky. We’ll feel like we’re on top of the world as we enjoy our catered box lunch picnic in this beautiful location. Views from the Island encompass thousands of square miles of colorful canyons, mesas and buttes.
Dead Horse Point State Park—The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands' sculpted pinna-cles and buttes.
Dinner at Buck’s Grill House in Moab Late Night Stargazing in Canyonlands
Monday, September 8th
Return to Denver after breakfast. Information on optional activities and lodging
will be provided for those wanting to stay another day.
A block of rooms has been arranged at the La Quinta Inn & Suites, 815 S. Main Street in Moab. Phone (435) 259-8700. Participants are responsible for making their own reservations. Mention the Mercedes-Benz club when making your reservation.
REGIONAL ROAD TRIP TO UTAH REGISTRATION FORM
Event Registration Fee—$37.50 per person (Sunday Box lunch in Canyonlands is $10 additional per person)
Make your check payable to Mile-High Section, MBCA
Send check & this form to: Bob Mashburn, 3267 S. Dudley St. Lakewood, CO 80227
Name Phone: ______________________________
Email: __________________________# Attending _____ x $37.50 per person = $ _________
Box lunch # _______ x $10.00 = ___________ Total Enclosed: ________________ Registration fee covers cost for trip planning, printing of maps, trip documents and materials, Hospitality Suite items (wine, beer, snacks served nightly in the Hospitality Suite), rally materials and prizes. Lodging, meals & beverages (other than free hotel breakfast and Hospitality Suite), park admissions, other entrance and visiting fees (if any) are not included as part of the registration fee.
We have built in free time for other activities you may want to pursue on your own. Hospitality Suite will be open each evening—so plan to drive, eat, drink, relax,
enjoy and have a great time!
FormoreinformationcontactBoborNatalieMashburnat303-988-2710orviaemailatbob_mashburn78@yahoo.com
MHS Fall 2014 Regional Event! September 5-8, 2014
Friday, Sept. 5th
Meet at 8:00 am at Perkins Restaurant 1495 Simms St. (Corner Simms & Colfax)
We will depart from Perkins at 9:00 am Lunch in Grand Junction
Tour Castle Creek Winery in Moab Dinner at the Blue Pig In Moab
Saturday, September 6th
Arches National Park -- Over 2,000 arches are located within the park's 76,518 acres, as well as a variety of other geological formations, including colossal sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires that warf visitors as they explore the park's viewpoints along a paved scenic drive and a variety of walking and hiking trails.
Lunch in Moab Drive the Scenic Potash Byway along the Colorado River
Dinner at the Moab Brewery Sunday, September 7th
Canyonlands National Park - You won’t want to miss spending time atop the mythical sounding Island in the Sky. We’ll feel like we’re on top of the world as we enjoy our catered box lunch picnic in this beautiful location. Views from the Island encompass thousands of square miles of colorful canyons, mesas and buttes.
Dead Horse Point State Park—The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands' sculpted pinna-cles and buttes.
Dinner at Buck’s Grill House in Moab Late Night Stargazing in Canyonlands
Monday, September 8th
Return to Denver after breakfast. Information on optional activities and lodging
will be provided for those wanting to stay another day.
A block of rooms has been arranged at the La Quinta Inn & Suites, 815 S. Main Street in Moab. Phone (435) 259-8700. Participants are responsible for making their own reservations. Mention the Mercedes-Benz club when making your reservation.
REGIONAL ROAD TRIP TO UTAH REGISTRATION FORM
Event Registration Fee—$37.50 per person (Sunday Box lunch in Canyonlands is $10 additional per person)
Make your check payable to Mile-High Section, MBCA
Send check & this form to: Bob Mashburn, 3267 S. Dudley St. Lakewood, CO 80227
Name Phone: ______________________________
Email: __________________________# Attending _____ x $37.50 per person = $ _________
Box lunch # _______ x $10.00 = ___________ Total Enclosed: ________________ Registration fee covers cost for trip planning, printing of maps, trip documents and materials, Hospitality Suite items (wine, beer, snacks served nightly in the Hospitality Suite), rally materials and prizes. Lodging, meals & beverages (other than free hotel breakfast and Hospitality Suite), park admissions, other entrance and visiting fees (if any) are not included as part of the registration fee.
We have built in free time for other activities you may want to pursue on your own. Hospitality Suite will be open each evening—so plan to drive, eat, drink, relax,
enjoy and have a great time!
FormoreinformationcontactBoborNatalieMashburnat303-988-2710orviaemailatbob_mashburn78@yahoo.com
The Mile High Section is traveling to Moab, Utah in September. Attendees will visit a winery, and take self-guided tours of Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park,
and Dead Horse State Park. This is a no-host weekend; lodging, meals, and admis-sion fees are not included.
Germany has long been an essential place to visit for speed freaks all over the world. But if you’re visiting from abroad, it’s set to become more expensive—as the country plans to charge foreign motorists for autobahn use to help pay for the coun-try’s infrastructure. The cost, at least ini-tially, won’t be too prohibitive. For ten days on the country’s autobahns, foreign drivers
will be expected to pay about $13. German motorists will also pay, but see equivalent reductions in their annual vehicle tax bills.
Foreign drivers make 170 million trips to or through Germany each year, yet don’t pay for upkeep of the road network. It will help contribute $3.4 billion to Germany’s econo-my every year.
Paying for the Autobahn by Antony Ingram
For the fifth consecutive year, the Inter-national Automotive Media Competition (IAMC), an awards program that recog-nizes excellence in all forms of automotive media, has awarded bronze, silver and gold medals to The Star® magazine, the official magazine of Mercedes-Benz Club of
America. Eighteen medals were awarded to The Star’s editor and content contribu-tors in the categories of magazine writing, graphics and best single/special issue.
Congratulations to Gary Anderson, The Star® magazine Editor-in-Chief and his outstanding team of contributors.
Congratulations to the Star!
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Der Marktplatz1988 560SL. Blue/blue interior. Both tops. 122k miles. $15,500 OBO. Call Pete at 719-351-0815
1992 500SL. Black/tan inte-rior. Both tops. 115K miles. $12,500 OBO. Call Pete at
719-351-0815
380SL Windscreen. Fits Model R107 (1983-1989 380SL, 450SL, 560SL). A must for a quiet, top-down drive. Perfect condition. New $395. Asking $175 OBO. Call Charlie at 719-576-9737.
Running Board Trade. I have a 2012 ML 350 that needs running boards. I’m looking for someone with a 3rd generation ML who has running boards but really wants rocker panel covers. Let’s trade. It’s not a hard job to do; Dan Kerbs & Gary Gagnon can walk us through it and we’ll each save over $1000. Contact Dave Carpenter at 719-532-0257 or [email protected]
Thule Cargo Carrier. $600 cash only or make an offer. Contact John or Hilda at 548-8322 or [email protected]
Kelly M. Shaffer, CSPVice President / COO
2118 Hollow Brook Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
719.528.8888
Accounting + Administrative + Executive + Medical + Technicalwww.addstaffinc.com
This just in from the latest edition of the MBCA e-newsletter, Click, a quick wrap-up of news, dis-counts & special events:
European Classics East - September 21, 2014, Old Westbury, NY. The European Classics East, formerly known as the East Coast version of “Leg-ends of the Autobahn” is celebrating a multitude of Mercedes-Benz Classes and model years. Contact Oliver Seligman at 917.763.0178 or Jerry Shapiro 718.637.7234. Information is also available on our website, http://sections.mbca.org/nyc-long_island/
Heimatfest 2014 — October 3-5 2014, Birmingham, AL. Helmet-up for high speed thrills and technical driving with Tracks Unlimited at Barber Motorsports Park - one of the most challenging and beauti-ful race courses in the world! (2/4 miles, 17-turns, Formula One-certified)* Registration for Advanced Driving Skills on the Barber track $589. Rental hel-mets available. Register by September 12, at www.
msreg.com.
StarTech 2015 — Join us next summer in Cin-cinnati, the celebrated “Queen City,” for Midwest hospitality that will include a sparkling Welcome Party on Friday, June 12, and a fabulous Saturday Night Soiree on June 13, with the opportunity to be a part of the Arthritis Foundation’s Concours d’ Elegance at Ault Park with Mercedes-Benz as the featured marque. Along the way, enjoy interest-ing and interactive seminars and ancillary events for spouses and kids. Contact Pamela Zelman at [email protected]. Additional info can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/StarTech2013/
Chicago to Key West 2015 Road Trip Adventure — Only 10 spots remain for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Dates are August 16-26, 2015. Cost is $3975 per couple and $2927 single and includes hotel accommodations for 10 days, private tours and entertainment, catamaran sailing and unique dinner parties each night. Questions? Call or email Renee Welsch, Chicagoland Section Event Planner, [email protected] or 847.344.1153
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The Paved Peaks & Passes program is going like gangbusters! Our latest drive was to Mt Evans. We had a great turn-out with 9 cars heading up the mountain. StarTrails friends from Florida, Lin York and Misti Rollins, joined us literally (they’re now
bi-sectional) and bought a passport. His SLS coupe was
the hit of the drive.
Together we have driven 34 of the 36 possible passes and we have driven 212 passes total. That’s an awesome accom-plishment. Check out all the photos on our Facebook page at “MBCA Pikes Peak Section.” Get your passport today, and join the fun!
Paved Peaks & Passes
Trout Creek - Bixlers
Mt Evans - Patels & NelsonsUte - Carpenters
Mt Evans - York & Rollins (SLS!)
Berthoud - Croak & Blutt
Fremont - Abshers
Mt Evans - The Group
Eisenhower Tunnel - Abshers, Carpenters, Nelsons
Cottonwood - Russells
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The first, and hopefully annual, Star Car Star Party was a great success. Clark and Karen Absher opened their home, and more importantly, their grassy field in rural Peyton, CO, to our telescopes and Star Cars on Saturday, 28 June. We had 5 tele-scopes set up under the expert guidance of our organizer, Ken Sheehan, to opti-mize the astral viewing opportunities. As we waited for full dark, we socialized and chowed down on chips and salsa, hotdogs with Western Pennsylvania chile sauce, baked beans, and salads. Adult beverages
were available, as well.
When the stars came out, it was time to peek at the heavens. The rings of Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter were popular sights as were several star clusters and constel-lations. There was a lot of ooh-ing and aah-ing from those who had not had those viewing opportuni-ties before. After a bit, several attendees adjourned to the garage where they watched “The Right Stuff” in all its space-related glory.
It was a great evening among the stars, both vehicular and celestial and we had such a good time that we want to do it again next year - Karen and Clark willing and the crick don’t rise.
Joint Section Picnic Recap
Organizer Ken Sheehan
Our Picnic Crowd
First Place & Team Trophies
Star Partiers in Peyton, CO
The Pikes Peak and Mile High Sections joined together for our annual Joint Sec-tion Picnic on Saturday, July 12, at Absher Acres in Peyton, CO. The turnout from both sections was awesome - 63 folks signed up. We parked our cars on the grass and then sat down to a delicious lunch of fried chicken with all the sides. If anybody went hungry, it was their own fault.
After lunch we got our rally instructions with very specific directions as to where to go and how to get there. Most important was the directive to watch your speed. Rally partners were charged to complete specific tasks, within specific time limits. The most challenging was to go to the Elizabeth Post Office and count the number of Post Office boxes. As they numbered in the thousands, not an easy task.
Then it was on to the “secret” location for the grand finale. We ended up at the home of Clay and Wilma Whitney and their com-plete soda fountain and antique car collec-tion. Ice cream sundaes under our belts
(literally), we settled back to an old-fashioned “saw” concert by Clay. Clark then announced the rally winners. An-drew & Julie Nelson came in first, fol-lowed by the Abshers’ neighbors, the Foxes. Hitesh and Sandy Patel and their sons picked up third place - on their very first rally outing. Lou Rogers and husband Greg got the “hardship” award for unexpected delays along the route. The Pikes Peak Section edged out Mile High for the overall picnic trophy.
Our thanks to Clark and Karen Absher for planning another most excel-lent day in the neigh-borhood.
Star Car Star Party Recap
Saw player Clay
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Anne & I have just returned from an ex-tended trip to Europe and, while we enjoy the traditional attractions, I always try and work in something auto-related as well. And why not, when you’re in the home-land of some of the greatest automotive marques in the world? I visited the 2014 Techno Classica, one of the major classic car shows in Europe.
Techno Classica is held over four days in late March or early April every year in Essen, Germany. It
could be described as a classic car trade show with exhibits from classic car restor-ers and parts suppliers. It becomes more than that, though, with displays from the classic departments and museums of the German manufacturers as well as the major classic car clubs. Add in a car corral for private sellers and a market place for everything from fuses to sheet metal and you have an enthusiast’s nirvana. I went on Friday with the longest opening hours to maximize my time. With multiple exhibition halls filled to the brim with displays, it’s im-possible to see it all in detail, so you really have to prioritize.
Of course, my principal interest was Mer-cedes-Benz, who took up most of one hall. This year’s theme was their illustrious rac-ing history which was especially appropri-ate in light of their success so far this year in F1. They actually erected a three-tier
display rack with a separate mezzanine in order to showcase representative models of every racing era selected from the mu-seum and Classic Center. Of course, the other German marques were not to be out-done, with impressive displays from BMW, Porsche & VW. Add all the major restora-tion shops showcasing their latest projects and it’s almost classic car overload!
In the end, what was the result of my show comparison? I found Retro Clas-sics in Stuttgart to be the more impressive because it seemed more comprehensive. This is probably a direct result of the Messe or Exhibition Center in Stuttgart being newer and larger than that of Essen. As a result, they were able to include dis-plays of commercial vehicles, classic and modern buses, tractors and even a special display of classic fire engines. Essen, on the other hand, seems to have a tighter focus on classic automobiles allowing you to cover most of it in a day, while Stuttgart really requires more than a day to do it justice. Either way, you’re in for a treat if you love old cars, especially German ones. I thoroughly enjoyed attending both and along the way, I managed to pick up a few hard to find bits for my 230SL. What more can you ask for?
(Note: In 2015 Retro Classics will be the last weekend in March while Techno Clas-sica will be mid-April. Why not see both if you’re planning a trip to Europe next spring?)
(Editor’s Note: Robert is a long-time Pikes Peak Section member and our webmaster. He lives in New Zealand.)
Techno Classica 2014 by Robert Boren
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16 August 2014Monthly Breakfast - 9:00 a.m.Dragonman’s Museum TourKen Sheehan 719-433-9025
29 August - 1 September 2014Mountains, Movies & Mercedes Regional EventDan Kerbs 719-594-6017
5 September 2014Mixer Board Meeting - 5:00 p.m.Gary Gagnon 719-282-9313
14 September 2014Gold Mine Tour - 9:00 a.m.Henry & Sylvia Russell 719-599-5503
20 September 2014Monthly Breakfast - 9:00 a.m.Stan Bixler 719-597-1281
28 September 2014Chile Run - 9:00 a.m.Julie Nelson 719-634-7522
7 October 2014Board Meeting - 6:00 p.m.Andrew Nelson 719-634-7522
14 October 2014Section Elections - 6:00 p.m.Judy Bennett 719-576-9737
18 October 2014Monthly Breakfast - 9:00 a.m.Halloween RallyAndrew Nelson 719-634-7522
Calendar of Upcoming Events
The Pikes Peak Section Board of Directors meets the First Tuesday of Each Month at Mercedes-Benz of Colorado Springs, 730 Automotive Drive. Meetings start at 6:00 p.m.
All Section members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Return Service Requested
On the Web at www.mbca.org/pikes_
peak/
To:
‘ROUND THE BENZ
‘Round the BenzEditor
4335 Penhurst Place
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
MBCA Pikes Peak Section
Happy Dog Days