Pismo Rally

The event started Friday morning with a breakfast at the Treadwell's, hosted by Sandi Treadwell and Carol Asmus. The three different quiche, fruit, rolls and espresso coffees were perfect. The weather cooperated for the first time in a couple of years with a warm, clear, sunny day. Participants for the run down were Gene and Vicky O'Gorman (Khamsin), John and Carol Asmus (Indy), Wilson and Betty (Bora), Manny Hernandez and Marycruz (Lotus) along with Stuart and Phyllis Sobek with Phyllis' girlfriend Angie (Bentley).

The drive down was fast and uneventful with the exception of a spur-of-the-moment decision to stop for gas, that saved us all from tickets. Right past the on-ramp, after loading up, was a CHP car with radar, sitting just over a hill in the center divider. We would have been caught at over 90mph. As it worked out, we were all just coming back up to highway speeds as we rolled past him. 65mph never felt so good. The trip down took just over three hours with a stop for lunch.

After getting to our Hotel Casa Grande, Sandi and I settled-in and set-up for the pre-dinner Champagne Reception in our room, hosted by the Asmus' and Treadwell's this year, assisted by Manny Hernandez with his outstanding Guacamole' and chips. This tradition came from the best, Jay and Bev Witham. They were surely missed this year. Our glassware really showed the step-down from Bev's. We had to use Bora pack-able plastic instead of the classy Crystal Ware of Bev's. The champagne was great at getting everyone caught-up and in the mood for the Wine Reception to follow, provided by Doug Magnon. The Wine Reception set everyone in the right frame of mind for a fun dinner at Joccos, truly kicking-off the TMC, Pismo Rally Weekend. Yep, we had too much fun. George Andrieni and his wife Bobby drove Gene and Vicky along with Sandi and I, to and from the dinner. It was good thing. Thank-you George and Bobby.

Saturday started off slowly with a continental breakfast and drivers meeting. Our Rally Master, Tom Geiger, explained that this was not a race... was not a race... was not a race".... that still does not compute......... Of course it was a race! There were more than two Italian cars on the road! Anyway, we talked about safety and the built-in fudge-time accounting for red lights (the stationary ones), traffic and so on. Then it was off to our cars with Sandi and I asked to start the rally. We were in Pismo with our Bora, which has been down for five years and in various stages of teasing us that is was back up, for the last one. We were excited and I think Tom wanted us out of the way. A car left the starting point every minute until we were all on the road. The route was spectacular, as usual. Rolling hills, East of Pismo and Arroya Grande. Definitely equestrian country. There were horses everywhere. The roads were smooth, banked and in most part, wide enough and lacking traffic. The Bora was happy and I have promised Sandi that I will restrain the car more, next time. The Rally ended at lake Lopez, in time for a wonderful catered lunch. On the drive back to the hotel we took our usual detour to the Andrieni's Cafe'. It belongs to the son and daughter-in-law of George and Bobby and serves the best Mocha Frapps anywhere. Then it was back to the hotel and get ready for dinner.

It was announced at the Saturday Night Awards Dinner that Sandi and I had been disqualified at the first check point (about a 45 minute portion of the rally), for being ten minutes early. Everyone enjoyed the announcement and understood our reasons and purpose. It was time to "let the dogs out" and stress the car a little, still being suspicious of its dependability. To our rising pride it stayed together, performing flawlessly (though loudly) and handled magnificently. Yep Tom, it is time to fix yours. And yes.... we had a good time. We managed 15mpg on the trip to Pismo and 10mpg on the rally. The winners of the Rally turned out to be the Petreas' in a compact. Go figure… But it was a blast!!!!!!!!

Written by Don Treadwell

The gang ready to roll to Pismo. Eugene O'Gorman's Khamsin, Manny Hernandez' Lotus, Wilson and Betty's Bora, John and Carol Asmus' Indy, backed-up by our Bora with Stuart and Phyllis Sobeks' Bentley behind the bushes.	John and Carol Asmus' beautiful Indy with Stuart and Phyllis Sobek's new Bentley.	An interesting shot of our Bora, as reflected in the side of a fuel tanker. No it was not with us for in-flight-fueling, though we did use a bit of gas.	George and Bobby Andienis beautiful Khamsin being discussed and enjoyed by Wilson, George and Eugene.
Treadwell's Bora.	Some of our gang at the Saturday night dinner at the Taluso Winery. (l-r) Manny Hernandez and his soon-to-be-bride, Marycruz, Josh Ramos and Margaret Geer with Stuart, Phyllis and Angie.	And you just can't leave your ladies alone around Eugene… EVER!!! Too much fun…

Pacific Region, No. CA  NV
Donald F. Buresh, Regional Director
929A Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Tel: (707) 548-2545
E-mail: dburesh@napanet.net