Here we are, a bit slow to start, but it was a hustle to get to Georgetown and it's been almost non-stop since. We are Johnny (the driver) and Suzi (the co-pilot). The hot rod is a 1927 roadster pickup (basics: 1927 body, 1930 chassis, 1946 flathead). This is our story... Day 1: We started our trip in mid-afternoon on Tuesday, August 11th from Petaluma, CA. We were hoping to get to at least Reno to get a jump on the drive. A half hour down the road we have a problem and pull into Vallejo. Long story short, after 4 hours or so of fixing and fiddling, we call the tow truck. Day 2: When the tow car has to get towed home, guess you have to wake up the next day, pack up the "race" car and head back down the road. The truck runs like a champ. And driving through the desert at midnight watching a meteor shower is pretty awesome! Made it to Wendover, half way there! Suzi
That is really cool that you still went on after the tow car problem and you got to drive the race car this is what it is all about!! Jim
Johnny and Suzi are the coolest! My wife and I got to chat with them a bit over some suds and they are the real deal!
Wow, thanks everybody! This posting is a little new for us both AND we're still on the road, so please bear with us and be patient. Like the road trip, we'll just keep plugging away at it, but there's more to tell and plenty more pics if you want them. And we'll both add our two cents. A few more shots from day 2... Johnny
Okay you guys my interest has peaked, can't wait for the rest of the story, and don't leave anything out....
Looks like a great trip! Have fun... When you're back in 'Luma, give me a shout. I'd love to see the RPU and chat over a beer... I'm on the west side near the Swede School.
Hate to rain on this, but they made it to George Town as I check out the truck. Very cool and I want to hear about the return trip. This is a great story.....
We saw you there, wish we had our roadster there! Great show, too bad the second run didn't go off. Looks like you had fun!
Hey folks. Yea you're right we did get to Georgetown! Day 3: Wendover to Georgetown was pretty long and grueling. Hot across the salt flats then no start after gassing up in Salt Lake. OK, clean the battery cables check the grounds and she fires up! Off we go. Run to I70 through Price was beautiful and then into Colorado. Another gas stop and HUGE bearing whine coming from the generator as we slow. TIGHT BELTS! They were ok when we left Wendover but the hot day had made them like bow strings. Loosen them up, spray some lube at the gen bearing and cross my fingers. All quiet, so off we go again! Cruise through Colorado went well until it gets dark. The run down to Georgetown from Loveland pass was the hardest part to date. Late, cold, rain, wet roads on bias plys, 18 wheelers passing us at 80mph, can't see from their tire spray...quite a ride. Happy to be in Georgetown, 12 midnight. Morning in Wendover. Salt, salt, but no speed week Into Colorado The Rockies begin And through the Eisenhower tunnel to Georgetown! More on the way...
Day 4: Slept late, off to town for food and tech the rpu. VERY slow cranking speed this morning, thought it was ok but... Generator is fine, had strong lights all last night, maybe battery. Shared a table with Craig and Paul from New Zealand, covering the hill climb for a kiwi magazine. Very funny guys, hope to see them again! In town it's awesome! Nothing but hot rods on the streets, parked, everywhere. What a gas! Tech, register, paint our numbers, (thank you Suzi) then off to look for a battery...yea it's toast. Had to drive to Idaho springs for it, back on the freeway, in the rain, in the traffic, oh boy! Back to Georgetown for drivers meeting, then a run up the hill to check it out. Yea, still in the rain. Played with timing a little on hill, 97 jetted for sea level, got it a little better with timing, but putting a small air filter made the most difference. Choked down the air for better fuel/air balance and the flattie was noticeably peppier. Back to condo, grab Suzi, back to town for pizza dinner, (mmmmmm) still raining hard. Drive through town, very soggy, back to condo to rest up for tomorrow and racing! Yesterday across salt flats, rpu humming! YEA, we're at the Hill Climb!! Parked down hill for rolling start if needed. Dressed for speed! Some cars... Let me know if I get too wordy. Cheers, Johnny
WORDY no way, for us that didn't get to go, it's like riding along with someone. So thanks, and keep er goin.......
The Jalopy Journal
