The California Melee: a Northern California rally for pre-1975 cars-of-interest. Fifty odd (some very odd) cars and their drivers/navigators (ditto) on a two day non-competitive rally through some of the prettiest roads Northern California has to offer.
I'd heard about it and wanted to go for years, but didn't have a suitable vehicle, or at least a suitable running vehicle, until we picked up the Fulvia in July of '05.
Due to a poor career choice on my part, Candy and I were only able to do the first day and a half, so our Melee pix end somewhere on Hwy 36 early afternoon on Sunday.
Next year I'm taking vacation time (or quitting) to avoid the ignominy of another DNF...
I'd heard about it and wanted to go for years, but didn't have a suitable vehicle, or at least a suitable running vehicle, until we picked up the Fulvia in July of '05.
Due to a poor career choice on my part, Candy and I were only able to do the first day and a half, so our Melee pix end somewhere on Hwy 36 early afternoon on Sunday.
Next year I'm taking vacation time (or quitting) to avoid the ignominy of another DNF...
The parking lot before the start.
Blue Truck = Farley's = Great Coffee. Thanks, Farley!
Early hopes to add a cat to the tally were foiled by mechanical issues...
Even the well-wishers machinery was cool...
One of Candy's favorite cars...
Le Depart
Bugeye coming...
...and going
1st gas stop...a beautiful Fiat 850
Rrrough rrroad...
lunch stop
Un petit detour/navigation issue around Clearlake after lunch...
...corrected when we spotted a TR3 being driven with verve and dispatch.
Home (actually Last Resting Place) of the 8th Largest Tule Elk in California...
Next year's route: tracking down #1 through #7
open road (and bug smeared windshield)
The clouds were cool...
Maybe less so for the roadsters...but it didn't rain very much.
Dirt roads! Later, at the motel, we discovered that Lancia trunks aren't dustproof.
The motel
One of these things is not like the others...
The one I want. Not sure I'd fit, though...
Allons enfants...
Simply red
Lame attempt to capture the festivities on Saturday night.
The new brochure photo for the Lamplighter Lodge...
2000CS and 2002Tii
Breakfast of champions: mini donuts!
Candy's other favorite car...I'm thinking she wants a roadster.
Starbucks' parking lot
Brilliant route, brilliant weather.
Impromptu Italian conclave.
Bye!
Hi! Bye!
Why did they bother making Mustangs, when Falcons move so well?