Let me just start by saying Ron Richards gave me the green light to lead the SAAC 35 Thursday evening cruise. Being born and raised here in the SF Bay Area, I know just about every short cut, back road and traffic pattern. I cleared everything with Ron first, from the course map, distance, approximate head count and liability releases. This was fun.
Remember this is a Thursday evening in the San Francisco Bay Area, during the start of the horrific commuter hours. Granted we're ( the host hotel, Embassy Suites) north of the Golden Gate bridge in Marin County. So the heavy commute traffic is north bound on Hwy 101 ("the 101" to my Southern California brothas).
So my route is to take the group south towards SF, but well before the GG Bridge, we head west to the infamous Highway 1 through Mill Valley. Our first re-group stop was just off the freeway then it was through the mountain roads to Muir Beach for a group Photo shot.
I noticed we got a bit strung out so I thought to build in a few more stops. It was a spirited (very spirited at times) traffic free route. Drove through Stinson Beach on to Drakes Bay then up Hwy 1 more towards Inverness / Point Reyes Station. We hauled ass (can I say that?). After Pt Reyes Station we cut back to Nicasio Valley then on to Lucas Valley Rd (past George Lucas' filming "ranch" if anyone noticed). It was funny, just before we got back onto 101 south towards the hotel, there was a police/Calif. Hwy Patrol stop, that waived us through.
All in all, a four hour drive just under 70 miles. We got back about 7:30ish. I think there was only one that had a mechanical issue, that bailed but made it back to the hotel safely. Other than that, I had a blast, and I believe everybody did as well.
The group I had were most of the modern Shelby's , a couple 67/68's a beautiful green/gold one and a purple 68 GT350, an Allard (?) I think it was, a bunch of new Gen GT500's and a number of rentals and others. The Rabbit (me) I needed something visible, fast and nimble and something my photographer could shoot from. My wife's red Mercedes Benz SLK55 AMG with the roof down.
The other cruise earlier in the day were the 65/66's Shelby's and ???, but I think they went into Napa. (too slow for me and too much traffic).
Cheers,
~Earl J
In the first red mustang was rkm (from the forum) and his family, the second car silver Mustang was DD-DC (from the forum, Diane and Dominic).
Through the hills and fog. Very little and next to no traffic!
The coast and Muir Beach, nice cool early evening stop, and the Rabbit car.
~E
Had the group pack for the group shot.
The Purple 68 GT350 was very nice looking. I think that's the first time I've ever seen one.
~E
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After another re-group the time was getting away from us. (we had to make up some time so...we were haul-in).
~E
This Black GT500 stayed with me pretty well. I had the advantage as I knew the roads. Turns out he is with the Washington State Police department.
Hope you enjoyed these. You said you wanted or didn't mind them being long-ish series photos...
Cheers,
~Earl J
Ive seen the purple one a few times in photos.
Pretty sure it was born red.
Can't recall the guys name.
Nice photos and story. Thanks for sharing.
We're coming again and this time Lisa is taking a Gravol first!