Amazing Drive
 

My 5-hour romp in the twisties this morning with a friend was the best drive I have had to date. We went fast, we took hairpin turns at relatively high speeds, and just had a wonderful day all in all. My buddy drove as well, and had a big grin on his face the whole time.

The ten year old boxster performed flawlessly and stayed quite cool (engine temp) despite the hard driving.

This is what it's all about, and it makes all the repairs worthwhile. :dance:

What a great way to end 2006! Man, I cannot wait to drive the Dragon with as many forum members as we can get together on May 4 and 5! (Details to follow).

I was wondering if y'all were going to do a Dragon run again this year. I had been tenatively planning a road trip from Austin up to DC to visit a friend, stopping to see some things in Tennessee and Virginia... and figured, since the 'Tail is so close... I'd swing up there and run it a few times.

It would be all the better if I could do it with some other p-car owners, and have a great time!

I'll keep an eye here for plans. I was planning on probably doing my trip a little earlier, but I could delay it into May in order to meet up with board members!

Hey Randall, where'd ya go?

I was repainting my crappy doorlid armrests today but did manage a little spin around here. I also fixed most of the rattles in my car...engine heat shield, pax window, etc.

Look me up if you ever hit the west coast, I'd be happy to point you to some fantastic Los Angeles roads (and tag along should it suit your fancy). I just did a Mulholland/Pluma return-to-the-Porsche drive this morning after being stuck with driving a truck throughout my Christmas in Texas. Given that my truck has a 100mph speed limiter, I took every opportunity to shift into fourth in the Boxster... if you catch my drift;)

-David

Randall,

Did you follow the route I sent you?

Up 149 out of Magnolia, then to Montgomery
and over to Anderson, then up 244 to 3090?

3090 from there to Navasota is a really great
road.

I did see the local constabulary on duty on it
the last time I drove it, though, so they are
quite aware that is is used for "sporting"
purposes. So keep a sharp eye out.

The speed limit is 60, so you are likely safe
at 65 or so and except for that one 90 degree
corner, all the rest can be done at the semi-
legal 65 -- even the ones advising 30 mph.

At least on dry pavement -- I wouldn't advise
it in the rain!

So tell us where you went, inquiring minds
want to know. Mine, too, what's left of it.

Best,

- Mark

Mark, I went to the same roads we travelled together a while back, plus 390 just north of Brenham... that was nice and I went east on it from 36, but next time, I'm going west on it to see if it's just as good or even better. Taking 290 out to 36 and going south is a lot of fun... we came up from Industry on 36 and had a blast. Lots of high hills where you can see for a couple of miles and put your foot into it.

Randall,

Yes, that is a good place. The LSRPCA uses those roads sometimes
for rallies, etc.

So I see you had the civet poop coffee. Now I suppose if someone ever
asks if you have had a really sh**ty day, you can answer in the affirmative.

I am sure, though, it was better than it sounds.

I'm off to the coffee shop this week -- I have gone through that last
bucketfull I got last time. I have a small batch of Jamaica Blue to
roast up, though. I will save you some. I don't know if it's better
than civet poop, but it's supposed to be one of the best.

The friend of mine in Dallas who may buy the Boxster, if he decides to
do so, may also go to the DE at TWS in February. It's on the 10th and
11th. Whether he does or not, you might consider signing up.

If he does not buy my car, I need to get on with selling it and will
not drive it in the DE. But I would be glad to meet you there and
watch you really enjoy your car.

(Unless that's the weekend that the new one arrives -- but I doubt
it will.)

Anyway, I will call you this week...

- Mark

PS: For anyone out there in the Houston area Boxsterland, the route
I described a post or two earlier is the best set of roads for spirited
driving I have found around here. Except, of course, the race track.

Rallying is a ton of fun! I had a mini rally on Christmas day. The kids were consumed by their new toys and my wife was immersed in a book so I took the opportunity. In addition to twisty roads, I had some great empty parking lot fun! It was almost like being at the track! :)