Wednesday, June 6
“Pretty in Pink”
Remind me to start telling everyone I know how great Illinois roads are. Yesterday’s drive from North to middle was outstanding, and today’s was even better.
Sweeping, rolling hills, little other vehicle traffic, and perfect weather made it a day to remember.
Of course, we’ll remember it for other reasons, too.
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I got to the driver’s meeting early to check out new arrivals to the Tour. Found a really simple, yet well done ’57 Chevy Bel Air Wagon
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along with a new rat rod.
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This one was so low buck he couldn’t even afford treaded tires
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or accelerator and brake pedals.
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A hood emblem? You gotta be kidding, he wasn’t laying out cash for one of those!
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Just a few cars down was a Z28 that looked like new. Nice photo, if I may say so myself.
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Mothers users were in abundance, like this wise gentleman, Showtiming his Chevelle.
Note the supervisor keeping an eye on things.
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I’ve a sneaking feeling this owner tires of folks asking if he’s, “Got a HEMI in that thing?”
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Yes, it appears as though he does.
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With more Tourers arriving,
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I hit the road, hoping to make it to Evansville without all the other Tourers making a wrong turn.
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Once again, though, the Fates frowned upon us. Someone instructed a road crew to stop all vehicle traffic so paving could be done. I wish they would learn to contact Hot Rod before they close the road down. I had a few cars in front of me,
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and a whole lot more behind me.
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Remember, once you’ve been sitting in traffic, it’s best to drive slow.
Yep, drive slow to make up for the 15 minutes you’ve been sitting in the sun.
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Once rolling, though, we made great time. The cars I was traveling with operated like a well oiled machine. Not that any of us could afford the oil to oil it with.
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As tempting as lunch was, it was a little too early to stop in for a bite.
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In our driving directions, Michele was kind enough to mention an unusual, ugh, “facility.”
Yep — a double-decker outhouse.
All work flows downhill, if you know what I mean.
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For those of you wondering, this double-decker outhouse can be found in:
Yep, that’s the name. Trust me.
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Motoring through Macomb and then South, we headed for the lunch stop at Mid-America Motorwerks. They used to be known exclusively as a Corvette place, but have really added to their offering.
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I was in and out in a few minutes, trying my best to keep on schedule. I barely had time to snap this shot of an early ’60s Chrysler Imperial rear turnsignal.
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Cool, huh? Amongst all the Corvettes, I found a ghosted logo on the hood of this C6.
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Since Mid America is best known as a Corvette place, they gave all the Vettes primo parking together. Makes for a nice view, huh?
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I lined-up all the RX8s for a photoshoot, too.
What a crowd! Those rotary guys really rock.
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We went back to driving more glorious two lane, and hoping the weather would hold out.
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After the two lane, it was interstate into Evansville. We formed-up,
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giving a daredevil videographer something to shoot.
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Less than 30 miles from Evansville, my phone rang. Seems as though a big wind gust had taken our canopy and deposited it on top the electric lines, putting part of Evansville in the dark.
I cranked the speed up a few notches.
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When I arrived, it was plain to see the rig was plain as could be. No canopy as far as the eye could see.
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The lack of electricity was the talk of the show. Thanks to quick action by the electric company, power was soon restored and all forgiven.
Thanks, guys.
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As happy Tourers detailed their rides,
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I headed for the stage, ready for a showdown with Joe and Chad. Ever since last year’s Tour, they have continually referred to the manly Mothers detail bag as a purse.
Today was the day to get my evens. Thanks to some kind-hearted friend in SoCal, FedEx delivered the necessary tools for me to fix the problem.
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Joe never looked as good as the moment he slung this snappy item over his shoulder,
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followed by a matching umbrella,
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scarf,
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and hat.
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Chad received a sleek number as well,
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and backpack for carrying all his necessities.
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Yes, folks. What a pair.
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I scrambled off stage, hoping the laughing crowd would protect my back and allow me to live another day.
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On the way back to the trailer, minus canopy, I spotted a Monte Carlo with the uber-rare Louis Vitton option.
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Wheels and interior got the once over, twice.
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With an eye to the rear view mirror for Joe and Chad, I headed for the hotel. Alas, so did 42,000 other folks.
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A half mile to go, and no way to get there.
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As the French would say, C’est la Vie. Such is life. I had air conditioning, gas and a place to sit. Not to mention nothing pink on my body.
So, life is good; even if the canopy isn’t.
Tomorrow we head for Memphis. There’s a great restaurant on Beale street with my name on a chair. I’m starving myself until then. And, our alternative powered car will arrive about the time we do. With over 1,000 horsepower on propane, the Pro Pane looks to be just what we need to really end Joe and Chad’s concerns about manliness and purses. Make sure you come back tomorrow to see the unveiling of Pro Pane.
Hot weather and hot cars. Life is good. Very good.
Your humble and obedient servant,
Forrest Tosie
Mothers® Polishes•Waxes•Cleaners
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2007 Cruise Night Schedule
Saturday, June 2
IX Center
Cleveland, OH
Sunday, June 3
Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds
Kalamazoo, MI
Monday, June 4
Downtown Lake Front
Racine, WI
Tuesday, June 5
Illinois State Fairgrounds
Springfield, IL
Wednesday, June 6
Roberts Stadium
Evansville, IN
Thursday, June 7
Memphis Motorsports Park
Memphis, TN
Friday June 8
Arkansas State Fairgrounds
Little Rock, AR
Saturday, June 9
Long Hauler Closing Ceremonies
Arkansas State Fairgrounds
Little Rock, AR
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