Albert & BC owners unite-spring 08'

Hi Blake,
I'm in for sure! Should be a great time. Thanks again for the cruise on Monday.
Doug M

Okay, here's a chance for all us east coast owners to cruise some real mountain roads. Who's up for planning this?

Either we do the ultimate road trip or we book some enclosed trailers or train cars and fly out to meet them.

I'm pumped.

a few members of the Calagry exotic car club that I drive with occasionally ship their cars south a few times a year. If more info is needed, please let me know. I have not had great success transporting cars by train. Always some sort of damage...especially when ground clearance is limited. A private car transport company is the way to go. They pick it up at your door and unload it at the address of your choice.

I'm in.

Let me know if I can help with planning or logistics.

We should think about timing so that we don't conflict with the spring RMA. Or maybe we should talk to Zahir about coordinating something. What do you think, Blake?

- Peter

Hi Peter,
I am thinking of an exclusive Pantera owner's event. If we had individuals shipping their cars, I would probably suggest leasing a house(or two) in my neighbourhood for a week and using them as a base. There are some beautiful day outings from the Canmore/Banff area. The Radium, Golden, Lake Louise loop would be a great one. The Icefield Parkway to the Icefields Centre and back would be another. Highway # 40 over Highwood pass to Longview and through Bragg Creek and back to Canmore is absolutely breath-taking also. Hanging out in Banff is not alll that bad either! It all depends on the number of participants and how far they are coming from. We may even have Zahir join us or the other way around for a Sunday ride to the Banff Springs for brunch. Let's see how many P owners are interested and I would appreciate your help in figuring out the logistics and costing.

Peter,
please bring the Edmonton owners out of hiding.
I will attach a photo of the house accross the street that is often available for rent.

Sure wish I wasn't so far away from you Blake! I was up through Banff & Jasper National Parks on a driving trip to Alaska years ago & the scenery is nothing short of awsome. Lake Louise & its surrondings are a beautiful area & those mountain highways were made for our P-cars! Sure would like to see this part of Canada again some day! I know whoever takes advantage of this drive with you will be throughly impressed. Have a GREAT time!

Bob

This sounds like a good reason for a big road trip!

If anyone from the east is to come, it will require LOTS of advance planning, stating with dates and an idea of what exactly will go on so we can consider booking holidays and a transporter. While I can't say for sure if I (we) can make it, I can say that I'm interested in trying to. Let us know more what you have in mind and when so we can have something to look forward to.

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by Blake:
Peter,
please bring the Edmonton owners out of hiding.

I only know three Edmonton Pantera owners. All three monitor the PIBB (kenf, ted #9494, blayre). One of the three cars is undergoing a complete restoration and so will not be on the road next year. I will contact all three to see if they are interested, and to encourage them to participate in this thread.

It sounds to me like you already have in mind how the basics of this should be organized. Do you have any dates in mind?

I agree the itinerary can consist of day trips, but perhaps we could consider an overnight stay here and there to enable larger loops into the BC interior. Personally, I would much prefer basing ourselves in Canmore as opposed to Calgary, as you propose, because we would not have to contend with Calgary traffic or security for our cars. However, because the folks from out East will be flying into Calgary airport, they may want to base some nights or events in the city. Perhaps we should toss that question out there?

We can talk to Zahir about using his connections at the Banff Springs Hotel to get us a decent rate on a private room for a group dinner. Lake Louise is the other alternative, as you have mentioned. Also, I suggest we may want to give some thought to shopping, sightseeing and other social activities for the ladies so that the event appeals to them as well.

If we do the Icefields Parkway, David and I may have to take sedatives to enable us to cope with the 80km/hr speed limit.

There are some great guys with Panteras in Washington and on the West Coast of BC. It would be a manageable drive for them to get to Canmore... shorter than it will be for me, as a matter of fact. Would you like me to put the word out?

Hey everybody,
I know I'm new to the pantera community but living in Calgary, about 10 Min from the airport, I would be pleased to take care of anything that would need to be done here. i.e. pick people up from the airport and take them to Canmore, arrange overnight hotel rooms if neccessary. I could also arrange secure, alarmed storage for cars (6 or 7 max.) if they arrive at a different time from the owners, in a building only a few minutes from the airport. Whatever needs to be done. If there is anything I could do to help out just let me know.
Doug M

I have an enclosed car hauler trailer that I would use to bring my car down. It would, therefore, be available in case one of us breaks down along the way. If we could find a driver, it could even accompany us on the trips. One option would be for us to each kick in a few bucks, and we could hire a mechanic to drive the rig and bring some tools. I have one (who has experience working on my car) in mind, but I'm unsure whether he could take the time off work. If you guys think this is a worthwhile idea, I'll call him and check.

Blake, what do you think of borrowing the RMA idea of using two-way radios? There is little to no cell coverage where we would be going, so keeping in touch might prove difficult without them.

trailer and a mechanic are a great idea....a bit of an extra expense. I have the CAA Premier membership which includes a tow of up to 320km. We will always be in striking distance of a major centre. There seems to always be a flat bed truck available along the major routes around here.
Two way radios an excellent idea. Would the portable hand held units be sufficient? I know many families that use then at the ski hill to stay in touch.

I would highly recommend staying in the mountains.....a city is a city. Banff is one of those top world destinations that one must visit before one expires.
I drove into Calgary today. I was at Canada Olympic Park(western edge of the city) in 40 minutes. As far as accommodations, I have lots of contacts. Good restaurants, shopping in both Banff and Canmore. Downtown Calgary is one hour and the airport is 1.25 hours....at normal speeds.
Peter, if we wanted to do an extended loop and meet the BC gents, the group could go over Highwood to Hwy 22 and meet in Fernie(golf). Come back through Fairmont(golf & hot springs) Invermere(swim/waterski in Lake Windemere), Radium(hot springs), Golden(Eagle's Eye restaurant at the top of Kicking Horse Resort), Lake Louise(Post Hotel for cocktails/supper), Banff(fun for everyone) and back to Canmore.
I love to plan events and come up with cool ideas. The trip between each destination will be the most special time!

I like the way you guys are thinking. I've been to Calgary and I'd be more than happy to fly in and leave for the hills immediately. If we all each pack some tools and the basic emergency parts spread across our cars we'll be able to forgo the trailer (hopefully). I'm sure between us there would not be many problems that would require a mechanics crew. If there was a major blow-up, chances are good that one guy by the side of the road wouldn't cut it anyway.

Pick some dates and keep fleshing out the plan. I'm ready for another trip out west. Just make sure it isn't the rainy season. We get enough of that here...

I thought of the hand held units, but their range is very poor and you couldn't hear one in a Pantera anyway. The VHF two-ways give you a few kilometers range even in the mountains, which allows you to keep in touch with stragglers.

I'm in total agreement about leaving Calgary behind as soon as possible, but I just did not want to assume everyone else thought the same way. Heck, I live in the middle of nowhere for a reason; as I get grumpier and older I find that the smog, crowds and traffic just get on my nerves.

Now as for the mechanic and trailer question, I am suggesting it because I have repeatedly benefitted from having them along on the RMAs. There is always somebody breaking down, and either fixing them right there or loading them right on to our own trailer beats heck out of waiting hours for a flat deck to arrive, paying hundred of dollars getting towed to the nearest town and then having to try to figure out how to get the car home from there. This is the voice of experience. It may cost a few extra bucks, but it is great insurance to have. I'll bet you that if we have a trailer along, it'll be used. If we don't bring it, we'll wish we had. The mechanic is merely nice to have, not a 'must have', because I'm sure we'll have a few mechanically inclined guys along.

Photography is something else that should be considered. I bet everyone would love to arrange some good photo ops, and there will be no shortage of them along the routes you have mentioned. I have a decent still camera as well as a Mini DV digital video camera, and I would be taking photos anyway, but I wonder if participants might not want to line up something more professional.

OK Peter, I'm sold on the trailer and mechanic. I must say, I don't have a lot of experience with mountain road trips in a Pantera. One request, please make sure the trailer is outfitted with a Cappuccino machine...

We use the 2-way radios whenever we Pantera convoy and they're amazing (plus faster and cheaper than cell phone charges).

On the photo front, I am (assuming I can come etc.) more than happy to bring my gear and do lots of nice beauty shots and share them with all on CD afterwards. If anyone knows a videographer with a helicopter it would be a nice added touch.

simple is better gentlemen!
I was thinking of a house rental...toss that idea. Everybody likes their creature comforts and privacy. There is a perfect hotel/condo facility in Canmore. Luxurious and may be rented by the day. It is located at the edge of town and offers underground parking. It used to be a Marriott Residence.

I'm all for simple and comfort (underground parking is nice too), but I'm still bringing my camera...

Someone needs to come up with some date options for consideration. Organizing things around here is tricky because of so many festivals and other hotel-filling events that we have to plan around. In the end, we get whatever dates are not used up already.

after the gravel is swept off the highway and before school ends for the summer. Winter last quite awhile here. Let's see how many owners become interested and then set a date.

Mark:

Actually, Blake and I do know a videographer with a helicopter but, trust me, you would not want to know how much that would cost. In any event, judging by the photo you posted above (and assuming you have not been fudging it with Photoshop again), we'll be in good hands should you be able to attend. To make sure you recover in time, we should all pitch in to send some tiny Geisha girls to your house so they can walk on your back and massage it with their toes. Maybe they could even bring you some cappucino while they're at it?

I am very interested, however, My wife and I are booking a cruise some time in May. Hopefully this will not conflict with the time you guys set this up. I would also like to trailer my car. Not that I baby it but as all the west coast guys know I have some reliability issues to work out. Hopefully I will have these solved by then but it might be a little early to be doing a road trip. Once the time comes if anyone is trailering a car in a BIG trailer I would possibly be interested in hitching a ride and splitting the cost. Otherwise I will keep my eyes out for something I can possibly rent locally. Sounds like great fun guys hopefully I can make it.

Blaine

Sounds like a great idea for us west coast guys to have a all Pantera event. East coast guys already have an event to Kinston.
So lets get it going.

Blaine, hopefully you will have your issue fixed by then and we can cruise together. I dont want to be following a trailer.

Most likely the issue will be fixed however I will have had no time to test it before then. That would be quite a gamble but I suppose I could buy 20 belts. That should about get me to Cranbrook and back.

Blaine

In principle I'm interested, but my wife and I are also planning a trip, probably for four to six weeks in May-June. Looks like timing is going to be everything.

I would love to go through the Rockies in a Pantera again. Last time (1975), I averaged 100MPH between Banff and Golden while getting 24MPG (Canadian gallons, that is).

this is looking good! If you gentlemen could please provide me with dates that would work, I will begin to plan a date.
Marcus and Blaine....do you both live in Victoria? My wife and I will be staying downtown Victoria next Sunday through Wednesday. Love to see your cars! We are on foot...drinks on me.
I just drove from Golden and arrived in Canmore about one hour ago. Lost another windshield to flying gravel....my wife's car.

Blake,
We are both in the Victoria area and I am sure I speak for the both of us when I say I would love to meet up with you. My car is back in project mode though but I could certainly pick you guys up. Marcus is a little farther away but Im sure we wouldnt have to twist his arm to hard to get him to drive it in. Plenty of pubs close by for a drink as well. Send me an email with info.

Blaine

Blake, thanks again for the drinks yesterday, from both Blaine and me! Hope you enjoyed the Irish Times Pub.

We can't have a Pantera owners get-together without a Pantera, so I took mine into town through the spray on Highway 17 this morning. Blake and I were able to hook up in front of the Empress and go for a quick blast down Dallas Road through Ross Bay and back this afternoon (sorry, no camera).

Marcus & Blaine:

I will be in Victoria Thursday to Monday. Any chance you might want to come out and play? I volunteer to buy port and curry at the Bengal Lounge.

So as to not hijack this thread, you can reply by e-mail to phavlik[at]pris.ca

- Peter

Blake,
Father's day weekend would be great. June 14&15 and the Friday, Monday adjoining. Good weather (usually) but not hot.
How do these dates work for others?
Doug M

we have a "show and shine" on Father's Day....small but gaining popularity. Some interesting Calgary cars are becoming involved. Would be cool if we could participate for a few hours. Let's shoot for Father's day weekend and see how many can make it. Gravel will be swept off the highways and school is not quite finished which means less people on the roads and in town.

Fathers day is a big day in Vancouver as there is an annual "Italian Days" show in North Van and involves virtually anything Italian that has wheels. It's a free unadvertised show at Waterfront park and is usually very good and has a good Pantera showing with sometimes several US guys bringing their cars as well. Blake has been, but not Peter yet........

please let me know if Father's Day weekend(extended to 4 or 5 days) would work for everybody? I will do my research concerning accommodations.
Great meeting up with Blaine and Marcus last week in Victoria. Hope you guys can make it!
Would be very cool if a few cars were transported from the East.

I have no issues with the date. There are a few of us out east here who are really interested and hope to be able to make it. Once details and dates are finalized we can start planning and working out what our costs will be. Keep planning!

Many thanks to Blaine and Marcus for giving me a Pantera fix in Victoria yesterday. It was great to see Blaine again, and to meet Marcus for the first time. Watching and listening to Marcus arrive and drive away in his beautiful red Pantera was a real treat. Since my car has been off the road, I have not been able to listen to that wonderful exhaust sound for far too long.

I had a couple of opportunities to drive behind Marcus, and was amused by how every single pedestrian's head turned when he drove by. Men, women and children alike were all unable to resist looking and listening. If two men were together, the reaction was always to look first, and then turn to each other to commence an argument about what it was that they had just seen. Great fun!

Marcus, Blaine and I are all hoping to be able to make it to Canmore in spring. We all just have to give Blaine some encouragement over winter to sort out his amazing car so that it runs well enough for the very long trip that will be required.

I forsee a significant convoy forming in Vancouver, because Herman & Steve will probably round up some of the guys from there. Between the Victoria and Vancouver contingents, it could end up being a fair number of cars going. That drive from Vancouver to Canmore alone will be through some world class sportscar driving territory, and I'm turning green with envy just thinking about it. I would join in if it wasn't a 2,400km detour for me.

I wonder if some of the guys from Washington might consider coming too?

The one aspect to the planned event that Marcus, Blaine and I all agreed is truly special is that the Blake's plan is not just for a gathering. Gatherings are great, but to have an event where we will all be able to spend a few days driving twisty mountain roads together is particularly appealing.

We were happy to have you!

Blaine

I have been reasearching accomodation options in Canmore for the week surrounding June 14-15th, 08'. I will post 3-4 suggestions for vacation property rentals. Some of my choices have underground parking. All choices offer full kitchen facilities and are within walking distance to Canmore's downtown core.
Happy Holidays to all!
Blake

For Quebec Ontario owners interested in going, we will be doing our annual GP event in Montreal on June 8th. So maybe we'll load up our new trailer in Montreal and head west on the 9th.

Let me know who is interested. Canmore here we come!

dberman@canspan.com

Is that the week prior to, or after June 14-15? I don't mean to be fussy, but I have a previous business commitment on June 12th that I need to work around, plus I am in the process of scheduling other meetings for 2008, and it would help to know which dates in June I need to book off for this.

Oh, and, BTW, don't forget I am at your disposal if you need any help getting this thing organized. If there is anything at all that I can do, let me know.

Peter,
I set the June 14-15th weekend dates with 2-3 days on either side....making it a 6-8 day event. Day trips only, so we can always pick up early arrivals or late comers. The two weekend days being the main event.