Alfantics articles...
Alfantics articles...
Members who took the weather forecasts with a grain of salt and
drove to Squire's in Baltimore for the January meeting had an agreeable evening
with unusually good service. To encourage such bravery in future the editor
has
agreed to publish the names of those present (more or less in order of arrival):
Jonathan Beltz, John Kay, Bert and Judy Straus, Frank Smith, Jennifer Jones
and Juan Villar, Eugene Kessler, Jack Rugh and Bob Leepa.
Things of interest to the club that were discussed included:
(i) The state of the club's finances. John Kay explained that the
chapter's bank account has been shriveling by about $100 per month; in about
twenty months the cupboard would be bare. The primary remedy for this is collecting
outstanding advertising dues. Other cost cutting measures discussed included
circulating Alfantics by Internet free while charging for paper copies; collecting
a small chapter fee on top of the national subscription; and selling raffle
tickets at each meeting while being less lavish with the prizes than in the
past.
(ii) Meeting dates: meeting dates for the whole year in this issue
of Alfantics (see back cover). They are the first Monday of the month except
for perhaps the July meeting, which would immediately follow the national
Convention. That meeting could alternately be July 14; if it is the Frenchified
President proposed that the meeting should be held at a French-leaning restaurant,
preferably in Bethesda. Also, the September meeting will be incorporated into
the annual Club Picnic, and the December Meeting as usual into the Holiday Party
and Annual Meeting.
(iii) Circulating a Chapter membership list with phone numbers.
The National AROC does produce a useful national list, but only about once every
three or four years. The cost of such a list could be offset by including photos
of members' cars, the idea being that members would pay for the privilege of
having the beauty of their cars spread far and wide. Some clubs, it was noted,
find that membership lists serve to hold them together because members talk
to each other more between meetings.
(iv) At the Holiday Party, some members suggested that there could
be more drives or rallyes unrelated to wine. The President noted that there
is in April and October every year an Arts and Crafts open-day tour by seven
art activities in the countryside between Frederick and Harper's Ferry. This
is very attractive country with areas like South Mountain to make the event
interesting to Alfa Owners. For the less spartan, there is also the lure of
Sunday brunch at the South Mountain Inn. Additionally, a Spring Backroads Ramble
overnight trip to Appomattox is being planned by the Vice President for the
weekend of April 5-6, as is a possible roadtrip to Monticello and International
Auto Parts, and a Fall Ramble.
(v) 2003 Annual Convention in Hollywood, Florida. (Short geography
note: Hollywood is south of Fort Lauderdale and north of Miami). For those intending
to fly, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper than Miami, and car rental can be cheap.
If enough fly together, discount tickets are available (see John Kay in his
capacity as travel agent). For those intending to drive, Hollywood is two solid
days from Washington. It was suggested that Amtrak has a car carrier scheme
from Baltimore as well as Washington (Lorton). This is being investigated. The
car carrier train from Lorton to Sanford is long-established and gives a good
night's sleep instead of a hard day's drive. It was also mentioned that the
time trials are to be at Homestead Air Force Base, with a complete circuit -
flat, not banked - about 60 miles south of Miami.
(vi) Officers. After the excitement and pleasure of Party Night,
it was found that the chapter had either left itself without a treasurer, or
cast on John Kay the double burden of President and treasurer, an arrangement
particularly frowned on by the SEC. Eugene Kessler, Chapter representative to
the National Board and recent Vice-President, has consented to avoid confusion
by becoming treasurer.
Naturally, no decisions were taken. So all the points mentioned
above are open to discussion. Even better, write or E-mail your comments to
the newsletter editor, who remains Brewster Thackeray, by the 15th of the month,
and save him from racking his brains on how to fill the pages. Adopt the slogan
"Write your own newsletter!"
Having returned recently from
three glorious weeks in Italy, I'm just brimming with stories of what I've seen
and done. Aside from the obvious joys of things Italian, some memories obviously
relate to those mechanical
objects of our lust-Alfas.
Sadly, I didn't do any driving
in Italy, but did observe quite a lot of spirited, innovative approaches to
passing and urban parking, and truly competent lane management. The consummate
skill of Italian civil engineers also struck me as existing on a level generally
unknown elsewhere (except perhaps in Switzerland). As a pedestrian and bus passenger,
I had lots of time to observe the Italian motoring public and can only marvel
at its level of competence.
Since I only passed through Milan, I wasn't able to visit the Alfa
museum at Arese, but that's just another excuse to return to Italy, right?
One who hasn't been to Italy might suppose that the streets would be a rolling
museum of all of those grand Italian cars we so admire, that every street would
offer a sighting of at least one classic Alfa, Ferrari or Lancia or some sort
of Etceterini. Not the case.
To encourage Italians to purchase new cars, Italian tax law favors
the scrapping of cars more than ten years old. I see more old Italian cars in
the States than I did in Italy. In three weeks of observing, I saw exactly one
mid-eighties spider and one mid-seventies GTV. No Giuliettas, no GTV6s, no Milano/75s,
just a few 164s.
What I did see were lots of gorgeous newer Alfas, particularly
147s and 156s, and an occasional Coupe. The 156 Wagon struck me as especially
pretty, and judging by the number sporting German registration, this model is
a best seller in other countries too. In fact, the farther north I went, the
more Alfas I saw. Could it be that Alfa really makes German cars cleverly disguised
as Italian ones? Nah, they have too much verve.
Speaking of verve, Italian drivers bring something special and
creative to their transit of Italian roads, and at the end of their journey,
their parking efforts can be pretty innovative too. I got the distinct impression
that each driver has a particularly keen sense of what the other drivers will
do when presented with a crisis. They confidently swing into opposing lanes
of traffic to get around slower vehicles, and the opposing traffic simply yields
at the last moment, with no flashing of lights or honking of horns. No middle-digit
salutes were apparent to me either. This sort of cooperative behavior seems
to be expected.
And when the Italian driver finally reaches his destination and
is confronted with the need to park in a city designed around carts and horses,
Italian creativity comes to the fore. I saw cars nosed into parallel parking
spaces at right angles, with their front ends on the sidewalk. I saw tiny Smart
cars nosed in without overlapping the sidewalk or protruding into traffic. I
saw cars parked so close together in parallel spaces, that their mirrors had
to be folded to fit without interference. It remains a mystery to me how the
drivers got into and out of their cars in these circumstances.
Many roads in Italy traverse terrain so hilly and steep that the
roads are actually cantilevered over cliffs for long stretches (the Amalfi Drive
is probably the best known), make use of bridges a hundred feet or more above
the valley floor, or tunnel through incredibly long stretches of countryside.
Many roads have switchbacks that force buses to back and fill to get through.
Despite a climate in the north that routinely exposes the roads to freeze-thaw
cycles like our own, the roads are absolutely smooth. In fact, I don't recall
seeing a single pothole on any of the highways in Italy. Every state should
import a cadre of Italian civil engineers.
Our newspapers carry stories almost daily about Fiat's troubles,
and the Italian road scene vouches for their truth. Only three years ago, when
I last visited there, Fiats and Lancias were everywhere. This year, I saw scads
of Seats from Spain, Skodas from the Czech Republic, Citroens, Renaults, and
Peugeots from France, and lots of Audis. Quite a few Mercedes and BMWs were
evident, and somewhat fewer Alfas. Except for Fiat Multiplas, which see broad
use as taxis, Fiat sales have definitely slipped greatly.
A few words on the Fiat Multipla
are warranted. "Ugly" only begins to describe this four-door brick,
but that ungainly exterior masks a brilliantly utilitarian interior. Seemingly
shorter than an American subcompact car, the Multipla seats six adults in upright
comfort while holding their luggage in a deep trunk, and the thing seems to
be built from a single piece of metal. Not a squeak or a rattle was heard on
Rome's cobblestone streets. If Fiat brought this level of innovation and quality
to all of their automotive products, their future would likely be assured.
Just as you've probably heard or read, Italian drivers really keep
to the right except to pass. But they don't wait until a passing zone to get
around slower cars on two-lane roads. Instead, they just make a third lane and,
if their newly created lane happens to be on a curve, they honk repeatedly as
they pass to alert oncoming traffic. Amazingly, cars coming the other way yield
right-of-way when they hear the opposing car's horn, and then resume their progress
when the road is again clear. Nobody seems to get upset at this and it all happens
with astounding smoothness and cooperation. Try that in the States!
My next trip to Italy will involve some serious time behind the
wheel (of an Alfa, I hope). I think I'd fit right into the flow of traffic.
Now, if only that Benzina were less expensive.
I sometimes think we Alfa Owners in fact talk about our cars more than we drive
them. The Chapter should make more opportunities for driving cars, even if only
a few members take advantage of each opportunity. Of course, I
am biased, having been taught to drive by serious instructors in the British
Army, so that I was able to drive my four-wheel drive three-ton (lightly) armored
reconnaissance vehicle onto the shores of Normandy in June 1944 (Owing to what
I consider in retrospect an extraordinary misunderstanding of the terrain by
planners, we carried out hardly any reconnaissance from early June to early
September. One day when we drove three miles, we thought we
had made a big journey).
My proposal is to add a visit
to the Valley Arts display between Frederick and Harper's Ferry this spring,
and one in late fall to Pipestem State Park, in southern West Virginia. This
is a drive that takes most of a day each way; but the State Park is so extraordinary
when you get there that it is worth it. When the club did this a long time ago,
we had about eight cars.
If anyone has a pair of CBs in their basement , they would do a
great service if they brought or loaned them for drives. They seem to me to
be more useful than cellphones for preventing people being lost.
Next, a bit of special pleading. Our last wine drive into Virginia
left people so happy sitting and tasting that we drove little. However, the
1998 Maréchal Foch of Deer Meadow turns out to be so exceptional, doing
all the things that wine should do, that I shall try to find a way of getting
there while visiting other vineyards and without going through Winchester, Va.,
on a Sunday.
I suppose that most people going to the National Convention will
wish to drive there. Having made the "Grand Tour" of Florida just
after the 2000 election, my wife and I would be happy to offer suggestions for
places to visit before or after the National Convention. Call 301/652-6287.
In other matters, I believe that speakers bring people to meetings
more than any other act. I will therefore try to get some speakers, and would
welcome any advice on this point.. Will anyone who knows of potential speakers,
or would like to hear about a topic, please phone let me know?
Dates have been confirmed for two April Club events.
The Spring Backroads Ramble, a drive to Appomattox, Virginia with an optional dinner and overnight stay at the historic Spring Grove Farm Inn (www.springgrovefarm.com), will be the weekend of April 5-6. Last year we sold out the Inn, and had a beautiful drive, a fabulous meal at Spring Grove, and a memorable overnight stay. For further information, contact Sherry or Brewster Thackeray, 703/807-0798 or TwoThacks@aol.com.
Kevin Sims of the Lamborghini Club confirms that this year's Regional Italian
Car Tour will be Sunday, April 27. Kevin is still finalizing the details. Last
year featured a record turnout of Alfas from our Club, and we look forward to
continuing our heavy involvement in this exciting event.
by Sherry Thackeray, Vice President
We're all in this club because of Alfas, to be sure, but also because
of our general love of driving and automotive adventure. Last year Charlie Drake
shared some of his thoughts from the roads of Ireland. I'd like to introduce
you to my new friend, St. John, in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
St. John is the third largest in the string of U.S. Virgin Islands,
after St. Thomas and St. Croix. The island is approximately nine miles long,
three miles wide, and extraordinarily hilly (think San Fran turned up a notch
with hairpin blind curves) with the highest peak reaching 1,500 feet. Lawrence
Rockefeller purchased 2/3 of the island in 1956, donating it to the government
as a national park. It is thus exceptionally preserved, and a dream getaway
for nature lovers.
We stayed at Maho Bay Eco Tents, environmentally friendly frame
tents that sprinkle the hillside above lovely
and secluded Maho Bay. A fine escape from civilization, with world-class snorkeling
waters only ten minutes walk away.
For the first few days Brewster and I explored the island by foot
and snorkel fin. While beautiful, well maintained park service hiking trails
criss-cross the island to various destinations, we quickly realized that hiking
alone was more of an undertaking than we were prepared for. So our last day
on the island we decided to rent a vehicle to explore St. John in its entirety.
For $60 (including their insurance) our Suzuki Sidekick was a good
investment for traversing St. John's steep, curvy roads. The two-door semi-convertible,
4-wheel drive mini-SUV had 32,000 hard driven miles, but the was right at home
with the able-footed goats, sheep, and donkeys that share the road.
The first thing to note about driving in St. John is that it is
done on the wrong (left, with apologies to any offended British) side of the
road. But, the cars are U.S. spec, with the steering wheels on the left. This
turns out to be a decent pairing, since the roads are very narrow, and it allows
the driver to easily gauge how close the edge of steep cliffs and drop-offs
are on the left.
There are plenty of "S-curve" Alfa roads on St. John,
but they were often so steep and bizarre that they'd be only marginal fun in
an Alfa. We did not see any Alfas on St. John, but we did see some vehicles
that surprised us: a Fiat X1/9, a Porsche 914, and an Audi 4000. We passed one
low-slung Honda Civic crawling down a crater-riddled dirt road at about two
miles per hour to avoid damaging its suspension.
Driving the island afforded some high viewpoints, from which the
stunning blues of the Caribbean and the rolling hillsides of neighboring islands
form numerous brilliant vistas. There aren't many other cars outside of the
congested hubs of Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. We didn't see a single police officer
enforcing the island-wide 20 mph speed limit. There was evidence of dreadful
crashes, however, in the twisted, rusting carcasses of wrecked vehicles we saw.
Not a traditional driving destination, perhaps, but once you have navigated the roads of St. John you will never forget them. It is a bit of fun. But really nothing compared to the island's great lure of unspoiled nature, fish-filled snorkeling reefs, and get-away-from-it-all relaxation.
You have probably heard about on-line auctions, but they may not
be your thing. Unless you are obsessed with taking digital pictures, listing
items in detail, and then working with a high bidder to collect their money...
you
are probably better to leave auctions alone.
But here are two ways you can still get rid of your old Alfa and
other automotive junk (er, sorry, priceless parts), and maximize the use of
the money raised.
Brewster Thackeray is prepared to put his skills and record of
more than 100 successful eBay transactions to work for you and for our club.
If you have any Alfa or other car literature, radios, hubcaps,
badges, insignia, wheels, or other easily shipped items, he may be able to help
you sell them. If it didn't take a lot of time and effort to do properly, he'd
do it at no charge. Since it does in fact take considerable effort he will ask
for a negotiable commission of 30 percent, one-third of which will go to the
National Capital Chapter.
To put it in perspective: an old Alfa taillight taking space in
your garage might sell for $50, which would net you $35 with no work beyond
delivering it to Brewster, ideally at a chapter meeting. The buyer pays shipping,
and listing fees are minimal.
But here's something that's much better still. If you will just
donate such items above to the Club, Brewster will waive any commission and
100% of monies raised will be donated to the Capital Chapter. Anyone interested
should contact Brewster at 703/807-0798 or brewthack@aol.com.
Upcoming Events
Il Calendario
FEBRUARY MEETING
Monday, February 3
Vicino's Ristourante Italiano
Silver Spring, Md.
Meeting is 8:00 p.m. but many arrive earlier.
Directions to 959 Sligo Ave., Silver Spring, Md.; 301/588-3372
>From the Capital Beltway, take exit 31 South, onto Georgia Avenue South.
Sligo Avenue is the 6th street on the left, after Route 29 (Colesville Rd).
There is a left hand turn lane and traffic light at Sligo Ave. Sligo Ave. is
just before the underpass forthe Railroad/Metro Bridge. At the light, take a
left onto Sligo Ave. Vicino's is on the left.
MARCH MEETING
Monday, March 3
Pulcinella's Restaurant, McLean
Directions: Pulcinella's, 6582 Old Dominion Blvd., McLean, VA;
703/893-7777
>From the Capital Beltway (495) take exit 44 (formerly Exit 13) to Georgetown
Pike East. At the light at the top of the hill, take a left and cross over
the Beltway. Make an immediate right onto Rte. 696b, Balls Hill Rd. At the
next light take a left onto Rte. 738, Old Dominion Blvd. Pulcinella's will
be on your left, shortly after going through the next traffic light.
SPRING BACKROADS RAMBLE
Saturday, April 5-Sunday, April 6
Overnight roadtrip to Spring Grove Inn in Appomattox, VA. Contact Sherry or
Brewster Thackeray for information, 703/807-0798; twothacks@aol.com
REGIONAL ITALIAN CAR TOUR
Sunday, April 27. Details to follow.
2003 DINNER MEETINGS:
Monday, April 7 (Squire's)
Monday, May 5 (Vicino's)
Monday, June 2 (Pulcinella's)
Monday, July 7 or 14 (Squire's)
Monday, August 4 (Vicino's)
Monday, Octover 6
Monday, November 3
Don't forget your Alfa on Valentine's
day
Dress her up in red and paint the town that way
The National Capital Chapter thanks Pete van der Vate for generously donating
the beverages for the annual Club Holiday Party!
Alfantics is the official publication of the Capital Chapter of the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (AROC). Local membership and a subscription to this newsletter is included in the annual AROC membership fee of $45.
Permission is granted to other AROC Chapter Newsletters to reproduce any original material herein, provided full credit is given to the author and the Capital Chapter. Pictures may be available from the editor in digital format.
Articles, letters and photos should be submitted to the editor, Brewster Thackeray; brewthack@aol.com; 100 Battle St. SE, Vienna, VA 22180.
Authors should be aware that acceptance for publication in Alfantics implicitly grants republication rights to other AROC Chapter newsletters. Alfantics reserves the right to edit or reject any submitted items. Classified ads for Alfa-related items are free to members of $5 for non-members. Commercial rates are available from the Treasurer.
The deadline for classified ads and contributions to the newsletter is the 15th of each month prior to publication. Articles may be sent to the editor by e-mail or on a diskette in a common format.
DISCLAIMER: While it is a service of the Capital Chapter of AROC to disseminate technical information, any techniques or modifications published in Alfantics should be weighed against the conventional or generally accepted practice. The mentioned product, service, or procedure in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement by this Chapter, its Officers, Alfantics, AROC, or Alfa Romeo, Inc. Alfantics, its editor or contributors assume no liability for the accuracy of any technical information appearing herein.
Standard Disclaimer applies here!
Neither the Capital Chapter of the Alfa Romeo Owner's Club nor the web provider
nor the webmaster can take responsibility for the information presented in
these pages. Use common sense in any business dealings and mechanical work.
Talk to jack if
you have comments
last updated: Jan 2003