February 7 -- Annual Banquet @ The Desmond

The first event of the year, the Annual Banquet, was held on Saturday, February 7, at The Desmond in Colonie, NY.

The night started off for the 40 club members and guests trying to find the assigned banquet room. The Desmond opened as a hotel many years ago and has since grown into a spacious building that can accommodate many events and that night was no exception. Once the banquet room was located, cocktails were the first order of business along with nibbling on a cheese/cracker/fruit tray. The dinner buffet menu was highlighted by the main entries of Hunter Style Chicken Breast, Lemon Sole with Caper Sauce and Julienne Sirloin au Poivre. The dessert table included The Desmond’s signature Warm Bread Pudding, Old Fashioned Chocolate Layer Cake and a selection of mini Viennese pastries. Our dinner buffet and dessert were very good and the mini pastries (the ones that were still there) found a new home with Paul and Barbara Munson at the end of the evening.

Following dinner a variety of car accessories door prizes were raffled off, an LED Headlight, Shop Towels, Rain-X, Hand Cleaner and various automobile fluids were a few of the door prizes. While 50/50 tickets were being sold, club President John Iseman after considerable amount of web searching found a crossword puzzle game to occupy the hour before dinner. John started off the evening following dinner by revealing the answers and asking who had the most correct or the least correct. The crossword puzzle winners were Pete Fullam and Club V.P. Bill Cook with more correct words than anyone else. The actual number they had correct remains a mystery. The 50/50 winner for the second time in three years was Paul Munson. Hopefully he will use his winnings to get his Herald which the club members hear many tales about, but is never seen, drivable.

Club Activity Director Dave Faulkner was next at the mic to review the 2009 activities schedule and remind everyone to check the ATA web site and Yahoo user group site for any changes to the activities schedule. A few note worthy activities are three driving tours with Bill and Teri Cook one in May, then an overnight tour in July in Vermont and the Fall tour in October, a Winery Tour in July, a tour of the Ommegang Brewery in Cooperstown, NY in September, The British Motor Fest at the Saratoga Auto Museum on August 22, and British Invasion in Stowe, Vermont, in September.

This year’s “Famous ATA Wacky Auction” lived up to its billing as “Wacky” John Iseman was on the mic as MC for the auction. There were a variety of wrapped gifts this year: some were obvious as to what they were; others weren’t. As the wacky auction proceeded it was becoming clear that certain gifts were not going to be held onto for very long. There were a few gifts that were making their second and third appearance in the action. There was no Mr. Wizzer or skimpy article of evening attire this year. A green palm tree-shaped candy dish, a gift pack of Old English Leather, a MK Men product, and bottle(s) of booze were exchanged many times with a book of car photographs. One had to be a speed reader or speed viewer because the book would be gone before you knew it. Easy come, easy go.

Following the auction and with the 50/50 just being drawn, a new ATA banquet tradition started. I’m not too sure how it all started, but someone said they didn’t really want their auction gift. Then another person at the table replied “let's raffle it off” and I believe that is how this new tradition started. So for the next 20 minutes the extended “wacky auction” of unwanted items (unlike the toys in the Land of Misfit Toys) were raffled off and went home with someone and possibility to return next year.

All good things must come to an end, and so did the ATA Annual Banquet, following the extended wacky auction. Another well done job by Joe Bena for setting up the banquet and also to the rest of the ATA officers for their help with planning the banquet. -- Dave Faulkner

April 20 -- Tax Night Supper

On Monday night April 20th the ATA held their annual after tax day pot luck (covered dish) supper at the Alplaus Fire House. This is always a well attended ATA function. There were 30 club members and guests on hand to enjoy the delicious food and of course desserts which were all gone by the end of the evening.

Before the dinner bell rang we were milling about talking shop about the projects that were done or started but not completed over the winter to one's LBCs and if the car was dusted off and driven during one of the nice and sunny 60 degree days during the past couple of weeks. Since the day was a cool, damp and dreary April day with rain and the night wasn't too much better no one braved the elements to venture out with their car. Usually there is a brave soul out there but tonight it just wasn't going to happen.

As we enjoyed dinner, conversations stilled continued to be car related. There were other conversations about for those that have other interests. One of Joe and Lois Bena's grandsons enlighten the table with his recently learned knowledge of Leonardo Da Vinci. While the other three boys were busy munching down chicken wings and other goodies. Lois Bena and Sue Burchill were busy passing the time away talking about their quilt making. So not everything was about British Cars.

Following dinner John Iseman and Dave Faulkner proceeded to encourage 50/50 raffle ticket buying, it worked. Bill Cook was the 50/50 winner; no, he doesn't own a Herald that needs to have money to be sunk into. Bill has other projects, one of which is a MG TD which he recently purchased. The door prize winners were Pete Fullam, Ann Shaver, Maria Jackman and Dave Faulkner. While John Iseman and Dave Faulkner were getting their notes coordinated, Joe Bena related to the gathering a brief history how the ATA Tax Night Supper came about. The story goes that many jump starts ago when Joe and his son-in-law Charlie French were the Activities Co-Directors there wasn't an ATA event in April. So knocking their heads together they decided to have an "after tax day" pot luck supper. Well it has been going on for 13 or 14 years now.

It was now the point in the evening that current Activities Director Dave Faulkner went over and refreshed the 2009 ATA activities schedule. Then John Iseman was up to tell the story of the double breakdown a few weeks ago he had with his Spitfire while taking his son to have his wisdom teeth taken out. Breakdown number one happened when leaving the oral surgeon, the spitfire wouldn't start. John needed a push to get the car started. The second breakdown was when he was leaving I-90 going on to I-88 in Rotterdam, NY on the exit ramp I believe. This time he lost transmission fluid, after a call to his wife to come and help out. After telling us the tale of the colors of transmission fluid along with a trip to local auto parts store someplace in Rotterdam, John was on his way home. Now his beloved spitfire has a new starter and fluids and should be ready for a tour in a couple of weeks.

After a couple more stories of John's car adventures the night was coming to a close. We packed the remaining food and said our good-byes looking forward to the first tour of the year in May.

A big thanks goes out to Joe Bena for organizing the pot luck supper and to everyone that helped with setup and cleanup of the room at the fire house. -- Dave Faulkner

May 9 -- Spring Driving Tour

Saratoga Springs, NY - Saturday May 9th the ATA started off the club’s driving season with a spring tour of the Southern Adirondacks. Bill and Teri Cook were the tour hosts. The tour beginning point was the Saratoga Auto Museum in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Bill and Teri were riding in Bill’s 1957 MGA. Thirteen fellow club members and navigators joined Bill and Teri for the tour. Representing the MGs were; John and Nancy Mattas in a 1954 MG TF, Gary & Kathy Clifford in a 1974 MGB, Michele and Karitlyn Quirk with a 1976 MGB and E Harris in his 1979 MGB. In the Morgans were Steve and Fran Kramer in a 1966 Morgan, Richard & Laurel Straight in a 1968 Morgan and Doug & Pat Coldwell in a 1982 Morgan + 8. Driving in Triumphs were Rod & Linda Smith in a 1962 TR 4, Abe & Betty Crevoiserat in a 1974 TR6 and Dave Faulkner in a 1975 Spitfire. Adding to the group were Jim Ralston in his 1973 Jensen Healey and Mark Kellett along with Jack Phelan in Mark’s 1952 Jaguar XK 120.

This year’s Spring Tour was a mini version of last year’s “Wiggly Road” tour. We did travel on a few of the last years Wiggly Roads and some new ones to our lunch destination in Chestertown, NY. Leaving the Saratoga Auto Museum, Bill & Teri led the way onto the Avenue of Pines to out first pit stop in Lake Luzerne, NY at a Stewart's... but of course. The route taken would be along the back roads of Saratoga and Warren Counties with very scenic views of the Hudson River, Great Sacandaga Lake and Southern Adirondack Mountains. For the spring tour, Bill and Teri provided an itinerary of the roads to be taken, distance mileage from the Saratoga Auto Museum, total time, traffic signals and the turn at intersections and the towns we were touring in. Also on the itinerary were five questions to “attempt“ to answer during the tour. The first question was “How many Wiggly Road” signs did we see”? the next four questions were as follows; “What pizza can you get on Saratoga County Route 19”?, “What is the Zip Code of Corinth”? “Who lives at 258 Warren County Route 12”? and “What is Adirondack Gold”? Between the pit stop at Stewart's and the lunch stop in Chestertown the LBC troupe passed a young boy standing by the mail box waving vigorously as we passed. He received plenty of waves and honks of the horns. I wonder after we passed if he ran in the house yelling “Hey Dad guess what just went by”? and “I’m going to get on someday.”

Arriving at the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor in Chestertown which is also has a gift shop and ice cream parlor. After a very delicious lunch and a little shopping by a couple of people in the group we were on our way to visit Whitefield’s farm in Thurman, NY. Turning into the driveway we were greeted by Michele Whitefield who gave us a brief history of the farm. The farm use to be a dude ranch with over 200 acres on both sides of the road. The farm sits on 30 acres across the road from the former entrance of the dude ranch. The Whitefield’s Farm is an organic farm raising poultry and hogs and also producing maple syrup, growing vegetables in raised beds because of the rocky soil. We were given a tour of the former horse stable which now houses the hogs and about 200 chickens for egg production. Leaving the barn we headed to the sap house where maple syrup is made in February and March. The final stop was the Whitefield’s store where products produced on the farm and other local farms are sold.

At the conclusion of the tour of the Whitefield’s Farm it was time for Bill to give out the answers to the Wiggly tour questions. The number of Wiggly Road signs was 16. The type of pizza was Mom & Pop. The Corinth zip code is 12822. The person(s) at 258 Warren County 12 is Giglio and Adirondack Gold is Maple Syrup. The winners received car related prizes. Thanking our host Michele Whitefield at the Whitefield’s Farm we were off to Lake Luzerne. Those traveling a different route to their final destination thanked Bill & Teri and said good byes all around. Arriving in Lake Luzerne the Spring Tour concluded. Those of us still in line headed in various directions for the drive home.

A big round of “Pats” on the back go out to Bill and Teri for another enjoyable, fun and outstanding tour. Another tour well done. -- Dave Faulkner

Go-Kart Night @ The Knob

On Wednesday, June 17, ATA held its annual go kart event at Gobbler’s Knob in Cobleskill, New York.  The skies looked threatening, but, the weather held up and provided an excellent evening for some exciting and fun racing.

Thirteen ATA members and guests attended and collectively we crushed the competition.  Well, there was no competition, but, had there been, I’m quite certain they would be licking their wounds about now.  So, the competition was amongst ourselves and some of us did, in fact, get crushed...at the hands of Carol “Crash” Flanagan.  This petite young woman operating the fastest car available single handedly took out yours truly and several other member/drivers in one race alone.  Attendants had to actually come onto the track to straighten out the carnage and get everyone rolling again.

During a subsequent race Charlie “the Hat” Flanagan, yes, Carol “Crash” Flanagan’s husband, was going so fast the he lost his baseball hat in the racing wind.   The hat was later found neatly snuggling under another race car.  It had major damage from the asphalt scrubbing it took, but, the attendant quickly applied a race track sticker to help cover the wound.  That hat can now be seen in the ATA Museum of Racing, much like the bloody sock of Curt Schilling in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.  I’m sure Charlie will wear it to future ATA events as a badge of honor, of sorts.  Be sure to ask him about it.

After several races, the pizza and soda girl showed up (actually it was Ann Shaver) and another race of sorts ensued: who could get the most pizza and soda down before it all ran out.  There was no clear winner, and a few pieces actually remained after everyone had their fill.  After some more racing most of us said our goodbyes and took off racing home.  President John Iseman and his son John David headed for the miniature golf course, and David Faulkner went to the driving range to sharpen his golfing skills.
This was just another great ATA event with some even greater ATA members and guests.  -- Doug Shaver

June 27-28: Summer Tour Weekend

The ATA summer weekend tour through Southern Vermont with Bill & Teri Cook was held on June 27th and 28th. The tour started off in Mechanicville, NY, at the McDonald’s parking lot. Leaving McDonald’s, six ATA members followed Bill & Teri in Bill’s 2009 Mini Cooper. In line, in no certain order were: in a 1978 orange MGB Roadster, Scott & Sheila Zirlin; in a (maybe British Racing) green 1964 Morgan +4, Charlie & Carol Flanagan; Lynn Arnold drove her yellow 1957 TR3; Jim and Linda Shea were in a white 1966 TR4A; in a MGB were Jim and Michele (it happens to be Michele’s MGB); and in his small but very non-British Honda, Dave Faulkner.

Turning onto US Rt. 4, we were off through Mechanicville and Stillwater, following the Hudson River north. Crossing the Hudson River in Stillwater, we traveled through Washington County along the very scenic county roads of the county to Cambridge for our first pit stop of the day. Departing Cambridge and continuing through Washington County we enter Vermont near West Rupert.

Traveling on VT Rt. 315, we picked up VT Rt. 30 in East Rupert on our way to Poultney near the NY/VT State line. The band of LBCs and the non-British tag along traversed its way through the beautiful Vermont Green Mountain countryside on our way to Poultney. Passing by Lake St. Catherine, a few people noticed us as we drove by their camps. Reaching Poultney, we headed back into NY a couple miles outside of the village. Returning back into VT, we were traveling to Fairhaven for lunch at the Fairhaven Inn. The drive to Fairhaven was very scenic, and I wished I didn’t have a car with a hardtop covering the mountain views. Since it has been a very wet June here in the Northeast, it was also good thing that I did have a hardtop vehicle because we did have to pull over to let a couple of folks put their tops on because of some wet weather.

Pulling in to the parking lot at the Fairhaven Inn, we were ready to enjoy a relaxing lunch. Entering the Inn, we were commenting to Bill and Teri on the lovely beginning part of the tour and wondering how does Bill find these great routes to tour on.

After a delicious lunch at the Fairhaven Inn, we were off again to Poultney along VT Rt. 4A. The band of LBCs and a Honda turned on to VT Rt. 30 and then picked up VT Rt. 140 heading to Wallingford. In Wallingford, after a brief stop to say good byes to Jim and Michele and their MGB, we were on our way again this time on VT Rt. 7. Turning off VT Rt. 7 back on to VT Rt. 140 and continuing on south, the route also included VT Rt. 155 and VT Rt. 100 to Weston for a shopping stop at the Vermont Country Store. VT Rt. 100 took us through the Okemo Valley area of Vermont, which is again is a very scenic drive through the Green Mountains; with all of the rain, they were very Green! Putting the credit cards away, the tour headed back onto VT Rt. 100 south through the Green Mountain National Forest, passing by the Mt. Snow Ski area to the Kitzhof Inn in West Dover for dinner and lodging, ending the first day of the Vermont weekend tour. Meeting the group at the Kitzhof Inn were Doug and Ann Shaver in Doug’s 1979 Brown MGB.

This weekend tour was cut short again this year by Mother Nature. Hopefully next year will be an actually two day tour. -- Dave Faulkner

July 4: Village of Alplaus Parade

Alplaus, NY – Saturday, July 4th, five ATA members in their LBCs were coasting down Alplaus Avenue in the Village of Alplaus Independence Day Parade. Lined up behind Joe Bena along with a couple of his grandsons in Joe’s 1959 Morgan + 4 (below right) were; Joe’s son-in-law Charlie French with the rest of sons plus a friend in Grandpa Bena’s 1960 TR3 A (below left). Next was the parade crowd favorite: a 1981 Delorean DMC-12 owned by Joe Bertino & Anne Nafziger. Following next were Bob & Linda Pommerer in Bob’s 1967 Sprit. Rounding out the ATA participants were John & Elizabeth Iseman in John’s 1980 Spitfire.

Coasting down the avenue hill the ATA joined several Vol. Fire Departments, a local VW Bug Club, and other organizations that marched. Two bands were in the parade, a Dixie Band and the Glenville Junior Bag Pipe Marching Band whose members are between the ages of 8 to 18. The parade announcer acknowledged that the bag pipe band placed 3rd in an international competition held in Scotland recently.

Not too far behind the bag pipe marching band was the Alplaus swim club marching, well more like strolling along, with assorted swim related accessorizes. Since I was a spectator this year, I wonder if those who strolled the parade route were pelted with water balloons from their colleagues that didn’t stroll at the bridge over the Alplaus Kill? Besides having British Cars in the parade a couple of the fire departments had a pre-1960 fire truck to show off. Also rolling down the avenue hill were a few classic cars from the 1960’s, ‘50’s or ‘40s.

One of Joe Bena’s teaching colleagues from the Industrial Arts profession, Robert (Prof.) Nevin, who along with Joe is now retired and enjoying life, was also coasting down the hill in his 1929 Model A Woodie which was a treat to see and to hear the horn. Back in the day before the “Belly Bump” and “Chest Bump High Five” became fashionable sports highlights. Prof. Nevin could knock the wind out of someone with a ferocious “Belly Bump.” My younger brother who was in many of Prof’s classes in high school was on the receiving end of a few.

At the conclusion of the parade, it was picnic time at the Bena’s. Besides the picnic at the Bena’s the Alplaus Fire Department welcomes everyone to enjoy the annual July 4th Family Picnic Day held at the fire house. We were lucky this year to have the rain hold off while a few of the cars were “topless.” It has been a soaker here in the Northeast in June and the beginning of July.

Thanks again Joe for inviting ATA to join the Alplaus Independence Day Parade. -- Dave Faulkner

July 11: Dyno Testing

On Saturday, July 11, 2009, the following ATA members and guests brought 12 vehicles to the Northeast Speed Shop in Amsterdam, NY, to run their vehicles on a dynamometer: Doug Shaver, 1979 MGB Roadster; Steve Busch, 1962 Daimler SP250; Wayne Harrison, 1965 MGB Roadster & 1954 MGTF; Joe Trupiano, 1967 Austin Healey 3000; Charlie Flanagan, 1964 Morgan +4; John Moore, 1970 MGB Roadster; Bill Cook, 1957 MGA; Clyde Ronk, 1973 Triumph Spitfire; Rick Bishop, 1970 Opel GT; Jim Shea, 1966 TR4A; and Pete Fullam, 1963 TR4.

Our host for the day was shop owner Jim Jennings, along with his father Bill and brother Jeff. We set up a schedule for the day beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 3:00 p.m., with one vehicle being tested every half hour.

For most of us this was an intimidating experience, especially when you consider that some of the vehicles were 40 and 50 plus years old and may never have been run very hard, at least not in many years. However, Jim made it clear that you could run your car as fast or slow as you felt comfortable.

The process was for you to back your vehicle onto the dyno rollers where it was securely strapped down. Jim then had you run your vehicle up thru the gears to the next to highest gear (4th gear for a 5-speed transmission). At this point he would take a base line reading at 2,500 rpms. Then, while your car was running at 2,500 rpms, he would give you the signal to accelerate as fast as you could to the highest rpm you were willing to go. At that point you let off the accelerator and waited for the signal to run your car again. A total of 3 runs were made for each vehicle. There were no adjustments made, and you received two printed graphs: one showing horsepower and torque, and the other showing horsepower and air-to-fuel ratio. Jim then answered any questions or concerns you might have and provided tips on how you might improve your vehicles performance.

No one’s vehicle had any difficulty with the test and overall most of the comments I have received were positive. Although some people were disappointed that their vehicle didn’t register higher on the horsepower scale, personally, I was very pleased with the entire process and my results. I have already made plans to take my car back with a mechanic to try to resolve some air-to-fuel ratio issues I discovered.

Jim and his crew were very professional and helpful; the shop was modern and clean and the entire process ran very smoothly. In fact, while we had planned for the last test to end at about 3:00 p.m., we were out of there by about 1:00 p.m.

If there is sufficient interest I expect we may do this again sometime. -- Doug Shaver

July 25: Tour of the Mill Brook Winery

Saturday July 25th started out like any other July day in the summer of 2009: cloudy and cool. Meeting at the Rensselaer Boys & Girls Club in Rensselaer, NY, 13 ATA club members -- all with their tops down except for two -- were ready to tour downstate to the Millbrook Winery in Millbrook, NY.

Touring that day were Lynn Arnold along with tour guide Dave Faulkner in Lynn’s 1957 TR 3; then, in no certain order, were Doug & Ann Shaver in Doug’s 1979 MGB, Mike & Karen Warzek in Karen’s 1962 TR3 (Mike was given permission to drive), Scott & Sheila Zirlin in a 1978 MGB Roadster, Denise Palumbo and copilot Bernadine Peterson in a 1972 TR 6. The two hard tops -- John & Karen Watson in a 1970 240Z and John and John David Iceman in John’s 1974 Ford Capri -- arrived a few minutes before departure time, making it just under the wire again.

The route to Millbrook included some State routes and local roads in both Columbia and Dutchess counties. Leaving the Boys and Girls Club we were on our way. Turning onto State Route 9J, we traveled through the villages of Castleton-on-Hudson, Schodack Landing, Stuyvesant and Stottville. Route 9J was one of the longer stretches of the downstate route, with some terrific twists and turns and some straight sections, too.

Lynn Arnold, who led the way with our tour guide Dave in the passenger seat, did a fantastic job of driving in a spirited way thru the curves. Route 9J travels south along the former New York Central Railroad Main Line and the Hudson River, which was very muddy because of the amount of rain. The route is very scenic and offers some wonderful views of the river and the Empire State Plaza’s Corning Tower on the return trip north.

State Route 9J merged with State Route 9, which was in some places a major north/south route along the Hudson River in NY before I-87 was constructed. In Stottville, the band of LBCs turned east on to Atlantic Ave., a.k.a. Columbia County Route 20, to link up with another version of Route 9 known as Route 9H. We headed South on Route 9H to link up with Route 66 (the less famous one) for our first pit stop of the day.

After a pit stop at a local convenience store (which wasn’t a Stewart's) we continued south. Soon thereafter, we turned around and went back to the convenience store. We thought someone forgot the meaning of “pit stop,” but no. We were lost, and David, our tour guide, needed to start over just to get his bearings. Actually, I (David) had a brain hiccup, which usually only happens between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Getting back on track, we picked up Route 82 and then turned onto Columbia County Route 12 and then another local road for a change of pace. By this time the sun was out, and it was getting to be the July weather we have been waiting for. Turning back onto Route 82 and making a quick “catch up stop” to meet Joe Trupiano in his 1967 Austin Healy 3000 (Joe left the top up) in West Taghkanic, we traveled along Route 82 for 9 miles, with some good uphill turns and twists. Reaching the next change of pace just east of the Village of Ancram, the little band of LBCs made a right onto Pooles Hill road for a 3-mile segment before turning back onto Route 82. Pooles Hill Road, as the name indicates is “Hilly” with lovely countryside to admire and a splendid view of the valley when we turned back onto Route 82.

Continuing to travel Route 82, we finally entered Dutchess County; of course, we had to try out the local roads. In Hammertown, we turned onto Dutchess County Route 70, and then promptly missed the next turn onto Carpenter Hill Road. We found out that even LBCs can have a difficult time finding a place to get off the main road and make a turnaround interesting, especially when there are 7 or 8 cars in line. This is the third time I (David) have missed this turn.

Taking a right onto Route 65 (I didn’t miss this turn, this time), we traveled around Hunns Lake and within a few miles entered the Village of Bangall. Taking a left, then a quick right onto Duell Road, the winery wasn’t too far away. While on Duell Road, we passed numerous horse farms and acres of rolling countryside. Reaching the stop sign intersection and taking a right onto Route 57 and shortly thereafter passing the first “Dutchess County Wine Tour” sign, we were getting closer. Taking two more rights, we turned into the Millbrook Winery gravel road.

Driving slowly up the gravel road through the vineyard looking at the rows and rows of vines with bunches of grapes hanging down, we wondered “what the hell is that stone castle up on the hill for”? Upon reaching the crest of the hill, E Harris was in a shooting position with his digital camera, taking pictures of the band of LBCs coming up the road. What a great sight it was!

After parking the cars and stretching out the legs and trying to everyone organized as to who was and who wasn’t going on the winery tour and tasting, it was time to get moving. Our winery tour guide and tasting host was a very knowledgeable gentleman named Bruce. We started the tour near the vineyard in front of an information board about the grapes grown, the season and the harvest. Bruce explained the varieties of grapes grown at Millbrook Winery and the wine that was made from those grapes.

The Millbrook Estate is on 130 acres, of which 30 acres are devoted to the vineyard of a former dairy farm. The renovated Dutch Hip Dairy Barn is now the gift shop, wine tasting room and where the wine is made. The former hay loft is another tasting room along with an Art Gallery featuring the works of Hudson Valley artists.

Millbrook is owned by John & Kate Dyson. John Dyson is the former Commissioner of the New York State Department of Commerce and is the creator of the very successful “I♥NY” campaign. He has been a wine maker for 25 years. Instead of collecting British sports cars, John collects vineyards and wineries and olive groves. Millbrook is part of the Pebble Ridge Vineyards and Wine Estates Organization created by the Dysons. The organization had vineyards and wineries in California and Italy in the Tuscany region. While still out near the vineyard, we finally found out why there is a castle on the hill. The former owner of the dairy farm has been for the past 30 or so years been building the stone castle. I guess he wants to be “Lord of the Manor.”

The tour continued into the former barn, where the wine producing process is now located. Passing through the wine & cheese tasting and retail area we entered the wine fermentation section where that process takes place in French and American Oak barrels. Bruce explained the specifics of the fermentation process and the reasons for the use of the French and American Oak barrels. The winemaking techniques are in the classic French and Italian tradition. The next room we entered was where fermentation of the wine takes place in metal tanks. The next two areas of the tour went through were the grape crushing and bottling, labeling and storage areas. Since it was not the harvest and grape crushing season, Lucy and Ethel were on their summer vacation. This is where you flash back to the “I love Lucy" show. Thus ended the tour of wine production.

Now came the part of the trip we traveled down for: The wine tasting. There was quite a few of us for this guided tour of the winery. The tasting was done in the Loft tasting venue. Back in the day by this time the loft would be about half-filled with hay from floor to ceiling. Saturday’s tasting was of six wines, three whites and three reds produced by the winery. The three white wines tasted were: 2008 Tocai Friulano, a Silver Medal winner in the 2009 Hudson Valley Wine Competition; next was a 2007 Chardonnay, a NYS wine; and a 2007 Chardonnay Proprietor’s Special Reserve, which was a 2009 Gold Medal winner. The three reds tasted were a 2007 Pinot Noir, Hunt Country Red and a 2007 Cabernet Frac, all produced in NYS.

During the tasting Bruce did an excellent job of explaining the characteristics of each wine and their food accompaniments. Bruce also answered all questions tossed his way. Finishing the tasting of the wine, the group was also giving a sample of bread along with Villa Pallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced in the Tuscany region of Italy. Following the wine tasting, it was time to go spend some cash in the wine and cheese shop downstairs. Everyone had at least a purchase or two. I, on the other hand, purchased six bottles of wine: 3 for me and 3 requested by my neighbor.

With most of the group touring the winery, those who didn’t partake found a shady spot near one of the ponds at a picnic table for the hour or so and waited for the tour to be completed. Mike Warzek complained the whole time that he will not listen to his wife Karen again. Mike wanted to bring a picnic basket of cold drinks (maybe beer) and snacks, knowing he and some others would not be going on the tour of the winery. They could spend their time drinking and snacking in the shady spot. Karen said “no, you will ruin your lunch” (round number something -- and it is anyone's guess which round number it is -- goes to Karen). Millbrook allowed us to park our LBCs on the lawn for some group photographs. E (short for Emmanuel) from the balcony took some terrific pictures of the cars set in a semicircle with a great background of the vineyard and in the distance the lower Taconic Mountains.

Rounding up the troupe of LBCs, we were off to have lunch at the Pines Restaurant. The Pines is about 13 miles from the winery and there is a fairly good size left curve going down the mountain with a great view of the valley. It is not quite a “switch back” but is close. The staff, all three of them, did a very good job of serving 19 of us. The food was very good, too.

Finishing lunch, we were heading back north to the Capital District and homeward bound. The return route was along the Eastern side of Dutchess and Columbia Counties between the Taconic Mountains and Litchfield Hills of Connecticut on State Route 22. On the way north at a petrol break, the Warzeks headed home to meet someone interested in a vehicle they had for sale. We found out a sale did occur that day. The Zirlins and Shavers headed over to the Taconic State Parkway via Route 23. Joe Trupiano turned off earlier at the junction of State Route 199. This left Lynn & Dave, Denise and Bernadine, and John and Karen Watson to continue onto Rensselaer. Closer to Albany, John and Karen turned on the Taconic Parkway for the rest of their return trip.

The last leg of the return trip was back along State Route 9J after taking a trip over Schodack Landing Road from State Route 9, finding our way back to the Boys and Girls Club through the City of Rensselaer. The tour ended where it had begun several hours earlier. Everyone had a good time and a good drive. Hopefully there will be another winery tour next year. -- Dave Faulkner

August 3: Summer Freebie Picnic

The ATA held its annual Freebie Picnic on Monday, August 3, at the River Road Park in Niskayuna, New York. Thirty club members along with family and guests enjoyed a mouth-watering variety of potluck dishes to go along with burgers, hot dogs and locally grown corn on the cob. Joe Bena and Dave Faulkner were the co-hosts for the evening. Joe took care of cooking the corn on the camp stoves, while Dave showed off his burger-flipping and hot dog-rolling skills over the charcoal grill.

As always there was the casual car show in the parking lot. This year, the park was quite busy with two softball games going on and the playground full of kids. So there were more around to admire the fine collection of LBCs on display. As with any ATA gathering, there is always car talk before, during and after dinner. A few faces who have been under the bonnet or radar (take your pick) made an appearance this year, and it was a good event to get reacquainted with them.

Following dinner is was time to draw the 50/50 and raffle off some door prizes. The 50/50 winner was Bruce Sell. The door prize winners are as follows. Winning a British Motorfest admission was Laurel Straight. Winner an ATA t-shirt was Mike Russell, a former student of Joe Bena’s. Joe informed anyone that would listen that Joe is the much “younger” looking one of the two when they are standing together. The award plaque for the longest distance went to Joe Trupiano, and receiving a plaque for being the favorite car in the casual cars show was Richard Straight. (Sorry, I don’t know what car he had.) A short meeting was held after the awards to discuss the British Motorfest at the Saratoga Auto Museum on August 22 and the upcoming ATA events.

The sun was fading from twilight into dust, the softball games were ending, and our hunger was satisfied. The only thing left to do was clean up, which was taken care in a short amount of time with everyone pitching in. Another enjoyable ATA summer Freebie Picnic down in the books. -- Dave Faulkner

August 23: British Motorfest @ SAM

The 2009 British Motorfest cosponsored by the ATA and Saratoga Auto Museum as held on Sunday, August 23, on the grounds of the Auto Museum in the Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, NY.

This year’s Motorfest was held on the rain date.  The weather forecasters were predicting all week for a total washout on Saturday the 22nd, the original scheduled day of the Motorfest.  Little did anyone know that there is a second “April Fools Day” in August.  Saturday turned out to be a great day, sunny and warm with no wet weather in the Saratoga Springs area.  There was no rain on Sunday either, at least in Saratoga Springs.  There were reports from some attendees who traveled through the rain on their way to the Motorfest.

Thirty-nine Little British Cars were on the field on Sunday.  The number was less than a past Saturday show and more than expected considering the weekend weather this summer.  Even tho the number of cars was low, the quality and enthusiasm of the attendees was not damped by the weather.  Throughout the show there was plenty of admirers walking through to take a look at the LBC’s parked in front of the auto museum.

This year had 19 classes along with a Best of Show, ATA President’s Award and an Saratoga Auto Museum Award.  Just to put a different twist on announcing the award winners,  ATA Activities Director Dave Faulkner shifted into reverse and presented the awards from Class  # 19 to Class # 1. Three classes were not represented this year: British Trucks, Kit car/Replica car and British Motorcycles.  By 2:30 all of the awards, door prizes and 50/50 raffle were completed and everyone was packing up, hoping to avoid any wet weather on their return trip home.  This year’s 50/50 winner was Joe Bena.

Another British Motorfest completed, a special thanks and “pats on the back” goes out to all who helped make this year’s British Motorfest a Success, Job Well Done!!!

Award Winners

Class # 1  - TR 2 - 3B

1. Joe Bena 1960 Triumph TR - 3A
2. Bill Dievendorf 1962 Triumph TR 3A

Class # 2  - TR 4, 4A, 250

1. Peter Fullam 1963 Triumph TR 4

Class # 3  - TR 6

1. Connie & Craig Terbusch 1973 Triumph TR 6
2. Jim Whalen 1976 Triumph TR 6
3. Craig Dorion 1973 Triumph TR 6

Class # 4  - TR 7 & 8

1. Jim Beil 1979 Triumph TR 7

Class # 5 - Spitfire & GT 6

1. Jill Kirk 1976 Triumph Spitfire
2. Bruce Hering 1978 Triumph Spitfire
3. Paul Emigh 1973 Triumph Spitfire

Class # 6 - MG T Series

1. Bob Ensign 1953 MG Contemporary Special
2. Carl Meyer 1955 MG TF 1500
3. Bob Ensign 1947 MG TC

Class # 7  - MGA

1. Steve Knoll 1961 MGA 1600 Mark 1
2. Mike & Karen Warzek 1959 MGA

Class # 8 - MGB/C Chrome Bumper

1. John Moore 1970 MGB
2. Howard Cohen 1969 MGB
3. Curtis Weyll 1963 MGB Roadster

Class # 9 - MGB Rubber Bumper

1. Doug Shaver 1979 MGB Roadster
2. Scott Zirlin 1978 MGB Roadster
3. Todd Rulison 1980 MGB

Class # 10  - Sprite/Midget

1. David & Bonnie Wiltey 1972 MG Midget
2. Richard Delorey 1965 MG Midget
3. Bob Pommerer 1967 Austin Healey Sprite

Class # 11 - Austin Healey 100/3000

1. Gerald Dwileski 1967 Austin Healey 3000 MK III

Class # 12 - Jaguar Sports thru 1981

1. Jim Taylor 1955 Jaguar D Type

Class # 13 - Other British Sports thru 1981

1. Steve Busch 1962 Daimler SP250
2. Bob Wall 1973 Jensen-Healey Roadster

Class # 14 - Other British Sedans and Tourers thru 1981

1. John Iseman 1974 Ford Capri

Class # 15 British Trucks; # 16 Kit/Replica Cars; # 17. British Motorcycles

no entrants

Class # 18 - Modern British Cars 1982 on

1. Len Saprio

Class # 19 - Mini

1. Chris Cole 1999 Mini Cooper Sports Pac

Best in Show

Jim Taylor 1955 Jaguar D Type

President’s Award

Jim Whalen 1976 Triumph TR 6

Saratoga Auto Museum Award

Richard Delorey 1965 MG Midget

-- Dave Faulkner

September 18-: ATA "invades" the British Invasion Car Show

On Friday, September 18, ATA had our usual caravan of cars traveling to Stowe, Vermont, for the British Invasion. Our group had six vehicles meeting in Lake George, including Bill and Teri Cook (57 MGA), Ab and Betty Crevoiserat (74 TR6), Craig Dorian (73 TR6), Lynn Arnold (57 TR3), Jim and Karen Beil (79 TR7), Chris Wickes (79 MGB) and Ann and Doug Shaver in the Brown Streak (79 MGB). Chris happened to see our group as he was driving through, stopped to chat and decided to join us on the ride up. Chris has since become a member of ATA.

Jim and Karen Beil had a scary experience when a van nearly wiped them out on the Northway while traveling to Lake George. Apparently the van passed them and then proceeded to wildly swerve in front of them. The van did safely get to the side of the road as Jim and Karen went by them.

In Rutland, Vt., we met Steve Busch and Jill Kirk in Steve’s 62 Daimler SP250. The ride up was mostly uneventful except for the moments of rain. Three of our vehicles had their tops down and it was a chilly day, so, not so much fun for some of us.

Other ATA members that attended the show were Jack and David Young with their 91 Lotus Elan and 65 Lotus Super 7, Scott and Sheila Zirlin – 78 MGB, Mike and Karen Warzek – 62 TR3, Jim and Karen Rulison – 80 MGB, Todd and Donna Rulison – 80 MGB, Barney and Doug Brower -77 MGB, Roger and Saul Morse – 57 MGA, and Bob Ensign (car corral). Other ATA members we saw but who were not in the show were Jay and Nancy Pollard – 74 TR6 and Denise Palumbo and Bernadine Peterson with their MGB GT.

Once again on Friday night, the Village of Stowe hosted a Block Party with a portion of Main Street blocked off for British Vehicles to be displayed. There was a very nice variety of vehicles with a large crowd that mingled around while a Beatles Band played all of our favorite Beatles songs. Food vendors had something for everyone. It all made for a very nice evening.

No ATA trip to Stowe would be the same without our usual sidewalk cocktail parties and this year was no exception. The accompanying picture shows our crew enjoying a fun get-together at the Town and Country Resorts where many of us stayed. The folks in the picture are (click on the picture to enlarge it): clockwise, starting with the lady in the white jacket, Ann and Neal (last names unknown), Karen Warzek, Betty Crevoiserat, Ann Shaver, Mike Warzek, Scott Zirlin, Abbie Crevoiserat, Sheila Zirlin, Lynn Arnold, Bill Cook, Terry and Lance (last names unknown), Teri Cook, Karen and Jim Beil. The folks whose last names are “unknown” are not ATA members but were seen carrying drinks so were asked if they would like to join us. Trust me when I say they fit right in.

Mike and Karen Warzek shared an interesting story with us. It appears that at some point during the early morning hours on Saturday they were awakened by quite a ruckus outside their window. Mike got out of bed and at first thought he saw a HUGE skunk routing around looking for food, banging into garbage cans and other obstacles. Then he thought it was two skunks but wasn’t sure what was causing the ruckus. The group offered several theories. To find out more about this incident and exactly what was causing the ruckus please talk directly to Mike. Nobody can explain it like he did that evening.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a complete story if I didn’t include a mention of the show winners from the ATA. Congratulations go to: Roger and Saul Morse – 2nd place – 57 MGA, Steve Busch – 1st place – 62 Daimler SP250 and Ann and Doug Shaver – 2nd place – 79 MGB. [A complete list of winners at the British Invasion]

Special mention is made for Steve Busch and his Daimler. Apparently not only did his vehicle catch the eye of those participating in the popular vote but also the eye of Dennis Gage. If you don’t know, Dennis is the host of the Speed Channel TV show My Classic Car. Dennis interviewed Steve and took many pictures and video shots of Steve and his car. I have been told that you will be able to see the results on My Classic Car sometime early summer 2010. If we can determine when it will be aired, we will get a note out to all ATA members and publish a note in the British Marque Car Club News as well.

On Sunday morning after breakfast we said our goodbyes and everyone took off in different directions. Some went back to the show field for the Competition of Colors and others started home. Ann and I were in the latter group. We headed towards Burlington and a leisurely drive down Route 7 to 22A to 4. At the Fairhaven Welcome Center, we saw a TR6 and discovered the owners were Jay and Nancy Pollard. They are both ATA members who were on their way back from Stowe; even though that had not entered the show, they thought they would go up for the weekend and check it out. We had never met them before and have now added another great couple to our list of friends from the ATA. Soon we were back on the road into New York and on home to Howe’s Cave.

It was just another fantastic weekend with a great group of people driving some pretty nice cars. -- Doug Shaver

September 26: 2nd Annual Woodstock British Car Classic

On a sunny and crisp early fall Saturday, September 26 , in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, more than 80 registered classic British cars and perhaps 400 - 500 spectators joined us on the rolling lawn of the Woodstock Playhouse for the Second Annual Woodstock British Car Classic. There were a few dozen Triumphs, MG’s and Jags in the specific classes dedicated to each marque, but we also saw enough Healeys to require a class there next year. In the miscellaneous British class, there were Mini-Mokes, Amphicars, a Riley and an Aston Martin, just to name a few. Awards were given for Best and Second in Class for each of the four classes.

Best in show went to an incredibly important and stunning vehicle -- Jim Taylor’s 1961 Blue Jaguar XKD 515 -- which has been described as: among the most original D-Types, street or race, existing; "probably one of the 10 best production D-Types in the world"; and one of the only ones with all-original body panels and less than 20k miles. Note that Jim drove this world-class Jag 2+ hours each way to the Woodstock Classic, from the Adirondacks to Woodstock, NY.

There was an English smorgasbord of food & drink, including hot tea and scones, served by the local public and private school PTAs. British ‘60s and ‘70s rock, a classic car sketch artist, a cinematographer working on a film about classic autos and their owners, and a tent-and table city of LBC parts, apparel and knick-knacks were offered by the Little British Car Company. Dozens of raffle items were contributed by classic car vendors, insurers and local businesses, including gift certificates to The Roadster Factory and Apple Hydraulics, a Triumph throttle linkage kit from Rat-Co, fender covers from Moss Motors and Victoria British. And the collector-quality t-shirts produced for the event, featuring a peace sign overlaid on a British flag background, with the words Woodstock British Car Classic and “Peace, Love and Lucas,” were a sellout, with most sold prior to the event to car club members around the country who received notice of the event.

It was a Catskills community effort, with all proceeds going to charitable causes, most notably the Woodstock Playhouse. Staff and supplies came from The Woodstock Day School, The Woodstock Elementary School, the Woodstock Meat Market, the Woodstock Highway Dept, WDST, WKZE, and our sponsors, CL King, Markertek, PrecisionFlow Technologies, Willow Automotive and PegasusShoes.com. ALL helped make it a day to remember. Look for announcement of next year’s Third Annual British Car Classic. -- Len Sapiro

September 26: Kim’s Import Motors Hosts ATA Fall Gathering

On Saturday, September 26, Kim Graff, owner of Kim’s Import Motors near Amsterdam, New York hosted his annual barbeque for members of the Adirondack Triumph Association and other friends. The weather provided a cool but sunny day for the nearly 40 people who attended.

Kim set up a poker run that began at his shop (with about 1 minute between starts) and ended at his shop. The other stops were Schuyler’s Orchards and Greenery on Route 30, Karen’s Ice Cream and Produce on Route 5s, The Garden Bug on Fort Hunter Rd and the Town of Florida Town Hall on Fort Hunter Rd. At each stop the vehicle driver pulled a card attempting to get the best poker hand for the run. Also, drivers were asked a series of questions along the route which could be answered by watching for road signs and other items.

At the Town Hall stop, drivers were surprised with a side trip that resulted in their earning 2 additional poker cards if they were brave enough to participate. This leg of the trip required the driver to be blindfolded while the passenger gave instructions on how to drive through a course set up in the parking lot. Last we heard there were no serious accidents and no divorces initiated or other relationships ended as a result of this portion of the event; although my wife did call me an idiot!! I should know by now that when she says left she really means right; don’t think I’ll ever get that right...errr straight.

Once all vehicles returned to the shop, poker hands were displayed and the answers to the questions were revealed. Winners of the best poker hands were first place, Jack and Dave Young and second place, Ron and Diane Briggs. The coveted prize for worst poker hand was won by Steve and Frances Kramer (but boy does he have a nice Morgan).

Barbeque food and drinks were provided by Kim. The food consisted primarily of chicken, baked beans and hot dogs, all fire grilled over an open fire pit. Side dishes, of which there were many, and desserts were provided by the many members and friends that attended. The food was delicious and no one should have gone home hungry.

As a side bonus, Kim’s horses were nearby and much appreciated by many attendees who crossed the road to get up close and personal.
As so often happens at these events it came to an end and we all left.

Thanks, Kim, for a great day; looking forward to next year already. -- Doug Shaver

(Postponed from October 3): Adirondack Fall Tour: Stay tuned for further information!

Teri & Bill Cook: 518.798.1171

October 17: Ommegang Brewery Tour in Cooperstown, NY.

report to follow soon....

November 14: Membership Appreciation Night

Saturday, November 14, the ATA held its annual Membership Appreciation Night at Jonathan’s Restaurant in Duanesburg, NY. Over 30 ATA members were on hand to enjoy a variety of pizza, soda and beer as well as plenty of conversation about their Little British Cars. The night was not a good one weather wise with rain in some degree of steadiness throughout the day. But one member did drive his LBC to Jonathan’s.

Ray Haines attempted to deplete some of his British Car Magazine library through Jim Beil by having Jim bring along three oversized boxes of reading material for those who wish to browse over and take with them at the end of the evening. The appreciation night is one of the more popular ATA events. This night was no exception. It is always good to see familiar faces that are not regular attendees at other ATA events throughout the year and it is always nice to catch up with them.

For several years, Maria Jackan has been an outstanding saleswomann selling 50/50 raffle tickets at the ATA Tax Night Supper, Summer Freebie, Member Appreciation Night, Annual Banquet and even at the British Motorfest a couple of times. She has since delegated those duties to others. Well Maria pulled a first for her, she won the night's 50/50 for $50.00 and she didn’t have to sell a ticket. Also, she and her husband Pat don’t have a Herald to sink the winnings into either. All of her years of hard work selling the 50/50 tickets finally paid off for her.

The Member Appreciation Night this year was also election night for new club officers. Starting in January of 2010, the new ATA officers are as follows:

• Dave Faulkner - President
• Bill Cook - Vice President for Activities
• Lynn Arnold - Vice President for the British Motorfest
• Doug & Ann Shaver - Co-Secretaries
• Larry Laurence - Treasurer

Doug and Ann have done an outstanding job as secretaries the past four years and wish to retire from those duties. If you have an interest and would like to take over the duties of Club Secretary from Doug & Ann, please contact them or Jim Beil.

The next ATA event is the Annual Banquet, to be held on Saturday, February 6, 2010, at the Desmond in Colonie, NY. More details will be posted via the e-mail and ATA user group list and ATA web site. -- Dave Faulkner