| Author | Message | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 5403 Registered: 8-2002 |
LOL, Byron, here it is...!  | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 940 Registered: 10-2002 |
Lee, Part III is out: http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/21/285924.html?1058479546 we're waiting for Part IV (but then again, I was there... so...LOL) | ||
| Lee Pierce (Leepierce)
Junior Member Username: Leepierce Post Number: 171 Registered: 1-2003 |
"...if you "caress" it enough, you'll help protect it from cancer..." I thought I was the only one who heard about that! Laugh out loud! (I hate abbr.'s) DES, you are TOO MUCH! Waiting for part 3...! | ||
| chris cummings (Entelechy)
Member Username: Entelechy Post Number: 376 Registered: 5-2001 |
JHK - I can definitely relate! :-) | ||
| chris cummings (Entelechy)
Member Username: Entelechy Post Number: 375 Registered: 5-2001 |
Ron - I can't imagine a much better feeling than giving someone who truly appreciates it an experience such as this. Class act :-) DES - I echo Jim's thoughts. This should be in Forza. It captures, what I must imagine we all went through the first time we drove a Ferrari. My first was a 308 GTSi, over 20 years old, but still full of magic. I loved hearing that engine right behind your head. Well, on to Part III... | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 5395 Registered: 8-2002 |
Gary, no sweat; grew up in The Bronx, moved around a bit and now i've been on the Island for about 3 years, now... Hobbies include collecting model cars... JHK, LOL, looks like there could be some problems over there...! | ||
| JHK (Gman)
New member Username: Gman Post Number: 2 Registered: 7-2003 |
DES You are right, this place is great, and the guys here at this site are great for sharing their F car experience with �behind the scene� insight of what it is like to own one of these fine automobiles. As a certified "car nut" (just ask my wife, she will verify) I am intrigued reading what these cars are about and what is needed to keep them on the road. I own a 2001 M3 and each year I go to the US Grand Prix. As a F1 Ferrari fan this can cause some �friction� at the BMW car corral where I hang out during race week wearing my red F hat (check out my profile and you will see what I mean)! As I said I do plan on owning one someday and finding this site has been a valuable resource in gathering information. Thanks to all of the members for their posts and keep up the good writing DES. | ||
| gary green (Minuke)
New member Username: Minuke Post Number: 32 Registered: 7-2003 |
DES, I am sorry for being so vague. I just wanted to know where you grew up and what are your hobby's. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 5394 Registered: 8-2002 |
Kuzi, if you "caress" it enough, you'll help protect it from cancer... | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 5393 Registered: 8-2002 |
Gary, i'm not sure what you're looking for; no, you're not being too personal, but in a way, that question is kinda vague... i'm a taurus, i like long walks on the beach and - ok, that's probably not what you were looking for. Hi, my name is DES and i'm - ok, that's probably not it, either... Why don't i wait for you to be more specfic. | ||
| gary green (Minuke)
New member Username: Minuke Post Number: 31 Registered: 7-2003 |
Des, I have read some of your thread's, you definitly have a way with words. What is your background? I hope I am not being too personal, I'm just curious. | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 274 Registered: 3-2003 |
You make me want to leave work and run home to "caress" the right pedal of my Ferrari | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 5390 Registered: 8-2002 |
Whoa, thanks everyone... i definitely didn't expect such a warm response - i figured you'd all be tired of me after that first, really long post... Mr. Schad, i would be so lucky, but alas, these things take time; i have every intention of submitted this story, though, to every car magazine i can think of - the generosity and hospitality of all those in California needs to be recognized on as large a scale as possible...! JHK, thank you and welcome to FerrariChat...! This place is awesome, ain't it...? Pat, don't try to sweet-talk me, you're still on my @#$% list... Steve, right on, man, awesome...! Jordan, thanks. i agree, it doesn't belong here -you need a separate thread, altogether...! i'm waiting to hear about it...! LOL, Bob, nothing in Penthouse, although i've considered... Ron, i can't thank you enough, you and everyone else out there who were instrumental in making this weekend an awesome one have changed my life...! Thank you so much... | ||
| Ron (Easy_rider)
Member Username: Easy_rider Post Number: 611 Registered: 12-2002 |
DES, thank you for the sentiments. It was my pleasure, believe me. You are welcome back anytime, both to stay at our house and to continue your drive. As we were beginning the drive, I was thinking about saying something like "just two warnings, don't over-rev and don't get into an accident" but decided against it. I figured that I should not embarass you or denigrate your experience by stating the obvious, like a parent would. Even though you frequently got the engine to a pretty high level of revs, you never over-revved it, you never came close to an accident and you did not make me cringe even one time. All in all I would say you handled the car like a natural and have my highest compliments. p.s. I also echo the others who have praised your writing. This would make a great magazine story. You might want to submit it to Reader's Digest or one of the car magazines. | ||
| Chris Horner (Cmhorner17)
Junior Member Username: Cmhorner17 Post Number: 209 Registered: 4-2002 |
Awesome story. Now you're spoiled for life buddy | ||
| Robert Callahan (Rcallahan)
Member Username: Rcallahan Post Number: 271 Registered: 7-2002 |
Des, I have often admired your writing style. It seems like I have read your works before (maybe Penthouse?) Bob | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Intermediate Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 1553 Registered: 12-2002 |
I was lucky enough to ride in Bart's 550. It was truly a beast I wont take up DES's post to describe it though! | ||
| Me Myself (Kid_enzoz)
Junior Member Username: Kid_enzoz Post Number: 88 Registered: 4-2003 |
Awesome des! Next up... a drive in a 550. | ||
| DJParks (Djparks)
Member Username: Djparks Post Number: 392 Registered: 2-2003 |
DES, I remember my first drive in an oldslow308 and it was like magic. It was at the Northwest Historics a year ago (July 4th). We took two laps around the track, a total of 5 miles or so. I had NEVER driven a Ferrari before and had NEVER driven the track. My feet are so big I had to drive in my socks! I missed a 3-4 shift coming onto the main straight and thought I would die. I'm sure everybody was looking at the jerk that can't even shift his Ferrari! When I got out I said to myself, "So this is what it's about" Five months later on December 27th of 2002 I drove my first Ferrari home in a rain storm. I agree with Jim Schad, you need to write. I have enjoyed reading your descriptive and colorful sagas in the past. You show great talent! I never thought in a million years I could own a Ferrari, now I do even though it's an oldslow308. Anything is possible. Hurry up on part III DJ | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Intermediate Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 1551 Registered: 12-2002 |
Jim is right DES. You REALLY do have an extreme talent for writing. You could excell so much in that field! Please take our advice and pursue it! | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 4176 Registered: 9-2001 |
Des, you have discovered the cure for a massive hangover and lack of sleep - driving an f-car for the first time | ||
| Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member Username: Enjoythemusic Post Number: 566 Registered: 4-2002 |
Des, Congrats and wonderful writing. i NEVER get tired of reading erotic stories about someone losing their virginity :-) Enjoy the Drive, Steven R. Rochlin | ||
| Adam R (Arymarcz)
Junior Member Username: Arymarcz Post Number: 109 Registered: 8-2002 |
Jeeezzzz DES, that's so great that you've had these experiences... I'm speechless. | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 770 Registered: 2-2002 |
DES, AWESOME once again. You are my hero! I hope I feel the same way when I sit behind the wheel for the 1st time ( I know I will) Can't wait for part III Pat | ||
| JHK (Gman)
New member Username: Gman Post Number: 1 Registered: 7-2003 |
DES I have been a frequent reader of Ferrari Chat but never felt the need to post until now. I too long for the Prancing Horse and someday will have my own (if only I could talk my wife into this purchase as easly as it was for my M3 or Harley). Loved reading you post and look forward to hearing Part III! | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 4175 Registered: 9-2001 |
great stuff | ||
| Jim Schad (Jim_schad)
Intermediate Member Username: Jim_schad Post Number: 1604 Registered: 7-2002 |
On another note: You need to get out of that crap insurance job and write for a mag. I enjoy your naive viewpoint. It makes it feel like it is all new again and rekindles memories of exactly how I felt the first time. I don't like reading booooooring articles on the acceleration G force rates and stopping skid distances of this or that car. You hit the heart and soul of what the driving experience is all about. | ||
| Jim Schad (Jim_schad)
Intermediate Member Username: Jim_schad Post Number: 1603 Registered: 7-2002 |
Congrats dude that is awesome. You have come a long way in a short period of time! I drove a TR for the first time last week and felt just like you described. Simply amazing car. Ear to ear smile. | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 934 Registered: 10-2002 |
Great recap, Dan. Ron has an amazingly well-kept Mondial that is very smooth to drive. He was generous enough to let me go behind he wheel once before, as well. Looking forward to Part III!! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 5388 Registered: 8-2002 |
...i stood just outside the car, door open, marveling at the driver's seat. The driver's seat of a Ferrari. The driver's seat of a Ferrari, with the keys in it, ready to be driven. By me. Legally. i've only been waiting for this for 24 years - 290 months, really; 8,816 days to be exact. 8,816 days into my existence, there i was, standing only inches from the cockpit. All that mattered in the world was unknown to me; i was about to drive a Ferrari. i reached into my back pocket and removed my brown Ferrari driving gloves - i always carry a pair of driving gloves with me, no matter where i go. i had a spare pair of black Porsche driving gloves and black Ferrari driving gloves in my suit case; i'm always ready to drive. Once my hands were firmly secured in thin Italian leather, my body turned into water and i poured myself into the car, immediately lining the interior contours with anticipation. i was alive. Ron and i dialogued; what about, i don't recall. Something about seat adjustments or mirrors or what have you - you know, the safety stuff. Important, yes, but i was a bit distracted... ...i WAS ABOUT TO DRIVE A FERRARI...! All the things i'd wondered about; would i have trouble with the clutch?, would i have trouble shifting with a gated shifter? - they were present, but no longer worries. A silent confidence guided me into the depths of the controls where i became one with the car... no problems at all. i started the car, Ron explained to me how the emergency brake is properly released and we were ready to go... A quick left up the street brought us to the main road where Ron turned off, only minutes ago. A smooth start and a smooth stop at the stop sign marked the first of many in the beginning of my first ride in the driver's seat of a Ferrari. The hazy disbelief that i was actually driving a Ferrari coated me with calmness... i was able to actually drive it, rather than jump up and down in the seat, flailing my arms aimlessly, screaming for joy, like i always figured i'd do. We headed down the main street and i was even conscious enough to understand the directions Ron was giving me. A few strategic turns brought us to another main but more DESolate road. There was a slight incline and as i looked ahead, all i saw was road... "Go ahead, open it up, the road is yours..." Whoa... Permission to 'open it up'... My heart rate quickened, my breath got heavy. 'Ok, calm down', i thought... i still needed to adjust to the car; get used it, get comfortable with it... ...but that didn't stop me from opening it up a little bit . We cruised around for about 10 more minutes until i found myself getting pretty intimate with the car's capabilities; the power in these things is almost unbelievable. Taking the traffic in front of me and turning it into the traffic behind me was almost like playing checkers against a sleeping opponent; i just jumped back and forth and before i knew it, there was nothing but me on the board. We continued through Malibu then headed up the coast. Ok, stop. Read that again: "We continued through Malibu then headed up the coast" - even without a Ferrari, that was awesome... Doing it in a Ferrari - with the top down - just made it the most memorable driving experience of my life. Ok, continue... The Mondial and i really had a thing for each other and by the time we got to the freeway, we were getting it on - even with Ron sitting right there, watching...! Although there was other traffic, there were still a few miles where the opportunity to do some spirited driving was available; and i took full advantage. 5th gear on a 5 speed Ferrari is not used too often; it's sorta like the warp speed gear. But you don't get your warp speed from 5th, you get it from 4th, because by the time you actually shift into 5th, you realize that's your last gear, look down at the speedometer in disbelief and wonder how you achieved such a speed, with such acceleration... The whole drive, i marveled at how quickly these cars respond to you when you ask for more power. Slowing down at a light or in traffic, i would downshift to third or even second and the exhaust note would jump up a few decibles, singing for all to hear... When traffic would clear or the light would turn green, my foot would move over, caressing the gas pedal and BAM! We'd be gone. Caressing led to a passionate meshing of lust and force as i pushed the loud pedal down as far as i could, the engine screeeeeeeeeaming behind our heads, accelerating until the tachometer needle would jump right up to the red line, then i shifted, pausing the acceleration for just a split second, until i released the clutch and continued my assault on the pedal on the right; but only for a few seconds... 'cause then it was time to shift again . i repeated this process many times during our over-an-hour drive to the FDC launch Saturday afternoon... it was a day i will never forget. Ron didn't have me pull over so he could take care of the stop and go stuff, either; he let me drive the WHOLE WAY THERE... He even let me park the car - and i backed it in, which makes a lot of people nervous; Ron didn't even flinch. Ron, i had a great weekend and it was very generous of you and your wife to allow me to stay in your home; i really appreciate it. However, nothing will compare to the fact that you're directly responsible for my first-ever Ferrari drive. For this, i'm eternally grateful and indebted to you. Thank you so much. Sorry, folks, i know this could've been longer, but it was my first-ever experience driving a Ferrari; that definitely DEServes a thread all to itself. i'm starting on Part III right away, hoping to have it up by later tonight or some time tomorrow morning... Once again, thank you to everyone who made the most incredible weekend of my life possible. |