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arthur chambers (Art355)
Posted on Friday, October 05, 2001 - 9:03 pm:   

Danno:

Great pictures. My new printer lets me print them. You got a great picture of Diane in one of them.

Art
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Thursday, October 04, 2001 - 11:01 am:   

Group -

I have finally gotten together with Dan "Danno" de Gruchy and got his pics up on the net, better late than never, right? Some of these pics are really great too (some shots that we haven't seen before). This is a wonderful addition to the memories that with all going on we have nearly forgotten about. Such an enjoyable day. Thanks again Danno.

There are 64 shots:

http://arariti.quirt.com/rally3/Danno/index.htm

Enjoy!
-Ben
Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 9:03 pm:   

I'm jealous that it's a little too far for me to drive for the weekend. I'm also jealous of your cool roads We have straight, hot, and flat... if anyone is interested in Texas?
Dan de Gruchy (Danno355)
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 6:49 pm:   

Well, I will get Ben copies of all my pics, and Yes, I have pictures of us at the Shell station, and a close up of the pump with no gas. It was rather funny. I really wish we had a Uturn picture though. i was laughing quite hard from that.

Danno
Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 1:42 pm:   

Ben-

I wish I'd taken a picture of this.... 10 Ferrari's and only a fuel pump saying:

**** Diesel only ****

Too funny!

HaHaHaHa. My best laugh of the day.

>> Larry
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 12:19 pm:   

I did have some thoughts in my mind that I wanted to share, but as with all of us our minds have been elsewhere in the last 24+ hours. So I'll be short (and scattered) in my comments.

Once again thanks to all of you for being a part of it as well for all your comments, pics, and other assistance (destracting the CHP etc. - who knew?).

We managed to create a few scenes along the way. First most of you didn't get to see, but as the north group snaked out of the Mall lot, mall security rolled up and were just wondering what it was all about. But we were already in motion, so we didn't stop to tell them. I caught this scene in my rear view mirror.

Yes I went too fast on 280, apologies, it was just a spur of the moment decision, I felt all of you would understand.

Then as we left the central meet point to begin the drive, I see Lox in his Red Lotus going the opposite direction on 280. This was a matter of just having the right timing, he recovered well from that.

Along LaHonda Trail that CHP who wanted to beocme part of group, then turning on his radar a few mins after he joined our group. Then we passed a group of Jags etc. - that was the British Car group that I had communtication with - they had a drive planned for the same day.

Well then there were the s2000's who sounded like a herd of bees when they took off. We sounded like a bunch of Harley's leaving an F1 race, well sorta.

How about the picture of the day that (thankfully) no one took, of all of us making a U-turn in sucsession as we realized that lunch was behind us. Then the closure of the Sunol Grade (we recovered well from that).

I think the group consensus it that the road course was great, but 100 miles of it may have ben a little too agressive for some. We'll take that into consideration for the future.

Then the Shell station that didn't have any gas. What's up with that? 10 Ferrari's pull in and all they have is diesel!

Then we were so late in our day that the ice cream place was closed, but dinner was great!

All in all a great day, we are already talking about the next one. Hope to see everyone at the next Rally (#4), and again thanks Larry.

-Ben

P.S. to Danno -

Lox did have a Navigator (passenger), so I would HOPE that the driver's eyes stayed on the road, the passenger could have reported the gauge info.
Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 12:16 pm:   

Art,

I completely agree. Spirited driving is one thing as long as the skill & judgement are competent and the place and time are measured and safe.

Sure, we all (mostly all)zoomed throught backroads, but I think the key difference is most all exhibited safety and enjoyment over reckliness and false competition.

I can say that at no time did I consider this a race, if so, yourself and Danno with the 355's had the skills and equipment to "drive around" myself and the Lotus and without excessive effort.

I choose to try to minimize the unanticipated amount of gravel/pebble/rock impacts while excercising my pony at the same time.

As 1/2 of the organizing effort on this drive, right up front it was pointed out that I would drive point for several reasons some being to maintain course direction, regrouping and stops.

Lox took it on himself to take a short cut to take the lead, so in anycase his pole-position victory is a first place in a race of one!

Again, I will admit there was some very spirited driving along the way, but not as in racing!

Real racing DOES belong on the track. That's what the track is for. Maybe Ben & I should consider a future rally that includes some track time.

Enough said.

Glad you were there!

>> Larry
arthur chambers (Art355)
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2001 - 10:46 am:   

Guy:

Lox is all of 25, and acts like a teenager. I've seen him before, sooner or later the car ends up in the wrecking yard, maybe with the driver and maybe without. Anyone who races on the street with Lox or someone like him is an accident looking for a place to happen.

I've got over 100k on the racetrack, a couple of championships, and over 100 1st place trophies, and I don't know how many people that I know who have "beaten" me on somesort of street race that I was unaware was taking place. The bragging rights for a race which only one of the participants is aware is taking place speaks for itself.

Any time Lox wants to see how fast he can go, I suggest that he show up at Sears Point or Thunderhill. Racing on public roads is unsafe and stupid.

Art
Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
Posted on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 - 7:03 pm:   

Ben-

Me thinks the Lotus guy doth exagerate his pole-position victory to his comarades. Unless I read this wrong it sounds like he thinks he/his Lotus just stomped the California Scuderia (us).

Oh well. Delusions of greatness.
I'll leave it at that.

>> Larry
Dan de Gruchy (Danno355)
Posted on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 - 4:27 pm:   

Thanks for the pics and snipits from the Lotus board Ben.
Hmmm,It scares me that someone knows how fast they go in a turn. Yikes. Not to sound caddy, but I know the first rule of Italian driving is that whats behind you doesn't matter, so I guess for English driving, it's whats in front of you that doesn't matter. Ferrari reached the top of the hill first. :) Still it was plenty of fun.
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 - 12:41 am:   

and I once again I open my mouth too soon here are a few of their pics:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=317819&a=13736068&f=0
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 - 12:20 am:   

Word has spread to the Honda crowd -

http://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?s=c5b7dfcc79b3c82e6120ddd81b61fc54&threadid=27789

And here I was hoping they'd put up pics (of US!)


Oh and Lox posted some stuff on the Lotus Board too, but since you have to be a member (I guess I'm an honorary one) to read the posts I've snipped his comments here:

"The next time we do this, I demand to see more Lotus's at this event! We stole the show...it was just another Ferrari..and then the two Lotuses. Its was a proud day for Robert and I..not to mention all the fun we had.

A true blast. I was the pole position the whole way. Got up to 150+ in the straights and took some turns a greater than 100+ I really want to have Zender come out and leave Ferraris behind. John, I'll carry the extra gas for you in my trunk...just so I can see you take those corners...until you leave me as well.

I'll keep the list informed about further events with this car group. It would have been really nice if Gordie and Imran could have come up from SoCal to join us. Gordie, you woulda had a total blast!

Oh, btw! Dwight, my co-pilot, took digital filming coverage of our drive. We'll be porting it to ,mpg or .avi. If the sizes aren't too large, we'll
find a way to post the films. There are some very key moments from the time the road takes a serious dip and my car's aerodynamics force me down at 130mph to the miscalculation a ground squirrel makes with my car (no damage...to the car :))"



I'll see if I can't get some of that footage just for fun.


(soon to post my own comments)
-Ben
Joon Lee (Nsx)
Posted on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 4:01 pm:   

Hello All,
Thank you again for such a great event! What a wonderful collection of engineering and design on a perfect day. I can't tell you how incredible it is to see a cornucopia of different exotics through the rear view mirror.
The drive from Palo Alto up to Half Moon Bay was such a rush! I know that I was pushing the Testarossa a bit, and I apologize for that ;-)
Someone made a comment that I could have joined the S2000 group as an honorary "older brother", but I couldn't even consider leaving such a great group of people- and of course their cars.
Lunch was a good time to sit and explore the other exotics... and to get an exhilirating ride from a Lotus Esprit V8. Thanks Lox! While we were carving up new roads on the way to the gas station, I did miss the little event with my girlfriend and my car alarm. Claire wanted me to apologize again for setting it off and waking up those of you who had food comatose.
It's too bad that we had to attend a wedding later that afternoon, because we would have loved to continue the drive. All in all, a most excellent event! Props to Ben and Larry!!

--Joon--
David Harris (Dakharris)
Posted on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 3:09 pm:   

Thanks to Ben and Larry for a great event! I was called home early, so I headed up the coast rather than turning onto 92 and on to the East Bay. If any of you wondered where "CHiP" went after Half Moon Bay, I effectively decoyed him up Hwy 1 with me. He pulled a U-turn after he discovered his mistake, but you guys were long gone by then. Even though I was only in for about 1/3 of the drive, I logged 150 miles of beautiful scenery on mostly clear road. It was a great day.
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Monday, September 10, 2001 - 11:15 am:   

Hello all -

I'm still trying to recover here, as I spent all of Sunday at Laguna Seca Raceway. Before I got any sleep I managed to download pics off my digicam then upload them to the net. I'll post some musings and thoughts soon, but I thought the pics would make a good "pick-me-up" from the usual Monday Blues. They are indexed and reduced in size.

http://arariti.quirt.com/rally3/pixindex.htm

Public thanks to George Suennen (the white p-car owner/driver) for his contribution of time and effort in taking those great pix and posting them up on a webpage for all of us to enjoy. That pic of us on the side of the road across from the s2000 club was the shot I didn't get to take, glad someone did.

More to come...(and don't hesitate to share your thoughts/pics too)...

-Ben
Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
Posted on Sunday, September 09, 2001 - 8:13 pm:   

Hi Everybody,

One of our guests, George A Suennen from Berkley, Calif. tooks lots of great pix and created a website for our viewing pleasure.

http://sis125.berkeley.edu/928/ev-rally3.html

Thanks George!

The Rally was outstanding and I want to thank Ben for his big effort on this.

We had a few unanticipated adjustments, such as a road closure be we quickly overcame that.

This is our 3rd outing. We started with 4 of us then grew to 7 on the 2nd ride. This time we had 21 cars. Nice growth rate.

I think more pix & details will be posted.

>> Larry
Kevin (Kevin)
Posted on Sunday, September 09, 2001 - 4:06 pm:   

Ben,
Altho my burnt 308 GTB couldn't make it, I enjoyed the day immensely in that other marque. The 928 clicked over 170,000 just as we stopped for lunch. I know the drudgery involved in planning an event such as this and am most appreciative of your efforts to assure one and all a great day. It was a grand day!!

Thanx,
Kevin
******
Danny R. West (Dan_West348ts)
Posted on Sunday, September 09, 2001 - 1:56 pm:   

My beautiful wife is always the my first passion!

I lost the golf tournament. I guess you can't have your head in two places at once. I really missed you guys. From reading the Lambo posts, I see the event must have been a great success. I'm glad.

Dan
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Sunday, September 09, 2001 - 12:46 am:   

A quick note to all... pics will be up soon, BUT before I get to that. Can you believe that people were talking about this drive even before we got done? I mean talking as in publicly....I even got a thank you note from LCA (Lambo Club USA) president for their invitation/inclusion!

see these links:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lamborghini_info/message/7824

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lamborghini_info/message/7841


and no I don't take all the credit (altho it would seem so from the msgs in the links above), Larry did alot if the real work to get this together too...Thanks Larry. Until next time.

-Ben
Julian Pham (Julian_Blk348)
Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2001 - 10:17 am:   

Dan,

Your wife may be monitoring this chatline so your answer is your "wife" right! :) a different answer and you may not have passion #2&3 :)
'75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Posted on Friday, September 07, 2001 - 11:52 pm:   

Danny, and first passion is?...
Danny R. West (Dan_West348ts)
Posted on Friday, September 07, 2001 - 7:54 pm:   

Boys and Girls,

Y'all have a great time tomorrow! I am sorry I will have to miss the rally, however, duty calls me to the golf course, my third passion. Driving my Ferrari is my second passion.

I look forward to great pics of this weekend Ben.

Have fun!

Dan
Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
Posted on Friday, September 07, 2001 - 2:55 pm:   

Oh where o' where are all the Ferrari drivers?

With all of the Ferrari's in the San Francisco Bay area, I'd think that a free $$$ as in no fee rally with a great course would have an overwhelming response.

While we do have plenty of participation now, I just wonder when the garage queens get to see the great outdoors?

Ya'll snooze ... Ya'll loose (miss a great load of fun.

Last Call, call me or Ben for a boarding pass for tommorrow.

>> Larry
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Wednesday, September 05, 2001 - 2:12 am:   

Well we are at 25 cars or so, not including a few folks that just want to stop in say hi and admire the scene. For those attending - see you Sat! For those viewing from other areas - there will be pics.

-Ben
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Tuesday, September 04, 2001 - 12:23 pm:   

FINAL BOARDING CALL � If you have interest in attending this event and haven�t contacted me yet PLEASE DO SO NOW!!

-Ben
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Friday, August 31, 2001 - 10:17 am:   

Mostly Ferrari's (thankfully) altho we have some Lotii (Lotuses?), Lambos and a few other rare brands as well. The final list will be determined Monday/Tuesday.

-Ben
Tom Antal (Intenso)
Posted on Friday, August 31, 2001 - 10:03 am:   

Ben, what types of cars a coming?
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 6:55 pm:   

Current count is approximately 20 cars, with hope (and room) for a few more....

Anyone else interested that hasn't replied yet?

-Ben
Danny R. West (Dan_West348ts)
Posted on Tuesday, August 28, 2001 - 12:39 pm:   

Guys,

I thought I could make the September 8 rally. However, over the weekend I was informed that I have to play golf that day. I belong to a golf club. They are playing a course in which I am defending champion.

Next time.

Dan
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Monday, August 27, 2001 - 2:57 pm:   

OK folks it's been 3 days since the information has been posted and I have about a dozen cars going so far, with only %25 (4 cars) from this site! Where is everyone? Who is going?

-Ben
Bruce Kubicka (Bruce)
Posted on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 8:07 pm:   

Ben,
Where in Los Altos Hills do you intend to stop for ice cream? I may not be able to make the whole event, but may be able to get to either lunch or for ice cream at the end.
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 4:38 pm:   

FOR OFFICAL AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE!!!!
Things are a little different this time, we are more organized and have more than just F's attending this time!

================================================

FerrariChat.com mini-Rally 3

CALLING ALL CARS!!! CALLING ALL CARS!! (ok, calling all BAY AREA EXOTIC CARS!!!)

This is an open invitation to DRIVE and ENJOY your special ride!

You are cordially invited to join us for the 3rd monthly edition of the FerrariChat.com Bay Area Exotic Car Rally. We are going to hold this from 9am to 5pm on Saturday September 8, 2001. Any exotic (<5,000 per year produced) is welcome! There is NO COST to participate other than food and fuel. We gather and drive about 200-250 miles as well as stop for lunch and have impromptu car shows whenever/wherever we stop. Mostly we just get out on some great scenic Bay Area (back) roads in a fashion that Enzo/Ferrucio/et al. would be proud of.

We will have a San Francisco (Northern) and a Cupertino (Southern) meet-up at 9am. We�ll bring together the North and South groups in San Mateo Area (Central) at around 10am. We are then planning to head to the coast via the LaHonda Trail, north to Half Moon Bay, east over the San Mateo Bridge, stopping for lunch in the historic Niles Junction area of Fremont (Lunch). After lunch the caravan will travel through Sunol towards Livermore then heading south to Mount Hamilton and the Lick Observatory. A breather at the top, then we will head west to Los Altos Hills and end with an ice cream finale.

Follows is a link to pics of one of our past drives (down to Baja Cantina in Carmel):

http://209.196.179.161/discus/messages/1121/1310.html?#POST8559

If you would like to attend this is what we NEED, please RSVP to [email protected] with the following info: Year, Make, Model, Color of your exotic, which meet point you intend to join in (North/South/Central/Lunch) and how many will be in your car, as well as contact info (in case Mother Nature doesn�t want us to play that day). The meet points will be sent to you after you RSVP. We just need to know how many cars/people will be joining in. Bring a camera and enjoy!

If you can�t make this one and would like to be included in the future please let me know that as well. Also please feel free to forward this invite to ANYONE you think might be interested, thanks for your time and assistance.

Grazie!

-Ben
Allen S. (Allen)
Posted on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 11:03 am:   

Can't make it, Company Picnic that day. Bummer! I hope to make it to the next one. Have fun!

Allen
Tom Antal (Intenso)
Posted on Friday, August 24, 2001 - 9:21 am:   

Hi Guys, looks like I might be able to go, I'll know by next week. Larry, don't keep the course a secret, I need some thing to fantasize about! Tom
Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
Posted on Thursday, August 23, 2001 - 11:52 pm:   

Guys,

*** FC-Pacific Mini-Rally III ***

Saturday, September 8, 2001

Ben & I are scheming this time out. We have plotted an awesome course and some very cool stops. But I'll keep the surprise a bit longer.

Anyway, the count (so Far)is:

1-Larry M.(moi)
2-Ben L.
3-Dan W.
4-Julian P.
5-James P.
6-Don W.
7-Leo M.

---------------------
Tom A. ?
Richard S. ?

Hey Ya'll, If you really enjoy you F-Car you do not want to miss FC-mRIII!

>> Larry
Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 - 3:55 pm:   

OK,

Let's plan on this for the 8th. It looks like we'll have a better turn-out. Ben & I are looking for a good central meet-up, route and and destination.

Does anyone have any restrictions as to how far or where they care not to go?

>> Larry
Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 - 2:06 pm:   

I think by concensus it is becoming Sept 8! I personally would like to do it on the 8th so I can make it to Lauga Seca for ALMS on the 9th, anymone care to join in for that?

ALSO we are open to possible suggentions on route(s) and destininations (meaning F freindly places to grub - parking and other considerations)....if we don't use your idea now we will it keep in mind for a ride in the future - SO IDEAS ANYONE?

-Ben
Leo Martinez (85frii)
Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2001 - 1:31 pm:   

I'd be interested and both days work for me.
Leo 85 Mondial QV Cab
James Pai (Jaymus)
Posted on Thursday, August 09, 2001 - 7:04 pm:   

I can go either day. Just pick one

I am in

James
Don Walker (Duwa348)
Posted on Thursday, August 09, 2001 - 1:48 pm:   

I'm available Sept 8 but not the 9th. It would be fun to meet other Bay Area owners!

--Don
Danny R. West (Dan_West348ts)
Posted on Thursday, August 09, 2001 - 12:33 pm:   

I'm ok with either date. Let's do it!

Dan
Julian Pham (Julian_Blk348)
Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 11:52 pm:   

1- Julian 348ts
2- Either 8th or 9th is fine
Lawrence Michaels (Lxmichaels1)
Posted on Wednesday, August 08, 2001 - 10:51 pm:   

OK, Head count is now in progress for the Sept 8th or Sept 9th.

Decision point will be for maximum participation this month. Usual time for the day approx 9:30 ~ 4:00 or so.

So,

1- Who's in
2- prefered date 8th or 9th.

Ben & I will plan the destination & routes. Of course ideas & suggestions are wanted as well.

I know there are some new folks lurking out there that just want to have some Forza Fun.

I'm OK for either day at this point.

>> Larry

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