Pike's Peak in the Speedster - Sept, 1990

[Rich Eagle]

After reading about Noel Bullock and others climbing Pike's Peak, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to try it in my Speedster when the 1990 VMCCA in Colorado Springs came along. It was raining but half of the 300 plus cars on tour lined up to make the climb. Joy and the kids opted to stay in the motel for that day. We had to wait for snowplows to clear the upper part of the road. The rain continued and the wet, red dirt stuck well to the nicely polished cars. The upper part of the climb was socked in with fog, so the view wasn't as spectacular as it could have been. Lots of posters and post cards in the gift shop showed how it should look in better weather.
Things cleared up about halfway down the mountain on the return trip. A passenger or two in other cars started into hyperthermia, but adrenalin and the thrill of trying to keep the cars on the road kept drivers warmer. It was a thrill, and I wouldn't have passed it up for anything.

p

p

p

[Rich Eagle]

This photo appeared in the local paper the day after a crazy driver took it leaning out the passenger window of his car in traffic. I guess it was worth the risk.

The great thing about National tours is getting to see places we might not get to otherwise.
Rich

[Rich P. Bingham]

What a treat to share that adventure with us, Rich. Great photos ! Thank you !!

[JohnM]

What great excitment Rich, you are an inspiration.

[JSteele]

Rich thanks for sharing. Very neat experience!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rich Eagle]

It so happened that the Steam Car Club was hosting their tour the week after, so we stayed over a day to see some of our steam friends. We couldn't stay longer as we had to get back to work and school.

A new Stanley body had been delivered to its new owner and it was fabulous to see it in bare wood.

A Stanley Mountain Wagon.

Here are some of my heroes; Dick Hemple, driving, Dave Rice, passenger, Pat Farrel, back seat hat, and Jim Crank. They are in the famous Stanley the Jay Leno got burns from recently. These characters added so much to my appreciation of the cars and craftsmen who build them. They were so kind to me. I'm not sure I have passed that kindness on to others, but I try.

Steam is beyond my capabilities and budget, but it somehow compliments the model Ts that I enjoy.

[Rich Eagle]

Joy took this of me in front of a 30hp Stanley. Among the kindnesses shown to me was the driver of this car asked me if I wanted a ride in it. "Sure"! We drove a few blocks and into a parking lot. He asked if I had ever driven a Stanley. I couldn't believe my ears. He gave me some instruction and let me drive it back to the Motel.
"You can go a little faster if you want, it has hydraulic brakes."

So much fun packed into a week and two days.
I know many of us try to be generous with our cars. I hope some of the recipients remember those moments as fondly as I have.
Please pass on the fun when you can.
Rich

[SurfCityGene]

Thanks Rich for posting your unforgettable adventure! I've always wanted to do the Pikes Peak but so far it's still on the list

[Dan McEachern]

If this is on your list, then do it! Unfortunately, the road to the top has now been paved and is no longer gravel, but I suppose that's "progress".
Been up there twice- our #45 speedster and also our '14 Touring. 1st time, three of us took a day off from the MTFCA National Tour in Frisco, Colorado and made the trip to Pikes Peak. 2nd time the trip was part of an HCCA tour from Cripple Creek, Colorado. 2nd time, Mary and I had a few passengers.
Thanks Rich for starting this thread.... watching the clouds drift by BELOW you is awesome.