Page 50 - KCRPCA Sept Oct 2018

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Sep / Oct 2018
through very short stop lights. Naturally, I found myself first in line at a red light beside a snazzy Boxster; neither one of us knowing which way to go. We guessed. We guessed right. A short time ahead, we saw the trailing cars of the initial group way ahead and had a nice, long stretch to play catch-up. Sweeping corners, long straights, tight corners – after a while, I started to feel like Patrick Long at the wheel of a 911RSR. OK, maybe Patrick Long’s DAD, but that’s beside the point. This was controlled exhilaration. My heart rate jumped a little when I glanced at the speedo needle; in fourth gear no less. I used to think our ’06 Mini-S was quick. I used to think my Mercedes 560SL was fast. Not even close. This car stuck to the road ‘at speed’ like no other I’ve ever owned. The suspension mods might have increased the grip, but the 911 left no doubt that this was a pure sports car.
Focus – both hands in position on the wheel - look ahead – check revs-check speed-plan for the curve – look for the apex!! Suddenly oncoming traffic reminded me that these were public
roads, and we needed to play nice and share. Nothing dangerous, but it was a good reminder to ‘be in the moment’. From then on, I was. The country roads went through some great places and you never knew what was around the next bend; like a local mowing the area in front of their house with a giant mower and shooting the clippings onto the road. Nice, wet, grass & weeds to avoid. I was glad I installed those radiator screens.
The mid-drive break found us in historic Lexington, MO, in a nice large parking lot with a Subway and a food store. More photos were taken; more camaraderie and conversation. There were smiles all around despite the mid- 90’s heat.
The way back was just as spirited and interesting as the first half of the drive. We encountered everything from giant farm machinery to a lone bicyclist that probably soiled his fancy spandex britches when dozens of Porsches zinged past. \[Note: everyone I saw was respectful of this guy, giving him plenty of room and using turn signals.\] On the