From Model A to Great Race
A Timeless afternoon with the Jenkins

June 14
Garrett and Judy Jenkins welcomed our members to their home for lunch and a tour of their home with a garage full of antique autos.   A delicious hot dog lunch along with some tasty homemade ice cream was served.  Prior to lunch, we viewed their vast array of autos including Model A Fords, 60’s Corvette, Pontiac GTO, 65 Mustang and their beautiful motorcycle.   A special treat was seeing their 37 Ford which they have driven on multiple Great American Races.
After lunch, Garrett discussed their experiences participating in the Great Race.  Also, fellow member Sam Barnett added to the discussion about his experiences in participating in the Great Race.   Great Race T-shirts, hats and programs were available to take home.
It was a great day of fellowship and food offered to our members by the Garretts, including having his 99 year old dad joining us.  He shared the memory that he still remembers going as a child with his parents to Long-Lewis Ford to purchase a new Model A Ford.  He remembers that his mom wanted to buy a red car – but the only color of car available that day was BLACK – Henry Ford’s Favorite Color!
Thanks to the Garrett and Judy for hosting our club – Bill Gardner.

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Let’s Drive Cheaha

Saturday, May 24
Bo Bogaty, Bill Corn, Eddie Bibb and I met at Buc-ees to begin our drive. The weather was threatening north of us, but we were left with very comfortable temps and off/on sunshine for the entire drive.
Our drive began by passing through downtown Leeds and traveling Old Hwy 78 to Pell City. Next we headed on a pleasant two lane across Lake Logan Martin on our way to the north side of Talladega. Finally we picked up a very winding and beautiful drive through the Talladega Forest and up the mountain to the state park.
Our first stop was at the trail that headed out to Bald Rock Overlook. If you have never been there, it provides you with a beautiful view over the valley to the north. Next, we made our way to Bunker Tower, which is situated on the highest point in the state. Phyllis had packed for us a tasty picnic lunch of sandwiches, chicken salad, various chips, tea, and homemade brownies. Altogether a wonderful meal at a picnic table under the trees.
Lunch was followed by a visit with the park historian at the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) building at the base of the tower for some history of the park. We also climbed the tower for a 360⁰ view from the mountain top.
The return trip was also very pleasant, winding on country backroads through Talladega County, crossing the Logan Martin Dam, and on through Shelby County back to Leeds.
Our final stop was at the McClellan residence for some excellent desserts of homemade pecan pie and almond cherry dumpcake.
Hopefully, more can join in the fun for the next drive.
– Ken McClellan

Dual Meet in Tucson, AZ

May 1-3
Since there were no good airline connections from Birmingham to Tucson, we decided to drive the motor home to Tucson. And since we were going to drive, we decided to take a car to the Grand Nationals and Western Spring Nationals. The trip out was uneventful, and we took 2 and half days to drive out there. But one night after we stopped a storm came through and really rocked the coach. Other than not getting much sleep it was fine. The next day, as we continued westward, we encountered a small dust storm. It was small but powerful enough to almost blow us off the road. Fortunately, we did not encounter any more of those dust storms. We were able to stay at a very nice RV park right next to the hotel casino complex. Thursday night we went to the Rolling Through Time Auto Museum. What an amazing collection! On Friday, it was time for the Grand Nationals. The Crosley was being very temperamental and did not want to start. Finally, with some help, it cranked and we put it on the field. The little car won its first Grand Nationals so it will now go on to Dayton to try for a Senior. The day finished with a BBQ by the pool. The Nationals on Saturday brought out a few more cars so there was more to look at and enjoy. The day finished with a banquet inside the hotel. The hotel and casino was a beautiful venue and the cars were spectacular. We left very early Sunday morning to head home and be back Monday night. After two very long days and one fight with a construction barrel that we lost, we made it home. Thankfully, the barrel only took out one headlight. Now to get the car ready for Dayton!
-Vicki Bolton

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Let’ Drive Tour
Covered Bridges

April 12
We gathered at the Tractor Supply in Trussville to begin our tour to the covered bridges of Blount County. Blount County is known as the “Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama”. Although the day started out rather cool, the day turned into a beautiful day for touring and exploring. Ken did an incredible job of mapping out the drive. Our first stop was the Swan Bridge. You no longer drive across this bridge, but you can walk across it. The river was up because of the recent rains and it provided a beautiful scene
The next bridge was the Easley Bridge which we drove across and then stopped to get out and admire the bridge and the view. We were able to walk down the hill and look at the creek below and get a different view of the bridge. The underneath side provided an interesting view of the immense beams used in the construction.
Next, we drove to Palisades Park in Oneonta Alabama. This was an amazing place with spectacular views.
We finished up the tour at Horton Bridge. This bridge is also closed to through traffic. Another beautiful bridge, but we didn’t spend too long here because the next stop for the day was Lunch!
We went to Charlie B’s in Oneonta for lunch. It is a local meat and three café. They also had delicious desserts. It was delicious and allowed us plenty of time to relax and review the day. After lunch, we returned home via some beautiful back roads.
If you missed this tour, I hope that you will consider joining us for the next event. It was a great day to enjoy old cars and friends.
-Vicki Bolton

Let’s Drive Tour
Welborn Muscle Car Museum

January 25 – Alexander City
Several members drove to the museum on Saturday morning. It was a beautiful day for the drive, and we were joined by some members of the Mopar Club for the drive up to Alexander City.
When we arrived at the museum we were met by Alton Freeman, the museum curator, who gave us a personal tour. He was a delightful tour guide with lots of stories about the museum and the cars.
After the tour of the museum, he also took us to another building to see some of his personal cars that he is working on.
It was a great day and we topped it of with a visit to the local bar-b-q restaurant which was very good.​