| Driving With Out a Net 2008 |
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Three Days, Three Mountain Ranges, Three Hundred Miles: A Progressive Tour
By Michael J. Sullivan
I recently hosted a three-day, 300-mile progressive tour through the coastal mountains of southern and central California. I was very excited about
planning this tour since most of our regional tours are either one-day tours or hub-tours. This tour gave us an opportunity to drive our cars without
the security of a trouble truck or modern chase-car. We were on our own: just driver and car.
We met in Fillmore, California, a small town in an agricultural valley north of Los Angeles. Parking for trucks and trailers was secured at a local
orange ranch and breakfast followed at a local eatery. After breakfast, directions for the 3-day tour were handed out and discussed. While the plan
was to drive together in a group, the directions allowed for those whose cars might advance the hills at a slower pace to arrive at rendezvous. Not a
single driver got lost the entire weekend.
The first day consisted of over 100 miles with an elevation change of 5000 feet. We topped off our gas tanks in the Ojai Valley and then began a 40-
mile, uphill drive over the San Rafael Mountains. On this two-lane road we were greeted by a few motorcycles who love the turns and enjoy the view
of the central valley. We had pre-ordered and picked up sub-sandwiches and enjoyed them at the road’s peak at 5280 feet msl. Pine trees provided
the shade as drivers rested and refueled. The drive down consisted of gentle slopes and curves and soon we found ourselves driving along large
ranches and through the largest town on the mountain route, Ventucopa with a population of 82. Our day ended in Maricopa where we were greeted
by the hot August weather of California’s central valley. After a rest at the hotel, we walked to the local Mexican restaurant for dinner.
An early start the second day prepared us for another 100 miles of driving. We found the local breakfast hangout and were served great food along
with local stories from this small California town. (Author’s note: take the time on your tours to find the local eatery and learn about the local
community.) With full stomachs and gas tanks, we headed towards Santa Maria through the Sierra Madre Mountains. The elevation changes were
mild as the road followed rivers and valleys from the central valley to the Pacific Ocean. We passed a variety of areas including oil fields, horse
ranches, and cattle farms. But there were no towns for the 70 mile drive to the coast. In Santa Maria we were able to visit the home of Robin and
Michele Onsien. The have a 5000 sq ft restoration garage which contained both brass as well as chrome-era restoration projects. The rare 1909
Stanley and 1908 Pierce Arrow projects were interesting to see ‘in progress’ and adjacent were ongoing Duesenburg and Mercedes restorations.
After the visit, we once again filled our tanks and our stomachs and drove the 30 miles through the coastal hills to our next stop in Buellton. The
weather near the coast was cool and we found ourselves putting on our sweaters and jackets. The green hills and agricultural valley made the drive
pleasant. We drove past Vandenburg AFB where they launch defense satellites and drove on several roads that have been previously included in
national HCCA tours. After a quick stop at a winery, we arrived at our hotels, grateful for some rest after another day without breakdowns.
The third day consisted of over 100 miles with spectacular views from one-lane, mountain-top roads. Our path over the Santa Ynez Mountains
consisted of former stagecoach roads. These ‘two-lane’ roads, which were really one and one-half lanes, were perfect for the slow speeds and
sightseeing that make driving a horseless carriage fun. Our winding road up to the mountain top passed by a tavern with was built as a stagecoach
stop. Arriving at the mountain top we drove on Camino Cielo, or Street of the Sky, which followed the mountains crest over 3000 feet above Santa
Barbara. On this one-lane road, we met few cars and stopped frequently for photographs. Views east into mountain valleys (that can only be viewed
from this road) and views west over the Pacific Ocean were the payment for the extra time needed for this slow and windy road. We descended into
the foothills and followed gently winding roads back to our starting point. Our 300+ mile trip was over.
As this author was also the tour host/planner, some lessons learned are appropriate to share. First, have alternative directions when available.
While we did not need them, roads can be temporarily closed for repair and alternative routes may save the tour. Looking for the alternative roads
actually allowed me to find better touring roads. Second, drive the route several times. I personally drove the tour twice beforehand and each time I
was able to improve the directions and provide additional information on landmarks to make the tour easier. Third, find great places to eat. While we
all enjoyed the roads, the fellowship shared over a meal is part of the glue that holds our club together. Plan stops with great food and plenty of time
to relax and refresh.
Great times, great fellowship and great food were enjoyed by all participants. Planning has begun for next year’s 3-day progressive tour, Driving
Without a Net-Part II, where again driver and car will be tested.
By Michael J. Sullivan
I recently hosted a three-day, 300-mile progressive tour through the coastal mountains of southern and central California. I was very excited about
planning this tour since most of our regional tours are either one-day tours or hub-tours. This tour gave us an opportunity to drive our cars without
the security of a trouble truck or modern chase-car. We were on our own: just driver and car.
We met in Fillmore, California, a small town in an agricultural valley north of Los Angeles. Parking for trucks and trailers was secured at a local
orange ranch and breakfast followed at a local eatery. After breakfast, directions for the 3-day tour were handed out and discussed. While the plan
was to drive together in a group, the directions allowed for those whose cars might advance the hills at a slower pace to arrive at rendezvous. Not a
single driver got lost the entire weekend.
The first day consisted of over 100 miles with an elevation change of 5000 feet. We topped off our gas tanks in the Ojai Valley and then began a 40-
mile, uphill drive over the San Rafael Mountains. On this two-lane road we were greeted by a few motorcycles who love the turns and enjoy the view
of the central valley. We had pre-ordered and picked up sub-sandwiches and enjoyed them at the road’s peak at 5280 feet msl. Pine trees provided
the shade as drivers rested and refueled. The drive down consisted of gentle slopes and curves and soon we found ourselves driving along large
ranches and through the largest town on the mountain route, Ventucopa with a population of 82. Our day ended in Maricopa where we were greeted
by the hot August weather of California’s central valley. After a rest at the hotel, we walked to the local Mexican restaurant for dinner.
An early start the second day prepared us for another 100 miles of driving. We found the local breakfast hangout and were served great food along
with local stories from this small California town. (Author’s note: take the time on your tours to find the local eatery and learn about the local
community.) With full stomachs and gas tanks, we headed towards Santa Maria through the Sierra Madre Mountains. The elevation changes were
mild as the road followed rivers and valleys from the central valley to the Pacific Ocean. We passed a variety of areas including oil fields, horse
ranches, and cattle farms. But there were no towns for the 70 mile drive to the coast. In Santa Maria we were able to visit the home of Robin and
Michele Onsien. The have a 5000 sq ft restoration garage which contained both brass as well as chrome-era restoration projects. The rare 1909
Stanley and 1908 Pierce Arrow projects were interesting to see ‘in progress’ and adjacent were ongoing Duesenburg and Mercedes restorations.
After the visit, we once again filled our tanks and our stomachs and drove the 30 miles through the coastal hills to our next stop in Buellton. The
weather near the coast was cool and we found ourselves putting on our sweaters and jackets. The green hills and agricultural valley made the drive
pleasant. We drove past Vandenburg AFB where they launch defense satellites and drove on several roads that have been previously included in
national HCCA tours. After a quick stop at a winery, we arrived at our hotels, grateful for some rest after another day without breakdowns.
The third day consisted of over 100 miles with spectacular views from one-lane, mountain-top roads. Our path over the Santa Ynez Mountains
consisted of former stagecoach roads. These ‘two-lane’ roads, which were really one and one-half lanes, were perfect for the slow speeds and
sightseeing that make driving a horseless carriage fun. Our winding road up to the mountain top passed by a tavern with was built as a stagecoach
stop. Arriving at the mountain top we drove on Camino Cielo, or Street of the Sky, which followed the mountains crest over 3000 feet above Santa
Barbara. On this one-lane road, we met few cars and stopped frequently for photographs. Views east into mountain valleys (that can only be viewed
from this road) and views west over the Pacific Ocean were the payment for the extra time needed for this slow and windy road. We descended into
the foothills and followed gently winding roads back to our starting point. Our 300+ mile trip was over.
As this author was also the tour host/planner, some lessons learned are appropriate to share. First, have alternative directions when available.
While we did not need them, roads can be temporarily closed for repair and alternative routes may save the tour. Looking for the alternative roads
actually allowed me to find better touring roads. Second, drive the route several times. I personally drove the tour twice beforehand and each time I
was able to improve the directions and provide additional information on landmarks to make the tour easier. Third, find great places to eat. While we
all enjoyed the roads, the fellowship shared over a meal is part of the glue that holds our club together. Plan stops with great food and plenty of time
to relax and refresh.
Great times, great fellowship and great food were enjoyed by all participants. Planning has begun for next year’s 3-day progressive tour, Driving
Without a Net-Part II, where again driver and car will be tested.
