October 2012 - Ferrari Club of America

FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
OCTOBER 2012
The Ferrari Club of America Board of Directors, on the 12th day of March 1973, authorized the Rocky Mountain
Region as the 2nd recognized region for the USA.
IL CAVALLO ROSSO
Ferrari Fall Foliage Tour 2012
(Thoughts from the Road)
Fred Bishel
Photos by Matt and Kris Huett
Day 1 The Harbinger of Doom
Another FFFT has come to an end and I must say this was surely one of
the best! I need to start by extending a major thank you to Lou Lapolita,
Bert “boy did I look young” Smith, Frank “you didn’t just do that!”
Strazzabosco, Peter “the Saint” Taylor and Carol. Without these folks the
tour would not have been possible and even if it had happened it wouldn’t
have been the same.
Day one started out uneventful with beautiful blue skies and a sunny,
slightly cool morning at the Black Bear Tea and Coffee Lodge in Colorado
Springs. I heard a rumor that some of the northerners actually
Full Schedule of Regional Events - page 10
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FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
gathered even earlier at the local shrine to Ferrari in Denver, but that doesn’t
really count. The departure, as usual, with this group was late and loud. OCTOBER 2012
`
The first inkling this would be a special trip was at exit 52 in Walsenburg or was it
exit 50 as the Drive Book contained a typo or two. Lesson One: The Drive Book
is a Guide Book not to be taken too literally. I personally took exit 39 with Dr.
Tim in tow as we spotted a gas station and were in need of a “rest.” The gas
station was long gone replaced by a small diner with a large sign reading “no
purchase no relief.”
Then it was off to Raton NM, where an almost flag person was to meet us and
guide us in. Well, I finally met the flag lady and she decided it was a long walk up
the block and we would find the Café without her help, and she was right. Lunch was good and the locals were plentiful. One Mike Young took a local
course marshal to the gas station to “fill the Scud.” As he approached the
intersection with its green light, the ever vigilant course marshal, having just been
given a lethal dose of Scud Rev, indicated Mike should not proceed. As Mike held
the beast at bay an older sedan barreled through the red light. The nonplussed
course marshal, without missing a beat gave Mike the good to go. It was at this
time the course marshal explained the errant sedan’s driver was actually the 90
year old town doctor and this was status-quo.
After Lunch it was on to Eagle Nest NM, It was a spirited drive accomplished in
almost record time with a brief slow down through the town of Cimarron. At this
time we started to notice a few sprinkles of light rain, quite refreshing actually, but
for those experiencing the famous 360 Spider top cycling idiosyncrasy, it was a
sobering experience worthy of a few bath towels. Little did we know at this time
this was a harbinger of things to come. A few good twisties, a shot through Angel
Fire, then a few more twisties and up and over the hill into Eagle Nest. On the
approach the lake looked dark, the sky was foreboding and all of the flags in town
stood at attention as if suspended by wires. Most of us, not including the 360
spider drivers who were still trying to reset their tops a few miles back, made it to
the gas station. As we parked the cars and headed for snacks and restrooms a
lone pickup truck with a local stopped me, and in an ominous voice told me we
should leave now for our own good. Holy shirt! I said as he drove off, and I
walked to the gas station snack bar. Then the skies let loose with 4 inches of
Biblical hail and rain. Everyone was taking videos and photos, not for the
opportunity but for their insurance carriers. Some winced, most laughed, as for
the regulars, those who ran the FFFT 2011, this was an expected part of the
adventure. After 20 minutes or so the hail and rain lightened up enough that the
town sent the local snowplow out to clear the roads.
After a quick inspection and reassuring ourselves there was absolutely no hail
damage we proceeded, quite uneventfully, to our destination in Santa Fe, bar Kent
who as usual, was pulled over by the local PD for no reason other than they
wanted to see his Rosa Corsa 458 Italia. Kent quite obligingly let them take a
Regional Director/President
Bert Smith
[email protected]
Vice President
Ryan Sabga
[email protected]
Treasurer
Frank Strazzabosco
[email protected]
Secretary
Amy Lukes
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor
Tim Greenshields
[email protected]
Chris Parr, 913-663-0003
[email protected]
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FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
OCTOBER 2012
photo with the usual caveat “you must send me a copy” as he handed them his business card, you know the one
with the picture of his GT pulled over by another law enforcement group on a previous trip.
Day 2 The Heavenly Feast
It was quite early as we started to gather in the hotel parking lot. Members were washing their cars using melted
hail from the day before while others were nursing the obligatory hang-over from the previous evening’s
festivities including the infamous “signature drink.” There were a few bemoaning the sticks, twigs and pine cones
adhered to their paint while gently stabbing at the sticky mess with fingers and baby wipes. Lesson Two: Never,
ever pull your car under a towering pine tree during a hail storm! As usual the departure was late and loud,
something akin to herding cats.
Our first stop of the day was the Jemez Pueblo visitors center, where there were exceptionally clean restrooms,
American natives were selling pottery, crafts and my personal favorite Indian Fry Bread being freshly cooked in
stalls across the street. This was also another photo opportunity, especially for Carol, who had a vision of what
the perfect picture should contain. After much jostling of cars the scene was considered to be perfect. Bill’s FF
in the middle surrounded by four other cars. I think they were Ferraris.
We departed the parking lot in usual fashion heading up the road to Jemez Springs where lunch awaited. We
really didn’t know what to expect as the arrangements were very loose even by my standards, and I still have
nightmares about Saguache. How wrong I was to doubt Lou, Brian and the fine residents of Jemez Springs (pop
250). We were met on the main street, well actually the only street, by three “F1 Girls” stopping traffic and
waving checkered flags while waiving us into protected parking by the local police station, plaza, and park. Interestingly enough this was the first time all drivers made the exact same turn. There were no missed turns,
over shoots or drive book complaints, go figure! The food was delicious and hot, some would say spicy. Our
departure was just as exciting as our entrance with the “F1 Girls” stopping traffic and flagging us onto Route 4. As
we pulled out of the parking lot, snaking our way up the hill though the speed bumps, I saw our local Bentley
aficionado slipping the girls something. I for one could have sworn it was a twenty but others have attested that
is was in fact Grey Poupon! The drive up and around the Valles Caldera, 12 miles wide and one of six known
land-based super volcanoes – See what Wikipedia can do for you.
After a freshening up at the hotels it was off to dinner. Not just any dinner, mind you but manna from heaven. Epazote in Santa Fe opened especially for the Ferrari Fall Foliage Tour and if I may say so myself it was one of the
best dinners I have had and you need to put this into context for feeding 50 people at one seating. This was a
difficult task under the best of circumstances and Chef Fernando Olea certainly came through for us. Each one
of the six courses was more amazing than the previous. From the Soap de Amor, a creamy soup of pablano
pepper and blue crab lump topped with whipped Amaretto and Mexican chocolate to the Mero en Mole Nuevo
Mexicano, a pan seared wild Halibut over crispy rice noodles and a pomegranate balsamic reduction. All of his
dishes were amazing and Chef presented with each dish. This event was about 4 hours long, as everything was
freshly prepared. This was the gastronomic highlight of this tour and most others. Amazing!
Day 3 Locust and Frogs or How I Stole a Bus
We slept in a little later than usual due to a unique opportunity afforded us by a club member from the southland. Lou Lapolita and his wife Karen hosted us for brunch at the Las Campanas country club. It was a beautiful
morning as we made a parade lap around the 14,000 acre property with assistance from the security staff, As
noted I took a few liberties with the drive and we circled a few times. Never trust the GPS near a golf course as
it will try and put you on the cart path every time. When I resolved the direction issue it was off to brunch. A
very classy affair with our cars parked on the golf course.
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FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
OCTOBER 2012
After a very relaxing morning, did I already say the weather was perfect? While some of us ventured for a round of
golf or a trip to the Indian Market the majority of us took off for the Turquoise Trail drive with a stop at the top of
Sandia Crest. Lou took the copilot position in my car while Carol took the credit card. The drive down route 4
through Madrid started out as a pleasant little drive; did I already say the weather was perfect? Just south of
Madrid, there it was, on the left, a black, evil looking funnel cloud with tentacles reaching out and then collapsing. Did I say it was a beautiful day? As we stopped for fuel the heavens let loose another Biblical story and a second
tornado was spotted to the north and west of where we were. Cars were cramming under the over-hang at the
Shell station and no one went looking for a pine tree to shield them from the expected hail storm which thankfully
never happened.
Next stop was the scenic 14 mile drive up Sandia Crest. Now I have driven the road twice in the last few months to
check out the tour, we always drove it at 6:00am and there was no traffic, a few canyon carvers on their motorcycles
but no traffic. I had heard Sunday afternoon was a slow go so we prepared for the worst, but the FFFT gods
were smiling on us once again. Because of the rain and tornado threat the road to the crest was relatively
civilian free. After a brief respite at the crest it was off to our hotels in preparation for the final dinner.
Around 6:30pm I decided to head down to the patio were dinner was planned for the evening affair. As I
walked through the parking lot I noticed a transport bus sitting in the parking lot. I approached the driver, a nice
enough guy named Rich, and asked him what he was doing. Well, the long story short, he was waiting for the Ferrari
group to get on the bus, unfortunately he was at the wrong hotel as I pointed this out to him. Rich exclaimed a
short expletive and raced from the parking lot to retrieve members who were staying at the Encantado. Satisfied I
had done my job, I walked into the patio area and lo and behold here were the Encantado-ites imbibing and making
merry! It seems “one who shall remain unnamed” herded the group onto a bus in front of the hotel and the driver
departed for dinner. After a few minutes the driver made an incorrect turn. After speaking with the puzzled driver
and forcing him to proceed to the “correct” dinner location it was learned that this was not our bus. This bus
belonged to another group and it had been commandeered for the greater good. What happened after this is
difficult to remember and better left to the tall tales regaled after a few glasses of good wine among friends.
What a great FFFT 2012 it was with good friends, hospitality, fabulous dinners, interesting adventures, Biblical
weather at times and those warm sunshine days found in New Mexico. Thanks to all.
Ferrari Fall Foliage Tour 2012
Participants and Survivers!
Tim Allen
Fred Bishel and Carol Flynn
Phil and Helen Burnett
Bob and Robbie Gower
Joe and Stephany Coniglio
Scott and Debbie Elkington
Al and Debby Flynn
Matt and Kris Huett
Norm Littlejohn and George Rosenberger
Scott and Wendy Menefee
Kent and Leslie Miller
Bert and Bobbie Smith
Jim and Bobbi Stewart
Frank and Virginia Strazzabosco
Peter and Marian Taylor
Barry Tiller and Adele Arakawa
Alan and Jen Ward
Bob and Jane Wilson
Mike and Connie Young
Kevin and Sue Duncan
Rol and Inge Hamelin
Chuck and Kristen Lohmiller
Bill and Phyllis Stewart
Brian and Jacki Ungar
Steve and Olga Sutley
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FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
OCTOBER 2012
‘Bribe the Judge’
Labor Day Weekend
Concours d’Elegance Winners!
1st place Mark Gomez (right)
2nd place Kevin Duncan (left)
Oops, we got the winners incorrect in the
last newsletter.....Mark won 1st place!
Congratulations to all...
2012 Annual Wine Tasting
Checks for $35
should be made out
to Bert Smith
Old World vs. New World Wines
November 3, 2012
Bert and Bobbi Smith’s House
2593 South Harlan Court
Lakewood, Colorado
RSVP
to
Bobbi at [email protected]
Bert at [email protected]
(This is not a FCA event)
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FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
OCTOBER 2012
`
Dear club members and friends,
We wish to express our grateful thanks to all of you who wished us well during (as we would
say in the South) the recent unpleasantness. Your cards, calls and emails kept us uplifted and
we can never thank you enough for keeping us in your thoughts and helping us stay out of our
own thoughts and fears.
I need to say a very special thank you to Fred Bishel, our neighbor and fellow tifosi. He got
out of bed and was at our house at 7:00 AM because I was unable to get Bob to the car to take
him to the hospital for his surgery. Heaven forbid we should have missed that surgery date.
After Bob’s surgery, he and Carol have provided us a few dinners and looked in on the
recovery.
And the recovery has been swift. Within hours after surgery, Bob could walk and was pain
free. It is a miracle. Look for us soon at FCA gatherings as we have many missed events to
make up.
Again, thanks for your care and concern.
Bob and Robbie Gower
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Club members Matt and Kris Huett’s recently detailed
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FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
OCTOBER 2012
SALES CORNER
Ferrari autos, parts, or
memorabilia
FREE for members only
MANAGING YOUR FCA
MEMBERSHIP!
The FCA national membership
period is dependent on when you
joined initially. You will receive
notice two months prior to the
actual expiration date of your
national dues.
1996 Ferrari 355 Spider
For your (and ours) convenience,
your Rocky Mountain Region
dues will be collected by FCA
national on your annual renewal
date.
Feel free to contact our former
Regional Director John Babos, at
[email protected] or newly
elected Regional Director/
President, Bert Smith at
[email protected] for any
needed assistance.
Please forward FCA dues to the
Ferrari Club of America, P O Box
720597, Atlanta, GA. If you are a
new or renewal national member,
your dues are $135.
If you wish, you may call the FCA
national number (800 328-0444)
so that they may process your
national membership with a
VISA/MasterCard.
GET YOUR FAVORITE
DRINK, SIT BACK,
RELAX, AND PRINT OUT A
COPY OF THIS
NEWSLETTER!
Open your favorite bottle of wine
or have a cup of coffee.....PRINT
this delightful and informative
FCA RMR monthly newsletter
out and enjoy it!
If you can’t open this news letter
on your computer, email me a
note and I will send one to you in
the U.S. Mail.
In addition, you may join online at Tim, Editor
the Ferrari Club of America
Internet web site located at http://
www.ferrariclubofamerica.org.
New engine by Ferrari of Denver
(3,500 miles) 22,500 miles on chassis,
new leather seats/dash, new tires, seat
covers, engine and interior detailed by
TGRestorations.com, red calipers, Tubi
headers and muffler, stainless steel
Fabspeed by-pass pipe, $68,000
John Nastasi. 303-596-1270 cell
[email protected]
A full decade plus
of
Ferrari Market Letter
publications!
A wonderful collection and
looking for new home!
Call Bill McAbee at
303-210-6719
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FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
OCTOBER 2012
Hi-res photo of
Ferrari World at
Abu Dhabi taken by
the Digital Globe
satellite.
Ferrari World Abu
Dhabi, the largest
indoor and first
Ferrari theme park,
located on Yas Island,
Abu Dhabi, UAE,
with over 20
attractions.
Is your email about to change? Did you move?
Want to update your profile?
You can change your profile by logging on to our website.
FerrariClubofAmerica.org (http://FerrariClubofAmerica.org)
Go to the members drop down area and make those changes!
Do it today!
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FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
OCTOBER 2012
Buckle Up and Enjoy the Ride
Two Rocky Mountain Region members participate in the
2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
Chris Marsico presented a 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Scaglietti Spyder California. It is one of 50 such cars made and they
were all made to competition specs by Scaglietti. Chris's car is a steel bodied, covered headlight car.
Roger Willbanks presented a 1956 410 Sport Scaglietti Spyder. One of three spyders (along with one coupe), this 410 Sport
was a factory entry for the 1956 sports car season with a focus on the endurance races. It is equipped with a 5 liter V12. This
particular car was campaigned by Juan Fangio, Carrol Shelby, and Phil Hill, among others.
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PAGE 9
FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
OCTOBER 2012
Scheduled events for the Rocky Mountain Region
Sunday, Oct 7th: Penkus Hangar Party, 3 – 6 PM. A Benefit for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, free entrance
if you bring your Ferrari. Not an FCA event. Contact [email protected]
Sunday, Oct 14th: Dinner at Parma http://www.parmamozzarellabar.com/) at 1132 Dillon Road in Louisville, from 3 – 6
PM. The owners are from Rome and Naples and have wonderful food, a good wine list and “tiramisu from the gods”. We will be ordering from the menu but need a head count the week before. We may have a live, 3-piece jazz band for an
extra charge. Please RSVP by Oct 7th & vote yea/nay on the band. Frank Strazzabosco at [email protected] or
303-828-4050
Saturday, Nov 3rd: Annual Wine Tasting, Bert & Bobbi’s home, 2593 S. Harlan Ct, Lakewood, 7 – 10 PM. Wine &
hors d'oeuvres similar to last year. $35 per person. See attached pdf for more information. Please RSVP by Oct 25th to
Bert at [email protected] or Bobbi at [email protected] or 303-988-2020. Not an FCA event.
Friday, Nov 16th: Van Gogh Exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. Join us for a talk by Dr. Timothy Standring followed
by a self- guided tour with headphones then hors d'oeuvres and dinner at Palette’s (cash bar). $70 per person. RSVP
early as we expect this to sell out soon and no later than Nov 9th. Kristin Lohmiller at [email protected] or
Bert Smith at [email protected]
Ferraris are meant to be driven!
Bill Massey’s 2001
360 Spider
enjoying a fall day
in Colorado
Springs
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FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
OCTOBER 2012
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FERRARI CLUB OF AMERICA ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION
OCTOBER 2012
2013 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
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