Mick's LOG 27 Journal - LotusTalk

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 03:27 PM

8.22.07 0736 EST
Leave home
Waffle House before hitting the road, of course.

0934 CST
Meet the caravan group in Birmingham, AL. Besides me there was an Elan with two passengers and three pickups pulling trailers.

1026 CST
head out on the highway from Birmingham

1215 CST
The plastic sheet on the back of John's Esprit flies off on the highway and wraps around Lee's trailer axle before flying off into the mediam.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 03:31 PM

1310 CST
We get a flat tire on Jim's trailer pulling the Esprit. We're just outside of Tupelo, MS so we stop for lunch at the Cracker Barrell while they go get a new spare tire.

1825 CST
Another tire on Jim's trailer blows. This time in traffic in Arkansas.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 03:36 PM

The second blow out was actually a retread falling apart at 70 mph.

1935 CST
We reach Little Rock, AR.

8.23.07
0200 CST
We finally reach the hotel in Oklahoma City, OK. Time for some much needed sleep.

0900 CST
See, you can get a lot of stuff in an Exige trunk. Start of the second long day of driving with Waffle House, of course.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 03:40 PM

We start the day by getting new spare tires at WalMart.

1220 CST
We enter Texas. Wow, its flat.

1400 CST
Lunch in Amarillo.

We stopped for gas just outside of Colorado Springs. A storm is on the horizon.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 03:43 PM

The storm ahead that we have to drive through is actually a hail storm, dropping marble sized hail all over the road. We miss the hail by about 15 minutes but its covering the sides of the highway.

2107 MST
We reach our hotel in Colorado Springs.

8.24.07
0945 MST
The next morning we get a group picture of the cars that will be driving to Snowmass via the mountains while the trucks with trailers take the highway there. On the way there Lee gets a flat on his enclosed trailer. =( We're plagued by flats on the trailers.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 03:47 PM

The road out of Colorado Springs is beautiful.

1215 MST
We stop for lunch in Buena Vista. An Elan and a Seven are already parked there. Turns out they're being driven by Peter Egan and his group. We say Hi but they leave before we finish lunch.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 03:49 PM

Views on the way up to Independance Pass.

At the Twin Lakes we find Peter Egan's group on the side of the road working on the Elan. We offer tools and help, but they tell us to go on.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 03:51 PM

We wait on an overlook for the two Elans with us to catch up. There are no guard rails on the road up to the pass. Eek!

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 03:53 PM

The Elans are being chased by a beautiful Seven.

1400 MST
We reach the top of the pass.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 03:56 PM

Shots from the pass...

It was cold up there (easily 50 degrees) and the wind was blowing hard.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 03:58 PM

Peter Egan and his group catch up to us at the pass. We're now having a mini-concourse on the top of the pass. About 10 Lotuses in total.

1520 MST
We reach Snowmass! Time to wash the cars!

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 04:02 PM

That evening was the cocktail reception. Nick Adams made the announcement of the 2-Eleven.

2200 MST
I join Patricko, Alan, Shinoo, Neil, Nick Adams, CharlieX and RichS for dinner at Snowmass. One of the great things about LOG each year is getting to meet in person the folks from EliseTalk.

8.25.07
Saturday starts with the Concourse... John got second place in his class for his beautiful 1987 Turbo Esprit.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 04:05 PM

Concourse pix...

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 04:06 PM

more concourse pix...

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 04:07 PM

The best looking car at the concourse. It should have won best in show.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 04:22 PM

Emo was at the concourse and got in the 72B with his infant son. Very cute.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 04:25 PM

Third picture is Emo with his wife. It's good to be the king.

Fourth picture is Ron and Becky from our caravan taking a break in the shade.

Fifth picture is a very nice 1978 Esprit.

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 04:27 PM

Pic 1: concourse
Pic 2: Alan at the autograph session
Pic 3, 4 & 5. I went on the 200 miles scenic drive on Sunday. Absolutely beautiful.

alexandertg4 · 08-30-2007, 04:28 PM

Awesome pics!

MickOpalak · 08-30-2007, 04:29 PM

More pix from the scenic drive.

Back at the hotel we enjoy the cocktail hour before the Sunday banquet. Last two pix are the Birmingham/Klempson gang.

08-30-2007, 03:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	Mick's LOG 27 Journal 8.22.07 0736 EST Leave home Waffle House before hitting the road, of course. 0934 CST Meet the caravan group in Birmingham, AL. Besides me there was an Elan with two passengers and three pickups pulling trailers. 1026 CST head out on the highway from Birmingham 1215 CST The plastic sheet on the back of John's Esprit flies off on the highway and wraps around Lee's trailer axle before flying off into the mediam. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 03:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	1310 CST We get a flat tire on Jim's trailer pulling the Esprit. We're just outside of Tupelo, MS so we stop for lunch at the Cracker Barrell while they go get a new spare tire. 1825 CST Another tire on Jim's trailer blows. This time in traffic in Arkansas. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 03:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	The second blow out was actually a retread falling apart at 70 mph. 1935 CST We reach Little Rock, AR. 8.23.07 0200 CST We finally reach the hotel in Oklahoma City, OK. Time for some much needed sleep. 0900 CST See, you can get a lot of stuff in an Exige trunk. Start of the second long day of driving with Waffle House, of course. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 03:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	We start the day by getting new spare tires at WalMart. 1220 CST We enter Texas. Wow, its flat. 1400 CST Lunch in Amarillo. We stopped for gas just outside of Colorado Springs. A storm is on the horizon. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 03:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	The storm ahead that we have to drive through is actually a hail storm, dropping marble sized hail all over the road. We miss the hail by about 15 minutes but its covering the sides of the highway. 2107 MST We reach our hotel in Colorado Springs. 8.24.07 0945 MST The next morning we get a group picture of the cars that will be driving to Snowmass via the mountains while the trucks with trailers take the highway there. On the way there Lee gets a flat on his enclosed trailer. =( We're plagued by flats on the trailers. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 03:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	The road out of Colorado Springs is beautiful. 1215 MST We stop for lunch in Buena Vista. An Elan and a Seven are already parked there. Turns out they're being driven by Peter Egan and his group. We say Hi but they leave before we finish lunch. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 03:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	Views on the way up to Independance Pass. At the Twin Lakes we find Peter Egan's group on the side of the road working on the Elan. We offer tools and help, but they tell us to go on. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/ Last edited by MickOpalak : 08-30-2007 at 03:54 PM.

08-30-2007, 03:51 PM	#8 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	We wait on an overlook for the two Elans with us to catch up. There are no guard rails on the road up to the pass. Eek! Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 03:53 PM	#9 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	The Elans are being chased by a beautiful Seven. 1400 MST We reach the top of the pass. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 03:56 PM	#10 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	Shots from the pass... It was cold up there (easily 50 degrees) and the wind was blowing hard. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/ Last edited by MickOpalak : 08-30-2007 at 04:20 PM.

08-30-2007, 03:58 PM	#11 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	Peter Egan and his group catch up to us at the pass. We're now having a mini-concourse on the top of the pass. About 10 Lotuses in total. 1520 MST We reach Snowmass! Time to wash the cars! Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 04:02 PM	#12 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	That evening was the cocktail reception. Nick Adams made the announcement of the 2-Eleven. 2200 MST I join Patricko, Alan, Shinoo, Neil, Nick Adams, CharlieX and RichS for dinner at Snowmass. One of the great things about LOG each year is getting to meet in person the folks from EliseTalk. 8.25.07 Saturday starts with the Concourse... John got second place in his class for his beautiful 1987 Turbo Esprit. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 04:05 PM	#13 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	Concourse pix... Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 04:06 PM	#14 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	more concourse pix... Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 04:07 PM	#15 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	The best looking car at the concourse. It should have won best in show. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 04:28 PM	#19 (permalink)
alexandertg4 King Alexander Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Orange County, Ca Posts: 892	Awesome pics!

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08-30-2007, 04:22 PM	#16 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	Emo was at the concourse and got in the 72B with his infant son. Very cute. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 04:25 PM	#17 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	Third picture is Emo with his wife. It's good to be the king. Fourth picture is Ron and Becky from our caravan taking a break in the shade. Fifth picture is a very nice 1978 Esprit. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 04:27 PM	#18 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	Pic 1: concourse Pic 2: Alan at the autograph session Pic 3, 4 & 5. I went on the 200 miles scenic drive on Sunday. Absolutely beautiful. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/

08-30-2007, 04:29 PM	#20 (permalink)
MickOpalak LOG29 Co-chairman Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,555	More pix from the scenic drive. Back at the hotel we enjoy the cocktail hour before the Sunday banquet. Last two pix are the Birmingham/Klempson gang. Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S265 - Krypton Green - Gotham 265 ECU - Volk TE37s - Toyo R888s - B&M Shifter - QuickSilver exhaust - stripes - harnesses - Pagid pads - Green air filter LOG29 - http://www.log29.org President - Lotus Limited Southeast http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/LLSE/