ROUND THE BENZ Newsletter of the Pikes Peak Section

Transcription

1 August 2018 Welcome New Members! Dorse Cooper & Marcy Ackert Sean McCormick Inside this issue: Sept Breakfast 3 Section Elections 3 DAM Tour 4 OTC Tour 5 DIY Tech Session 5 MHS Events 5 ROUND THE BENZ Newsletter of the Pikes Peak Section Photo-Photo-Photo Rally 9:00 a.m., Saturday, 18 August 2018 Yes, it s ba-a-a-ck! After a long hiatus, Tom Croak is bringing us the 5 th annual Photo-Photo- Photo Rally. This is an event we ve all been waiting for. Each time, Tom has tried to make the rally more challenging, but it s hard to underestimate the competitiveness of the Pikes Peak Section or the extent to which we ll go to win one of his prize-winning photographic prints. So put on your thinking caps, break out your cell phone or camera, and get ready to photorally. Come on out to breakfast at The Egg & I restaurant at Platte & Academy to join the fun. Breakfast is at 9:00 a.m. and the rally starts at 10:30 a.m. The way it works is the first photo is your clue, the next photo is the picture you take to prove you found the clue, and the last photo is your prize when you win! This year there will be a time limit to keep the competitiveness in check (we hope!). We will begin after breakfast and finish at Tom & Joyce s house for wine and snacks. You won t be given a specific route so you ll have to figure out first what the pictures are that you need to shoot, second you ll have to figure out where the pictures are located, and third you ll have to figure out the most expeditious route to get as many of the pictures as possible. Mission impossible, you say? Au contraire. Merely a normal Pikes Peak Section rally memorable, fun, and challenging. The cost to participate in the fun is $15 per car and each entrant will receive a Tom Croak signed photo print. First, second, and third place winners get to select theirs first! So charge up your phone or camera and clean off your chip. You can only turn in one picture per clue. Der Marktplatz 6 Click 6 Tarryalll Drive 7 Mercedes?? 8 Picnic Recap 8 DIY Detail Recap 9 BabyBenz Coming 10 And speaking of breakfast, we ll have a special guest speaker, Wilson Hitchings, to talk to us about the coming revolution of electric vehicles. Wilson is the president of the local electric vehicle club and is an expert in all things electric. He ll tell us about the pros and cons of EV ownership, how the batteries work, and even a little bit about the history of EVs. Electrics are the wave of the future so find out about what s possibly in store for your next vehicle. You won t want to miss this breakfast! Wilson & Tom Croak checking out his GLE Hybrid

2 Section Officers: President: Steve Dierks Vice-President: Andrew Nelson Secretary: Judy Bennett Treasurer: Julie Nelson Directors: Karen Absher Wendy Adams Charlie Bennett net, Mary Bixler Stan Bixler Joyce Blutt Glenn Hamill Pete Kulzer Henry Russell Sylvia Russell Webmaster: Robert Boren Regional Director: Michael Davison View From the Peak by Steve Dierks A few years ago, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA) National Board of Directors hired a consulting firm to help define the core elements of MBCA membership. Among their recommendations, the consultants stressed the importance of delivering a beneficial experience to the full range of the membership. They stressed that Club benefits and activities must be relevant to every demographic of our membership. In short, the organization must be contemporary in nature. The dictionary says that a contemporary organization is up-todate, of the present time, and state-of-the-art. Certainly, each of this definition characterizes the automobiles that we all enjoy. Mercedes-Benz is the recognized leader in automotive innovation and engineering excellence. They have consistently set the standard by which other manufacturers measure themselves. The products they deliver to the marketplace are in tune with the twenty-first century automotive consumer. Mercedes-Benz is a very contemporary organization. In similar fashion, your Pikes Peak Section has implemented several initiatives that characterize a contemporary organization. We continue to innovate by hosting local, regional, and national special MBCA events. This month, the Section is hosting an innovative Photo Rally. It s a unique style of rally, an opportunity to enjoy your community while among friends, and it s certain to deliver on the promise of fun. In his book, Onward, Howard Schultz says that for [l]ocally relevant [events], to resonate, [they] must be invented and executed by local talent and leaders. (Onward, p.306). Our local Section activities continue to provide contemporary participation opportunities including road rallies, social gatherings, technical sessions, third Saturday breakfast gatherings, fun runs, and much more. The Pikes Peak Section is up-to-date, of the present time and state-of-the-art. Colorado provides an unparalleled backdrop for our activities. You may have been discouraged from driving in the mountains this summer because of the fires. There are still many areas that have not been touched by fires. For your enjoyment, I have outlined another of my favorite local drives. I hope that you ll take the time to drive a little more of Colorado while the weather is cooperating. Let s drive em, Steve Round the Benz is published monthly by the Pikes Peak Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA). Articles and ideas are the opinions of the writers and no authentication is implied as to the validity of the information contained herein. Explicit permission to republish any article with proper attribution is given to all sections of MNCA. Articles for publication consideration should be mailed to Pikes Peak Section, MBCA, Attn: Editor, 4335 Penhurst Place, Colorado Spring, CO or, whenever possible, ed to: bennett912@ comcast.net. Deadline for receipt is the 18 th of the month prior to the month of issue. Please support our advertisers. They help to make this publication possible. 2

3 September Breakfast 9:00 a.m., Saturday, 15 September 2018 In case you missed it, your Section Board will be busy finalizing arrangements for the Silver Stars & Golden Aspens National Special Event on September As a result we have not organized a Fun Run drive for after breakfast in September. Don t let that keep you from coming out to The Egg & I restaurant at Academy and Platte Ave to enjoy a hearty breakfast, with some camaraderie and fellowship thrown in. Who knows? If the weather cooperates, somebody might have a great idea for a drive. somebody might have a great idea for a drive. Section Elections 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, 9 October Please join us for our annual Pikes Peak Section elections at Rocco s Italian Restaurant, 3802 Maizeland Rd, Colorado Springs, CO We ll dine at 6:00 p.m. and elect our board members shortly thereafter. This year we have 3 board member positions up for election. Every Section member is encouraged to attend and cast your vote or throw your hat into the ring. Our board of Directors is very active, deciding on the types of events the Section holds, the frequency of those events, as well as the detailed management of those events. If you enjoy participating in Section events, if you d like to get involved with the day-to-day management of the Section, and if you have the time to plan and direct one event per year we re looking for you. The term of office is 3 years. the health of the Section depends on how innovative and vigorous our leadership is. As Steve said in his President s Message this month (if you haven t read it, you should!), the health of the Section depends on how innovative and vigorous our leadership is, and our Board of Directors is key to that success. Our current Board members have served long and faithfully and would like to pass the baton. Please consider stepping up and contributing your time and ideas. Dinner for new and current board members and their significant others is on the Section. If you re interested in serving on our board (as well as a free meal!), please contact Steve Dierks at steve.dierks@gmail.com or

4 Denver Art Museum Tour 10:00 a.m., Saturday, 20 October 2018 visit the worldrenowned Denver Art Museum. In October, we will drive north on the I to our state capital to visit the world-renowned Denver Art Museum. The exhibitions on display include Stampede: Animals in Art that includes more than 300 objects that explore the presence of animals in art throughout the centuries and across cultures. Then there s Rembrandt: Painter as Printmaker that will showcase more than 100 prints plus several drawings and paintings career spanning from 1625 to Claes Oldenburg With Coosje Van Bruggen is an exhibit of drawings of the monumental soft and hard sculptures of the 1960s. The drawings represent the conception of an artistic idea, striking visual representations of manifested creations where line and form playfully intertwine the surreal and the natural elements of a landscape. Here are a few rules: Photography is permitted and welcome in all of the permanent galleries, but the flash must be off at all times. If photography is not permitted, there will be a sign at the gallery door. There are free lockers on level one or the lower level to stow bags, lunches, or packages not permitted in the museum. Sketchbooks and small notebooks (11x14 inches or smaller) and pencils are welcome; please leave colored pens and pencils at home. Guided group tour admission is $8 per person. We will meet at a location TBD to caravan to the museum. Lunch at a suitable venue will follow our tour. Contact Pete Kulzer at wgfp@aol.com or for more information. 4

5 Preview of Coming Attractions Olympic Training Center Tour 17 November 2018 In November, we ll be visiting the center for the hopes and aspirations of the cream of American athletics. The U.S. Olympic Complex in Colorado Springs is the flagship training center for the U.S. Olympic Committee and OTC programs. More than 15 member organizations, as well as two international sports federations and the USOC headquarters are also located in Colorado Springs. The CSOTC is able to provide housing, dining, training facilities, recreational facilities and other services for more than 500 athletes and coaches at one time on the complex. Athletes are selected to train at the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center by their respective National Governing Body. Guided tours are $13 per person and reservations are required. Contact Stan or Mary Bixler for more information at or DIY Tech Session 18 November 2018 It s August and despite the heat, it s time to start thinking about the unthinkable yes, we re talking about snow and ice that accompany Old Man Winter. Sigh. So, do you need to change out your summer tires for your Blizzaks? Do you need new wipers? Do you need to change your oil? Do you need to top off your fluids? Do you need to check your battery? You can do all that and more yourself in the comfort and convenience of the service bays of Mercedes-Benz of Colorado Springs on Sunday, 18 November. Call Dave Williamson to reserve your spot Cost is still only $10 and you get donuts! Quote of the Month: The shortest distance between two points is under construction. ~Noelle Altito Mile High Section Events For more information, visit the MHS website at Leadville Matchless Mine Tour & Museum Date: 11 August 2018, 7:30 a.m. Location: Meet at Kum & Go, I-701 & Morrison Exit 259 Cost: $18 per person-above-ground Mine tour; $10 per person-museum tour; no-host lunch Contact: Karen Redel, , karenredel@outlook.com Fort Collins Drive Date: 15 September 2018, 9:30 a.m. Location: Meet at Starbucks, 45 E 120 th Ave, Thornton Cost: No Host Contact: Michael Davison, , mhd539@msn.com 5

6 Der Marktplatz For Sale: 2004 SL 500. Aegean Blue with tan interior. Near showroom condition. 44,000 miles, AMG package. Asking $25,000 OBO. Contact Bob Kenny at or Wanted: C36 or C43 sedan. 300 SEL 6.3 sedan. Call Pete at For Sale: SL. Black, 120,000 miles. Runs great; must see. Call Greg at , For Sale: SL, 53K miles, automatic, red. Needs transmission work or a new one. $26,000. Contact Walter, Click Don t wait any longer space is limited. This, just in from the latest edition of the MBCA e-newsletter, Click, a quick wrap-up of news, discounts, and special events: 2018 German Trips: Germany trips are very popular and fill up quickly. These member-only trips provide direct and personal access to Mercedes-Benz facilities and museums as well as many amazing European landmarks. Don t wait any longer space is limited. September 24-30: Fall Stuttgart, Germany Trip Visit mbca.org to download the registration form. To learn more, contact trip Leiter and past national MBCA president Jim O Sullivan at or osullivanj55@gmail.com National Election: Watch your for your invitation to vote in early September Voting is cut off on Oct 15 at 5 p.m. If you do not have a valid registered with the club, please update it as soon as possible Those without an address will receive a paper ballot in the mail. MBCA members will have the opportunity to elect 4 Directors-At-Large and 5 Regional Directors to the National Board. The Regional Director for the Rocky Mountain Region is not up for election this year, however we will vote for Directors-At-Large.. 6

7 Pikes Peak Section Scenic Drives A Series A Leisurely Drive to Deckers, Pine Junction, and Tarryall By Steve Dierks This month s Pikes Peak region drive is one that I enjoy. It s a pleasant tour most of the year and offers views of a variety of interesting rock formations and some brilliant leaf peeping in the fall. And, of course, there are lots of opportunities along the way to stop and enjoy a point of interest. This drive begins, as usual, in Colorado Springs. Take US 24 west to Woodland Park. In Woodland Park, turn right (north) on CO 67 toward Deckers. Along the way, you will drive past the Manitou Lake Park and Recreation Area, the Rainbow Falls Mountain Trout Recreation Area and Westcreek. There are often motorcyclists on this road and there are a few curves that will require you to slow down. offers views of a variety of interesting rock formations and some brilliant leaf peeping in the fall. When you get to Deckers, take the left fork of the road (CO 126) toward US 285. The initial section of this road is narrow and has many curves. The speed limit is low and it is a favorite of motorcyclists. The road will take you along a segment of the South Platte River, past the Wigwam Fly Fishing Club and the Cheeseman Canyon Fishing Access Trailhead. Shortly after, CO 126 widens and you ascend to the top of the hill near the Long Scraggy Peak. There is an opportunity to stop and enjoy the view, after you reach the top of the hill. Continue on CO 126 through the little town of Buffalo Creek. Buffalo Creek has a slow speed limit that s enforced by the County Sheriff s department; and, yes, I have seen a motorcycle officer running radar in Buffalo Creek. Continue through Buffalo creek, along the North Fork of the South Platte River through Pine (I ve seen radar enforcement in Pine, too) and continue north to Pine Junction. There is a traffic light there at the junction of CO 126 and US 285. Turn left (south) on US 285 toward Bailey. Continue along US 285 through Bailey, past Shawnee, Camp Santa Maria, and Grant toward Kenosha Pass. Continue over Kenosha Pass (a great photo stop) to the micro town of Jefferson. At Jefferson, turn left on the Tarryall Road (CO 77). This segment will take you past Observatory Rock, Tarryall Reservoir, Sugarloaf Mountain, Bradley Peak, the town of Tarryall, and Tappan Mountain. This is the segment that includes many majestic rock formations. The road connects with US 24 just west of Lake George. Turn left (east) on US Highway 24 and you are on your way back to Colorado Springs. 7

8 Mercedes Question of the Month Question: The Mercedes SSK, fitted with a supercharged engine that delivered 250 hp and a top speed of 120 mph, won the 1930 Grand Prix of Ireland. How many SSKs were built? Answer: a. fewer than 40 b. fewer than 50 c. fewer than 60 d. fewer than 100 Answer to Last Month s Question: c. Rosberg This hidden gem was a working ranch and nestles in the tree-covered hills west of Denver. Joint Section Picnic Recap Congratulations to the Mile High Section and Deb and Jay Hokanson for planning a great picnic outing for our two sections. The location was the Hiwan Homestead Museum in Evergreen, CO. This hidden gem was a working ranch and nestles in the tree-covered hills west of Denver. The Pikes Peak Section had a respectable contingent of 11 folks and we all thoroughly enjoyed the guided tour of the historic structure that evolved from a one-room cabin built in A catered lunch in the picnic pavilion rounded out this awesome day. Today, the museum consists of a 25-room lodge built between 1880 and 1942 plus three out buildings. The lodge was restored and furnished from the original residents belongings. If you are up for a lovely drive through the mountains, avoid the interstate and follow the route we took through Woodland Park and Deckers. Turn right at US285 and follow the signs to Evergreen. It s well worth the trip. Check out the pictures on Facebook. 8

9 DIY Detail Session Recap The Pikes Peak Section had our very first Do-It-Yourself Detail Session on Saturday, 21 July. Steve Dierks, our host, arranged for Keith Varmall, owner of the mobile detailing service, Sudz On Wheelz, to address our breakfast gathering at The Egg & I restaurant before inviting our group to his home where we were to put our new-found knowledge to work. Keith explained how he got into the mobile detailing service and how his business operates. The bottom line is he comes to you!! And he stays until the job is done to your satisfaction!!! Following breakfast, we adjourned to the Dierks rancho where the hot temps and blazing sun discouraged any real detail work on our beautiful Benzes. That was okay though, because we could pump Keith for tips and tricks from the comfort of Steve s new covered deck. Plus, we could enjoy burgers and brats and desserts and sides while imbibing our favorite adult beverages. It was an enjoyable day and we highly recommend Keith and his mobile detailing service. 9 we could pump Keith for tricks and tips from the comfort of Steve s new covered deck.

10 MB Baby Sports Car By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Mercedes-AMG could build a baby sports car to take on the Porsche 718 as well as fill the void of the Mercedes-Benz SLK, which is expected to be phased out after the current generation. Officials at AMG are yet to confirm that such a car is in the works, but Autocar, citing an anonymous source at Mercedes, reports that the car is in the planning stage. A lot of thought has gone into how Mercedes-AMG can better leverage its success in motorsport, particularly Formula 1 and endurance racing, the source told the British rag. One idea is a sports car that is relatively attainable financially and ideally suited to track day running, but it is just an idea and not a committed project right now. If given the green light, the car could go the mid-engine route like the Porsche 718, as well as AMG's upcoming Project One hypercar. And also like its intended rival, it could come in coupe and convertible body styles, and with four-cylinder power, Autocar reports. Other potential rivals include the Alfa Romeo 4C and Alpine A110. Mercedes AMG could build a baby sports car to take on the Porsche 718. Of course, developing a dedicated mid-engine platform for the car isn't a cheap proposition, especially considering that this isn't a volume model we're talking about. A possible solution could be sharing components with Mercedes' latest compact cars, namely the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4s destined for upcoming 35- and 45-series versions of the compact models developed by AMG. AMG could also generate additional sales via the booming GT4 motorsport business. The tuner already offers a GT4 race car based on its GT sports car, but a lighter, more affordable GT4 racer with a mid-engine layout could prove more popular with customer teams. 10

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12 Round the Benz Editor 4335 Penhurst Pl Colorado Springs, CO Return Service Requested To: Happy Dog Days Calendar of Upcoming Events On the Web at: org MBCA Pikes Peak Section 7 August 2018 Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. Steve Dierks August 2018 Monthly Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Photo-Photo-Photo Rally Tom Croak September 2018 Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. Steve Dierks September 2018 Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Steve Dierks September 2018 Silver Stars & Golden Aspens Judy Bennett October 2018 Board Meeting 6:00 p.m. Steve Dierks October 2018 Section Elections 6:00 p.m. Judy Bennett October 2018 Breakfast & Denver Art Museum 9:00 a.m. Pete Kulzer The Pikes Peak Section Board of Directors meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Mercedes-Benz of Colorado Springs, 730 Automotive Drive. Meetings start at 6:00 p.m. All Section members are welcome and encouraged to attend. 12