The first day of Spring was today, actually...

[Al N.]

It doesn't matter what the calendar says, it must be the first day of Spring today since it's the first day I've had Orange on the road since December.

 

 

 

So I finally got the car started and went out for a blat of about an hour, just to make sure everything still worked — including the driver. Funny how those Tilletts don't soften up the more time you sit in them!

 

 

 

The short drive was enough to remind me of all the simple joys of our simple cars. The way you can smell everything, including what the neighbors are making for lunch. The way driving through a puddle makes you cringe, waiting for the splash. The way the turn signals keep beeping if you forget to re-center the switch.

 

 

 

The way motorcyclists give you the thumbs up, like you're one of them. The way dads turn their heads when they hear you coming and point out your quickly receding blur to their young son or daughter as you go on your way. The way the guy at the gas station lets you fill it up yourself, even though the state law says otherwise. They way he smiles when you confirm that yes, the fender is carbon fiber.

 

 

 

The way the wipers don't return to the "down" position automatically. The way your hair looks afterwards if you don't wear a hat. The way your left eye tears up from the wind if you go fast enough without putting goggles on. The way winding first gear out makes you feel more like Jim Clark than any modern supercar possibly can. The way going flat out in second blurs your vision and makes you think "Is there a faster car on the road?" or more importantly..."Why would anyone even need a faster car than this?"

 

 

 

The way driving along your favorite local twisty bit gives you flashbacks to that great drive with other Se7eners back in June of last year. How you had just enough bottle to barely stay in touch with Mazda or Scott when they took the lead out...and probably only because they were taking it easy on you.

 

 

 

And finally, the way, when you trundle into your driveway at the end of it all, the way you smile to yourself when you think about the prospect of meeting up with over 60 other drivers who can read this post and know exactly what you are talking about.

 

 

 

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Enjoy Spring everyone. Make sure to make time for all your mods, repairs, and restorations. I'll see you in July.Al Navarro2007-03-24 15:09:41

[slngsht]

Actually, spring started last Tuesday night, at 8:07 PM (Persian new year is at the same time). http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/wink5.gif

 

 

 

Glad you got to enjoy the car today.

 

 

 

The rear is out of mine, and the new (new to me) rear is getting brackets welded to go in.slngsht2007-03-24 12:47:38