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The headquarters for the 2004 Classic was Madison, Wisconsin and 11 states were represented to "Cruise the Wisconsin Alps". Cars ranged from a pristine 1940 Buick to some 2005 PT Cruisers...and almost everything in between. (There were 15 Miata's)
With an overnight stop in Rockford, IL we arrived in Madison with plenty of time to wash the car (you can't show up at an event like this with a 'buggy' car) and check into our hotel before doing registration and the "Welcome" buffet and drivers meeting.
The weather for last year's event (which you might have already read about) was 'unseasonably hot'. This years was much more comfortable...if 'unseasonably cool'. Friday's drive started out with a jacket, which was soon put away and a perfect 'top-down' day was enjoyed by all. Excellent roads (except for that one little stretch where the state (or county) had just freshened up their 'pea gravel' surface)...hilly and twisty. Checkpoints were placed at very interesting locations (see some of the pics below) and the day ended in the Dells with an outstanding magic show. We were on our own for dinner, and the cars scattered after the magic show.
Saturday dawned even more 'unseasonably cool' than Friday...44 degrees 'unseasonable'. Tops were down anyway (everybody seemed to be 'layered') and the day was run under cloudless deep-blue skies. After the driver's meeting, we were serenaded by a couple of locals playing 'Alp Horns' and the driving began. Once again, the roads were outstanding, and the checkpoints interesting. At one checkpoint, we got to meet Ben Stamm, the first Wisconsin resident to complete the Iditarod. In 2003 Ben became the 549th musher to finish the 1049 mile race in it's 31 year history. He had some of his 'gear' on display, as well as a couple of his sled dogs. The dogs seemed to enjoy all the attention they received from the participants, and Mr. Stamm was patiently answering our questions and signing autographs. The day ended with a dinner and entertainment provided by a local Swiss Yodel choir accompanied by the Alp Horn players.
Sunday morning (under cloudy, windy skies) the entire entourage (approximately 200 cars) left 'top-down' for the drive to the Monona Terrace Convention Center (on the shore of beautiful Lake Monona) for our farewells and some awards. It was another fun-filled 3+ days!
Click on the picture to see a larger version
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Yes...It'll all go in a Miata |
Friday morning start |
Quaint main street in Mt. Horeb |
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New friends at the Christmas house |
Should have been a checkpoint |
Winery stop (checkpoint) |
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Self explanatory |
Welcoming committee |
Another checkpoint |
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Saturday morning Alp Horn sendoff |
Some of the participants |
How's that for a '40 Buick? |
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Saturday morning final instructions |
Another winery stop...big trunks can be an advantage |
Interesting house...lot's of outdoor sculpture, too
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The 'Family Tree' |
Snow White and the seven dwarfs |
He said 'Hello' to everyone |
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Carol getting an autograph from Ben Stamm, Iditarod 'musher' |
Some of his Iditarod gear |
Iditarod gear |
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Carol pets 'Candy'...one of the racing dogs. I thought they'd be bigger |
And 'Juliette'...the lead dog |
Saturday night parking lot |
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The yodel choir |
Sunday parking at Monona Terrace |
And still more |