MTFCA Forum

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June 3 - 9, 2019

I want to thank all the participants who joined this year's Golden Gate Tour. Firstly, because they had the courage to ally with this first time tour planner. Secondly, I want to thank all for their positive and fun attitudes. And, finally, I am grateful for how everyone pitched in to help. This all resulted in a wonderful 6 days.

All tours should have such generous participation. Debbie pre-researched our many destinations which refined and improved our experiences there. Al took on responsibly for our group ice chest full of frosty libations and provided a set of chairs to enjoy them in. Ken organized the post tour 'parking lot' cocktail hors d'oeuvres. Brad aided the ailing cars and, along with others, helped our wheelchair bound 90 year old get in to the more difficult places. Donna took over as the nametag chairperson and enhanced our photographs with her new white tires. Jeff set up two fantastic winery visits and Anette set up a third. Donna also got us all invited to the Sharpsteen's garage. Steve's gentle smile helped keep our peaceful tone and, believe it or not, Casey was successful in tempering Larry Smith.

10 cars and 20 Model T-ers attended. Everyone had a great time. I couldn't be more pleased.

Let's do it again with some of you who missed it this time around.

The tour was a heck of a lot of fun. Up and down hills with lots of turns on back roads. Let's rename it "The Mountain Goat Tour". Within about 30 minutes town traffic was cleared each day and off we went. Even traveling over the Golden Gate Bridge (I was very apprehensive about my T on the bridge in traffic) was amazing. The tour director had us traveling over in heavy traffic which meant that part of the time I could walk faster than traffic was moving on the bridge. Thus getting on and off the bridge through traffic was simple. Going downtown San Francisco was fun due to the routes we went. I'm glad I had Rocky Mountain brakes and a Ruckstell in my 15 Touring car and yes, I would do that tour again!

Loved this tour. Grew up in the Bay Area and have been all over this area on almost every back road, but doing it in a Model T was an experience to remember! First time across the Golden Gate Bridge in a "T", and driving in San Francisco was somewhat of a challenge, but enjoyed every minute of it. I HIGHLY recommend Rancho Nicassio's food! It is the only restaurant in this tiny town, but the food and portions was an unexpected blessing. My favorite part was driving on the ridge road on top of Mount Tamalpias…...probably one of the most scenic roads in California!

Was hoping to add some more pictures here, but the links above do not seem to work. Any suggestions?

Steve Cavalli

Wonderful Photos! Thank you.

Karen and I really enjoyed ourselves on this tour. We have been to Fishermen's Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge years ago but never to the Marin Headlands, Fort Baker, Stinson Beach, Mt Tamalpais, and many small Marin County towns. Touring through this area in a Model T made it all the more exciting. Towards the end of the week, we traveled to Healdsburg where we spent two days touring the wine country.

Unfortunately, my car was the only one still relying solely on the transmission brake and four days of Marin's back roads and mountainous terrain proved too much for my brake band so I was forced to sit out the Healdsburg portion. Fortunately, Ken Larson from Sonoma offered us the back seat of his touring car for this portion so all was not lost. We had a fun group and spent our evenings gathered around the ice chest, reminiscing of our daily adventures and discussing plans for the following day.

A big thank you to Steven Chase who orchestrated this event. A lot of thought and time went into its preparation and, while everything didn't always go according to plan, it somehow always worked out. This week I pulled the hogs head to check for any damage but it appears it's limited to just the cotton brake band. Now I'm changing out my bands, flushing out the cotton debris and adding two new tubes and front tires. Thanks to everyone on this tour for helping us out and inviting us into your lives for that week.

Al

Great tour. I had a blast. Hope to do SF next time.

Jeff

A great time was had by all!
Steven put a lot of work into this tour, and his efforts really paid off in the end.
I was one of the two who chose to do the 18% grade. WOW! It was a great view, fun, and uneventful (maybe not a good idea for an unexperienced antique driver, or a car in questionable condition).
I would also highly recommend, the "Northern Portion" blended in at the end, provided great times, and great roads.

Cheers!
Ken

One more picture from this wonderful tour.

This tour was sensational! I've been touring the back roads of California all of my adult life, and have yet to have anyone offer a tour in Marin County.
This tour is definitely worth repeating. I have a negative opinion of the host hotel, and hope we don't have to stay there next time! A hearty well done to Steven Chase! I will try to download some pictures soon to post.

Thanks for the awesome tour! The roads were the best I have been on. The thrill of driving over the Golden Gate was the highlight for me. New and old friends made for a fun time. Thanks again.
Donna Jones
Sebastopol, CA.

Thanks. Very impressive, especially for your first one! I have never broken down so many times in a single tour, however happy too have been able too get back on the road for each day of touring.
Ken Larson
Castro Valley, CA.

Thanks, We had a great time too and it is very much worth repeating, especially if you can repeat with the great weather!
Debbie Francis & Anne
Hacienda Heights, CA.