May - MogNW

Barnes: 1993 Plus 4
3rd Plus 4 Class
I’ve always thought about taking photos of all of the Morgans at an
ABFM but never before actually did it. Digital makes it so easy. I took
photos of each car then a close-up of the information sheet to keep
track of whose Morgan it was. This being my first effort at that this, I
didn’t have a firm idea about how much space I needed to leave
around cars in the photos or of how I was going to present the photos
in the Mogazine. Most turned out fairly well; only a few couldn’t
be cropped at the size I decided on leaving the whole car. The next
challenge was how to arrange them on the page and I decided on
age as the factor, oldest cars first. The names are as they were on
the information sheet, using the first name if there were two.
Sparrow: 1993 Plus 8
2nd Plus 8 Class
Seligman: 2005 Roadster
2013 Vancouver to Whistler Run
(and for all but me, back!) Ric MacDonald
The 21st Vancouver to Whistler Run took place on Sunday, the day
after the VanDusen Show. Originally conceived by Colin Fitzgerald in
1993 to see how many of the show cars actually run, this has grown
from a modest 40 or so to the over 100 now taking part.
Until a few years ago this event was held the third Saturday in September
but with a couple of rainy and cold runs which led to dwindling
entries, the event was moved to the day after the Vancouver ABFM.
The hope was that with better weather in May that more of the cars
from the Show would make the drive (I'm not so sure of this!).
We also have had some rain since doing this in May. As the Show
is a long and tiring day, I took an impromptu vote to see who would
come if the Run was held again in September. There was more interest
in doing this, but as there are large crowds in Whistler on this long
weekend, I do not think the organizers, Patrick Stewart and company,
will change this. I must congratulate Patrick for his efforts in putting this
on as he seems to do everything from putting out the information to
parking the cars in Whistler! He is more than ably assisted by his wife
Joan, who in addition to helping with the organization also emcees the
prize giving in Whistler.
In the parking lot at the Park Royal Shopping Center in North Vancouver,
enjoying the complimentary muffins and coffee, I came across
Dave Collis. Dave is a long time member but one whom we only see
on this run these days. He was along on the very first Whistler Run,
one of the seven Mogs back then. His knowledge of Morgans dates to
when he worked with GB Sterne who imported the cars (mine is one of
those!). Dave’s rather dry humor is missed so I hope he will be out
more.
A while later in came Malcolm Sparrow with Terry Sadler in the
passenger seat of his Plus 8 and Val was there to say good-bye for
now. The +8 and my 4/4 set off under cloudy and cool weather which
was good for the cars.
As Terry's 1964 Plus 4 seemed much roomier than my 1965 4/4
when I had sat in his, I suggested he sit in mine to compare. What
better way to compare than to put him in the driver's seat from the fuel
stop in Squamish to Whistler! At this point, as I had never driven Malcolm's
Plus 8, or any Plus 8 for that matter, Malcolm decided that this
was the time for my initiation to the world of the Plus 8, so I was put
into his car. What a different world. Seems a bit like a 'real car' but still
a Mog. I noticed hot air blowing onto my feet, and not heat from the
motor or transmission, must have a heater that actually works! Must
say this new experience made my weekend. Thanks! Malcolm.
Arriving in Whistler, we were parked in the Olympic Plaza by Patrick
who was making the usual derogatory remarks about Morgan drivers
and their lack of willingness to follow directions and parking prowess!
There were hordes of people in the village for the long weekend so
there was lots of interest in the cars.
After a relaxing lunch it was back to the Plaza for the awarding
of prizes for the closest to a mythical time for the run (which was hit
right on!) and the most correct answers to the questionnaire as well as
various draws. Steve Blake, who was up with Susan in their Jag XK-
140 Fixed Head won a prize for something, but I must admit by this
point I wasn't paying a lot of attention to anything so can't tell you what
he won or for what.
Anyway it is an enjoyable drive to end the weekend. If there is any
interest I will organize something for next year.
When telling Ron Theroux on Saturday evening that I would be
staying to do the Whistler Run on Sunday, he pointed out that I was
going to pay $25 to drive home! I hadn't quite thought of it that way,
but it is fun and as I have done it every year, I suppose I shall continue
to pay to go home.
NW-Mogazine Volume 33, Number 3 May & June 2013
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