Members and Monte Carlos in Attendance

Other Members in attendance:

Royce Tollman of Walla Walla, WA

Garrett Kuipers of Kelowna, BC, Canada

Vern Vassar of CA

Thursday

A few of us in the Northwest arranged a get together on Thursday so we could drive as a group to the FGMCC's 8th Annual Western Meet. I met up with Garrett and his girlfriend Amy, and Kevin and his brother Steve in Ellensburg, Washington. Garrett and Amy joined me in my '70 Monte Carlo and we proceeded to follow Kevin and Steve in their truck and trailer with Kevin's 1970 4-speed Monte Carlo inside. We hit the road and didn't get too far before the tire on Kevin's trailer shredded in Yakima. Kevin had to wait some time before the tire would get fixed so Garrett, Amy and I continued to Oregon to meet up with more club members. We arrived a little late in Stanfield, Oregon, where we met up with Doug, Matt, and Christine (Matt's wife).

After a short chat, we got back on the highway to Boise and reunited with Kevin for the drive. The Northwest group finally made it to Boise around 9pm and were greeted by other members already there.

Please click on the image to enlarge

Friday

On Friday morning we lined up for the Countryside Cruise headed for Bogus Basin. The cruise was a nice drive through tight curves as we headed up the hill. The high elevation offered great views of the city below. We parked and had lunch at Bogus Basin before descending back down toward Boise. In the evening, some of the group went to Meridian Speedway to check out the car games. Kevin drove his '70 Monte through slolam course and ran a couple hot laps around the track as well. His Monte certainly wasn't the best handling machine in the slolam but it sure looked like fun!

Please click on the image to enlarge

Cruise back to Boise

Kevin taking his recenltly purchased 402 4-speed for a lap around Meridian Speedway

Kevin going through the slolam racing game at Meridian Speedway

Saturday

On Saturday we all woke up bright and early to drive to the Expo grounds for the car show. The event staff were very accommodating to our group and set aside a nice spot in the middle of the show for all of us to park. We settled in for a hot day in the park and enjoyed the full schedule of activities the event had to offer. This event had burnout contests, stoplight drag racing, go cart racing, RC car racing, motorcycle stunts, a flea market, kids games and more.

After a long day in the heat, we headed back to the hotel to rest a little while before the evening cruise. The Capital City Cruise took us into downtown Boise where we cruised around an area that was closed off to public vehicles. It was a well organized cruise route and was fun to be a part of as the sun was setting.

Sunday

Sunday was another great day in the sun at the Expo grounds for the car show. The day was much like Saturday at the show but with one difference... FGMCC drag racing! Vaughn and Roy decided to take their Montes down the 100 foot strip for some bragging rights. We discovered that Vaughn's car is set up for horsepower but not traction as he proceeded to do a 100-foot burnout trying to get traction. Roy, who was definately outpowered by Vaughn's car, managed to get traction and beat Vaughn to the line. Everyone enjoyed another fun day at the show.

The awards banquet was held that evening at Fuddruckers restaurant. After we had some of the "world's greatest hamburgers" I distributed the awards to all the deserving recipients, drew names for all the door prizes and got the traditional group photo.

The day ended much like all the other evenings at the meet. The group relaxed in the hotel parking lot with their lawn chairs and favorite beverage while swapping stories and car knowledge.

On Monday we all shook hands and exchanged hugs before people went their seperate ways. Garrett and Amy joined me in my 70 Monte for the drive home. We drove part of the way with Matt and Christine before splitting off as I headed North through Washington. We were able to take advantage of a couple photo opportunities with our 2 Montes while driving through Oregon.

Another great meet had come to a close and, as usual, I met some new friends and took home some good memories. I'm already looking forward to the next meet in Carson City, Nevada!