1000 Miles, All Smiles

[Quaylon]

I just returned from a 1000 mile trip from Omaha to south central Missouri where a large group of us float the north fork of the White river. I’ve been making this trip annually for the past 12 years but this was my first time in the 911. The previous trips have all been in my F250 crew cab and I’ve always wanted to have the 911 for the awesome roads east of Springfield.

This year, a buddy had a new truck and wanted to take on the “hauler” duty so I gladly agreed. Freed from the responsibilities of hauling a few friends and their gear, I made plans to take the 911, (Black 1999 C2 Cabriolet)... fresh oil and filters was all I needed since I had replaced the brakes, rotors, brake fluid, AOS, coolant expansion tank, and coolant during the spring.

I had an awesome experience. Not a single issue with the car. It ran great and did everything I wanted it to with more to spare. The bulk of the drive is divided highway and the 911 ran smooth and consistent with more than enough power and speed available for overtaking.

I really enjoyed Missouri highway 14 from Ozark to the highway 181 turn off to Dora. The roads in the Dora, Caulfield, and Dawt area are some of the most fun I’ve had driving in the Midwest.

Along the way, I noticed only 2 other 911’s out and about. The first one was on southbound I29 around the Iowa/Missouri border. It was a beautiful white 993 or 964, I can’t be sure as I only saw it briefly. The other was a 996 Mk. 1 in a color that Apple would call rose gold. The driver gave me a short honk as they rolled by me on westbound I44 in Springfield. There may have been others that I didn’t notice due to concentration on traffic etc., but it does remind me just how rare our cars are and what a privilege it is to have and drive one.

This was the best trip I’ve ever had and the 911 had a lot to do with it. Many thanks to the people at “The Hitching Post” in Caulfield, “Roy’s Service” in Dora, and “Pettit’s Canoe Rental” for their hospitality.

I’m already planning next year’s route to try out some more of the twisties in that area. In summary, the 911 was made to be driven so get out there and drive ‘em!

(Also posted to Rennlist (dammit) in hopes that the other 911 drivers mentioned see the above)

[TheDeckMan]

Great to hear of another successful trip in a 911!

[5chn3ll]

Agreed. The 996 is a decent tourer, although my 996 held more crap. Interesting fact: One moderately fat 996 forum admin can fit in the front trunk of a 986.

OP, sounds like a fun trip!

[gnat]

Agreed. The 996 is a decent tourer, although my 996 held more crap. Interesting fact: One moderately fat 996 forum admin can fit in the front trunk of a 986.

OP, sounds like a fun trip!

Yeah... well... The 986 has the roomy frunk of the plain C2.

Betcha can't fit in your C4 frunk

[5chn3ll]

True - but the 986 also has a rear trunk.

I don't fit in that, either.

[gnat]

In my younger and thinner days I once did a 70 mile round trip in the back seat of the 996. ONCE!

[FRUNKenstein]

Hmm, sounds like you drove right through Kansas City. I hear there is a nice little car museum there where anyone arriving in a 996 gets in free, and possibly a free beer (if it's after 4 pm).

[Quaylon]

Noted! I’ll try to stop by next time I’m in KC. Would have been impossible on this trip as I had 6 other people with me, each with their own agenda...

[FRUNKenstein]

No problem. Next trip. I'm surprised Wildbilly didn't chime in as he's up in your neck of the woods. I've been trying to get him down to KC for a PCA breakfast. Every Saturday morning starting about 7 am. We usually have 30+ cars every week. If you decide to come down, there are Cars and Coffees we go to after PCA breakfast on the 1st, 3rd and last Saturdays of every month. You can check the KCRPCA.org website too, and maybe join us for a Fun Run and Autocross weekend. Just let me know if you decide to head down this way.