August Drive and Barbecue

When:	Sunday, August 22, 2004 8:30am
Contact:	Rich Clemente - lotus@ix.netcom.com 973-713-0653
Info:	LEO starts its 6th year in existence with a gathering that embodies many of the most popular club activities. August's excuse to get your Lotus out of mothballs (and shake it down for the Lotus Owners Gathering) comes up on Sunday the 22nd. The sharp-eyed among you have noticed that the car show planned last month has been dropped…the organizers didn't get all the needed permits from the Boonton Town Fathers. So that means more Driving Time! It also means we can start later! So, this information supercedes last month's gossip: We will start at 10 AM from the Hibernia Diner, on CR 513 (Green Pond Rd) just north of Exit 37 on Interstate 80. That's Rockaway, NJ. From there we will make our way North past Rt 23 then back down to Rich Clemente's new house at 908 Boyle St in Boonton for a barbecue. RSVP to Rich Clemente at lotus@ix.netcom.com or 973-713-0653. If you are coming bring chairs. If you prefer "hard likker" then BYOB. See you there!

Event Report

The weather was spectacular and the turnout included four Esprits, one Elan, the first LEO owned Elise and me in my Mitsu OZ Rally Lancer. The later was a Lotus for the day as I am presently Lotusless.

After meeting at the Hibernia Diner, Atwell lead our gallant crew on s great 1.5 hour romp through the foothills of Rockaway and Boonton to name a few.

As the only non-lotus driver in the group I cannot emphasize what a gas it is to join us on a LEO Drive. Sure my little Lancer engine should have had a real tough time traveling with the big boys but the drives are not drag races. They are designed to let you really drive your car. In the case of a Lotus, the "magical" suspension really does amazing things as you follow the switchbacks on a quiet country road. My non-turbo engine spent a lot of time in higher rev zones while I had to work harder to steer and stab at the brakes to keep its light rear end from beating me to the apex of each turn. It was great fun.

After the drive we ended up at Rich Clemente's new house and spend at least a half hour talking about the care and feeding of Lotus cars. Then we broke out the chairs, Rich broke out the drinks and fired up the grill and everyone had a great time.

THANKS TO Rich Clemente for his hospitality and his BBQ goodies.



Don't forget to check out the Instructional Video and the "Enhanced" Drive Video at the bottom of Page 3