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South of Boston (SoBo) Porsches and Coffee ​10 July 2022

Warm and sunny with a low humidity, Sweet Berry’s freshly cut lawn was inviting.  I would like to thank Dave Mechler and Bob Hinrichs for arriving early to help with the parking. I was a bit surprised by the turnout; more than 90 by last count.

Forbes “Toby” Anderson parked his Black 1958 Porsche Super Speedster, with red leather interior.  Purchased in the Bay area from a 40-year owner; it is one of 8 Black Supers made and, unless Forbes was misquoted, it came with a hardtop.  Although running on drum brakes and 6 Volts, it has a 912 based bored engine with estimated 130 HP, running a 741 transmission. Honestly, as a previous owner of a 356C, it was eye candy for me.

At 14 years, Toby’s first Porsche was a 1958 sun roof coupe with no engine.  Never had the money to fix it so it was sold as is.  At 16 he bought a 55 Speedster for $500.  Currently he owns three Porsches, the current speedster, a Euro 86 911 Cab, and a 2015 6 speed Boxster S, saying all three are fun to drive. The 58 is for sale and you can contact Toby at:  508 259 9933.

 

Driving unto the lawn with the top down was Kymberly Foss in her stunning Meissen Blue w/Bordeaux interior 2021 992 4S with PDK.  Her husband Karl parked her other Porsche, a White earlier model 911 that just had an interior seating update in a blue tartan. Previously Kimberly owned a 2012 45 Cab with manual transmission, then a 2017 GTS 4S.  Before Porsches she drove muscle cars.  Asked what gives her pleasure driving a Porsche, she replied  “everything”.  Having interesting stories, she related being in Sweden during the 70s driving on the frozen fiords in a Porsche fitted with metal studded tires at speeds of 100 MPH.
 

Jesse and Brenda Mackowl entered unto the grass in their Black 2014 Cayman S.  Their first Porsche was a 1979 928, followed by a 2015 diesel Cayenne, then a 2014 Panorama GTS.  Jesse said that his dad always had Porsches (who can argue about that). Brenda has the same Porsche in white. Jesse got the Cayman because he wanted a track car.  On his first track experience his rear brakes were completely worn out.  Jesse explained that the stabilization system prioritizes using the rear brakes.

 

Ceileidh Siegel and daughter Dorothey in baby seat strapped in the rear jump seat parked her Meteor Grey 2007  997.1 C4S with manual transmission.  This is her first Porsche and has owned it for 6 years.  Purchased used in California she drove it back to the east coast.  Previously she drove Audi and VW GTIs, saying that she was surprised that all the cars were similar to drive.  Fastest she has driven was in a rental on the Autobahn at 175 , with her current Porsche 130, saying that once in a while she goes on the track. Ceileidh also has had articles in the Panorama  magazine. 

 

Jon and Nicole Smith parked their very original Sand Beige 1966 912 five speed.  Jon was looking for an older Porsche being sold by original owner and was lucky to find this car in South Carolina.  Jon showed me a three-ring binder, about two inches thick, holding all the service and documentation.  The original owner was an officer in the military who seemed to drive everywhere.  The front became badly pitted and the officer had it painted; unfortunately, it was a poor paint job that delaminated.  Jon’s plan is to only preserve it, not restore it.  Jon said that the pan is solid, no rust showing.

It seems that Jon’s first experience with Porsches was in 1996 at the Boston Auto Show when he sat in one.  He proposed to his future wife in his first Porsche, a 1998 Boxster. Jon has had seven Porsches, a 96 911 coupe, 06 Cayenne S, 2010 Cayman, 2004 C4S, 2001 C4S, and 99 C2.  Presently Jon and Nicole have a garage that holds their four Porsches, and several times they have each driven one of their cars to SoBo.

Jon’s proposal reminded me that I dated my future wife (Rosemary) in my 65 356 C in San Diego; shown is our first child, Joshua on that Porsche in Groton, CT in 1970.

 

The next SoBo is scheduled for 21 August (10-Noon) at Sweet Berry Farm, 915 Mitchell’s Ln, Middletown, RI. The event as always is FREE, and no pre-registration is necessary. The only requirement to park on the grass is your Porsche. A Porsche logo sign should be in place directing you to the parking area.  Sweet Berry Farm is child friendly, encouraging small children to enjoy a working farm, so when entering and exiting, drive carefully. And, as always, for any SoBo related questions, please email me at:  [email protected]

Just a reminder:  Due to a conflict with Sweet Berry in September due to their very busy apple picking month, our September SoBo will take place on September 11, off of route 24 at the LongPlex Family & Sports Center, 300 Industrial Way, Tiverton, RI 02878.  Our designated parking lot is past the entrance on the right and up a slight hill located on the left.  No fee required and food and coffee is available, as well as games and clean restrooms.

Rog Slocum
127 Center Ave.
Middletown, RI 02842
e-mail:  [email protected]

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July NER Events

Open your garage and experience the summer through the July NER events. There is something for everyone to enjoy whether it’s the adrenaline of autocross or relaxing at one of the cars and coffee events. 

Photo Credits: Owen Coonahan

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June NER Events

Summer is here along with the warm weather, finally! Come participate in NER’s June events to take full advantage of the sunny month ahead!
 
6/05 NCR – 2022 Autocross Event #2 – 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
 
6/10 DE at Palmer Motorsports Park – Clockwise – 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM
 
6/12 SoBo at Sweet Berry Farm – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
 
6/19 NER – 2022 Autocross Event #2 – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
 
6/19 Cars and Coffee @ Lala Java Northborough, MA – 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
 
6/26 Porsches and Coffee @ University Station – 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
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South of Boston (SoBo) C&C May 2022

It became a glorious day for our Porsches and Coffee at our first meet of the season at Sweet Berry Farm.  More than 60 cars parked on the newly mowed lawn bounded by blooming apple trees.  The island, cooled by Narragansett Bay kept the temperature in the 70s, while inland temperatures were in the 90s.

photo: Larry Levin

I must mention the recent service on my 911 C4.  I noticed that the black paint on the radiator’s air diverter below the bumper had worn off; the leading edges were now grey, and there was a small hole in the plastic probably from a stone.  I asked the service advisor if we could just paint it; he replied “No”.   I said “I suppose the replacement costs is around $700.00”.  He said “actually it’s around $720”.  Although I didn’t try it, my advice to you is try the paint.

That leads me to another story:  My one and only Navy shore duty assignment in 20 years was my last three years assigned to the Navy Underwater Systems Center, Newport RI as the Junior Project Engineer for the Mk 117 Fire Control System (the first digital submarine combat control system).  For those of you that remember the blizzard of 78, I was the base duty officer the next day and had to drive on the base and relieve another guy.  As I approached West Main’s 2 Mile Corner I saw a pile of snow nearly two feet high across the road.  At that time, I had my 65 356C and was confident driving in the snow.  I hit the snow square on; the Porsche’s bottom pan acted like a ski and slid right over the top and I resumed driving the last mile or so to the base; no dents or bruises.

photo: Larry Levin
photo: Larry Levin

I was reminded of my 356C pan story when I interviewed newcomer Daniel Smith who arrived in his first Porsche.  I believe he was the one that told me that the panels beneath the car were missing because the previous owner removed them believing that the engine would run cooler, thereby easier wear on the engine, an incorrect belief.  Removing the panels really does negatively affect the car’s handling, especially when passing through 100. On my 996 the panels have to be installed from rear to front, ensuring that the panels correctly overlap.  

Meeting a retired ex fast attack submariner like myself, it was fun to reminisce not only about our careers but also our Porsches. This was Daniel Smith, who along with his children Elan and Eden, arrived in his first Porsche, a 95 993 with just 75k miles.  Purchased in Omaha he enjoyed the drive back home.  Daniel had a poster of a Porsche in his room as a kid, and in his neighborhood there were three Porsches.  Daniel enjoys working on his Porsche, loves the ride and the sound of the door closing, “sounds like a bank vault”.  

Sterling Vernon parked his 86 944, exterior Grand Prix White with a Burgundy interior and wood inlays, with about 120k on odometer. Owner of 6 Porsches, Sterling has always been a Porsche Guy. When he was about 8 years old his uncle took him to his first ball game at Fenway in his 1970 911 S.  Sterling’s first Porsche was a used 99 Boxster, then in 2003 a new Boxster.  Additionally, Sterling enjoys wrenching his Porsches saying “It’s the pleasure of the drive”.

Chris Casali arrived with Letitia Wallace in his stunning Maritime Blue 91 C2 with RS suspension.  The engine was rebuilt by EPE after purchase a year and a half ago, odometer displays 135k.  Chris’s first Porsche was a 91 C4 two years ago.  For the last 10 years Chris has had an affection for Porsches.  The C2’s attraction is that it is modern enough, but air cooled.  “The drive is raw and engaging”. I asked Letitia what is the fastest she has been in the car, she replied “120”.

Colin Patterson parked his 2022 GT Silver 718 Spyder, with PDK.  Purchased new, this is his eleventh Porsche.  Colin says, “the newer the Porsche the better is the Porsche”.  The only negative to his current Porsche is the sound compared to his older Porsches, the sport exhaust has an additional CAT.  He just purchased it in January and has already driven it 1200 miles.  When he was 16 or 17 years old, living in Jamaica, he saw a banker driving a Porsche; the rest is history. 

Eddie and Mari Lopez parked their 2018 Cayman 718.  Purchased used less than a year ago this Porsche has a carbon fiber kit.  Eddie has two additional Porsches; his first, five years ago, was a 97 Boxster.  Eddie always loved Porsches and Ferraris saying, “I can afford Porsches”.

The next SoBo is scheduled for 12 June (10-Noon) at Sweet Berry Farm, 915 Mitchell’s Ln, Middletown, RI. The event as always is FREE, and no pre-registration is necessary. The only requirement to park on the grass is your Porsche. A Porsche logo sign should be in place directing you to the parking area.  Sweet Berry Farm is child friendly, encouraging small children to enjoy a working farm, so when entering and exiting, drive carefully. And, as always, for any SoBo related questions, please email me at:  [email protected]

Rog Slocum
127 Center Ave.
Middletown, RI 02842
e-mail:  [email protected]

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Rambling Across Rhode Island

When we left the Omni Mount Washington Resort last April, we all hoped that Covid-19 would be in the rearview mirror by the time this year’s Ramble rolled around.  Unfortunately, this 36th edition of the New England Ramble was still a little smaller than normal, but it definitely had all the social aspects Ramblers have come to expect.

Our 2022 overall sponsor was once again European Performance Engineering (EPE) of Natick, and Porsche of Warwick was our returning sponsor for Friday night’s Welcome Reception.

With nearly 160 Porsches in the parking lot, it was clear that PCA had arrived!  As usual, there were lots of returning Ramblers, many having participated 10, 15, or even 20 times.  However, I’m thrilled to report there were over 70 first-timers, nearly 25% of all attendees, quite a few had yet to sprout any gray hairs.  Concern that you’ll be the only newbies should prevent anyone from attending the Ramble.  We pride ourselves on making everyone feel at ease and welcome.

As has become our custom, Carol & I arrived on Wednesday to begin preparations for the Ramble.  Thankfully, upon completion of the final run through of the route, road construction hadn’t required any last minute adjustments to the directions as has occasionally been the case in the past.  Many thanks to Peter & Sandra Moll for their help in refining the directions and contributing to a reformatting that made them more user-friendly.

One of the few positive impacts of the pandemic was the shift to having everyone sign electronic waivers for the event when they register.  As a result, we were able to distribute the event packets to people when they checked into the hotel, and there was no need to queue up in registration lines Saturday morning before enjoying the continental breakfast.

On Friday evening, the Welcome Reception was in the Rose Island Ballroom.  Unfortunately, the wind was whipping up the waves and also the table cloths on the terrace, so the outdoors wasn’t all the welcoming.  That certainly didn’t stop people from enjoying the water views while they enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres.  There was plenty of schmoozing going on by lots of enthusiastic Ramblers, happy to start another driving season with their fellow PCA’ers. 

The Saturday morning meeting for drivers, navigators, and passengers made it abundantly clear that Autocross and DE track events are the appropriate venues to wring out all the performance the wizards of Weissach have built into your Porsche.  The Ramble is an organized, but not regimented, scenic drive to be accomplished within the strictures of all traffic laws.  As I shared with the group, I go out of my way to find roads where it will be challenging and enjoyable to drive at the posted speed limit.

 

Peter and Sandra Moll took the lead as the first of 160 or so Porsches (yes, there are a few other marques represented at the Ramble) pulled onto the causeway connecting Goat Island to the mainland.  It’s worth mentioning that NER has a waiver from National that allows us not to drive in a convoy.  You can feel free to stop as you like for a pitstop or to enjoy a photogenic location, and then pick back up on the tour when another “pod” of Porsches rolls by.  Mark Shane and Aya Mantsur-Shane served as our sweepers, and even if they should pass you by, you have the directions to continue on the route at your own pace.

Speaking of the directions, we conducted a small beta test using smartphone, app-based, turn-by-turn directions.  Thanks to Nick Shanos and Lance Johnson for their assistance, and Peter Moll and Larry Levin for their feedback.  After evaluating the experience, we’re moving forward with plans to introduce this navigational option to all Ramblers.  We hope this will offer an enjoyable alternative to those who find paper-based directions cumbersome or confusing.

After the 3+ drive from Gurney’s Resort to the Valley Country Club in Warwick for lunch, quite a few cabriolets were driving top down – including a couple of 356’s, 911’s of various vintages, and several Boxsters.  Judging from the number of return visits to the buffet line, one would surmise that people enjoyed the food!  Kudos to the staff for keeping the buffet fresh and full throughout the 2+ hour lunch service.  At the end of this interlude to refresh and refill, it was time to embark on the return trip.

After some relaxation time, maybe a massage or visit to the spa, or perhaps poking around Newport, it was time to spruce up for Saturday night’s festive dinner.  The cocktail hour commenced at 6:30 p.m., with everyone moving into the Grand Ballroom for dinner at 7:30.  I finished my brief remarks before the main course was served, and along with comments relating to the events of the day, I was glad to report that our Safety Chair, Don Kelly, had no incidents to report back to National PCA.

As I surveyed the room, it was a joy to see so many smiling faces and animated conversations.  I was struck by how comfortable and normal things felt.  People were enjoying each other’s company and sharing their experiences.  Carol and I were glad to have the opportunity to spend time with Kirk and Lorraine Pickell, and share what had transpired in our lives since the last Ramble.

Before hitting the road on Sunday morning, a full breakfast buffet was served, providing the opportunity to bid a fond farewell to new and old Ramble friends.  I heard time and again from Ramblers how much they look forward to re-connecting with people at the Ramble each year.

To get a more complete idea of what it looks like to participate in the Ramble, click this link to view 300+ pictures curated by Larry Levin: https://nerpca.smugmug.com/2022/2022-04-29-2002-NER-PCA-Ramble/n-XgfxvP

If this article has piqued your interest, then be sure to mark April 28 – 30, 2023 on your calendars when we’ll be rambling from The Otesaga Resort in Cooperstown, NY.  It’s barely 8 months until registration opens on Wednesday January 18.  Hope to see you there!

Submission: Dennis Fried with images by Dennis & Others

Dennis can be reached at [email protected]

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Newcomers Meeting: 4/10

Date/Time/Location
Date(s) – 04/10/2022
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Porsche Norwell, Norwell MA

Come one, come all! All members are welcome! See what’s new, and improved, as well as what NER has to offer! If you are new to NER PCA, trying to decide whether to join or maybe an existing member who has been out of the loop. This year’s meeting is hosted by Porsche Norwell.

Whether it’s the various Social Events, Driver Education, the Ramble, Autocross, Concours, Tours, or Tech Sessions, NER PCA has something for all its members.  

Doors open at 10:00, followed by presentations starting at 10:30 pm.  Coffee & refreshments will be served. 

Learn more and sign up here:

Newcomers Meeting 2022

 

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Postponed: Annual Autocross Party

The Annual Autocross Party at Billiards Café in Ayer, planned for February 5th has been postponed.

New Date TBD

Please Email us is you would like to be notified of the new re-schedule date.

Questions? Contact Chris Ryan, NER Autocross Chair: [email protected]

 

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2022 Ramble Update

Come Ramble with Us in Newport, RI on April 29-May 1

Registration Opens Wednesday January 19 on www.clubregistration.net    

Since 1986, many club members have kicked off their driving season by attending NER’s Annual Spring Ramble.  In recent years, over 300 people driving 175+ Porsches (some Ramblers do occasionally drive vehicles other than Porsches) have turned out to enjoy good friends, good food, and a weekend at a top-notch resort hotel.  You’ll arrive Friday (or earlier at our inviting rate), and begin your activities before the serious driving commences on Saturday morning.  

For 2022 we’re visiting Newport for the first time ever!    Come experience the secluded roads and scenic vistas that the Ocean State has to offer.  After viewing the architectural and natural wonders of Newport and Jamestown, we’ll travel from Watch Hill (perhaps glimpsing Taylor Swift in the village) to Warwick.  As always, my objective is to find Porsche-worthy roads that you can enjoy at the posted speed limit, and I take particular satisfaction in introducing “locals” to some challenging byways that have been hiding just off the beaten path. 

Our Overall Event Sponsor is once again European Performance Engineering in Natick, MA.  Give these talented folks a call at (508) 651-1316 for anything from an oil change to a full street-to-track conversion.  Or, visit their website at www.epe.com.

At this time, it’s impossible to know whether Covid-19 will have morphed from pandemic to endemic by the end of April.  Our intention is to remain flexible, while implementing necessary safety restrictions to enable everyone to enjoy the event with peace of mind.  Rest assured that Gurney’s Newport Resort will conform with all CDC guidelines.  We would prefer that everyone be fully vaccinated and boosted before attending the Ramble to offer maximum protection for your fellow attendees.   If you’re unwilling to be vaccinated, we would urge you to get a Covid test within 72 hours of arriving at the Ramble, and not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms, test positive, or recently have come into contact with anyone who was experiencing symptoms or tested positive.  If appropriate, these guidelines will be modified based upon the ever evolving public health landscape.

On Friday from 6:00–7:15 p.m., see old friends and meet some new PCA’ers at the Welcome Reception in the Rose Island Ballroom – sponsored again this year by Porsche of Warwick.  There will be complimentary hors d’oeuvres and snacks available, along with a couple of cash bars to quench your thirst.  Stop by and say hello before you head out for dinner on your own.

Even though we’re not visiting during their peak season, there are still many restaurants to choose from in the Newport area, and reservations are always a good idea.  If you’d like to dine at the Resort, Showfish Restaurant is open for dinner from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.  To book a reservation, phone (401) 851-3325, or book online at www.Opentable.com.

Insurance and liability waivers will be signed on www.clubregistration.net when you register for the Ramble.  Therefore, everyone staying at Gurney’s Newport Resort will receive their registration packet when they check in.  Those not staying at the hotel will pick up their packets Saturday morning outside the Grand Ballroom during continental breakfast (service begins at 7:00 a.m.), before the 8:30 a.m. start of the mandatory drivers and passenger’s safety and route briefing.  The “leader” car will depart immediately at the conclusion of the briefing, and everyone should plan to depart on their morning tour by 9:30 a.m. (which would have you arriving at lunch around 1:00 p.m.)

For 2022, the attendees of our largest single event will be visiting Newport for the first time ever! Come experience the secluded roads and scenic vistas that the Ocean State has to offer.  After viewing the architectural and natural wonders of Newport and Jamestown, we’ll travel from Watch Hill (perhaps glimpsing Taylor Swift in the village) to Warwick for lunch.  As always, the objective is to find Porsche-worthy roads that you can enjoy at the posted speed limit. 

Following the buffet lunch, you’ll embark on another navigational, directions-based tour that will take you back to Gurney’s Newport Resort.  Or, if you prefer to return sooner to hike, stroll, shop, get a massage (request your 20% discount at the Seawater Spa), or whatever, simply take the more direct route that will also be provided.

For anyone joining us for the first time – a hearty welcome.  Your registration packet will include a detailed route to and from our lunch stop, that my wife Carol and I have traveled many times, revising and correcting along the way.  Unlike most PCA tours, you’ll drive on your own (not as a convoy).  You’ll typically find yourself part of a multi-car pod.  Make a pit stop or pull off to take a photo when you want, and pick up the next pod coming down the road.  Want to spend time with some different Porsche models of varying vintages and colors?  Just safely pull off the road and join the next pod to come along.  However, if you decide to take an extended off-route excursion, or make a lengthy stop, and the sweeper car passes you by, you will have “officially” left the tour for insurance purposes.

The Saturday evening festivities commence in the Rose Island Ballroom at 6:00 p.m. for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by dinner in the Grand Ballroom at 7:30 p.m.  After dinner there’s time for more socializing.  

From 7:30–10:00 a.m. Sunday morning, a full, hot, buffet breakfast will be provided in the Rose Island Ballroom.  After breakfast, you’re on your own again to head home, or stay longer and enjoy the charms of Newport and surrounding communities.  One reason to arrive early or stay a bit longer is to visit either, or both, the Audrain Auto Museum in Newport https://www.audrainautomuseum.org/ or the Newport Car Museum in Portsmouth https://newportcarmuseum.org.  Discounted tickets ($10/person) are available when you register online.

Remember, this is a Tour, and we expect you to follow all the laws and regulations pertaining to the public roadways we’ll be traveling.  We’ll be on many narrow, 2-lane roads, so please give pedestrians and bicyclers a wide berth.  If you have the urge to exercise your Porsche more fully, we would highly recommend attending one of the many High Performance Driver Education or Autocross events hosted by the Northeast, North Country, and other PCA Regions.  IMPRUDENT OR DANGEROUS DRIVING BEHAVIOR WILL NOT BE TOLERATED DURING THE RAMBLE.

  • Your registration fee covers the Friday Welcome Reception with hors d’oeuvres and snacks, Saturday’s continental breakfast, Saturday’s lunch, your magnetic plastic name badge, your commemorative pin, and many other costs incurred in organizing and conducting the Ramble.

 

  • The Friday rate is for your room only, and includes all taxes and fees.  As you’ll see below, this year we are pleased to be able to provide an even lower rate for stays pre & post Ramble should you wish to extend your stay.

 

  • The Saturday Package Rate includes your room, Saturday cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (cash bar after using your drink ticket), Saturday night dinner (jackets for men and festive attire for the ladies), Sunday morning hot breakfast buffet, and all service charges, gratuities and taxes.

 

  • The resort fee is included in the room rate and includes free wireless internet, the fitness center, parking, and luxury shuttle transportation to/from downtown Newport.

 

  • Unless you like being on a waitlist, register for one of the 160 rooms in our block after you receive your registration confirmation.  Check-in is 4:00 p.m. and check-out is 11:00 a.m.


For 2022, our room block includes 4 different room types as listed below, plus a reduced room rate for 2 nights before and 2 nights after the Ramble.  This link https://www.gurneysresorts.com/newport/rooms-and-suites provides pictures and room details

 

Please don’t make your hotel reservations before you have registered online and received your confirmation email.  We will be matching registrations against the hotel-supplied rooming list on a weekly basis, and those registered will receive priority within our room block.  A ROOM RESERVED WITHOUT AN EVENT RESERVATION IS NOT GUARANTEED.  We expect to occupy our entire room block, so please make your reservations with Gurney’s Newport Resort promptly after you receive your registration confirmation to avoid disappointment.

 

 

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