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2025 NER-PCA New England Ramble Registration Opens January 23, 2025

 

Join us for the 2025 Ramble – a Northeast Region PCA signature event – April 25 to April 27. This year the Northeast Region (NER) of the Porsche Club of America (PCA)  has reserved the ENTIRE Mountain view Grand Resort & Spa in Whitefield, NH for our 39th Annual PCA Northeast Region Ramble. 

More event details below but first we wanted to let you know that NER is now using a new registration platform called motorsportreg. If in the last year you’ve registered for Autocross, HPDE, the Concours or the Gala you’ve used this new system. If you haven’t used it yet, no worries as you can go to motorsportreg.com and create a free account for yourself! Then on your profile under organizations add “PCA – Northeast Region – Social Events” so you don’t miss anything. BTW NEW AND IMPROVED with the new system there will only be ONE Registration per car!! DRIVER must register and has the option to also register a passenger or passengers. HOWEVER; EVERY ATTENDEE MUST COMPLETE A SPEED WAIVER.

OK here’s our simple 3-Step process to register. 

  1. Fill out the Registration form. The Driver should go to http://msreg.com/NERPCA2025Ramble then click ‘Register’ on or after 1/23/2025 and you will begin registering on the next page.  Be sure the Driver registers and fills out the form.  NEW this year is that on the same form the Driver can and should register any passengers all at once.  After completing the form and paying any fees you’ll receive notice that you have completed Step 1 of 3 along with a link to the waiver in Step 2!
  2. Complete a waiver for each person you registered.  This is done using Speed Waiver and your mobile phone.  The Driver will be texted a link to a form specifically for the Driver only.  Any passengers must use the following link  https://pcanersocial.speedwaiver.com/wdizi   (don’t worry you’ll receive an email with the link again with your Step 1 completed notifications.)  PASSENGERS to speed up the confirmation process be sure to TYPE THE SAME FIRST AND LAST NAME into the Speed Waiver app as the Driver entered for you during registration. Doing this will allow expedited processing to get you to the next step!
  3. Book your Hotel Room. WHEN and only when you’ve completed Steps 1 & Step 2 AND your status is updated from NEW to CONFIRMED along with an email you’ll receive can you start the process of booking a room.  Within that email will be a link to BOOK your HOTEL room.  This is how Hotel rooms will be booked this year: PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE HOTEL.  

Registration link: http://msreg.com/NERPCA2025Ramble

 

LINK TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM WILL BE SENT TO YOU AFTER YOU REGISTER FOR THE EVENT.

The agenda for the event is as follows:

FRIDAY

  • Cocktails 6-7:30pm
  • Dinner on your own Friday (reservations needed if you choose to dine at the hotel)

SATURDAY

  • Continental Breakfast  7-9:30am
  • Mandatory drivers meeting 8:30am
  • Ride with GPS turn-by-turn directions for your route through the glorious mountain roads of New Hampshire
  • Buffet lunch at a picturesque mountainside restaurant 12 – 2pm 
  • Ride with GPS turn-by-turn directions back to hotel 
  • Saturday evening, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (6-7:30pm) before plated dinner 7:30-10pm (festive attire encouraged).

SUNDAY

  • Buffet breakfast 7-10am

ROOM RATES

Rooms sell out fast, so don’t delay! Unless you like being on a waitlist, reserve your room upon receiving confirmation of your PCA NER registration!

 

Classic King or Queen

Daily Rate $265.73/Saturday rate with single meal package $426.77, double  meals package $587.81

 

Grand View King or Queen

Daily Rate 279.81/Saturday rate with single meal package $440.85, double meals package $601.89

 

King or Queen Studio

Daily Rate 299.88/Saturday rate with meal package $460.92, double meals package $621.96

 

Heritage Suites

Daily Rate $349.93/Available only with the double meals package at $672.01

 

Summit Suite

Daily Rate $399.87/Available only with the double meals package at $721.95

There are only a total of 13 Suites available.

 

Check-in time is 4pm

Check-out time is 11am

The Friday rate is for your room only and includes all taxes and fees. Subject to availability, this same rate applies for 3 nights pre & post Ramble should you wish to extend your stay.  

Saturday Package Rate includes your room, Saturday cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres (cash bar after you’ve used your 1 drink ticket/person), Saturday night dinner, Sunday morning hot breakfast buffet, and all service charges, gratuities and taxes. 

 

Thanks to our sponsors:

Overall Event Sponsor is European Performance Engineering

Our Friday Night Reception Sponsor is Porsche of Warwick Rhode Island





 

 

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9 October, 2022 SoBo Porsches and Coffee

photo: Larry Levin

Rosemary and I left our house shortly after 8:30 AM for our short drive to Sweet Berry Farm, arriving shortly before 9AM. Organizers for the Charlie and Martha Dow Memorial Drive were already separating the Porsches that were participating in the drive from those attending the coffee. The temperature was a bit brisk, but sunny and clear.

We had 40 Porsches for the drive and at least 30 additional cars for the coffee. Because my wife and I signed on for the drive, we were parked in the third of about six rows. For those going on the drive, egress from the lot was staggered by roughly 30 seconds. Launch time was 10 AM.

photo:Larry Levin

Because (weeks prior) we initially verified the first half of the of the route; we were confidant with the drive beginning on Aquidneck Island. However, we became dependent on following someone when we crossed over the bridge and entered Little Compton.

Little Compton, for the most part, has minimal street signs, and we lost our GPS signal for much of the area during our initial map verification. Therefore, we successfully followed a silver 911 that must have loaded the drive app because they never got lost.

photo: Larry Levin

Rachel’s Lakeside banquet room was bright, sunny and roomy. A buffet of mixed vegetables, stuffed chicken, fish, pasta, mashed potatoes, and rolls were offered. Certainly, no complaints about the food.

Because we went on the drive I had a brief opportunity to interview Porsche people. In the first row behind the wheel of his son’s 2015 Turbo S. was Tom Tate, “getting into the 21st century”. Driving his son’s Porsche, Tom has recently been doing auto cross and participating in track nights. Tom says that the car did great.

Tom Tate and “his son’s” turbo S

Also in line were Fred and Judy Michel with their red 914. As a youth Fred raced go carts and later, his seemingly fondness for 914s and Porsches. He has owned seven; his first was a 71 914. He was attracted by the Porsche’s mechanicals, style and performance. He has had this 914 for three years. Found on-line in Maryland, the car doesn’t seem to have any major issue. Initially Fred had to do some restoration to the passenger side of the pan because of corrosion, saying that the inside of the fenders are solid. It appears to be a great driver and that’s what it is all about.

Fred and Judy Michel

The next car was the flying yellow 2012 Carrera previously driven by Charlie Dow. Pictured is Charlie and Martha’s son Eric and children (Daryn and Hannah) and daughter Kristen (Allen) with Eric and Drew. The Dow’s first Porsche was a 98 Boxster purchased in 2003.

The Dow Family

Across the field was a glimmering white 928 that caught my eye. Matthew Boday is the owner of this 1981, with manual transmission, showing just 81k miles, and it is his first Porsche. Looking for a Porsche for a long time, he drove by a dealer in Massachusetts and ended up purchasing the 928 this past June. Commenting that the dealer didn’t know what he had, Matthew implied that it was selling at a good price. Other than performing service components (seals and gaskets), no major parts needed to be repaired or replacd. Although not up to show standards, the resprayed 928 shows no dents or blemishes and the interior appears very good. I am looking forward to seeing this car again next Spring.

Matthew Boday

Once again Larry Levin was one of the first to arrive but this time in his new red Cayman GTS, and unfortunately I was not aware of his new purchase until we left. PCA Northeast Region is so lucky to have such an enthusiastic volunteer photographer who seems to be at every event. Larry will be the first one selected to be interviewed in April.

Rosemary and I are looking forward to seeing you all in April 2023.

photo: Larry Levin

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

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South of Boston (SoBo) Porsches and Coffee 11 September 2022

It was about 8:45 AM and I knew we were at the right place because Larry Levin, NER’s PCA photographer, was already there. Larry is the often-credited photographer for our on-line magazine and website.

Mistakenly, the website posting of our 11 September starting time was changed from 10 to 9 AM, making for a long morning (numerous Porsches arrived after 10 AM with the total around 50 Porsches.)

This was the first time we held our Porsches and Coffee at the LongPlex facility. Sweet Berry could not accommodate us in September due to apple picking crowds. When asked, LongPlex received positive remarks. The coffee was tasty; breakfast was offered. Sorry, no donuts or pastries.

The first proud Porsche owner I spoke with was Bob Gauvin with his 2003 Red Carrera. This 996 six speed, showing just 55K miles is Bob’s first Porsche, saying that it was a retirement gift. Bob and I share our first purchase of a sports car, the Subeam Alpine. Bob’s Porsche purchase was because of Jay Leno’s recommendation on his TV show. On his first drive Bob said he was a bit apprehensive because the car was so quick. This 996 is very original, well above average; headlights still look new.

Bob Gavin and his 2003 Carrera

Next for an interview was Rick Competiello with his 2013 Agate Grey 911S Cab (991.1) with Porsche Sport Exhaust. A PCA member since 2009, his first Porsche was a Cayman S. Rick said “Born and raised in Stuttgart Germany, as a child I always saw Porsches;” he added: “Porsches are designed by engineers.” Unlike the Cayman, the 911’s jump seats are nice for his two girls.

 

Rick Competiello with his 2013 991S

Jon and Nicole Smith parked their 1998 Zenith Blue Metallic (Grey Interior), Stuttgart built Boxster. (The “S” on the VIN denotes Stuttgart) rather than Finland). Jon said, “ I purchased the car in 2012 from my friend and proposed to my wife in the car. He drives the car every day and puts snow tires on in the winter. Jon added the color-matching hardtop in 2020. Currently they own four additional Porsches.

 

Jon & Nicole Smith (and Roger’s finger) with their 1998 Boxster

Rick Abisla arrived in his 1991 Midnight Blue Metallic C2 Cab. This well cared for Porsche showing 89,916 miles was bought off of a lease when it was three years old in 1994. Rick’s first Porsche was a Boxster (968). As a kid he had a MG Midget. Asked what he likes about his Porsche, he replied, “it is the stickability, handling.“

Rick Abisla and his 1991 C2 Cab

Don and Jody arrived in their first Porsche. Two years ago, they purchased this Artic Silver Tiptronic 2003 C4S. Hard to believe they found this well-above average-maintained car on Craig’s List (had 48k miles at purchase); they are the third owner. As a kid with a paper route, Don saw a 356 Porsche and he knew that’s what he wanted to have. On his first drive he realized that the C4S was fast. Jody says, “love everything about the car.”

 

Dan and Jody with their 911 C4S

The final SoBo this season is scheduled for 9 October (9 to11 AM)** 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.

** Cars may be leaving before 11 AM to participate in the Bob Dow memorial drive.

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

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Coming in October: 5th Annual Charlie and Martha Dow Fall Rally

Join us on October 9th for the 5th Annual Charlie and Martha Dow Fall Rally! 

Date/Time
Date(s) – 10/09/2022
9:00 am – 3:00 pm

We do this rally in honor of the late Charlie Dow and his wife Martha – longtime, active NER and board members and all-around Porsche enthusiasts.

This year we will be back to a Rhode Island start but a Massachusetts finish.  We will start at Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown RI (joining those who are coming for the SoBo event that day) and finishing at Rachel’s Lakeside in North Dartmouth MA where we will enjoy a hot buffet lunch.  

HERE IS AN IMPORTANT POINT:  At the Newcomer’s meeting a common question was “I’m not sure that I want to jump into a DE or an autocross, what is the best activity for me to try first so I can meet other members?”  WELL, THIS IS IT!  (Or the Summer Party – that works too!)

Learn more and sign up now!

For general questions please contact Bill Seymour

Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

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South of Boston (SoBo) Porsches and Coffee ​21 August 2022

photo: Larry Levin

Sunday morning was busy, preparing for the Porsches and Coffee and saying goodbye to our two sons and their families.  Along with beach time, going out to dinners and lunches, attending polo matches and visiting Newport’s attractions such as the aquarium, tea at Marble House, and then “the shopping”, my 4 year old grandson and our 13 year old granddaughter were thoroughly engaged throughout their stay with us.

Also, these past couple of weeks, working from a bicycle map provided by Paul Soares, Rosemary and I have spent numerous hours in the car verifying  the route for the Bob Dow memorial run in October.  Little Compton was the most challenging because of the lack of posted street signs. In Portsmouth a street became a rutted path that was posted “Not a Thruway”.

photo: Larry Levin

We had a great turnout, about 60 Porsches, along with many new faces and interesting cars and stories.

The first owner I interviewed was Denise Marcello, along with her husband Michael.  Most enthusiastic, this was her first Porsche; previously she wheeled Audie’s and Hummers.  Asked why a Porsche, she relied “because I love them”.  On her first drive she said  “It’s mine!”  She has safely driven 120 MPH and loves the sound, especially when in sport mode. I encouraged her to join the PCA to gain more of the Porsche experience.  I discussed the orientation of the Porsche logo, pointing to the valve stem, saying that I use a snap ring removal tool (the two pins at around 90 degrees, which fit into the two holes in the cap for easy rotation.

Denise and Michael Marcello

Jarett Hurteau really got my attention when he arrived in a Leaf Green 1983 911, outfitted with “mudder” tires. With the exception of the very fine paint work, Jarrett has prepared this car for off the road racing.  Working under the banner of Revenant Motorsports, he began in 2019 and just completed all the work for a customer.  The engine is a two plug, short stroke 3.2, along with all elephant suspension components. Located in North Kingstown, this seems to be a guy for you to complete your Porsche wish list.

Jarett Hurteau

Elizabeth Henderson seemed excited to show her Dad’s 1992 964 Red Targa Carrera 2, which he bought new.  With just 44 k miles it sat in a barn in Ontario for seven years until she recently retrieved it.  Since she had it refreshed she has logged about 300 miles.  She said that when she drove it for the first time she felt like a teenager.  She has become a Porsche enthusiast, joining the PCA in March.

Elizabeth Henderson

Troy Demelo parked his recently completed two-year restoration of his Tangerine 1973 911T. With the exception of the extraordinary paint work, all new rubber seals properly installed, refurbished window frames,, and interior, this old timer is a show winner.  About 10 years ago Troy purchased his first Porsche, a 944.  He may have said that he also currently owns a 991 and a 997. I overheard  him discussing the restoration when he tore down the seats to the springs when he refurbished the interior.  Unless I can get another opportunity to compare Jarett and Troy’s work; it is my opinion that they are tied for quality work.  Asked why Porsches, Troy replied “I like the people”.  From our discussion about the restoration, he said that he will ask the painter if the bottom corner window drains were cleaned out.

Troy Demelo

Saving the fastest for last is John Buckley’s metallic silver 2019 GT3 RS.  Heavily optioned this GT3 has carbon fiber brakes, sport bucket seats and front lift.  This is his fourth 911. His first Porsche was a new 1987 911.  John likes Porsches because of the fun factor.  So far the fastest he has gone in a Porsche was about 150 MPH in a 91 Carrera 4.  When I approach that speed in my 996 the nose gets light.

John Buckley

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.

photo: Larry Levin

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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8/7: NER’s Annual Summer Party is Back!

Join NER and Porsche Norwell on Sunday August 7st for the 5th Annual Summer Party!

If you are already a member, thinking about joining or simply want to know why all these people are crazy about about Porsches, this is one of our best events of the year and you should come hang with your friends or make new ones!

Date/Time
Date(s) – 08/07/2022
11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Learn more and sign up here!

Summer Party Sign Up

 

We’ll have 

  • An eclectic Porsche car show of course ( expecting 75-100 cars, and more when you sign up and bring yours!)
  • A deliciously catered lunch accompanied by an awesome live band 
  • A full outdoor bar serving locally crafted beverages (try the Blueberry ale while you’re there)
  • The world famous NER cornhole tournament (try your skill to take the crown from the region’s reigning champ and 1970’s legend, Bill Seymour!) Bonds have been made and rivals have been born at this tournament so be sure to sign up!
  • SIM racing machine try outs and learn from our SIM pro Anker. While you are there also check out the rad Robotics exhibit put on by Mechanical Advantage

 

See you there and thank you to our sponsor Porsche Norwell!

NER Autocross Presented by PCANER and Porsche Norwell

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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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South of Boston (SoBo) Porsches and Coffee ​12 June 2022

photo: Larry Levin
photo: Larry Levin
photo: Larry Levin

With many attending other events scheduled today (DE and Porsche Parade at the Poconos) I was surprised that we had nearly 60 Porsches on the freshly cut lawn at Sweet Berry Farm.  The guy helping to park the cars was my younger brother Lou, a California PCA member owning (since new) a 2008 Cayman S.  Lou and his friend Sandi dropped in for about a week after a month in Europe (5 days at the races in Monte Carlo).

Don Baily got my attention (liked the stance) with his 1982 911 SC.  This Porsche has an 87 3.2 Dual Plug with DTS engine Management, and Elephant Racing suspension.  Kind of a “sleeper”.  This is a euro version export and is Don’s first and only Porsche found on Craig’s List and purchased from a dealer in Boston area about five years ago. His first Porsche sensation was the feel of driving.  Don has lightened the car by removing some items such as the large whale tail and the A/C unit.

Don Bailey
Shanny Patel

Another first-time owner of a Porsche was Shanay Patel (known as  Sunney) parking his 1983 Guards Red 944.  Purchased from Luis Rivera, he has done substantial wrenching, including clutch,  top end rebuild and lots of small stuff. When I asked, “why a Porsche”, he replied, “its Iconic”.  His first impression was the drive; “it handles perfectly”.  With 167k on the odometer the original paint shows wear.  Looking at the interior, all the gauges appear to be a pale yellow.

Marilyn Shan Scott Krick received her 2022 911 Carrera in December 2021, although it was scheduled to arrive in February (sinking of the freighter).  Fortunate her order arrived early; this is her first Porsche.  Her husband had first drive; she followed the next day. The driving experience is excellent,  getting, so far,  to 80-90 mph.  The interior’s dash gauges are in red, as well as the seat belts.

John Barros parked his awesome 2022 agate grey GT3 touring with carbon roof and mirrors.  Additionally, it has PCCB brakes and Neodyme wheels, with a Mojave Beige  and exclusive manufacturer interior with deviated stitching. This is John’s second Porsche; his first was a chalk 2017 GT3 with a manual transmission.  Asked why a Porsche, he replied, “ the engineering and the way it drives”.  Driven near the edge, John has come close to bending the needle at 165 MPH.

John Barros

Haley Dantas and family arrived in their Charcoal 2022 Cayenne Hybrid with black interior.  Previously, they purchased a new Taycan Turbo S that did not have much range (just 165 miles) and had to press a button to lower car to load and off load the four kids. Also, the Taycan was too quiet and fast, causing undesirable speeds of 140 MPH.  And today, with high gas prices, they are pleased getting 46 MPG in this 3.5L Hybrid.

Haley Dantas

Mel and Patty Cowher parked their Aventurine Green 2021 Carrera S. This Porsche is highly optioned with Sport Package, Tek seats, stripe package, red gauges (Patty said the red seat belt option was too much), walnut interior with aluminum trim and retro mag wheels.  Mel’s first Porsche was a 1973 911 S when he was just 18 years old that he restored himself..  Later he owned a grey market 85 Carrera 3.0, followed by a 2011 Boxster, and then Patty’s 2016 Macan.  Currently Patty drives a 2017 Cayenne.  Mel says that the fastest he has driven a Porsche is about 160 MPH.

Mel and Patty Cowher

How Mel obtained his current Porsche is quite a tale:  He entered a diabetes sponsored raffle and won a new Porsche.  Then he traded in the new Porsche and his 2013 Carrera S to the upgraded 2021 Porsche that was parked on the lawn.

The next SoBo is scheduled for 10 July (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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