Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/536502
July / August 2015 44 W ait. Let me start from the beginning with a simple question... It started when Ric Smith approached me at breakfast, "Have we ever driven to Riverwood Winery? Could be a fun drive sometime." I don't quite remember my response but I'm sure it was something close to "Maybe, and thank you for volunteering." I seemed to remember a drive Richard and Judy Bennett had organized 5+ years ago. It had two parts, a fun run and a gimmick run. This would work perfectly for Ric and me. He can lead the first part and I'll organize the second. How hard can it be? The plan was for Ric to lead the first drive, a Fun Run from The Legends up to Leavenworth for lunch. For those that have not been on a Fun Run, it is usually a follow the leader affair. The routes are seldom traveled swoopy back roads, connecting little towns to little towns, where people stand in their yards and wave at the flowing ribbon of exotically colored cars as they zip past. I would organize the second drive, a Gimmick Drive. A Gimmick Drive usually has some aspect about it that goes beyond just driving at speed, and it is usually best done with a navigator. Our Gimmick Run this time would resemble a driving scavenger hunt. Despite Ric's busy traveling schedule he was able to drive the route in preparation for the big day. It is important to make sure there is no major construction or detours prior to a driving event. I was also able to drive my part. My lovely wife Deborah helping me navigate, find the clues and track milage. The kids even helped pick out several of the new clues. We knew we would not get to do the drives, but that did not matter. We looked at each other several times saying, 'this is fun'. I would compare it to Christmas morning when you can't wait for someone to open the gift you have worked hard to find, and wrapped up just for them. With insurance filed, the route driven, the dining reservations made, maps printed, clues updated, waivers in hand, we were ready to go. The only thing out of our control was the weather. T he big day came and so did the forecast of rain, an 80% chance of rain. Despite the rain almost 25 of KCRPCA's faithful showed up. I was very happy. After a couple of quick introductions and instructions