4 October 2013 - Update: was exactly how I thought - a good time.
On the way off the track, we stopped for this photo. Eric on right (in front of his 85), then Tom Buese second from right in his 84, Jim in his tintop, Art in the Assuan brown Westy and the Thingamajigger.
What I had not realized until I saw this photo, was how high the Thingamajigger rides in comparison to the other vans. The new zero-lift springs, and the 18 inch wheels really does make a bigger difference in ride height than I had thought.
There were somewhere north of 125 VW's registered at the event and despite the rain, we had a great time. Potluck was good - my 4 gallons of clam chowder went pretty quick in the cool rainy weather. And my son cleaned up in the raffle - won on 5 out of 6 tickets!
The Thingamajigger ran very well, except for the speedo. The cable kept popping out. So I ran home without it, and for my troubles received a speeding citation. Went something like this:
Trooper - good afternoon, do you know why I pulled you over?
Me - sorry officer, I have to assume its due to my place being obstructed by my cargo carrier?
Trooper - No, I observed you speeding. You were doing upwards of 80 plus in a 65.
Me - (feigned surprise) Really, that ironic because aside from my speedo being temporarily broken, so I have no way to dispute your claim, this 4500 pound van only has 82 HP so that has to be an error on the radar? Are you sure it wasn't picking up the speed of the vehicles behind me, that passed me as we passed by your radar position?
Trooper - license and registration sir.
Me - Sure Officer
Trooper - Where are you coming from?
Me- we camped in a State Park out here, and are now headed home.
Trooper - why isn't the little one buckled in?
Me - He was, but being 6 he got excited when I said there was a police officer pulling us over. He thinks its amusing and cannot wait to tell his uncles the police officers about it.
Trooper - get him buckled in
Me - Yes sir
Trooper walks back to the car and returns with a citation for 80 in a 65.
Me - cursing under my breath as another Westy from Massachusetts drives by and I tuck in behind to be able to monitor speed.
Lesson of the story - the nicer you make the van (ride characteristics), the more likely your speedo will break and you will have no idea you are going as fast as you actually are. I understand this happens in my SUV, but never thought I would have this problem in a T3!
Needless to say - I have been pissed off about it since. Have not ridden in the van since then as I have gotten really busy at work and with my sons Cub Scouts. Maybe today I go for a ride and let the old girl know I am not mad at her.
