das Kummet...The Newsletter of the Tidewater Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America das Kummet September • October 2015 SEPTEMBER Sept. 27th Sun., 10am to 1pm: New (and old) Member

The Newsletter of the Tidewater Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America

das Kummetdas KummetSeptember • October 2015

SEPTEMBERSept. 27th Sun., 10am to 1pm: New (and old) Member Drive

OCTOBEROct. 3rd Sat., 11am – 3pm: Annual Pig and Oyster Roast

Oct. 17th Sat., 9am: Monthly Bimmer Breakfast - Pop’s Diner

Oct 24th Sat. (date still TBD) 10 am – 2pm: Great Pumpkin Rally

NOVEMBERNov. 8th Sun., 10am – 2pm: Autumn Colors Drive – Williamsburg

Nov. 21st Sat., 9am: Monthly Bimmer Breakfast - Pop’s Diner

Calendar of Events

Ready for the Independence Day Drive!

Full calendar details on page 8

www.tidewaterbmwcca.org September • October 2015 - das Kummet2

OFFICERS & KEY PEOPLE

PresidentJeff Triplett (757) [email protected]

Vice [email protected]

SecretaryDarin Kwasniewski (757) [email protected]

TreasurerTiffiny Crossley (615) [email protected]

Activities CommitteeOPENMarc Garcia (757) 803-5658Chris Triplett (757) 620-6623 Jaeson Dandalides [email protected]

Membership ChairpersonChris Triplett (757) [email protected]

Member-At-LargeBob Eveleigh (757) [email protected]

WebmeisterJudy Semo (757) [email protected]

Newsletter EditorMark Jumper (224) [email protected]

Driving School Events ChairmanChief InstructorBob Brochu (757) [email protected]

Tech Session [email protected]

BMW Classics ChairmanSteve Waddell (757) [email protected]

Peninsula RepJim Waldeck (757) [email protected]

Williamsburg RepBrad Purvis (757) [email protected]

Outer Banks N.C. RepJack Robey (252) [email protected]

Foodbank ChairpersonChris Triplett (757) [email protected]

[email protected]

MEMBERSHIPTidewater Chapter: 762 as of January 2015National: 70,426 as of January 2015

ADDRESS CHANGESAddress changes can be made on the BMWCCA National website (www.bmwcca.org) by hitting ‘Login’ and following instructions on site. Fromthere, click on the ‘Manage Account’ link on the top of the page; then click onthe ‘Change Addresses’ link.

Or write to:ROUNDEL BMW CCA640 South Main Street - Suite 201Greenville, SC 29601

All changes done through the National office will update both your National and Tidewater Chapter address information. If you are a member of our Yahoo Group, [email protected], please also remember to update your profile.

NEWSLETTER and PHOTO CONTRIBUTIONS:Your articles and photos are very welcomed by us. To be included in an issue the materials must be received by the 10th of the month preceding the date of next issue. To spice up the newsletter we always need photos of chapter events. We may also use them on the chapter website. Send your contribu-tions to [email protected]. Thanks!

Visit our Chapter web pages at:www.tidewaterbmwcca.orgon Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/140702964729/To subscribe to our email lists: http://www.tidewaterbmwcca.org/lists/

FINE PRINT NOTICE: Das Kummet is published bimonthly and remains the property of the Tidewa-ter Chapter BMW CCA, P.O. Box 62145, Virginia Beach, VA 23462-2145. All information is for mem-bers and advertisers only. Ideas, suggestions, writings, and opinions are those of the contributing authors without authentication by or liability to the BMW CCA, the Editors, or Officers of the Tide-water BMW CCA chapter. No information in das Kummet bears the status of “Factory Approved” unless so stated and implies no endorsement or guarantees expressed. The Tidewater Chapter of the BMW CCA is completely independent of and in no way connected with BMW NA or BMW AG. The contents of this publication remains the property of the chapter. All BMW CCA chapters, with permission, may quote or copy from the publication provided full credit is given to the author and the Tidewater Chapter unless noted as “Copyrighted” and is not used for commercial purposes.

President’s News

Editor’s Desk

Officer Descriptions

Event Calendar

Fun & Fame

Bimmer Breakfast

Journey of a Thousand Miles

Officer Nominations

Classifieds

My First Car...?

Inside This Issue1011161818

3458

10

das Kummet - September • October 2015 www.tidewaterbmwcca.org 3

Jeff Triplett, president of our Tidewater Chapter, recently announced his decision to complete his service upon conclusion of his current term in January. He has served our chapter in several capacities for several years and he feels that it’s time for a break, especially in light of his job’s increasing demands.

Jeff has faithfully led us through tough times when the Club lost several key leaders. He worked long and hard to not only keep our chapter alive, but ready to revive--which we are now seeing under his leadership.

Jeff promises to still be around for us as a member, supporter and advisor when needed.

We will recount Jeff’s achievements in full, and share some testimonials, in a later issue. In the meantime, let’s enjoy some great events in coming months, shared with our prez who does so much for all of us.

President’s News Our Chosen CharitiesFor 2015:

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia

You can support this effort by bringing canned goods or money to any chapter event. However, money provides more meals than canned goods. Chris Triplett leads the committee. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Chris Triplett, [email protected]

Physicians for Peace

Physicians for Peace is an international non-profit headquartered in Norfolk, VA dedicated to medical education in developing nations. With the support of international medical educators, and global citizens like you, the work of PFP is made possible. To find out more please visit www.physiciansforpeace.org.

Join Us On Facebook!Join us on Facebook to stay up to date with all your club’s activities!

To become part of our Facebook group, you must have a Facebook account. After you sign on to Facebook at www.facebook.com, enter “Tidewater BMW CCA Activities Page” in the search block. You should be shown our activities page along with a link labeled. “Join Group”. Click on join group, a box will appear that will ask you if you want to join this group, click the “Join” button. You are then taken to our club activities page, where you can see and post activities and pictures.

Jeff announces his non-prez plans at Bimmer Breakfast


Editor’s DeskPet Peeves . . . and Starry Solutions?

By Mark Jumper

Summer journeys and tourist trundlings through our ever-attractive Tidewater Destination have brought forth, once more, thoughts on ways the world has gone wrong on the road, and what could make it better. To wit:

Arm-Out Drivers: These arms sprout like weeds from car windows when the weather turns warm. I don’t for the life of me get it. The Arm-Out

Driver signals to the world his disengagement from the task of his driver’s seat: Driving! Not to mention his plan not to use a signal, let alone control his car should a problem present itself. I suppose the German Driving Thing has me too much in its grip to even imagine how anyone could so choose. My mouth still hangs agape in disbelief. There must be some powerfully sensuous reward and reinforcement to this one-arm act, to see it so prevalent. Wind? Sun? Relaxation? I couldn’t tell you. My starry solution? I guess we’re just stuck with another example of weird human nature. Maybe just tell them of the U. of Wash. study that shows such drivers getting a higher incidence of a really nasty skin cancer. But tell them that, and that arm may sprout a finger.

Holier-Than-Thou Mergers: The sign says there’s a merge a mile ahead. These folks immediately move out of the lane that’s about to close (Early Merging). They then become angry if you dare to

use the empty road to pass them and use an empty spot to merge at the merge point. How can I forget a Sunday night after Thanksgiving, when everything was a bit crazy with people trying to get home? The sign announced the merge ahead. A pick’em-up

yayhoo Early Merger not only straddled the lanes to prevent passers, but actually opened his door wide, as he rolled down the highway, one hand on the wheel and one holding the door, to make sure no one else got by! Did I mention the rain? Oh, the anxiety that Someone Will Unjustly Get Ahead of Me. Starry solution? They’re already doing it in God-Bless-Pennsylvania. The signs tell you not to merge till the merge point—thus using the full road rather than projecting the congestion back—and then to merge one on one (Zipper Merging). Efficiency goes up, anxiety goes down, no one is cheated, Justice Is Done. Germany made Zipper Merging mandatory in 2001. May we please follow?

One-Holer* Restrooms. These seem to be creatures of disability accommodation gone wrong: more space is needed, the store doesn’t want to pay for

more square feet to build, heat/cool, and maintain, the architect shrugs, and the result is several sheepishly uncomfortable people lined up along the candy aisle. Hey, stores! If you’re going to sell so many drinks, would you mind giving us more outlets, too? So one person goes in, locks the door . . . uses the toilet .

. . then the sink . . . then the infernal drier . . . then finally opens the door to find more people wilting while they wait. Starry solution? Is it silly to suggest building it so one can sit, one can wash, and one can dry, all at once? Would wonders never cease? In the meantime: Boycott the one-holers (and let them know why)!

(* That’s a term from outhouse days.)

Continued on pg 5


Man-Made Backups: Rubber-neckers can’t seem to control their slowdowns to catch gory views of accidents—their God-

given right for waiting. Masses of Mankind, in the meantime, wait behind. Starry solution? I’ve heard that in the UK, the Bobbies put up portable curtains to shield the view and speed the traffic. And some states require fender-benders to get off the road rather than stand there dumbly telling their friend in Timbuktu all about it while hundreds sizzle and stew with frustration. Don’t even get me started on toll booths, designed to slow traffic. Thank God for states like Illinois, Texas, and our own Virginia that have open-road toll-taking. Our road world is cramped enough without making it worse by design.

Slow Speeds: I’ll talk another time about 80th Percentile Speed Limits, but truly, our cars have improved

tremendously in capability and safety, but still travel at speed limits set in the 1950s. The increase in traffic means that the annual wasted time for an average driver in the DC area has risen to 82 hours, worst in the nation. (And you’re surprised? It is the seat of our national gridlocked government!) There’s one starry solution to congestion that you never hear: increase the average speed, and cars will reach their destination and get off the road sooner. As that wonderful curmudgeon L. J. K. Setright once said, “Contrary to what is written on walls, Speed Saves.” Speed saves time, which is life itself. I love the old MG motto: “Safety Fast.” BMW Safety Car, anyone? I hope that we who drive Bimmers are making a point of leading society in this virtuous direction: may Autobahns rule!

And You? If your pet peeve is articles like this, too late! But if you have another pet peeve from our roady lives, and maybe a crazy solution: share the wealth!

PRESIDENT • Presidesoverallmeetings,preparestheagenda,anddirectsthe discussion. • Actsasanex-officiomemberofallstandingcommitteesand temporarycommitteesexceptthenominatingcommittee. • Executesalldocumentsandcorrespondenceinthenameofthe ChapterasauthorizedbythemembershiportheChapterBoard. • Signsorco-signsChapterchecks. • Responsibletoensurethatallrequiredreportsbesubmittedto theNationalOfficewithintherequiredtimeframes. • MaintainstheChapter’scopyoftheBMWCCAOperations Manual. • Responsibletoensurethatcorporationreportsarefiledontime VICE PRESIDENT • ActsintheplaceofthePresidentduringhisorherabsence,or whensorequiredbythePresident. • AssiststhePresidentand/ortheChapterBoardinanymanner thattheymaydirect.SECRETARY • RecordsandpreservestheminutesofChapterbusinessand Boardmeetings;presentsandreadssuchminutesattherequest ofthePresident. • PreparesnecessarycorrespondencefortheChapterwhen required.

TREASURER • Keepsandpreservestherecordsandbooksofaccounts reflectingthefinancialconditionandoperationoftheChapter &anycorporatedocumentsthatobligatetheChapterfinancially. • Preparestheannualfinancialreportforsubmissiontothe NationalOffice. • Preparesthereportoffinancialconditiontobeprovidedtothe Chaptermembershipeachyear. • Ensurerequiredfeesandtaxesarepaidontime.ACTIVITIESCHAIRMAN • Primaryresponsibilityisforplanning,organizing,andsupervising thestagingofChaptereventsandactivities. • Appointsmembersorrecruitsvolunteerstotakecareofportions ofeachevent.Keepsrecordsoftheseeventsandhowwellthey succeed. • Responsibleforfinanciallystructuringtheentryfeesforeventsin suchawaythattheChaptercosts(includinginsuranceandany plaquesortrophies)arecoveredwithasmallprofit.(Growthof theChapterratherthanprofitisthegoal.) • Allcostsforanactivitymustbeincludedincomputingthefinal entryfees.Theseincludeinsurance,postage,telephonecalls, publicity,suppliesandanyrentalofequipment. • Arrangestoreceivemerchandise,trophiesorawardsas donationsfromlocalmerchantsorcarshops,thecostofthe eventshouldstillbestructuredasthoughtheywerepaidfor. Thiswillprovidecontinuityfromoneeventtoanotheraswellas rewardtheChapterfinanciallyfortheirefforts.

Officer DescriptionsSee p. 16 for how to nominate!


Contact [email protected]

Club TOOLBOXThe following tools are available for members use. A deposit may be required and will be refunded upon return of the tool in working condition.

Club MERCHANDISEWe have made arrangements through Lands End for club members to order a wide variety of chapter logo items. Access by going to: http://ces.landsend.com/Tidewater_BMWCCA

Currently: The Merchandise Chair Position is open. Please contact Jeff Triplett at [email protected] for details.

NAME TAGS: We have also arranged with KayCee Engraving for members to order name tags with the chapter logo. Contact Info: Kay Cee Engraving, PO Box 625, Heathsville, VA 22473-0625 or Call (804) 580-8247. Kayceetags.com & [email protected]

• ServiceLightResettingTools - VEry UsEFUl • TieRodSeparator-PickleForks • RemoteStarterSwitch • ClutchAlignmentTool • PilotBearingPuller • FanClutchWrench&Bar • ElectricImpactWrench • LockstripTool

• 17mmTrans.DrainSocket • BrakeBleedSystem- VEry UsEFUl • CoilSpringCompressors • Peake-Code/ResetTool-all models - can be connected under hood or dash • NEW!! SRS Air Bag Scanner

Call Bob Parsons at 587-7423 for your needs.

BMW CCA Map Grille Badges $20Chapter Logo Decals/License Plate Frames: FREE at club eventsVarious BMW CCA Decals CALL!

Activities CommitteeWe are glad that you are supporting our events - THANK YOU! It is still VERY important to RSVP (as early as possible) of your participation to any upcoming activities. These numbers are needed to allow our hosting restaurants to be prepared for us. Inaccurate totals make for unhappy restaurant managers and cause them to be reluctant to allow our group to book in the future.

We are always on the lookout for members that would like to be a part of the Activities Committee. Currently, the Activities Chairman position is open. If you are interested please contact Sam Wood for details. Meanwhile, read Das Kummet and check our websites regularly. We, of course, welcome your ideas, thoughts, and suggestions…as well as your ‘constructive’ criticisms! Please feel free to contact any one of the following committee members

[email protected]

…AND KEEP COMING TO THOSE EVENTS!!

AdvertisementsNon-commercial classified ads are freeto chapter members. Ads will run in three published issues and then may only be continued in subsequent issues only by contacting the Newsletter Editor. Ads submitted are limited to 200 words per ad including name, address, phone number and email address if available. Items offered for sale must be the personal property of the submitting member or family and not of a business.

Commercial ads are available to members and non-members. Such ads must be accompanied by payment in full. Rates shown below are per year (approximately 6 issues). All ads must be submitted in a usable digital format or as camera ready. “Das Kummet” reserves the right to edit or reject any ad submitted.

Full PAGE …$135 per issue or $700 per yr.

HAlF PAGE …$65 per issue or $350 per yr.

1/4 PAGE …$50 per issue or $225 per yr.

BIz CARd …$20 per issue or $100 per yr.

Chris Triplett – (757) [email protected]

Jason Dandalides - [email protected]

Marc Garcia - (757) [email protected]


Casey BMW

The UltimateDriving Machine®

bmwusa.com1-800-334-4BMW

w w w . c a s e y b m w . c o m

Casey BMW

The Largest Selection of New andCertified Pre-Owned BMW’s on

the Peninsula

The Peninsula’s ONLY location for factory BMW trained service!NEW STATE OF THE ART FACILITY NOW OPEN!

Schedule Your Next BMW Service -ONLINE!!!

MUST PRESENT COUPON AT TIME OF SERVICE. VALID ONLY AT CASEY BMW.

Scheduled Maintenance

10% Off

12861 Jefferson AvenueNewport News, VA757-989-1300





Wash, Wax, and Buff

$79.95Power Steering Flush

$129.95FULL DETAIL CLEAN!!!

$159.95Brake Fluid & Coolant Flush

$169.95


Tidewater BMW CCA Events CalendarFall 2015 . . . & Forward!

SEPTEMBER 2015

Sept 16th Wed, 6:30 pm: Quarterly dinner and Social: Tripps Restaurant, 101 Independence Blvd, Virginia Beach. Check out the menu on tripps.com. Wednesday is Prime Rib special which sells out fast, RSVP with special order to reserve. Contact & RSVP [email protected] or Chris Triplett, 757-620-6623

Sept. 19th Sat., 9am: Monthly Bimmer Breakfast: Pops Diner, 1424 Greenbrier Pkwy, Chesapeake. Wake up with the Club to some hot breakfast, lots of BMW talk, and our parking lot car display & discussion! Contact Darin Kwasniewski at [email protected], 757-304-1512

Sept. 27th Sun., 10am to 1pm: New (and old) Member drive: Follow the leader drive on the southside for new members to get their feet wet (all members are welcome), concluding with lunch at local restaurant. Locations TBD. Contact & RSVP [email protected] or Marc Garcia 757-803-5658

OCTOBER 2015

Oct. 3rd Sat., 11am – 3pm: Annual Pig and Oyster Roast: Pulled pork and Oysters on the grill at the home of Ron Boustedt, our Track Driving Events Coordinator. Includes a tour of Ron’s racing car garage. 3585 Kentucky Trail, Chesapeake. Contact & RSVP: [email protected] or Chris Triplett, 757-620-6623

Oct. 17th Sat. 9am: Monthly Bimmer Breakfast: Pops Diner, 1424 Greenbrier Pkwy, Chesapeake. Wake up with the Club to some hot breakfast, lots of BMW talk, and our parking lot car display & discussion! Contact Darin Kwasniewski at [email protected], 757-304-1512

Oct 24th Sat. (date still TBd) 10 am – 2pm: Great Pumpkin Rally: Suffolk. Test your knowledge and driving skills by answering questions along the rally route. Win prizes for most questions answered and fewest miles driven. Rally ends with lunch at a downtown Suffolk restaurant. Contact & RSVP [email protected] or Steve Waddell, 757-539-1305, [email protected]

NOvEMBER 2015

Nov. 8th Sun. 10am – 2pm: Autumn Colors drive – Williamsburg. Follow the Leader drive through the back roads of the Peninsula enjoying the colors of autumn, followed by lunch with your fellow members. Contact & RSVP: [email protected] or Jeff Triplett, [email protected]

Nov. 21st Sat. 9am: Monthly Bimmer Breakfast: Pops Diner, 1424 Greenbrier Pkwy, Chesapeake. Wake up with the Club to some hot breakfast, lots of BMW talk, and our parking lot car display & discussion!. Contact Darin Kwasniewski at [email protected], 757-304-1512

dECEMBER 2015

dec. 5th Sat, 9:30am – 3pm: Annual OBX drive VA Beach rendezvous: 09:30 a.m. @ McDonald’s, Courthouse, 2432 Princess Anne Rd; VA Beach, 23456; 757.430.1106 Chesapeake rendezvous: 09:30 a.m. @ Hardee’s, Deep Creek, 109 George Washington Highway South (U.S. HWY 17 Bus.); Chesapeake, 23322; 757.485.9663 Lunch: TBD in OBX, NC CONTACT – Bob Parsons (757-613-2229) [email protected] or [email protected]

dec 19th Sat 9am: Monthly Bimmer Breakfast: Pops Diner, 1424 Greenbrier Pkwy, Chesapeake. Wake up with the Club to some hot breakfast, lots of BMW talk, and our parking lot car display & discussion! Contact Darin Kwasniewski at [email protected], 757-304-1512

lOOkING AHEAd:JANuARy 2016Jan 16th Sat: Monthly Bimmer Breakfast

Jan 23rd SAT: Annual Banquet

FEBRuARy 2016Valentine Day Drive – TBD


Specializing in BMW& Mercedes Benz

Your obsession – our passion

1322 Transylvania Ave. Chesapeake VA 23324

8-5 Monday-Friday757.545.9394

sportsandimports.net


By Darin Kwasniewski

The clouds cleared and the sun came out for the Tidewater BMW CCA annual Independence Day Drive. Twelve BMWs and over twenty-five members met on the north end of downtown Suffolk for a 100+ mile drive through Suffolk, Gates County NC, and Franklin, VA.

The tops came down on the convertibles, including two 6-series, then we hit the road, with David Crossley (accompanied by our treasurer, Tiffiny Crossley) fearlessly leading the group (with Courtney Kerr, flying solo, proudly bringing up the rear).

The half-way point included a brief stop at the Chowan River Park for a stretch and a view of the river. The park has a large wooden walkway/viewing platform alongside the river, and looks over the quite expansive Chowan River.

The highlight of the route was a section of Sandbanks Road in North Carolina, between Route 13 and the Virginia border, which included many miles of unpopulated slalom-like terrain.

The drive concluded with lunch at Mr. D’s Southern Kitchen in Franklin, a local authentic southern and soul food establishment. Erva, Mr. D’s manager, welcomed us at the door and layed out a delicious southern buffet. A group photo was snapped in front of the buffet, and Erva promised that we would be put on the wall with the rest of the “famous” customers.

We’ll have to do this again and check to see our pictures on that Wall of Fame!

Fun – and Fame?For the Annual Independence Day Drive

We have had a great response to the Bimmer Breakfasts!

Over 30 Bimmer people came out for the August breakfast at Pop’s Diner Chesapeake, followed by

car show ‘n tell in the parking lot.

Bimmer Breakfast Breaks

Attendance Record


by ray laffoon

Driving a thousand miles in a weekend is no big deal for most of us, especially in a good car. I’ve driven to places like Atlanta, Georgia and Jacksonville, Florida to visit my sons on holiday weekends covering distances easily beyond a thousand miles in one weekend. My trip to the western part of Virginia over Easter weekend was different, at least to me. My plan was to drive to

Virginia International Raceway (VIR) on Friday morning to participate in a charity drive, then drive to Roanoke for dinner and an evening with my parents. Then on to Suffolk Saturday afternoon, back to Roanoke for Sunday morning, and home to Suffolk late Sunday afternoon.

While planning the trip, my wife asked me which car I was going to drive, my Mini Cooper S or the BMW 335d. I’ve autocrossed the Mini a few times, so she associates that car with my racing endeavors. HOWEVER, I’ve wanted to legally let the BMW move and see what I could learn about its capabilities by focusing on the car, free of worries about antisocial behavior, traffic laws and meeting police officers on a professional basis. Besides, the sport seat and music-laden hard drive in the BMW make for a nice place to spend time. I wisely chose the BMW!

VIR hosted a charity run on the Friday before Easter to support Victory Junction, a children’s camp set up by NASCAR’s Petty family for children with serious illnesses. Located near Randleman, North Carolina, this camp was built to honor the dream of Adam Petty, son of NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, grandson of racing legend Richard Petty and great grandson of NASCAR pioneer Lee Petty. Adam died in a racing accident at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The Petty family donated the land and continues to lead fund-raising efforts to provide a unique camp experience for children who would otherwise never get to go to camp. The money from all of us driving laps and enjoying rides in race cars, sports cars, and an M3 from the BMW Performance School goes to support the camp. The staff at VIR did a great job

managing this event.

My desire to drive the track has existed for many years, but my schedule (work, family and community) has always dictated my presence elsewhere whenever the track was open for the public. My first encounter with VIR was watching motorcycle races, both professional and amateur. Watching the stars of American superbikes race was amazing.

Watching my son, Stephen, race his Suzuki in amateur events was also amazing but in a different way. One result was my having the opportunity to work as a member of his pit crew during an endurance event where I was the gas man! Contrary to what you are thinking right now, my job was to deliver exactly 8 seconds of fuel to the bike while they changed riders! Afterwards I had to refill the refueling tank to prep it for the next pit stop and rider change. The best part is that nothing caught fire while I was moving gasoline from point A to Point B. The other best part is the experience helped me to know VIR better.

NOW it was time! Friday morning found me westbound on US 58, traversing Virginia’s equivalent of the US Air Force’s Red Flag range in Nevada. The number of laser and radar units brings flashbacks from when I flew B-52s and B-1Bs when I was in the Air Force. My job was to locate the enemy fighter aircraft, surface-to-air missile systems and anti aircraft gun emplacements, and then to employ our countermeasures as needed. I always preferred stealth for surviving military missions—and now call on those techniques while driving through Emporia and South Hill. These towns have a reputation that requires driver discipline, emotional control and a focused mind to avoid financing more nice police cars in these communities.

There is also a shift in mental attitude as I drive from Tidewater to the western part of the state. It’s more relaxed there. I was born and grew up in Southwest Virginia. My roots go deep into the Blue Ridge Mountains since this is where many generations of my family lived and worked. Instead of driving across Virginia behind a team of horses pulling a wagon as my wagoneer Great-Great Grandfather did, I get to drive my red Bavarian around one of the best road racing courses in North America. My thoughts were on my grandfather who lived in nearby Danville as I turned off Route 58 and made my way to the guard house where I paid for entry to VIR.

I lined up behind a friend driving his 2006 BMW 330CI convertible, and ahead of two of my cousins in their Mustang GTs. We also had another friend in his 2012

Journey of a Thousand Miles

Continued on pg 12


Mustang GT in our group. Then we realized it was lunch time when they closed the track so the track workers could take a break and eat. VIR is blessed with several good eating opportunities. We opted for the snack bar in the pit area where I tried the chili dog and my cousin Richard had the BBQ. I enjoyed the chili dog but eyed the BBQ. Next time it’s the BBQ! Nothing like local cuisine!

A few belches later, not far from where I worked as the gas man, we received the safety briefing which stated no passing, don’t create gaps, keep an eye on the flags which were then shown and explained. All heads bobbed in the same direction, like the head on one of those toy dogs my grandfather had in the back of his 62 Chevrolet Impala SS when I was a kid and it was new. There would be no lap times and no finishing placements since we were not racing.

The cars in the line included minivans, SUVs, pick up trucks, full on race cars with roll cages, and a herd of pony cars, sports cars, sedans, sport coupes, and motorcycles. Finally the line moved onto the track and our speed increased. We were being led around the full course at a pace that was decent but not particularly challenging. The next lap was quicker, but not much. I finally figured out why. Ahead of us was a Corvette driven by someone who apparently didn’t want to mess up his hair! Mr. Corvette was not exceeding 85 miles per hour on the pit straight, the longest straight on the course! He did this lap after lap after lap…and we were not allowed to pass! Needless to say several of us were frustrated and started to space things out a bit so we could enjoy a few brief moments of speed. I enjoyed relearning the value of the throttle in a rear drive car! I’ve spent most of the past several years in front drive cars so this gave me an opportunity to retrain myself on forgotten techniques that will help me balance the car and gain traction with my rear-drive, high-torque 335d.

Then the session was over and we pulled into the pits and on to the parking lot. Uh-oh: we all five realized that Mr. Corvette was getting back into line. Well, it’s time for a break, isn’t it, one must stay hydrated, so rounds of water for all! We then joined a different group of cars.

The next session was much better. First I lined up next to a new M3 that was also red! Happily Mr. Corvette was gone and we found ourselves behind a supercharged Audi S6. Thankfully the Mr. Audi Driver could not only drive, but found a way to communicate his strategy to the rest of us. We went slower than we could have on the slow bits and then took off for the faster stretches. Diesel torque is a good thing especially when it quickly places my cousins in their Mustangs in the distant past on the fast bits! A slight touch of the throttle helped with the off-camber curves. I love the balance of this car! My

335d and I were exceeding 120 MPH and then some on three sections of the track! It could have gone faster, but did I mention we were not allowed to pass? Several of us would create room by offsetting slightly from behind the car in front of us on the straights so we could safely enjoy the speed. And the brakes were great!

I loved driving the BMW on the track! Like all fast and wonderful cars, it seems to make speed effortlessly. I’ve spent years traveling Germany’s autobahn in fast cars and slow cars. I prefer fast cars! I found cars that I considered fast in the US to be merely quick in Germany. I would put the BMW in the fast category. Regardless, I needed to be in Roanoke that evening, so I bid adieu to my cousins while they were filling their Mustangs’ thirsty fuel tanks. Diesel torque and diesel economy are good things.

I love driving in the mountains and valleys located in the

western part of Virginia. First the mountainous terrain and rolling hills produce some great roads for driving, and I enjoy the scenery too! Second I learned to drive on these roads and love to revisit them.

My favorite roads are a secret that is shared on a need to know basis only! There are two primary routes for the drive to Roanoke from VIR. I had no clue which I would choose as I left. The most obvious route is US 58 to US 220, which is now four lane highway all the way to Roanoke. The other is to go north on US 29 to Virginia Route 40, then to Rocky Mount, Virginia. VA 40 is a very nice 2 lane road that I had not driven since I was in college a few years (decades) ago. My mind was debating the relative merits of each as I drove toward Danville. VA 40 won the debate, so I turned north on US 29 toward Lynchburg.

Getting on VA 40 was marvelous. Initially I found myself behind a fast moving pickup, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Unlike Tidewater Virginia where people slow for every slight bend in the road, folks from the mountains are more comfortable with moving rapidly

Continued on pg 13

Journey of a Thousand Miles continued from pg 11


through curves. This BMW driver enjoyed it! Eventually Mr. Pick Up turned off to the left, leaving me with open road for a few miles, but I eventually coming upon a slower sedan. For once, passing was easy and permitted—now where is Mr. Corvette? This stretch of road has several good passing zones which I confess to using frequently as we wound our way around and over the hills, farms and woodland that cover this part of the state. I quickly arrived in Rocky Mount where I turned north toward Roanoke and dinner.

Saturday morning found me driving north on Interstate 81 so I could make it to Suffolk in time for the event I needed to attend that afternoon. I usually travel US 460 between Roanoke and Suffolk because Interstate 81 toward Staunton tends to get bogged down by traffic, and Interstate 64 between Richmond and Newport News contains traffic that moves like an accordion, all very irritating. Since I was moving early, I made good time to Waynesboro where I stopped for my first tank of fuel. The result was 35 miles per gallon on the tank that included the laps at speed around VIR.

Pleased by that fuel news, I then climbed Afton Mountain as I motored toward and around Richmond. I knew I was back in Hampton Roads when a Honda Civic, complete with obnoxious exhaust sounds, passed me in the far right lane and then crossed all lanes of traffic into the left lane as he weaved down the road. The mental shift from western Virginia to driving in Tidewater Virginia had just occurred!

I was back on the road at 4:30 PM driving US 460 through the “W”s, Windsor, Wakefield, and finally Waverly. The bug to explore overcame me, so I turned left onto VA 40 (different personality here) in Waverly and pointed the BMW towards Blackstone. I found minimal traffic but unlike its more western sections, not as many curves. As I neared Fort Pickett, I noticed signs that read “Tank Crossing.” I remember stopping at a stop sign in the world’s ugliest rental car (a used-diaper-greenish-brown colored Mitsubishi) while on the Grafenwoehr training range in Germany, and seeing a M-1 Abrams tank roll by at a walking pace in front of me. It was monstrously HUGE compared to my homely Mitsubishi! By the way, the exhaust from an M-1 tank will melt the plastic and blister the paint on a car if you pull up too close behind it, perhaps at a traffic light (Not me—really!).

Fast forward to recent history. My job took me back to Grafenwoehr earlier this year. During a lunch break, we decided to drive from the training range where we worked to the main base for lunch one sunny day. We stopped our rented black Mercedes Benz C300 at a stop sign along the tactical road as a German Leopard tank ran by at speed! Videos of tank versus car and truck encounters in places like Iraq and Germany came to mind. Being that close to a Leopard tank at speed was startling. That tank was impressive! Like the Abrams, that Leopard was massive! However, the Leopard was alive and agile as it sped down the tactical road crossing the range!

Fort Picket had no tanks on the range today, so car body, plastic bits and paint were safe. I reconnected with US 460 near Crewe of railway fame, then enjoyed a nice, uneventful drive to Roanoke, enjoying the views of Virginia’s Peaks of Otter as the setting sun painted the beautiful mountains and surrounding sky with vivid colors.

We refueled before leaving Roanoke on Sunday afternoon, me with lunch and the BMW with diesel. The 335d averaged 40 miles per gallon since Waynesboro, driving to Suffolk and back to Roanoke. The air temperature was warm but not hot, presenting me with the opportunity to not use the air condition system, but get cooling airflow by tilting the sunroof.

The return home to Suffolk along US 460 was a nice relaxing drive, with some traffic around Petersburg. Spring brought out the colors of the trees and flowers adding a nice touch to the drive. I was pleased to find the BMW sipping fuel at 42 miles per gallon while I was driving like I normally do.

I thought about the choices we make as I sat in the sport seat. I’ve owned several cars through the years. Most of my family remembers my black 1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe. The T-bird was my first turbo; it had a 5-speed manual transmission, nice supportive sport seats, and it was fast for its time. I enjoyed that car for 13 years.

Another favorite road trip car was my 2003 Saab 9-5 Aero Sport Combi. This Saab had a huge turbo and a rare-for-the-US 5-speed manual transmission. The 9-5 could haul while hauling. Like most Swedish cars, the seats were great, allowing many pain free hours during our journeys. It was truly fast!

This 1000 mile journey in one weekend proved to me that the BMW 335d is a marvelous car. The sport seat supported me on the road and on the track. Diesel torque was astounding. The motor rhythm was mesmerizing, only matched by its frugality. The grip and balance provided by the suspension and tires allowed me to enter the turns on the track and the road with confidence. This combination produced a marvelous synergy that lasted hour after hour, bringing wonderful bliss no matter what the driving mood of the moment was.

Sometimes a trip will become that special journey, eclipsing the reason for traveling. The unique combination of car and marvelous roads produces something special. Other ingredients such as traveling companion, music selection, scenery, road food, the destination, the surprises and stops along the way all contribute to creating an adventure. These things make a trip a journey.

I remember mentioning to several coworkers that I enjoy driving the back roads. They looked at me as if I had suddenly grown horns and been covered by large purple polka dots! How could I risk getting off

Continued on pg 14


the interstate? I might encounter strange people! They mentioned banjos. These coworkers like chain restaurants where every exit looks the same. They like Safe. Or so they think!

For me, I’ve learned much, met wonderful people, enjoyed marvelous meals, and fallen more in love with my wife and my cars while driving roads that wind their way into my life. Perhaps that is why my Easter weekend was more than a long weekend trip. It was a special journey that reconnected me with my past, showed me new places, and produced great new memories!

Journey of a Thousand Miles continued from pg 13

IMPORT CAR PARTSMajor parts brands for BMW and other import cars.

11246 Jefferson Ave., Newport News 757.599.3360

1300 East Little Creek Road 757.440.0004

606 First Colonial Rd., Virginia Beach 757.425.7100

or on the web at www.BAp-gEoN.CoM

! All Repairs & Service ! Latest Factory Diagnostic

Equipment ! BMW & Mercedes Benz ! Quick Turn-‐Around ! Genuine & OEM Parts ! A/C Service, Tires, Alignment ! Monday – Friday, 9AM to 6PM ! The Only BOSCH Service Center

Outside Norfolk & VA Beach.

! All Repairs & Service ! Latest Factory Diagnostic

Equipment ! Virginia State Inspection ! Quick Turn-‐Around ! Genuine & OEM Parts ! A/C Service, Tires, Alignment ! Monday – Friday, 9AM to 6PM ! Low mileage, excellent condition

pre-‐owned BMW & Mercedes

Or Way Out Here

Are You Going Up There

When You Could Come To Us?

3040 High St. (Corner of High & Airline), Portsmouth

Website Import Autowerks

757-‐966-‐9528

www.Import-‐Autowerks.com

Owner & Operator: Jon Mack jon@import-‐autowerks.com

23707

Chesapeake

Suffolk

Portsmouth

Norfolk

VA Beach

Newport News

6 Month No Interest Financing Available

LOOK!



Nominations for Chapter Officers for 2016

Our Tidewater Chapter of the BMW CCA is doing great things! It is the officers who catch the vision, build the framework, and do a lot of the grunt work, to make it happen. The officers care about the BMW marque and vehicles, of course. But they also care about the people who, like them, share the same enthusiasm. Beyond that, they care about bringing those people together to experience that enthusiasm to the full as they enjoy a higher level of the Bimmer experience. Being an officer is often hard, invisible, and thankless; but often rewarding as you get to be the catalyst to make good things happen for and with your fellow Bimmer people. You’ll find new friends, lots of fun, a shared enthusiasm for the ultimate driving experience . . .and more than a little satisfaction when you see things come together. Elections for the officers of the Tidewater Chapter will be held next January and we need your help to continue our chapter’s path to excellence. If you know someone who would be perfect for an officer’s job: please nominate that person! If you think that you could do the job well, and want to do it: please nominate yourself! Here are the positions that must be filled to make this chapter work the way we want: PRESIDENT VICE-‐PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY ACTIVITIES CHAIRMAN Position descriptions can be found on page 5 or on our website at www.tidewaterbmwcca.org. Want more information? Call and talk to someone who’s done it before or is doing it now! All current members and associate members in good standing are eligible to nominate someone else or yourself; and also to serve as an officer. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO NOMINATE SOMEONE ELSE OR YOURSELF! The Rules:

• Officers are elected for a one year term. • A Nominee must affirm willingness to serve in and fulfill the duties of the office, if elected. This may be done by

physical or electronic signature, submitted to the chapter’s Secretary. • Each Nominee must be a member in good standing. • Nominations must be returned to the nominating Committee by November 28th 2015

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

SEND THIS FORM BY MAIL, OR SEND AN EMAIL WITH THE SAME INFORMATION

Tidewater BMWCCA 2016 Nominating Form

Return to: Tidewater BMW CCA – Nomination Committee P.O. Box 62145, Virginia Beach, VA 23462-2145

OR Email [email protected]

Deadline: Must be received by 11/28/2015

BY SUBMITTING THIS NOMINATION, YOU CERTIFY THAT THE NOMINEE HAS AFFIRMED WILLINGNESS TO SERVE IN AND FULFILL THE DUTIES OF THIS OFFICE, IF ELECTED. (This will be personally confirmed by the Secretary.)

Office to be Filled______________________________________________________________________________ Nominee Name:_______________________________________ Nominated By:_________________________________________ Membership #____________________________



ClassifiedsCARS FOR SAlE:

2001 BMW 325i Touring with 156,250 miles. - Blue exterior, tan interior, automatic transmission, runs well. The condition is used and the interior has no large rips but does need detailed. The hood needs to be repainted. The DSC sensor or module needs to be replaced. All season tires, new serpentine belt replaced in March 2015. Regular oil changes and has current inspection. Asking $4000 OBO. Contact Brianna Kiser at [email protected] or phone 757-737-2804. Pictures on request.

2006 BMW 330i- 89K, Sport Package, 6MT, Leather, Heated Seats, Xenons. The last naturally aspirated 330i!Original owner, maintenance records, new water pump at 50k, new break pads/rotors at 67k, plugs/coils/belt/pully/tensioner at 87k, brand new Bridgestone Potenzas put on last week. Also includes a set of 17” alloys with Blizzaks. $11,500. Will provide additional pictures on request. Contact Henry 757-773-0375, [email protected]

PARTS & ITEMS FOR SAlE:

BMW 3 Series E93 Genuine Factory OEM Convertible Windscreen deflector 2007-2013 - Excellent condition, canvas case included. $325.00. Contact NPW at 757-377-1586.

by Jim Craig

All of us to some degree or other are certified (or certifiable?) car nuts or we would not belong to BMW CCA. At some point in each of our lives there was that first car: that car that we just had to have no matter the impracticality. My first such car was a 1930s two-door sedan sitting in the side yard of a house that was near one of my several paths home from high school. Once discovered, I stopped to look at the car every day for weeks. Finally I told my dad about it and convinced him to look at it one afternoon. Ahh, the joyous moment of sharing a found treasure!

Now understand, the car was not in very good shape some 30 years after having rolled off the assembly line, but it was a true “Barn Find” even though it was not in a barn. I explained to my father

that I wanted to buy it and put it in the garage to work on and make a hot rod of it. My mechanical experience up to that date had been the complete disassembly of my bicycle. The reassembly was

less than successful despite the fact that there were no extra parts at the conclusion.

After looking the car over my father, in all seriousness, said “Son, it needs a lot of work. Do you think you can handle it?” I enthusiastically replied in the affirmative. His next statement popped my bubble of enthusiasm: “Son, I really doubt the owners will

want to cut that tree down.” Ignored up to that point was an over one-foot-diameter tree growing straight through the middle of the car—a small but apparently critical detail! Reluctantly I had to agree and we went home. To this day I do not know how my father restrained himself from falling on the ground in a fit of laughter. Bless his heart for not totally crushing my spirit.

My First Car . . . ?


2445 Castleton Commerce WayVirginia Beach, VA 23456

John [email protected]

Dan [email protected]

BEy EM vEy, Inc.Tidewater Chapter BMW Car Club of AmericaP.O. Box 62145virginia Beach, vA 23462-2145

Inside this issue....Calendar of Events • President’s News • Pet Peeves - and Starry Solutions

My First Car...? • Event Calendar • Officer Descriptions • Officer Nominations

Fun & Fame • Bimmer Breakfast • Journey of a Thousand Miles

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE PAIDNORFOLK, VAPERMIT NO. 256

BMW Car Clubof AmericaTidewater Chapter

Documents

das Kummet...The Newsletter of the Tidewater Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America das Kummet September • October 2015 SEPTEMBER Sept. 27th Sun., 10am to 1pm: New (and old) Member