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Monthly newsletter of the Pikes Peak Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.
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FWelcome new members!
Inside this issue:
View From the Peak 2
Airstream Partners 3 MBCA Elections 4
Dragonman’s Tour 4
Click 4
Mixer Board Mtg 5
Gold Mine Tour 5 Chile Run 5
Mile High Section 5
Mts, Movies & MB 6
Der Marktplatz 7
P3 Photo Montage 8
MHS Utah Event 8
South Park Recap 9
VSA Winner 10
Mercedes me Store 10
Newsletter of the PIKES PEAK SECTION
JULY 2014
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Joint Section PicnicSaturday, 12 July 2014
11.45 a.m.
We had such a good time at our picnic last year that we’ve decided to do it again. Clark and Karen Absher have offered to host the 2014 Joint Section Picnic once again. It will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at Absher Acres.
Everything will kick off at noon with a ca-tered lunch, followed by a short, fun rally, and then dessert and the trophy presenta-tions at a mystery location. All you need to bring is a Mercedes, and $10 per person to cover the cost of the catered lunch. Lunch begins promptly at noon, so plan to arrive no later than 11:45 AM. Arrive with a full tank of gas.
All driving will be on paved roads except for the last 1/2 mile upon your arrival at and departure from Absher Acres. Absher Acres (17410 Prospec-tor Drive, Peyton, CO) is located on the north fac-ing slope of the Palmer Ridge, four miles north of Peyton. To get there, take Hwy 24 east to Peyton (approx 20 miles). Turn left onto Peyton Highway. It makes a slight jog to the right after 3 miles. Take the first left onto Prospector Drive (portions of this road are unpaved). 17410 Prospector is on the left.
In addition to those choosing to participate in the rally (maximum of 16 teams), we will need at least 4 teams to manage the
speed gun and check points during the rally. The rally winners (first, second and third) will be determined by accumulating the fewest penalty points (assigned for traffic violations, failures to fully complete challenges, and missing the pre-estab-lished time to complete the rally). The rally will be between 50 and 70 miles in length
and the closest gas station is 14 miles.
In order to plan for the quantity of food, please RSVP to Clark or Karen by July 7, 2014 at 719-749-2621 (home phone), 719-332-5334
(Clark’s cell phone) or [email protected]. When you RSVP, please indicate if you would like to be a rally participant or a rally worker.
We look forward to your attending and we guarantee an enjoyable afternoon. Before the day is done, you will see some things you have never seen before, and others that will take a good long-term memory to recall when and where you last saw them.
View From the Peak by Andrew NelsonSection OfficersPresident:Andrew [email protected]
Vice President:Judy [email protected]
Secretary:Mary [email protected]
Treasurer:Julie [email protected]
Directors:Stan [email protected]
Gary [email protected]
Glenn [email protected]
Henry [email protected] Sylvia [email protected]
Dave [email protected]
Webmaster:Robert [email protected]
Editor:Judy [email protected]
Regional Director:Charlie [email protected]
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‘Round the BENZ is published monthly by the Pikes Peak Section of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA), Inc. Articles and ideas are the opinions of the writers and no authentication is implied as to the validity of any infor-mation contained therein. Explicit permission to republish any article with proper attribution is given to all sections of MBCA, Inc. Articles for publication consideration should be mailed to Pikes Peak Section, MBCA, Attn: Editor, 4335 Penhurst Place, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 or, whenever possible, emailed to: [email protected]. Deadline for receipt is the 18th of the month prior to the month of issue.
Pikes Peak Section members are encouraged to support the advertisers in our newsletter. They help to make this publication possible.
‘ROUND THE BENZ
The quest for the first perfect F-1 season is over for Team Mercedes-Benz. Not that it was likely to happen, but after the team had won
all of this year’s races, whispers were heard around F-1 paddocks of the pos-sibility of Mercedes sweeping the 2014 F-1 campaign. It all came to an end at the Canadian Grand Prix a few weeks ago. Mechanical issues, with the failure of the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), part of the hybrid power unit on both Lewis Hamilton’s and Nico Ros-berg’s race cars, led to Hamilton having to retire from the race at the halfway point and Rosberg, who had a huge lead, having to slow his lap time pace to save his brakes. As the laps counted down, the Team Red Bull car, piloted by rookie Daniel Riaccardo, finally caught up and passed Rosberg with several laps remaining, to win his first race. Even with having to slow his pace, however, Rosberg still finished second to secure valuable points for his World Champion-ship quest.
At the next race, back in Europe at the Austrian Grand Prix, Mercedes-Benz finished 1-2 with Rosberg getting his third win of the year. However, it wasn’t as dominating as the 1-2 wins earlier in the season. Team Mercedes-Benz secured the pole position and second on the grid
with Rosberg starting in third position. The Williams cars seemed to have higher straight line speed than the Team Mer-cedes cars, to complete faster qualifying lap times. However, by the halfway point, Team Mercedes were both at the front, securing the lead positions through supe-rior pit strategy and more consistent lap times from the still superior handling and faster corner speeds of their cars.
Team Mercedes is still dominating both the Drivers and Manufacturers Champi-onship standings and should win both. Also, as this race demonstrated, Mer-cedes-Benz-powered F-1 teams have the advantage over the rest of the field and that advantage will remain for the rest of the 2014 season.
Now that you’re caught up on the latest F-1 news, plan to join us for the major Pikes Peak Section event this month. I’m talking, of course, about the Joint Section Picnic at Absher Acres on Saturday, July 12. This will be a great day, with a rally and catered picnic, and lots of socializing and camaraderie with our sister section from Denver.
Our Paved Peaks & Passes program got a real jump start last month with our trip to South Park. Our participants have driven 124 passes so far and covered 28 of the 36 possible passes. And the best is yet to come as the weather improves and the roads become more driving-friendly. Check out the pictures on Facebook at “MBCA Pikes Peak Section”
As always, drive safely, and I will see you down the road.
Andrew
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Drive to the CloudsSaturday, 19 July 2014
CancelledThe official Section Drive to the Clouds (aka Mt Evans) on Saturday, July 19, has been cancelled due to a conflict with our monthly breakfast at The Egg & I. The original plan was to meet in Woodland Park at 9:00 a.m. and depart for Mt Evans from there. As you know, our normal
monthly breakfast takes place at The Egg & I, 733 Academy Blvd, and it starts at 9:00 a.m. Since it’s impossible to be in two places at the same time – The Egg & I and Woodland Park – something had to give. Hence the Section drive was can-celled.
So come on down for breakfast - it’ll be a great Pikes Peak Section day. Turn out and see for yourself.
MBCA ElectionsIt’s time for MBCA national elections and candidates have been certified. Pikes Peak Section members can vote for 4 Directors-at-Large (DALs) from the follow-ing list of candidates:
• Frank Cozza
• Bill Denton
• William Hopper
• Josephine Lessler
• Cliff Reyle
In addition to voting for DALs, you will be asked to approve a bylaw amendment that will allow online voting for future na-tional elections beginning in 2015.
Election material and a ballot will be printed and mailed to all Active Members on or after 1 September 2014. In order to be counted, the pre-addressed ballots must be received by October 15, 2014. Your participation in our election process is important. Please vote.
The leadership of MBCA is pleased to announce an exciting new marketing part-nership between MBCA and Airstream, Inc. Effective June 1, 2014 through December 31, 2016, Airstream will purchase a one-year MBCA membership for every buyer of a new Airstream Interstate® luxury recreational van and every buyer of a new Airstream Autobahn® luxury passenger van. Both vans are built exclusively on the award-winning Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and proudly feature the MBCA Star on their grille
In addition, every MBCA member can re-ceive $500 off the purchase price of a new Interstate or Autobahn (MSRP is $137,800 to $151,500). Begnning this August and September, we hope to have new Air-stream Interstate and Autobahn luxury van
demos at MBCA Special National Events so that MBCA members can experience their comfort, style and riding capability first-hand. Airstream Interstate and Auto-
bahn demo vans will also be available at MBCA’s National, Special National and Regional Events. The formal schedul-ing of these demos will be managed by Airstream’s national headquarters; there-fore, local Airstream Dealers should not be contacted. Take a virtual tour of the Interstate® at www.Airstream.com.
Airstream Partners
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Dragonman’s Military Museum - 16 August 2014We have a real treat for you on Saturday, 16 August. After breakfast at the Egg and I, we’ll drive out to Dragonman’s for a tour of his amazing WWI-to-present Military Museum. We’ll be leaving around 11 a.m. Those who can not attend the breakfast, feel free to join us at Dragonman’s around 11:30 a.m.
This military museum is a real treasure that is often overlooked. Mel Fisher, the owner, will give us a tour. He is extremely knowledgeable and can tell you where he located each item in the collection and how much it cost. The museum covers nearly a hundred years of military history with uniforms, vehicles and weapons from each war. Each tour lasts about 1.5 hours, depending on the number of questions.
Please RSVP to Ken Sheehan at [email protected] or by calling 710-433-9025 by 9 August, so we can give them a count. After the tour the rifle/pistol range will be available for those who want to get in a little
target practice.
The photo shows one of the vehicles used in WWI; we’ve come a long way in military equipment since then.
Don’t miss this event; it’s a local attraction that’s well worth the visit. Because we are a group Mel is going to give us a special rate. Normally the museum tour is $10 per person, the range is $10 a person or $18 for two. Any questions, give Ken a call.
This just in from the latest edition of the MBCA e-newsletter, Click, a quick wrap-up of news, discounts & special events:
Chicago to Key West 2015 Road Trip Adventure — Reservations are filling fast for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Dates are August 16-26, 2015. Cost is $3975 per couple and $2927 single and includes hotel accommodations for 10 days, private tours and entertainment, catamaran sailing and unique dinner parties each night. Check out details on the MBCA website.
Legends of the Autobahn® 2014 — Cel-ebrate “Legends” 5th anniversary with 100s of Mercedes-Benz, Audi & BMW enthusi-asts on Friday, August 15 during Monterey Classic Car Week. It’s a one-day event that MercedesHeritage.com calls a ‘Monterey MUST VISIT’! This will be the best show of distinctive German automotive engineering
during the Pebble Beach Concours week. For the first time, all three Ger-man car clubs will celebrate a unified theme—Motorsport. MBCA will join
Mercedes-Benz Classic Center’s 2014 cel-ebratory theme “120 Years of Motorsport.” There is no admission fee for spectators; judging and display entries are $40-$75. Details are on the MBCA website.
StarTech 2015 — Join us next summer in Cincinnati, the celebrated “Queen City,” for Midwest hospitality that will include a sparkling Welcome Party on Friday, June 12, and a fabulous Saturday Night Soiree on June 13, with the opportunity to be a part of the Arthritis Foundation’s Concours d’ El-egance at Ault Park with Mercedes-Benz as the featured marque. Along the way, enjoy interesting and interactive seminars and an-cillary events for spouses and kids. Contact Pamela Zelman at [email protected]. Additional info can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/StarTech2013/
“...it’s a local
attraction that’s
well worth the
visit.”
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PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS!
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Joint Section PicnicDate: 12 Jul 2014; 11:45 a.m.Location: 17410 Prospector Dr, Peyton, COCost: $10 per personContact: Clark Absher, 719-749-2621, [email protected]
July SocialDate: 16 Jul 2014; 6:30 p.m.Location: The Old Blinking Light, 9344 Dorchester St, Highlands RanchCost: No hostContact: Lou Rogers, 303-550-6543
Mile High Section EventsFor more information, visit the MHS website at http://www.milehighmbca.org
Mixer Board Meeting - 5 September 2014This September’s Board Meeting for the Pikes Peak Section will a bit different. We’ll meet on a Friday, 5:00 p.m., at the Airplane Restaurant, 1665 N. Newport Rd (one block east of Powers on Fountain Blvd)for a meet-and-greet with the board mem-bers. We’ll have appetizers available and conduct a short meeting so we can enjoy the end of the work week and chat about everything except work.
The Airplane Restaurant offers a unique environ-ment with all things “airplanes and jets”, the KC-97 dining platform is unique and is a must-see. The lounge offers a wide selection of adult beverages and their menu offers something for everyone.
Gold Mine Tour - 20 September 2014We will be travelling to Victor after breakfast in September to rediscover gold mining country. From the valley fill/gold recovery operation along Highway 67, near the Little Grouse Mountain Trailhead, to the surface mine operation that can be seen from Ameri-can Eagles Overlook, you will gain a perspective of
modern-day methods that keep the historic gold min-ing legacy alive. We will be taking a 2-hour tour of an active mining area near Vic-tor where we will see large equipment operating. This is not an underground tour. Come with us for this unique day in the mountains. Con-tact Henry Russell (719-599-5503) for details.
Chile Run - 28 September 2014Have you used up your supply of fro-zen green chilies from our last chile run (2010)? I have! In September, it will be time for us to drive down to Pueblo and get a new batch of freshly-roasted Anaheim or Pueblo chilies for salsa, green chile, bur-ritos, Mexican omelets, or chilies rellenos.
Join us Sunday, September 28, time TBA. We’ll caravan to Pueblo (with possible stops at Paved Pass markers) to Milberger
Farms for green chilies. We’ll finish the afternoon with lunch at a Mexican restau-rant. For details, please call Julie Nelson, 719-634-7522, or email ottobahn2@gmail.
“...modern-
day methods
that keep the
historic gold
mining legacy
alive..”
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The Pikes Peak Section has created a regional event extravaganza for 2014, “Mountains, Movies & Mercedes.”
The weekend experience begins with a catered, hosted reception at Mercedes-Benz of Colorado Springs on Friday night amid the Star Cars of today. We will provide heavy hors d’oeuvres and adult bev-erages to all of our participants.
This is a big weekend in Colorado Springs with the Balloon Classic and USAFA Parents Week-end, so we have reserved hotel rooms for our out-of- town participants at the local Hampton Inn. Go to http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/C/COSNHHX-MEZ-20140829/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG. The rate is $139 per night and it is good until 30 July.
Saturday, meet for a hosted breakfast at our event HQ before leaving on a guided tour of the most spectacular spot in Colorado Springs – Garden of the Gods. Then we head up the Pikes Peak High-way to the summit of America’s mountain, Pikes Peak. The fee to drive to the top is $12 per person or $40 per car. This fee is not included in your registration. After photographing our Star Cars in the world’s highest Car Corral, we’ll return down the mountain for a hot brake check and a complimentary box lunch at a scenic picnic area on the mountain.
Then it’s on to the world-famous, 5-star Broadmoor Hotel and a tour of their 8500 square foot El Pomar Carriage House Museum. This collection of 31 vin-
tage horse-drawn carriages and 5 motorized carriag-es includes 3 Pikes Peak Auto Hill Climb race cars (circa 1920s) and 2 presidential carriages. Dinner (no host) will be at the iconic Golden Bee Pub. Fish & chips, yards of ale and plenty of English charm are just a few reasons our participants will enjoy the lively atmosphere of this authentic English pub.
The main event is on Sunday. We will rendezvous for a theme-based rally keyed to the secret drive-in movie. Clues along the rally route will provide hints as to what the title is. At the end of the rally, we will be treated to a sit-down, catered dinner and dessert. We will present prizes to the coolest driver on the Pikes Peak Highway and rally winners.
At dusk, we will line up the Star Cars in front of the two gigantic movie screens; convertibles with tops down, of course. By dark, everyone will have visited our movie concession stand to stock up on popcorn and Twizzlers. Tune in your car radios to the proper frequency to enjoy the movie soundtrack. Then settle back and enjoy the movie.
The cost for this great weekend is only $70 per person and includes the reception, continental breakfast, box lunch, rally, dinner and snacks, and adult beverages. We also have an ala carte op-tion for the rally, dinner, and movie only for $45 per person. Your paid reservation must be re-ceived by 11 August. Make your check payable to Pikes Peak Section MBCA and send to Dan Kerbs, 7183 Stinson Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.
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Der MarktplatzNEW GARAGE SALE! Time to thin out the herd. Pete Watson is putting some of his special collection of Mercedes on the block, including: - 1988 560SL – Blue/blue. Both tops. 122k miles.
$15,500 OBO. - 1992 500SL. Black/tan interior. Both tops. 115K miles. $12,500 OBO. For more info on the cars as well as prices, email Pete at [email protected] or call him at 719-351-0815.
380SL Windscreen. Fits Model R107 (380SL, 450SL, 560SL). A must for a quiet, top-down drive. Perfect condition. New $395. Asking $175 OBO. Call Charlie at 719-576-9737.
Running Board Trade. I have a 2012 ML 350 that needs running boards. I’m looking for someone with a 3rd generation ML who has running boards but really wants rocker panel covers. Let’s trade. It’s not a hard job to do; Dan Kerbs & Gary Gagnon can walk us through it and we’ll each save over $1000. Contact Dave Carpenter at 719-532-0257 or [email protected]
Thule Cargo Carrier. $600 cash only or make an offer. Contact John or Hilda at 548-8322 or [email protected]
Kelly M. Shaffer, CSPVice President / COO
2118 Hollow Brook Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
719.528.8888
Accounting + Administrative + Executive + Medical + Technicalwww.addstaffinc.com
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The Paved Peaks & Passes program is going like gang-busters! We have driven 28 of the 36 possible passes and altogether, we have driven 124 passes. That’s an awe-some accomplishment. Check out all the
photos on our Facebook page at “MBCA Pikes Peak Section.” Get your passport today, and join the fun!
Paved Peaks & Passes
Mile High Section Road Trip
MHS Fall 2014 Regional Event! September 5-8, 2014
Friday, Sept. 5th
Meet at 8:00 am at Perkins Restaurant 1495 Simms St. (Corner Simms & Colfax)
We will depart from Perkins at 9:00 am Lunch in Grand Junction
Tour Castle Creek Winery in Moab Dinner at the Blue Pig In Moab
Saturday, September 6th
Arches National Park -- Over 2,000 arches are located within the park's 76,518 acres, as well as a variety of other geological formations, including colossal sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires that warf visitors as they explore the park's viewpoints along a paved scenic drive and a variety of walking and hiking trails.
Lunch in Moab Drive the Scenic Potash Byway along the Colorado River
Dinner at the Moab Brewery Sunday, September 7th
Canyonlands National Park - You won’t want to miss spending time atop the mythical sounding Island in the Sky. We’ll feel like we’re on top of the world as we enjoy our catered box lunch picnic in this beautiful location. Views from the Island encompass thousands of square miles of colorful canyons, mesas and buttes.
Dead Horse Point State Park—The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands' sculpted pinna-cles and buttes.
Dinner at Buck’s Grill House in Moab Late Night Stargazing in Canyonlands
Monday, September 8th
Return to Denver after breakfast. Information on optional activities and lodging
will be provided for those wanting to stay another day.
A block of rooms has been arranged at the La Quinta Inn & Suites, 815 S. Main Street in Moab. Phone (435) 259-8700. Participants are responsible for making their own reservations. Mention the Mercedes-Benz club when making your reservation.
REGIONAL ROAD TRIP TO UTAH REGISTRATION FORM
Event Registration Fee—$37.50 per person (Sunday Box lunch in Canyonlands is $10 additional per person)
Make your check payable to Mile-High Section, MBCA
Send check & this form to: Bob Mashburn, 3267 S. Dudley St. Lakewood, CO 80227
Name Phone: ______________________________
Email: __________________________# Attending _____ x $37.50 per person = $ _________
Box lunch # _______ x $10.00 = ___________ Total Enclosed: ________________ Registration fee covers cost for trip planning, printing of maps, trip documents and materials, Hospitality Suite items (wine, beer, snacks served nightly in the Hospitality Suite), rally materials and prizes. Lodging, meals & beverages (other than free hotel breakfast and Hospitality Suite), park admissions, other entrance and visiting fees (if any) are not included as part of the registration fee.
We have built in free time for other activities you may want to pursue on your own. Hospitality Suite will be open each evening—so plan to drive, eat, drink, relax,
enjoy and have a great time!
FormoreinformationcontactBoborNatalieMashburnat303-988-2710orviaemailatbob_mashburn78@yahoo.com
MHS Fall 2014 Regional Event! September 5-8, 2014
Friday, Sept. 5th
Meet at 8:00 am at Perkins Restaurant 1495 Simms St. (Corner Simms & Colfax)
We will depart from Perkins at 9:00 am Lunch in Grand Junction
Tour Castle Creek Winery in Moab Dinner at the Blue Pig In Moab
Saturday, September 6th
Arches National Park -- Over 2,000 arches are located within the park's 76,518 acres, as well as a variety of other geological formations, including colossal sandstone fins, massive balanced rocks, soaring pinnacles and spires that warf visitors as they explore the park's viewpoints along a paved scenic drive and a variety of walking and hiking trails.
Lunch in Moab Drive the Scenic Potash Byway along the Colorado River
Dinner at the Moab Brewery Sunday, September 7th
Canyonlands National Park - You won’t want to miss spending time atop the mythical sounding Island in the Sky. We’ll feel like we’re on top of the world as we enjoy our catered box lunch picnic in this beautiful location. Views from the Island encompass thousands of square miles of colorful canyons, mesas and buttes.
Dead Horse Point State Park—The view from Dead Horse Point is one of the most photographed scenic vistas in the world. Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, the overlook provides a breathtaking panorama of Canyonlands' sculpted pinna-cles and buttes.
Dinner at Buck’s Grill House in Moab Late Night Stargazing in Canyonlands
Monday, September 8th
Return to Denver after breakfast. Information on optional activities and lodging
will be provided for those wanting to stay another day.
A block of rooms has been arranged at the La Quinta Inn & Suites, 815 S. Main Street in Moab. Phone (435) 259-8700. Participants are responsible for making their own reservations. Mention the Mercedes-Benz club when making your reservation.
REGIONAL ROAD TRIP TO UTAH REGISTRATION FORM
Event Registration Fee—$37.50 per person (Sunday Box lunch in Canyonlands is $10 additional per person)
Make your check payable to Mile-High Section, MBCA
Send check & this form to: Bob Mashburn, 3267 S. Dudley St. Lakewood, CO 80227
Name Phone: ______________________________
Email: __________________________# Attending _____ x $37.50 per person = $ _________
Box lunch # _______ x $10.00 = ___________ Total Enclosed: ________________ Registration fee covers cost for trip planning, printing of maps, trip documents and materials, Hospitality Suite items (wine, beer, snacks served nightly in the Hospitality Suite), rally materials and prizes. Lodging, meals & beverages (other than free hotel breakfast and Hospitality Suite), park admissions, other entrance and visiting fees (if any) are not included as part of the registration fee.
We have built in free time for other activities you may want to pursue on your own. Hospitality Suite will be open each evening—so plan to drive, eat, drink, relax,
enjoy and have a great time!
FormoreinformationcontactBoborNatalieMashburnat303-988-2710orviaemailatbob_mashburn78@yahoo.com
The Mile High Section is traveling to Moab, Utah in September. Attendees will visit a winery, and take self-guided tours of Arches National Park, Canyonlands Nation-
al Park, and Dead Horse State Park. This is a no-host weekend; lodging, meals, and admission fees are not included.
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The South Park Weekend event was a resounding success. Clark Absher and Stan and Mary Bixler outdid themselves to ensure we had a great time. Six cars took to the road after breakfast and were joined at Wilkerson Pass by 2 more vehicles, bringing our participants to 16. We landed in Fairplay, home of South Park City, the reconstructed mining town. We parked our Star Cars right in front of the 35 original buildings that comprise South Park City. They include over 40,000 historically ac-curate artifacts and furnishings.
After our tour (thank you to the museum curator, Carol Davis), we headed for the 2nd Annual South Park Kick Ass BBQ, where we sampled world-class BBQ from the competing teams, as well as vendors who supplied such goodies as grilled corn, deep fried Twinkies, and burnt ends sand-wiches. Delicious!
We adjourned to the Fairplay-Valiton Hotel for cocktails and dinner and to compare BBQ tasting notes. We had a presentation on the history of the Denver, South Park &
Pacific RR, by the owner of the Como Hotel, David Tomkins. Da-vid was extremely knowledgeable on the history and preservation efforts underway on the DSP&P depot and round house in Como.
Sunday, we checked out of our historic and rustic Hand Hotel, and headed to Como, where David and Deb Queen-Stemke gave us guided tours of the depot and round house, including the engine turntable. It was a delightful morning reliving the heyday of mining and the railroads in the Rocky Mountains.
Then it was back into our cars for the trip to Breckenridge and lunch - with photo stops at Red Hill and Hoosier Pass for the Paved Peaks & Passes participants. Lunch at the Breck-
enridge Brewery was awesome. Hitting the road again, we embarked on a P3 extravaganza - Vail, Battle Mountain, Ten-nessee, and Trout Creek Passes. The weather wasn’t ideal but we didn’t care - we had a great time any-way. Thanks Clark, Stan and Mary!
South Park Weekend Recap
Organizers Stan & Clark
Lined Up at the Como Hotel
Aboard a DSP&P Locomotive in South Park
Star Cars in South Park City
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Each year, marketing firms conduct countless studies to help guide car-buyers’ decisions. They study vehicle reliability, the quality of the dealership experience, even how well consumers navigate automakers’ websites.
But what about the cars that people like? Reliability and quality aside, what cars do owners simply enjoy driving?
AutoPacific provides some answers in its most recent Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA).
Before doling out those awards, Au-toPacific polled over 92,000 new vehicle owners, asking them to score their ve-hicles on 50 separate criteria, including things like fuel economy, performance, and interior comfort. The firms says that this year’s findings were fairly unusual,
because no single brand or automaker dominated the results. Chevrolet has four models on the list; Lincoln has three; and BMW, GMC, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz each have two (S-Class and CLA).
Mercedes-Benz earns a special nod for receiving the highest VSA score in the sur-vey’s 18 years. The President’s Award for highest VSA score EVER is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Vehicle Satisfaction Winner by Richard Read
Mercedes “me” Store by Viknesh VijayenthiranWhile brand stores are quite common for the companies that build supercars and other exotics, they’re still a rather new con-cept for more mainstream makes, although that is slowly starting to change. BMW has opened a series of brand stores over the past couple of years and now Mercedes-Benz is hopping on the bandwagon with its first ‘Mercedes me’ store in the German city of Hamburg.
The stores follow a model made popular by tech giant Apple and offer touchscreen displays that allow cus-tomers to research products and services on offer. There are also configuration tools and staff to provide further information, and when the shopping is done there is a restaurant lounge and exhibition area for art exhibits, readings or concerts.
Mercedes first announced its Mercedes me branding at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show back in March. Covering the digital realm,
and now physical stores as well, Mercedes me is designed to offer customers (current and future) greater access to the Mercedes brand. Mercedes me is one part of Mer-cedes’ strategy to offer the best customer service in the industry by 2020.
“With Mercedes me we have responded successfully to the changed customer wishes and demands,” Mercedes sales and marketing chief Ola Källenius said in a statement. “Whether digitally or physically, we want to offer people
a convincing and lasting brand experi-ence.”
The Mercedes me store in Hamburg is now open for visitors. The official open-ing ceremony was held on June 14 where Mercedes staged an exhibition of German photographer Olaf Heine. The automaker plans to open many more Mercedes me stores, but has not revealed locations yet.
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1 July 2014Board Meeting - 6:00 p.m.Andrew Nelson 719-634-7522
12 July 2014Joint Section Picnic - 11:45 a.m.Clark Absher 719-332-5334
19 July 2014Monthly Breakfast - 9:00 a.m.Stan & Mary Bixler 719-597-1281
29 July 2014August Board Meeting - 6:00 p.m.Andrew Nelson 719-634-7522
16 August 2014Monthly Breakfast - 9:00 a.m.Dragonman Museum TourKen Sheehan 719-433-9025
29 August - 1 September 2014Mountains, Movies & MercedesDan Kerbs 719-594-6017
5 September 2014Mixer Board Meeting - 6:00 p.m.Gary Gagnon 719-282-9313
20 September 2014Monthly Breakfast - 9:00 a.m.Gold Mine TourHenry & Sylvia Russell 719-599-5503
28 September 2014Chile Run - 10:00 a.m.Julie Nelson 719-634-7522
7 October 2014Board Meeting - 6:00 p.m.Andrew Nelson 719-634-7522
Calendar of Upcoming Events
The Pikes Peak Section Board of Directors meets the First Tuesday of Each Month at Mercedes-Benz of Colorado Springs, 730 Automotive Drive. Meetings start at 6:00 p.m.
All Section members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Return Service Requested
On the Web at www.mbca.org/pikes_
peak/
To:
‘ROUND THE BENZ
‘Round the BenzEditor
4335 Penhurst Place
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
MBCA Pikes Peak Section
Happy 4th of July
