Viva Las Vegas - Baby

STORY BY Frank & Maria G

PHOTOS BY Anyone & Everyone

What’s

a Phoenix Police Patrol doing at the embarkation point for our long planned resurrection of the earlier Las Vegas Fun Runs of a decade or more ago, interrupting our drivers’ meeting? Well, being optimistic Jane Scharhon, Audre Stubbs and I went over to investigate, assuming it must be our escort for the run, like in the Copper State 1000. Later, Denny and Cindy Kahler wandered over to assist, along with several others. Instead of a much-anticipated police escort, we ventured upon a group of jovial community police, advising us that everyone other than those driving Porsche’s were welcome to leave, I Wonder how Phoenix PD knew we were departing from Tramonto and just happened to show up, must have pretty good intel or a CI?? This set everyone laughing, setting the tone for the multiple events over 3 days, which other than a few misting showers proved uneventful. Well that is except for finding ourselves in what appeared to the outside world to be an unsanctioned autocross, those in the caravan nimbly dodged an incredible number of potholes, while succeeding in creating the right line through the unexpected course. We ended up after last minute cancellations and emergencies having 23 cars/46 people on the drive, after having Bob and Ann Bandera join us enroute in Wickenburg along with David Tomato and DeLynn, and the Griffin’s catch up with us in Las Vegas [we of course had waivers signed in advance by them]. A big thanks to Mark and Angela Manente [Group 2 Lead Car], and Moe and Jane Scharhon and Gregg and Ali Bull [Sweep Cars] for their contributions to the drive.

After a brief fast-food lunch in Kingman, we regrouped and proceeded on to the Las Vegas Strip without incident. Dinner at Bootlegger’s Bistro Italian Bistro seemed to have met every expectation, with excellent offerings, a live piano player providing the entertainment and a taste of old Las Vegas packaged in a modern venue. Our President, Mark and First Lady Angela Manente were seen with Matthew and Lana Griffin breaking bread (err, eating Italian delights), and Bill and Audre Stubbs seemed to also be having a good time and good company. Our table of 12 somehow grew to 19 thanks to multiple incremental additions of those who wandered to the bar before dinner. Among those at the table, Robert and Linda Noland, David Tomato, DelLynn Conley, Leroy and Jill Wilkerson, Dieter and Susan Guenter, Mark Lindabury, the Kahler’s, the Scharhon’s, and of course Gregg and Ali Bull all indulged in the festivities. Finally, my deal with Bootlegger management, if they added the last two to our party, they wouldn’t see me again that evening, imagine that they jumped at that opportunity seizing the moment. A great family owned enterprise built on a long, illustrious history.

With the night just started, Jan and Jerry Mackulak had been off celebrating Jere’s birthday at a special and expensive romantic dinner that has been a tradition in their family. Unbeknownst to the Mackulak’s, we were also celebrating Maria Grimmelmann’s birthday of the week before with the trip to Las Vegas which had been noted by a piano recital at the Bootlegger and a chorus of the traditional melody. A group of us caught up with Jan and Jerry at the Bellagio’s Mayfair Supper Club for late night libations, after a somewhat raucous Uber ride to the strip from the restaurant! It was at the Mayfair [and reportedly earlier in front of the Bootlegger] that Dieter Guenter was seen kicking up his heels in style, essentially putting the energizer bunny to shame. Ahh, to see the other side of all of us.

With most sleeping in late the next day, we rendezvoused at Gaudin Porsche of Las Vegas the next afternoon to get the history of the dealership and a virtual tour of their new Center of Excellence which is exceptional in concept and the model for most of the modern designs we see for dealerships around the country. A family-owned business with a long history, Paul Jarrett, Gaudin’s general manager shared the history with us, followed by group photos. Paul, ably assisted by Julie Cane who arranges all of their events [and was also celebrating her birthday that day, think there must have been something in the water with all these birthdays ]. With Paul and Julie as exceptional hosts rolling out the red carpet, we also joined the Las Vegas and Intermountain Porsche Club of America Regions, doubling our number of participants for an exceptional regional event. This lent itself to new friendships and promises to reconnect at the Porsche Parade in Palm Springs in June. When he heard there were going to be photos at Gaudin, Dennis and Nancy Rood who had been visiting with friends in the area finally joined us for the festivities. Likewise, Leroy Wilkerson’s wife’s Acid Green Porsche had gotten dirty apparently prompting an anxiety attack, resolved by Gaudin when they graciously washed his vehicle with TLC, reading it for the festivities to follow [rained on of course on the road back to Phoenix the next day due to early departure]

The private reception at the “Pub D&G” proved to be about a mile and a half from Gaudin Porsche. Pub D&G is the private setting for Gaudin Porsche owner’s extensive private collection of automobiles. Rooms of exceptional and rare cars displayed in an incredible setting, a highlight of which is the extensive original English Pub bar transported piece by piece from Northern England! Dennis Rood had asked me for the Address of the ‘Pub’ in advance since he couldn’t find it on the internet, and necessarily I had to tell him that it was not distributed ahead of time and would only be shared with those at the dealership just prior to the drive. Needless to say, a very special place and a rare opportunity to see what is behind hidden walls, great experience. What a wonderful way to see Las Vegas, you had to be there to appreciate the warmth, sincerity and magnitude of the events hosted graciously by Gaudin!

Early the next morning some who looked at the weather forecast decided to stay in bed and/or return to Phoenix early. The adage in Las Vegas, those who elected to join the Las Vegas PCA drive through Lake Meade State Park and the Valley of Fire National Park ended up betting and winning the bet. While the forecast was for 100% rain, other than some very minor drizzle on the way to the meetup, while partially overcast there was zero rain and an exceptional memorable drive. We also found NV law enforcement to be equally friendly to those in phoenix, as we wound through the park at a somewhat brisk pace (but legal of course), a cruiser going the other way flashed his overhead lights in a vote of solidarity urging our caravan of elegant cars on, the best way to be recognized by law enforcement in any state. Of course, Jere hadn’t celebrated enough yet so he was reported as having another special birthday lunch at another very special spot arranged by Jan, which Mark Manente and a number of others attended in Jere’s honor and besides the food was good. Watch those birthday celebrations Jere, too many of them will age you.

Our special thanks to Reid Smith, LV Region PCA’s President, and his team who was a terrific partner in the planning and execution of this incredible driving experience. The rocks are as red as Sedona’s, the vistas incredible and the contrasting countryside mesmerizing. Also, hats off to Craig Shanklin, Southern Utah Intermountain Representative for leading 10 cars from Utah to join the party. With the beauty of the St. George Region and noted Porsche roads, we look forward to regional events with them in the future.

Finally, it was time for the drive home, and hats off to Bill Stubbs who volunteered to be the sweep car in his exemptional 911, nice and clean to keep the heat off the cars up front. We had a small but lively group return together, stopping at Luchia’s Restaurant and Gifts in Wikieup [another family-owned gem well worth visiting]. Amber at Luchia’s shared that a number of the cars that had returned the day before had stopped by for a welcomed break and some exceptional pies. One person in particular stood out in her memory, namely Jill Wilkerson. Apparently, one of her nails sports Acid Green Nail Polish that matches her car. My wife Maria is right, your nails are definitely noticed by women, live and learn guys. Individually, we had a number of other adventures, shows, dinners and memorable experiences during our 3 day visit to Las Vegas, too many to share and as we know what’s said in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas, PERIOD!

Of course, the adventure isn’t over yet since Jan is tallying the submittals for the Scavenger Hunt selfies, and he/she with the most shots (meant photos) wins. The winer will be announced at the April Member Meeting at Arrivederci, and of course the prize delivered so don’t miss it. My thanks again to Jan who collaborated with me throughout as co-conspirator, being the muse and inspiration necessary to reinstate the LV Fun Run event that she and Jere hosted for many years in the far-far past [line from Srhrek]. Glad her inspiration and Gaudin’s generosity made it happen for a very unique adventure. Thank you Jan.

End of story, we thank everyone who joined us on this trip, the people make the club and that is what in the end led to an exceptional experience. Now time to catch up and get back to work!