The Sweetwater Run Wild, Woolly, and Winding By Lionel Neff
T
he morning of January 22 commenced at 6 a.m. when the alarm sounded. It was still dark and cold. My wife and I, in a sleepy haze, managed to avoid bumping into each other while piecing together our attire for the day. By 7 a.m., with our coffee down, badges in place, and meal tickets, clip boards, and liability waivers all accounted for, we jumped in our trusty Porsche Turbo. I turned the key and the Turbo roared to life, anxious for a new adventure. The plan was to meet Art Shinn and Doreen Pankow at 8:30 in the Castaic Denny’s parking lot in preparation for the onslaught of the day’s enthusiasts. At 8:45 a parade of Porsches started arriving. I was gratified to witness our
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DER AUSPUFF March/April 2022
preparations had paid off as the liability waivers were duly signed and meal ticket envelopes dispersed; all went off without a hitch. We divided 66 Porsche crews into two groups. I would lead Group A while Doreen Pankow would lead Group B in her blue 993. At 10 a.m. all drivers were directed to their cars. The weather prediction was for heavy winds, which proved to serve us favorably. Due to the harsh forecast that in fact did not materialize, the roads were free of bicycles, motorcycles, and, for the most part, other vehicles. One could not hope for a better driving day: mostly clean, curvy roads, beautiful blue skies, and only moderate winds.
