VICARIOUS 003 | Summer 2018 | exhausted.ca

SUMMER 2018

Perspeccve

Life at 300 km/h: Sebassan Veeel on and off the track

Featured Region Andalusia rises skyward: The Spanish Costa del Sol says holà!

Discovered

Alone and unafraid: Travelling solo to the Land of Fire and Ice

TOCA Handcrafted Italian

For reservations call 416-572-8008 or email info@tocarestaurant.com

TOCA brings the taste of Italy to life through creative menus complemented by seasonal flavours and locally-sourced produce.

Preferred valet rate offered to TOCA guests.

Follow TOCA: Facebook & Instagram @tocatoronto

2018 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

Š

181 Wellington Street West, Toronto, ON Canada M5V2G7 tocarestaurant.com

Toronto's hidden gems, waiting to be discovered.

Indulge your appreciation for the extraordinary with exceptional culinary experiences, unparalleled views and spacious suites at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. ritzcarlton.com/toronto/offers/memorable-suite-experiences

Offer valid through December 31st, 2018, subject to availability. Rate is per room/per night, based on single or double occupancy, exclusive of taxes, gratuities, fees and other charges; does not apply to groups; cannot be combined with any other offer and is not applicable for Rewards redemption. Advanced reservations are required. No refund or credit for unused portion.

2018 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

Š

Editor in Chief

“Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

George Bernard Shaw

Big things are happening around the world in the automotive industry as we launch our summer issue of VICARIOUS magazine. Threats to the steel industry by the current US Administration are certain to have a ripple effect should the tariffs go through. What this could mean to automobile production in North America is uncertain, but it is a safe bet there is a big shift underway.

Likewise, the gasoline-powered automobile is facing an equal level of uncertainty as electric, hybrid, hydrogen and who knows what else assails the status quo in this era of change. What’s next, wind-powered cars? Surprise! Mercedes-Benz already has a prototype called Formula Zero and it looks very interesting. Driving and sailing in a Benz; the ultimate power trip for the young urban Internet billionaire.

What does this all mean for the automotive adventure seeker who longs to get out and experience a life well-lived with family and friends? In one word: choice. All the uncertainty currently in the marketplace can’t dim the fact this is the best time to explore the world from behind the steering wheel of your favourite vehicle, or go out and get a new one and start your next great adventure with a zeroed odometer. The world is yours to explore!

Change is inevitable and unfortunately sometimes painful as we all adjust to a new reality. But with it comes new opportunities and the prospect to experience things, in this case the automobile in all its glorious forms, in new and exciting ways. So, I say, charge the marketplace with electric automobiles, take me to new places in self-driving cars, use a 3D printer to manufacture my next vehicle and get diesel back in the conversation with amazing Mazda Skyactiv technology; I am not afraid!

In this issue, we introduce you to several new and very talented writers and artists from across the country. I would like to welcome Lesley Wimbush, Dan Heyman, Jim Kerr, Harry Pegg, Matthew Guy, Matt Neundorf, Grant Thomas, Wade Ozeroff and Philippe Sommer to our growing family of contributors. Of course, our regulars are back in a big way and they have many new stories to share.

I would also like to say a big thank you to The Tenors for taking time out of their busy touring schedule to speak with us and Sebastian Vettel, who gave us an exclusive interview and then went out and won the 2018 Canadian Grand Prix.

So, take a seat in your favourite comfy chair on a deck, dock, in your living room or an RV and enjoy our summer issue of VICARIOUS. It’s going to be another great drive!

Jeff Voth Editor in Chief, VICARIOUS jvoth@exhausted.ca

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Managing Editor

“The journey not the arrival matter”

T.S. Eliot

Summer has to be my favourite season, especially for those of us here in Canada where every hot day is counted and winter seems to last forever. The nice weather makes us want to play outside and for me, the warm and sunny days have the sweet smell of road trips. Windows down, blasting “Life is a highway” and singing our lungs out - it hardly gets more stereotypical than this but admit it; it feels like summer.

I particularly like my quote of the season from author T. S. Eliot because it perfectly puts into words what a road trip is, or at least what it should be. You can be heading to the least glamorous place in the entire world; the road there is the star of the show. It is the case of my trip to Cleveland - not exactly the sexiest, most exotic destination you’d come up with for a long weekend trip but riding along beautiful Lake Erie on the Kawasaki Ninja 1000 made it entirely worthwhile.

Also, in our summer issue, Special Feature contributor Matthew Guy had a sit down with The Tenors, the Canadian operatic super trio, about what inspired them to drive an old Jeep Cherokee in one of their video clips. And in the Perspective guest seat is famed four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel who spent time with Jim Kerr at the 2018 Canadian Grand Prix and chatted racing and life outside of Formula 1.

Finally, our Featured Region introduces you to gorgeous Costa del Sol in the south of Spain where European and Moorish influences clash into some truly unique architecture. The latest issue of VICARIOUS could hardly be more summery. Go outside to play, summer is here and we plan on taking full advantage of it!

Happy and safe travels!

Sabrina Giacomini Managing Editor, VICARIOUS sgiacomini@exhausted.ca

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When you go out, stand out.

All-New VELOSTER.

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Visit hyundaicanada.com to learn more.

™/ŽThe Hyundai names, logos, product names, images and slogans are trademarks owned or licensed by Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

Contents 4

Editor in Chief Letter

6

Managing Editor Letter

9

Contributors

12

Triumph Tiger

22

Turn-key Tourist

25

The Tenors Interview

32

Alone in Iceland

42

Subaru BRZ tS

46

South Carolina

58

Sunglasses

61

Niagara-on-the-Lake

68

Grant Thomas

73

Sebastian Vettel

78

Duffey Lake Road

New Roads

Special Feature Discovered

Featured Car Discovered

Accessories

Splash and Dash Auto Art

Perspective

Featured Road

82

Kawasaki Ninja 400

86

Salt Lake City

97

Bentley Stitching

Our Team Founder, Editor in Chief

Jeffrey Voth

Managing Editor

Sabrina Giacomini

Contributing Writers

Kelly Taylor

Rob Rothwell Matt Neundorf Dan Heyman Lesley Wimbush Jim Kerr Harry Pegg Philippe Sommer Matthew Guy Wade Ozeroff Design & Layout

Ilyes Fourar

Featured Motorcycle Discovered

Behind the Scenes

100

EcoRun Nova Scotia

110

Costa del Sol

114

Exit Lane

Special Feature

Featured Region

VICARIOUS is powered by exhausted.ca, a division of Wide Open Media. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without the written consent of the publisher. The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editors and staff.

Customer service: jvoth@exhausted.ca | Published in Canada To subscribe, visit www.vicarious-magazine.com Cover Photo: Christopher Rusev

Contributing Photographer

Peter Hessels Director of Sales

Jeffrey Voth 905.327.3944 jvoth@exhausted.ca

Contributors Matthew Guy Whether it’s wheeling a Land Rover across the deserts of western Utah, climbing over the red rocks of Nevada in a Ram Power Wagon, or bidding on collector cars at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona, Matthew is never far from something with four wheels and an engine.

Dan Heyman Years of magazine reading, movie watching (Gone in 60 Seconds ftw!) and Hot Wheels collecting has given Vancouver, BC native Dan Heyman what some would say is an unhealthy obsession with all things motorcar.

His dream drive? A 1971 Porsche 917K racer on Circuit de La Sarthe in Le Mans, France. He’s especially passionate about his photography, having won the published photo of the year award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) where he serves on the board of directors.

Matt Neundorf Ever since he can remember, Matt has been obsessed with everything motorized. And for the last twenty years, that obsession has been fixating on motorcycles. From building his own Triumph cafe racer to constantly seeking out adventures near and far, Matt is aiming to integrate the motorcycle into everything he does, while testing the limits of his riding abilities on all sorts of terrain. While he’s still happy to fling his BRZ around an apex from time to time, it’s clear that two wheels truly stir his soul.

Lesley Wimbush A multiple-award winning automotive writer and illustrator from Ontario, Canada, Lesley has been published in every major newspaper in the country. When not driving test cars, Lesley’s time is spent wrenching on, or lapping with their “eclectic” fleet, ranging from an 82 hp Mazda 323 to a Porsche Cayman S. With a rather diverse taste for horsepower -Lesley’s probably the only auto journalist to have ever won a horse race.

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New Roads

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Alt Rider’s Conserve The Ride

Adventure Rally

The hardest part of any adventure is leaving home. Home is comfortable, convenient, easy. It asks little of you other than to be present. Adventure takes work.

It takes planning, sweat, tools, know-how, and commitment. Especially on a motorcycle. I’m toying with my levels of these essential ingredients as I strap my duffel across the pillion seat of my Triumph Tiger.

Story and Photography: Matt Neundorf

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The destination is Alt Rider’s Conserve the Ride Adventure Rally in Woodward, Pennsylvania, an event that promises all of the terrains my bike was built to tackle, including a winding route through the Alleghenys just to get there. I should be chomping at the bit but something this morning feels “off”.

I’m nervous about pushing myself harder than I should. About falling into the trap of a racer’s mindset when I should be taking it slow. About finding myself in a situation I can’t get out of and, worst of all, wrecking my bike to the point of being stranded. Which, ironically enough, is exactly how I find myself right now.

That duffel is back on the grass as quickly as the expletives start firing from behind my helmet.

Thumbing the starter has given me nothing but a mechanical cough. Repeatedly. If this ordeal is a sign, I’ll give it an hour to actualize.

I hook up my trickle charger in the hopes it will solve all, brew up another cup of coffee and start typing a pre-emptive mea culpa to friends I’d planned on meeting at the event a day early. Thankfully, I need not hit send. An extra hour of sweat and tools is all the bike needs to wake up and my anger, confusion, and new found relief are enough to displace those previous reservations for now.

“Woodward finds itself in an idyllic setting for motorcyclists looking for great riding.”

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I find Woodward at the end of some beautiful and winding routes.

In between the bumper-to-bumper slog across the Queen Elizabeth Way from Toronto to the border and a short stint being shoved around by semis on I-80, the south bound portion of my ride along route 219 has marked the perfect start to this weekend.

It winds and undulates through some of the prettier bits of Upstate New York while worming its way into the heart of central Pennsylvania. If someone out there is looking for a road trip route, this is a good one.

Nestled into the outskirts of the Bald Eagle State Forest, Woodward finds itself in an idyllic setting for motorcyclists looking for great riding.

Surrounded by lush forests, an extensive trail network and elevation changes around every corner, every sense is tickled as I make my way to camp.

A large Amish farming community surrounds the area and I’m greeted by waves from horse-drawn carriage more times than I can count.

“If someone out there is looking for a road trip route, this is a good one.”

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Arrival into the campgrounds is equally welcoming.

Handshakes and registration are followed by impromptu invites from friends old and new to go explore the area or check out some of the routes on tomorrow’s map.

I jump at the chance for a preview as after hours of slab I’m looking to get my dirt legs back and the conditions around here are rumoured to be exceptional. This is thanks to the Seven Mountains Conservation Corp (SMCC), a non-profit group comprised of off-road motorcyclists that had grown frustrated by the lack of open or cared-for trails. SMCC members dedicate their time -- often fifteen to twenty days per year -- to making sure the trails are traversable yet still challenging while also ensuring the environmental fallout due to their use is kept to a minimum. They are an admirable bunch.

After setting up camp, my afternoon begins with my Tiger getting a good and proper work-out. A small group of us head out and pre-run five of the ten option routes, most in reverse and I’m completely blown away.

It’s no wonder AltRider has decided to call this place home for two of their last three events. Winding two-track routes comprised of shale that’s been pounded down to pea-gravel sized spheres collects in berms at every kink and wrinkle, just waiting to slingshot rider and bike around deciduous obstacles.

The shale-trails link to rocky passes that climb and descend along Strong, White, High and Jacks Mountains. My arms, legs, suspension, and tires all take a beating but the gritty grin in my helmet has long since displaced whatever mental gremlins I’d felt in Toronto.

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When we return to camp, the empty field has exploded with popped tents and eager riders unloading and prepping their bikes for Saturday’s run.

Tires are being aired down, chains are being cleaned and lubed, and tool pouches and tail bags are being stuffed with emergency supplies.

These essentials mostly amount to granola bars, patch kits, and a collection of tubes which, I’ve already learned, disappear pretty quick around these parts. I take stock of my own collection and gather around a tapped keg to start rubbing elbow pads with the rest of the gang.

Jeremy LeBreton, the president of AltRider, interrupts the camaraderie to gather the entire group of giddy adventurers around the mess tent area. As a man in charge of a motorcycle accessories company, you’d expect this point to be his pitch.

Armed with necessary information, the next order of business is grub. Unlike other similar events Conserve the Ride is a fully catered affair. Chef Michael Marx, the man behind World’s Fare Catering has whipped up a Mexican feast that would cause any rider relying on a pouch of space food to rehydrate it with their tears. Six tacos disappear down my gullet and I have to mentally remind myself to share with the others.

I have the same quiet conversation when the churros hit the table too. The breakfasts and dinner that follow over the next two days are just as delectable, making the food almost reason enough to sign up for next year. But really, I’m here for the riding.

“...the conditions around here are rumoured to be exceptional.”

That he’d try to convince a few hundred more captive riders that what they really need to survive tomorrow’s routes can be found in the online catalogue, but that’s just not his style.

Jeremy is here to ride. And to make sure that everyone else who made the trek for this weekend can do the same, safely. So, he addresses things like body positioning and the mechanical modifications you should be making to make your bike easier to ride off-road.

Things like rolling handlebars forward for better comfort and control from a standing position and how to raise a rear brake lever so you can actually reach and feel it when you need it most and how to adjust hand controls so there’s no need to reach or bend to maintain control.

Groups of bikes take off on the GPS-led run in intervals throughout the next morning. The groups were broken up depending on skill levels or how gnarly you wanted to get, and each rider could slot in with one that met their needs. The entire run consisted of over 240 km of off-piste action with the ten optional challenge trials all linked via a scenic logging road. Arrows had been posted at every intersection to keep people on track and every option had its own sign with a brief description and skill recommendation posted at its start.

A couple of SMCC members had left camp at the crack of dawn to set up the signage and it made navigation a cinch for riders like me who’ve yet to splurge on a dedicated GPS. Those same SMCC folk will be running the route again at the end, as sweep, to make sure no rider is left behind. Like I said, a truly admirable bunch.

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18

19

“Adventure takes work. It takes planning, sweat, tools, know-how, and commitment....”

My group is small, just myself and two others, but we quickly catch up to various other pockets of spackled and dusty riders. Some are in need of help, usually a pinch flat has claimed a tire or tube and some extra muscle for a trailside swap is appreciated, while others are just enjoying their surroundings at a lessthan-race pace.

Of the ten options, I dart my way through only a handful today, skipping those I’d run the day before and seeking out others that promise not to destroy my bike. The notion of being able to make the ride home repopulated my brain after having to make a couple of timely dabs to keep things upright.

My reaction time feels off a bit this morning, so I figure there’s no need to chance things, so I don’t, and my experience doesn’t suffer.

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Even the scenic route has its share of spots to get slide-ways and the overlooks are pretty stupendous.

As the energy from my granola bars starts to wane and my hydration pack hits empty, the ride winds itself back to into camp. This day in the saddle and up on the pegs has easily been one of the most challenging and fun experiences I’ve had in a long time. The mixture of people, scenery, terrain, food and liquid rewards at the end are truly unparalleled.

Adventure takes work. It takes planning, sweat, tools, know-how, and commitment, sure. But at Conserve the Ride the bulk of that is tackled by others. All any rider has to do is show up with a positive attitude and an adventurous spirit. And that begins with leaving home, which shouldn’t be that tough at all.

Provided your bike starts.

Featured Hotels

Turn-key Tourist

turn-key (adjective): of or involving the provision of a complete service that is ready for immediate use.

Story: Jeff Voth

Rival Hotel: Opened on September 1, 2003, the Rival Hotel is a “dream come true” for Swedish music composer turned entrepreneur Goran Bror “Benny” Andersson. You will recognize him mostly for his work as part of the Swedish mega music group ABBA. Mama Mia, this is one amazingly sophisticated, yet splendidly simple and elegant 99-room hotel. Originally designed as a cinema in 1937, painstaking reconstruction crafted the seven-storey structure to allow for seamless flow between bars, bistro, entrance hall, and the main lounge. Filled to capacity on a nightly basis with the hip and elite of Stockholm, the Rival Hotel is as much an entertainment destination today as it was nearly eight decades ago.

Dining takes place in the Swedish Bistro, the setting for a spectacular buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner. Right next door, caffeine and croissants flow freely at Café Rival. Tables are scarce throughout the day as customers share their stories in the tight, friendly confines of this excellent coffee bar.

Address: Marustorget 3, Box 175 25, SE-118 91 Stockholm, Sweden Website: www.rival.se

Hotel Savoy Florence: A Rocco Forte Hotel, it is perfectly placed in the middle of old Florence with easy access to all tourist sites. Exit the front doors and a quick stroll to the right will take you to the Duomo and Galleria, or left to the main square, shopping, gelato and a short 15-minute walk to the famous Ponte Vecchio Bridge. Streets are narrow in spots, even for Italy, and driving here requires a great deal of concentration and patience, but the effort is well worth it. A total of 80 rooms and suites grace the interior of the hotel. Piazza View rooms feature a king-size bed, marble bathroom and separate walk-in shower.

Large windows look out towards the Piazza della Repubblica. Who needs climate control when the view through an open window is so magnificent?

A truly authentic dining experience awaits at the Irene Firenze restaurant.

Breakfast is served buffet style or a la carte, but the real magic happens at night while dining street side in glorious Florence.

Address: Piazza della Repubblica 7, Florence, Italy 50123 Website: www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-savoy

Blackrock Oceanfront Resort: It feels like the resort has been in this location for as long as the surrounding old growth forest. Blackrock masterfully incorporates natural elements into the design along with the latest technology for a truly unique coastal island stay. A total of 133 luxurious studio suites, plus 1 and 2 bedroom suites, are situated high above the Pacific Ocean. The view outward is breathtaking. Inwardly, accommodations offer a contemporary feel while still featuring enough extravagance to best the standards of most luxury hotels and resorts on the island. All rooms feature gas fireplaces, heated slate bathroom floors with soaker tubs, plus California style king beds and kitchens or kitchenettes equipped with top-of-the-line appliances. Fetch restaurant serves artisan inspired West Coast cuisine. Fresh island ingredients highlight locally sourced salmon, shellfish and BC’s finest beef and farm fresh produce.

The wine list is extensive, so too is the list of local beer. After dinner, spa appointments await at the onsite Drift Spa. Address: 596 Marine Drive, Ucluelet, B.C., Canada V0R 3A0 Website: www.blackrockresort.com

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Hotel Sacher Salzburg: The grand dame of Salzburg, this hotel resides in regal splendour on the shores of the River Salzach. Facing Old Town and the Fortress Hohensalzburg, it is a short walk to most attractions over a pedestrian bridge located immediately behind the property. Constructed between 1863 and 1866, the halls of the Hotel Sacher Salzburg have welcomed royalty and celebrities from around the world for more than 150 years. A total of 113 rooms and suites define the property. They range in size from the 159 sq. ft standard room to the super chic 1,615 sq. ft Presidential Suite. Owned since 1988 by Alexandra Winkler, much time and attention to detail has gone into a painstaking recreation of this classic hotel. Exquisite dining options abound within the hotel itself. Restaurant Roter Salon serves an outstanding buffet breakfast on the promenade overlooking the river. Casual fare is enjoyed at the Piano Bar or one of the city’s favourite hangouts, Cafe Sacher Salzburg.

Here coffee and the renowned Original Sacher Torte reign supreme. Restaurant Zirbelzimmer is the setting for elegant evening dining.

Address: Schwarzstrasse 5-7, Salzburg, Austria 5020 Website: www.sacher.com/en/hotel-sacher-salzburg The Inn Above Tide: A total of 31 rooms and suites face the bay towards San Francisco, California. A short jaunt down El Portal from the main street of Bridgeway, the name implies just how close the ocean laps beneath the balcony. Binoculars are provided to encourage peering out to sea. From a sundrenched deck it is easy to gaze across the miles and see Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Oakland and Angel Island. Sausalito is recognized in reality and song as a summer retreat. Coffee shops, superb restaurants with names like Poggio and Angelino, plus a long boardwalk, make it the ideal setting for a carefree May to October existence. As you would expect in a hotel located so closely to the technology hub of California, keeping connected is easy, but that would be missing the point. The real beauty of this Inn is the serene view out the terrace window. A glass partition and two teak chairs with a table are all that separate you from the ocean.

Address: 30 El Portal, Sausalito, CA, United States 94965 Website: www.innabovetide.com

Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten: Located in the centre of the city on the Binnenalster (Inner Alster) of the River Elbe, the Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten offers the prime location for an overnight or weekend stay in Hamburg, Germany. Founded in 1897, a total of 156 rooms and suites feature stateof-the-art amenities to meet the needs of today’s traveller. Muted shades of ivory and rich wood decorate the newly renovated lakefront accommodations.

A huge window looks into the central courtyard; the perfect setting to soak and relax in the gigantic bathtub nearby. The Jahreszeiten Grill features the eclectic art deco style of the 1920s with the experience of traditional Hanseatic dining. There is also the opportunity to dine at NIKKEI NINE, a Japanese-style restaurant with a Peruvian (South America) twist or Wohnhalle for afternoon tea. Be sure to stroll downtown and see if you can find the Beatles statues signifying where it all started for the Fab Four.

Address: Neuer Jungfernstieg 9-14, Hamburg, Germany D-20354 Website: www.fairmont.com/vier-jahreszeiten-hamburg

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Sponsored content

Maximize your on-road performance

for the perfect summer escape Drivers with high-performance vehicles and a passion for pushing the limits on the road often find the journey to their destination as thrilling as the destination itself. Their vehicles are part of their pleasure experience, typically designed and constructed to be faster and lighter, and to boast more power and better handling.

While there are a number of add-ons and features available to drivers that promise to enhance a vehicle’s overall performance, in order for them to truly perform at their best, these vehicles need to be paired with the right tire, for increased grip as well as better handling.

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“From the racetrack to your daily drive, Michelin’s commitment to total performance is a full 360 degrees’ approach,” says Sabrina Garofalo, Marketing Manager for ultra high-performance tires, Michelin Canada. “Our engineers are assigned to every race team that competes with Michelin tires, where they take the learnings and technology developed at the race track and implement them in our everyday tires that are made for the road.”

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Michelin’s Pilot family of tires has always been a leader in the performance summer tire space, and its longstanding reign continues with the expansion of the Pilot Sport 4S tire’s size offer this year.

Blending a unique balance of traction and tread wear, the Pilot Sport 4S tire offers an increase in grip, leading to better handling. Whether it’s rocketing off the line or darting through turns, the technology of this tire, that’s been developed through motorsports, helps to make the most of your car’s power. Plus thanks to Michelin’s Dynamic Response Technology, which continuously adapts to the road to anticipate changes, drivers can focus on what really matters – the drive.

Before you hit the open road this summer, learn more about the Pilot Sport 4S, and Michelin’s commitment to total performance, here: https://www.michelin.ca/CA/en/tires/products/pilot-sport-4s.html.

Special Feature

The Tenors,

Newfoundland, and a Jeep Cherokee There are times when an inanimate object is as much of a character in a story as the human players themselves. If you’re reading this magazine, chances are you’re a gearhead like us, and for folks with gasoline coursing through their veins, that inanimate object is often a car. It could be Sonny Crockett’s white Ferrari in Miami Vice, or the 1967 Chevy Impala in Supernatural.

The Tenors are a trio of Canadian lads – Clifton, Fraser, and Victor – who have been thrilling audiences around the world for years with their powerful singing and impeccable harmony. They blend classical and contemporary music to produce some of the most beautiful renditions of timeless songs these jaundiced ears have ever heard. As if being imbued with that level of talent wasn’t enough, it’s also apparently impossible to take a bad picture of them.

Story: Matthew Guy

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This comes in handy when filming videos to accompany their songs. Last year, the group produced an album called Christmas Together, filled with their own takes on traditional Christmas songs.

Capping the ten-track record is the seminal song Auld Lang Syne.

In a music video the group filmed to accompany their song, it’s clear the lads planned for a vehicle to play a part in their cinematography. A red Jeep Cherokee (the classic old-school XJ) pops up about a minute in, then again, then again, appearing at several prominent occasions in the Newfoundlandbased film. Its perfect red paint popped against the rugged island blue and brown landscape, adding visual drama from an unexpected source.

As gearheads, we knew the Jeep’s placement was intentional. But why a Cherokee? Were the film sequences planned? And how’d the group settle on Newfoundland for a setting? Fortunately, Clifton Murray from the trio generously spoke with us about the project.

“I’ve deep roots in Newfoundland,” said Murray, waxing nostalgic about how he’d spend every other summer or winter on the island with his passel of cousins and relatives.

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“So choosing Newfoundland as the site for our video was an easy choice. The beautiful vistas of British Columbia have an equal in the geography of Newfoundland.”

Not to mention the dawn of the New Year first kisses the eastern shores of Newfoundland before anywhere else on our continent, tying it in beautifully with the spirit of Auld Lang Syne. “We got up at 5:00 am in order to catch North America’s first sunrise of the day in Cape Spear. We thought how fitting it would be to be there, metaphorically and physically, as the world sees the New Year,” he said. “By 9:30 am, we were on the road to travel across the island, chasing the sunset.”

This is where the Cherokee comes into play. It was indeed a deliberate decision to include a vehicle in the film. During development, the lads were unsure what to choose, so an associate scoured the island for off-road themed machines they could rent during the shoot.

“The production company sent us back a bunch of options,” Clifton explained animatedly. “On the list was a Hummer, a modern Range Rover, a Wrangler, and a lifted truck. All were cool but too blinged-out and ostentatious for our taste. It would’ve ruined the video’s vibe. Then we found the Cherokee.”

It was a great choice, he explained, and absolutely perfect for the vision they had in mind. The workaday nature of that Cherokee represented their humble beginnings, as normal Canadian boys who have simply found their niche and feel fortunate with their lot in life.

A jacked-up Hummer is as essential to the rural Canadian economy as a diamond-encrusted Rolex. But honest, blue-collar machines? They’re its backbone.

“...that Cherokee represented their humble beginnings...”

Clifton went on to say that using a common fourwheeler from that era facilitates a feeling of making the viewer go back in time to just before the proliferation of smartphone technology, allowing a reconnect with nature and each other.

This explains why anyone who’s ever taken a road trip with friends will instantly identify with the video; it’s a genuine depiction of three buddies hitting the road for a bonding experience that ultimately brought them all closer together as friend and bandmates.

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Their plan worked beautifully, as the well-loved Cherokee, with its imperfect aftermarket running boards and definitely-not-new BF Goodrich Long Trail T/A tires on old-school ‘phone dial’ wheels, is a machine one could easily imagine ferrying its owner to work in a rural Canadian snowstorm or a budding young Gretzky to the rink at 6:00 am.

“...the Cherokee became a character of its own in the video and turned into an old friend along the way...”

All hands agreed the Cherokee became a character of its own in the video and turned into an old friend along the way, carrying them all the way to the island’s West Coast, where the group visited several rural areas before heading to see the jaw-dropping beauty of Western Brook Pond.

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The film also features a few segments of the lads singing and having a good time with patrons at Quidi Vidi’s Inn of Olde, a landmark pub in the capital city. The crowd shown, about 25 people, was a good mix of Murray’s family and people simply “out for a nip”, Murray said.

One could easily imagine any of the down-toearth souls at the bar having a hard-working Jeep Cherokee parked at home in their driveway.

The Tenors will be back in Newfoundland on October 11th for a performance with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. Their last performance in the province sold out and this one surely will as well.

Who knows? There just might be a red Jeep Cherokee in the parking lot waiting to take them back to their hotel after the show.

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Discovered

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Alone and unafraid

Solo travels to the Land of Fire and Ice The world is opening up and travelling alone has become a favourite choice of adventure seekers. It can seem like a daunting process, but from what I’ve learned, my solo trips have also been the most rewarding.

Story and Photography: Sabrina Giacomini

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I travelled on my own for the first time at the tender age of 16. Well, I wasn’t exactly alone—I was travelling to Italy where I was going to spend some time with my family. It was, however, my first time having full responsibility for myself from the moment I went through security at the Montreal airport, to stepping off the plane and meeting my aunt in Milan.

This, let’s call it “complicated”, experience didn’t deter me from adding to a growing collection of stamps in my passport. I have since had a few occasions to travel by myself, from the occasional trip to see the familia, to adventures in foreign places I discovered all on my own.

There were a lot of firsts on that trip. I missed a connecting flight at the Charles-De Gaulle Airport in Paris where I had a layover. What a mess! And for the first time, my luggage got lost. Not a bad way to take your initial solo trip!

There are also quite a few perks to travelling solo when you think of it. Accommodations for one person are generally easy to find, whether you are considering a bed in a hostel or an entire apartment.

You also get to make your own schedule and travel on your own terms—no need to compromise.

My latest destination was definitely the most exciting one. Every place I’ve visited offered something special, but this one holds a special place in my heart. I had been wanting to visit Iceland for years.

Funny enough, an episode of Top Gear triggered that sudden and heart-fluttering desire to venture to this tiny little island in the middle of the ocean, somewhere between Greenland and England, where ice meets fire.

“Every place I’ve visited offered something special, but this one holds a special place in my heart.”

I was so excited at the idea of visiting Iceland, I actually started preparing for the trip before I decided to go. The first thing I did—and the first step I recommend to anyone looking to travel on their own—is to research the destination thoroughly. Is it as safe place to visit by yourself? What’s the weather like and what’s the best time of the year to go? I read blogs, reviews, and forum comments from people sharing their experiences. For the record, Iceland is a great solo destination!

Then, one lazy Saturday afternoon, sitting at the computer, I felt like poking around Google Maps and plan what my ideal itinerary would be. Just for fun.

Unknowingly, six months later, this itinerary would end up being my roadmap!

Google has a tool called “My Maps” that allows you to create your very own route without being stuck following an elaborate algorithm. You can drop pins on must-see locations as well. Once again, I did my research of all the Icelandic landmarks and decided which ones from the endless list I wanted to see with my own eyes. Aside from the black sand beaches and volcanoes; those were a given, I even looked up gas stations every 100 km or so—I pictured Iceland being a lot more barren than it actually is.

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I also looked at accommodations; living so remotely from the rest of the world comes at a price, literally, and pretty much everything in Iceland is expensive, including hotels. Thankfully, a little app called Airbnb proved extremely useful and I was able to pay on average $100 Canadian a night renting rooms from people.

You may start to notice a pattern here; research is the key to a great trip. In 2018, we are lucky enough to have a wealth of information at our fingertips. The best advice I can give you is this: do your homework.

Research everything. If you have questions, Google can find you the answers. Be informed and know where you want to go, the rest will fall into place.

Not wanting to follow the flocks of tourists who visit the island, I decided to travel against the current.

Most people head south, leaving from Reykjavik and travel around the island counter clockwise. I did the opposite and headed north instead. For that, I needed a car so I researched the cost of a rental car versus SUV versus motorcycle.

A few months later, the time finally came for me to make the commitment; so, in January 2018, I bought a plane ticket for Reykjavik that was leaving the following month. I picked February because it was the optimal season to view the northern lights, but also a time of the year when I would get a small, but convenient eight hours of daylight.

It would be enough for me to see what I wanted to see and get to where I needed to go without the worry of having to navigate my way at night. I had the plane ticket, the accommodations, the itinerary and the car. I was going to Iceland!

Of course, we’re talking about me. Things are never simple when I’m involved. I finally made it to Reykjavik on Saturday, February 25th after a six-hour flight delay. The airport was closed all day Friday due to a winter storm. Just my luck. The sixhour delay forced me to rework my agenda and react quickly which brings me to my next piece of advice.

Always be prepared to rework your plan because the unexpected will happen, it’s part of what makes any trip a great adventure.

In my case, this meant reorganizing my accommodations. With half of my first day lost because of the delay, I wouldn’t make it to my first destination I had planned for, so I pushed everything back and booked a last-minute room closer to Reykjavik. My motto for this trip was simple; take my time and relax.

There is so much to see and do, rushing to find my room at the end of each day was not an option.

It’s supposed to be a vacation, remember? Some people enjoy the hustle and bustle of an exotic destination with an agenda packed with activities of all sorts from sunrise to sunset. I’m not like that. I choose to leave the stress behind.

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Result: I spent a wonderful, memorable, six-day long trip travelling around Iceland, experiencing things I had never imagined. Sulphur springs, glaciers, icebergs, volcanoes, black sand, miniature Icelandic horses… there was something beautiful and strange to look at around every corner on the road.

A little bit about gorgeous Iceland...

Iceland is the epitome of weird in the most wonderful way. The landscape is a patchwork of familiar-feeling places and outlandish scenery that is somehow stitched together to form an island.

One minute you are cruising through a vast plain between mountain ranges, the next, you’re surrounded with moss-covered volcanic formations, before taking a turn and finding yourself at the bottom of a fjord with blue waters on one side and snow-covered peaks on the other. Be prepared to stop and take pictures all... the…time.

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I also chose not to partake in any organized activities; I’m more of a loner in that regards and I don’t enjoy following a pack of tourists. I prefer to make my own path. Sure, I could have gone volcano exploring or glacier hiking. Instead, I offered myself a week of personal time in the car, listening to my favourite music and just pondering life in general. It was restful and pleasant—I have grown to enjoy my alone time.

It might surprise you to learn that Iceland is a lot less cold than people think. When I said I was travelling to the country in February, some people wondered why I was leaving one winter climate for another.

It was actually warmer in Iceland than it was in Toronto, Canada. The thermometer hovered between -3°C and 10 °C throughout my trip. The jokes on you I guess!

If you decide to rent a car, people may try to sell you on the idea that an SUV is required to tour the island as some portions of the road are unpaved. Unless you plan to go do some serious off-roading, which is possible to plan for, you don’t need an SUV. I received the keys to a brand new Volkswagen Polo, the Golf’s little sister, and white of all things—it didn’t stay white for long.

If that’s not the complete opposite of an off-roadfriendly vehicle, I don’t know what is. Frankly, it turned out to be the ideal partner for my solo trip in Iceland. My biggest challenge was remembering the names of the locations I visited. There is a cruel lack of vowels and a superabundance of accents to deal with.

Don’t be afraid to try new things and to see the world, even if it means having to do it on your own.

Learn about your destination, become familiar with the places you will call home for a few days or maybe a week, learn some of the language; get involved. Be adventurous, be smart, and above all, enjoy yourself.

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Photography: Peter Hessels

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Discovered

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Exploring Upcountry in BMW X4 Story and Photography: Lesley Wimbush

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Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville reveals its charms slowly, a surprising gem discovered within the vast Coastal Forest region of South Carolina. Little wonder it’s also known as the “Emerald City”.

We arrive at Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, where instead of the usual labyrinth of dirty concrete and car exhaust, we’re welcomed by a leafy green canopy encircling a small lake with cascading fountain.

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From GSP it’s a quick shuttle to The Westin Poinsett, a 12-storey landmark hotel located in the heart of downtown Greenville.

It’s named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, who brought back to South Carolina the beautiful “La Flor de Noche Buena” or Christmas Eve Flower – which we now know as the poinsettia.

Built in 1924 for $1.5 million, a fortune at the time, to attract business travellers to Greenville’s thriving textile industry, the hotel became known as “Carolina’s Finest” and its roster of illustrious guests included Cornelius Vanderbilt, Amelia Earhart, Liberace, and Bobby Kennedy.

But the 1950s ushered in a new era of road-trippers; and while the motel industry flourished, the luxury hotel fell out of vogue.

The once prosperous Poinsett fell upon hard times and eventually closed in 1987. After being repeatedly vandalized, and surviving two fires, the hotel was considered one of South Carolina’s most endangered historical sites until its grand re-opening in 2000.

Situated on Main Street in the heart of Greenville, the Poinsett’s courtyard opens into the downtown square – making it the perfect home base for exploration. And what better way to do so than in an all-new luxury crossover?

Sandblasted brick and ornate mouldings create a nice backdrop for the 2019 BMW X4 xDrive30i parked on the inlaid-brick courtyard. Tomorrow, we’ll explore South Carolina’s Upcountry in luxurious comfort – while the twisty Appalachian roads should prove an exhilarating challenge for BMW’s famed performance and handling.

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But first, we’re in need of sustenance after our long flights. Once an unremarkable mill town, Greenville boasts a thriving arts community, 32 acres of gardens, cafés, miles of bicycle trails (17-time Tour de France rider George Hincapie trained here), and a passionate food scene.

It’s a warm summer evening’s stroll to “Larkin’s on the River”, one of South Carolina’s “12 most unique restaurants” and a haunt favoured by the likes of George Clooney, Martha Stewart, Kevin Costner and Aretha Franklin.

Known for its “Secret Wine Society” which offers guests the opportunity to sample rare and interesting wines, Larkin’s open-air ambience and breathtaking riverside view make it the place to enjoy premium aged steak and seafood.

Fully sated by a menu that included jumbo lump crab cakes, short rib poutine, and fried green tomatoes with horseradish and crispy pork belly, we make our way back to the hotel for some much-needed rest.

“the Poinsett’s courtyard opens into the downtown square – making it the perfect home base for exploration.”

Although it’s barely 7:00 a.m., the humid subtropical climate feels overly warm and sticky to our tender Canadian sensibilities. We board the shuttle for Spartanburg; home of BMW’s largest manufacturing plant, and the country’s largest vehicle exporter.

In 26 years, the plant has grown from producing only 60,000 vehicles annually, to 411,171 in 2016. Last year that number dropped to 371,284 – which BMW was expecting as a result of factory shut-down to prepare and re-tool for the upcoming X7 crossover.

Nearly ten thousand people are employed here, building the crossover lineup from X3 to X6 - and the soon to arrive X7. It’s fascinating to watch the empty shells move from station to station, gradually gaining components and trim until the body is finally “married” to its chassis, and ready to roll off the line.

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BMW plays a crucial role in South Carolina’s economic development, which had lost some 60,000 jobs during the decline of the textile industry.

A recent University of South Carolina survey claims the automaker’s annual economic impact on the state is around $16.6 billion – thanks to the many suppliers and supporting industries which followed it here; creating thousands of jobs and attracting other big manufacturers such as Volvo, Mercedes-Benz and Boeing.

Image provided by BMW USA

Grabbing the keys to a X4 xDrive30i, we hit the blacktop to explore South Carolina “Upcountry” –the northwestern part of the state notable for its rugged Appalachian Mountains and rolling foothills, and not to be confused with the “low country’s” languid subtropical coast.

It also boasts one all-important road-trip feature that many premium German cars lack: plenty of interior storage, from large door pockets, extra cupholders, and console stowage to a handy cubby in front of the shifter that’s great for keys, phones, or road trip snacks.

The 2019 X4, now in its second generation, makes a fine road trip vehicle. Aside from its optional adaptive suspension and generous slathering of rich “Vernasca” leather, the X4 features a wealth of safety and convenience technology – not to mention standard all-wheel-drive.

Germans, who consider driving sacred, look down on our North American proclivity for incar consumption and traditionally accommodated our uncouthness with flimsy, ill-placed single cupholders.

“Spartanburg; home of BMW’s largest manufacturing plant, and the country’s largest vehicle exporter.”

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“...the X4 M40i’s selectable drive modes create an engaging experience behind the wheel.”

Though we’re given a guidebook with a prescribed route, we decide to venture off-track – a serendipitous turn that leads us down a leafy forest road and eventually to the charming Campbell’s covered bridge. Built in 1909, it is the last remaining authentic covered bridge in the state.

An enormous red barn catches our attention, just outside the town of Greer. In a front sand ring, a man is schooling a young horse harnessed to a wagon.

This is the home of the Carolina Carriage Store - the largest purveyor of horse-drawn carriages in the nation.

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They also breed and raise Friesians, the spectacular high-stepping black horses known for their voluminous manes and tails.

After trading our luxurious cruiser for the 355 horsepower, sportier X4 M40i, we enjoy some brisk cavorting on winding switchbacks below Mount Pisgah.

More powerful and tightly composed than the regular variant, the X4 M40i’s selectable drive modes create an engaging experience behind the wheel. It’s a fine way to experience the South Carolina Upcountry.

Next stop is an outstanding dinner at Soby’s “New South Cuisine”, whose golden, crunchy fried chicken lives up to its southern legacy, and the crab cakes are divine. A four-inch slab of banana cream pie, topped with shaved white chocolate is nearly impossible to resist - so I don’t.

We wrap up our day with a walk to work off those ohso-worth-it calories. Greenville’s “Falls Park on the Reedy” boasts 32-acres of beautiful waterfront trails – the highlight of which is a spectacular suspended bridge that curves around the waterfalls below.

Twinkling fairy lights add an air of enchantment and though busy, the vibe is friendly and low key. The magic intensifies as we wander through the empty hull of the Wyche Pavilion, light spilling from its enormous archways reflected in the river below.

Once a carriage paint shop, the pavilion harkens back to Greenville’s mill town past.

Historic character, vibrant arts scene, and a culinary culture to please the most ardent foodie, Greenville delightfully blends contemporary living with southern charm.

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Kia is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.

Accessories

Gorgeous summer days are an open invitation to jump behind the wheel and take to the road. Whether you have a destination in mind or not, little compares to rolling the windows down, turning the volume up and cruising down the road on a warm summer afternoon.

When it comes to road trips long or short, few accessories matter as much as the one resting on your nose. With the summer days long and bright, a great pair of sunglasses is the must-have accessory that not only makes you look undeniably cool but also helps protect your eyes. What should you look for in a great pair of driver sunglasses?

Story and Photography: Sabrina Giacomini

UV-rays protection When the summer months roll in, we want to be outside as much as possible and soak up all the good things sunny days bring. However, bright sunlight also means exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.

In small doses, UV rays help boost the production of vitamin D in our bodies. Of course, we all know it is recommended to use sunscreen during prolonged exposure to sunshine; the long-term effects can be harmful. If we use so much caution to protect our skin from the sun, shouldn’t we be equally mindful of our eyes?

That’s why the very first thing you want to look for in a pair of sunglasses is the mention of UV protection.

UV rays are composed of long-wave UVA and of shortwave UVB rays.

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Ideally, a lens should absorb between 99 percent to 100 percent of these two types of rays to be efficient.

If no percentage is indicated on that awesome new pair you just picked up off the rack, look for a “UV 400” mention. This means the lens will block rays with a wavelength of up to 400 nanometers, which covers both UVA and UVB. Nowadays, most pharmacy sunglasses sport the proper UV mention. Scoring a cheap pair can feel like a million bucks, but it might be wise to invest in a more expensive pair of shades to maximize the benefits. High-end sunglass manufacturers tend to add a greater level of technology for extra protection, such as polarization and anti-reflective coatings.

Both of these help with contrast, reducing strain on the eyes and the resulting fatigue.

Pick the colour that matches your life, not your eyes Different colours of lenses play different roles. You might think someone wearing a pair of yellow or blue shades looks a little funky, but there’s an actual purpose for these types of glasses. For instance, a yellow tint brings out contrast in low light conditions and helps filter out the blue light produced by electronic devices. This colour also works very well for fishing and hunting.

Some manufacturers, such as Serengeti and Oakley, also use photochromic technology in their lenses.

This means the lens shade adapts to light intensity.

It will darken in a bright environment and lighten as brightness decreases. What about mirror lenses?

Even better: the mirroring effect helps reflect the light which means fewer rays hitting your eye directly.

For driving, the best shades to consider are brown/ gold and black. A brown lens increases contrast and is the best for changing light conditions.

Do you wear prescription glasses? It’s not a problem.

Most of these protective technologies can be applied to prescription lenses and your local eye care center will be glad to point you in the right direction.

A black lens is the most classic colour, but is also a better overall option as it will not only provide shade for your eyes in sunny conditions, but also helps reduce glare and strain.

Once you have the right protection nailed down, all you have left to do is decide whether you want Top Gun aviator shades or a pair Audrey Hepburn-esque cat eyes.

“When it comes to road trips long or short, few accessories matter as much as the one resting on your nose.”

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Splash and Dash

A Call To Arms In Old-World Niagara

Story: Jeff Voth / Photography: Peter Hessels

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The year was 1812 and stories claim British officers were dining with their American counterparts at Fort George in what was then Upper Canada. During the meal, word suddenly arrived the two empires were at war. The Americans immediately stood up to leave, but the British insisted they stay and finish their meal before being safely escorted to the river bank and sent on their way. In the end, America won its independence and the stranglehold of the British Empire was never the same.

I am reminded of this time in history as I drive the 2018 Kia Stinger GT AWD through the manicured streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. With the launch two years ago of luxury brand Genesis, a sibling Korean automaker, Kia now steps forward to challenge the hotly contested luxury sports car segment.

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With next-generation American muscle cars already afoot and well established European automakers holding their ground with firm resolve, a cordial welcome by the competition to remain at the table will not be forthcoming as the ingenious Korean automobile invasion continues its steady march forward.

The drive into living antiquity from either Toronto to the north; Buffalo or Niagara Falls to the south, is filled with glimpses of vineyards and multimillion dollar homes.

Together with roadside plaques celebrating the history of this area, it provides an intoxicating blend of the old and new.

A must-see route to follow is the Niagara Parkway stretching all the way from Fort Erie to Niagara Falls before finally reaching the shores of Lake Ontario. It is recorded that Winston Churchill once stated the Parkway is “the prettiest Sunday drive in the World.�

Cherry trees are laden with new crops nearly ready to be harvested as we leave the historic town of Queenston behind. I do my best to maintain a steady pace on the Parkway and keep to the speed limit of 60 km/h. It is a challenge as the two-lane road is perfectly paved and traffic is light on this day.

The Pillar and Post is a mainstay in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, or NOTL as it is referred to by the locales. Situated off the main street, it is a short fifteen-minute walk from the many stores and restaurants lined up to greet the daily onslaught of visitors from all parts of the globe.

To my right is the mighty Niagara River and just beyond that America. It feels so close you can almost touch it, but in reality, the two countries are separated by a wide, fast-moving waterway. Of course, Niagara Falls in all of its splendour, a mere 16 kilometres to the south, may have something to do with this. Powercraft and sailboats ply the shared boundary in a scene unlike any other in the world.

Thirty minutes later we arrive at our destination.

It has been 206 years since the War of 1812, but the town still feels connected to its vibrant past. At the entrance to Fort George, cannons are polished and gleaming as tour buses pull up and eager visitors arrive.

“...the prettiest Sunday drive in the World.”

Throughout the hotel, floors creak and history oozes around every corner. Constructed in the 1890’s, the building first housed a canning factory manufacturing some of Niagara’s finest produce.

The upper floors of the building were converted to a storeroom for Polish forces training in the area in 1914, but it remained an active cannery until finally closing its doors in 1957.

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A total of 35 rooms re-opened the building as a hotel in 1975 with an additional 122 rooms added in 1994.

Today, evidence of the once proud canning factory can be seen throughout the red brick structure and homage is paid at the Vintage Hotels property by dining at The Cannery Restaurant.

Niagara is celebrated throughout the world for its fruit growing and wine-producing terroir. But hidden behind the endless number of family-run produce stands and extravagant wineries in this region is the lesser known, but equally compelling, craft beer market.

Leaving the Kia Stinger parked at the hotel, it is an easy walk to the newly opened Exchange Brewery, the first stop on our unofficial Niagara Beer Trail.

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A contrast, given the setting; the taproom is ultramodern with seating at the bar or a few small tables spread throughout. On tap are various Belgian-style ales carefully aged in 50 French Oak wine barrels.

Bill Nye PA and a Grapefruit Pale Ale are just some of the flavours to explore.

A short taxi ride away, Silversmith Brewing Company is located in a what was once the town of Virgil’s central church. Pews have been replaced with tables for four or a larger party ready to enjoy an afternoon or evening beer flight.

The 2017 World Beer Awards Canada Gold winner Black Lager is a must, so too the Dam Buster English Pale Ale. We are told by the locale patrons that a four-pack of the Spiced Horchata Porter is worth lining up for at Christmas as it is strictly limited edition.

Close by, we also stop at Niagara Oust House Brewers, located in what was once a big red barn.

You can’t miss it, it is still bright red and white and a short three-minute drive from Silversmith on your way back to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

This local favourite beer stop is famous for their Farmhouse Ale Collection, as well as a new Dark ‘Ass Ale and the very seasonal Watermelon Gose.

Growler in hand, it is time to get a ride back to town.

As impossible as it may seem, this centuries-old setting is even more spectacular at night with lights twinkling down Queen Street. It is also at this time when the exotic sports cars come out to play.

The sweet summer cruising sounds of a Lamborghini Huracán coupe and Maserati GranTurismo fill the night air.

The next day dawns bright, bringing with it the heat of a typically muggy summer day in Southern Ontario. I push the start/stop button of the Kia Stinger to break the morning silence. Driving out of town past streets already filled with tourists, I smile inwardly as we suddenly cross paths with an elegant coupe of the British feline persuasion.

A blip of the throttle and 365 ponies under my foot snort their readiness. If war is upon us, this is a most comfortable and passionate steed in which to charge forward into battle.

“Niagara is celebrated throughout the world for its fruit growing and wine-producing terroir.”

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Auto Art

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Grant Thomas

Exotic sights

Ask any Canadian Ferrari, DeLorean or equally exotic car owner who their favourite artist is, and chances are they’ll say Grant Thomas. Camera over his shoulder, sketchbook in hand, Thomas is a familiar sight at the annual Yorkville Cars and Coffee, Ferrari Club meets, and wherever such fine exotic automobiles gather.

An honours graduate from Oakville’s Sheridan College, Thomas has made a career in advertising design and his work has appeared in hundreds of print ads across Canada. “I feel fortunate to have a job that I can use my talents and I enjoy so much,” Thomas said, recalling a high school teacher who advised him to “draw what you love” – his true passion lies in depicting beautiful cars.

Story: Lesley Wimbush / Illustrations: Grant Thomas

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Thomas’s favourite medium is watercolour, which he praises for its transparency and versatility.

Usually beginning with an ink or graphic drawing, Thomas uses a variety of techniques to create many different effects: “the spattering in a racing scene, the depth and sparkle of a Rossa Corsa paint job” or a “highly detailed rendering of a 308 Ferrari in Yorkville”.

While Ferrari remains Thomas’s favourite subject, he says the DeLorean DMC-12 “runs a close second”.

One of his most memorable experiences was riding down Toronto’s Yonge Street in an (Irish-built) DMC12 during the St. Patrick’s Day parade, doors aloft, listening to the cheering crowds.

The Toronto-based painter has completed numerous commissions, from the blue and white Cobra featured at Carroll Shelby’s induction into the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame to a 1969 L88 Corvette.

Grant Thomas can be reached at: gthomasf1@netscape.net Or through his Facebook portfolio page: https://www.facebook.com/GrantThomasArtStudio.

“the spattering in a racing scene, the depth and sparkle of a Rossa Corsa paint job”

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Perspective

Sebastian Vettel Interview at the 2018 Canadian Grand Prix Story: Jim Kerr

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Vettel started amateur karting at the age of 3 and made his Formula 1 debut at Indianapolis in 2007. Just a few years later, he became the youngest ever Formula 1 World Drivers Champion. Now in his third season with Scuderia Ferrari, he looks forward to chasing down the records of his childhood hero, Michael Schumacher. Jim Kerr got the chance to catch up with the champion in Montreal.

Good Morning Sebastian. Thank you for your time on a busy race weekend. To start, VICARIOUS magazine has an article on you coming up in their summer edition. I would like to show you a copy of a painting of your car by Grant Thomas after winning the Australian Grand Prix that will be part of the article.

Thank you. It looks very good!

What is your favourite race track and why?!

Suzuka, Japan. I think there are a lot of S’s, flowing corners, fast, and it is the time of year when you can really feel what the car can do. Here (Montreal), it is more stop and go - you have long straights, hard braking, chicanes, hairpins, whereas, in Suzuka, you don’t have real hairpins. All in all, because of the track, you can really feel the grip of the car and the downforce you get, not just in one corner but in a couple corners in a row.

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What is the most difficult track to prepare for?

We have nowadays the ability to train on the simulator and I would say generally new tracks where you haven’t been there to prepare. Also, you don’t know what to expect in how the track feels and how to set up the car.

Street tracks are very tricky. Normal racetracks you sort of know what to expect. Here (Montreal) it is a bit of a mix. Different surfaces, bumps, uneven surfaces which make it difficult to keep the car on the road.

With the F1 car power units limited to three per season down from four last year, longevity is even more critical. How do you as a driver protect the power units during a race?

Normally, we are quite greedy because we want to go as fast as possible, but you can run the engine in practice, for example, a little bit safer with a little bit less power.

Just have a feel, listen to the car, listen to what the engine is doing. I think I always feel that I am part of the car and I want to take care of my car. Don’t push it when it is unnecessary. That’s one thing, but then obviously the main job is happening behind the scenes under the cover, away from my control, such as fuel and oil together that give horsepower and durability.

Can you feel when the car isn’t quite right?

Yes, you can feel if the car is sliding or you can tell if the engine doesn’t sound right or feel right. You can feel the difference. The things we can contribute other than listening to the engineers is when it is not necessary to tear the engine down.

With the F1 limiting you to 105 kilograms of fuel for a race, you certainly don’t want to run out of fuel during a race. As a driver, do you have a sense of how much fuel you are using or are you relying on information from the team to know when you have to be more conservative in your driving style or when you can use the throttle more?

There is a number on the steering wheel (laughs).

But on different portions of the track can you control how much fuel you are using?

Yes. Then you can be more efficient or less efficient, especially when you are racing. You can be a little bit practical about when to use your fuel.

Obviously, every track we go is different and the fuel consumption is different. There are some tracks where fuel consumption doesn’t matter such as Monaco because we don’t spend so much time full throttle. Nobody actually needs the full capacity of the tank, whereas in other places like here (Montreal) or Australia we need more than 105 kg of fuel to cover the race so we have to manage.

Does that number play on your mind all the time?

Yes. Maybe not the numbers for each lap, but definitely. You have a plan going into the race but plans change and then you have to adapt. You can read in your car how much is left. We have much better technology much more precise than the analog measurement in your car of how much is left, how much we are using. Yes, you can play around with it.

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You are limited to five fuel formulations for the season and only two per race. Can you feel a difference in the car when Shell’s fuel formulations are changed?

It depends. Some are very close but each engine package is matched to the fuel. It’s not like we build an engine and then check which fuel works best and come up with a formula. We begin from scratch–the way we design the engine, we build the engine with Shell and their (fuel/oil) scientists and formula as one to maximize everything. Then, when you step from one package to another, then you can feel the difference.

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Shell has a long history of development with Ferrari dating back to the first Ferrari in 1947. The team has development drivers and test drivers. Are you involved in the development of the car throughout the pre-season or is your time spent mostly preparing yourself for the different race courses that you run each season?

Yes. Everybody is involved in development. To make the car faster, everybody has their role. How the car feels, how the engine feels, not just power but ability, you can feel what is limiting us. Yes, along with the engineers we try to make it better. It’s as simple as that.

You ride your bicycle around the city to events. What is the best city to ride in and why do you like to ride instead of driving?

I don’t know, I haven’t been in them all. I think Montreal is very high up. It’s on the right side of the road which makes it easier. They’ve got a lot of bike paths. I think it is bike friendly.

And that is your favourite mode to get around?

Yes, I just don’t like being stuck in traffic. With the bike, there is usually no traffic. There are other bikes but never that many that you have to queue.

Thank you Sebastian. Hopefully, you won’t get stuck in traffic on the racetrack this weekend.

Sebastian Vettel went on after the interview to start from pole position and scored his 50th Formula 1 win in Sunday’s 2018 Canadian Grand Prix, taking the lead in the 2018 World Drivers Championship by one point in front of rival Lewis Hamilton.

“the way we design the engine, we build the engine with Shell and their (fuel/oil) scientists and formula as one to maximize everything.”

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Featured Road

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Duffey Lake Road

Bucket list road in a bucket list car The rolling hills and medieval villages of England’s Cotswolds could be considered the natural habitat of Rolls Royce motor cars.

Not so when this father-son team takes a Roller for a run; and not just any Roller.

A 2018 Wraith.

Billed as the most powerful production Rolls Royce ever, the Wraith is mobilized by a twin-turbo 6.6L V12 engine dispatching 624 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.

Story and Photography: Rob Rothwell

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For those not inclined to follow the London Stock Exchange or the world’s finest motor cars, the Wraith is a two-door coupe that conceals its massive proportions beneath a body as sleek as anything that has pounced from Jaguar’s production line.

In fact, the line of traffic was moving swiftly at well above the posted speed, but all the customary triggers of speed perception, such as road noise, wind noise, and engine noise were absent in the stately ambience of the Wraith.

And while I wouldn’t object to wringing-out a Wraith on the cobblestones of the Cotswolds, we felt that B.C.’s Duffey Lake Road, which starts 30km north of Whistler and the majestic Sea to Sky Highway, would better the task.

When passing performance was called upon, the Wraith effortlessly altered the world order with acceleration brutal in its force yet subtle in its execution. The muted growl of its induction-fed V12 easily declaring victory over her struggling foes.

Known as the secret paradise of those on twowheels and four, the Duffey Lake Road (DLR) is as challenging as it is rewarding.

Despite its enchanting moniker, this 100km paved strip of savage two-lane asphalt is actually the extension of Highway 99, which links the hamlets of Pemberton and Lillooet B.C. We grabbed road coffees and a sinful oatmeal cookie at Pemberton’s popular Blackbird Bakery before pointing the ever-willing Wraith toward the DLR. It’s a funny thing driving the world’s most powerful production Roller, speed is grossly underrepresented.

“Why are the cars ahead of us going so slow,” I grumbled before looking at the speedo.

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From the valley floor up through the Cayoosh pass at an elevation of 1,275 metres (4,183 ft) and back down again, the DLR undulates like a bucking bronco. All the while treating those enduring her ferocity to stunning views of jagged peaks, sheer glaciers, wind-swept lakes, and canyons so callous that no road should exist.

After 90 minutes of confronting compound corners and ruthless switchbacks, we were transported from the earthy, rainforest climate of Pemberton to the arid, desert climate of Lillooet, often marked as Canada’s hottest city with summertime highs exceeding 44C.

This is not customary Wraith territory. In fact, it wasn’t many years ago that the DLR was an unpaved secondary route to B.C.’s interior, only suitable for off-road vehicles.

The Wraith handled the twists and turns with unexpected tenacity and grace. Once momentum complied, the Wraith held its line like a champ while actually delivering discernable steering feedback accompanied by remarkably little body roll.

Despite the Wraith’s hedonistic performance, in which dominance outpaces nobility, nothing happens abruptly; after all, it’s still a Rolls.

Specs

Duffey Lake Road (Highway 99), Canada Total length: 409 km Surface: asphalt Speed limit: 30 to 100 km/h Year completed: 1940 Hazards: mountain road, avalanche, altitude

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Featured Motorcycle

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2018

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Specs

Parallel Twin, 399cc 48 horsepower 164 kg 14L capacity

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Photography:Peter Pete Hessels Photography: Hessels

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Discovered

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Utah We came upon the badlands at 80 miles per hour, when the sweeping prairie landscape of rolling pasture seemed to crumble around us. Gone were the grasslands, grazing cattle and oil wells and in their places were cliffs, hoodoos and gullies formed in clay over millions of years of depositing and eroding.

Story and Photography: Kelly Taylor / Cover: esudroff

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North Dakota’s main east-west speedway, Interstate 94, offered only a sneak peak at the state’s badlands — les mauvais terres pour traverse, as the French called them — before changing scenery like the flipping of a switch.

Unlike Alberta, where the Rockies don’t exactly sneak up on you, the badlands are art in negative relief, carved into the prevailing terrain rather than sitting on top of it.

With the exception of a brief glimpse between two dales from the highway, you don’t see the badlands until you’re in them.

While there’s an inherent beauty in a prairie landscape that is often lost on non-flatlanders, after nine hours of driving on roads that are too damn straight, too damn level, and too damn boring, there’s also beauty in putting the prairies in the rear-view mirror.

We’re here, in the tiny town of Medora, on the edge of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, as part of our journey from Winnipeg to Salt Lake City, where our son, Austin, was shooting as part of Team Canada at the Hyundai World Cup of Archery’s third stage. He placed ninth among the best archers in the world.

For those who know North Dakota only through Fargo, both the city that had been — at least prior to the current presidency — a shopping destination, and the movie (“And I guess that was your accomplice in the wood chipper.”), the badlands are an unexpected treasure.

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There’s beauty at almost every turn, with the eroded clay showing a wide spectrum of colours, with history that’s largely been left the way it was — numerous examples near Medora abound of chuck wagons and carriages still parked where they were first abandoned.

Nineteenth-century dwellings left as they were — decaying, yes, but a standing testament to the region’s Wild West past.

“the badlands are art in negative relief, carved into the prevailing terrain”

Driving in North Dakota is a bit like soccer: long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of excitement.

The state makes up for it with a 75-mph speed limit on its interstates, which of course means 80 mph or more.

Come suppertime, steaks were drying in the open air, a hundred or so, skewered on pitchforks and awaiting a date with hot cooking oil. It’s the Pitchfork Steak Fondue, a nightly feast atop Tjaden Terrace between June and September.

The boredom, but not the speed, ends when you hit the badlands. Even Interstate 94 bends and twists more than usual, but the backroads are where the driving fun begins.

The steaks come out with a nicely seasoned crust, and since the juices have nowhere to go in the oil, they are nice and juicy, too.

There’s a 42-kilometre loop through Teddy Roosevelt park, with scenic overlooks of canyons and outcroppings.

They are, of course, rested properly before serving.

Accompanying the steaks was a self-serve collection of salads and sides, including some tasty baked beans.

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The next day, we played golf at Bully Pulpit, a course I’ve wanted to play for four years, ever since it had a booth at a golf show in Winnipeg.

It is unique, with patches of green punctuating the badlands landscape, and multiple elevated tees, including the 16th, which plays the black tees from a perch almost 100 feet in the air.

“When you get to the 16th, just play the black tees and haul back on the driver,” the starter told us. So glad we did. For most of this course, the black tees are extremely challenging, reserved for names such as Mickelson, McIlroy or Speith.

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But here on 16, a 461-yard Par 4, with the wind at your back, there’s almost nothing to lose. Just don’t slice it into the clay the way a chap playing ahead of us did.

After packing up in Dickinson, ND, to head west (we saved US$100 by staying here instead of Medora), we found ourselves in Bozeman, Montana, about six hours away.

Bozeman is a hip, cool town and it blends a modern edge with its western roots. A must-eat place here is Montana Ale Works, which specializes in fresh, local ingredients.

Produce and proteins are sourced from artisanal producers, and even the beer is almost all local, including a wide selection of pale ales, India pale ales, stouts, lagers and pilsners.

Less than an hour west of Bozeman are the Lewis and Clark Caverns. Who discovered the Lewis and Clark Caverns? If you’re sensing a trick question, you’re right. On their 1804-1806 expedition from St. Louis to the Oregon coast, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark camped twice within sight of the caverns, but never knew they were there.

The tour of the caverns is well worth the stop, but it’s not for faint of heart, as it starts with a 1.2 km hike up an average seven percent grade and includes stretches where you must duck walk, crawl, slide, and navigate sometimes slippery staircases.

Yet the beauty within — stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and other features formed through millions of years of water flow — is stunning. The columns appear built from the bones of giant humanoids and reach as high as 12 metres inside the caverns.

“The columns appear built from the bones of giant humanoids...”

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Salt Lake City is a driver’s city, with freeways everywhere and lots of twists and turns to delight. It’s a mere five minutes from the airport to downtown; such is the proficiency with which the city built its roads.

Our return trip took us on a deliberate detour through Grand Teton National Park (if you’re thinking Teton, isn’t that French for…?, you’re exactly correct) and Yellowstone National Park, where we were treated to an eruption of Old Faithful and a collection of bison on the side of the road.

“...pushed clouds out of our way as we crested its 10,947-foot-high pass.”

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The real treat for drivers coming out of Yellowstone is to head out the northeast exit, past Cooke City and onto the Beartooth Highway. It’s closed from October to May, with good reason.

It has instantly become my favourite driving route in North America, with sharp hairpins and twistbacks.

We drove through a channel plowed out of an eightfoot snowbank — in June — and pushed clouds out of our way as we crested its 10,947-foot-high pass.

I can’t wait to do it again.

Winnipeg to Salt Lake City is a 44-hour round trip, but breaking it into multiple days, with lots to see along the way, turns it into a driving-holiday mustdo. I only wish we had more time.

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Welcome to Nunavut, The Spirit of the Arctic.

This awe-inspiring, timeless Territory will awaken and inspire you. Amazing and original adventures – kayaking, sledding, hiking, camping, cruises and more. Nunavut offers vast landscapes, rare wildlife and unique adventures all within the warm and welcoming land of Inuit.

Your Arctic adventure starts at destinationnunavut.ca

Behind the Scenes

A Stitch In Time At Bentley Story: Harry Pegg

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The humble sewing machine has always played an integral part in the Bentley story, helping create the hand-crafted interiors that are the hallmark of the British luxury marque for nearly a century. The sewing crew at Crewe in the UK, have been keeping Bentley in stitches since 1919, creating incredibly intricate designs in leather.

The new Continental GT brings classic leather embroidery, the story of artisans plying their trade and the sewing machine up to date with a “diamondin-diamond” interior pattern featuring both stitching and embroidery. It’s a highly intricate, modern take on a classic style.

There are 120 members on the sewing team of highly skilled artisans, some with 40 years of experience, who pass on their knowledge and experience to apprentices.

The machines they use today bear no resemblance to the machine first built in 1874 by William Newton Wilson, from drawings patented by Thomas Saint in 1790.

Thirty-seven years of experience separate Liz Neyland and Zoe Nevitt, but they share a passion and determination to deliver the finest result every time.

Neyland, who joined the team in 1979, has seen huge changes, especially in terms of technological advances she uses in her day-to-day role.

“When I first started in the sewing team, each person would be responsible for producing a full set of panels for a car,” she says. “Nowadays we each focus on smaller sections so it’s easier to maintain the highest quality and precision.”

“...but they share a passion and determination to deliver the finest result every time.”

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“Being a trainer is a very important part of my role.

It enables me to share expertise with the new apprentices.”

Nevitt works closely with Neyland, learning from her colleague while bringing a fresh perspective to the classical skill.

“Before working at Bentley, I had no sewing skills,” she says. “Nearly three years later and I can say that I am an experienced machinist.”

“The principle concern is the level of quality.”

The hides of nine Northern European bulls are required, stitched together with 2.8 km of thread, to produce a single interior. Every leather panel is initialled on the reverse by the team member who made it. Why Northern European bull hides?

Mike Sayer, Bentley product and motorsport communications manager explains: “The principle concern is the level of quality. Even though we scan each hide by hand and eye and only use blemish-free areas, we want the hide to be as clean as possible.”

“Northern Europe, a cooler climate, contains fewer biting insects and a lower prevalence of barbed wire fences, both of which will scar the leather.”

“Having the support of the team has been extremely valuable. They have taught me not only the technical skills but also the importance of knowledge sharing to improve our process.”

The diamond in diamond stitched interior of the 2018 Bentley Continental GT took 18 months to program the exact alignment of the 712 stitches in each diamond shape. It takes more than seven hours and 300,000 individual stitches to complete the interior.

“We principally use bull hide because bulls don’t get pregnant and so the hide doesn’t become stretched.”

The embroidery process always begins at the bottom of each diamond for the best finished appearance.

During the stitching process, the embroidery causes the leather panel to shrink by 12%, which has to be accounted for when each panel is cut.

If the “standard” interior isn’t enough, a buyer can order bespoke embroidered designs through Mulliner – Bentley’s personal commissioning division.

A specialist area of the sewing department can take several days to create exclusive intricate designs that can feature up to 500,000 individual stitches.

When finished, it’s time well spent on a one-of-akind interior.

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Special Feature

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New Brunswick

EcoRun 2018 Story and Photography: Jim Kerr Comic Strip: Wade Ozeroff

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New Brunswick, the largest of Canada’s three maritime provinces, is a land of incredible beauty and the perfect location for EcoRun 2018. EcoRun is a moving showcase of fuelefficient vehicles presented by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

Automotive journalists from across Canada travelled to New Brunswick to put these vehicles to the test over a 570-kilometre route, seeing if they could live up to their advertised fuel economy ratings and at the same time experience the wonders across southern New Brunswick.

It started in Moncton, a bilingual community. About 33 percent of New Brunswick’s population is French-speaking, and Moncton reminds me of old Montreal with its brick and cobblestone sidewalks and sidewalk café’s.

To find downtown Moncton, just drive towards the Bell Aliance communications tower, which at 127 metres is the tallest freestanding structure in the Atlantic Provinces. It was only a couple blocks from the Delta Beausejour hotel where we spent our first night.

“New Brunswick has embraced the adoption of electric vehicles” As I checked into the Delta, Kevin, one of Delta’s staff, invited us to sample some local products: smoked Atlantic salmon and Crafty Radler, a blend of craft beer with tangerine soda and grapefruit juice from the Pump House Brewery, a great start to our adventure.

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Each journalist was assigned to drive six different vehicles in real life situations and have the fuel economy recorded and compared to Natural Resources Canada fuel economy figures.

A greeting from one of EcoRun’s sponsors, CAA Atlantic Club, was followed by a pleasant walk along Main Street to Catch 22 Lobster Bar for supper.

Moncton City Hall was the starting point for EcoRun 2018. With greetings from Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold and the Honourable Cathy Rogers, New Brunswick Finance Minister and a wave of the Green Flag, we were off.

New Brunswick has embraced the adoption of electric vehicles and is adding to their 31 level-2 charging stations (charging takes a few hours) and 18 fast charging stations (charging in about 30 minutes) with 12 new charging stations in their provincial parks.

Our 19 vehicles included powertrains that were pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, conventional hybrids, diesel engines, hydrogen fuel cells and gasoline engines. My morning in Mazda’s CX-3 started with a short drive to Magnetic Hill.

The optical illusion at Magnetic hill provided by the rolling terrain makes it look like water can flow uphill and so can a car if you place it in neutral.

Magnetic Hill is also the location of one of New Brunswick’s 59 covered bridges, many of them found where we were driving.

Then it was off to Sussex, a quaint town with murals of local history painted on many buildings and a friendly small town feel. A coffee break at Knock’s Café got my energy going again and the butter tarts were truly irresistible.

The final trip in the Mazda took me to Snider Mountain Ranch, a beautiful summer camp for youth.

We enjoyed some of the activities such as archery, canoeing, horseback rides, and rock wall climbing as the electric vehicles charged.

Over the duration of my drive, I achieved 6.9 litres/ 100 kilometres, well under the 8.2 L/100 km rating from NRCAN; plus, the CX-3 was a fun vehicle to drive.

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When I stepped into the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, it had a range of 26 kilometres on pure electric power before I would need the gas engine.

Using the paddle shifters on the steering column to control the regenerative braking levels of 1 through 5, I was able to increase the range to 31 kilometres as I left Snider Mountain Ranch. Most of the drive was on the highway as we headed to Fredericton through rolling hills, some potato farming, and lush green scenery.

I didn’t use the Outlander’s cruise control much on this section of the drive but did experiment with the regenerative braking. Level 5 regen slows the vehicle like you were stepping on the brake pedal. Operating on electric mode, the Outlander cruises effortlessly on the highway and when the battery discharged, the gas engine cut in smoothly.

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A console button allows driver control of battery charging from the gas engine and with more experience, I could have driven more efficiently but even so, I achieved 5.1 L/100 km. Stop for lunch at Isaac’s Way in Fredericton; the seafood chowder is amazing!

The final vehicle of the day was the Nissan Leaf, with about a 130-kilometre drive on the highway from Fredericton to St. John and our second night in the Delta hotel chain.

Other drivers had depleted the Leaf battery so it took an extra hour while the Leaf was charged at a public charging station in downtown Fredericton. With 159 kilometres of range showing on the Leaf instrument cluster, I unplugged and headed to St. John.

The Leaf cruises effortlessly on the highway and acceleration is good. The range indicator dropped as I drove but it was always higher than the navigation system distance to our destination, so I wasn’t worried.

I set the cruise at 100 km/h, sat back, enjoyed the scenery, and achieved the equivalent of 1.7 L/100 km, better than NRCAN rating of 2.1 L/100 km.

Day two, another warm and sunny day, got me into the largest of the group, the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. If you need to carry passengers, the Pacifica Hybrid is a perfect choice.

This hybrid’s only disadvantage is that the battery resides under the floor, preventing the second-row seats from folding flat. It more than makes up for it with its excellent fuel economy!

A few blocks through St. John and I was out on Highway 1 looking for smaller secondary Road 175, but I was quickly off route on my way to New River Beach. Instead, I found myself 20 kilometres away in Chance Harbour. I never get lost but sometimes, I just don’t know where I am. The brief error did show me more of the beauty of New Brunswick.

“The brief error did show me more of the beauty of New Brunswick.”

A coffee break and change of vehicles at New River Beach put me into the new Volkswagen Jetta. The view from the BayBreeze Restaurant is incredible and there is a small motel there that would be perfect for a couple days of pure relaxation.

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The Jetta does everything well but just doesn’t stand out in a very competitive class.I found it was quiet inside, had very comfortable seats, and provided a smooth ride. It also had a sporty feel and gave me excellent fuel economy, with 4.9 L/100 km.

While the electric vehicles received a full charge, we took alternate energy transportation with a sail on the Jolly Breeze, a tall ship operated by Tall Ship Whale Adventures. This was a highlight of the trip and one I would recommend to all.

Driving into Saint Andrews, I couldn’t help but notice how every house and yard in town was immaculate, with manicured lawns, flowerbeds, and character houses.

This is a tourist town but may be the best tourist town I have experienced.

With room for 47 people on board, the crew took us around the Bay of Fundy, with the United States southwest of us and the open ocean ahead. The sun on our backs, the wind in our face and the smell of the ocean was like what I would want heaven to be.

Lunch was at The Gables Restaurant overlooking the Bay of Fundy. When you look at the water lines, it’s hard to imagine the water levels changing that much because of the tide, the world’s highest.

The final leg of our journey took us to Fredericton and I got to drive the smallest engine of the group, the 1.0L, three-cylinder engine in Ford’s EcoSport.

That small 1.0L engine is outstanding both in performance and fuel economy.

Travelling the rolling hills of rural New Brunswick on Route 785, the terrain varied from small farms to rock outcroppings and I couldn’t have pictured a more perfect road for the last leg of my trip.

Finally, I crossed the finish line at the Fredericton Delta Hotel by Marriot, which is located on the shore of the Saint John River. This is a superb hotel with an outdoor patio, lounge, and pool, perfect for afternoon suntans or late night drinks. The sunset over the river was breathtaking.

“The sun on our backs, the wind in our face and the smell of the ocean...”

Although short, this was an amazing trip with great experiences, warm people, and beautiful sights. It was made even better when they announced I was the most economical driver of this year’s EcoRun and awarded the “coveted Green Jersey”, giving me bragging rights among my peers for the next year.

Overall, the journalists achieved an average fuel economy saving of 1.59 L/100 km better than the Natural Resources Canada rating for all 19 vehicles.

Drive at the speed limit, accelerate smoothly, avoid passing other vehicles, and brake only when necessary.

Not only do you save yourself money, the drive is also more relaxing, giving you time to see the wonders along the road.

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Featured Region

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Costa del Sol La que tù me haces

Landing at Madrid Barajas International (or Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez MadridBarajas Internacional for the braves), in the heart of Spain, you can go in any direction and it’s roughly the same distance to reach any of its coasts. But on its southern shores, the Costa del Sol is where Europe’s elite come for the perfect weather and cool Mediterranean waters.

The region lies in and around Malaga but the whole southern coast is a wonder to behold. Its vast highway system allows for easy travel to all cities that pop up among the orchards. Smooth roads and vistas of rust coloured mountains stretching to the blue of the sea that breezes past as you meander through Andalusia.

Story and Photography: Philippe Sommer

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Seville, capital of Andalusia, is a mix of old and new and has something for everyone. Watch matadors sidestep certain death, walk the technicolour tiles of Plaza de España or head to the Triana district to experience the thunder of flamenco in your chest. With a bevy of museums to visit and culture at every turn, Seville is a hub for everything Spain is famous for. It also boasts one of the largest cathedrals in the world which houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus.

A hidden gem of a day trip is to witness the marvel of Moorish architecture, La Mezquita de Cordoba.

It lies in the heart of the city of Cordoba and brings Catholics and Muslims together in this UNESCO World Heritage site. The intricate Islamic details and grand altars of Christianity are spread around this sprawling structure, leaving you in awe.

A drive into the Sierra Nevada mountains will take you to Granada, shrouded in history, tucked between snow-capped peaks and deep valleys, that will make you hope you rented a car skinny-enough to thread through the ridiculously tight streets. What stands out most is a palace, a fortress, and almost its own little city; the Alhambra.

Originally constructed in 889 AD, it has evolved into the masterpiece it is today over the last 1,200 years, becoming the birthplace of the Nasrid Dynasty and the last Muslim stronghold in Andalusia. Impossibly detailed latticework lines the walls, ornate fountains still flow, and lush gardens are strewn throughout the abundant complex. The Alhambra truly shows how luxurious life was as a Great Sultan of Granada.

“The Alhambra truly shows how luxurious life was as a Great Sultan of Granada.”

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Out of the hills and down to the sea is where you’ll find Malaga, home of Pablo Picasso and quick getaway port for all of Europe; think of it as the European Miami Beach. If you want to rub shoulders with million-dollar athletes and actors, head West to Marbella where the streets are lined with Bentleys and Bugattis.

If you want the beach, La Malagueta is the main strip of sand but keep your expectations in check: as the most popular beach in the city, it can get very crowded. Instead, drive 20 minutes West to Torremolinos for a stretch of unspoiled beach lined with chiringuitos (beach bars), or 20 minutes East to the tranquil hotspot at Playa Peñon.

The relaxed river walks in Seville, the bustling Bazaar in Granada, and the bohemian beaches of Malaga really set the Costa del Sol apart from many destinations in Europe. There is a saying in Seville that goes “la que tú me haces” which means “it’s you that makes me this way”. What you’ll eventually find in the Costa del Sol is a sense of ease, a different way to live life and hopefully, you’ll come home with more than just a tan.

“The bohemian beaches of Malaga really set the Costa del Sol apart from many destinations in Europe.”

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Exit lane

Woodstock…with cars Story: Dan Heyman

Recently, during a bout of procrastination – I mean, during a “break” – while writing about a PHEV, I came across an article about Woodstock ’99, that hellacious drunken mud (and excrement, apparently) pit of a music festival that happened on an abandoned air base, about 150 miles from where the original 1969 festival took place. It was a mess, but it got me thinking – maybe that was kind of the idea.

It also got me thinking about a festival of a very different sort that I’ll be attending in late September at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterrey, CA. It’s called Rennsport Reunion VI, and it’s a celebration of all things Porsche racing.

Just imagine; glorious Martini silver and Gulf blue-and-orange 917 prototype racers over here. Classic silver 356 and 550 models over there, plus ultra-modern 919 and 911 racers. The thought of it alone makes me weak at the knees – but why? What’s with this longing to go back to these old cars, most of which I’ve never seen in the metal, let alone on-track in their prime?

You can ask that question about more in the car world than just old Porsche racers, but for similar reasons to why Woodstock ’99 went exactly as it should have, Rennsport has me giddy.

Woodstock ‘69 was a celebration of free love, rampant narcotic usage, and music from the likes of Hendrix and the Stones. ’99 was more of the same, only more unhinged, because the acts that personified its era – rapper DMX, rappers/rockers Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock, others – and their fans were unhinged. Both shows were a celebration of the North American human construct as it was known at the time, and that’s that.

Rennsport is much of the same – a celebration of a time when racing was the holy grail of the motor car. And who chased the Holy Grail? Heroes did. When I think of a racing driver today, I see a helmet. When I think of Stirling Moss or John Surtees, I see men emerging from their cramped cockpits, faces caked in grime (have you seen the ’71 Porsche 908/03’s windscreen? You haven’t, because there isn’t one, really), but jubilant.

The cars I’m hoping I’ll see at this event were no joke; think a ’78 911 with so much turbo lag, you had to hit the throttle before the turn in order to have the power on-tap after the turn. Or the 917, a car with so much power that two tail assemblies were developed – a longtail “langheck” version and a short tail “kurzheck” version – for use depending on how fast the track was.

When I first saw one of these in static display in France, I was scared just looking at it; it can’t be more than 40 inches off the ground, but it looked like it would skin me alive if I looked at it too long. Now, I’m going to get to see these in all their glory on an actual race track, doing actual race car things.

It’s fitting to be a great tribute to that no-holds-barred era of motor racing when aero and turbocharging were in their infancy and engineers were discovering just how far they could push these cars and drivers. It was a great time for racing, and it’s a time I wish more people would continue to celebrate – freed of rules aimed at establishing more parity, sponsorship red tape, and regulations that continue to sap the excitement out of racing.

I imagine Rennsport in September will be a time to celebrate these great old motors, to exist in a separate dimension for now where whatever exists outside of Laguna’s barriers doesn’t really matter.

Sounds kind of like Woodstock, doesn’t it?

Ok. Back to that PHEV story.

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