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Scroll down to view various club member attended events in date order
2016 Portland Roadster Show
March 18 - 20
The club voted and approved the display of 10 cars at the 60th annual Portland Roadster Show held at the Expo Center. As in years past, the administration of the show by the Multnomah Hot Rod Council volunteers was at times confusing and frustrating. Admittedly, the logistics of a show of this size and quality is difficult at best but you would think after 60 years they could make it simpler and much less frustrating for participants. But enough of that. In the end, the show had over 400 entrants and dozens of vendors of all sorts and the overall impressions were very good. Many thanks to the Council on allowing the club 10 spots when over 100 entries were turned down due to the lack of space.
Club entries were: Dave Weir's '30 Ford Roadster, Ron Love's '34 Ford Coupe, Gary Blodgett's '40 Ford Tudor, Jerry Asquith's '38 Ford Coupe, Skip Schmelzer's '46 Ford Coupe, Rick Kinnear's '40 Ford Coupe, Julie Wolfard's '48 Jeep Roadster, Roger Klick's '50 Ford Convertible, Frank Greene's '67 Chevrolet Camaro and Rick McMahon's '71 Plymouth Duster. Six of those entries won awards: Ron, Jerry, Rick K., Frank, Julie and Skip with Jerry taking a first place! Congratulations to the award winners and to all those who prepared their cars and the club display. It was one of the best club displays in the show. This was a nice kick-off to the 2016 rod season.
Cars were staged by age - oldest to the front
7 Fords, 1 Jeep, 1 Chev and 1 Plymouth
Back to front - 5 decades of classic machines
You couldn't miss that beautiful Road Angels display banner from anywhere in the room!
A group shot of car display owners and workers
A couple of winners showing off their hardware!
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Portland Transmission Warehouse Spring Classic
May 7th
The standard of the Portland area's kick off to the cruise season. This was the 34th annual PTW gathering and it continues to be considered the most important "gear head" gathering of the year. It never changes and that's why it remains so popular. No charge, no restrictions on types or years of vehicles, free hats, dash placques, cookies, coffee, hot dogs and pop for all.
It seems every year we hear "this will be the last" but somehow it keeps rolling along. Over 600 cars, trucks, military vehicles and such lined the streets for blocks. Get there early and be home by noon. No long, dragged out affair. Just some tired feet and a chance to catch up with some we haven't seen for a year or more. We'll all hate to see it go someday. Until then, we should just cherish the day.
Packed streets on a beautiful spring day!
A person could get lost in the fray. No rules, babys in strollers and guys with walkers. Cobras to Model "A"s
The first time in years a few Angels were able to park in the corral
A well known Vicky and the famous PTW sign post!
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World of Speed/ Peddle Car Tour
May 13th
Keith arranged a great day that included a free tour of the World of Speed museum personally guided by the owner himself. Anyone not aware of this place is missing an impressive, top class museum of a wide range of vehicles including personal collections, NASCAR displays, drag racing, salt flat speedsters, hydro planes, motorcycles and memorabilia.
What makes this museum different is its emphasis on the history of speed - not just a collection of cars. Also, it is truly a teaching museum that is seriously devoted to educating and developing the interest and careers in cars for young people. Three local high school districts have partnered with W. of S. to use their facilty's well equipped shop for car repair and diagnostics training.
The second part of the day included a tour of a private collection of peddle cars. Everybody has a niche and this family loves peddle cars! There were some fairly common models and there were some very expensive, rare types. But ALL of them were meticulously restored and displayed. The craftsmanship was impressive.
Another great tour arranged by Keith.
The sheer size of the museum was impressive
The Road Angels are mentioned in one of the historic displays
Rick and Don square off in the light tree simulator
Our own Gary Davis is depicted in this vintage Sidewinders poster. Gary is # 14!
Don tries the NASCAR simulator. He (would have) wiped out all the pit crews before entering the track!
The immaculate peddle car display
One of the most expensive and highly detailed models - displayed under glass!
We all enjoyed the presence of Larry. We've missed him!
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Sykart Indoor Kart Racing
May 27th
The Carpenters arranged this fun event. We had done this before but there were a few that had not. They came away with big smiles and sore butts. These are fun to watch but when you are on the track, it seems like you are really flying. Each kart is timed separately and posted in real time on a flat screen. There were individual battles going on but it is the lap times that count toward course winners.
There were a few crackups but tempers were restrained. Ex real car racer, Rick Kinnear posted fast times in both races with laps in the low 35 second ranges. Track records in our 6 h.p. model karts are in the 29s!
Lunch was next up at the Roaring Lion Pub in Tigard. I'll bet there were more than a few sore bones the next day. Thanks to Mick and Sandy for a fun day.
Rog and Rick K. suite up for the big race!
Jerry A. wore his own helmet he used in his earlier days of Moto Crossing. He said he really loved the karts
Sandy C. was the only gal to race. She not only looks good in a helmet, but she was FAST!
Lined up and rarin' to go!
Laura thought about racing but decided to root for her hubby .........................................................
.....Frank
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Sunshine Cruise @ Clackamette Park
June 17th
This annual event has always been a favorite of the RA group. It is relatively close at Clackamette Park in Oregon City and the setting is nice, nestled in the Cottonwood trees (OK they're a mess!) alongside the Willamette River. It is $20 at the gate ($15 if you pre-register) and the food is good and sloppy! The pies are fantastic.
In years past the park fills up with a large number of rods but this year was disappointing with the park less than 1/2 full. Maybe it was the threat of rain (it did sprinkle a little) or just maybe the hobby is dwindling some. The RA bunch arrived earlier than usual and got parked directly across from the KISN radio station's huge speakers. Not good for conversing! The RA crew took the opportunity to select some cars for the upcoming Bridgeport show and, frankly, it was tough to find some real unusual and well done cars. Julie W. did a great job of soliciting (whoops! I meant procurring) about 5 nice cars for the show. Thanks Julie!
Regardless of the turnout, the night was fun and there were 4 past and present Angels that collected awards. We hope next year will see a larger turnout of cars.
Todd B., Jerry A., Roger K. and Skip S. pose with well deserved awards
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Beaches & PIR - RA Club Night
June 22nd
Velva Stewart has always been a Road Angels supporter and advocate and her connection to the Beaches Restaurant management has meant the club always being provided the oportunity to participate in one of the event's feature club nights. There is always a great turnout for this event - totaling in the hundreds. This night, there were 11 Road Angels cars that showed up on a beautiful night.
For a $5 entry, lots of food, a band and, of course, the drag races it is by far the largest car event of its kind anywhere - on a weekly basis! Being an "open" event, participants can see (and hear) a wide range of vehicles from old and new cars, trucks and motorcycles to some of the strangest motorized machines you'll ever see.
Always a well organized event, Beaches donates the proceeds to charities and to date has been able to provide over a million dollars to these charities. Weekly events continue all summer.
A great turnout under the trees by the Road Angels
One of the advantages of club night - shade and close to the restrooms and food!
A couple of RA club Fords!
A row of club cars
Skip S. looks for the source of... something!
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3rd Annual Bridgeport Village Classic Car Show
June 26th
This is the ONLY Road Angels hosted car event of the year and it is a GREAT ONE! Over 5 months of planning and organizing pays off in one of the most unique and desirable shows anywhere. NO fees, NO judging, NO trophies, INVITATIONAL cars only, GREAT variety of cars, FREE lunch, DASH plaques, LIVE band, KIDS activities, BEAUTIFUL location, AND... the best group of people putting it all together!
This was Bridgeport's 3rd annual event and it was the largest yet. 90 cars filled the tree lined streets. There was everything from a 4 cylinder Nash Metropolitan to a thumpin' 500 h.p. El Camino. A Ute to a Cadillac limo! Something for everybody. The Fabulous Farelanes supplied the music and Joe's Burgers and a new vendor, Waffle Window, served waffles throughout the day. It was hot. 86 degrees by 3:00 P.M. but there was plenty of shade on either sides of the streets with a nice breeze and a vendor provided free bottled water for everyone.
All in all this was a very successful show and the club personnel received several thank yous and atta boys from many in attendance. Thanks should also go to the Bridgeport Village personnel, Mike and his staff from Social Media NW and especially... the members of the fabulous Road Angels!
The Road Angels greeting crew!
Impersonators of "Grease" actors as well as James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Mary Poppins provided photo ops for anyone interested. The Fabulous Farelanes put out the rockin' tunes. The place was jumpin'!
A beautiful display of cars on a beautiful day at Bridgeport Village!
There were lots of Lady Angels on hand like Jacki M. and Kathi A.
A great overhead shot from the parking garage
This is the view as spectators enter the show from the main entrance
Is there a prettier setting for a car show? NO!
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Tualatin Crawfish Festival
August 7th
This was the 2nd year the Road Angels organized a car "display" for this annual Tualatin community event. The theme was Route 66 which represented the 66th year of the Crawfish Festival. Club member, Rick McMahon, appeared on two TV station programs prior to the event to help promote it. About 45 cars were on display - many from the Bridgeport show roster. Last year there were rumblings about the free lunch of crawfish. So this year, the promoter, Mike Higgins, offered free access to the VIP corral which had a burrito bar affair with as much as you could eat and drink. Many said they liked it.
As of this writing, promoter Mike does not plan to head up this event in 2017 so it is unknown if there will be a car display. And based on the luke warm interest in it by club members, It may be that the club will not participate again as well.
This flyer was designed and sent to all potential entrants
Rick M. got up at the crack of dawn (literally) for the TV interviews
45 spots filled by a variety of cars
Some of the Road Angels enjoying the day
It was also Jacki M.'s birthday so a cake was shared with all attendees!
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Keith & Julie's Annual Road Trip
August 21st - 23rd
Once again the Wolfard's put together a great road trip of over 400 miles in three days. The overnight destination was Sisters but the real point of the trip was to see dozens of small towns and sights along the way. The weather was great and Keith did a great job of keeping everyone together over the entire trip.
Keith and Julie spend a huge amount of time and effort putting these trips together and we thank them for yet another great road trip!
Keith and Julie are the king and queen of club road trips! Seen here at lunch in Maupin
Open range cattle held us up some along the way
Beautiful weather every where for the 400+ mile, three day trip
Great lunch at Maupin on the Deschutes River
Some happy Angels at lunch on the way to Sisters
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Canby Cruise-In
August 27th
Time again for the big Canby cruise-in around the city park. Total car count was down some but many of the usual attendees were on hand for this laid back event. Good to see ex-club member Larry W. behind the wheel of his parking patrol cart.
Like many cruise-in events, it seems attendance is down - maybe because there are so many or maybe the hobby is slowing a bit. Either way, this event is one of the better ones for the selection of cars and the overall family atmosphere.
No hiding who's on hand!
Everybody waiting for the trophy presentations
Mick picks up an award with his new '37 Chev Hemi-Gasser!
Parking Patrolman, Larry W. and his family were all smiles - an award was presented on behalf of Sharon
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Annual Christmas Party/Meeting
December 19th
Maybe the most important party/meeting in years took place this year as the club was both celebrating the past year's activities and deciding on its course for 2017 and beyond. It's no secret the club has seen some decline in membership and participation in recent times. In these regards, many other clubs have been experiencing the same thing. So serious discussions have taken place and introspectives and ideas explored. As a result, some decisions have been made and shared at this year's party/meeting at Stark Street Pizza on the 19th.
Most importantly, the club will continue with emphasis on gaining membership, individual participation and new activities. Rick Kinnear has volunteered to lead the club once again with help from Roger Klick, Skip and Freda Schmelzer and any others who want to step up.
As important as the club's future has become, everybody still wanted to celebrate the accomplishments and fun over the past year. So Skip noted all the events and acheivements and began the party side of the gathering. There was a large turnout and pizza was provided to everyone. This year's Gary Davis Award went to Rick Kinnear for his empty gas tank stall near the Morrison Bridge. Besides the plaque, there was a special "gift" designed and built by Don Troxer and Rick McMahon that Rick K. can cherish forever!
While this year's venue was less formal than those of the past, there was an increased feeling of club comaraderie with the familiar surroundings of the room club members have occupied for more than 25 years!
Maybe there was a little less party atmosphere this year but maybe it was also the beginning of a new era. Let's hope this was a nice kickoff to great fun and friendships in 2017 and beyond.
Smiling faces were everywhere as pizza filled every plate
Some early club founders attended. Pictured are Gary Blodget, Peggy and Tom Hefflin and Ron Love
Nice to see Dave and Pauline Weir
Lots of conversations. Even Larry Wilkinson showed up to encourage the club to "stay together".
Rick Kinnear won the Gary Davis Award along with this special auxillary gas tank to prevent running out of gas!
A happy ending to another great Road Angels year!
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