Guys and Gals,
I have been asked several times if I will be able to attend this years Stampede and especially since it's in my backyard. Due to changing jobs recently, I will not be able to attend this year but I wanted to take a moment to encourage anyone on the fence to join the Stampede...
Norm and his crew have created an incredible yearly car drive that raises money for a wonderful charity. Not only do you get to drive days with several other Pintos, you get to participate in a Car Show that punctuates the entire experience. Every Stampede I have participated in has been outstandingly fun and I mean fun! If you are a Pinto owner and can participate in this event, do everything you can to be there- seriously. There is no feeling that I can remember that was so cool as driving with a fleet of Pintos (30+ in 2011) down a highway and seeing all the rubberneckers go nuts about all those Pintos!
Most of you don't know but the Stampede caused a wreck in Iowa (Norm correct me if I'm wrong about the location)... We were traveling down the in highway with all those Pintos and we were getting the usual compulsorily stares and then eventual phone picture swam leading to jaw dropping envy... (It's predictable. really it is... this is fact!!) .. A Jeep was destined to stop at this traffic light but because he or she was looking so intently at the line of Pintos traveling by- the jeep slammed into another car.. smash bang!! REALLY!! The reason I have first hand knowledge of this is because the wreck happened about 5 feet from my Pinto! I was driving with my son along this nice rural highway and saw the jeep ogling the Stampede as usual and WHAM! ..wreck! ... I was riding last in line on the Stampede and was almost a participant! I was a little shaken up by the may lay and drifted away from the group making sure no one was hurt over my shoulder... Norm called after a few min to see if everything was alright.. the entire Stampede saw what had happened. Just a little fender bender, nothing serious... thankfully!
I writing this now to let you know that riding with the Stampede (if you are a Pinto Guy or Gal) is something you MUST do... Not that you will cause wrecks but that you understand the public's draw to these cars and especially since it was the most prolific car of that time almost EVERYONE has a Pinto story or memory that is endearing to them and will be shared... you must experience this! Most of you already have at many cars shows but driving with a fleet of Pintos it magnifies any response to an incredible degree! You must experience it!
I had, like most, my Pinto project in parts and pieces on the floor of my garage for years... many years... After Norm announced the first Stampede, I decided to get one of my cars together to run with the group. I would have not found the impetus to complete one of my cars if not for the Stampede. Use this event to spur you forward to complete your Project... it will be worth it! Use this Stampede event to get your project cars done, get your car ready and participate in this great event. Do Not miss this,,, really,,, DON'T MISS THIS!! Only those folks that have participated in this event will understand this,, Don't Miss this!
You won't find a more gracious host and excellent ride along partners that these folks. Norm and his crew are Tops!
Please don't miss this!!