Support a group of Healeys across North America? “Sure, no problem, we can do
it”. That's the attitude I've gotten from the Healey Community.
It all started about six months ago when I received an email from Ann Hunt of
Scotland. She and Husband Peter were entered in the first around the world
rally and had found my website and decided why not start looking for needed
help in the US with me. I liked the idea. Driving the ultimate road trip in a
Healey (I like Healey's), raising money for Hospice (favorite charity) and
from Scotland (My family is from there). Why not!
The mission is to get three Healeys from Anchorage, Alaska to Newark, New
Jersey on time and in one piece. This after a trip from London to Beijing
and before an airlift to Morocco and amid a pack of 50 other cars.
I started by plotting out the course and referencing Healey Club membership
books for owners along the way. Many I knew and readily volunteered. It was
a case of “I know a guy who might know a guy who lives there”
I sent letters to everyone along the route. Got some great responses. One guy
in Northern Canada hasn't seen another Healey in years. One tiny little town
boasts eight Healey owners and they will all be there. A fellow in Montana
reports only one machine shop and not to worry, he owns it. A couple in
Anchorage will be accepting a drop shipment of maps and supplies to give the
participants when they land in the US.
80 days in a Healey. Can you imagine that? People have opened up their homes
for home cooked meals and laundry facilities. We may need Chiropractors more
than mechanics.
Inan of Healey Surgeons has volunteered to arrange for parts shipments 24
hours a day. The Sports and Touring Club in New Jersey is leaving nothing to
chance. They have a full restoration shop booked and the keys to the Moss
Motors East Coast Warehouse!
Bob Brown expects about twenty couples to follow the route through Michigan
on a trip he is coordinating. It's a rolling cars show. 50 vintage cars
including several Rolls Royce, Aston Martins and others.
We have a promise of two pages in Healey Marque about the event so look for
it in an upcoming issue.
In a meeting with the Classic Rally Organizers, no other Marque has anything
near the planned support that the Healey contingent expects.
I have updated the North American itinerary web page for the Around the World
Rally. You can find it at http://members.aol.com/BGAHC/ATW2000.html. The
update includes links to individuals who have volunteered help at a stop.
Check it out and see if you can participate also.
Thanks,
Jim Werner
Louisville, KY
BN4 BJ8
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