A few of us decided to make a run up to the top of Pikes Peak in the morning. I was really interested to see how Sophy would handle the steep grades and the altitude....14,000 feet plus.
We left the host hotel with 6 Type 3s (My Sophy, Brian Fye's Notch, Toby Erkson's Square, Keith Park's Square, Shakey's Square, and our guide's , Rick, Type 34 Ghia) and a Dodge Ram support vehicle. A few Invaders also rode shotgun with us to the top. Rick lead us up through the first half of the climb, but his Ghia was losing power quickly and wheezed into the ranger station at about 11,000 feet in first gear with his foot to the floor and going 15 mph. He elected to park it there and continued to the top with Brian. From there I lead the way to the summit with Sophy. Ran in 2nd gear most of the way at 25-35mph. Could clearly feel the effects of the altitude in the power Sophy was making (or not making) and in my own shortness of breather.
Made it to the top without further incident. Was really cool to see 5 Type 3 parked at the summit of Pikes Peak. We decided that that was probably the fist time that that many Type 3s had been at the summit together. The view was fantastic. It was much cooler at the top, about 56 degrees compared to low 90s down in town. We checked out the cog train, the gift shop, took a bunch of pictures, had a high-altitude donut and then got ready to go back down.
On the way down, you have to stop at the ranger station for a mandatory brake temperature check. Sophy's were fine at 195 degrees. Unfortunately, Toby had some issues with his oil pressure in his Squareback and ended up coasting the last little bit down to the ranger station. We spent some time getting his oil rpessure back (maybe) before getting ready to continue the decent.
Had a bit of a scary moment when I was leaving the parking lot and stopped on the brake pedal and had it go right to the floor! Much better to find it then then at the first hairpin turn. Wheeled around and check the fluid level and for leaks. Everything was fine and after pumping the pedal a bunch of time, I had brakes if I pumped them once or twice. Proceeded to finish the decent and by the bottom, Sophy's brakes were back to normal.
Keith, Rick and I swung over to check out the Garden of the Gods and Toby and Keith headed for the hotel. GotG is very beautiful. We had a good time checking out the sites. Unfortunately Toby's Square quit again and he ended up having it towed the last few miles to the hotel. Still diagnosing the problem, but right now the motor is seized. We don't know why.
After getting cleaned up, we gathered for dinner at the Phantom Canyon Brewery. About 60 Invaders should up and we spilled out into the outdoor dining area. Great food, great company. A good time was had by all.
Back ti the hotel, folks were working on Toby's car and Bob's speedometer and I got the Invasion shirts sorted for tomorrow.
Here are some pictures.....
Sophy
Toby's Square
Brain's Notch
Keith's Square
and
Shakey's Square
Wow -- an adventure and a half! Thanks for the report.
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