Day One 2000 Cruise (archive) Posted by Rachel on January 01, 2000 at 13:49:46:

In Reply to: Hungover Cruise- let's go now Northeasters! posted by Rachel on January 01, 2000 at 10:17:33:

All it took was a sweater and a leather jacket, red headsokz (www.gotta-go.com) and red velvet gloves and it was top down gorgeous Day 1, 2000.

As I headed west on 14th street I noted the time was nearer noon than 11 ish- no matter, as long as the Z3ers were cruising, we'd meet up or not, it was still a good excuse to get out and drive.

I could see I was in good company when I met up with these motorcyclists.


Lotta people with the same idea. Grin. Heading north on the West Side Highway, I saw 20 motorcycles coming south. Always a good omen.

The Hudson opened up on my left. West Side Highway became Henry Hudson Parkway and Saw Mill. I was thinking of how Mike (DC) got ticketed near here on the Sleepy Cruise (and how we promised we'd chip in for the ticket- send me your address Mike and I will ante up!). It makes sense that the police would wait around the points where New York City meets those wide open roads to the country.

I was thinking about the NE Z3ers and were they waiting at Allyns (www.allyns.com) ? Oh well, I'd be there soon enough. The new chip/cold air intake was an indescribable pleasure and the ride was just amazing. I couldn't wait to hit the open part of the road.

I double checked my V1- it was on loud, but then so was my stereo- Rolling Stones and Beatles. I saw a trooper headed the same direction as I was driving, parked on one side, but no V1. I hit the brakes and as soon as I was slowed down the V1 went off. I heeded the warning. In a few, there were people gawking at me again. Probably because I was top down. It makes me nervous, because more than once the gawkers have driven into my car. I hit the gas to get away. Next thing I saw was a different trooper (I think) in my rear view mirror.

That's all right. If I speed and I get caught that is my fault and I'll pay the ticket (as of now I have no points). His lights came on and I prepared to pull over, but there was no place to pull over. I motioned to him so he'd know I was trying. He said over his speaker, "That's OK, I don't want you to pull over, just slow down".

Cool! I thought a bit about what that means for the New Year, waved at him saying "Thank you" and he waved back. I decided that even though it was a gift from the gods day, harbinger of a great new year, Emmy was running perfect and the Zaino (www.zainobros.com) shine was driving me gaga, that damn Cold Air Intake and Chip, Strut Brace combo was the most seductive thing in my life, but I hadn't heard from the Z3ers (could be my very crappy cell phone) and maybe it was time to turn around. I only need one warning. Besides, I knew that if anyone did hit the road to meet me, even if we didn't meet up, they must be having as wonderful a drive as I was.

(JohnB, take Lonnie's Strut Brace!)

There was snow on the ground- melting.

As I pulled back onto the Saw Mill heading south, I saw a Boxster- top up.

I had left up the west side, and was returning on the east side, finally saw a sign that mentioned New Years. It was a traffic bulletin sign warning that Times Square would be closed to traffic from 11 to "Jan 1 2000".

Oh baby.
I came home on the Triboro, and a nice toll collector took this pic for me.


I got my Register yesterday and I was thinking about the folks we lost, how they had just enjoyed their cars before they had to leave us. I guess if I had to go, that is a darn good way to do it. Just as long as no one loses their life (or takes one) in their car.

Here's hoping you all got out there and enjoyed the day, stay safe and have a good year!

Life is good.


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