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Hot Rod Power Tour 2010: Day Eight, Long Haulers Rule
Meeting up with my friends at the Waffle House across from my hotel was a nice way to start the morning. We all headed out together for the Long Hauler Awards.
Turns out there was really nothing going on, the weather was too hot, so they threw everyone on the battleship, sorta took a picture of everyone, then pressured everyone to leave. We were actually there for only an hour, the traffic jam in and out took longer then actual event. The only thing they said was that next year the Tour will end in Detroit. So that’s cool.
Our marry little band of Mopars decided to head to New Orleans for lunch, then swing north to see how far we get. So we headed west along the coast. It was absolutely beautiful day, hot, but beautiful. Driving three cool cars along the coast was really nice. You don’t get to do that much up in Chicago.
We cruised all the way to New Orleans where we made our way to the french quarter. A incredible place, I heard good and bad things about the area, so we decided just to grab lunch and then turn our way north to get a head start home.
And so we drove, and drove, and drove, endings up in Jackson, Mississippi where we will start off from tomorrow. I don’t know if I will drive the rest of the way tomorrow, or break it up into 2 days. But tomorrow my friends and I will part company, them heading to their home and myself heading to mine.
Hot Rod Power Tour 2010: Day Seven, Mobile AL
The final run, the run to the end. Today was going to be unlike all the others. We were running completely separate of the Power Tour. Our stop, the Tim Wellborn Muscle Car Museum.
Rob left this morning early to catch his flight to New York. I wished him well and he headed out. Everything went good. I met up with the rest of the group and a new arrival at the Super 8 where the rest of the group was at. From there I just needed to fill up and head out. We actually retraced some of the route we were on yesterday.
We drove through the morning making it to the museum just before noon. Mr. Wellborn wasn’t there, but we got in and began exploring his incredible collection. There was so much there I can’t go into it all in the blog, there just isn’t enough time. I’ll let the pictures explain themselves.
Finishing up with the Tour, Mr. Wellborn showed us his parts collection in the attic and in the parts room. Which was mind-blowing to see NOS 71 Cuda Grilles and Hemi Valve Covers lying around. I also introduced him to my other blog, http://www.carsinbarns.blogspot.com because he has a fondness for barn finds as well, since he had 2 sitting in his shop.
The group got together in the museum and got a group shot. It was nice to have mostly everyone who had been on the tour there. After that we took some pictures outside the museum, grabbed a quick lunch at the Sonic next door and headed to Mobile, a scant 2 hours away.
Time just flew by, driving down the highway. We cruised past the MoPacer on the way. Other then that we saw no other Power Tour vehicles. The group arrived at Downtown Mobile without incident around 4 in the afternoon.
Parking was easy, as the entire downtown was a place to park, but the entire setup was terrible. There was no organization to it, cars were spread out in satellite lots with no rhyme or reason. And it was extremely hot out.
I didn’t have the time or energy to walk all the streets and lots so the MoPowered Group just went to the main area where the vendors were setup and got stamped in, picked up our MSD magnets then just wandered around for a bit, trying to catch a breeze.
That didn’t work, we all split up to do a few other things. I said goodbye to some friend who were leaving tomorrow morning and not attending the Long Haulers meet (even though I could have gotten them in!). Walked around for a bit, got some water, met up with Bob Ashton, who is the person who puts on the Muscle Car Nationals in Chicago. Great guy with a cool car.
After chatting for a bit, I decided it was time to find my hotel room. I headed back to the Challenger, only to find that EVERYONE else had left before I did. I guess they were tired of the heat as well.
I found my hotel, got a bite to eat. And worked on the itinerary for the next few days. That’s right! I’m not done yet.
Tomorrow morning the MoPowered Tour is meeting up at the Waffle House near our hotel at 7AM. The Long Hauler meeting says to get there around 8ish. After the awards, the 70 Coronet, 69 Dart and myself will be headed to New Orleans for the day, then making a right turn and heading north. Anyone is welcome.
Waffle House3428 SPRINGHILL AVE
MOBILE, AL 36608-1523 U.S.S. Alabama 2703 Battleship Parkway
Mobile, AL 36602
Hot Rod Power Tour 2010: Day Six, Birmingham AL
Things got interesting today. Unfortunately we lost our friends in the Superbee, but everyone else was game to meet up. So I found a real interesting place online called Aretha’s Frankenstein’s in Chattanooga. It was a GREAT decision.
It was a bit confusing to find, but once we got there it was a very eclectic style to the place. A conglomeration of all sorts of styles. Total Dive, just how we like it. I ordered the fat stack expecting 3 pancakes…. those 3 pancakes ended up being almost 7″ tall! And they were incredible. I highly recommend them if you ever get out there. They are now my #1 pancake place in the country.
After breakfast we headed out for Birmingham, Alabama. It was a quick route today. Just a scant 188 miles. Our little ragtag group made good time, passing through the Chicamonga battlefield, driving through Talledega and places inbetween. It got hot today, real hot and humid. We think it got to an older lady in a Dakota that ran a stop sign and almost had a 70 Coronet in the bed.
With only a an hour or so before entering the venue, we grabbed some food at a local Mexican restaurant. Very good food.
We pulled in a few hours later into the venue. Rob and I split up. I would go and document the new interesting cars at the show, and he would go grab some more vehicles to do photo-shoot with. Which will be in the Power Tour issue of the magazine.
It was almost a 100* and I got exhausted quick, I headed back to the Challengers air conditioning. Then drove around looking for a Barracuda that Rob wanted to shoot. I later found out he had actually found the car and had already done the photo-shoot. So I was just driving around in the Challenger for fun.
After the venue, Rob and I headed out to our hotel… Big mistake. We got there and the entire area was terrible. There was one house across the street, all the others had been torn down. People were watching us the entire time we were outside. I didn’t help that at the Burger King nearby you couldn’t use cash cause the people working there knew if there was cash in the register they would get robbed.
Rob and I went to dinner to figure this out, we decided to get a hotel near the airport so he could just hop on a shuttle and get to the airport, because he was leaving tomorrow. So we found a nicer hotel with high walls and security in this armpit of a city and are now relaxing without needing to worry about the Challenger
Tomorrow though is a special day, we got invited to the Tim Wellborn’s Muscle Car Museum. So we are meeting up at the Super 8 where most of the MoPowered Tour is staying. We will LEAVE the hotel at 9 AM so eating in the morning is your responsibility.
Super 8
140 Vulcan Road
Homewood, AL 35209
Wellborn Muscle Car Museum
24 Broad Street
Alexander City, AL
Hot Rod Power Tour 2010: Day Five, Chattanooga TN
Early this morning we were lucky that many of our friends in the MoPowered Tour were at the same hotel. So we all left together for an early morning adventure. Our plan was not to get breakfast, but to go to the Holley Headquarters and get a tour of their facility.
We did arrive there and talked with a person we knew there about the tour of the facility. They said it would be alright, just no photography, so there isn’t anything to show of the rows of Dominator Carbs, or piles of four barrels lying around. We went through each station where the carbs, NOS items, Weiland and a bunch of other items are produced. Then we were shown the two people in the entire company that rebuild original muscle car carbs, just 2 people in the entire company, it is an incredible operation.
As soon as it had started, it was done and we headed out into the pouring rain to get to Chattanooga. We got very lucky and it had only rained for the first hour of the drive, after that it was beautiful weather.
We traveled through this hills of Kentucky and mountains of Tennessee. The drive was incredible, everyone was having a blast, except the 69 Super… that doesn’t have a front or rear sway bar! We actually did have a blast though, all the old muscle did great with no issues.
The group was supposed to meet up at the Bumpers Drive In that is located in Smithville, TN but it was packed to the gills, so we continued on, just happen to find a Barracuda sitting next to a barn with some very odd modifications.
We did not starve and found a little mountain restaurant nearby with a very nice group of people. One of the customers there wanted our autographs (well not mine, everyone elses), wanted to use pictures of the cars in stuff with his tattoos. Then a family came up wondering if they could see and take pictures of the cars. It was incredible to see the outpouring. We were like rock stars in the place.
Unfortunately while we were inside talking with the people, someone stole the camera from the green 69 Superbee’s front seat. Really made me sick to think that someone would do that. Just shows you too always roll up your windows and lock your doors. After that we took off and headed to Chattanooga.
The last thing we did before entering Chattanooga was on one of the mountain roads, there was a lookout, and we all pulled over and took a minute to look out over this valley and take some really stunning pictures, then hop back in our Mopars and take off.
Entering Chattanooga it was quite stunning, and the venue was nice enough. We really didn’t spend that much time there. We lost an hour going from central to eastern time zones, so we were pressed to get around the place and get everything stamped before we had to leave for the Coker Cruise and Mopar Alley.
I went through the show, got everything stamped and signed, saw some friends, made some new ones. Unfortunately Scott and his father from the blog here have to leave early as the father has taken ill and needs to return home. We wish Scott and his father well.
http://442copilot70-hrpt2010.blogspot.com/
The Coker Cruise was incredible, I much preferred the Coker Cruise to the Power Tour venue. Rick with the local Mopar Muscle cars set it up so the MoPowered Tour and really any Mopar would have an entire block just to themselves, and it worked out great. There was a TON of Mopars there, everything from a row of Hemi Coronets to a Wing Car.
After going through the Mopar Alley, I took a quick tour around the Coker Facility and the Speed Shop. The place is just incredible. I wish I had more time to just look around and soak in all the incredible things the place had to offer.
Rain rolled in and broke everything up, Rob spent a good portion of the time riding in the silver Hemi Coronet doing video along the way, which you will see in a future Mopar TV episode. Once he got back the rain came down and we only had 2 more stops to make before we would hit the hotel, get some dinner and hit up someplace I hadn’t been in 20 years…. the Chattanooga Choo Choo!
I wish it had been more light and not raining, nor such a time crunch. But we quickly went to the Choo Choo, snapped a couple of pictures and then headed out. It was just mind-boggling to think that 20 years ago I was in the same spot I was in then. Too cool.
After the stop at the Choo Choo, we grabbed some dinner and then headed to the hotel to crash and so I could get this blog done before midnight… which doesn’t seem to likely now.
Tomorrow we are meeting at Aretha Frankensteins. We are LEAVING at 9 AM. No other stops planned for tomorrow. But on Friday we are going to the Tim Wellborn Muscle Car Museum for a personal tour!
Aretha Frankensteins518 Tremont Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Hot Rod Power Tour 2010: Day Four, Bowling Green KY
Last night my partner in crime arrived, Rob Wolf of Mopar Collectors Guide joined up and will be chilling with me for the next few stops. So we got up and made our way to the Du Quoin Family Restaurant, meeting up with a few of our good friends in the 69 Superbee and 70 Coronet Convertible.
We left by 9 am but with a slightly changed plan, while we would be leading the Tour for a bit, we were going to do some photos for a upcoming issue of MCG and were going to peel off with the 69 Superbee sometime during the Tour, and the rest of the group would continue on without us. So we gassed up and hit the road.
Passing through Carbondale, IL I snapped a quick photo for my brother, as he had gone to Southern Illinois University for a while. The route today was much nicer then the routes of the past few days, there was actually some twisty’s on this route. It was nice to get an idea of what the new Challenger could do since we don’t have these kind of roads near Chicago.
Working our way down the route, we came upon an old home made of stone, and tons of classic signs attached to the garage and home, train lights in the driveway. It was perfect to do some pictures with the 69 Superbee. So the rest of the MoPower Tour continued on and Rob shot the Bee in front of the signs. Look for a full feature on the car and the pictures in a future article.
Unfortunately the lady told us of a unique place down the road called the Hillbilles Garden. It was a life changing experience. We went down the road and found the location. There are really no words to describe it. We sat at dinner trying to understand what we saw, and still couldn’t explain it well enough. It was complete insanity. I’m going to do a brief comments on the pictures… try to understand it all.
You pull in and there is a original Gulf Gas Station from the 40’s I believe that the owners grandfather owned. The inside was filled with some period materials and stuff still remaining from the station when it was still a gas station. Also had a bunch of other stuff intertwined in there. A muppet the owner had when he was in Hollywood, some pictures of him with famous movie stars, crazy stuff.
On the other side of the yard near the road was the family Zoo, with turkeys, chickens, pigs, roosters, goats and some geese. The rooster was real mean the guy said, showing us his pecked up leg.
The next few pictures of just things they built in their yard out of, odds and ends they had collected or had been given.
In one corner of the yard there was a “lion” or “tiger” cage that now housed a vicious attack BEAGLE. He mauled the girl showing us around by licking her constantly. We feared for our lives the thing would get out of the cage.
After the attack beagle there was the redneck spaceship and some artwork on the walls of the home and Toyland.
Then there was Toyland… nothing can describe Toyland. Toyland is like entering the twilight zone. You just have to see Toyland to understand… I mean, they recreated scenes from two Star Wars movies out of Toys!
After Toyland we were a little overwhelmed, it was really cool and interesting. But we had to get going, we took some shots of the family with their new MoPower Tour shirts, grabbed some more of the surroundings and headed out.
The group continued on, making a stop at DeFew’s Body Shop where they had a little reception for the MoPower Tour. We only had the two of us, as everyone else thought it was a trap. But we met some really nice people, Kieron got interviewed with a local TV station, I got a nice picture with a girl and the Challenger. The owner showed us some custom new Chargers they did for a local bank and we continued on our merry way. http://www.1ofdefew.com/
Bowling Green was still a few hours away, so we made tracks. We stopped for lunch and a nice little place in Land between the Lakes, KY. Which was pretty good. Next stop was Bowling Green. Pulling in was a breeze, pulled right in, got a spot right near the main venue and park, and started to make the rounds.
We saw a 71 blown Cuda go on the dyno (look for a future feature on this car as well in MCG), doing over 600 HP at the rear wheels, ran into some old friends in their Challenger R/T B5 Classic, and there was a smattering of classic aircraft hanging around, including rides on a real Ford Tri-Motor airplane.
The day was ending and we were tired from the day, so I gave the car a quick wash and we headed to the hotel. Grabbed dinner with our friends from the MoPower Tour and retired to do the blog and plan for the next day.
Tomorrow we have a change, we are going to be MEETING at the Holley Custom Shop at 8 AM. WE WILL NOT BE MEETING AT THE RESTAURANT. Please eat and gas up before meeting there as we will be leaving right from Holley for the Tour Route. We will be eating lunch at Bumpers Drive In in Smithville. Tomorrow night though we will be blocking off a block in downtown and it will be just Mopars. But you must find us first.
Holley Performance Products
1801 Russellville Rd,
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Bumpers Drive In
303 East Broad Street
Smithville, TN, 37166
Hot Rod Power Tour 2010: Day Three, Du Quoin IL
Working it out to have us all meet at Charlie Parker’s Diner was pretty cool, the place was in an old airplane style hanger. Everyone who was there liked the food and had a nice time. A group of nearly 10 Mopars was able to find the place and meet up. We all headed out together for what was suppose to be a easy trip, which turned out to be everything but.
First real issue was there was construction on the highway leading out of Springfield causing a huge backup. We did a U-Turn and found side road that took us along the same direction, but around the construction. It wasn’t actually too bad, even a few Chevy and Ford guys decided they had better follow us too.
After spending a bit of time on the highway, the Tour made its way onto more scenic stuff. This was the second issue, usually through the little towns the police will control traffic and let large groups of the Power Tour go through lights or through stop signs, not in two of the small towns we passed though. We had over a hour wait in each town just because of either a real quick light or too many stop signs.
Making our way to Sullivan, IL I got a call from my friend saying that the road through Mattoon was a disaster and to avoid it at all cost and that they were a lost cause and to avenge their deaths… Still haven’t heard from them. So the MoPower Group went their own route to Mid-America Motorworks, where we were required to now stop to get stamped in.
Our group pulled in much later then we had hoped. We were far behind schedule with out meeting up with some Mopar gearheads at Performance Plus. But we still stopped, got checked in, and ate some grub. Of course while photographing some Mopars start to talking to some of the owners. And they inform me that they have a Mopar only restoration shop just down the block with some extremely rare Mopars if we wanted to see them.
Not wanting to disappoint anyone, I said it was no problem, a few of the MoPower Tour group followed the guy over to their shop and showed us some incredible Mopar iron, from a 71 Cuda flopper, to a triple black 71 GTX. They had a bit of everything there. But that really put us behind, so after our brief stop over there, we flew to Performance Plus.
As I’m about to pull into Performance Pluses driveway, an ambulance pulls in behind me with a medic response vehicle. I’m thinking this is just great, Rob Wolf finally shows up and he causes someone to faint. Unfortunately it was worse then that, a young lady had been riding on the back of a motorcycle when she got stung by a bee, being highly allergic, right after parking fell off the bike. She then quit breathing, but was able to start breathing again, and that’s when we showed up. The young lady left in stable condition the last I heard.
After the ambulance left we only had about a half hour before we had to leave to make it to Du Quoin on time and get stamped in. So we met Marty and his friends, they showed us the show and the cars they brought. Rob Wolf of Mopar Collector Guide met us at the shop bringing along a prototype 2011 Dodge Ram Rumblebee, he was taking video for MoparTV (more on that later) and talking with everyone. We had a nice time, Rob left early with his friend Rhinehart to get the MoPower Tour pulling into Du Quoin.
We left a short time later and headed out to Du Quoin which was 20 minutes away. Along the way we ran into old friends along the way. Right before entering Du Quoin we got a break, a VERY long coal train blocked out way for around 15 minutes. Causing a huge backup, but also allowed some guys that had gotten separated from us to get back in line. So when pulling into Du Quoin we had quite the procession of Mopars. Rob videoed us all pulling in, this will be posted on the new MoparTV. It will have videos from parts of the Tour and other adventures.
The fairgrounds were incredible, the style was art deco with some modern twists. Reminds me of something out of the 30’s. I walked the grounds and talked with some Mopar guys. Got checked, watched some dyno pulls. At this time Rob had gotten done making his rounds and headed out to meet me at the hotel. So I then headed back to the rest of the group, because two of my friends were leaving to go home. So we parted company and wished each other well. They headed home and I headed to the hotel to meet up with Rob.
We checked in, got settled and got all the new MoPower Tour T-Shirts into the Challenger. They all fit with no issues. Plenty of room, so if you want a MoPower Tour T-Shirt, let me know. I have S to XXL. We went to dinner with our friends in the 70 Coronet R/T convertible and then headed back to write the blog.
Tomorrow we head to Bowling Green, Kentucky. We’re LEAVING the Du Quoin Family Restaurant at 9 AM. So be there by at least 8 to 8:30 if you would like to grab a bite to eat beforehand. Rob Wolf of MCG is traveling with me for the next few stops. So if you see him hanging out the window taking pictures, don’t worry. Also we might need to peel away and take some pictures for future articles. We are following the main route tomorrow with only a small stop on the way at a custom car shop. So let me know if you guys have any questions.
Du Quoin Family Restaurant
1290 South Washington
Du Quoin, IL 62832
Defew’s Custom Body Shop
979 US HWY 68 East
Benton, KY 42025
Hot Rod Power Tour 2010: Day Two, Springfield IL
The first leg of the Power Tour started us off at the Perkins in Newton, IA. I got there around 8 am and had breakfast. By the time 8:45 rolled around we had almost a dozen Mopars waiting to go.
Everyone was introducing themselves and showing the others their cars. It is always a blast to have a group of Mopar guys together. Once 9 am rolled around I gathered everyone together to give them updates on what was going on. We were to follow the main route. There would be fuel stops approximately every two hours for those that needed it. And we would have a brief stop in Macomb, IL.
We formed a line in a nice empty lot next door and took the opportunity to grab some cool pictures before we hit the road, with me leading the way.
We set off and headed East toward Keokuk. It was straight highway driving for this part. At one point on this leg I was getting 35 mpg! I’m not kidding. The top speed for the group was 60 mph because some of the vehicles really couldn’t go faster then that. Along this part as well we had almost 20 cars in our little Mopar convoy. Mopars that had seen us just jumped in.
At the 2 hour mark we made a gas stop. Everyone got out and streched, used the bathroom, cleaned their windshields. More Mopars joined us from here as well.
After the gas stop, we were all good until Keokuk. The traffic was terrible, but the reception was crazy. The streets were lined with people, giving away pop and water to us driving through. The outpouring of support was really nice. Unfortunately we didn’t stop there, we continued on. Filled up one more time, then I screwed things up a bit.
Coming through Carthage, we got broken up a bit as it was just a 2-lane road through the town, and it was very heavy traffic. I was leading the pack and just happened to notice a old friend of mine who I’ve been trying to reach for 3 months sitting at the corner, so I pulled into the Hardees parking lot, and only 3 guys saw me do this and pulled in behind me, everyone else went ahead. I quickly caught up with my friend, got his new number and the remainder of the group and I continued on. At one point the 70 Coronet Convertible and I had to reach triple digits to catch up to the group… yeah, that’s it.
We caught some of the group and met up with others at the Macomb stop. There was free pop and water in the local Steak House and sandwiches were cheap. The place we were visiting was built in the early 1900’s. Very cool feel to the whole place. We didn’t stay there long, cause we knew if we did we would be getting into Springfield too late to get out tags stamped. One more gas stop and we took off for Springfield.
After Macomb we didn’t make any more stops, we just headed straight to Springfield. We got there with 15 minutes to spare, and the setup was, lets just say, and interesting. We met up wtih some other friends and were able to get a few of us together. After we parked though, we all ran for the stamps next to the stage for out time slips. We got there with time to spare. We split up and started looking at the show. Three hours later after trying to understand the mess, I finally left, exhausted.
I left there pretty late, everyone else had gone, so I made my way to my hotel room on the outskirts of town. Grabbed a Pizza with some of the people I met here and finally got my shoes off.
Tomorrow we at meeting up at Charlie Parker’s Diner in Springfield and then heading to Mid-America lunch stop so we can get out time-cards stamped. From there we will proceed to a renowned Mopar engine Guru to see his place. From there we’ll continue on to Du Quoin. Ta Ta for now.
Charlie Parker’s
700 North St, Springfield, IL
(217) 241-2104
Performance Plus Cylinder Head
1511 US 50
Odin, IL 62870
Too view all the pictures, just click below. Almost a thousand pictures so far!
Hot Rod Power Tour 2010: Day One, Newton IA
Today was the official beginning of the Hot Rod Power Tour. I packed up my stuff in Le Claire, IA and headed out. But not after making one more pass by the American Pickers place. They weren’t there, darn.
Of course it would rain, it always rains sometime on the Power Tour. I was just hoping it was the last, we wouldn’t be that lucky.
It was a relatively quick drive to Newton, IA straight down I-80. I drove past Iowa City where my sister went to school and remembered the good times we had there. But with the blink of an eye I was pulling off the highway and into Newton.
The main road for the Iowa Speedway was the exit from the highway, so it was easy to get to the site. I made my way through the cars and got to the registration tent and got my credentials and stickers, then headed over to the main staging area.
When I pulled in I noticed some friends from http://www.cuda-challenger.com parked along the the outer border of the parking area. So I was able to bring the Challenger over by them.
We met up and introduced ourselves, it was really interesting to meet the people who I had spoken too over the web for so long and actually become friends.
I needed to start photographing and finding other MoPower Tour participants. Nearly ever Mopar I saw, I photographed. Along with other cool cars at the show. And if the owner of the car was near by, I asked if they knew of the MoPower Tour. If they did I would give them all the updated information. If they didn’t, I told them about the MoPower Tour and what was going on with the Tour the next few days.
Making my way around the show, I ran into old friends and new ones. Found Kenny Wayne Sheppard and his Duster after their 1700 mile journey from California.
I walked around so much I forgot to eat or drink, I got a bit dehydrated. So I headed back to the Challenger, rehydrated and headed to Chip Foose. Little did I know how long I would be there.
The line to see Chip Foose was crazy, I had been watching it throughout the day, and it never changed in size. I knew it was now or never to meet the legend. So I got my rear in line and waited. I waited an hour and a half, but I got to talk to him for a minute and got his autograph. I’m very happy, my back isn’t, but I am.
After that I was done, it was after 5 and time to head out, except for one thing. I wanted to do a lap around the Iowa Speedway. For a $20 fee, they would take you around the track a few laps. When I got there, there was only 3 cars in front of me, so it went quick and I went around the track, clocking in at 100 mph at one point.
But it came to an end all too quick, and I headed to the hotel room. I needed to just relax for a little bit and recoup before dinner. BIG mistake. I ran into a whole bunch of my MoPower Group at my hotel and we started talking. By the time I got done chatting and getting semi-situated in my room, it was raining like you wouldn’t believe.
But I was starving and I braved the downpour to make it to the Challenger and then across the street to a Mexican restaurant. Ate enough for a horse and then came back and spent all evening talking with fellow Power Tour participants until the sun went down.
Tomorrow we will meet at the Perkins @ 8 AM and LEAVE at 9 AM. After we leave we’ll continue on the main route. In Carthage, IL we will make a quick detour past a Mopar Guru with barns full of Mopars and see if he is there. The address for the Perkins where we are meeting is below.
1505 W 19th Street South
Newton, IA 50208
One more thing, since the hotel wanted my room with a double bed, they bumped me up to a single bed with a jacuzzi. Never had one of them.
MoPower Tour 2010: Day 0
Today started like every other work day, except I wasn’t coming home. I left right from work and drove for 3 hours. I setup for the night in Le Claire, IA. I had spent the day here a few years ago and it was half way between Newton and Chicago. Also it is the home base for the American Pickers TV show.
As I pull off the highway, there is a large sign posted stating it was “American Pickers” weekend. There is an entire weekend of events that are centered around the show and characters. I would love to spend the day here and go to the Q&A sessions. But I drove past their headquarters, which was interesting.
Spent the evening at a local bar and grill, grabbed some good food and met some good people. Now back at the hotel relaxing and watching some TV before heading to Newton tomorrow morning to meet Chip Foose (hopefully).
More information on the end of the MoPower Tour tomorrow night.
Power Tour 2010: More Info for the MoPower Tour
Day Four:Du Quoin to Bowling Green, KY
The meeting spot is the Du Quoin Family Restaurant. We’ll leave here by 9 am and head out towards Bowling Green. There aren’t any stops planned for this leg of the trip, unless anyone has any place they know of that is cool to stop at, junkyards, Drive In’s, photo ops. Let me know. After the stage show at the end of the night, RideTech will be having a BBQ at their trailer. Anyone is welcome.
Du Quoin Family Restaurant
1290 South Washington
Du Quoin, IL 62832
Day Five: Bowling Green to Chattanooga, TN
There’s a donut shop in town I’ve heard of I wanna try, and those of you from last year will understand my nick name, “The Donut King”, IT is called The Great American Donut Shop. 9 am leave time like usual. There is a cool Drive in Smithsville called Bumpers Drive In. I’m all about good food at interesting places. I think it would make for a nice stop if the place isn’t packed with Power Tour participants.
After the drive in I don’t have any other stops along the way. After the meeting up at the Community College though, a local Mopar Man is setting up a whole block for just the MoPower Group. There will be banners and signs to signify where we will park. We’re just nailing down exactly where it will be.
Great American Donut Shop
901 Us 31w Bypass
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Bumpers Drive In
303 East Broad Street
Smithville, TN 37166
Day Six: Chattanooga to Birmingham, AL
There’s an interesting place called Aretha Frankensteins, it is open for breakfast and looks like an interesting place to go. Same as usual, leave the restaurant at 9am. We’ll cruise on over to Birmingham. Once we get there we will try to park together like before. After the show the local Advanced Auto Parts is putting on a cruise, and it just happens to be right around the corner from the local Hooters. It should be a blast. Take a look here for more information. http://www.bangshift.com/forum/index.php?topic=21924.0
Aretha Frankensteins
518 Tremont Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405
The last two stops are still being worked out. I’ll have the rest of the information for you tomorrow night. If anyone has any questions, let me know.
I GOT THE BALLOON TODAY>>>>>> LOOK FOR THIS AT EACH STOP. It will be tied to the Challenger. If you don’t see me by the car, I’ll be making my rounds so watch for me as well. I’ll be in an Indiana Jones style fedora with a larger camera around my neck.
Hot Rod Power Tour 2010 