VTR or Triumphest

[John Clancy]

Which is the bigger event? I was planning on Triumphest in October but Tony Earl has just advised the VTR in August is at Breckenridge, Colorado and as that is just about my favourite place in the USA I have to admit I'm rather tempted.

So come on you chaps in the States, which is your preferred event?

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[RJS]

That's like asking which is better, blonds or brunettes? Both events are winners, but I have not yet attended either. I would expect VTR to be a little bigger since it is a nationwide event and Triumphest in more for the southwest (everyone is welcome).

My local Arizona club will be hosting Triumphest in 18 months, so we are excited about that.

I grew up 2 hours north of Breckenridge, and I am trying to figure out a way to make my summer vacation work around it, but it is not looking very promising right now. I don’t think my wife would be excited to take our 25th anniversary trip this summer to an event that involves “that car of yoursâ€￾. Does Hawaii have a good Triumph event?

Rob

[FI Spyder]

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Century Gothic, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by RJS</i>

I don’t think my wife would be excited to take our 25th anniversary trip this summer to an event that involves “that car of yoursâ€￾. Does Hawaii have a good Triumph event?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Rob, you do have to be creative. On our club trip down to Disneyland we are stopping in to see her nephew and his Californian wife and grand niece we've never met. Since we've been to Disneyland and Disney World we'll probably stay in San Diego and see the Zoo and USS Midway which we haven't and Sea World (which we have). She doesn't like road trips and thinks all we do on club outings is talk about cars I was surprised she was up for it all.

As for VTR and Triumphest, they are both similar, both in the mountains this year (August for Colorado and September for the further down south Big Bear Lake). Both cost about the same. I have my eye on both but unlikely to do either with our June road trip and probably the ABFM/SOVERN Racing in Portland at beginning of September. Another year maybe.

Didn't one of the guys in the Stag DVD say they were at the Triumphest and say they thought all the Stag's made were there? I know Monica was at last years (San Luis Obispo). What was it like Monica?


TR7 Spider - 1978 Spitfire - 1976 Spitfire - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT

[jclay (RIP 2018)]

Monica loved it. I have promised her that I would go to Triumphest.

I am going to VTR South Central Region Convention in April, VTR National and to Triumphest this year. Really would like the drive the TR8 there.

Clay

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[tencate]

That's a hard one. Are you JUST planning to go to the Triumph event or are you planning some sightseeing afterwards? Breckenridge is at altitude (10000 ft) so all the Triumphs will be down on power but the mountains are gorgeous and there are lots of fun places to drive too. Triumphest is California. Need I say more? Perfect weather, tons of just beautiful cars show up there too.

Hard decision. I'm hoping to get to some collection of the same events Clay is going to. Triumphest is a LONG drive for me though.

Keep us posted. Will you be needing a wedge to drive?

Jim

[John Clancy]

What is the format of these events? Do we all park up our Triumphs in a field or other gathering area? It sounds like both the events are very similar in many respects so I suppose it largely depends on if I can get away in August for a trip to Breckenridge - the weekend before is the Stag Owners Club national weekend and I may have to be at that but I expect there are flights to Denver International every day so that could work out okay.

If this does come off, and I'm very serious about it, I'll be bringing a lot of filming equipment so make sure your wedges are nicely polished. I'm already compiling material for 'Bullet Reloaded' and that is half the reason for coming over. Lunacy really but I enjoy it all.

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[jclay (RIP 2018)]

They usually have an autocross, Funcana, breakfast runs, gimmick or TDS Ralleys. Then they also have the concours. The last day there is an Awards Banquet and then everyone heads home.

Breakfast run:


Gimmick Ralley:














Clay

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[ColoradoTR8]

I was involved with the committee for the 2001 VTR in Breckenrdige and can say that it is a beautiful location for a national(international) gathering of Triumph fanatics.

Some facts about the town itself. Jim may have scared you all with that 10,000 foot altitude warning, but that figure is a little on the high side. The towns elevation is actually only 9,603 feet (2,927 meters)[;)]. The average summer temperature is 70f (22c) during the day and 50f (10c) at night. I have experienced mid 80's during the day in August though. The average humidity is 30% and the town usually sees 300 days of sunshine/year. BTW, the days of sunshine and the average humidity is on par with the entire state of Colorado. Word of warning, when the weather says clear they mean clear, no clouds at all. When they say partly cloudy, they mean there could be some clouds but expect a LOT of sun. At the altutude that we are talking about, bring sunscreen, lots of good sunscreen and be sure you apply it often. Less atmosphere equals faster burn, low humidity equals drier skin. dried sunburned skin is not fun. Some after sun lotion with aloe is also reccomended for visitors used to low altitudes and higher humidity. Also, drink LOTS of water. It helps fight altitude sickness which is primarily dehydration. Not only will the cars performance be lowered due to the lower density of O2, your personal performance will too.

Don't let the above scare you off though. Being forewarned is forearmed and its not nearly as bad as you might think. The upside is that the scenery is very breathtaking and you'll be able to see and drive to heights you might otherwise never experience. Hoosier Pass is a very short drive from Breckenridge and is 11,532 feet (3515meters) in altitude. If your feeling really adventurous, Mt Evans is less than an hour away and the parking lot just below the summit is at 14,130 feet and is the highest paved road in North America. The actual summit is an easy hike from the lot and is 14,264 feet. Colorado has 54 mountain peaks in excess of 14,000 feet.
Lots of things that would make the trip worthwhile.

<b><i>Shawn</i></b>

[John Clancy]

Thanks for posting the pictures Clay - if it weren't for the 'orrible bumpers on the Spitties you could almost think it was a UK Triumph gathering!

And thanks for the advice Shawn. I've been to Breckenridge many times but never when you could actually see the ground... as it's always been covered in snow - lots of snow!

Now who is bringing their wedge with them???

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[tencate]

Who's going from here? My two TR8s (I hope), Phil's TR8 coupe, Garth's TR8, John's TR8, and possibly Jim (Albuquerque) who apparently has a TR7 painted+ to look like a Rallye version... and that's just mostly us Los Alamos NM guys and it's only like 5 hours drive from here through some LOVELY country too! Maybe we can even get someone to drive up Phil's TR7 if it's running by then!

Jim

[jclay (RIP 2018)]

I should have my TR8 ready to travel by then.

Clay

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[ColoradoTR8]

If I am there, my TR8 will be there.

<b><i>Shawn</i></b>

[John Clancy]

Only five hours Jim? That's just like a trip from where I live to Canley in Coventry for me. Guess I'll call in and pick up Phil's TR7 then!!!

It will be great to see you all with your cars so I really hope this comes off. Suppose I'll have to get in touch with the organizers soon so I can let them know what I'm planning to film. And in that regard, do any Triumph saloon (sedan) models turn up at these events? And what about the aforementioned Stag? It was Tony Lee on the Code Name Stag DVD that mentioned he couldn't believe the numbers of Stags at a Triumphest at London Bridge, Arizona when he went out there as the special guest (the lucky sod!!!). For those that don't know Tony is now the most senior surviving member of Standard Triumph staff since Spen King passed away last year. He's in his eighties but very young for his years and still a great speaker.

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[tencate]

Yes, just about 5 hours and through some very lovely country too. Like others though, the timing of the event isn't the greatest for me. My oldest daughter starts university/college right around that time so I'll just have to wait and see how things work out and where she ends up going! But yes, I might have Triumphs to loan out if you want to fly into Albuquerque, tour Santa Fe, and drive up from there.

Jim

[FI Spyder]

Google gives the time of 6 hours 47 Minutes taking fastest route. That's with no rest stops. But then perhaps you weren't thinking of keeping to the speed limits?[}:)]


TR7 Spider - 1978 Spitfire - 1976 Spitfire - 1988 Tercel 4X4 - Kali on Integra - 1991 Integra - Yellow TCT