Registration? Check. Reservation at the Hilton? Check. Suitcase, car detailing bag, and display? Check, check, check. All-important AAA card with upgraded towing services? Absolutely check!

With all necessities “wedged” into the TR7, my journey to Triumphest 2010 began. This trip to Del Mar would be the longest drive I have undertaken in Spidey since I purchased him in Sherman Oaks 2 years ago. Although I eagerly anticipated this trip, I wasn’t too jazzed about being the lone VBAC member attending as our club’s car show was slated for the same weekend. Geesh! Who planned that?! (wink). Nonetheless, the lure of joining old friends from last year’s Triumphest and the opportunity to meet a few online friends proved stronger than my apprehension of driving alone for such a distance. I put on my big girl panties (Uh-oh, can I say panties?), filled up the gas tank, said a prayer, and was on my way.

Since I had never driven in the rain, I was pleased that Spidey’s windshield wipers actually functioned properly and that Rain-X really does work. With the exception of a torrential downpour as I entered the Grapevine, the drive was quite enjoyable and Spidey drove like a champ amongst the modern cars and the monstrous 18-wheelers. The 4 hamsters under the bonnet hardly complained! In fact, we made it to Del Mar covering 303 miles on 1 tank of gas in 5 hours. Feel free to “Oooh and aaaah” now. 

Yes, there were hospitality parties, lunch and dinner outings, timed ralleys, scenic drives, and even autocross (I can neither confirm nor deny my expertise or lack thereof). Those were great events, but for me it is all about the cars and their owners. Strangers are just friends waiting to happen, after all. Cars continued to trickle in all day Thursday. By the evening, the Hilton’s parking lot was filled with approximately 100 Triumphs of all colors and types. A true Triumph wonderland with each model beautifully represented. Of course, since I am an Equal-Opportunity ‘Rumpher, I loved them all! I must, however, give special kudos to Gary Cooper and his gorgeous ’47 1800 Roadster; it is a rare and gorgeous car. The TR10 Saloon? I love its quirkiness and that it was a one-of-a-kind at the Funcours.

And then, of course, the Wedges…I do have a penchant for those now, don’t I? Imagine my excitement when I realized I was not the only Spider! Fred Strong (Triumph Travelers), Jan and Kathy Orlow (TR of So Cal), and Colleen McKay of Baltimore, MD, all had fine examples of this limited edition; I was in Spider Nirvana! John Manske (Fox Cities British Car Club) is also a Spider owner and flew in from Wisconsin to share in this event with us. In the spirit of Spiderpals, I let him drive Spidey and will remember to wear a Depends next time. Giggle. Other noteworthy Wedges: John Mangan (Tyee auto Club from Washington) is the original owner of his 30th Anniversary Edition with a paint job that made this grown woman drool! Jim Morrison from Arizona trailered in his beautiful Carmine Red TR7, Allen Cox’s TR8 brought out a little chrome envy in me. The rumble of Todd’s TR7V8 conversion made my heart beat faster as it zoomed by. Aaaah, it was absolutely wonderful to be surrounded by fellow Wedgeheads….I wasn’t alone anymore. Until next year, Friends. –Monica

“A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles” –Tim Cahill