J.A.G. again participated in the Clovis British Roundup with a small but mighty group of Jaguars and their owners. Andy & Marla Preston, John & Susan Swensson, Mike Epperson & Jeanne Thomas, Russell & Nelly Couch, David Langley, Betty Haron, and I. On Friday night at 6:30 PM, eight of us met at the 500 Club for dinner. Betty and I drove over; the rest walked over from the hotel. As usually happens when we all eat a meal together, there's lots of good conversation about cars and many other subjects. Getting to know each other better is always fun, in­ teresting, and most enjoyable.

Saturday morning began early, with most gathering in the hotel's breakfast area. As they enjoyed their coffee, the parking lot outside filled with all types 0f British cars,Valley British Auto Club members and enthusiasts from across the state were arriving.

The Roundup began with the traditional tour/drive through the foothills of eastern Fresno County. This year, the route went through the citrus groves (with many positive comments about the delicious scent of orange blossoms) northeast of Sanger, onto Trimmer Springs Road, alongside the Kings' River, crossing the river, and onto Elwood Road until the route reached CA180, then back to Clovis.

With 40 cars signed up, it was deemed necessary to divide the participants into two groups for safety's sake. A big thanks to Bill Van Deelen for serving as the guide for the 2.5-liter autos. The drivers' meeting began with a welcome from the VBAC president, Jon Brothers. Jon explained that since so many cars had gathered, we would have to divide into two groups. His voice deepened as he said, "The first group will be the HEAVY DISPLACEMENT VEHICLES, like the Jaguars, Aston Martins, and DeLoreans. The second group will begin ten minutes later. They are the lighter-displacement vehicles, the MGs, Triumphs, and Minis. Feeling very privileged to be HEAVY DISPLACEMENT, all the Jaguars got in line Promptly.

  

The Sierra foothills tour, once again, proved to be a fantastic outing for everyone. Those heavy displacement vehicles easily straightened out the curves past Wonder Valley. Since the valley had received less rain so far this spring, there was more browning on the hillsides, but the wildflowers were still abundant, and the river was flowing mightily. The well-planned route was extremely scenic and enjoyed by all. At the end of the drive, we rolled back into Clovis and our Mexican lunch spot.

 J.A.G. club members then dispersed until 6:30 pm, when 10 of them, two by two, met up at the Elbow Room in Fig Garden Village for dinner. Many took advantage of the fabulous aged beef offered there. After ample delicious food, and lots oflaughter (John was feeling cold and so happily borrowed Jeannie's sweater!), it was time for the Jags and their drivers to rest up for Sunday's car show.

 Those signed up for the car show had to arrive before 9:00am. The attendees included David Langley, Mike Epperson, Russell Couch, and Bill Van Deelan. This year's show was greatly helped by the weather, which was excellent. VBAC set up the most well organized car show. As you entered the car show, you were greeted by all of last year's winners (including David Langley's 1957 XK140 SE 3.4L). All car types and models were grouped together. It was as though the cars were painted in a picture, with every car so colorfully placed. J.A.G. didn't walk away with a winner this year, but we all really had a great time. You might consider coming next year.

By Deborah Hartunian