Is It Just Me?

[vf31rhill]

Now that we are past our little mini blizard, the weather has turned into prime Alfa driving weather. But I am unimpressed with the behavior of other drivers with regard to the Alfa. I am constantly challenged at the traffic lights by every kid and red neck in panel trucks, giant pick ups, and SUVs who want to prove that they can out drag me from the light. Is there something about an Alfa which triggers a slumbering resentment? Or has it been so long since anyone in Memphis has seen a living functioning Alfa Romeo that they don't know what it is and think it is a Ferrari. I swear, I think if I put a Ferrari emblem on the thing most of these yokels would believe it. Anyway, took it out on the interstate to let it run and same thing. Fat SUVs and other misc detroit and japanese tin content to slightly exceed the speed limit seem compelled to suddenly speed up and try to out race me if I pass them. As I was doing 80 in a 55 zone, I was not interested enough in playing their game to persist to the point of a rekless driving ticket. They can have all of those they want, thank you! But the real beauty of the thing here in bumpkinville is dusting them off on the ramps. Nothing so far but the BMW sport sedans can keep up with it in the high speed sweeping curves.
Robert

[eight-o-one]

PAST YOUR MINI-BLIZZARD??????? To be so lucky!! At my home I not seen pavement
in soooooooooo loooooonnnnnnggggg;I'm starting to
wonder if the sun-melt Gods will EVER give my road
any other color than 'white'.........Ed K.

[Erik]

Yes, ARs gets something odd out in many other drivers, some times it makes them racing drivers who wants to race you, others gives the thumps up and smiles at you.
Ignore the firsts and wave to the latter.
Over here in Northern Europe we also long for some old Alfa weather. We haven't had much snow in Denmark this winter but lots of rain and storms. But nice periods too, so I took a sneak premiere of driving the Spider some weekends ago.
Erik

[Geezer]

WELLLLL down here in the redneck south I usually get "that's the smallest car I've ever seen". Or "is that some sort of fur'n car". Robert you mention drag racing from a stop light. Heck down here in the jungles of Mississippi we don't bother to stop for the red lights or stop signs. I guess it take too much gas to get the redneck mobiles rolling again.

[john.harrill]

That "Slumbering resentment" is normal, since at the end of the day the Chevy Yukon driver looks out in their driveway and sees a truck.

That's all. Just a truck.

[Zunige]

In Ohio, I get "challenged" at the stop lights all the time. Invariably, they are kids in a pick-up truck. As slow as the Spiders are it's not a good idea to take them on. However, 90% of "winning" the "drag race" is how quick one can be when the light changes, and how well one can keep the revs up. So, it's more driver skill than outright vehicle power. While I don't usually race them, mainly because I like to take care of my cars and enjoy driving at my own speed, I have shamed quite a few kids with my '74 Spider. To add insult to injury, I'll get in front of them so they can see the historical plate! It's all good however, as I find that most people are genuinely interested in finding out about the car, and it's always a pleasant conversation or quick exchange of "thumbs-up". Enjoy your Spider by driving it at your own speed, and you'll find that other people will also enjoying sharing the road with you.

Best regards,

[Subtle]

I usually "get even" with my Turbo Wagon.

With the high-stall torque converter, the launch is impressive.

You just hammer the peddle, hang on to the steering wheel, and hope it is aimed in the right direction.

[vf31rhill]

Yes, I don't feel compelled to accept their challenges, for two reasons. Don't want or need the ticket and subsequent higher insurance rates. And I know if I break this toy who is going to be out in the garage repairing the damage. I know it is no speed demon, especially off the line. But it has it's element and that is on the sweeping curves where few things can keep up with it. It will be 70 degrees today, just for you chaps who are still awaiting spring. Think I will go out and put the top down!
Robert

[Geezer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vf31rhill It will be 70 degrees today, just for you chaps who are still awaiting spring. Think I will go out and put the top down! Robert

[vf31rhill]

"Robert,

You know how to rub it in."

Hey, it is hard to get one up on you BB chaps. You are pretty much all a class act. I have to get my lick in when the opportunity presents itself, even if it is a fluke of the weather over which I really have no control.
Robert

[Slash]

Nope, it's not just you.

The first time I drove my Spider to work, a guy in a Ford Ranger tried to beat me to the on ramp. He was driving for all he was worth - revving the engine to the redline and sawing through the gears - I mean he was really working it! Even with all of that, he was so slow that I didn't notice until I heard that poor engine being worked to death behind my left ear (my top was down, of course). We hit the two-lane on ramp (a 270-degree rising right-hander) nose-to-nose with me on the inside. Of course, it was no contest. I down-shifted to second and went around the curve without drama, leaving the small pickup behind as a shrinking image in my mirror.

I don't know why he even thought he had a chance!

[vf31rhill]

For Pete's sake! A Ford Ranger! That was no contest, that was an insult. Glad you didn't take pity on him and stop short of humiliating him. Someone that dumb doesn't deserve pity. If it had been an F-350 you still could have dusted him, but at least it might have been something like a real contest. What goes through the mind of such an individual, assuming he has a mind?
Robert

[wutdhec]

Maybe its the condition of my '91 Spider (which I think is pretty good), but my 4 cyl Camry feels like a rocket in comparison...I don't think I could challenge anything but maybe a Chevette.

But, before I get burned at the stake, the Spider is the funnest car I've ever driven, and the one I try to take everywhere I go. This last Sunday afternoon, I drove up some winding roads (Glendora Mtn Rd - GMR, if you're familiar w/LA County) and had an absolute blast...the car handled amazingly well and the sound of the engine / exhaust (stock, but ordered a stinger pipe) was intoxicating. I really don't care about drag racing anybody...I know I'd lose 'em in the turns.

If anyone lives near Eastern LA county, you have to go up GMR..great road (pretty narrow though) and awesome scenery!

[saracino]

Up here in the snow capital of North America you won't see any alfas for a few weeks yet. We are zeroing in on 400 centimeters of snow accumulation so i figure it should melt by the end of May.

[vf31rhill]

In Montreal they only have 2 seasons. Winter is coming, and winter is here!
Robert