Open Air Classic 4.1...2009

Why Tour 4.1? Well, it has to do with not wanting to promote the number previously worn by a Packers quarterback. It IS held in Wisconsin, you know.

The event seem to get bigger each year. This year, (the 8th one we've attended), 218 convertibles took to the curvy backroads around Eau Claire, WI for over 200 miles of backroad adventure. The welcome/driver's meeting had over 400 in attendance, and the Plaza Hotel did a wonderful job of feeding us all in a quick and orderly fashion. And the food was good, too.

Friday morning saw 200+ drivers cleaning the previous nights rain off their cars and putting the tops down. Jackets were in order. You never know what to expect 'weatherwise'...jackets...umbrellas...shorts...a/c...you have to be prepared. We were able to keep the top down all day even though we did sprint through a couple of showers. If you keep moving............The Friday selection of roads was outstanding. Lots of 'twisties' and beautiful countryside. Some fun checkpoints rounded out the day.

Saturday morning was more 'user-friendly'. After breakfast and a 'LeMans' start, more great roads and fun checkpoints awaited us, culminating in our showing our cars off at the Boyceville Pickle Festival. The folks at Boyceville did a superb job of feeding the hungry crews in record time, and with some really good food. We left after dinner, but there was a parade of the cars followed by fireworks and the finals of a 'putting' competition.

Sunday is always bittersweet. Breakfast followed by awards and the 'bucket' drawings. We didn't take any prizes home this year (just as well...the Miata trunk isn't designed for adding things as you go along), but we met some new friends and are already looking forward to 2010.