Sense of anticipation mixed with nervousness rode with us as we pulled into the Saturn of Santa Fe dealership on a bright warm New Mexico Saturday. We were greeted by Salesman Henry ‘Chip’ Christians who welcomed us inside out of the heat to enjoy cold beverages he had stocked for the event. Chip had been trying to organize such an event for almost a year, and the day had finally arrived. Chip worked with Leland Lehman of Los Alamos and James Walker of Farmington to bring it together in order to unite Sky and Solstice owners for the first ride of the newest chapter of GM Roadsters, the New Roadster Club. We were anxious to get going and waited with a sense of trepidation for the others to arrive. Chip had invited all of the owners he knew and some prospective owners to view the Skys and Solstices that might be there. As the group slowly came together, there was a feeling of instant camaraderie. Stories of how the cars were purchased, how long the wait was, what modifications had been done, trips taken, comments from people on the street and how much they enjoyed their cars circulated freely.

Many of the group took pleasure in showing their cars to the prospective owners that had arrived. Leland had no more than hit the parking lot when a gentleman asked if he would take him for a short ride in the Redline. Leland accommodated him and on their return the gent said he may trade his Viper for a Sky Redline. Others who had gathered asked questions about engine specifications, how the roof worked, how big the trunk was, miles per gallon and ride comfort. Still others just wanted to see the colors of the cars to decide what they would order. In all, eight Skys and one Solstice made up the group. The crowd was made up of Joe, Anna, Brad, Tracy and Bob from Albuquerque, Bill, Alfonso, Elsa, Tamarra, Corine, Curtis and Nancy from Santa Fe, Leland from Los Alamos and Deb and James from Farmington.

A short driver’s meeting was held and Bill volunteered to lead the group, Leland riding in the middle and Alfonso working as the sweep car. The fact that this was the first ride for most of the participants made for several stops and starts as Bill led the group through the twisting, turning streets of old Santa Fe.

Bill managed to get most of the scenic sites of old town into our tour. The troupe made an impression on the crowd downtown, many yells of “nice car”, “what is that?”, “Cool!” were heard. At one corner two drivers in Mercedes roadsters watched the caravan pass by and then looked at each other as if to say “why don’t we have a club?” Bill then led us out of downtown and headed toward the twisty road that would take us to the Santa Fe ski area.

For some in the group this was their first adventure onto a road not designed for high speed travel. Curtis had concerns about his car as it would pass its 500 mile birthday on this trip, not a big thing unless you consider he and Nancy have had their car since October 2006!  The motorcade attacked the road with gusto, testing the new feeling of freedom from the confines of their previous straight road existence. Bill led us as far as the Hyde Park ranger station before he had to return to Santa Fe for a previously scheduled commitment.

We bid him farewell, then Brad and Tracy paced the convoy to the top of the mountain. As we arrived at the top the cars were aligned and many photos were taken, not only by the group but by passersby as well. Another round of question and answer by curious onlookers ensued, the pride of ownership shone through in the detailed answers given by the drivers.

The entourage headed back down the mountain, at a little faster pace than the trip up. Cornering techniques were practiced and improved upon as we descended the mountain road. As the ranger station came into view of Leland, who led this leg, the light bar of the ranger’s truck flashed blue and red in a gentle reminder to observe the posted speed limit. At the bottom of the mountain Leland led us down Bishop’s Lodge road, a narrow tree shaded lane with many old style Spanish houses lining it. The wall and gates along the way guarded southwestern style adobe houses that not doubt had a history longer than any of us.  As we emerged out of the trees and back onto the highway the group bid goodbye to Alfonso and Elsa who also had other commitments. Quick thinking on the part of Tamarra and Corine secured reservations for the band at Gabriel’s Mexican restaurant. Rumor had it that Gabriel’s had the best guacamole in New Mexico and that reputation was found to be well deserved. The company enjoyed cold beverages and some great food as they traded stories. A common theme was how great it was to meet new people and have such a wonderful time and to be able to drive their cars at the same time.

As the group moved to the parking lot to bid each other goodbye and go their separate ways, another crowd of curious onlookers had gathered around the clustered kappas. More questions, more answers, more pride. It was evident the day had ended as it had began, people loving their cars and showing it. We left the restaurant to return home enriched by the new friends we had made and the road we had traveled. Until we meet again…...