Slipstream - April 2017

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Around the Bend...
By Jim Hirsch, Managing Editor
pring has definitely sprung already this year
S
in Texas. In fact, it’s almost as if fall turned
directly into spring and we forgot about
winter entirely. That means our Maverick
Region members are now exercising their Porsche vehicles
regularly.
In addition to our own club PCA Tour and Rally programs
providing local scenic drives, the PCA Treffen
Hill Country, Roadrunner Region Fiesta New Mexico,
and PCA Parade are in locations that require longer
periods of time in our Porsches - which is a good thing!
Of course these Region and National PCA “scenic”
drives remind me of two important dictums. The first
comes from the mouth of that well-known sage, John
Phillips (of Car and Driver fame). He reminds us that,
“When you see ‘scenic’ on a map, it does not necessarily
mean it should be seen.”
I’m sure many of us have inadvertently gotten
on that proverbial road to nowhere, often
promised to have an unbelievable sight perfect
for photographs with your Porsche. So, as
someone who practices Carpe Viam, how do we
let that happen to ourselves?
And that brings me to my second dictum concerning
“scenic” drives, or other long road trips on unfamiliar
routes - don’t over rely on GPS. This common
travel malady is typically referred to as “Death by GPS”
or “why do we follow digital maps into dodgy places?”.
Greg Milner shares, “It describes what happens when
your GPS fails you, not by being wrong, exactly, but
often by being too right. It does such a good job of
computing the most direct route from Point A to Point
B that it takes you down roads which barely exist.”
Most of us use GPS as a crutch while driving through
unfamiliar terrain, tuning out and letting that soothing
voice do the dirty work of navigating.
Matthew McKenzie gives the most salient advice for
“scenic” road warriors, “Here’s a simple call for some
common sense. Use GPS and other mobile devices
the way they should be used: as simple conveniences.
Carry a real map, understand the local climate,
and don’t hesitate to turn around and go back
the way you came if your directions don’t ‘feel’
right.” By this time it’s too late to ask for help.
That’s some travel advice for your upcoming
“scenic” road trips as you Carpe Viam.
REGISTRATION OPENS
FEBRUARY 21 ST
Join in the fun!
PHOTOS: VISIT SPOKANE/JAMES RICHMAN, JEFF SCHINDLER; RANDY WELLS
Join your fellow Porsche Club of America members at the 62nd Porsche Parade on
July 9-15, 2017. Parade is PCA’s annual, weeklong event enjoyed by several thousand
of your fellow members, who will gather this year in Spokane, Washington.
Parade participants will enjoy Driving Tours and a Gimmick Rally to explore eastern
Washington’s mountain vistas and high desert, the Concours at Riverfront Park, an
Autocross, and a Time-Speed-Distance Rally to test your competitive spirit.
When you want to step away from driving, Spokane is a walkable city with awardwinning
eateries, the Cork District tasting rooms, craft breweries, and boutique
shopping. Bring the kids, too, as they’ll be kept busy with activities such as model
Porsche Concours, RC Car racing, and an ice cream social (well, adults can join in the
ice cream, too).
HOUSING RESERVATIONS AND
PARADE REGISTRATION
OPEN ON FEBRUARY 21ST.
REGISTRATION FOR EVENTS
OPENS ON APRIL 3RD.
36 April