05_Rallye_photos

We are all aware that no trip through the country is complete without a stop at the Woodglen General Store. Their eclectic mix of merchandise succinctly covers the needs of locals as well as travelers. However, some obscure knowledge was recently garnered by a select group of Raritan River Region members, friends, and family on October first. For example:

What Independence Day decoration is routinely removed from the fence at Point Mountain Road and Mount Lebanon Road every year on September 30^th?

How narrow can a country lane become before making a U-turn in a 1975 Cadillac Limo impossible?

Or what is the best method to avoid a double parking ticket on Main Street in Clinton on a busy Saturday afternoon?

The thirst for knowledge may not have been easily sated, but generous amounts of hospitality, good will and camaraderie joined forces with blue skies to make Chris and Darren’s third Road Rallye an unmitigated success. The formula was the same as earlier events: Meet at Tall Pines for a delicious assortment of hot and cold beverages, bagels, fresh fruit and breads. This year our visit was visually enhanced by recent renovations of this 1740 country estate. Not changed from last year was the spirit of adventure that emanated from our hosts and inspired the ralliests to prepare their routes carefully.

Along the way sod farms, car doors and rural airports were all integral ingredients in a curious mix of New Jersey scenery that lined a surreptitious route from beautiful downtown Oxford to historic Flemington.

Our final destination, a new restaurant located in an historic structure proved a fitting end to wonderful tour. Matt’s Red Rooster Grill, in addition to being a picturesque treat, is a culinary delight of the first order. Quite often modern cuisine is to be avoided as the presentation becomes more important than the portions and fails to satisfy the average appetite. This is definitely not the case at Matt’s. Presentation is inspired and portions are more than ample. Grilled Romaine lettuce with a creamy parmesan sauce was but one of the choices offered. Grilled salmon or jerked chicken were among the sandwich choices. Desert trays (who had room for desert???) were laden with rich cheese cake, pecan pie and other goodies too numerous to mention. Everything was prepared and served with meticulous attention to detail that would have delighted the master of precision himself, Henry Leland.

When it came time for awards, it paid to have a local advantage. First place (all correct answers) went to Matt Harrison, son Tucker and companion Dyana Keen riding in The Flaming Formal. Second place went to Jack and Sandy Harrison with granddaughter Bevan driving their ’76 Formal. Next came the team of Caruso and Cooney in Pat’s award winning 1979 Phaeton. Honorable mention went to the honorable Jeff and Mary Hookway in their 1966 Convertible.

A special award went to Chris Pozarycki and Darren Muso. Although the inscription read “Best Tourmaster”, the award signified the tremendous selfless contribution these folks have made to our club since day one.

Of note is Ray and Andrea Koziol driving the oldest Cadillac on Tour, a 1958 Series 62 Coupe. The owner of the Region’s oldest car, Ed Gocek with Barbara Kulish decided to bring a brand X vehicle for top-down more modern comfort. Our Region VP, Bob Losco and wife Ann, drove in style in a 1997 Sedan DeVille. Aaron and Helen Newman borrowed their son’s 1992 DeVille (their 1939 7519 was being prepared for Hershey). Steve Rose rode brand X, with a friend, Herbie. Jim Fields and friend ventured from the Valley Forge Region to visit the Garden State. Their 1978 Eldorado was an excellent choice for the trip. Mark Giallella did an exemplary job of assisting our tourmasters. On the disabled list were Julie Levine, Walter Wary and Andrew Monahan. We’ve been told all are much better now, and we wish all a speedy recovery.

Now that all the questions are answered, and the wrong turns ignored, there is one final business to dispense with. That is the “No Good Deed…” maxim we often hear about. It seems as though Matt, from Matt’s Red Rooster happens to be buddy-buddy with Byron T. Brisby Jr. of Clinton Cadillac. Matt boasted to Byron that he had a bunch of Cadillac people coming in for a special lunch (The Red Rooster normally serves dinner only). Byron queried about this Cadillac group and was told it was the Raritan River Region. Byron volunteered to pay for desert for the entire group. Way to go Byron, thank you!! Now we know that our efforts at Clinton Cadillac are truly appreciated.