FYI-quattro road trip

[Kent McLean]

Jim Accordino wrote:
> The trip went very well.  Ride was quiet and smooth as
> always.  I continue to be impressed with this "old"
> cars capabilities.

My '89 200TQ did 80+mph for most of the trip to 
Williamsport PA (Look Ma, no radar detector!). It is too 
difficult to hold it down to 65. The car ran flawlessly. But 
as good as a highway flier it is, my most memorable Audi 
moment, Nay, the most memorable driving moment in my 
30 years of driving, was PA State Route 554, from Route 
15 in S. Williamsport to Route 44, taken as a backroad 
route to the hotel.

SR 554 is a winding, lightly traveled, two lane road up into 
the hills and down the other side. Lots of corners, a 10mph 
180 degree switchback, loose gravel, and fantastic views 
out over the Susquehanna Valley. It wasn't the Alps, but for 
someone used to the congested roads of New England, it 
was paradise. 

The first trip I mad was in the dark, putting to test my Euro 
headlights with working high beams. They passed with
flying colors. I made the trip twice more in daylight. 

The third trip I decided to give the Audi its head. There 
were a few stretches where I could get into fourth gear 
and hit 60mph, but for the most part is was 2nd and 3rd 
gear, winding it up to redline (I never do this. What has 
gotten into me?), listening to the engine sing, feeling 
all four tires digging in around the corners, yet feeling
safe and secure. The drive was an absolutely blast. I'd 
rate the pucker factor at 8 of 10. It taught me the real 
strength of the Audi quattro. 

I also continue to be impressed with this "old" car's 
capabilities. They far surpass mine.

Kent McLean
'89 200TQ feeling its oats