Kanc Run review

[SOP8920@Siena.edu]

Hey all,
    Well yesterday was the Kanc run and I was one of the participants. I
thought that I'd write up a little review for all those that didn't make it.
    I missed the start of the run, due to a little friendly visit from Officer
Bob Speed. "Really?.....I was going 70 in a 50?" (when I was really going 85-90
when I passed those two cars!!). Luckily, the cop let me off. Due to that and a
little wrong turn up rt.30 into Vermont, I decided to catch up to the group at
Lincoln NH. 
    I was amazed to find a almost-full turn out of participants. There were
200's(10vs), 100's, 90's, Ur's, a brand new A4, and a brand new (still had
temp.plates) VW gti. I think the total number of vehicles was 15.
    After a quick lunch at a sandwhich shop, we were off. Unfortunately, the
Kanc itself was fairly crowded with slow moving traffic all around. The
hairpin at the start was beautiful though. We made frequent stops at
scenic vistas off the Kanc and took photos, etc.. THEN.. there was Bear Notch
Road!
    I must say there is nothing like 15 Qs (plus a VW) doing double+ the posted
limits along a twisting moutain road. The locals, seeing us closing in on their
rear bumpers at an amazing rate... pulled over and let us by. The only
down-side to Bear Notch Road, for me anyway, was the wash-board irregularities
on the corners. Having the weakest suspension of the bunch, I could hear
chatter from the tires as I went around each bend.. so I held back (a little). 
The entire time.. I could feel my heart thumping hard in my chest as adrenaline
rushed though me. What a blast! 
    After a regrouping at a country-store at the base of bear notch, we headed
up to Cathedral Ledge. A few hard-core individuals snuck off to do another run
 of Bear Notch while the rest of us waited at the ledge. Eventually, they
returned.. minus a few drop-outs, and what remained of us enjoyed the view from
the top of the ledge. 
      After that.. I bid everyone a farewell.. and headed back home. Took
rt.302 to 93.. which was a pleasant drive. The view of Mt.Washington and the
Mt.Washington Hotel absolutely took my breath away. I had to stop and admire
the place. If any locals have info on the Mt.Washington Hotel's history, I 
would appreciate it. I'm interested in it's history (perhaps hoping it is 
a little like the history of the hotel in the "Shining"). 
       I took 93N to 91S and had myself a quaint dinner with some locals in a
italian restaurant in Fairlee(?). Instead of following 91 to 9, I turned off in
Springfield and followed rt. 11(?) to 7(?) to Bennington. Those roads were full
of twisties and provided enough enjoyment to keep me awake until I returned
home here in Albany. Approximate total driving time from Albany and back was 12
hours. 
       Taken together, the experience was *very* positive. I strongly suggest
that those that chose not to/couldn't come try and make it next time. I agree
that we should stick with the date planned.. rain or shine, simply because it
is VERY frustrating to those who have inflexible schedules. I lost my road-trip
buddy because of it, and the long driving alone could have used some company to
spice it up. I guess the only negative thing I can think of is that I now want
to spend money I simply don't have. Shef kept teasing me with tales of his
Charlie Spring and a little discussion of the Steadi Package had my mouth
watering. $1100 bucks Eric? How 'bout a "broke college student" discount?
Thanks to everyone who made this trip possible. Let's start planning another
one real soon. I'm up for a winter run!!!  
                               -Osman Parvez
                                89 200q
                                Siena College
                                Albany NY