I'm Back

[Kennon Hines <kwh@bellsouth.net>]

Fellow Q-listers:

I'm finally back online (no more AOL!) after a prolonged absence.  I
have missed the many interesting and educational discussions that
emanate from this very knowledgeable group of Audi enthusiasts.  It’s
nice to be back!

As some of you may remember, I moved to Vail (actually Avon), CO back in
January.  I’m now back in Atlanta studying for the LSAT, but that’s
another story.  Needless to say, I know a lot more about winter driving
than I used to.  The mountain passes (Hwy.24 btwn Minturn and Leadville,
etc.) definitely separate the men from the boys.  I can state with great
confidence that *nothing* beats a quattro when the roads get ugly.  I
never once came close to losing control and had great fun laughing at
all the SUV drivers getting an unwanted off-roading lesson.

I opted to run studded Hakka 10s in 195/65R15.  Amazing traction, both
accelerating and braking.  BTW, the set of 4 is for sale if anyone’s
interested.  Also, Mobil 1 10w30 was great.  I never had a cold start
problem and it ran nice and cool at high speed.

The drives out to CO and back were my first really long trips in the
CQ.  It did not disappoint.  Even fully loaded with skis on top, I had
no problem cruising @ 90 mph and passing everyone else on the road.  The
hi light was driving from Raton, NM to Dalhart, TX (on my way to
Austin).  The temp. was 33-34 F, light misty rain, going 90 mph with a
40 mph cross wind: only in a Q!  Oh, only police interaction was a
warning in TX for 76 in a 70.  Radar detector gave me time to slow from
85.

That’s all for now.  I’m looking forward to contributing my $0.02 from
time-to-time.

Regards,

Kennon Hines
1990 Coupe Quattro
Atlanta, GA