Watkins Glen Spring Grand Ramble—Steve and Leah Leu—May 9-11, 2025
The inaugural tour to the Watkins Glen Spring Grand Ramble was a great success.
Leaving Manotick on a cold day (so cold that “tops up” was the decision) the 7 cars headed down to Ogdensburg NY and then cross-country to Sackets Harbour for a lunch stop at the lovely Tin Pan Galley. After lunch, the group continued through Oswego to our accommodations at The Glass Magnolia in Interlaken NY. The group settled in as the rain started. Locals said it had been raining for over a week!
But, the weather forecast for event day was spectacular and we woke to bright sun and a much warmer day. After a fantastic breakfast the group headed out to the starting location at the Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards where we lined up with Porsches, Ferraris, Mustangs, MGs and Corvettes. (After Corvettes, Miatas were the largest group.)
After picking up a delicious box lunch, we headed to the Watkins Glen International Raceway. When we arrived, the open practice was on for real race cars and the speeds were incredible!
We participated in "Drive the Glen", an event that takes road cars on the track. The rules were simple—no passing, go as fast as you want, but no passing. Speeds down the straight were about 140 kph. There were smiles everywhere after the track session!
Lunch was held at the track and then a Grand Ramble scavenger hunt was held using some of the amazing roads of the Watkins Glen area before returning to the winery for drinks and social time in the afternoon sun. Back to a pre-arranged delicious dinner–a UMN tradition. Wally and Nancy, our hosts, had a multi-course dinner ready for us and we shared stories and laughter into the night.
Following our second amazing breakfast, the group was led on a 2 ½-hour tour by Ray and Sue Mosher from Mid-State Miata Club to see some waterfalls along our route home! The Finger Lakes area is home to some amazing wineries and waterfalls! The waterfalls had much higher flows than in the previous fall.
The tour was enjoyed by all. Watkins Glen and the Finger Lakes area are beautiful, with great roads and warm people!
Steven Leu