This past weekend, August 10-12th,
the Drivers Club had the good fortune to head North for the
annual Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic. But this story
isn't about any bike races, nor does it have anything to do with
bicycling at all. Other than the fact that our trip
brought us into contact with some of the nicest people the Upper
Peninsula had to offer. We will refer to these people as
our 'U.P.ity' friends of the Drivers Club. Get it... 'U.P.ity'...
U.P. After a 6hr drive through Wisconsin, across the
border and into the countryside of Michigan, our collective
Drivers Club charm began to flow. The SAG van was loaded
down with bikes, decorated with a variety of decals and
stickers, and four of the 'kookiest' characters ever to descend
on the Marquette area. After an afternoon filled with
riding, it was off to soak up some of the night life that
Marquette, MI has to offer. Our first stop took us to the
'Portside Inn' a happenin' bar with a band playing at their
outdoor beer garden area. While there, we met these two
lovelies.
Listening to music at the Portside; Chris, Wendy,
Dan, Dee, Brian and Jim tap their toes.
Dee Troit, and Wendy Sitay as we will call them, were an
interesting pair that moved to Marquette from Detroit and
Chicago respectively. They were curious as to the meaning
of our matching wristbands. As we talked about the
upcoming race, Dee said, "I hope you don't crash and injury
those well honed bodies of yours." After a round of
drinks, our hunger pains got the best of us, and Chris asked the
girls, "Where can four guys with ravenous appetites find a
decent meal around here?" Wendy suggested, "You guys look
classy enough to head up...I mean over to the Landmark Hotel.
They have a nice restaurant/bar downstairs. Maybe we'll
see you there?"As we ascended on the steps of the Landmark,
we were joined in the doorway by our next newest fan.
Artist, restraunteur, and nightlife specialist Joeyclare joins
the boys for some laughs.
She quickly warmed to the idea of being escorted by four of the
hunkiest guys Marquette has seen of late. She hit the
ground running as she crossed the threshold, "Hey, Sammie!
Hi Jill, how do you like my entourage?", she said to the people
she recognized inside the bar. It was obvious, that the
Drivers Club was merely
arm candy at her disposal. And we were cool with that.
Kelly stopped by to wish us the 'Best of Luck' in the race this
weekend.
As we finished our meals and decided to
paint the town red, Kelly was drawn to our table by our
animal magnetism. That and the fact that she worked for
the restaurant and it was her job. But, nonetheless, she
soon found herself spending the majority of her time chatting
with us about this and that. She even used her break time
to pose for this picture. This photo was taken moments
after Kelly broke out this statement, "You Nancy's are only
riding the 'Soft Rock' 28 miler, I'm competing in the 48 mile
Hard Rock. You guys are weak!" Professional Race Car
driver, Jim prepares to backhand the smart alec youngster, as
the others realize that indeed they are weak, and she'd probably
kick their collective butts in a race.
Before leaving this establishment, the Drivers Club crew
converted a few more fans...
Rumme sports some sweet Drivers Club wear, as Andy takes part in
a DC group hug.
Then Andy kicks it up a
notch, as the mood turn rather raucous, and rowdy. That's
how we roll!
This fan wasn't quite sure he wanted
to appear on the website, but posing with us is consent enough.
Of course, those last two guys were a lot of fun, and we were
enjoying their company while throwing back a libation or two.
But seriously, you can't put this much Drivers Club MoJo in one
place without attracting some attention from the opposite sex.
This bar was rockin' to some solo keyboard and vocals, and the
ladies were gyrating to the beat. Several passed our way
and this next gal couldn't resist the opportunity to snuggle up
to the gents for a quickie, snapshot that is.
She was a huge fan already, and said, "You guys are really
crab fisherman? I love the 'Deadliest Catch'!
What boat were you guys on?" To which Chris replied, "We
pull pots for Sig Hanson on the Northwestern! It's tough
work, but meeting fans like you makes it all worthwhile."
Drivers Club with potential Soft Rock race winner
Chris Lynch @ Border Grill, Negaunee.
Michigan Chris told us that he planned on winning the whole
enchilada this year. As it played out, Chris equalled his
time from last years race. The course was fast this year
and he secured 25th place overall, a fantastic finish, but not
equal to his personal expectations. Being a mere babe in
the woods, he's got plenty of good racing ahead of him.
I'm sure we'll see his name atop the leader board of this and
many other mountain bike races, and we'll be able to say, "We
knew Chris back before he was famous. Back when he'd talk
to us."
This cutie just finished delivering Chris'
third entree, setting a new Negaunee record for one sit down
lunch.
It was now time for the remainder of the team to join forces as
the fun and frivolity continue in the U.P. with even more 'U.P.ity
Friends'.
The group, noticeably larger now, gathers with Mindy (in DC hat)
and her 2 friends as we all carb load for the terror of the Soft
Rock the following morning. Drivers Club members from L to
R: Chris, Matt, Brian, Dan, John, Joe, Mike, Jim.
The race has come and gone, and as promised... This is not a
story about biking! Our post event banquet was slightly
postponed, but once we arrived, Kaye greeted us with open arms.
She had no idea what she was in for, having to wait on this
motley bawdy crew. As we filed out into the parking lot,
Kay was overheard saying, "Thank God, this race is only once a
year. It brings in the craziest people! But I do
have the urge to move to Kenosha, weird."
The 2 girls in this mass of masculinity, Jodi (3rd from Left)
and Kay (3rd from Right) enjoy the company of these warriors as
they exaggerate the earlier events of the Ore to Shore.
All in all, this was a trip to remember. And I'm sure the
people of Marquette, Negaunee, and Ishpeming will not soon
forget. As they count down the days until next years race,
and the return of the Drivers Club (like the Swallows to
Capistrano). The race was secondary to the special friends
we made and the great time we had. Thank you U.P.
Michigan. Say No to Sulfide Mining!
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