(Continued from Home Page)
The tour began on the highly regarded roads of the City of Windermere, then on to Clermont’s biggest secret back road. I have to tell you, even as a Corvette-wife of 20 years, it just does something to me to see a double-row of Corvettes swarming the roads and crossing one of the largest intersections in Clermont like we were taking over the city. What did the drivers at HWY 50 and Hancock think to see such a sight ! It was like driving into a minestrone of Corvette kingdom! Red, white, blue, yellow, orange… drivers very young, and some not so – we won’t mention any names (thanks for the bribe Mike!) Ehh hmmmm.. Where was I? Oh yeah….
After we crossed over HWY 50 the fun began. Curvy roads, hilly roads - it became a game of duels on the widely used roads between Corvettes and bicyclists, which seemed to be at every turn and down every stretch. The enthusiasm from bikers at the plethora of ‘True American Sports Cars was quite evident and welcomed by all!
At the end of a great drive, our mystery would be solved as we pulled onto the grounds of Yalaha Bakery in very rural Howey-in-the-Hils. Living up to a reputation that ensures our members do not starve on road trips, we loaded up on refreshments and brunch where the sweetest pastries and freshest hand made sandwiches were served. The 29 cars in our mini-tour de Howey-in-the-Hills created a car show of our own, right on the beautiful grassy field at the bakery. After our “pit stop,” some of our group returned to their homes in Central Florida by continuing the back roads scenic drive, while others traveled on to Lakeridge Winery in North Clermont for some additional refreshments.
A big “Thank you” goes to the Jacksonville Corvette Club for inviting us to get together, to Mike Nostro for organizing the late morning stop at Yalaha Bakery, and to Ed Merchut for organizing the informative and detailed turn-by-turn mystery trip. Ed’s interesting tidbits about the highest point of Central Florida was a rather intriguing note of interest - even for those of us that reside in this crazy town!
I am sure that after an event like this, CCO members will be all the more ready to keep an eye on their calendars for the next mystery drive event… maybe a sunset one guys?
Story Contributed by ~ Candice Gray
