|
SCVMTF 54th Annual Endurance Run & Lowland TourOn Saturday and Sunday, June 7th & 8th, 2025, the Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club hosted its 54th Annual Endurance Run an Lowland Tour. Beginning with the tech inspection and barbecue on Saturday, 28 speedsters rolled into Santa Clara and gathered at Bertolotti’s Garage while marches by John Philip Sousa filled the air. At check in, drivers received a swag bag that included a commemorative brass pocket watch, first aid kit and a Model T fuel gauge stick, an absolute must have for a 150 mile run through the Sant Cruz mountain range. John Bertolotti opened his extensive collection of rare and beautiful vintage cars for all to see. In the shop, Dan Erceg presented an impressive display of period correct speed equipment, racing artwork, this years trophies and the grand “traveling” trophy standing almost 3 feet high! The tech team made quick work of the inspections, while drivers drew numbers for pole positions. As the last speedster rolled out of the inspection area, around 120 of our closest friends lined up for delicious Texas style barbecue, topped off with fresh home-baked cookies and ice cream. This year, in addition to thanking all volunteers for their contributions to the event, we paid special tribute to the founder of the Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club’s Annual Endurance Run and Lowland Tour. As with any long-standing tradition, there had to be someone who took the first step. Someone who was the pioneer and who said “I think we should do this.” Someone who championed an idea and persuaded others to follow. That person is Ed Archer. Ed, and his late friend, Jim Treleaven, Co-Chaired the very first Model T Speedster-Racer Endurance Run back in 1970. Without Ed’s commitment and perseverance we wouldn’t be celebrating our 54th year of this outstanding event. To show our appreciation, Chris Bhirdo presented Ed with an original hand painted portrait of Ed and his wife, Karen, in their prized 1915 Ford 2-man racer, #4. And, like many years past, Ed drove #4 in this years endurance run, accompanied by his grandson, Jessie Willis. Sunday morning came quickly for the set up team and participants at the VA Medical Center, Palo Alto. It wasn’t long before speedsters and lowland cars were all lined up and ready to go. Jim Lukash gave the opening address, the Welcome Home Doughboys presented our nations colors while Shirley Azevedo sang the National Anthem. Then, the words we’d all been waiting for, announced by one of the veterans attending the event, “drivers, start your engines!” Dan Erceg signaled the beginning of the endurance run with the flourish of the green flag, and they were off! In addition to the Endurance Run & Lowland Tour, our club decided to honor our veterans with the addition of the Veterans Appreciation Car Show. While the speedsters and lowland tour cars were navigating their routes through the majestic redwood forests and winding mountain roads of the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 22 vintage automobiles stayed on site for the veterans, their families, friends and staff at the VA Medical Center to enjoy. This was a special day for the vets who were treated to live music, free hotdogs, snacks and beverages in addition to visiting with collectors and seeing their beautiful pre-war automobiles. Meanwhile, speedsters and lowland tour participants alike were navigating their way among some of the most beautiful roads on the planet. After a coffee and doughnut stop, both groups met in the small town of Pescadero for lunch and a chance to stretch and take a breather. Arcangeli’s Grocery was a gracious host and did a fantastic job catering the lunch. Back on the road again, the speedsters went one way and the lowland tour another. But wait, what’s this? Along Highway 84, lowland tour folks on their way back to Palo Alto saw speedsters heading towards them! What fun! Horns honking and hands waving as they passed each other. It wasn’t long before the lowland tour joined the car show at the VA Medical Center, but the speedsters still had some challenging roads ahead, including a steep downhill run on Kings Mountain Rd, where brakes tended to get pretty hot! It was after 3:00PM when speedsters started to cross the finish line back at the VA Medical Center. By 4:00pm all but one speedster remained out on the route. Word from the support team was that although they’d be late, they were still moving under their own power! Car #27 finally arrived at 5:08PM. From start to finish, the 54th Annual Endurance Run & Lowland Tour, and Veterans Appreciation Car Show, was enjoyed by all. We express our gratitude and appreciation to Veteran Affairs Palo Alto Health Services, veterans of all U.S. armed services, our volunteers, participants, sponsors and spectators for helping make this an extraordinary and memorable event. Chris Bhirdo The awards for the 54th Annual Endurance Run & Lowland Tour went to the following: 1st Place: Car #50, Andrew Clary & Jeannine Clary, 1919 Ford, Mercury style body Other Awards: Youngest Driver: Dani McEachern, Car #45 Click on the links below to see the beautiful pictures of the 54th Annual Endurance Run & Lowland Tour. |