RGV OldCars.com Editorials Run to the River 2007

Saturday, September 8, 2007 was the day that had been set for a first attempt at a rod run/classic car cruise in the Rio Grande Valley area. Together with Tom Barron, we set out to try to get some events going in the South Texas area that we would actually get out and drive and enjoy the old cars. A route was laid out that would take us from our starting point in McAllen, through local towns and out for a mid-way stopping point in McCook. The route then led back down to the Riverside Club located right on the Rio Grande River where we would end. At about 9:00 in the morning folks starting filling up the parking lot at the Fantasyland Skate Center in McAllen where they were greeted with free coffee and donuts. At about 10:30, we hit the road to start out on the run. In total there were about 85 old cars ( 25 years old or older) that showed up to make the run and about 15 newer vehicles that joined us as well. So somewhere around 100 cars made the event, not bad for a first attempt at this. Heads were turning, horns honking, hands waving, and smiles all around from participants and the public who couldn't believe their eyes as they saw this rolling car show of classics and hot rods running by them. In all, the run was about 90 miles long and we were very pleased that we had no major casualties along the way and almost all of the vehicles made it the entire way. There were a couple that had to turn off early with some overheating issues, one had a flat tire, and a few other minor mechanical issues that were quickly resolved, but all went well and no one ended up on top of the trailer being pulled by the emergency recovery vehicle that we had follow the group. For those that stuck around to the end and had lunch with us at the Riverside Club, we got to go take a relaxing boat ride up and down the river to finish off the days event. We were very pleased with the turn out, as we had folks from as far away as Port Isabel even drive over and join us, and we are already working on plans for our next run. Hope you can join us on the next one. Check our calendar for future dates of our next runs.