By Richard Zuccato, UCR Member Photos by Richard Zuccato and Michelle Gamauf (from Provinz September 2014, page 20)There’s a great Porsche TV commercial that you may have seen on YouTube, called “Inner Fire”. The commercial mentions a “barely contained energy” that “bubbles over”, “breaking free”, and refers to “finding the right spark”. I’m that jubilant little kid in the commercial with my arms in the air, at least that’s how I feel when I’m with our UCR friends, driving a twisty road (wind in my hair?) with my beautiful wife by my side.
With great excitement and anticipation, I always look forward to joining all of our Porsche friends for a day of shared joy. It’s been said many times, but it really is the great people that you meet in our club that makes being a member of the UCR so rewarding.
My wife and I have been to 10 Fun Runs since joining in August 2012, and I always look forward to each event with that same “barely contained energy”, I just can’t help it.
Joining up with Guenter and Michelle Gamauf for their Niagara-on-the-Lake Fun Run was particularly exciting for me because I had just had my exhaust system customized, and because I was bringing along my newest toy, a DJI Phantom flying camera.
It was great to see our friends and to catch up on what everyone had done with their cars since we had last met. I flew my camera around the parking lot to capture images of the group, and then after receiving wonderful goody bags from Guenter and Michelle, along with the requisite driver’s talk, we were off.
Guenter and Michelle had a lovely route planned, taking us along beautiful sweeping roads in Ancaster, along the Grand River to the quaint Peach Country Market in Vineland. There, fresh-baked goods tempted all of us (many of us gave in, including me). I filmed a little more here, capturing some nice shots of our cars lined up in the parking lot.
Then we were off on more beautiful twisty roads, to our next destination, Flat Rock Winery near the town of Jordan. Our congenial host took us on a fascinating tour of his state-of-the-art winery, along the way allowing us to sample some of his finest.
When we were ready to depart, Guenter told me that there was a great spot that I could film from, down the road ahead. My friend Mike Ellig generously volunteered to drop me off up ahead, and to pilot my vehicle for me in the video. Donna, Mike’s wife was kind enough to take my wife Claire with her. One by one the group drove by me as I piloted the helicopter over the road. With Mike’s help, my car was also in the video, and you can actually see me and the flying camera for a brief moment as well! Thanks Mike, very much appreciated. Be sure to check out the Niagara-on-the-Lake video on the UCR website to see how it turned out. (http://tinyurl.com/karpuz8)
Then we were off again on some really nice roads with stunning scenery in gorgeous Niagara-on-the-Lake, heading for a delicious lunch at The Old Winery Restaurant. Sitting outside on the patio and sharing stories with our friends was so enjoyable. What a great day we were having.
But there was still more: Guenter and Michelle took us on our own Porsche Parade right down the main street. It was great seeing the enjoyment and hearty waves from people walking along as we drove by. To top it all off, we ended our Fun Run at Chocolate FX in St. David; truly a sweet ending to a truly sweet Fun Run.
Many thanks to everyone who came out, to Porsche of London for the “goodies” they supplied, and especially to Guenter and Michelle for putting together such a well-organized and enjoyable Fun Run.
