Tour de West Point

By Cheryl Basztura

In spite of malfunctioning traffic lights, fog and liquid sunshine (Ev's terminology), nine Bimmers gathered at the commuter parking lot on Route 58 in Fairfield on Sunday, July 17, 2005 for our tour to West Point.   Although sixteen vehicles registered, at 9:15 AM we decided that we had waited long enough, and the tour began.   One couple had decided to go it alone, so, armed with maps of Connecticut and New York, directions to West Point, and a list of options of things to see and do, they left earlier.

I led the remaining cars onto Route 58, and the fun began.   Not too far up the road, we passed many bicyclists on the Tour de Boston to New York.   We were happy we were in cars and not getting wet as they were.

In North Salem, we reached a Police checkpoint.   After some witty repartee between the handsome young police officer and me, the entire entourage was allowed to proceed on our way.

It was their first time at West Point for many, and for several it was the first club event ever attended.  Young, enthusiastic new BMW owner Lucas Lukasiak became a club member specifically so he and his lovely wife Stacie could join the West Point tour.  We hope to see all the participants at upcoming events.  

In spite of the rain, we had positive feedback about the pretty scenery, the thorough directions, and how the trip there felt much shorter than one hour and forty-five minutes.

We all arrived in the West Point parking lot by 11:00 AM, and the rain had stopped.   We planned to meet for lunch at noon.   Several people signed up for afternoon bus tours, while others hurried through the museum, or explored the village of Highland Falls before lunch.

The staff at the Park restaurant placed several small tables together so the sixteen of us who had traveled by caravan could be at one long table.   Many of us enjoyed their tasty hamburgers, while others had enchiladas or other exotic sandwiches.

After lunch, some people walked through the Porsche and Ferrari Concours. Others rushed off for their bus tours, or leisurely took the museum tour.

Thanks to all who took part and made this event a success.   Thanks, too, to board members Ev Newton and Willy Wiley for being there to keep us in line.