It is time. The Miata is ready to go. Full tank of gas, tires checked, top down, and the boot is snapped into place.
Lessee, no helmet, no jacket, no boots, gloves optional. I put on my boat moccasins. I like them because of the heels are rounded, makes it easier to shift my feet when shifting (doesn't dig into the floor mats.) I don my English Kangol cap, put on my wraparound shades and I am ready. I look into the rear view mirror to verify that I'm cool and all is right in the world
I back the Miata out of the garage. I won't spend words on the short drive on I469 to old highway 327.
Tuning north onto 327 and driving past Cedar Canyon, a particularly nice canopy of trees and cool streams, I run through the first five gears of the tranny ,snick, snick, snick, snick once more keeping the revs purposely low under 4 grand as I don't want to attract attention. At 50 mph, i rotate the cruise stem to on and relax in the bucket seat and enjoy the wind and sky as I cruise steadily towards the town of Garrett. The only thing missing is the wind in my face but it's everywhere else, along with the smells of newly mowed grass in this season of extra rain.
A four way stop is coming up between Garrett and Auburn and I shift down to meet it. Once past the intersection, I run through all six gears with a little more revving, still holding back. The Miata doesn't like that. It wants to run.
Coming up on the first of two sharp curves on 327. shifting down into 2nd and hitting the throttle as I go around the first one and then the second curve, it is a marvel to me that my Miata runs both curves flat and without a single squeal from the tires. No oversteer, no understeer, just a businesslike neutral, do the job and what else do you have for me.
With Corunna in my rear view mirror, I do a jog on highway 6 and turn north once again onto 327. Now is the time.......... I run through the gears shifting at 6k and enjoying the unique sound of the DOHC four valve engine as I 'turn 'er loose'. it reminds me of the sound of the Offys at the Indy 500 30 years ago, albeit with a lot less horsepower.
The cruise north on 327 to me, is a constant reminder of all the motorcycles that I've ridden on this undulating and straight (more or less) little used highway. Hondas, Yammys, Kawas, and one Suzy, all have given me the pleasure of wind, and now this, a four wheeled roadster sports car, made in Hiroshima Japan, is doing the same. The few curves are enjoyable even without the banking that I grew used to. The UHP summer tires on the Miata make short work of anything that I want them to do, no complaint.
On to Orland and a slow drive around my old hangout, Wall Lake. An ambling 25 mph in 4th gear, on the 4th, as I enjoy looking at the sparkling waters of this fishing lake. Good memories.
Now, through the town of Orland and a brisk run on highway 120 east with a side run to Pokagon State Park. Showing my senior pass at the gate, I shift the Miata into third gear and enjoy the quiet of this nice park,,,,,,NOT. The park is full, parking spaces are full, picnic benches are taken, and the park is a temporary home to hundreds of people with the same idea as mine.
The temperature which started at a nice 70 degrees is now climbing into a humidity filled low 80's.
I decide to leave for home. I use an option that was never available to me when I rode motorcycles up here.
Since I do want to return home a little quicker than my drive up here, I decide to do it. I unsnap the boot, put it in the trunk, open the top latches and with one hand pivot the top onto the windshield.
Latching the top and rolling up the windows, I leave Pokagon, take a short drive onto I69, shift through all six gears, turn on the cruise, and drive home at 75-80 mph in AC comfort.
I miss riding but at my senior age but there are advantages to four wheels and especially this Miata .Way too much fun, a 2002 LS, 30k miles, excellent shape, and 9K invested. Lots of return on this investment!!
Wayne, solo1
