| by Bob Forest The week before the Méchoui (whole roast sheep), Richard Boudrias asked me if I would like to drive his Cabriolet Citroen to the Méchoui. At the time I thought I had a competition that same weekend with my radio control plane. I first told him I couldn't, but checked my calendar later that evening and found out it was the weekend after. So I called Richard back and said it was on for Sunday. Sunday Morning at 9am, I was at his home to pick up the car. Richard was in his 4 door Citroen 15. Off we went. Oh, I forgot to mention, that on the Friday evening we went for a test drive, the gear shift being quiet different from the MGB, but to my surprise, was quiet easy to adapt to. Now on our way to pick up a friend at Nun's Island, and then on our way to Beloeil. Driving at 100 kph was a pleasure. The car really surprised me, on how smooth it rides and takes the bumps. About 35 minutes later we arrived at the aerodrome, were Louis Grenier keeps his car collection and his planes. For me this was as close to heaven you want to be. Cars and Planes. As most of you know I fly Radio control planes. So I brought a few pictures of my plane, which one of them is a Waco. Just Like Louis, but a lot less money. So in arriving, I could see Bernard Bellavance and Daniel Noiseux really getting things going. Setting up the two gazeboes, for regalia and selling of the meal tickets. Richard Boudrias, jumped out of his car, and ran to help and bring the name tag that were done by Tom Merson. Tom spent months drawing each name tag by hand. These are pieces of art, which I hope you had framed, as they will go up in value. I also did a little help, moved a table from the hanger to the
gazebo. So now I felt I did something good for the club. Got to talk to a few of the owners. For those that did not go this year, this is a fantastic get together. Then lunch time came around, went into the large tent, were the food was displayed at the front and there we had servers put all the food we wanted on our plate. Lamb, beef, vegies etc. More than enough to eat. In the background was some nice music, played by a live band. I also forgot to mention, that just before the food was ready to
be served, Bernard Bellavance, did a short and sweet speech, which
by the way is very difficult for him to do, but he did it, then
went into the introduction our new president, Daniel Noiseux. There were many others from the club that help in the organization and I wished I was much younger so that I could remember all the names. I invited a good friend from our flying club, and I thought for a while he was going to go into a coma, as he was so excited from seeing all these cars but especially the planes. The Waco kept his interest for a long time. I had to pull him away from it to see other things. We went next door to see the restoration of a Tiger Moth by this lovely lady. She was explaining all the details, what was involved, and the work to be done in this restoration to us, it was just amazing. The day had to come to an end. We headed back, and hit the traffic at the Champlain Bridge, it was an accident up ahead that slowed us down. Arrived back at Richard's place the garage door was open and I drove the beautiful Citroen in, and was very satisfied with my day. I told Richard that at 50 kph, pushing the leaver and putting the gear shift in neutral, which by the way is the reverse, made a lot of noise. So now he has what I would call Fluid Drive. No, nothing like that happened, again, I want to thank Richard for this great opportunity to drive this great car. I know he loves this car, and I was honoured to be asked. I also want to thank Claude Guillot for taking the time to show
and explain all that was going on with the Restorations of Louis
Grenier. Also explaining all the tools. Where would you get a chance
to see a Vice by Bugatti . So Thank You Claude. ©VEA |