The EMC has been far and wide in search of good times so far in 2007 and May was one of the best months yet.

On May 12th, five car loads of EMC members and one Alfa Spider traveled the great back roads from Florence down to Harrisville where we took a left and headed over toward our rendezvous with Mike and Alice Glore at their new digs outside of Braxton. On our approach to the metro Braxton area your writer almost picked up a furry four-legged rider related to Bambi. Traveling the Natchez Trace I had seen deer close-up in my MG’s but I got a real good look at the knees on this one which was so stunned to see a long line of British Cars approaching that he froze mid-road for a moment. Giving each other a wide berth we managed to say our ado’s and go on our ways.

Arriving about 11:30am Mike and Alice had the place setup for our gathering with Mike showing us around his area i.e. the working areas of his new shop and Alice showing everyone around the upstairs living area. Following the tour and repeat visits to key points of the new home and shop everyone one adjourned to the veranda for a great meal and a short meeting. After lounging about a while we all went our separate ways with three of us following Keith Anderson in his TR-6 along some of his hidden back roads. Weekend one of May was a great success.

Without missing a beat brother Clay and I cranked the B’s again the next Saturday morning bright and early to make way over to the Birmingham British Motoring Club’s show in Helena AL. Well it wasn’t exactly summer yet. When I left the house at 5:30am the temp was maybe 46 degrees. Committed to top down I had on the better part of my wardrobe including my favorite make-believe wool cap pulled way down over my ears. By the time I made it to Meridian and hour and a half away the outer digits on both hands were very numb. After a warm-up we sprinted the last 3 hours over to the new show site for the 13th Annual Sports Cars In The Park in Helena Al.

This show is a multi make show however due to the level of involvement by the BBMC the LBC’s get favored status and a place in the shade under a fine canopy of trees.

Other members of the EMC that made it over were Ron and Haven Stuckey and Pat and Barbara Cashman. Saturday evening we had another great meal and a great time at The Bright Star Restaurant in Hoover with locals Tom and Myra Warren and New Orleanians Allen and Sue Bradley.

Sunday morning everyone took off for their homeports while I headed over for an extended visit with Tom and a great home cooked meal complements of Myra. Mid-afternoon I took off for my next days work in Tupelo MS traveling north out of Birmingham on Hwy 78. If you’re up in Elvis country you should take the time to travel this way. The road is brand new and there’s very little traffic once you get 10 to 20 miles from B’ham. The vistas are great and at the end if you get the opportunity you to visit Elvis’ home place and The Tupelo Auto Museum. Two great stops.

The EMC’s Drive Thru History

On Saturday May 26th eleven cars of the EMC met at Rocky Springs south of Jackson on the Natchez Trace at 8:30am. Eleven LBC’s turned loose on some great (read curvy) back roads really brings a patter to the old heart. Pat and Barbara laid out a great day with stops for walks at Mangum Mound and Grindstone’s Ford on Bayou Pierre. We traveled down and spent and hour or so at Grand Gulf Military Park before heading past Wildman’s Den of Sin to The Ruins at Windsor. One more stop was made at Historic Rocky Springs Methodist Church were Debbie Johnston tickled the ivory’s for everyone’s enjoyment.

Off again we headed north and into Vicksburg. Lunch at Rusty’s was great and we ended our visit at Vicksburg’s Catfish Row where the "Delta" ends and so did our day of adventure. It was one of the most memorable Drive’s for the EMC and the end of a great month for the EMC and the start of British Car Week. A special thanks to everyone that was able to make The Drive....It was great wasn’t it!

A lot of miles were logged in a lot of LBC’s during May and to my knowledge no mechanical woes were encountered. A great tribute to the cars we cherish and the hardy folks that keep them on the road.

Here’s an update on EMC events thru July.

JUNE 16, 2007 - Jake Weaver’s Picnic and Tire Kick’n / Clinton MS Jake has agreed to fire up the grille again in 2007 for our annual "darn and it’s just getting hot" summer gathering. We’ll provide the core food group requirements you can bring a side dish. We’re usually light on work however Jake may have a project or two we can help with. Discussion and lunch begins at 12:00pm. Details: Gene Johnston (601) 607 - 7021

JULY 14, 2007 - EMC Central Alabama Tour / Leeds AL We leave the British Iron behind for this interstate trip. The EMC is planning a trip over to the Birmingham area to take in the Barber’s Museum and perhaps the International Motorsports Hall of Fame at Talladega. Details: Gene Johnston (601) 607-7021

The cool morning weather continues. Get out early and exercise your ride.

Happy Motoring

Gene