Roadsters In Roctober 6 • 2006

Howdy-Ho from the East Coast. This past October was the best for car shows, the 22nd in particular was the best in Roadster Mania, and it was happening like no other. We had the best turn-out and the best weather....period. That’s right, I can honestly say Roadsters In Roctober #6 was a hit, and all 72 participants will agree that this year was just as much fun as the previous years....only more of it! More Roadsters, more door prizes, more food, and of course lots more fun on the beach cruise. And it was all to benefit young Monica Clontz, a 14 year old cancer patient. With over $1,200 raised to help the Clontz family, it was a true success.

Of course the day started early for me, and Carlos and his superb crew at Double Hoagies & Grill in West Melbourne were also already setting up for the day’s activities. Tables of donuts, coffee and juice were on hand for the early cruisers. The day was clear as a bell, with a slight breeze from the coast. P-E-R-F-E-C-T.

Although the sun was a bit intense on my forehead, the steady stream of killer Roadsters diverted my attention away from my sizzling brow. Primered, painted, nostalgic, high tech or just plain bitchin’, we had it all. From Frank Tetro’s flamed and totally outrageous slick red ‘33 Speedstar to Greg Pellicer’s flathead powered red and black Model “T”.

The day was filled with door prizes, bench racing, gawking and just plain relaxation in the oak tree lined parking lot of Doubles. Home to one of the longest running car cruise in Florida, it only made sense to hold it where everyone has been having a good time since 1987.

Door prizes galore made up most of the morning activities before lunch was served. Thanks to Doubles for putting on a spread for us. Afterwards we had plenty more to give away and the Grand prizes....yes, we had two Grand prizes for the day. An Optima battery (compliments of Carlos Robertson and Interstate Battery) was won by Orlando’s Dan Erminger. Oddly enough it was exactly what he needed for his “Hop Up” Deuce, as it wouldn’t start after the cruise to Gary’s (Hot Rod Stuff) house. Talk about good luck! The other Grand prize was a beautiful Aluminum racing rod and piston clock, expertly polished by our own Danny C’s polishing (321-544-3763) was won by Bob Van Horn of Cocoa Beach. Congratulations also to a very luck Jimmie Rolland for winning the raffle of the $500 Clarion stereo (compliments of High Tech Hi-Fi). It ought to sound good in his sweet red Roadster.

Now after all of the prizes were given away, wipe the sweat from the brow, fire up the Hemi, it’s time to cruise! The game plan was to round us all up and cruise to Indialantic’s beautiful boardwalk area. With about 30 cars on the cruise it was a sight to see. All those topless cars heading over the causeway and thru the beachcombers to perfect parking spots and a perfect scene. Talk about Kodak moments!

After a few photo ops, we were off to Hot Rod Stuff’s open house. Again, Gary Moore and his lovely wife Elisa and daughter Lisa served us ice cream with all the fixins’ and drinks to cool our jets after the cruise. What a neat place to end a great day. Hot rod heaven.

The hardest part about cruising with all those cars is making sure everyone gets thru the traffic lights OK. It’s always neater if there is a group, so it’s worth waiting on everybody, especially if there are 30 cars and only 10 of them know where you’re going. Which brings me to a safety note. In a big daytime cruise like this one, or even if you are traveling with a few other cars, it’s nice to run your headlights or running lights for both safety reasons and so the lead man (mother hen) can keep track of everyone. Let’s try to do this on your next cruise to somewhere.

So that concludes another fine display of Roadsters on the east coast. We truly appreciate all of the support, not only for Monica Clontz and her family, but all of the F L A Roadsters. It was a great time for a great purpose, and an awesome turnout. Thanks to those that were a part of it, and we hope to see some new faces join us next year as well. Untill then I hope to see you on the streets, so be safe and road ready! -Dennis Sammon, F L A Roadsters