Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2012: The Dream Trip

Monterey CA, Aug 18-19 2012 - Driving up from LA to the central California coast is a nice easy lesson in pace adjustment. Having the I5 highway north blocked in parts to one lane for construction diminished any first (audacious) hopes that one could arrive at a faraway destination early on a Friday. Heading west to the coast is mostly two lane traffic, and the massive number of fruit and vegetable trucks slow everyone to a more social trip. Face to face in the rear view mirror. The formerly racing sedans and Suburbans are cursed to hang in the line in the face of oncoming traffic.

The nicely aged lady in the pink Bug ahead fit in perfectly. Everyone's equal with a double solid line.

You start to have time to notice turnoffs to the famous towns of Monterey, Carmel by the Sea, Big Sur. There seems to be a lot more very nice old cars on the road - and a steady parade of Ferraris and Lamborghinis. The hills ring with the sound of monster cars finding emptier windy roads through the side canyons. Half of them have dealer plates - someone's having all of the fun without the investment.

Everyone brings their ride out for the occasion that is Pebble Beach Concours. Old cars are for sale everywhere, benefitting from the traffic parade and sympathetic audience. Surely most of the locals brought out the Sunday cars, but there were cars from many a state. Alex Yerkes of Santa Monica drove his 1963 Mercedes convertible the 5-6 hours from LA without concern. "This thing's a tank - it would go anywhere. I didn't think twice about it. I'm hoping to get it in the movies - it's the kind of car they can use."

One does not breeze into town here without checking for accommodations. Most places anywhere nearby are booked well before the 3rd weekend in August. This is premium territory, so expect to pay for the privilege of being here.

1940 Seaward Allen Coachcraft Roadster

The coast is imminent - a hot sunny day suddenly gives way to ground level clouds on 17 Mile Road. This is the longest 17 mile drive you've ever taken, but the scenery and home window shopping is nice. When the ocean finally appears, one gets the sense of having arrived. It is apparent that a lot of dreams have unfolded here, and understandable why. Another one is about to unfold - mine.

by Randy Berg