Sam's Wrap Up

Here's a summary of this year's Doughty 500 from Sam:

Thirteen Model T's, ranging from 1914 to 1927, (plus a 1931 Model A), five modern vehicles, and 57 persons took part in the 2003 Doughty 500. The navigation plan promised "Rocks, Mud and Fun". The tour met these goals, though many details of the plan fell by the wayside due to missing bridges, thunderstorms and mishaps.

Days one was uneventful, All hands made the long trek to Hayward with minimal problems.

Day two was an easy tour to Moose Lake, with lunch at Louie's Landing.

Day 3 started well, with an 8 mile run through Phipps Fire Lane providing the promised mud and rocks. Some spoilsports did not seem to see the fun in jouncing over the rocks and into the mud holes. One Model T came down a hill a bit fast, hit soft sand, jack knifed and went down about a six-foot slope, barely missing a big oak tree.. Driver and passenger escaped unscathed, One of the follow-up cars, a 4X4 Astro van, pulled the T back to the roadway. The T, undamaged except for a running board brace, continued the days tour. The next leg was to be through forest roads northwest of Cable. The route was blocked by construction of a new bridge.
Deputy navigator Mike found an alternate route northeastward to Telemark Lodge, where we had a delicious lunch. The afternoon tour was to be an enjoyable drive back to Hayward. A thunderstorm, with high winds and vicious lightning, quickly put an end to the "enjoyable" part of the drive for those in open cars. Those few in closed cars were the envy of all the sopping wet touring car types. The storm let up just as we reached a snug little roadside bar, where we dried our outside, while wetting our tonsils with some of the bar stock.

Day 4 was our day off. Most stayed around the Comfort Suites, although several insatiable Model T types made the optional run to Stone Lake to check out the antique stores. That evening we held our group dinner at "Famous Dave's", where all joined in for a great feast of barbecue served in garbage can lids!

Day 5 was the finale. Some participants trailered their cars home from Hayward, but most joined in the convoy back to Eau Claire. We made our obligatory stop at the old farmstead in Ladysmith, where the "Model T shed" is the last reminder that this was once the Doughty farm. All was going well until 30 miles out of Eau Claire, when the engine of Brendan's 17 touring decided to shed a few interior parts. Towed to temporary rest in a farmyard, Bren later trailered it back home, No autopsy report yet.


And more pictures added to the 2003 Doughty 500 Photo Page.