I recently rode shotgun on a Porsche club drive out to the Texas Hill Country. Roughly west of Austin and north of San Antonio, the back roads on offer were a serpentine affair punctuated by rough patches, sharp elevation changes, numerous cattle guards and the occasional low water crossing (thankfully dry).
The day started under the somber note of rain storms and gusty winds, but rather than be discouraging, the weather seemed to put a charge in the air and my hosts were eager to venture out. I have been out on these roads before but this day was setting up to be a different experience.
The group sprints out of the blocks, and from the passenger seat this feels like being in a peloton during a spring classic, furiously racing through the Ardennes Forest.
Deep in the hills near Blanco we regroup, comparing driving notes, conversing about cars, et satisfaire un besoin naturel. An impromptu car show in the woods, if you will.
The drive resumes and eventually we punch through the storm front, revealing clear skies and a crisp Texas fall landscape. The mood changes to easy cruising; I can concentrate on soundtrack of the harmonious flat six as it crescendoes from bend to bend. The conversation flows equally naturally to classic Porsches and tangible elements like steel, wood and leather.
Alas, like any theme park roller coaster the ride eventually slows and comes to a complete stop. It is time to alight, back to the asphalt parking lot of Sunday morning ordinary. I say my thanks and goodbyes to my gracious hosts, hopefully a temporary one. Until the next ride, gentlemen.
Postscript: Gruppechat meets for Sunday drives in south Austin; find them on instagram @gruppechat
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