On September 24, we started our tour,
with a Golden breakfast just to make sure
That 11 LBCs and one wannabe Stang,
had gathered the DF Kids inaugural gang.

2 Jags, 4 Lotuses, or was that Loti?
A Morgan, 2 Triumphs all were wondering why
with Austin Healeys around, nowhere did we see
All these LBCs, but not one MG!

Up Clear Creek Canyon and beautiful sights,
On to Berthoud Pass, where wed reach new heights.
Our first winter snow had dropped to the ground,
But we must first back up to Empire town.

You see, everyone wondered when Rod showed legs bare,
Would he hold up with top down in the chilly fall air?
So the first stop was made in Empire junction,
When Rod dropped his shorts- a wardrobe malfunction!

But onwards to Granby for a Brickhouse lunch,
Where we started to mingle with a really nice bunch.
On to Kremmling Kum and Go for a gasoline pump,
Or a bathroom stop and the oil dump!

Then on to Gore Pass dressed with spectacular hues,
The oranges and reds creating breathtaking views,
The aspen groves singing in singular voice:
One of Gods greatest splendors, in Creation rejoice!

At the 131 Junction, we gathered once more,
To check all our maps and see what was in store.
But for Mark and Rod there were just no trees,
So the dirt piles did fine- man they just had to pee!

Then down through Burns on the Old River Road
With views of the Colorado brilliantly bestowed
on the eyes of 12 teams at natures behest,
From driving on interstates, a pastoral rest!

About halfway past Burns, one driver raised alert.
He said we missed turns, too long were on dirt.
So we then doubled back, not once would suffice,
The views were so good- we did them twice!

But a poet does not tell who makes up such gaffes,
Even though afterwards, it makes for good laughs!
So we followed our Leader, who it was Ill not say,
But the guy who screwed up, his initials are Jeff K!

Finally we made it to the Ranch at Roundup River,
Just an hour late for our check to deliver.
But just so you know Ross, check directions, you see,
Theres not just one train trestle, instead there are three!

So the staff gave us tours, but right from the start,
For them, its not just a place, they care from the heart!
And for the children they serve, its not just a camp,
Its re-creation for kids, and re-lighted lamps!

While we gave them a check, they gave us much more,
A ranch with a vision, into kids do they pour
Their hearts and their lives to give kids a break
Changing lives and futures, thats whats at stake.

Now day one has ended; an inspirational day,
But before we retire, we just have to say
Thanks to Ross and Ann Robbins for all of the fun,
And for planning the Inaugural D for K Run.

On day 2 we gathered all hearty and hale
Fresh from a good night in the Glenwood Springs vale
Still laughing aloud at jokes from Ted Ax
He tells such good stories, he makes all relax!

Like placebo inspections and stapling his son,
But we all laughed out loud when he continued the fun
By asking us all: Whats the Lotus position?
Up on four carjacks and we laughed with derision!

And I promised his son that hed be in this poem.
But rhyming with Adrian? Ive been wracking my dome.
So I just have to say for putting up with old folks,
And listening to all your dads very bad jokes,
Adrian, youre amazing, and while it is lame,
Even though you are awesome, youre still really a pain!
And even while you might say this trip was just BAD!
I know youll remember these days with your Dad! (-:

After a short stop in Redstone where we admired Beehives
And more spectacular views than weve seen in our lives,
On the road to McClure in the distance we saw
The snow covered Bells, inspiring awe!

But the climax of our day was on McClure Pass
With incredible vistas as we stepped on the gas,
And put cars through their paces through breath-taking miles.
All could see what we felt from our ear to ear smiles.

But Mark, theres a question on all of our hearts
Do you work for ReMax or did you just start
This unusual habit- do you think its just fine?
To stop your TR at EVERY road sign?

Then lunch at Mag Dog, were we off of our rocker,
Or did we hear in the walls the voice of Joe Cocker?
Then off to the majestic Black Canyons north rim,
With more pictures to see that inspire each limb.
And all stuck together-not one car was laggin
As we serpentined down through our Tail of the Dragon.

So how do you capture a view beyond words?
A Gunnison chasm with lines never heard?
How do you write about a 2000 foot drop?
But we know what we saw- so I will just stop

To simply just say what film cannot capture,
A view in our souls that inspires rapture
of images and memories well carry forever,
A weekend of sights that Ill forget never!

In Gunnison we ended with dinner at Ol Miner.
An excellent menuwhy, it could not be finer.
But we did have one problem when we ordered our food,
So Ann, were you just not in a deciding mood?

Was it trout or just salmon, salmon or trout?
Or did you want steak, we were ready to shout!
Or maybe youd have the waitress decide,
The group at our table was ready to hide!
But thats ok, Ann, just make up your mind,
We really werent hungry and we can be kind.
If you cannot order with the speed of a Lotus,
Well eat before, if you give advance notice!

And that is how the second day ends,
Another day of making new friends,
Another day of incredible sights,
We eagerly anticipate Day 3 delights!

This poem has grown lengthy, so Ill keep this day short,
This day was not views, the car roads held court!
Over Monarch and Poncha, we traveled great roads
Trying to follow Wind in Willows Mr. Toads!

Along the Arkansas River and then a road named High Park,
Around hairpins and winders, the pace made its mark.
With Lotuses in front showing off they could drive,
And Mike in Team Twink asking: Will this pace they survive?

And the Shelby in front was just toying with us all,
And the Austins were cruising, in the group standing tall!
But this Rookie driver in Rod Tomkins TR
Was hanging on for dear life- in the distance quite far!

You guys were doing 60 through 30 mile turns
And rounding tight corners with tires that burned
And while you were flying I looked up ahead
There was Ola taking pictures turned backwards instead!

If on this trip, nothing else have I learned,
Is that you owners of Brit cars are not to be spurned.
I know from driving and living these three days of noise,
You guys are just crazy- a bunch of cowboys!

But the question to ask as over roads did we fly,
Is not a question of when or even of why.
Rather the question to ask- on this I am stuck:
How the hell did Ted Ax keep up in that TRUCK?

But one experience Ill remember and you all will agree,
When we raced up a steep hill, and all we could see,
As we crested the hill was a sky of deep blue
Our cars felt like wings as over we flew!

Lunch was McGintys Wood Oven for lunch
And some more time to mingle with this really great bunch.
And then we split up; on our ways we did go,
But with memories well treasure because together we know
that we were part of a vision that Ann and Ross dreamed
to harness our passions for 3 days that seemed
like a perfect blending of beauty and cause,
To raise money for a Ranch that makes us all pause.

Driving for Kids was not just a long trip,
Rather a moment for people out of routine once to slip
Into something of meaning- 3 days to care,
And raise money for kids- of our hearts could we share.
And we hope with this start  a new event born
To support its continuance I hope were all sworn.
An annual event for the little Brit cars,
Thats a dream now to cherish and help it go far.

Thanks again for your work, Annie and Ross.
Setting this whole thing up  why you two- youre the Boss!
Now treasure all that we saw; and all that we did,
On the Inaugural Run of Driving for Kids!

Bruce Jansen September, 2016