My wife and I have a deal-every year, she goes to at least one Mustang show with me, and she gets to pick which one, sometimes even influencing my decision, I'll admit. As soon as Pam heard about the Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup in scenic Steamboat Springs, Colorado, I was cashing in frequent flyer miles for her airline ticket.
In the winter, Steamboat Springs is a popular ski resort. In the summer, it's a small town surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and a lot less traffic, making it the perfect place to hold a Mustang event, especially since the city embraces the show to the point that Main Street is closed on Saturday so the Mustangs can take over four of the downtown city blocks.
The 17th Annual Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup, held June 16-19, kicked off on Thursday morning with a poker run during the Scenic Mountain Tour. Pam and I caught a ride with Lee and Mary Nelson in Lee's '6811/42 Cobra Jet GT fastback, which provided an abundance of torque for climbing the mountain roads during the 65-mile round trip. In spite of picking a pair of aces for our poker hand, we didn't place for a prize.
Saturday was reserved for the Bridgestone/Firestone Driving Challenge, an autocross held at the Tennis Meadows parking lot just down the mountain from the host hotel. Some 200 Mustangs and other Fords spent the day cutting the cones and laying down some heavy strips of black rubber.
After spending much of the morning at the autocross, Pam and I snuck off for an afternoon of Steamboat sightseeing, which included a bit of shopping downtown followed by a two-hour horseback ride at the Elk River Guest Ranch. I thought we were going to ride around the mountain, not up the mountain. But we did get a great view of the Continental Divide and Mt. Zirkel. My backside is still sore, so I think I prefer a Pony Interior over a saddle.
Saturday was the big day downtown. Over 400 Mustangs converged on Main Street for a four-block display of Mustangs, old and new. With restaurants and shops lining the street, there's plenty to eat and do once you've had your fill of Mustangs. Pam found a chocolate shop, so you know what we packed for the trip home.
Next year's Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup is already scheduled for June 15-18, 2006. For additional information, check the Web site at www.rmmr.org.