Long-time Alfa guy, AONE member, and former club Director Gene Durso somehow prefers tornados over snowstorms and moved to Texas a few years ago. Instead of driving cattle, some Texans apparently drive Alfas down there and Gene’s still able to get his Alfa fix, as evidenced by his latest report:

My giallo 4C will be ten years old on Dec 16th! I bought it one day before my birthday.

I had an incredible time at a car meet-up and drive near Austin called “AlfaFest” on Saturday, November 29th. Great car people and great cars. Got to open her up a few times. Did a three-car pass, reaching about 115. Also very spirited runs along the curvy roads around Lake Travis.

On the ride around Lake Travis, I had a hot GTV step-nose in front and a Stelvio QV putting out 600 horses behind me. Needless to say, it was a very spirited romp! Later on, I had trouble keeping up with my friend Dano’s black 4C in front, and the Stelvio was having fun riding my butt on occasion when the roads were wet. There’s a video of the gathering and drive that you can see by clicking here.

However, on the way back home I blew out a tire. Texas roads are terrible! Not a good ending for the day, but I was able to get the 4C towed back home the next day. The tire had gotten sliced pretty good (see photo).

My five-year-old P Zeros didn’t like the wet roads, so the 4C is now sitting in the shop awaiting her new set of shoes. I purchased some all-weather Bridgestone tires, the same ones Dano in the black 4C uses. Maybe next time I’ll keep up better!

I also think I found the shop that will be doing the service for both my old and new Alfas. The AlfaFest started out at Madness Autoworks in Spicewood. I spent some time with the owner. It looks like they enjoy working on both the old and new Alfas.

That’s it for now. If any members find yourselves in central Texas, please drop by and say 🤠 howdy! So long, y’all!