By Deb & Dan Donovan
Photos by Dan, Deb, and John Rowntree

OVER THE YEARS, the “Wachusett Tour,” also known as the “Wachusett Hillclimb,” has earned a reputation for late-fall weather that can be wet and, at times, quite chilly. Looking back through the archives (thanks, Dave), however, we noted that the first event, held in October 2000, enjoyed temperatures that soared to 70 degrees. With a June date for our 2026 Tour, we were hopeful for one of those 70 degree days. Early forecasts called for mild temperatures, although the precipitation outlook was less promising as the week began. As New Englanders typically do, we waited and hoped for the best. We were indeed rewarded with a fine “top-down” day with no rain in sight.

Saturday morning saw 15 Alfas gather for this year’s event, and, as is typical on most Alfa tours, Spiders outnumbered all other models. That said, modern Alfas are making their mark, with three represented on this run. We were also pleased to welcome a couple of first-time participants on the Wachusett Tour as Stefan and Kristen brought their 2017 4C. Scott, having recently found a new home for his Spider, arrived in a 4C as well, sporting the appropriately-named Massachusetts plate “FOURSE”.

On the vintage side, the 1970s were particularly well represented, accounting for nearly half of our group. John and Lauren brought their gleaming green Spider, making its first AONE appearance since undergoing an extensive restoration. We were also treated to the sight of two — yes, two — 1973 Junior Zagato 1600s: one driven by Bob with co-pilot Al and the other by Stefan with co-pilot Sonchu. While we certainly appreciate modern Alfas, it is equally rewarding to see the heritage, design, and craftsmanship that inspired them.

We set off from our meeting spot in Winchendon but quickly realized we were missing a couple of cars. Larry and Michelle were having trouble starting their ’74 Spider, and Lauren and John stayed behind to help. Fortunately, the issue was resolved quickly, and soon we were all on our way. As we drove south, Wachusett Mountain stood to our right while sweeping vistas stretched to the east. Visibility wasn’t quite clear enough — or perhaps we were simply traveling too quickly — to catch a glimpse of the Boston skyline as we passed through picturesque Princeton and encountered our first flashing red light.

Although we encountered several flashing red lights along our nearly 80-mile route, there were no actual traffic signals until we reached Sturbridge, less than a mile from our destination. A sharp right-hand turn carried us into Rutland, a town with ties to the Revolutionary War. Following the Continental Army’s victory at Saratoga, British and Hessian prisoners of war were housed there, and remnants of the prison camp can still be visited with a short walk from the roads we traveled.

From Rutland, we continued through Paxton — blink and you’ll miss it — and then into the even smaller communities of New Braintree and Hubbardston. Our rest stop was the lovely Hardwick Winery, whose staff literally opened their doors wide (see the photo collage below) to welcome us. (Contact Deb at debradonovan2001@gmail.com if you’d like a full-resolution version of your Alfa driving through the winery.) After thanking our hosts and saying goodbye to Bob, Al, and Peter, we continued the second half of our journey toward Sturbridge.

Along the way, we passed through the covered bridge in Gilbertville and wound our way over the rolling terrain of the Ragged Hill region. Eventually, the countryside gave way to something approaching “Urbania” as we neared our lunch destination, Mangia Bene in Sturbridge. We had visited this location a few years ago under different ownership and with a different menu. This time, Mangia Bene welcomed us with an authentic Italian deli and pizzeria menu featuring everything from prosciutto sandwiches to eggplant Parmesan.

After lunch, several of us headed to Old Sturbridge Village, where Dan and Deb spend their Thursdays as historical interpreters. We made sure to visit the print shop, where Dan practices his craft, and the period homes, where Deb can often be found. As an added bonus, we were treated to an 1830s wedding reenactment, providing a fitting conclusion to a wonderful day of driving, history, and Alfa camaraderie.

Wachusett Tour Participants

Scott Weiner - 2015 4C
Larry LoPresti & Michelle Dextaze - 1974 Spider
Tom Freiberger - 1974 Spider
Fred Dalrymple & Andreana Medeiros - 1969 Spider
Bob Kamen & Al Collinson - 1973 1600 Junior Zagato
Doug Sondak & Berta - 1969 Spider
Peter Walker - 1977 Spider
Stefan & Sonchu Gavell - 1973 1600 Junior Zagato
Steve & Nancy Perry - 1978 Spider
Frank & Mary La Sala - 2018 Giulia
Dan & Deb Donovan - 1988 Spider
Mike & Barb Hollinger - 1967 GTV
Stefan & Kristina Vordran - 2017 4C
John & Lauren DeWaele - 1974 Spider
John & Roberta Rowntree - 1987 Spider