Article and pictures by ACLS Member Anita Tavakley
In Austin, Texas it was a cloudy, humid Saturday morning in August; the 13th of 2016 to be exact. The scent of imminent rain was in the air. Through the dim hours between 8 and 9 a.m., Audi’s gathered at BBQ joints and abandoned parking lots as grackles lurked, awaiting their offering of crumbs, and a quick snack of breakfast tacos may have been consumed. Preparations were made for the group journey to San Antonio that would kick off the day’s adventure.
Along the way, the fearless group was met with a series of challenges: Waves of pouring rain alternating with quiet periods of dry roads. Traffic without headlights on, thick as vultures around choice roadkill. A certain pickup truck with a death wish, who, thankfully, was unsuccessful at that day’s attempt. These challenges were overcome with ease, and apologies were accepted from those who had washed their cars the day before, as they graciously took responsibility for the damp weather. The Austin Audi crew cruised into San Antonio unscathed.
Rick Cavender, President, and his glowing staff welcomed ACLS members like family into the cozy Audi dealership Cavender Audi with a brunch spread that included well deserved coffee and breakfast snacks. As the rain continued to pour outside, members enjoyed brunch and views of brand new Audi’s, including a customer’s 2017 R8 v10 and a 2017 RS7.
Following a jovial welcome from Rick, Dr. Christopher Bogaev, the R8 owner, proudly sung its praises and professed his undying devotion to the Audi R8 (neither of which was a surprise to the fellow Audi club members). Rick also informed the group of plans to build a new Audi facility in town called Audi Dominion, which will include a 14-car show room and 41-car service bay. Audi Sport would also be involved day-to-day, and representative Ariel Esparza filled the group in on some of the details of the integration.
Then it was time to perform the raffle drawing. Each winner will receive complimentary Audi Sport Experience suite access for Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of the Americas (Austin, TX) on September 15-17, 2016. Congratulations to the winners, Tod Phillips and Steve Frantz! And thank you to Cavender Audi for being such gracious hosts.
With the rain beginning to let up, the sun peeked through the clouds as the group moved outside to prepare for the fun drive. It was the ideal opportunity for a photo op before everyone disappeared into their cars.
The drive started off slow, with traffic rivaling Austin’s rush hour challenging the navigation abilities of the group. Once past that hurdle, the drive was smooth and calming, rolling through the scenic wooded countryside, past charming small towns and a busy area filled with people going tubing on the river. Thanks to Gabe and Celeste for being the lead car and making sure we stayed together and on the right track!
The group reached their destination and, though it was optional, most stayed on for dinner at Los Cucos Mexican restaurant in New Braunfels to continue discussions on cars and other things. From there, everyone went their separate ways, looking forward to next time.
