Runboard.com
Слава Україні!

Adirondack Motor Enthusiast Club Message Board

Ice race banner

Wells, New York, weather forecast
site search by freefind

runboard.com       Sign up (learn about it) | Sign in (lost password?)

Page:  1  2  3 ... 7  8  9 

 
Mike Kamm Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 07-2004
Location: Averill Park, NY
Posts: 8146
Karma: 25 (+26/-1)
Reply | Quote
Historical - Ellenville Hill Climb


I have always been intrigued by historical motorsport related things, particularly events that included A.M.E.C. members throughout the years. Something that has captured my attention recently is the old Ellenville Hill Climb events just outside of Ellenville, NY [near Kingston].

I first became aware of these events while watching Richard Vedder's home movie footage on the "History of A.M.E.C." dvds. I called Richard yesterday and also RiK Rydant, who lives near there and is a wealth of information for things historical in the Catskill area. Between these two gentlemen, the following is what I have learned. [Note: I welcome any additions or corrections].

These events were started by the Shongum Mountain Motor Club, [or S.M.M.C.] in 1957. Among other clubs, A.M.E.C. members were invited to attend and run. Richard said that about 5 or 6 of our members showed up to run including, himself, Joe Strykiewicz [both still current members], and several others. Can you remember any other of our members Richard?

The event lasted at least 16 years that we know of. Rik found some 1968 documentation that said "11th annual" on it and Richard ran there in 1973. The course was between 1/2 to 1 mile long, neither remembers for sure. It ran up to the top of, or very near to Mt. Cathalia. I plan to call Joe Strykiewicz very soon and see what he remembers.

At the top of the mountain was a hotel called the Mt. Cathalia Hotel. It was built in 1882 and by the 60's was a bit run down, but still open at that time. The events were two day affairs and most everyone would stay at the hotel on Saturday night. I heard there were quite some remarkable parties there at that time as well! This picture was taken in the parking lot of the hotel.

Image

Richard and his Saab 96 in July 1973 at the Ellenville Hillclimb.

In any case, RiK and I are planning to get together and find the location and visit the site of these historic events personally. We will drive the road ourselves and get an idea of what it was like and hopefully get a clearer picture of the course length. I'm told the condition of the road is not what it used to be any more nowadays.

RiK, Richard, [or anyone else] , please feel free to add any other details you can to this story.

Thanks,

Mike







Last edited by Mike Kamm, 9/23/2012, 9:02 pm
3/14/2007, 9:46 pm Link to this post Send Email to Mike Kamm   Send PM to Mike Kamm
 
zx2 2000 Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 07-2004
Posts: 1862
Karma: 5 (+5/-0)
Reply | Quote
Re: Historical - Ellenville Hill Climb


The hotel was part of the (Mt) Cathalia ski area. Mike the spelling is Shawangunk.
after Mike's call it piqued my curiosity and did a little searching. On an Ellenville historical site and I E-mailed the person asking for information. Doing some further I found a site that is doing articles on "Lost Ski Area's in NYS" and Cathalia was on the list of "to do". I also e-mailed them expressing my interest.
I have even located one of the trophies I won there, strangely enough it was on top of my bookcase. I have another that I am looking for.
As I recall we ran there twice.
           Dick V.

---
Richard C. "Dick" Vedder
AMEC Chief Steward
3/15/2007, 7:20 am Link to this post Send Email to zx2 2000   Send PM to zx2 2000
 
Dave 48A Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 07-2004
Posts: 734
Karma: 8 (+8/-0)
Reply | Quote
Re: Historical - Ellenville Hill Climb


Thanks for looking into this stuff guys, I would like copies of anything you can get for the archives!
Dave
3/15/2007, 7:33 am Link to this post Send Email to Dave 48A   Send PM to Dave 48A
 
zx2 2000 Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 07-2004
Posts: 1862
Karma: 5 (+5/-0)
Reply | Quote
Re: Historical - Ellenville Hill Climb


due to my Saab having a few icer acing scars led to a joint SMMC/AMEC ice race on Swingin Bridge Lake.
It was during the gas shortage and everyone was worried abiut having enough to get home. The marina operator, where we were accesing the lake said that he would sell 5 gals of gas to each racer for use in their race car, most everyone weaned their racer and used the gas for their tow vehicle.
It was a weird drive home, all the gas stations on the thruway were closed.
I also remember Bruce Carlton doing a clutch job on his Buick/Saab. He used a tree for an anchor for the comealong.

---
Richard C. "Dick" Vedder
AMEC Chief Steward
3/15/2007, 6:16 pm Link to this post Send Email to zx2 2000   Send PM to zx2 2000
 
Mike Kamm Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 07-2004
Location: Averill Park, NY
Posts: 8146
Karma: 25 (+26/-1)
Reply | Quote
Re: Historical - Ellenville Hill Climb


quote:

ZX2 2000 wrote:

The hotel was part of the (Mt) Cathalia ski area. Mike the spelling is Shawangunk.

Richard thanks for the additional details! My spelling was close, I said Shomgum, but it is really Shongum. The Shawangunk name you mentioned pertains to what the mountain range there is called. Both are American Indian names of course.

The following is a copy of a newsletter I got from RiK Rydant:


NEWSLETTER OWNERS ASSOCIATION
600 WILLOW TREE LEONIA. NEW JERSEY 07605 ROAD
VOLUME 18, NUMBER5 MAY, 1972
16th ANNUAL
ELLENVILLE HILL CLIMB
Presented by South Short Sports Car Club and Shongum Mountain Motor Club, the climb will be held June 10 & 11 at Mt. Cathalia Ski Center. Pre-registration is suggested for this two days of fast action and fun.
Entry fee is $8.00 either day, $14.00 both days. Prizes in all classes and Marque awards. Free party Saturday evening. Reservations at the Mt. Cathalia Ski Center are $12.00 per day for a double room.
Registration opens 9 A.M. both days, FCa 10 A.M. For Pre-registration send check to:
Jerry Newman
71 Kane Place
N. Babylon, N.Y. 11703


Interestingly, Rik told me that earlier in the 16 year history of this event, the entry fees were cheaper yet. Rik found some documentation that said the fees used to be $6.50 for one day and $10.00 for the weekend.

3/15/2007, 9:04 pm Link to this post Send Email to Mike Kamm   Send PM to Mike Kamm
 
Mike Kamm Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 07-2004
Location: Averill Park, NY
Posts: 8146
Karma: 25 (+26/-1)
Reply | Quote
Re: Historical - Ellenville Hill Climb


quote:

ZX2 2000 wrote:

due to my Saab having a few icer acing scars led to a joint SMMC/AMEC ice race on Swingin Bridge Lake.

The gas crisis story was great Richard. Tell us more about the Swinging Bridge ice races. Where is that?

3/15/2007, 9:06 pm Link to this post Send Email to Mike Kamm   Send PM to Mike Kamm
 
zx2 2000 Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 07-2004
Posts: 1862
Karma: 5 (+5/-0)
Reply | Quote
Re: Historical - Ellenville Hill Climb


The proper name is Swinging Bridge Reservoir and is just southwest of Monticello. it was a two day event. Nice track. I remember it had a long straight. We were still running rubber to ice and once I saw 85 mph just before shutting down for the first turn.
Another not so good memory was, in the finale on Sunday I had been running very well near the front.then I had momentary brain fade and coming out of a corner I went wide and stuffed it. DNF.

---
Richard C. "Dick" Vedder
AMEC Chief Steward
3/16/2007, 7:37 am Link to this post Send Email to zx2 2000   Send PM to zx2 2000
 
Mike Kamm Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 07-2004
Location: Averill Park, NY
Posts: 8146
Karma: 25 (+26/-1)
Reply | Quote
Re: Historical - Ellenville Hill Climb


Here is a reply from Greg Rickes regarding my request for some info on these events.

Hi Mike,
 
Mohawk-Hudson Region SCCA sanctioned one hillclimb at Mt.Cathalia, in
Sept. 1972. As I recall the event had a very poor turnout --- probably
less than two dozen cars, the "lodge" was very rundown, and the road left
a lot to be desired. We'd been told there'd be strong support from the
Pennsylvania hillclimb contingent, but almost none of them showed up.
 
Here's one of the few photos that seems to exist from that event -- I don't think I took more than half dozen shots total.


 
 
Image
This is Howard Geer and his Lotus Elan, going past the swimming pool section of the course.

Best Regards
 
Greg Rickes


I like that picture Greg. It looks like if your car broke down during a run, you could pull off to the side and go for a swim! emoticon
3/16/2007, 8:19 am Link to this post Send Email to Mike Kamm   Send PM to Mike Kamm
 
zx2 2000 Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 07-2004
Posts: 1862
Karma: 5 (+5/-0)
Reply | Quote
Re: Historical - Ellenville Hill Climb


I had just e-mailed Mike about that picture.
It was near the end of the run. Greg's comments ring true. It was fun anyway.
           Dick V.

---
Richard C. "Dick" Vedder
AMEC Chief Steward
3/16/2007, 9:36 am Link to this post Send Email to zx2 2000   Send PM to zx2 2000
 
Mike Kamm Profile
Live feed
Blog
Friends
Miscellaneous info

Registered user

Registered: 07-2004
Location: Averill Park, NY
Posts: 8146
Karma: 25 (+26/-1)
Reply | Quote
Re: Historical - Ellenville Hill Climb


Some interesting details are starting to trickle in.

Original A.M.E.C. flagger Karl Scharl had this to add:
 
Michael,

I drove the course a couple of times with my 1966 Austin Healey 3000, coming in first once, beating out a field of Porsches!!!!!!!!!!! I still have the trophy, and will look for some pictures.

Karl


From Bruce Turk:

Mike,
The guys who used to organize the event (South Shore Sports Car Club) are now the leaders/owners of EMRA Racing. http://www.emraracing.org/ They can
tell you everything you need to know. Let me know when your going to Ellenville so I can meet you there!
Bruce T


From Bruce Carlton:

Mike,
 
I am not sure whether you know that AMEC ran one hillclimb there in the 70s. It was before you were a member. I do not have any pictures. I do remember that the road was very rough; too rough for Sherm Haven's special that I was driving and I spent as much time in the air as on the pavement. I also stayed in the lodge at the top of the hill.
 
Bruce
3/16/2007, 10:54 am Link to this post Send Email to Mike Kamm   Send PM to Mike Kamm
 


Add a reply

Page:  1  2  3 ... 7  8  9 





You are not logged in (login)
Lake George, New York, weather forecast