What's happening backstage prior to the 2012 Glidden Tour ------"The Great Texas Trail Drive" - by Jamie Crandall 

I know you have all seen a rollback truck picking up dead cars on various tours! None of us hate to admit it, but most all of us have had troubles one time or another with our old cars. Did you know that AAA provides the sweep truck for the Glidden each year? As one of our important sponsors, AAA steps up to the plate with trucks and drivers for each Glidden. Not only do they pick up dead cars, they also are always quick to lend a helping hand for minor breakdowns and finding or providing service as needed for each of our members. In addition to road service, among other things, they provide the beautiful Glidden Trophies, signage and car banners. This year, we have been working with them on articles that will appear in "Texas Journey", AAA's magazine that is distributed to all AAA members in the Texas region describing the Glidden Tour with a follow up article about "The Great Texas Trail Drive" after it's completion.

Have I heard how much you all like to eat?? Some of our trail hands have been selecting recipes, trying different restaurants, looking for ice cream stops, reviewing menus and just plain gaining weight! You remember our philosophy for a successful tour ------- feed em every 2 hours and they will forget about any mistakes! We won't let you down.

The tour routes are complete and have been checked ---- we left a couple of mistakes to see just how sharp you are! Lloyd and Mary Ann Hill who will be in charge of signs and parking have checked all intersections for signage and have reviewed all the directions. Lloyd will be assembling a crew to help with each stop in addition to working with the wranglerettes.

Debbie Meregle, Bettye Ames and Pat have started outlining the tour book. The route instructions are complete, maps are being discussed, historical facts are being assembled and the list of tourists is growing rapidly. Debbie will be doing the final layout and assembly and has a big job between now and October.

The Bexar Touring Club has offered to take care of and supply the hospitality building which will be located at the fairgrounds. Knowing the Bexar Touring Club as I do, I can assure you, this will be a first class operation. Many of you know June Prade from years back and she will be one of the kingpins in the operation!

One last item that's worth mentioning. Joe Brown from Andrews, TX has gathered up a bunch of cowpokes from west Texas and they are working on a surprise with lots of nonsense that will be introduced early one morning right after breakfast! Don't miss it.