“Old Brits” Saskatchewan British Car Club Newsletter

“Classic British Motoring “

April 2009 – June 2009

Number 55

MEMBER PROFILE – RICHARD DANYLIUK By Bill Rafoss

The next time you see a 1969 Triumph Spitfire driving around town, it might well be Richard

Danyliuk’s. Richard bought his Spit in Calgary last summer, drove it home from there and

then continued with it as a daily driver right through the summer. Not bad for a 40 year old

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car! Richard is a litigation lawyer in Saskatoon and he is involved in several community

organizations. Richard and his partner have two children, aged 20 and 16. Not one to sit on

the beach and tan in his spare time, Richard enjoys picking up a wrench or hammer and going

to work. When he is not in the garage working on the Spitfire, he is out at Wakaw Lake

working on the cabin. Richard enjoys the club clinics and car shows and is sure to be a

familiar face at events this summer. Richard is on the lookout for a GT-6, too. Anyone got

any leads…?

LE TOUR DE L’OEST 2009 …Or Our Trip to BC

By Morris Sulatyski / Photos by various friends

"Go West, young man (and woman), go West," …and we did. We really did. It started one sunny Saskatoon morning with all standing around and drinking coffee at

the usual launch point of Westgate Plaza…, Morris, Rob S, Bob F, Dennis, Roger, Bart, Alex,

Bob B, Leah, Barry, John, Sherman, Dick, Ron, Michael, Olwen, Rob D, Barb, Kelly, Len,

Rick and his wine rack.

All went well the first short stretch to Rosetown for breakfast with Tony and Ruth.

Back on the road I followed Sherman's grey MGB until it slowed and stopped. Sherm jumped

out and proceeded to just about give the car a solid kick to the door... but let loose with "You

stupid piece of…!" and other vocabulary till he ran out of breath. This Sherman vocabulary

would repeat itself again on the trip. The trailmasters Rob and Bob soon arrived diagnosing a

problem fuel pump. Along came Ron with his Jaguar parts wagon crammed with MG parts.

The poshest parts wagon anywhere! Did I mention the rain? Couldn't see a thing.

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The fuel pump gets fixed and we're on to Kindersley. I stopped to top up the gas to

hear Rick pass by in his top-down car with the wine rack sticking out and a rear view mirror

on top. All I could hear in the freezing dark rain was, "Can't stop-p-p-p-p!" and away he went

from Saskatchewan across Alberta to Canal Flats, British Columbia. We met him at our

motel in Dead Man's Flats that night.

On we tracked to Oyen for fuel. About twenty-five km past some of us were ahead

and escaped a semi rolling into the ditch, pinning the driver underneath and closing the road.

The rest of us had to drive back and take Alex’s suggested detour..., catching up to the rest in

Drumheller and discovering thereby a lovely stretch of smooth almost deserted road called

AB 570. We now have a new preferred route to Drumheller.

From Drumheller we went to Brian Southgate's son's auto shop out of Calgary. There

we were treated to Sask/Alta hospitality by Brian's son and daughter-in-law, barbeque and

eats and a look through his establishment, a very high-end place -- Rivieras, Lamborghinis,

Avantis and such were in various stages of being refurbished and customized. A large display

trailer was also set up. Well done! We kept tripping over our open mouths. Then on through

Calgary to Dead Man's Flats and our first taste of the mountains. Next morning, bright and early with breakfast at the Husky, we were off. With only a

short way to go some groups went on tours. Rob and I took the old Number One highway for

a bit, encountering a bike race on the road. We pulled over for about twenty minutes. When

the fifty plus bikes sped by all we could hear was a quiet hiss. Others encountered the race

after encountering the elk.

After some spectacular new construction of mountain roads we arrived in Radium to

more rain. Then on to our rooms at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort about twenty km away.

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Did I mention it was raining? At least that's what they call it in British Columbia. In

Saskatchewan we call it water-poured-out-of-a-bucket-onto-your-head. The smart ones

waited in Radium until it was over, but Rob S and I took our chances and headed out to the

spa. Almost a big mistake because the many inches of water cascading down the highway

slopes caused our cars to hydroplane. Rob was slipping and sliding and I'm sliding sideways

to the right (in Saskatchewan there would have been a ditch - here there was nothing but

several hundred feet of air straight down). I didn't look again.

The hotel/spa was luxurious and inexpensive, thanks to our hotel bookie Rob S, whose

line was, "I'm bringing in a large group…what's your bottom price for rooms? That? Now

lower it some more and you have our business." He did this at all our hotels.

We registered, got our goody bags and plus and met the organizers from the Calgary

MG club. They were a friendly bunch who managed to meet us again and again during the

event, touching base to see if we were having fun. Well done! Much admiration was

expressed for our support and for the camaraderie of our club’s members. Time passed that

afternoon with all doing their own things, washing cars, being in the hot springs, sauna or

steam room or napping. Then there was a buffet meal followed by a get-together in one of the

rooms.

Radium was the showplace the next morning. Situated in a bowl-like area, a baseball

field, the cars looked their best on the lawn. A local service club next door provided us with a

pancake breakfast. The sun was shining and the weather was warm. An easy socializing time

meeting some interesting people with some incredible cars and stories.

That evening was the banquet where, as you know, we cleaned up on trophies. We

blew them out of the water! Sherm's car wouldn't start that morning so did not make it to the

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competition. Our hosts had made up a “hard luck” special award for him. Each win had us

on our feet and cheering. We represented our province well. You would have been proud.

The next morning, though sunny and bright, had a grey gloom to it because we had to

say good-bye to some of our number who had to go back. This was partially countered by

the exchanging of friends leaving with friends joining our group. New were sweet Joanna and

radiovoice Brad McArthur from Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island. Rob, Rick and I had

met them at the British car show in Kelowna. Rick had invited them to Saskatoon and they

did, bringing their TR6 with them. With our numbers partially replenished we continued on

to Creston and Nelson. En route some of our members got “Yahk’d” – they were already

pumping fuel into their cars when they noticed that the price was $1.89 per litre! After

encountering this rip-off artist we were much revitalized by lunching at the Sirdar Pub..., a

biker bar with old jazz and good food and drink on the lovely, winding lakeshore road. The

ferry across Kootenay Lake came next where we sang at the bow and on the mizzenmast

(What?? I thought it was the poop deck? – ed.) of the ship. Here is where Rob S's car chose

to have an ignition failure. It was quickly fixed on the boat and on the beach.

After ferrying across the lake we stayed overnight in Nelson, a city that needs our

attention another year. A couple of blocks from where we were staying we discovered a

Victorian-style hotel, built in the 1800's. We had a terrific time at this hotel: good food and

good times. They kept the bar open later than usual just for our group. I heard Ruth talking

about the hotel and what a good idea it would be to remember this place. She's never wrong.

Definitely a reason for a re-visit!

The magic continued the next day, despite the rain, as our merry band proceeded along

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wet but winding roads to our favorite place, Nakusp, for a terrific lunch and a group photo.

Here we said good-bye to Brad and Joanna. Then back to the grueling task of playing on the

highway, this particular region having one of the best, finishing off the day after another ferry

crossing, Upper Arrow Lake this time, at Revelstoke's Sandman Motel. Here we met in Kelly

and Len's room for a get-together. A couple of us ordered a pizza to be delivered to the

Sandman Motel… in Vernon. Some of the group did not understand this humour.

More driving the next day to Dead Man's Flats, but we could smell home. Overall our

trip was not without other breakdowns, but they were sort of weird, like Rob D's car had a

brand-new condenser malfunction, Rob S’s electronic ignition malfunctioned (they're not

supposed to), Alex’s generator failed and then his battery committed suicide, Barry's Midget

got slightly damaged as it was travelling in a covered trailer and Sherm having a carb problem

that was cured with shims cut out of a beer can wall. Exotic they were! We met at our last

stop with gatherings, discussions, and jigging P.E.I. style from good ol' Sherm.

John and Bart took off first the next morning with the rest of us following in small

groups at different times. No problems in returning. Another great trip! Ask any of the

participants and they will have more stories. The legends will all be present in my up-coming

book, "The Incredible Exploits of The Saskatchewan British Car Club Drivers on Their Many

Jaunts Around Western Canada".

See page 9 for photo credits & descriptions – photos by Tony & Ruth. Ron, Dennis, Bart & John

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Bits from Bob / aka “The Prez Sez…”

From Bob Forward, SBCC President

This year’s diagnostic day was fun as always. There was a real mix of cars that made it out

for the event, some with minor issues like Laurie’s MGB that needed the oil hose

repositioned. David made it down with his MGB; it needed some minor adjustments so that

he could drive the car and break in the rebuilt engine. Rob came out with the TR6 sporting a

new set of carbs and some issues; after some diagnosis he was off to fix some of the

problems. Hugh’s Jag was in for a quick check up on the carbs and Alan found the carbs to

be losing oil. The carbs on Cam’s TR6 and a Spitfire needed a quick set up. Dave’s little Imp

reminded me about my early days in the trade - I fixed many Imps and Sunbeams in the

seventies – its plug wires were bad and shorting out so not too serious. Sherman’s MGB was

running badly and had dash problems so he left with a shopping list which included a voltage

stabilizer for the dash and a new coil ignition points were replaced as well due to burning on

the contacts. It was a fun and productive day and I wish to thanks all who came out to watch,

help and or participate.

Spring Fling at the Broken Spoke Ranch on Saturday May 16th was another fun event to

attend. The weather turned nice for the afternoon, which made it a fun day at Ken’s ranch.

The SBCC had a good showing this year and we featured 3 Triumphs, 1 MG, 1 Jaguar and a

first for us two Sunbeams- see the pictures. This is always a good event with many different

vehicles, tractors, trucks, etc on display. Cold beverages can be enjoyed while looking at the

vehicles, that’s a bonus. Thanks to Rick for suggesting this fun event.

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This year’s trip/adventure into to British Columbia was an experience that I had not enjoyed

previously. The fun began early on Thursday June 18th at the Westgate shopping centre, but

actually the fun had began many days before as I helped do some last minute repairs on a few

members’ vehicles. We left around 6.00 am on route to Rosetown for breakfast; it was a cool

sunny morning so tops down and off we go.

We meet Ruth and Tony in Rosetown for a good breakfast, but not long after arriving

the sky opened up and dumped rain on and in the cars. After some drying off we headed out

again to Kindersley. Sherman’s car decided it would act up just as the next rainstorm arrived

so up with the roofs and then try to repair the MGB. We towed it off the highway and while

covered with umbrellas I replaced the fuel pump. Back on the road again, quick fuel stop in

Kindersley and on to Oyen.

West of Oyen the highway was blocked by an accident so we were forced to detour to

a much nicer route to Drumheller. Sherman was still having some issues but kept on going.

We arrived at Zeebs just east of Calgary where we were treated to a great BBQ and tour

hosted by Brian and family. The sun was setting as we arrived at the Big Horn motel located

at Dead Mans Flats…, what a day only, took 15 hours.

Day two weather was nice so tops down and off we go to Radium Hot Springs. The

road was good and if we stayed above 50 mph we stayed dry - the rain tried to dampen our

spirits but we were determined. No major car problems so far. The rain poured down as we

drove into Radium so top up and go for lunch. The day ended at the Fairmont Hot Springs

resort with much visiting/beer/soaking in the hot springs and a very nice meet-and-greet

supper. Everyone made it to Fairmont and we were joined by Brad and Joanna from

Qualicum Beach.

Day three started out bright and sunny and remained that way all day. We headed to

Radium for the car show, except that Sherman’s car did not wish to go so it did not start.

After the show we participated in a nice scenic drive back to Fairmont using some curvy back

roads via Invermere and Canal Flats. Finding a cold beer in Invermere proved to be a bit

harder than normal but we kept on trying and eventually found the only open pub in town.

Sherman’s car needed help so before supper I decided it was time to tear the carbs apart as it

appeared that he was not getting fuel. Lots of support from the growing crowd. The problem

was found and after cutting a washer out of a gasket the problem was solved. The awards

supper was fun and our cars did well taking home quite a few trophies - I do not have all the

details.

Day four started with me installing the carbs back on the MGB and then on the road

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again. Sherman’s car seemed okay but Rob’s Midget started to run poorly after 3 stops and

after some roadside diagnosis the condensor was replaced…, bingo, all good now. Driving in

the valleys is fun when everything is working well. We went to Yahk and Creston and then

headed north to Sirdar were we had a great lunch at roadside Pub. The trip continued on up

the east side of Kootney Lake, but Sherman’s car decided to act up again. The fuel had failed

again so this time I bolted on a brand new one and off to the ferry. Rob and I were late

getting to the ferry due to having fun on the roads. Rob’s car then became a 4 cylinder TR6

making it hard to drive but we made it onto the ferry. The boat ride was great 45 mins. on the

water, but the TR6 did not want to go any further so more roadside diagnosis. We had to re-

install his points and condensor because the electronic ignition had failed. We made it to

Nelson by 9:00 pm…, what a day, but the cars now all seemed to run well.

Day five was wet low clouds, lots of rain, not good for sightseeing so after some

routine service headed off to Nakusp for lunch at The Leland Hotel. The cars ran well in the

rain, the roads were fun and in good shape so it was an enjoyable trouble-free day. After

lunch we used another ferry to complete the drive into Revelstoke. It rains in Revelstoke as

well; also, there is a shortage of pizza restaurants in the area so getting food delivered is a bit

of a challenge - see Morris for details.

Day six started out kinda wet but after a good breakfast we were on our way to Lake

Louise. Some club members had a hard time finding the turn off for Lake Louis, which meant

that I got separated from the group. We got together in Banff and a few members did a quick

trip up to Mount Norquay, a great mountain road with a spectacular view of Banff. The

evening was spent telling stories in the Big Horn motel at Dead Man’s Flats.

Day seven, the last day, was a fun fairly quick top down trip through the Alberta

countryside to Drumheller and Oyen and eventually Saskatoon; this was also a trouble-free

day.

I am glad I joined this trip and would recommend it to any one the next time. Rob did

an excellent job of arranging the routes and accommodation. Well done, Rob.

SBCC OFFICERS / 2009

President: Bob Forward Vice-President: Terry Yuzik

Secretary: Richard Mathieu Treasurer: Larry Chapman

Webmasters: Ed Driver, Scott McGibney Newsletter Editor: John Pharr

Founding President: Alan Wilson

Website: www.sbcc.ca

Tour de l’Oest photo credits

1 - Rick’s wine rack [RB], 2 - Leah in 7

th heaven [DB], 3 - Big Horn motel [JP], 4 - pedestrian on 1A [BH], 5 -

along Bow River parkway [T&RH], 6 - photo op & 7 - liqorice + Kelly’s luggage [DB], 8 - bike racers [T&RH],

9+10 -Fairmont Hot Springs resort [JP], 11 - the outfield & 12 - the infield at Radium [T&RH], 13 - last onto

the ferry [DB] / ed. note – the BC ferry guys were SUPER, 14 - poop deck party [T&RH], 15 - top down weather

[DB], 16 - a wet roadside (what else?) in BC [T&RH], 17 - who is this guy and what is he up to? & 18 - the

Leland by the Lake in Nakusp [T&RH], 19 - a Mt Norquay hairpin & 20 - Banff from Norquay’s overlook [JP]

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Saskatchewan British Car Club Minutes – April 8, 2008

Members present: approx. 42

Location: Boffins Club, Innovation Place

Saskatchewan British Car Club Minutes – May 13, 2009

Members present: approx. 41

Location: Boffins Club, Innovation Place

Saskatchewan British Car Club Minutes – June 10, 2009

Members present: approx 48

Location: Boffins Club, Innovation Place

The Saskatoon Karting Club donated this MGB to the SBCC. The car was located in

Delmas and Bob Forward and others went out and picked it up and hauled it out to Rick

Middleton’s place. No extra charge for the mouse.