Daily scrolling on Instagram I was enamored by the cars Hot Rod Magazine was posting on their Instagram stories from something called a Quarantine Cruise hosted by @qruisingpch. Simply put I needed to be there. Impatiently waiting for the date to drop I began to research flights and prepping plans. Once the date was finalized tickets were purchased immediately to fly into San Diego.
Truth be told the meet up location for the Q8 cruise was 77 miles north of my hotel in La Jolla. In love with the San Diego area, I wanted to utilize my short trip as much as possible, even if that meant committing to a 4:45 a.m. wake up to get to the cruise. I have no regrets. Before daylight broke on the glorious overcast Sunday morning I was driving comfortably on a cozy six lane interstate with a bazillion of my closest friends by me as I casually sipped on my basic caramel macchiato. Not even rapid lit brake lights on an interstate could break my spirits.
Immediately pulling up to the meet up location at SOCO and the OC Mix with only a handful of the cars expected, the vibe was already a mood.Designated locations set for specifics makes and models. People directed each car as they pulled in through the entrance. Parking spots filled in quickly in each location making you do a double take even after you have just walked down that row and flipped back around to see the new arrivals. Unable to fully describe the feeling spread across the cruise at the time looking back it was respect. It was respect for the venue and each car that came. Not a single car had any amount of dust lining the dashboard. Each engine bay meticulously spotless proudly showcasing the countless hours of work in each custom build. There was respect for the other owners and their cars. It was a level up from any car show or event I had been to before.
As cars rolled in, there were those cars that magnetized my attention. A 1960 Cadillac appropriately named The Golden Child, a 1970 Plymouth Superbird, 1966 Mercury M250, Ford GT, Porche GTR3, Belairs, a Grand Wagoneer . . . the list truly goes on endlessly. The diversity extended even beyond the vast plethora of vehicles. Ranging from clean home garage wrenched to complex SEMA builds. Nothing was off the table. Everything was beautiful. Once in a while I would stop to take a moment to look around. This one spot held more unique cars that people only dream of seeing in a lifetime, I had the ability to see in a single day.
Seeing these cars first hand is better than any photograph truly shows. There were times that I just let my camera hang at my side. Allowing conversation between myself and owners. Conversing about how they became the owners to the vehicle that was parked only feet away. A stand out moment is when I laid eyes on the black woody Grand Wagoneer with a lady and gentlemen casually sitting on camping chairs in front of it. I began to joke with them that they must be hiding the cars from me. They jumped from their chairs immediately moving them to the side as I insisted I was only giving them a hard time. With the chairs parted I snapped some pictures while I talked with the gentleman. The Jeep was completely original. Being surrounded by very particular owners in the past, I asked if it had ever seen a dirt road. As expected it had not. It was worth it though as the mileage had clocked into the 130,000 mile range every inch of the Wagoneer was beautiful and loved. Seeing the pride in his eyes as he spoke of the Jeep I wish I could have taken hours to hear the memories they shared. I wish I could have taken hours with each and everyone and their cars.
Hands down it was like being in a candy store fumed with gasoline and roaring engines that lined your arms with goosebumps. The cruise portion began as they ushered cars out to the road and toward the onramp of the 405. This section is the bit where the cars had a chance to play and show off their unique creations. Honestly, how is it even possible not to give it a little extra gas as you head onto any onramp, let alone one lined with onlookers thrilled to be there?
The efficiency of moving and directing cars from the parking lot to the interstate was impressive. Though I was too into the zone to truthfully know the amount of time it took to clear the parking lot, I do know that I was jumping into my rented Ford Fiesta, Miss Mabel, much quicker than I had expected to. On to the end location in hopes of getting lined up rollers as they came in.
Listening to the drone of the GPS giving me directions I knew we were getting close to the end location. Looking west you could see the unmistakable line of cars heading toward right at me. Approaching my turn, a line up of TRI-FIVES filled the left turning lane. Instead of following my directions I moved two lanes over and hurried to lower my window with one hand as I grabbed my camera from my passenger with my other. Time was ticking for the light would only stay red for so long. Snapping away then stopping knowing you just got that shot you were looking for. The light turned green and the moment was over.
Pulling into the parking lot it was very full. Knowing that my little car did not need a spot close to the action I pulled into the Albertsons parking lot on the opposite end of the lot. Walking down to the hub the bustle continued. Onlookers made their way through the rows and secluded sections pointing out to each other cars and people they knew from Instagram. Thrilled to be seeing the actual car they knew so much about. Looking for vantage points and different perspectives I hiked up a small dirt hill. It felt peaceful as you looked over a cove of cars with palm trees in the distance. Back down to the pavement the weather was growing hotter as the sun exposed itself more. Weaving between the cars every once in a while a car would pop up that I hadn’t remembered seeing at the first location. Slowly the parking lot began to empty. The cruise I had traveled for was coming to an end.
It’s been two weeks since I was there, that is two weeks too long in my opinion. If you are presented an opportunity to go to any one of the quarantine cruises your response should be an immediate yes. Having an opportunity to be around a stunning collection of diverse cars there should be no excuse not to go. By going, I experienced more growth and a love for an industry that continuously and completely pulls you into its loud embrace.
Always,