Category Archives: Drives

Celebrate British Car Week with the IFLBCC!

“Drive ‘Em, Don’t Hide ‘Em” is the mantra of the British Car Week organization (https://www.britishcarweek.org/) British Car Week is an annual awareness week intended for owners of Classic British Cars to get their cars out of the garage and drive them.

Want to drive your car and need some ideas for places to go?  Plan on joining the IFLBCC for our CBCF Pontiac, IL Rally/Cruise-in on June 3rd. Drives, pop-up car show, car collections and more!   It doesn’t matter whether your car is in better than new condition, or perhaps it’s a less than perfect unrestored gem, we love them all! As long as it can be safely driven down the road, this is a great opportunity to show off your favorite car and take advantage of what British car motoring is all about. We’re calling all owners of classic British cars to get together with other car owners in the central Illinois area and [gently] kick tires, share stories, answer questions, and have a good time.

Did you know the British Car Week culminates with the IFLBCC sponsored Champagne British Car Festival’s car show on June 4, 2023? (CBCF-Bloomington.com)   We’ll be hosting John Twist’s Rolling Tech Sessions during the Sunday car show and best of all, you’ll have the chance to show your car off to the general public who rarely, or in many cases never, have the opportunity to get a real-life, close-up glimpse of these exquisite, entertaining British automobiles of days gone by. 

Springfield Area Highland Games All-British Car Show and Cruise-in – May 20th

The IFLBCC has been invited again to attend this year’s Springfield Highland Games British Car Show – New Berlin, IL on May 20th.

Our group has attended this event twice in the past and has always been a fun day out.

FREE attendance requires submitting a British Car Show Application PDF Application is attached below. The IFLBCC Facebook Event can be found here: https://fb.me/e/wdFAYytC

IFLBCC Event Drive:  For those leaving from Bloomington, Brian Davis will lead our drive on Sat. May 20th, from Casey’s on 2017 Fox Creek Rd, Bloomington, IL 61701.  Departure time will be 9:00AM for an approximate arrival time of 11:00 at New Berlin, IL.   The drive avoids all interstate travel and skirts the North and West side of Springfield.  The route is approximately 83 miles, so we’ll need to leave Casey’s promptly at 9:00 AM.  Please note that the Car Show parking will be at Gate 3.

Please visit the IFLBCC Group Drive event page to RSVP – https://fb.me/e/wdFAYytC  so that we know how many will be cruising with us.

Post Car Show Meal: After the show, approximately 3 PM, we will be heading to Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill in Springfield for a post-car show meal. 

Event Link: Springfield Area Highland Games

Event/Drive Questions:  Brian Davis – mailto:[email protected] 

Event Questions: You can contact Jordan Thomas-Summers by email at: [ [email protected] ] with any questions you have about the event. 

Additional Resources:

https://iflbcc.club/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-SAHG-British-Car-Show-Application.pdf

www.centralillinoiscelts.com 

https://www.facebook.com/springfieldhighlandgames

https://www.facebook.com/centralillinoiscelts

SAVE THE DATE!

8th Annual Halloween “Mystery” Cruise – October 29, 2022

WHAT: A Fall drive down some of Central Illinois’ scenic back roads to Haynes on Main, Mackinaw Valley winery PLUS a “Surprise” stop at a private collection of cars, neon, trains, toys and MUCH more!

FOOD AND DRINK: We’ll be visiting Haynes on Main, 108 S. Main St., Mackinaw, IL for lunch. The group will also caravan to the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard for a glass of wine and excellent views from the veranda. Along the way . . . . that MYSTERIOUS private collection that you do NOT want to miss!

WHERE: The cruise will begin forming at the Circle K station, 2302 W Market St, Bloomington, IL 61705, Saturday, October 29th at 10:00 am. We will depart Circle K promptly at 10:15 am. If you can’t make the cruise, please feel free to join us at Haynes on Main for lunch!

After lunch, a group will drive to Mackinaw Valley Vineyards for a little taste of the grape. When leaving the Vineyard, those who want to head back can take Rt 9 to Bloomington. Those who want more adventure, you can follow us back along Old Peoria Road and more scenic roads.

WHEN: October 29th, 2022. Lunch at Haynes on Main, Mackinaw, IL will begin approximately 12:00 PM.

WHY: To enjoy some fall scenery, our “Surprise” private collection stop, lunch and then our final stop at Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, 33633 State Rt. 9, Mackinaw, IL with a glass of wine and good friends.

RSVP: RSVP is important so that Haynes on Main can get set up for us. If you have any questions or comments about the event please email Alan Kleinschmidt at [email protected] or call Alan at 309.824.6490

Haynes on Main Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HaynesOnMain/

Mackinaw Valley Winery: https://www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.com/

CBCF Route 66 Atlanta, IL Cruise-In

Join the FUN!  We’ve created a Route 66-themed Poker Chip Run and Pop-up ALL British car show destination to showcase the restaurants and attractions on the Mother Road in our area.

We’re anticipating 30-40 British cars will be cruising down old Route 66 on Saturday June 4th, 2022 to our ultimate destination . . .Historic Atlanta, IL.

Atlanta’s tourism office ( https://www.facebook.com/visitatlantail ) will be rolling out the red carpet during the Champagne British Car Festival’s All British car street show. They are opening up their museums, shops and restaurants especially for our Saturday visit.

While you’re there, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to visit the Route 66 attractions that are all within easy walking distance of our downtown car show.

We plan to have opportunities for a group photo shoot and maybe even individual shots in front of the iconic Atlanta Route 66 billboard.

Click the link to view their digital guide to Atlanta, IL! https://simplebooklet.com/theultimateguidetoatlantail

We’ve Got a SUPER Car Collection For You!

JOIN US on Saturday morning, June 4, for a cruise-in to Historic Atlanta, IL where Arch St. will be blocked off for a Pop-up All-British Car Show. Enjoy the Route 66 and Pinball museums, a stop at a SUPER private automobile collection and the Poker Chip Run contest.   A Pre-ordered box lunch in Atlanta’s Museum Ballroom is optional to be SURE include that when you register. This short drive on old Route 66 has several photo opportunities

Saturday evening’s Pub Night festivities include a cash bar and catered hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening in the DoubleTree’s open-air courtyard. Saturday’s CBCF Poker Run Awards will be presented during the event. Live music by Jim & Tommy (of The Bygones).

2nd Annual IFLBCC Harvest Days Cruise-in & Picnic – Sugar Grove Nature Center (Funk’s Grove)

WHAT: Join us for the final IFLBCC Cruise-in and Picnic at the Sugar Grove Nature Center in Historic Funks Grove! The Sugar Grove Nature Center (SGNC) pavilion and firepit provide the perfect Fall setting for a safe and “socially distanced” gathering.  

  • The pavilion has lots of picnic tables and can be partially sheltered if necessary.
  • SCNC provided privies are available nearby. 
  • Due to COVID, we will not be providing or sharing food items.
  • Please bring whatever you would like to eat & drink, along with table service for yourselves.
  • Weiner roasting sticks will be available for use at the FIRE PIT!  (Tip: Bring camping chairs?)

From the SGNC website:

The Grounds, Trails, and Imagination Grove are open daily from dawn until dusk, as are the Picnic Shelter, Corn Crib, and Privies. Imagination Grove will not have nets, containers, or toys available for public use. You may bring your own, but please take them with you, along with any trash or other items that you have brought. We suggest you bring your own hand sanitizer and please practice social distancing.

WHERE: Sugar Grove Nature Center, 4532 N 725 East Road, McLean, IL 61754 – Directions

WHEN: Saturday, October 16th, 2021 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM

WHY: To enjoy some fall scenery, an afternoon lunch and some Natter ‘n Noggin around the fire with good friends.

BONUS: Weather permitting (and interest) a drive is being planned . . . . .so BRING THOSE BRITISH CARS!

RSVP: If you think you’re coming, please click GOING on the IFLBCC Halloween Weiner Roast event: https://fb.me/e/2Rtv3BK2T

Sugar Grove Nature Center: https://www.sugargrovenaturecenter.org/

Illinois Flat Land British Car Club

Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IFLBCC/

IFLBCC Brunch Cruise

WHERE: The Brunch Cruise will be forming at the Circle K station, 2302 W Market St, Bloomington, IL, Saturday, July 3rd around 10:15am. We will depart Circle K promptly at 10:30am 

WHEN: SATURDAY, July 3, 2021

WHY: We will leave the Circle K at 10:30am and travel Old Peoria Road to Irons Road, to US Rt 150 and on to Busy Corner in Goodfield for Brunch. They have their outside seating open and Saturday promises to be a GREAT day to be outside. 

After Brunch, we will travel the backroads to Mackinaw Valley Winery for adult beverages and spectacular views from the Veranda! (Bring your own cheese and crackers or they have them available for sale)

RSVP: Please RSVP by clicking “Going” on the Club’s event link on Facebook or simply reply to this email with the number in your party that will be attending. 

If you have any questions or comments about the event please email Alan Kleinschmidt at [email protected]  or call Alan at 309.824.6490    

We hope to see you ALL on Saturday!

Mackinaw Valley Vineyard’s website:http://www.mackinawvalleyvineyard.com/

IFLBCC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IFLBCC

CBCF 2020 – SATURDAY Schedule

CBCF 2020 – SATURDAY

The fun continues Saturday, May 30th, with a self-guided “Poker-Run” tour of local Route 66 and other attractions followed by a delicious sit-down banquet at our host hotel’s Conference Center, Double Tree by Hilton, 10 Brickyard Dr., Bloomington, IL

10:00AM – 3:00 PM Self-Guided Poker Chip Run

Join the FUN!  We’ve created a Route 66-themed Poker Chip Run and lunch destination to showcase the restaurants and attractions on the Mother Road in our area.

All participants will pick up their Poker Run Score Sheets and instructions at the 9:45 am Driver’s Meeting at the Double Tree Conference Center Bloomington, 10 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington, IL 61701

All “Hands” must be turned in by 3:30 pm on Saturday. Prize winners will be announced at the banquet

5:30 PM | Cash Bar Social Hour

Hors D’oeuvres – Served throughout cocktail hour

  • Bacon Wrapped Dates
  • Vegetarian Spring Rolls
  • Sweet Hawaiian Chicken Bites

6:30 PM |Dinner

Combination Plate: Petite Bistro Sirloin Steak & Chicken Dijonaise (marinated chicken breast finely dusted in herb crumbs and roasted in a white grape and artichoke Dijon sauce) with oven roasted baby Yukon Gold potatoes

Seafood Plate: Tilapia (tri-corn tortilla crusted tilapia with black bean and roasted corn salsa) and Yukon Gold potatoes

Vegetarian Plate:  Three cheese lasagna rolls rich ricotta, mozzarella and asiago cream cheese rolled in a pasta sheet, accompanied with marinara sauce and vegetable du jour.

7:30 PM | Entertainment 

  • Awards and Announcements – Saturday’s CBCF Poker Run Awards
  • Music by Jim & Tommy (of The Bygones) 

CBCF 2020 – SUNDAY

Beautiful Clover Lawn at David Davis Mansion in Bloomington, IL is the site of the 29th Annual Champagne British Car Show, Sunday, May 31, 2020.

The entire grounds will be festooned with colorful Union Jacks and manufacturer’s flags, including such venerable British marques as MG, Triumph, Jaguar and Austin Healey.  ALL Triumph cars are the featured marque for 2020.

Dawn Patrol

The Sunday Car Show is free to spectators, but donations to benefit the David Davis Mansion Foundation are encouraged.

7:00 AM Dawn Patrol – The Dawn Patrol has always been a highlight of the Champagne British Car Festival. It affords the chance to drive the less traveled scenic back roads on an early morning quest for breakfast. Click for more info…

9:00 AM| Registration opens at David Davis Mansion

The David Davis Mansion provides a historic backdrop to display over 125 classic British cars.   Music, food and beverage vendors will enhance your experience.  Tables and chairs will be available. 

12:30 PM| Award balloting closes

2:30 PM | Awards ceremony

The day concludes with awards for the top three cars in their individual classes.  The State Farm Cup is awarded for the car selected as the best among the previous year’s class winners. The People’s Choice award is voted on by show spectators. 

For more information, visit www.cbcf-bloomington.com  or the IFLBCC Facebook Event – Click Here

  • 4:00 PM | Mansion grounds close