If you’re a convertible owner you’re probably nuts about your car. Some might say convertible owners/lovers are about as crazy a group as any other car loving club member. I have, no doubt, raised the suspicion of friends and family when participating one frigid January in the Wisconsin Convertible Classic’s (WCC) first-and last-"Fall" Tour that didn’t quite get off the ground in Fall.

Rather, the Tour took place in January 1995. Needless to say, only the hale and hearty (and only those owners who allow their convertible out in the winter) attended. I was among the select few who drove in the WCC Tour, and the only convertible to drop its top in 19 degrees, four degrees below zero windchill and snow!

It’s easy to love driving a convertible on a warm, sunny day. Driving in winter conditions is a horse of a different color all together. Fortunately, I was driving the "Car for all Seasons," a Saab 900 with its triple-layer top, heated seats and traction control. Bundled up with the heater blaring and the seats warming my bum, I was quite comfortable. It wasn’t for naught as I now hold the distinction of being the only WCC member to have been given the "Convertible Spirit Award."

A member of the Wisconsin Convertible Classic for the past 11 years, I have been a part of the annual Convertible Classic Tour held the second weekend in August in Wisconsin. This year was my eighth Tour, WCC’s 12^th annual.

Topless Magic in the Wisconsin Alps, as this year’s Tour was dubbed, boasted 186 convertibles of various shapes, sizes and years. From a 1982 Excalibur Roadster to a 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible, those on board were driving Mazda Miatas, Ford Mustangs and Thunderbirds, 1990s Olds Cutlass’, 1960s-1970s GM products, and more than a couple long, and I do mean long, Cadillac coupes.

Not a race or a rally, WCC is a non-competitive tour. WCC membership supports the cost of organizing the Tour, a first chance at registration, limited ticket events, discounts on WCC merchandise, registration fees and entering in membership-only drawings. Membership is open to any person who loves cars and recreational touring, and of course, has a convertible to drive.

The "World’s Greatest Open-Air Auto Spectacle," as co-directors Alex McDonnell and Gary Knowles refer to their baby, gathered in WCC’s headquarters of Madison, Wisconsin and worked its way out from there each day. Touring in and around the area, this year’s Tour covered several miles of spectacular roads, the scenery right out of a story book was gorgeous. Twisty roads, friendly hamlets, plenty of attractions and waving locals make up all that is Wisconsin.

The 12^th Annual WCC Tour began on Thursday with registration, package pickup and a treasure hunt for those with time to kill before dinner. After collecting our shirts, tour goodies and detailed instructions, we headed out to various checkpoints to collect stamps (to turn in for tickets toward prizes) and a complementary drink or two. At 6:00 P.M. we all gathered at the host hotel for dinner and mandatory driver’s meeting.

Up early Friday morning, we lined up on the grid in a nearby parking lot, dropped our tops in unison and left for a full day’s drive. We cruised through Wisconsin’s glacial countryside, along the back roads of central Wisconsin’s mountain range. Stopping at several out-of-the-way wonders, we played The Magical Mystery Tour Game visiting different establishments, including such places as the Wollersheim Winery, Baraboo Candy Company and Papa Bears Northwoods Store. All 186 convertibles finished day one of the Tour in the Wisconsin Dells and gathered for a special treat, the Rick Wilcox Magic Show. Dinner was on our own that evening with plenty of recommendations from which to choose.

Saturday morning we arose to 52 degrees and sun. Although a tad chilly to go topless, we did so, off for another day of beautiful scenery in Wisconsin’s Uplands region and Big Cheese Country. We were sent off by two Alpiners playing Elkhorns, prepared to run the ridges and keep an eye out for wild turkey and deer. We explored the old Wisconsin Territory Settlements, playing the "Can You Yodel on Limburger" game, and waving to convertible lovers in small towns along the route.

Weaving back-and-forth through America’s Swiss Colony, we landed in New Glarus for a buffet dinner and Swiss style yodel-fest party.

The last day of the tour we took a Sunday drive around Capital Square, the University and downtown Madison to the Frank Lloyd Wright Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Alex and Gary conducted closing ceremonies overlooking the Lake of the Morning, Lake Monona. Pictures were taken of all 186 convertibles lined up together, trophies were awarded and the Grand Prize and 50/50 drawings took place before final farewells were said.

Wrapping up another successful Tour, the co-directors and their families began to plan for 2005, WCC’s "lucky" 13^th Tour.