On Aug. 2, dozens of vintage Volkswagen enthusiasts will hit the road for the nation’s longest, and longest running, annual Treffen (German for “gathering”) and cruise for a cause: clean water. Participants will be driving air-cooled, rear-engine Volkswagen models in the 15th annual Airhead Parts Hwy 1 Treffen Vintage VW Cruise and Car Show. All vintage VW enthusiasts are encouraged to join the journey, whether for only 15 blocks or the entire 1,500-mile trip between Canada and Mexico. Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Surfrider Foundation will also be on hand this year to encourage people to Think Blue. and protect the nation’s oceans and beaches.
Hwy 1 Treffen was launched in 1999 by Karmann Ghia Parts and Restoration, which later became Airhead Parts, a supplier of restoration parts for air-cooled VWs. The annual gathering provides an opportunity for VW enthusiasts to come together and share their passion for cars and the road.
“Classic Volkswagens epitomize surf culture, and since Hwy 1 Treffen cruises along some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines and beaches, we wanted to play a part in preserving them for future generations of VW drivers,” said H Scott Dempster, CEO of Airhead Parts. “We’re excited to have Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Surfrider Foundation along for the ride and to help us spread the word about protecting our coastal resources.”
The cruise begins Friday, Aug. 2 at Peace Arch State Park in Blaine, Wash., and winds south to Seattle, where Carter VW will host a “Kick Off Party” Friday night from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. with a free dinner for all those who arrive in a vintage VW. On Saturday, Aug. 3, cruisers head to Portland, Ore., where they’ll gear up for the Rose City Bug-in on Aug. 4 at the Portland International Raceway. The Rose City Bug-in is the Northwest’s largest VW show featuring hundreds of vintage VWs, drag racing, vendor booths and more. Following the show, cruisers will continue down the breathtakingly scenic Highway 1, stopping at the giant redwoods, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Big Sur. On Sunday, Aug. 11, they arrive at Channel Islands Harbor for the Treffen 15 Vintage VW Show, Southern California’s largest free vintage VW event, with Bugs, Busses, Karmann Ghias, Type IIIs, Vanagons, Buggys, and Bajas, along with parts vendors, a swap meet, and pre-owned VWs for sale. The cruise will end at the California/Mexico border on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
“We are thrilled to be part of the 15th Annual Airheads Parts Highway 1 Treffen,” said Laura Lee, Surfrider Foundation’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “This 1,500 mile cruise will provide us with an excellent platform to engage with a new audience, and through the Think Blue. initiative, challenge drivers to make small changes in their daily lives that will have a big impact on our oceans.”
In addition to the vintage VWs that will journey from the Canadian to Mexico borders via Hwy 1, Volkswagen of America has offered a 2013 Passat TDI to support the tour. The Passat TDI should be able to make the entire 1,500-mile journey on just two tanks* of fuel – especially considering the model just set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® achievement for the “lowest fuel consumption – 48 U.S. states for a non-hybrid car” category at 77.99 mpg.
For more information and to register, visit the website.
*2013 Passat TDI Clean Diesel (manual transmission) EPA estimates: 31 city/43 highway mpg. Actual mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition.
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Treffen 15 Event Schedule:
Friday, Aug. 2
Peace Arch State Park
Blaine, Wash.
Saturday, Aug. 3
Cruise to Portland
Portland, Ore.
Sunday, Aug. 4
Rose City Bug-In Car Show
Portland, Ore.
Monday, Aug. 5
Cruise Across State Line
Crescent City, Calif.
Tuesday, Aug. 6
Cruise To Ft. Bragg
Ft. Bragg, Calif.
Wednesday, Aug. 7
Golden Gate Photo op
San Francisco, Calif.
Thursday, Aug. 8
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey, Calif.
Friday, Aug. 9
Cruise To Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach, Calif.
Saturday, Aug. 10
Airhead Parts Sale and Open House
Ventura, Calif.
Sunday, Aug. 11
Treffen 15 Vintage VW Show/Channel Islands Harbor Park
Port Hueneme, Calif.
Monday, Aug. 12
Huntington Beach Surf Museum
Huntington Beach, Calif.
Tuesday, Aug. 13
Cruise To U.S./Mexico Border
International Border
