TIFFIN MOTORHOMES...Feb. 5-9, 2007 (break camp February 10) Red Bay, AL 35582-1429 Allegro Club FMCA Pre-Rally Stone Mountain Park Campground Atlanta, Georgia March 15-18, 2007 (break

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8 HookedonPhaeton Pro bass angler drives to tourneys in Tiffin style

Startyourdayoffright Breakfast recipes for camping in style

4, 5 14, 15 TheFREDBayfromRedBay Dealers, customers and magazine writers love FRED

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TIFFIN MOTORHOMES

The Award-Winn ing A l legro C lub News le t ter For Le isure & L iv ingThe Award-Winn ing A l legro C lub News le t ter For Le isure & L iv ing

The River Rats, a comedy duo from Mountain Home, AR, meant no offense, I’m sure, and I must admit I laughed at the spoof song “Blue Hairs Driving in My Lane” to the tune of Willie Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” If we can’t laugh at ourselves, we can’t laugh at – and with – others. In any event, that comedic take-off sticks in my mind as one of the many fun moments of the Allegro Club’s Fun in the Sun Rally February 27 - March 3 in Seffner, FL. The rally set an all-time club record for attendance – 150 coaches—which goes to show you how many Allegro Club members like Florida in the wintertime.

While that fractured Willie Nelson song still plays in my brain, I also vividly recall the taste of the wonderful strawberries at the annual festival in Plant City near the Lazy Days Rally Park, our rally home. Fortunately, we didn’t have lunch before we sat down to the large soup bowl portions of strawberry shortcake. I finished mine, including a generous scoop of ice cream. Many couldn’t make it to the bottom of their bowls. The festival also offers exhibits, rides and celebrity entertainment.

The true stars of the rally were the leaders of the Southwest Florida Allegros. This new Allegro Club chapter held its organizational meeting Feb. 23. Five days later, two members showed up at our rally in their rigs. They went knocking on doors, coach to coach. By the close of the rally, they recruited nine more members.

Three other chapters were recognized for bringing large delegations: the Space Coast Allegros from Melbourne, FL; Allegros in the Heart of Georgia from Macon, GA; and the Sun Coast Allegros from Tampa, FL.

Strong rally attendance actually pays off for our chapters. Any chapter bringing 4-6 rigs receives a 50% rebate to the chapter treasury for one rally registration fee. For seven or more rigs at a rally, a chapter receives a full registration rebate. For the Seffner rally, that meant $187.50 or $375.

The Plant City strawberry festival and the River Rats were just two of many attractions for rally-goers during the week.

Settling into their campsites the first day, attendees enjoyed a delicious evening meal catered by Lupton’s at the Rally Park’s event center. After dinner, laughter permeated the air as guests were treated to comedic and musical entertainment.

Tuesday’s bountiful breakfast was followed by a common-sense safety seminar and a down-to basics microwave-convection cooking seminar. Other vendors were on site with information and displays.

Also, as is customary, the very popular Tiffin technicians were on hand during the entire rally to perform complimentary minor repairs on members’ coaches.

Responding to feedback on previous rallies, we provided some free time at this rally for activities, events, attractions and restaurants in Central Florida. Many folks drove

From thedriver’s seat

2 SIDE ROADS

by Jimmy Johnson

SIDE ROADSIs published quarterly March, June, September and December

by the Allegro® Club, Inc.

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PaidPermit # 159, Birmingham, AL

PoSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Allegro® Club, Inc.P.o. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582

NOTICE OF RESPONSIBILITY:The Allegro® Club, Inc., Red Bay, AL, has designed tours, caravans,

and rallies for your pleasure and enjoyment and has attempted to select for you the best campgrounds, accommodations, restaurants, and transportation facilities for the prices charged. Allegro® Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of Directors do not own or operate any of the campgrounds, hotels, restaurants or transportation facilities and, furthermore, assume no responsibility for delays, losses, accidents, or for damage to persons or property caused by any person, firm, corporation, or other legal entity providing the following services: campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, transportation (including but not limited to transfers and sightseeing) or any other services incident to these tours, rallies, caravans or any activities of the Allegro® Club, Inc. The right is reserved to substitute campgrounds, hotels, restaurants and alter the itinerary or reverse the places to be visited. The right is reserved to cancel the tour or caravan prior to departure. In the event of a tour or caravan cancellation, the Allegro® Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of Directors’ liability is limited to a refund of money received.

The Allegro® Club, Inc., Jimmy and Gail Johnson, and the Board of Directors reserve the right to make any changes, with or without notice, that might become necessary with the understanding that there is no extra charge. After a tour, caravan or rally begins, any unused portions of fees paid are not refundable. The Allegro® Club, Inc., also reserves the right to terminate tour, caravan and rally services for any client at any time for good cause.

The mission of the Allegro Club is:1) To promote friendship, fellowship and camaraderie among all owners of Tiffin-built motorhomes;2) To provide pertinent information and assistance regarding Tiffin-built products, their maintenance and related safety topics;3) To promote brand loyalty to Tiffin-built motorhomes among current owners; 4) To encourage ownership of Tiffin-built motorhomes among non-owners. The Allegro Club reserves the right to edit submissions for space and

clarity. Manuscripts, photographs, illustrations and other proposed content are welcomed and will be considered for publication. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Content, including statements of fact and opinion, do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. or the Allegro Club, Inc. Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. and the Allegro Club, Inc. are not responsible for content. Privacy laws and policies prevent Side Roads from publishing memorials, illnesses and other personal information without written permission.

ON THE COVERIndependence Day fireworks through the windshield of a Tiffin Motorhome is not quite like the “rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air” over Fort McHenry, as observed by Francis Scott Key on Sept. 13, 1814. Too bad he couldn’t watch the defense of Baltimore from a Flexsteel Ultra Leather Seat in air-conditioned comfort.

LETTERS TO THE EDITORWant to share an experience you had in your Tiffin Motorhome? Have a comment or suggestion about SideRoads, the Allegro Club newsletter? Write to:

Side Roads Editor, Allegro ClubP.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582

Please include your name, address, email and phone number so we can contact you.

CONTACTS:Tiffin Motorhomes Parts & Service:

(256) 356-0261

Allegro Club: (256) [email protected]

Jimmy Johnson, Allegro Club president

Verbon Jones, Allegro Club office manager

Cynthia Skinner, Allegro Club membership coordinator

Janet Gober, Allegro Club administrative assistant

www.tiffinmotorhomes.com

(Continued on Page 10)

SIDE ROADS 3

2006-2007 Allegro Club Rally ScheduleTiffin Northwest RallyBlackwell Island RV ParkCoeur d’Alene, IDJune 20-23, 2006(break camp June 23)

Allegro Club FMCA Pre-RallyHappy Holiday RV Park Cherokee, NCAugust 10-13, 2006(break camp August 13)

Allegro ClubNew England GetawayChamplain ValleyExpositionEssex Junction, VTOctober. 9-13, 2006(break camp October 14)

Allegro Club Fall FiestaBlazing Star RV ResortSan Antonio, TXNov. 6-10, 2006(break camp November 11)

Allegro Club Disney DaysFort WildernessCampgroundOrlando, FLFeb. 5-9, 2007(break camp February 10) Allegro Club FMCA Pre-RallyStone Mountain Park CampgroundAtlanta, GeorgiaMarch 15-18, 2007(break camp March 18)

Allegro Club Western RoundupWine Country RV ResortPaso Robles, CAMay 7-9, 2007(break camp May 10) Allegro Club Jellystone JubileeWarrens, WisconsinYogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp ResortAugust 20-24, 2007(break camp August 25)

For additional information: [email protected]: 256-356-8522 Fax: 256-356-9746or write:Allegro Club P.O. Box 1429 Red Bay, AL 35582-1429

4 SIDE ROADS

Roadside recipesby Gail Johnson

We have a variety of recipes to share with you in this issue. Folks shared some of them at rallies and via e-mail. Others are my family favorites.

As I use my Sharp convection microwave (I have one at home, too) I have continued to experiment with the silicone bake ware that is so readily available now. I find that in most cases it works very well for baking. You might want to try using it with the cake and muffin recipe I have included.

Thanks to all of you who so thoughtfully share your recipes. I am building quite a collection from all over the country and will include some of your contributions in each issue of Side Roads.

Some say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Here are three yummy and nutritious recipes for that first fuel-up.

LeConte SunriseThis recipe was a tradition at the old Burning Bush Restaurant in Gatlinburg, TN. The restaurant is no longer open, but my family loves continuing the tradition of serving this special drink as a reminder of many happy gatherings in the mountains.

Ingredients:8 ounces orange juice8 ounces apple juice

1⁄2 box frozen strawberries2 slices (round) pineapple

1 ripe banana1⁄2 cup sugar (to taste)

In a blender, combine all ingredients and pulse until smooth. Place in plastic pitcher and freeze until slushy. Best if made the night before serving and removed from freezer to thaw to slushy pouring consistency. This makes about 20 ounces - 4 or 5 juice-glass servings.

Instructions:

Sausage Mushroom QuicheMavis Dale of Quinton, AL shared this recipe with us at the Seffner, FL, rally February 27 - March 3.

Ingredients:12-ounce package breakfast sausage patties1 1⁄2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms1⁄4 cup chopped onion1⁄4 cup chopped sweet red pepper

1⁄4 cup chopped green pepper3-ounce package cream cheese, softened4 eggs1/3 cup half-and-half cream1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese1⁄4 teaspoon salt1⁄4 teaspoon pepperDash ground nutmeg1 baked 9-inch pastry shell

In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, chopping into small pieces. Add mushrooms, onions, and peppers. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes, or until sausage is no longer pink and vegetables are tender; Drain well and set aside. In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in eggs and half-and-half. Stir in cheeses, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the sausage mixture. Pour into baked pastry shell. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. If necessary, cover edges of crust with foil to prevent over browning. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Yields 6-8 servings. Note: use the low-mix setting on your Sharp convection microwave; no pre-heating is necessary. Check for doneness after 30 - 35 minutes cooking time.

Instructions:

SIDE ROADS 5

Combine all ingredients for topping in small dish; mix well and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine first five ingredients for muffins and beat well. Add dry ingredients and mix just until moistened. Spoon mixture into 6 large muffin cups (sprayed with cooking spray), dividing evenly. Sprinkle each with topping. Cook in preheated oven for about 25 minutes. In convection microwave, bake on high-mix on low rack for about 15 minutes.

Instructions:

Praline Topping1/3 cup chopped pecans3 tablespoons brown sugar1 tablespoon light sour cream1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/3 cup cooking oil1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar1/3 cup light sour cream1⁄2 cup mashed bananas1 egg

1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder1⁄2 teaspoon salt1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda

Banana Praline MuffinsThis recipe comes from Jo Ann Brown of Coral Gables, FL. The recipe yields 6 jumbo muffins, but regular-sized muffin pans can be used.

Ingredients:3 cans (15-ounce) whole kernel corn, drained well8 ounces softened cream cheese

1 stick butter or oleo1⁄2 medium-sized jar mild salsa (or hot, if you like)

Instructions:Place first three ingredients in casserole dish; place in microwave oven. Microwave until butter and cheese are melted, stirring often. Stir well. Before serving, pour salsa down the center the length of the dish; heat again. Serve hot.

Beverly’s Good Corn This recipe is from my sister Beverly, who lives in Winston-Salem, NC. She says it is a popular mainstay at all of their pot-lucks with church friends. Hope you like it too.

Helen Humphries of Red Bay, AL has demonstrated this moist and delicious cake at many rallies through the years using the Sharp convection microwave.

Ingredients:1 cup butter or oleo1⁄2 cup shortening2 1⁄2 cups sugar

5 eggs1 teaspoon lemon extract1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour3⁄4 cup lemon-lime sodaConfectioners’ sugar

Instructions:In a large bowl, cream butter, shortening, and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in extracts. Add flour alternately with lemon-lime soda, mixing just until combined. Pour into well-greased and floured 10-inch fluted tube or bundt pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1⁄4 hours. After turning out of pan, dust with confectioners sugar. Note: For convection microwave baking, use low-mix setting, use the low rack, and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. This cake can also be baked in a silicone bundt pan.

Lemon Pound Cake

Muffins:

6 SIDE ROADS

Restaurants and Campgrounds Lake Whitney RV Park in Whitney, TX, feels like home to John and Joyce Miller, members of the Commanche Allegros of Granbury, TX. That’s because it is the Millers’ home, when they’re not on the road. When the chapter met there in December, Joyce decorated the park’s recreation room, described in the chap-ter bulletin as “a very nice meeting area with kitchen, serving bar and plenty of room for eating and for games later in the evening.” The Comanche Allegros also report favorably on the Tres Rios RV Park in Glen Rose, TX. In March, the park was “very neat as usual.” The trees were blooming, which made a walk along the trails along the rivers quite scenic. Geese heading north for the summer provided a fun challenge for the ama-teur photographers in the chapter. When in Granbury, the Comanche Allegros suggest you dine at Loco Coyote for country fare and Pasta Fina, which

doesn’t sound like a place to order that Texas staple, chicken-fried steak. Pat Tanguay, our correspondent in the Citrus Allegros, gets the prize this issue for restaurant reports. On that chapter’s March campout at Clerbrook RV Resort in Clermont, FL, Tanguay tells us of Santiago, a Mexican restaurant at the Citrus Tower in Clermont, which caters to small groups, has authentic fare, mid-range prices and will do the sombrero and dessert bit for birthdays. Second report: Stavros, an Italian restaurant in Leesburg with a very good menu, “the best pizza this side of Italy,” good service and average prices. Third report: Crown and Shield at Royal Highlands Golf and Country Club, a gated adult community in Leesburg, with prices $12 and up, top notch service with a formal flair even for casually dressed diners. When you’re in Centralia, WA, try the Panda Restaurant, a good place for Chinese food. That’s the advice of the

Puget Sound Allegros. The Panda is next to Burgerville, if you’re not in a mood for egg rolls. The Space Coast Allegros are crea-tures of habit when it comes to Dixie Crossroads for a fish dinner in Titusville, FL. The chapter, which dates back to 1983, keeps coming back for more, but with a word of caution: Dixie Crossroads “is famous far and wide and is always crowded with tourists and locals alike.” That chapter based in Melbourne, FL, also recommends Oklawaha RV Resort near Fort McCoy, FL. The campground has many trees and is next to the Rodman Reservoir. Stock the refrigerator, because no restaurants are nearby. The Mississippi Allegros were all set for a July campout at Campgrounds of the South in Gulfport, MS, but that isn’t going to happen. The campground still is filled with FEMA trailers in the continuing recovery from Hurricane Katrina. July space was still doubtful when the Mississippi Allegros met in March, so the campout was cancelled.

Destination AttractionsWest met South at the Arizona Allegros

January campout in Black Canyon, AZ. Both nights of the outing, the chapter enjoyed live entertainment. Carolyn Lange, chapter newsletter editor, says the Arizona Allegros were “very lucky” to cross paths with Bobby Joe Ryman and Jackie Gershwin, a husband and wife singing duo. Bobby Jo and Jackie, as they are known, live in Decatur, AL, but tour the Southwest in their 40-ft. RV, singing from campground to campground. Jackie toured with the Skylarks, then spent three seasons on the Dinah Shore Show.

(Continued on Page 10)

The Yankee Doodler Cartoonist Bob Poiry

Chapter Chatter: Next time you pass this way

SIDE ROADS 7

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#Tiffin Allegro Club PRE-RALLY TO FMCA

August 10 – August 12, 2006 (Check out August 13)

Happy Holiday RV Park / Cherokee, NC

Attention: Early arrivals and late departures should be handled on your own by

calling Happy Holiday RV Park at 800/633-2977.

No partial or total refunds will be given after the refund deadline. Upon cancellation a

$20 handling fee will be charged. Travel insurance is an option available through Farm &

City Insurance (1-800-331-1520). Payment must accompany each rally registration.

Important: The Allegro Club has planned this event based upon claim

assumptions, including a minimum number of participants. On occasion, circumstances

arise which make the event impractical. Accordingly, the Allegro Club reserves the right

to cancel the event for any reason, at any time and without obligation beyond the refund

of any prepaid fees for the cancelled event.

By registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to the following statement:

“I understand that neither Allegro Club, Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc. , nor any

campground, restaurant, bus service or supplier assumes any responsibility directly or

indirectly, for the use or operation of a car or recreational vehicle going to or from or

during the rally; or for injuries before, during or after the rally; or damage to property

of any kind before, during or after event.”

Cost: Allegro Club Member Motorhome with two (2) people / $195 • Allegro Club Member Motorhome with one (1)person / $150 • Non Member Motorhome with two (2) people / $225 • Non Member Motorhome with one (1) person $180• Each additional guest / $100 Total Cost: $

Number of people Amount enclosed (full payment required) $ Name:Second Person’s Name:Mailing Address:City/State/Zip:Telephone number: Allegro Club #: Chapter #:Name of guest(s) in member’s motorhome:We wish to park with our chapter (listed above) or individual:We will be in: q Allegro q Allegro Star q Allegro Bay q Allegro Bus q Open Road q Phaeton q ZephyrMotorhome length: License plate # : State: Tow vehicle: Make: License plate #: State: My chassis is: q Ford q Workhorse q Chevrolet q Oshkosh q Spartan q Freightliner q John Deere q Other:YES q / NO q This is our first Allegro Club rally.YES q / NO q We wish to park in the handicapped section. (Enclose Handicapped Certification copy with your registration.)YES q / NO q We will bring our pet(s).

Participants wishing to park together must send registration and rally fee in together! Get your reservations in early. There will be only 120 spaces available.

No reservations will be taken after the deadline of June 29, 2006. The refund deadline is June 29, 2006. Send check, money order or fill out complete credit card information below:q Visa q Master Card q DiscoverCredit Card Number: Expiration Date

___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Month Year

Signature:

Call (256) 356-8522 to register by phone or fax your registration form to (256) 356-9746. You can mail your reservation form with check payable to: Allegro Club, P.O. Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582-1429

This event is available to the first 120 eligible applicants.

Cost Includes: 3 nights camping fee, full hook-ups (50 amps), 3 breakfasts and 3 evening meals, Daytimes have been left open for your enjoyment of sight seeing, shopping or fun and games at the campground. When on hand, Tiffin factory technicians will perform minor repairs at no cost. Dealers will display the latest in Tiffin built motorhomes for your viewing. Plenty of food, fun and fellowship.

Phaeton is home, school and bait shop during fishing season for the Joneses Coming down the highway, Alton Jones let’s you know right away he’s an outdoors kind of guy. He’s driving a 2006 Phaeton. Behind his coach is a double-stack trailer carrying a Skeeter bass boat and a Dodge Durango tow vehicle. The basement of his rig is jammed with fishing rods and squiggly plastic creatures with names like YUM Dinger and BOOYAH Boo Jig. For 16 years, fishing has been a living for Jones. A pretty good one, to the tune of $1.4 million. He’s a pro on the Bassmaster and FLW tours, planning to fish 22 tournaments in 2006, clocking 50,000 motorhome miles in the process. A Waco, TX, resident since he graduated from Baylor University in 1981, Jones was headed for a life of retailing dominated by hard drives, screens and wireless connections. He was saved by a failing business. “I was so hooked on fishing, I was running my business into the ground,” Jones says of his computer store. He was miserable and it showed. “My wife told me I was going to drive her crazy,” Jones adds. “She suggested we try fishing a couple years.” Jimmye Sue Jones, a nurse, supported the family. For the past 8 and a

half years, the Joneses have traveled fulltime. Children Alton (14), Kristen (11) and Jamie (8) are home-schooled. “Little Alton,” as he is called, has shown he knows how to fish, too. In 2004, Alton was invited to speak at BASS Federation chapters in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The whole family went on that trip. Alton Jones has won six tournaments, from the Ohio River to Clear Lake, CA. Of the 300 professional bass anglers on the two tours, Jones counts just five driving Class A motorhomes. About 20 more drive fifth wheels or campers. Pulling both a boat and a tow vehicle has been the drawback, he says. “The only time of sanity my wife and I have is driving, so we wanted to drive together – not one in a tow vehicle and the other in the motorhome.” In a recent visit to the Tiffin plant in Red Bay, AL, Jones visited with General Manager Tim Tiffin, who helped beef up Jones’ trailer hitch. Jones says his 40-ft. Phaeton’s 350-hp Caterpillar engine pulls the double load well, “but we’re not winning any drag races. All things considered, I probably should have gotten an Allegro Bus.”

8 SIDE ROADS

Phaeton is home, school and bait shop during fishing season for the Joneses So you want to catch

fish like a pro? Alton Jones has a

few pointers:

Let your lures do their job. Too

many anglers overwork their lures, which have

built-in action, trying to make the lures do too

much. Understand

that 90% of fish live in 10% of the water. Learn

to fish where the fish are, and realize that the “right” place changes every day. Fishing is an inexact science, but it is a

science.

Catch fish like a pro Some of Alton Jones’ favorite lures: * Hitting targets: Texas-rigged YUM Ribbontail * Covering water: Excalibur Swim ’n Image * Bringing bass up: Heddon Super Spook * Probing cover: YUM Mega Tube, BOOYAH Boo Jig or YUM Sooie * Fishing over grass: Cotton Cordell Super Spot * Cranking humps: Bomber Fat Free Shad

He researched his motorhome purchase very carefully for six months while he was still driving a Suburban, talking with RVers and dealers. “I needed great service, and the Tiffin name kept coming up again and again,” he says. I heard so much word-of-mouth. I visited Davis Camper Sales in Memphis, not even planning to buy, but did.” The Phaeton’s floor plan was well-suited to the Joneses, but with the basement allotted to fishing gear, a few alterations added family storage space. The washer, dryer and dishwasher were left behind. Jones is a leader of the Fellowship of Christian Anglers Society, which conducts religious services at tourneys and meets other spiritual needs. His religious values help him take the ups and downs of the tournament life in stride. In mid-March, he was five minutes late for a weigh-in at the end of the qualifying round of a tournament. The fine was one pound of fish for each late minute. His tardiness made him miss the tournament cut and cost him $10,000. “I told my wife I had my brain and my watch but I didn’t use either one.”

10 SIDE ROADS

From the driver’s seat(Continued from Page 2)

over Tampa Bay to the Gulf Coast. While there was much available to do

at this rally location, there were some who simply chose to stay in the rally park and visit, or take advantage of the lovely amenities, including a heated pool and spa, tennis court, and game room. The staff members at the Rally Park were friendly, helpful, and courteous.

At our FMCA Pre-Rally in San Diego March 15-17, two chapters, the Arizona Allegros from Prescott, AZ; and the Classy Chassies from Anaheim, CA, earned a rebate of a full registration fee for bringing large

delegations. Two other chapters earned a 50% rebate on a registration fee. Those chapters were the Sun Diegos from San Diego, CA; and the Golden Bears from Sacramento, CA.

The pre-rally was held at Qualcomm Stadium, the home of the San Diego Chargers. We dry-camped in the parking lot and held activities and meals in the stadium’s meeting rooms.

PresidentAllegro Club

Jackie later sang country music at the Grand Ole Opry. For the past 13 years, Jackie and Bobby Jo, also a country singer, have appeared in the Quartzsite, AZ, area.

Heritage Village, an Amish settlement in Woodville, TX, features immaculately maintained wooded grounds with trails, woodworking, blacksmithing, gardening and other craft demonstrations, a grain mill and a rustic inn with delicious food and pastries. The Commanche Allegros report that the village is about half an hour

south of the Lake Whitney RV Park in Whitney, TX. Quirky occurrences

Darts or Hearts? The Space Coast Allegros were looking forward to a Saturday afternoon competing on Jerry Dixon’s new electronic dartboard while on a campout at Manatee Hammock County Park in Titusville, FL. Just one problem: Jerry forgot the darts. Members played Hearts instead.

The Chesapeake Allegros must be quirky folks, judging by the report submitted by Karen Meacham, the chapter’s field reporter. No restaurants or campgrounds to recommend, no camping tips, no favorite destination attractions, but a full page of “quirky calendar” items, including: An April visit from Harenack the Magnificent, described as the world renowned mind-reading rabbit; a May club meeting on horseback – carved carousel horseback – at Twin Grove Park and Campground in Pine Grove, PA; playing “Pigtionary” among cartoon characters at Yogi Bear Jellystone Park and Campground in Williamsport, MD; and the Crab Derby at the chapter’s annual seafood festival at Duncan’s Family Campground in Lothian, MD. (No animal cruelty there. The crabs were not real.)

Three guesses what Marita Moore served her friends in the Comanche Allegros when she and husband Buddy invited the chapter to their home in Pecan Plantation? Pecan pie, of course. The chapter and the Moores call Granbury, TX, home.

Chapter chatter(Continued from Page 6)

Want to write about RV life?Side Roads is about the enjoyment of Tiffin Motorhomes.

Who can tell that story better than Allegro Club members?In the tradition of the late Charles Kuralt, whose On The

Road segments captured the flavor of Americana in so many pleasant ways, we seek Allegro Club members to write about the people they meet at rallies, campouts and tailgating events. We want to know how veteran Allegro Club members size up new restaurants. What are some of the intriguing collections of the club members who journey from flea market to flea market? How do new fulltimers cope with pangs of homesickness? What knee-slapping campground pranks grow to legend as they’re told and retold? Who has found the most unusual way to enjoy a Tiffin motorhome?

As those who have done it will tell you, writing a column is not easy. For many of us, deadlines, writer’s block, accuracy, careful listening and drawing a picture with words get in the way of enjoying RVing. For a few, this avenue of expression is pure delight.

Interested? Send an email to Pete Pepinsky, Side Roads editor, at [email protected] or call him at 205-980-0774. Give him an idea how you would handle the column. If you’ve done some writing, share samples or at least describe your relevant experience.

We may find one columnist or several among the almost 5,000 Allegro Club members. But the Tiffin experience is your story and we want you to share.

Interested in Allegro Club

merchandise? Call

256.356.8522 for your free

catalog.

SIDE ROADS 11

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#Tiffin Allegro Club NEW ENGLAND GETAWAY

October 9 – October 13, 2006 (Check out October 14)

Champlain Valley Exposition Center / Essex Junction, VT


calling Champlain Valley Exposition Center at 802/878-5545.















Cost: Allegro Club Member Motorhome with two (2) people / $595 • Allegro Club Member Motorhome with one (1) person / $420 • Non Member Motorhome with two (2) people / $625 • Non Member Motorhome with one (1) person / $450 • Each additional guest / $225 Total Cost: $



No reservations will be taken after the deadline of August 28, 2006. The refund deadline is August 28, 2006. Send check, money order or fill out complete credit card information below:q Visa q Master Card q DiscoverCredit Card Number: Expiration Date

___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Month Year

Signature:



Cost Includes: 5 nights camping fee, water & electric hook-ups w/honeywagon, 2 breakfasts and 5 evening meals including a dinner cruise on Lake Champlain, a day trip to Ethan Allen Homestead/Burlington/Shelburne Farms/Vermont Teddy Bear factory; prizes and surprises, supplier/partner exhibits, and entertainment. When on hand, Tiffin factory technicians will perform minor repairs at no cost. Cold Springs RV will display the latest in Tiffin built motorhomes for your viewing. Plenty of food, fun and fellowship.

PresidentAllegro Club

The Tiffin management team has recognized seven employees for 30 years of service. Pictured from left are General Manager Tim Tiffin, Research and Design Manager Van Tiffin, J.C. Blackburn, Phyllis Williams, Quality Control Manager Lex Tiffin, President and CEO Bob Tiffin, Danny “Ozzie” Osborn, Hollis Hicks, George Embrey, Herbert “Hub” Humphries and Melvin Dotson. Tiffin Motorhomes was started in 1972.

Honoring 30 years of Tiffin employment

12 SIDE ROADS

After Hurricane Katrina smashed their house, Jay and Donna Toncrey lived in their 32-ft. RV for six months. When they heard about Tiffin Motorhomes’ new front-engine diesel (FRED) Allegro Bay, they were more than ready to move up from a gasser. The torque, higher resale and long-term dependability of a diesel in a moderately priced motorhome all caught their attention. And after all those months in a 32-ft. coach, a quad-slide, five feet longer, must have felt like the Taj Mahal. “We were looking to replace our gasser with a diesel,” says Jay Toncrey. “We checked around a bunch. First, I saw the FRED in a magazine, then I did more research online. With the Tiffin and Freightliner history, I didn’t see why it wouldn’t work.” The real test will be a planned trip with grandchildren, daughter and son-in-law to DisneyWorld, then Tennessee, then back to Louisiana, about a 2,500-mile loop. Jay Toncrey calls it a

“nice little shakedown cruise.” Toncrey says he and his wife were impressed by Tiffin’s fit and finish, but earlier Allegro Bay floor plans were not quite right for them. Then came the 2006 37QDB with the front-engine diesel.The Toncreys tailgate to LSU football games. They also camp in their rig. They say their RV friends, including one who has an Allegro Bus, are interested in seeing their new coach.

When Dennis and Sandra Smith were looking for an RV to replace their fifth wheel, they looked at some by another manufacturer, but they weren’t smitten. The dealer mentioned a new Tiffin model, the front-engine diesel Allegro Bay that had arrived two hours earlier. Sold. Then came the agony: The dealer in Russellville, AR, had reserved a spot for that coach in a Little Rock RV show. The

Smiths, who live in Jacksonville, AR, had to go to the show with some friends to ogle their new acquisition, a 37-ft. quad-slide. “One friend, who has an artificial leg, really liked the front-engine diesel without a doghouse (bulky engine cover),” Dennis Smith says. “We liked that people were awed and we listened to the oohing and ahhing.” The Smiths went to the dealership without a clue about Tiffin’s front-engine diesel, new to the Tiffin lineup for 2006, but Dennis Smith liked what he learned. He preferred diesel after a good experience with a Ford turbo-diesel truck. “You get more miles in the long run with a diesel, and the resale is better,” Dennis Smith says. “I liked that this one has floating sleeves in the diesel cylinders, too.” The mechanical engineering advances didn’t make the sale for Sandra Smith. She likes the foldaway worktable in the galley and the bathroom that is private and separate from the entertaining area of the coach. “We liked the exterior colors, and when we walked inside it was light – the lighter colored wood reached out and grabbed our attention,” Dennis Smith says. “It is relaxing, like a home, not an office. And we like the layout.”

Freightliner developed the FRED chassis, which features a Cummins 5.9-liter engine and an Allison 5-speed transmission with overdrive for the 34-38 ft. Allegro Bay models. Tiffin Motorhomes produces gas- and diesel-powered Allegro, Allegro Bay, Phaeton, Allegro Bus and Zephyr Class A motorhomes available through a network of 100 dealers in the U.S. and Canada. For more information visit www.tiffinmotorhomes.com and www.freightlinerchassis.com

New owners love their front-engine diesel Allegro Bays

SIDE ROADS 13

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#Tiffin Allegro Club FALL FIESTA

November 6 – November 10, 2006 (Check out November 11)

Blazing Star RV Resort / San Antonio, TX


calling Blazing Star RV Resort at 877/387-5777.















Cost: Allegro Club Member Motorhome with two (2) people / $635 • Allegro Club Member Motorhome with one (1)person / $495 • Non Member Motorhome with two (2) people / $665 • Non Member Motorhome with one (1) person $525• Each additional guest / $225 Total Cost: $



No reservations will be taken after the deadline of September 25, 2006. The refund deadline is September 25, 2006. Send check, money order or fill out complete credit card information below:q Visa q Master Card q DiscoverCredit Card Number: Expiration Date

___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Month Year

Signature:



Cost Includes: 5 Nights camping fee, full hook-ups (50 amps), 4 breakfasts, 4 evening meals , a Hill Country tour (including LBJ Ranch, Fredericksburg & Luckenbach), prizes and surprises, supplier/partner exhibits, and entertainment. When on hand, Tiffin factory technicians will perform minor repairs at no cost. Dealers will display the latest in Tiffin built motorhomes for your viewing. Plenty of food, fun and fellowship.

14 SIDE ROADS

In the length of a football field, Steve Savage knew the front-engine diesel Allegro Bay was a winner. The contributing editor of TrailBlazer Magazine was in Red Bay, AL, in early March, conducting a test drive of the new moderately priced diesel that Tiffin dealers can’t keep on their lots. “Suspension, acceleration, noise level.” Savage ticked off the key criteria as he wheeled the 37-foot quad-slide. “Sure, you can learn 10% more on a 500-1,000-mile drive, but who has the time for that these days?” Glancing down at the instrument cluster, he smiled and said, “The dash is like your favorite pair of jeans – comfortable. Too many engineers get a kick out of how many buttons they can put on there.” From Red Bay’s level streets, Savage steered the rig east along Hwy. 24 toward Russellville and some semi-serious hills. The front-engine diesel Allegro Bay climbed the hills easily, with the speedometer holding steady at 55. Freightliner Custom Chassis developed the new chassis, which sports a Cummins 5.9-liter electronic diesel with 300hp and 600 lb.-ft. of torque and an Allison 5-speed transmission with overdrive. Savage, a certif ied motorhome technician based in Bristol, TN, has been RVing since his father converted a bus in 1957. Savage is driving his ninth RV, a 23-ft. Coach House Platinum. On his web page, Motorhome Review Online, Tiffin Motorhomes is usually rated among the top three manufacturers, always in the top five, Savage said. The consumer ratings measure such points as quality, handling, comfort, reliability and “I would buy this coach again.” Those ratings drew him to Red Bay.

Savage emphasized that he is very selective. He politely declines to test drive coaches produced by some manufacturers because he knows their quality is low. “This is a great coach,” Savage said as he inched his speed upward. “It would be a great fulltimer’s coach. It feels like Freightliner did a good job of dialing in the chassis. My emphasis is on handling

and feel. Almost all diesels have sufficient torque. As for suspension, too many manufacturers have softened the ride, but those coaches are nightmares in the wind. I like a firmer rather than a softer ride. This one has a big hefty feel, well planted on the road. It’s a nice, quiet coach with no rattles in the dash or windows.” The Allegro Bay galley also caught Savage’s eye. “I like just two big burners (on the range),” he said. “Nobody’s cooking with three or four pots and pans in these rigs any more.” Savage counsels newcomers to RVing as a senior instructor at Life on Wheels, a series of hands-on conferences currently

offered in Idaho, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Iowa and Arizona. Sessions are tailored for “newbies” – new owners of RVs who want to learn how to operate and enjoy their purchases, and “wannabees” who are about to take the RV ownership plunge. Savage gravitates toward the wannabees, recognizing that his advice could help people avoid costly missteps. “The biggest mistake is not deciding how they will use the rig and (thinking about) why they are choosing what they are choosing,” he said. “Too many are afraid of size and wind up with a much smaller coach than would fit their needs. Fifty percent of owners sell their first coach within two years and take a kick in the teeth with depreciation.” While his full report won’t be seen until the June or July issue of TrailBlazer arrives, Savage pronounced the front-engine diesel Allegro Bay a winner after the test drive and cap-to-cap inspection. “I’m going to push this real hard,” he said. “(Baby) Boomers who had good jobs are now retiring and enjoying themselves instead of putting it back for their kids to fight over. They want to travel, sleep in their own bed and use their own bathroom. I like this coach for them and others.” The front-engine diesel Allegro Bay is available in all four of Tiffin’s 2006 Allegro Bay floor plans ranging from 34-38 ft. with 2-4 slides. Tiffin Motorhomes produces gas- and diesel-powered Allegro, Allegro Bay, Phaeton, Allegro Bus and Zephyr Class A motorhomes available through a network of 100 dealers in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.tiffinmotorhomes.com and www.freightlinerchassis.com

FRED passes road testTrailBlazer Magazine editor raves about Tiffin’s new Allegro Bay chassis

SIDE ROADS 15

“Every few years, something comes along that seems to hit the right spot in the RV market,” observes Dave Ramsey, “and this seems to be it.” Ramsey is sales manager at Brooks Ramsey RV in White Marsh, MD. “It” is the 2006 front-engine diesel (FRED) Allegro Bay produced by Tiffin Motorhomes. The first front-engine diesel manufactured in decades is the hottest thing on RV lots since the quad-slide, and one of the FRED Bay models has that, too. At seven Tiffin dealerships from California to Mississippi contacted for this snapshot report, the revolutionary front-engine diesel is being hailed for its torque, quiet ride, price and flat floor. Brooks Ramsey had sold three of the front-engine diesels by early March, long before spring marked the traditional launch of the RV season. “On the road, it’s as quiet as any gas coach I’ve driven,” Ramsey said of the Freightliner chassis, which features a Cummins 5.9-liter electronic diesel with 300hp and 600 lb.-ft. of torque and an Allison 5-speed transmission with overdrive. The engine rests low on the rails, eliminating a large “dog house” engine cover in the coach. “People don’t have to crawl over the engine cover and it also keeps the (engine) noise underneath the coach and out the back.”

Just 2,837 miles west, Rich Alsop at JC’s RV in Livermore, CA, says the horsepower, torque and the five-speed transmission seem to be the big attractions of the front-engine diesel Bay, but the 55-degree wheel cut draws notice as well. Heather Sailer at Shorewood RV Center in Anoka, MN, says, “Customers like the high-end coach with amenities in a diesel for a lot less than diesel pushers.” That response is echoed by John Gajewski at King’s Campers in Wausau, WS. “Freightliner has produced an excellent chassis,” Gajewski says. “This is the best way to go. (The introduction of the front-engine diesel Bay) started with a huge buzz and what’s intrigued me is that the buzz hasn’t stopped. Once customers drive it they will buy it. We had gotten up to a price for a gasser decked out the way people like them that was pushing the limit. The FRED justifies the investment.” In Boerne, TX at Ancira GMC Truck and Motorhome, Trenton Smith also cites the price comparison he makes between other manufacturers’ higher-end gas models and the Tiffin front-engine diesels. “The average age of customers is getting younger,” Smith says. “They have done

well, are computer savvy, they read a

lot of RV magazines and visit websites. They are

buying diesels.” The first front-engine diesel Allegro Bay arrived at the Outdoor Living Center in Russellville, AR, at 9 one recent Saturday morning. Richie Shilling reports it was sold by 11. “Our customers have seen the FREDs in magazine articles,” Shilling says. “They have some knowledge but not a lot of numbers and details. They say the Bay floor plans are great, but the diesel sells it for customers who can’t swing the price of a diesel pusher and don’t want a used coach.” Price point, diesel and the “appeal of the Bay itself” sell the new coach at Paw Paw’s Camper City in Picayune, MS, according to Read Doolittle. The front-engine diesel Allegro Bay is available in all four of Tiffin’s 2006 Allegro Bay floor plans ranging from 34-38 ft. with 2-4 slides, with prices starting in the $140,000 range. Tiffin Motorhomes produces gas- and diesel-powered Allegro, Allegro Bay, Phaeton, Allegro Bus and Zephyr Class A motorhomes available through a network of 100 dealers in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.tiffinmotorhomes.com and www.freightlinerchassis.com

The Bay doesn’t stay in dealer showrooms

P.o. BoX 1429RED BAY, AL 35582ADDRESS SERVICE

REQUESTED

PRESoRTED STANDARDU.S. PoSTAGE PAID

PERMIT # 159BIRMINGHAM, AL

If you’re reading this newsletter, you’re enjoying one of the benefits of Allegro Club membership. Other benefits include rallies, local chapters and discounts on insurance, campsite fees and car rental. When you buy a new Tiffin Motorhome, the first year of Allegro Club membership is free. After that, a one-year

membership is $25, a two-year membership is $46, and a three- year membership is $70, payable by check or credit card. For credit card payment, cal l (256) 356-8522. We want you to continue your membership and help us build our numbers by recruiting other owners of Tiffin Motorhomes.

Become an Allegro Club member or update your address info

Names:

Nickname for Allegro Club ID badge #1:

Nickname for Allegro Club ID badge #2:

Email:

Home Phone: ( ) – Alternate Phone: ( ) –

Serial No. of Your Tiffin Motorhome: Chassis type: VIN

Are you interested in joining or starting a local chapter of the Allegro Club?

Name of dealer where motorhome was purchased: Date of Purchase:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Mail or email your answer along with your name, address and phone number to Allegro Club, Box 1429, Red Bay, AL 35582 or [email protected]. Please, only one entry per household. The Allegro Club is not responsible for lost entries. The judges will select the winner by August 1st, and announce that winner in the next issue of Side Roads.

Our new quiz question: How do you determine the optimal tire pressure for your Tiffin motorhome, and should that pressure vary between warm and cold months?

We don’t have “EASY” and “HARD” rubber stamps for our contests, but let’s just say the question we posed in the December issue was challenging. At Allegro Club rallies, you can usually fill a room for a seminar on the use of a convection microwave oven. Some folks who have successfully navigated kitchens for many decades shake their wooden spoons at that appliance. That shouldn’t be. Our contest was designed as a wooden spoon disarmament measure. We sought one

sentence of advice/instruction for someone confused or intimidated by the convection microwave. Our winners are Dennis anD Diane O’Brien Of Trempealeau, Wi, who wrote: “Be patient by reading the manual slowly, practicing just one new concept and recipe weekly, and in no time you will have conquered the many wonderful features of your convection oven.” The O’Briens will receive a prize package from the Allegro Club office.

‘Be patient by reading the manual slowly’

O New Allegro Club Chapters OO The Lone Star Allegros have been chartered in the Houston area with five charter member families. The chapter meets

the fourth weekend each month. President is Bruce Marler, 409-389-2688.

O The Southwest Florida Allegros, with seven charter member families in the Fort Myers area, will meet the first weekend each month. The president is Joanne Brown, [email protected] , 239-542-7798. O The Sun Diego Allegros in the San Diego area were chartered with nine member families and will meet the third

weekend each month. The president is Marlene Pryde, 619-465-5620. O The Route 66 Allegros in the southwest Los Angeles area were chartered with 10 member families and will meet the

second weekend each month. The president is Bob Beard, [email protected], 909-985-5812. O The Carolina Allegros, based in the Columbia, SC area, were chartered with three member families and will meet the

third weekend each month. The president is Steve Eason, [email protected], 803-781-1886.

O The Columbia River Allegros, based in the Portland, OR, area, were chartered May 4 with seven member families. The chapter has not determined when it will meet each month. The president is Clint Hoisington, [email protected] phone 503-255-0077.

Documents

TIFFIN MOTORHOMES...Feb. 5-9, 2007 (break camp February 10) Red Bay, AL 35582-1429 Allegro Club FMCA Pre-Rally Stone Mountain Park Campground Atlanta, Georgia March 15-18, 2007 (break