The Lead-up >
Introduction
Setting the stage for the telling of a grand adventure


Welcome to the story of The GTS Chronicles European Delivery Adventure. This is a story about enthusiasm. Enthusiasm for a thing that for most people, is simply an item of utility in our modern world - the automobile. But really, enthusiasm is a human construct that can be applied to literally anything, from the most mundane (think spoon or stamp collecting) to the most novel, artistic, and unprecedented (a Dali painting, Renaissance architecture, or maybe some new form of immersive theatre). Most people can understand and accept enthusiasm for the novel or for the classically beautiful, while simultaneously questioning the value of enthusiasm for utilitarian things.

My view is that anything can be exciting and worthy of enthusiasm, regardless of utility. And it is just so for automobiles, for myself and my good friend Luke. So-called "sports-focused" automobiles in particular, where the focus is on the visceral joy of responsive handling, accelerative forces, connection of body to machine and road, combined with a sense of exploration and freedom that comes with mechanized, self-directed transport. And I contend also that there is a dollop of art in the mix. The shapes and forms of automobiles spring from the human mind, and are (in our opinion) as infused with artistic intent as the best Rodin (well, maybe not as elevated as Rodin, but you get the idea).

I submit to you that automobiles, in addition to their utility, can be works of artistic expression and aids to fulfilment and joy.

And so with that explanation, let me introduce to you the story of The GTS Chronicles European Delivery Adventure - of two long-time auto enthusiast friends who plan and execute a sportscar-focused roadtrip of large proportions, that then turns into a multi-year odyssey of ups and downs and twists and turns.

Be warned: this story is long. It gets down into the weeds. Describing and recalling our moods is a large part of the recounting. In some parts, I don't paper over the fact that we were frustrated, angry. In other parts I recount childlike levels of giddiness and excitement. You may think us weird.

The story is split up into three broad sections - "books", if you will: The Lead-up, The Delivery Adventure, and The Post-trip. If you are simply looking for the big trip itself, complete with pictures of attractive cars in attractive landscapes, then I recommend that you just go straight to The Delivery Adventure. But if you want to understand - in detail - what Luke and I spent a good chunk of the past four years on, then continue on to the Lead-up.
The Lead-up >
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