AlphaCars & Ural of New England Official Blog
Lime Rock Park
By alphacars | Posted in Events on Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 at 8:37 PM
The Story
Memorial weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Lime Rock Park to watch the Pirelli World Challenge race. This would be the first time I’ve seen any asphalt racing. Prior to this event I had only gone to see rally races, where there is lots of dirt and technical driving. I’ve never been into the Nascar scene and so when my fiance told me we were headed to Connecticut to watch a not-rally-race I wasn’t too excited. However, we did watch parts of the 24 hour Nürburgring a week or so prior and I very much enjoyed watching that. He then told me that the Pirelli World Challenge was basically a smaller version of that I was now excited to go.
The biggest reason why I was excited was because I would see an actual Ford Mustang race. They have been my favorite cars since I was a young child and I was about to fulfill one of my dreams to watch one race. The first thing I noticed was the sound of speeding cars cutting through the trees when we parked at the foot of the Berkshire Mountains. We walked into the park and the sound got louder and louder. Finally, we were in view of a section of track. I realized I was grinning ear-to-ear, anxious to see the first car come whipping around a turn on the track. This wasn’t like a Nascar race where you sit in a grandstand able to see the whole track. No, this track had many turns, a hill, and no actual seating.
We made our way further into the park to find a good spot to watch. However, when we got over the hill, we saw that you could go down to where the racing teams were working on their cars. I immediately started looking for the mustang. There is a long section of road parallel to the pits, separated only by a chain link fence and security. Low and behold there was the driver and car I had been looking for. Scott Maxwell, driving number 55 Ford Mustang GT4. He drove right past me, so close I could’ve reached out and touched the beautiful car, on his way to the line up. I looked around at anyone else excited as myself to see this. Now, I was ready to watch this race.
There was still some time before the actual race happened so we wandered around the team tents and their cars. We got great pictures of the BMW’s that basically have a whole class to themselves, the Subaru’s that raced in the smallest class, and the Ferrari’s that were in the fastest class. It must have been the hottest day so far this year and by the time we walked around the whole park we were dripping with sweat. So, it was time for some water and ice-cream, find a seat to relax and watch.
If you love to watch racing, or driving around a track, definitely check out this great history filled park. We had a great time exploring the grounds. I’m so glad I got to have this experience. Hopefully, we will be able to go again and watch more races. Even though it was so hot, watching the race got my heart pounded and kept the smile on my face all day long.
Rally Coverage
By alphacars | Posted in Events on Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 at 5:56 PM
This past weekend we hosted our annual Spring Rally with a great turn out. There were so many new faces this year, it made for a wonderful time. We had 10 more bikes this year than we did last year — welcome to the Ural family, everyone who bought a bike in 2017!
Since we had so many people this year, we split the ride into several riding groups. A big thank you to those who volunteered to help us lead rides! We are so thankful for those of you who stepped up. Because of you this ride went smoothly and became a lot less stressful on our full time staff.
The photo on the left shows one of our most unique riders this year. A pig who rode in the sidecar with stylish goggles. We had a lot of other dogs riding with the group, but this pig certainly stood out from everyone else. Keep riding!
True to tradition, after the ride everyone came back and enjoyed an enormous Russian meal. Thank you to the women who worked tirelessly in making sure everything was set up when riders got back and for serving food. We had summer borscht, kielbasa, beat salad, radish salad and much more. There was so much food no one went home hungry!
Eating is one of the highlights of the rally, because it’s food that is different than our every day cuisine. Food is also something that brings people together. There was much laughter and story telling over the meal. It’s always a fantastic time to meet new people, especially people who ride such a unique motorcycle. Urals are what bring us together, but it’s the food that binds us. Thank you to those who cooked the day before and the day of to pull everything together so wonderfully.
Another element to our rally this year was our tribute to our beloved friend Fredda Cole, who passed away earlier this year. We were honored to have her bike in our show room and have some of her greatest accomplishments posted up on the bike.
We also set up a donation booth to an organization that was close to Fredda’s heart, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Fredda’s grandson has cystic fibrosis and always wanted to do more to help him. Thank you for those of you who were able to donate to a cause that was so close to Fredda’s heart. From now on every year our rally will be dedicated to Fredda’s memory.
Thank you everyone who came and participated in this year’s rally ride. Thank you Russ for allowing us to display Fredda’s Ural. A big thank you to those of you who stayed later and helped us clean up!
We are so thankful we got to spend time with the Ural family before riding season really kicks off. Remember to stay safe out there and drink lots of water!
May Ural Demo Day
By alphacars | Posted in Events on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 6:20 PM
C’mon Spring! We’re summoning warmer weather on May 5th for our second National Demo Day of 2018. If you missed our last demo day in March, it was a big success. Don’t miss out on seeing new Urals, eating donuts, and talking shop with like-minded sidecar fans.
P.S. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Wear a sombrero to the event, get $250 toward a new Ural. Seriously.
P.P.S. Send us pics!
What to Expect
Coffee and Donuts
Come on out and grab some donuts or coffee or whatever other bites of food your Ural location may have. Full bellies make for better rides.
On-Site Demos
Never been on a Ural before?! This is perfect for you. Our dealers will help walk you through everything you need to know. We got you covered!
Nice to Meet You!
Get a chance to mingle with Ural owners. The Ural family is one of the closest and most friendly groups there is! Come out ask questions and listen to some great Ural stories.
Last month we had a great time meeting everyone and getting to know them and their Urals. We are very excited that we get another chance to see everyone again. Because this the Demo Day coincides with our Annual Spring Rally, it will be very busy, but there will be lots of food. See you soon!
2018 Ural of New England Spring Rally
By alphacars | Posted in Events on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 4:20 PM
COME ENJOY A WONDERFUL DAY WITH US IN BOXBOROUGH MASSACHUSETTS.
Our traditional Ural Rally is a great way for Ural and motorcycle enthusiasts around the world to come together and spend the day doing what they love, riding.
Enjoy coffee and pastries while everyone gets settled and ready to ride. The Rally will start with a beautiful ride through the New England countryside. Be sure to get here before 10 so you can be sure you can ride with the group.
The rally will then be returning to Ural of New England in the afternoon to feast on traditional Russian cuisine. Relax and walk around our state of the art facility, share stories, laugh, and check out the latest in Ural accessories. Also, be sure to check out the cool collection of unique automobiles and motorcycles.
Local Accommodations can be made for the weekend at:
Formerly Holiday Inn: Boxborough Regency Hotel
Register: Ural of New England Rally Registration
Dogs2Vets Festival April 29, 2018
By alphacars | Posted in Events on Wednesday, April 18th, 2018 at 6:47 PMYou Are Invited!
What: Dogs2Vets Festival
Where: 29 Antietam St, Devens, MA
When: Sunday April 29th, 2018 11am-3pm
Bring your dog and join us for a fun filled wagging good time! Working in partnership with the Nashoba Valley and Ayer Rotary Clubs Clear Path for Veterans are planning a fun and eventful fundraiser, the Dog2Vets Festival! This will mark a first of it’s kind festival to Devens where we will celebrate the matching of Veterans with Service Dogs. The goal is to raise enough funds and sponsorships to provide two service dogs to local Veterans!
Clear Path for Veterans is excited to bring the Dogs2Vets mission to New England, matching Veterans with Service Dogs. The program, perfected in their New York Center, involves the Veteran in the canine training process working together with the trainer to achieve individual goals. Sponsorships available, including the opportunity to sponsor or co-sponsor a service dog! Contact: dbulger@clearpathne.org for additional sponsor information.
Admission – $10 per adult (collected at the entrance) Children 12 and under and Military/Veterans free.
Dogs are free – must be on a leash, no longer than 6′ and all vaccinations must be up to date PLEASE!
We here at Ural of New England are extremely excited to participate in this great cause. Anyone with a dog who goes everywhere with them knows how important it is to have a vehicle where the dog can fit. We will be giving rides to veterans and their dogs to show just how well this motorcycle can accommodate their needs. Please join us on Sunday April 29th and meet these incredible people!
Ford GT40
By alphacars | Posted in Car Brands on Wednesday, April 11th, 2018 at 6:27 PM
I feel the most American when I sit in my rust bucket car in a Walmart parking lot, eating fast food, because I’m too anxious to eat around people. It is when I am most conscious of my American ways. What would make it better is if I was sitting in one my dream cars, the Shelby-Ford GT40, which is like me, American made. Whenever it passes by me on the street I watch it wistfully drive by. It’s the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen. I was watching a documentary the other day and the GT40 was one of the car featured in the film and I decided it can’t be my favorite car until I understand the history.
Like all good stories it begins with revenge. Once upon a time, Enzo Ferrari and Henry Ford II were under negotiations for Ford to buy the Ferrari brand. Things were going well until the realization that if Ford bough Ferrari then the decision on which races to enter. The idea of not having total control of what he loved most made Enzo question his decision to allow Ford to purchase Ferrari. The Italians also pressured Enzo to keep Ferrari completely Italian and keep it a part of their culture. When time came to sign the agreement with Ford’s lawyers, Enzo sent them away refusing the deal. Ford was livid. He felt betrayed by Ferrari and decided to hurt him where it would the most. Ford told his engineers to build a car that would beat Ferrari at the 24 hour Le Mans race.
The engineers worked tirelessly to make Ford’s desire to beat Ferrari a reality. It was quite a hurdle to jump since Ferrari had been reigning champ for
the last few years at Le Mans. In 1964 the first GT40 rolled onto the road for it’s first race. Things were going really well until a couple laps in and Ford had to pull the vehicle from the race due to suspension failure. The engineers reworked the car then entered it into Le Mans 3 weeks later with 3 other GT40’s. All three of them received an incomplete. The season continued downhill to Ford’s dismay. He had millions of dollars wrapped up into the project to beat Ferrari. The last straw for Ford was at the Nassau race when they lost again. That’s when the program was then given to Carroll Shelby. The cars were packed up after the race, not even bothering to clean or maintain them before the transport.
Right out of the gate Shelby gave results at the Daytona 500 with it’s very first victory. However, the rest of the season didn’t go so well, frankly, it was a disaster. Ford was running low on patience, but all things in life that are worth something take effort. With each loss the team gained experience. When Le Mans came back around in 1966 Ford was ready. They entered 3 GT40’s and by the time the race was over they had received a 1-2-3 finish, beating Ferrari for the first time in history. Ford became the first American manufacturer win Le Mans. Their win sealed relations with Shelby and gave way to a new bright future for Ford.
Fun Facts:
- “GT” – Grand Touring “40” – representing overall height of 40 inches
- Ford was the only automaker out of “the big three” (Ford, Chrysler, and GM) to refuse government bailout money in the 2009 auto industry crisis
- Ford models compete in stock car racing, F1 racing, rally events, touring events, and sport car racing events
- 1st manufacturer to automate production with assembly line, pay workers a fair wage, produce a vehicle for the mass-market everyday consumer
April 28th New England Bushcraft Event
By alphacars | Posted in Events on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018 at 6:45 PM
We are super excited for this upcoming event. It will be the first time we can really show you all that a Ural is capable of. If you love the outdoors and adventure this event is for you!
What is Bushcraft?
If you know what “Bushcraft” is, then you are probably psyched about the New England Bushcraft Gathering and we’re excited to have you join us. But, not everyone knows what ‘Bushcraft’ is. Bushcraft is the art of living off of the land – using the products of the land to sustain you. People with knowledge of the art of Bushcraft, not only survive in the wilderness, they thrive. If you are interested in hiking, camping or hunting, you probably practice aspects of Bushcraft. If you are a homesteader, prepper or survival enthusiast, you will value the knowledge of bushcraft. If you are into adventure travel, offroading and overlanding, the knowledge of Bushcraft might save your life. New England Bushcraft Gathering has something for everyone.
What is the New England Bushcraft Event?
In just a few weeks we will meet at 508Intl who will be hosting the Bushcraft Event. There will be many vendors for you to explore and look around. Sit in on the amazing speakers and instructors who are excited to be teaching their craft. A hands on learning experience for those who desire it, games that will test your outdoor skills and great food. In the middle of it all will be the Urals romping around on a dirt course.
Let us know if you’re coming by checking in on Facebook: New England Bushcraft Facebook Event
Purchase your tickets here: Bushcraft Event Tickets
Porsche 911
By alphacars | Posted in Car Brands on Wednesday, March 21st, 2018 at 5:34 PMRacing has been a large part of the human culture. The most famous races in ancient Rome that spurred the sport forward even more. Today, racing cars is still a smashing hit. From Rally Races to Formula 1 there’s something about the speed that catches the breath. In all of this, there is a car that has risen above the rest and has become a benchmark. In every race it has entered it has won most all of them. Incredible in design and leading the pack, it is, the Porsche 911.
Beginnings
It all started in 1961 in Stuttgart, Germany as the Porsche 901. When the first few began to roll out of the factory, Porsche realized they had ruffled a
2007 Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet
few feathers with their new model. The problem was in the name Porsche had used. A French car manufacturer called Peugeot, had complained about their exclusive rights to use 3 digit and a 0 in the middle model numbers. Before any intense legal fights could begin, Porsche added a 1 to it’s newest model and thus creating the Porsche 911. Only 82 Porsche’s 901’s were built, before the name change in 1964.
The Porsche 911 is a German sports car that has remained true to it’s roots after all the years of change and advancement. It has continued to be a benchmark for other sport car designers and racers. The 911 could arguably stated as Porsche’s most important release in their history. It came at a rough time in the world and in the economy. They built the legend, because they needed a legend to be born. The world was going through a recession and in order to stay in business Porsche knew they needed to come up with something that could keep them afloat. It was their decision to not go down without a fight that pushed their brand to the front of the pack and inspired later models.
Racing
911 R 2,0 Coupé, Gerard Larrousse at the ‘Tour de France,
Since the Porsche 911 is a sports car it’s no surprise when you see one race. What is surprising is what happened in the 70’s when Porsche really began to take off. The beautifully designed 911 won its first World Championship for Makes in 1976 and continued on as the reigning champ to 1979. Each win was with a 911 derived model and proved just how powerful they were. The World Championship wasn’t the only race that the 911 won. In 1970 the 911 Carrera RSR won Targa Florio and 24 Hours of Daytona. It were these races that made the legend what it is today. These races are what built the 911 reputation and caused envy in many drivers. In fact, when Porsche introduced the 911 Carrera 4S (4 because it has 4-wheel drive) other racers got very upset. They said it was an “unfair advantage” to their own vehicles and attempted to disqualify the Porsche.
The Porsche 911 has accomplished many things. It has become a symbol of greatness and speed. It is important to highlight the vehicles that make big changes or big statements to the rest of the world. Porsche certainly did so when they created the 911. If you’re interested in taking a look at a legend or test driving one we have two in stock right now, click the links below for more.
Porsche 911’s currently for sale at AlphaCars
1986 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Fun Facts
Value: The value of a Porsche 911 is different than most sports cars. They depreciate the least. This is because of the 911’s longevity, durability, and its steady demand from the general population all over the world.
Popularity: The Porsche 911 is the most popular vehicle Porsche sells.
Colors: Red, black, and white is the is the most popular color scheme.
Name: Porsche, pronounced “Por” “Shuh”
2018 National Ural Demo Day
By alphacars | Posted in Events on Friday, March 16th, 2018 at 9:47 PM
2018 NATIONAL URAL DEMO DAY
MARCH 24TH, 2018
9 am – 6 pm
Our Locations:
Massachusetts
649 Massachusetts Ave.
Boxborough, MA 01719
New Hampshire
108 Lafayette Rd
North Hampton, NH 03862
Ural National Demo Day is a spring celebration held throughout the country. It is a perfect event for both current Ural owners and for those of you who have never been on a sidecar before.
Come out and meet us, check out the new models , swap stories with local riders and just have a good time!
Already own a Ural? Take 10% off any in stock accessories. Bring your gear!
We will be offering refreshments so feel free to bring the family and the dogs too! Hope to see you there!
Let us know you’re interested by checking in on Facebook! Facebook Event: Ural Demo Day
Coffee, Donuts, Prizes
Come on out and grab some donuts or coffee. Full bellies make for better rides.
Stick around for a chance to win prizes as well.
On-Site Demos
Never been on a Ural before?! This is perfect for you. From comprehensive overviews of current models to a sidecar skills course. You will see all Ural has to offer.
Nice to Meet You!
Get a chance to mingle with Ural owners. The Ural family is one of the closest and most friendly groups there is! Come out, ask questions, and listen to some great Ural stories.
History of Ural
By alphacars | Posted in Unique Vehicles, Ural Sidecar Motorcycles on Wednesday, March 14th, 2018 at 3:38 PMThe Pact that Jump Started Ural
On August 23, 1939 the Soviet Union and Germany signed the Molotov/Ribbentrop Pact or the German-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact in Moscow, but it didn’t mean tensions between the two countries were lessened. Stalin began planning and preparing for when this pact would no longer be in play. He only needed time to prepare his army who were tremendously ill equipped to be at war with Nazi Germany. The biggest concern at the time was to defend their country from invasion. To do this, Stalin needed to enhance his army by giving them modernized equipment. Ground troops and Special Forces were priority. Stalin had seen the devastating effects of the blitzkrieg on Poland and he knew mobilization was the key to victory. The current state of their vehicles were unreliable and did not suit their needs anymore. They needed something new in which they could rely on.
With a pact like this no one was sure when it would end or be violated, the urgency of the situation was sensed by
everyone. Discussions began on what type of motorcycle to use for their reconnaissance team and other mobile troops. It needed to be able to handle the rough terrain of the countryside and be able to carry at least two people. Two people on a bike so one could shoot on a gun mount if they came under enemy fire. They decided that BMW’s R71 would suit their needs. This could be difficult seeing as BMW’s factory was in Germany. Surprisingly, to show that they were upholding their end of the pact, the BMW factory sent drawings and molds of the bike. The Soviet Union also purchased 5 of the motorcycles from Sweden and had them smuggled into the country, one of which survived and is on display in IMZ-Ural factory museum. When the 5 BMW bikes arrived, Soviet engineers set to work taking them apart and then reverse engineered the entire bike. Finally, in 1941, the samples (called the M-72) were given to Stalin, who approved the project for immediate mass production where 9,799 M-72’s would be manufactured and used over the course of the war.
In 1941 Nazi Germany attacked, just as Stalin knew they would; and with their attack came a new serious problem. Most of the Soviet Union’s key industrial factories – who were supplying them with military weapons and vehicles – were within range of German bombers, even in Moscow. Stalin ordered an evacuation and relocation of all the factories.
The M-72 factory was transferred into a small trading town called Irbit in the Ural Mountain Region. It had been a key player in trade until the Revolution in 1917. Once the M-72 factory moved it continued production of the military use vehicles even after the war had ended. Later, the motorcycles manufactured in Irbit became known as Urals and the manufacturer was called Irbit Motorcycle Works (IMZ). In early 1950’s a factory in Ukraine took over military Ural production, IMZ continued to make their motorcycles for both military and civilian use, but in early 1960’s they were solely making Urals for civilian use. Between the switch of military production between IMZ and Ukraine factory the M-72 line was sold to China in 1957, and would later make their own version called the Chiang Jiang.