Earlier this summer, I joined a classic car rally that took us from Portland, Oregon, to the ghost town of Shaniko, over to Baker City, and back through the Umatilla State Forest and high desert to Government Camp. In total, we logged 800 miles through some of the Pacific Northwest’s most varied landscapes—urban gridlock, high plains, and alpine roads where trees press in from both sides.
I wasn’t just there for the drive. I was testing a new lineup of high-definition driving lenses we’ve been developing at TALEX. And as anyone who’s done long stints behind the wheel knows, the right lenses—and the right seat—can make all the difference.
From Portland to the High Desert
The first leg took us to Shaniko, Oregon—a ghost town that somehow feels both deserted and full of life. By early evening, around 20 classic cars had gathered in front of the historic (and possibly haunted) Shaniko Hotel, where we’d spend the night. Someone rolled out a full charcuterie spread, others brought cocktails, and a grill was soon smoking on the boardwalk. We took over the hotel’s front porch, trading stories and admiring each other’s cars well into the night.
Early Light, Copper Lens
The next morning began with one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the Pacific Northwest. As the soft morning light washed over the desert landscape, I wore our Joto frame fitted with Copper lenses. Specifically designed for driving, this lens enhances contrast and picks up subtle variations in tarmac and terrain. The copper hue made the world look warmer—and sharper. Road markers glowed, and even distant shapes resolved clearly against the pale light.
Our route twisted through high desert, hugging rivers and skirting sagebrush. As the sun climbed and the glare intensified, I switched to a prototype lens from our new high-definition driving series. These lenses are built on the Copper base, but go a step further—cutting blue and green light in the 400–550 nm spectrum to create warm, high-contrast clarity even in harsh midday sun. Made with our CACCHU® material, they offer superior optical quality and minimal distortion—something I really appreciated as the hours ticked by.
Comfort, Engineered in Stuttgart
If the lenses kept my eyes sharp, my new driving seat kept the rest of me going strong. I had recently installed Scheel 101 seats from Scheel-Mann—a family-run company in Stuttgart, Germany.
Originally developed for racing, the Scheel 101 offered support I didn’t know I was missing. No back pain. No need to fidget after every hour behind the wheel. Just a planted, confident feel that let me focus entirely on the drive. Like our TALEX lenses, these seats are made by a family-owned company with a long history of quality, and the parallels aren’t lost on me. Both are precision products, purpose-built for people who care about how things feel and function—especially at speed.
To Baker City, One Cow at a Time
That afternoon, our group snaked through remote backroads toward Baker City. The scenery shifted from barren desert to dense pine, and at one point, we slowed to a crawl to weave around a stoic cow standing in the middle of the road. It didn’t budge—twenty classic cars rumbling by like some kind of automotive parade, and not even a blink.
By evening, we reached the Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City. Dinner was a celebration of friends, good cars, and making it halfway through a challenging but beautiful route.
Shadows, Contrast, and the Final Stretch
Our third day took us back toward Government Camp via the Umatilla State Forest and the desert plains, climbing through forest and catching shifting patches of light between towering evergreens. This section was perfect for testing another high-definition lens from our lab—one inspired by our Peridot and Sphene lenses. It filters at 600 nm, cutting green and yellow light to deliver incredible contrast in green-heavy environments. Though not originally designed for driving, it handled the quick transitions between shadow and sunlight with ease. Ideal for navigating forest roads where every flicker of movement matters.
Ready for More
By the end of the rally, my 1966 Porsche 912 had survived 800 miles—with only a few minor hiccups, including a rock that managed to knock out my shifter. But I arrived back with clear vision and a pain-free back.
The combination of our newest TALEX lenses and my Scheel-Mann seat made all the difference—letting me stay sharp, relaxed, and fully immersed in the joy of the drive.
We’ll be launching these new high-definition driving lenses after a few more tests. Until then, I’ll be back on the road, looking for the next perfect turn.
