Buying a convertible car was a choice for Al White, as well as his humorous interpretation of a doctor's order.

"The doctor told me to get some fresh air, so I got a convertible," said the American Legion member and retired Air Force officer.

And to express his love for ragtop and removable hardtop vehicles, White started the Salt Lake Valley Convertible Car Club in June. The group tours different parts of Utah each month.

Last month, White and four other drivers with the newly formed club took a day trip through Emigration Canyon, Morgan County, Trapper's Loop and into Huntsville for lunch at the Shooting Star Saloon. Wives, of course, were along for the ride.

"They probably enjoyed it more [than the men]," White said. "It was a nice day. It wasn't too hot."

White, who has owned four convertibles in his life, drives a drop-top 2002 Ford Mustang.

"It's a muscle car with spoilers on the back," he said.

Other makes owned by members include Chevrolet, Plymouth, Pontiac, BMW, Mercedes and even a Lotus. All are different colors and models.

Members of the convertible club meet once a month at the American Legion at 3419 S. West Temple. A new "road captain" is chosen for each ride. Barney Bettilyon mapped the group's first trip, which was a little more than 100 miles.

"I prepared my deal to make sure the mileage matched," he said. "I didn't want anyone to miss three very important turns."

Because they all drive with their tops down, the group stays away from interstates and travels on back roads whenever possible.

"We just cruise 20 to 30 mph," White said.

White got the idea for the new motor club after having a blast riding in a motorcycle club for several years.

"I figured, I don't know why people with a convertible couldn't do the same thing," he said.

Once he came up with the idea, he ran an ad in The Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News soliciting members.

Gary Robinson and his wife, Mei, who are already part of the Murray Car Club, looked White up.

"I just saw the ad, and we came and joined the club," Gary Robinson said.

Robinson was picked to be the road captain for the tour coming up the weekend of Aug. 27. He said he is going to take the group up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Guardsman Pass, then into Park City and Midway, and finish along the Alpine Scenic Highway near Sundance Resort in Utah County.

"I've done it before," Robinson said. "It's really pretty."

White said he didn't know any of the men and women he rides with until he started the club.

"It's a way to meet people and have a social life," he said.

Mei Robinson said she has had a great time being part of the new club.

"It's the drive and just everybody getting together," she said.

Anyone interested in joining the club can contact White at 801-953-0596.

"We're just getting it started," Bettilyon said.

jbergreen@sltrib.com