Monterey Zoo Run - Sunday August 4, 2024

Join NorCal MINIs for a scenic drive to the Monterey Zoo, taking in beautiful sights along Highway 68, Laureles Grade, Carmel Valley Road, and more.

Your Hosts for the Event:

Vickie Casacca and Mick Brown

Route:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VWfehVNjdb78uqj46

Register via MotorSport Registry:

https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/norcal-minis-monterey-zoo-run-360369

Meet-up Time / Departure Time:

9:00 am / 9:45 am

There a Cars and Coffee event in the Starbucks parking lot across the street from 8am to 10am if you want to come early and check it out. 

Meet-up Location:

CVS Parking Lot

1140 South Main Street
Salinas CA 93901

Run Details:

After leaving the parking lot, we will head out of town on Highway 68 to Laureles Grade, turning left to Carmel Valley Road and taking the scenic tour through Carmel Valley, Arroyo Seco and River Road to our end destination, the Monterey Zoo. https://montereyzoo.org/  

NorCal members visited the zoo many years ago, but they have done an amazing job upgrading all of the animal enclosures and bringing in some amazing animals.  Be prepared to see lions and tigers and bears…Oh my!  Plus a whole lot more!

If you want to visit the zoo admission is $35.25 ages 15 and up; $25.00 ages 2-14 (under 2 free, but there is an $8.00 stroller fee)  - No dogs allowed.

Lunch is on your own after the run and zoo excursion but try and meet up with another member or two and make some new friends. There are several good places to eat in Salinas or Monterey or head back on River Road and do some wine tasting. I would love to talk to other members interested in our MTTS experience.

Additional Run Details:

Please bring your radio, fully charged, turned on, and tuned to Channel 7, Subchannel 21 CTCSS before you arrive at the start. If you don’t have a radio, ask for a loaner at the driver’s meeting. For radio recommendations, please see https://www.facebook.com/legacy/notes/728353274556164/.

Be sure to turn the “VOX” voice-activated setting OFF, or we will hear the wind from your AC, your conversations, and any noise in your car broadcasting to everyone.

We ask that you turn on low-beam headlights - not Auto - to make us more visible to other vehicles either ahead or behind us, including your fellow MINI drivers.

Davenport Run - Saturday July 13, 2024

Join the Norcal Minis club for an epic drive from San Jose through the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains! Enjoy stunning vistas and wine tasting at Beauregard Vineyards. Adventure and camaraderie await!

Your Hosts for the Event:

Mariela & Michael Kane

Route:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/HSCQQx8TG1iMLLZo6

Register via MotorSport Registry:

https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/norcal-minis-2024-daveport-873166

Meet-up Time / Departure Time:

9:30 am / 10 am

Meet-up Location:

Starbucks
Almaden Ranch Shopping Center
5150 Cherry Ave, San Jose, CA 95118

Run Details:

The Norcal Minis club drive embarks from San Jose with an eager buzz of anticipation filling the air. Mini Cooper enthusiasts gather, their cars polished to a shine, ready to hit the road for an unforgettable journey. As the convoy sets off, the unmistakable hum of Mini engines reverberates through the streets, signaling the start of another adventure.

Their first stop brings them to Los Altos, where a striking piece of artwork awaits. Amidst the quaint streets and charming boutiques, a vibrant mural serves as the perfect backdrop for a group photo. Members pose proudly beside their beloved Minis, capturing the moment to share with fellow enthusiasts and treasure as a memento of the day.

Continuing their journey, the convoy winds its way through the majestic Santa Cruz Mountains. Towering redwoods and sweeping vistas line the route, providing a stunning backdrop for the exhilarating drive. The twisty mountain roads are a playground for the nimble handling of the Mini Cooper, with each curve and bend met with precision and skill.

As they ascend higher into the mountains, the landscape transforms, revealing breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding valleys and coastline. The scent of pine fills the air, and the sounds of nature envelop the convoy as they forge ahead on their scenic route.

Finally, the convoy arrives at Beauregard Vineyards, a hidden gem nestled among the hills. Here, the Norcal Minis club is welcomed with open arms, greeted by the inviting aroma of wine and the promise of relaxation. Members gather in the tasting room, savoring the flavors of locally crafted wines and sharing stories of their journey through the Santa Cruz Mountains.

As the day draws to a close, the camaraderie among club members is palpable, forged by a shared passion for adventure and a love of Mini Cooper. With memories made and friendships strengthened, they bid farewell to Beauregard Vineyards, their hearts full and their spirits soaring. And as they make their way back home, the echo of laughter and the thrill of the open road linger, reminding them that the spirit of the Norcal Minis club will always unite them in the joy of motoring.

You are on your own for lunch great places in Davenport:

Costa Azul
Whale City Bakery
Davenport Roadhouse
or head down to Santa Cruz

Additional Run Details:

Please bring your radio, fully charged, turned on, and tuned to Channel 7, Subchannel 21 CTCSS before you arrive at the start. If you don’t have a radio, ask for a loaner at the driver’s meeting. For radio recommendations, please see https://www.facebook.com/legacy/notes/728353274556164/.

Be sure to turn the “VOX” voice-activated setting OFF, or we will hear the wind from your AC, your conversations, and any noise in your car broadcasting to everyone.

We ask that you turn on low-beam headlights - not Auto - to make us more visible to other vehicles either ahead or behind us, including your fellow MINI drivers.