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Avenue of the Giants Weekend Run - Sat. March 23, 2024

Saturday will be a very full day of cruising from Novato up through the Avenue of the Giants and ending at Eel River Brewing in Fortuna. Sun...

South Lake Tahoe Run - May 22, 2021

 



Your Host For The Event: Larry Anderson
Date of the Event: May 22, 2021

Join us for a two-part cruise through Fairfield and Napa to South Lake Berryessa and Davis, on our way to Rancho Cordova to meet up with fellow MINIacs in the Sacramento area. From there, we'll be heading east to South Lake Tahoe via Hwy 16 / 49 / 88, then up 89 and through the Pioneer Trail to our final destination of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe in Stateline, NV. We've broken the run up into two parts in case you are only interested in / available for one portion of the overall run (we certainly welcome you for the whole ride).

Run notes:
- Bring something warm to wear; we'll be traveling through high altitude (8000 ft.) mountain passes where there's still snow on the mountains. Temperatures could range from the mid 40's to the upper 50's
- The rest stop for the first half of the run will be scattered between the Arco and Taco Bell off of East Grant (the Chevron station you might see on a map is closed). We'll do our best to stay together, but anticipate parking wherever you can find a spot. We'll stage along the side road when we are ready to head out
- The Starbucks meet point is currently limiting the number of people inside to 8 at a time, but it does have two bathrooms
- The parking lot at the optional stop on the 2nd half of the run is not large enough for the group to pull into, so we won't be stopping (it's marked on the map in case someone absolutely has to pull off). The restroom has been verified to be open (unlike the restrooms at the Sno-Parks we'll pass along Hwy 88, which were closed the day the run was scouted)
- Once we get to Meyers, we'll be going through residential areas with traffic signals on our way to Stateline, so the group is likely to get split up. Please observe the speed limit signs; the local sheriff's love to bust visitors.

Route and/or rest stops subject to updates, so be sure to check back here for the latest right before the run!

Meet point:
Solano College
4000 Suisun Valley Rd
Fairfield, CA 94534
Turn right into the first Solano College driveway off of Suisun Valley Rd; proceed directly ahead to open parking lot (look for Norcal MINIs banner)

Please be sure to be fully fueled upon arriving at Solano College; it will be a bit over an hour before our first stop and there are many twisty roads between there and the start!
Meetup time 8:30am, Driver's Meeting 8:45am, Departure time 9am

Rest stop (15 mins):
Arco / Taco Bell
999 E Grant Ave
Winters, CA 95694

Part 1 Endpoint:
Starbucks
3195 Zinfandel Dr, Unit 1
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670

-----
Part 2 Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/dhVtfRCJN39aW1qZ9

Meet Point:
Starbucks
3195 Zinfandel Dr, Unit 1
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
For those planning to meet us in Rancho Cordova, we anticipate an arrival time of between 11:15-11:30

On your own for lunch, etc. until 12pm (many places to grab food near the Starbucks)
2nd Driver's Meeting 12pm, Departure time 12:15pm

Rest stop (20 mins):
76
26810 Silver Dr
Pioneer, CA 95666
This is a small gas station (on a lot large enough for the whole group to pull into), so my recommendation would be to fill up during our lunch break if you do not have a full tank at the start of the run.

Optional rest stop (marked in case someone has to pull off, but the group will not be stopping here):
Hope Valley Wildlife Area Parking Lot

Alpine State Hwy
Markleeville, CA 96120

Part 2 Endpoint:
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe
50 US-50
Stateline, NV 89449
Turn left across 50 into the driveway, head to back parking lot, park in "A" section (if you want to park together someplace)

The run concludes here and you are free to explore the South Lake Tahoe area. Enjoy!

Please note that the hosts for this event will NOT be distributing printed hard copies of the route. If you wish to use one please print one yourselves before attending.

You must RSVP via MotorSportReg:

Note: This is NOT an overnight event, however many members may choose to do so. If so, the decision is yours to make.

Social distancing and facemasks are required.
  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) will NOT be provided by the club
  • Registration is by MSR ONLY.
  • Bathrooms are not guaranteed.
  • No lunch is being arranged.
  • No radios will be lent out.

Please review our new NORCAL MINIS - COVID-19 GENERAL EVENT POLICY AND GUIDELINES

NorCal MINIs is committed to providing events that place participant safety as the number one priority. In light of the current COVID-19 situation, every attempt will be made to minimize risk of exposure to the virus. Therefore, the club is following new processes and procedures for events going forward.

NORCAL MINIS EVENTS WILL:
  • Be for paid members ONLY at this time
  • Not offer day passes whilst under restrictions
  • Follow state and local guidelines in relation to COVID-19
  • Require all participants to wear masks, for not only their own safety but for the safety of everyone on-site when not in your own car
  • Ask participants to stay at home if they are at higher risk for severe illness, or if they are sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath
  • Conduct drivers meeting in open air with face masks with social distancing and might be conducted via our radios on channel 7/21, if need be for everyone to hear
EVENT PROTOCOLS:

The following guidelines are our best attempt to secure your safety given what is known at this time. They are by no means comprehensive, and we cannot predict every circumstance. Therefore, we are counting on you to exercise your best judgment throughout the event. Please have an awareness and understanding of the following COVID-19 safety protocols:
  • NorCal MINIS asks that anyone who is at higher risk for severe illness, feeling unwell, or who has been in contact with anyone that is sick in the last two weeks to STAY HOME
  • ALL participants are required to wear cloth face coverings or masks when outside their car
  • NorCal MINIs will encourage everyone to wash hands regularly (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds), especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • NorCal Minis will NOT share Club Radios during this time; we suggest purchasing your own radios and can provide you with recommendations on compatible makes/models
  • Physical contact is discouraged. Please refrain from shaking hands, high-fives and hugs, except with family or those you have been quarantined with
  • Participants are required to bring their own personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant. NorCal MINIs will NOT have any PPE items available
  • Participants will be required to Sign Waivers Electronically
  • Be cautious when sharing/posting event photos. Even photos of groups maintaining proper social distancing can be mistaken for an inappropriate gathering.
  • If necessary, remind each other gently and respectfully to observe these guidelines

Anyone who continually or willfully violates these guidelines will be asked to leave by a club officer or director.

POST-EVENT PROTOCOLS:

  • Any participant that falls ill within 2 weeks after the event MUST contact NorCal MINIs and share a description of their symptoms, related test results and movements during the event
  • NorCal MINIs will make every effort to alert affected participants privately of the situation

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to assess the risk to you and make a responsible decision on whether or not to participate. You assume all risks and agree the Club holds no liability if you or anyone in your party should develop any Covid-19 symptoms afterwards by attending a NorCal MINIs event. Participants are required to follow these guidelines; any participant may be asked to leave the event for non-compliance.


Join Today! Create your MotorSportReg Account to become a PAID Club Member, use the link below:
NorCal MINIs Membership

Instructions for joining MotorSportReg and joining NorCal MINIs can be found in the following document:  Instructions




A-MINI-zing Race 2021 Recap

 Hi Everyone,

We had a great time in Sacramento on Saturday, April 24, 2021 for the 3rd installment of A-MINI-zing Race.  The morning started at a Target near downtown, but the bonus of the day was the mural we used for gathering before heading out on the race. Here's Malcolm looking handsome.



 
After a brief presentation to attendees by Simon, the run was handed over to the Race Master Christine for a description of the race, including the object is not to be first, but to be the best at interpreting the essences of the clues.  Teams met their special guest passenger - Johnny Cash! 
 
Johnny Cash was the inspiration for all of the clues.  It was a hoot to see the look on Simon's face as he had no idea who Johnny Cash was at all.  Race Master Christine thought some participants would have some knowledge of him, while others would have a deeper understand of who the "Man in Black" was and his importance to not only country music, but prison reform.
 
Let's introduce the teams!!!   (In alphabetical order)

DART MASTERS
 

LLBLUE

 MEOW
 
MINI Mini
 

MissingPaddy
 
Orange Crusher 

Skittles
 

Silver Lining
 

T & T
 
Team McKenna

 
Team Sterling
 
The Might Minis
  
 
Wolf
CLUES - thanks Anne for taking pictures! 
Without the cryptograms key, these might be a little hard to understand, but reviewing them as seen below, you can get the jest of the clues.

 
And now... the Runner Up was TEAM SKITTLES with their additional props and inventive interpretations of the clues.

WINNER OF 2021 A-MINI-zing Race was team ORANGE CRUSHER!  Spot on capturing clue essence and amusing Race Master Christine and Michael while they waited for teams to arrive.  For their win Mary got a Paddy Hopkirk Poster and a MINI mug.  Congratulations to team Orange Crusher.
 

Even though Race Master Christine up'd her game this year with cryptograms that had to be solved first, they (Michael & Christine) were amazed at how fast teams moved along the route.  They had to cut their leisure morning short and hurry to the pit stop to be ready for the first teams to arrive.  This means Race Master Christine will have to even more creative for the next A-MINI-zing Race. 







A-MINI-zing Race - April 24, 2021



Hi Everyone, 

Will we have repeat winners for 2021's a-MINI-zing Race on April 24th?

Who's up for the challenge against 2017 a-MINI-zing Race San Luis Obispo Winners,  Brian D and Crystal T. 

or Team Stitch&Co from 2018 Solvang a-MINI-zing Race Winners.

What is a-MINI-zing Race? 
As a lover of  'Amazing Race' on CBS, I created 'a-MIN-zing Race'. However, the point is NOT who gets to the finish first, but who captures the essence of the clues the best.  There are various types of clues just like Amazing Race.  
  • Route Info - Tells you how to travel, by foot or by MINI, and what your team needs to accomplish to complete the clue
  • Detour - All team members participate where you have a choice between two tasks, choose the one you think you can complete quicker, if you can't complete it, you will need to complete the other option
  • Roadblock - A task that only ONE team member must perform. 
  • Pit Stop - Find "Phil" at the mat to end the a-MINI-zing Race 

RVSP by April 17th is required - no exceptions to this rule.

https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/a-mini-zing-race-2021-norcal-minis-596817

Since we have some really competitive club members, I've tried to up my game for this year's a-MINI-zing Race.  Before each clue is opened, you will need to solve a Cryptogram.  

What is a Cryptogram? 
A cryptogram is a type of puzzle that consists of a short piece of encrypted text. Generally the cipher used to encrypt the text is simple enough that the cryptogram can be solved by hand. We will be using a substitution ciphers where each Number is replaced by a different Letter. You will be given a few number/letter combos to get you started and the same key will be used for all clues. After you'd solved a few you pretty much have the answers for the rest of them.  You will use information from Cryptogram to get address locations of enclosed clue.   


Hosts:
Christine & Michael Toibin

Meet Up Location:
Target
Parking Lot
2505 Riverside Blvd,
Sacramento, CA 95818

There's a Starbucks inside and a Valero gas station across the street.


Meeting Time/Departure Time:
10 am/10:30 am



RVSP by April 17th is required, as your hosts need time to prepare all of clue envelopes.

https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/a-mini-zing-race-2021-norcal-minis-596817 _________________________________________________________________________________

Please review our new NORCAL MINIS - COVID-19 GENERAL EVENT POLICY AND GUIDELINES

NorCal MINIs is committed to providing events that place participant safety as the number one priority. In light of the current COVID-19 situation, every attempt will be made to minimize risk of exposure to the virus. Therefore, the club is following new processes and procedures for events going forward.

NORCAL MINIS EVENTS WILL:
  • Be for paid members ONLY at this time
  • Not offer day passes whilst under restrictions
  • Follow state and local guidelines in relation to COVID-19
  • Require all participants to wear masks, for not only their own safety but for the safety of everyone on-site when not in your own car
  • Ask participants to stay at home if they are at higher risk for severe illness, or if they are sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath
  • Conduct drivers meeting in open air with face masks with social distancing and might be conducted via our radios on channel 7/21, if need be for everyone to hear
EVENT PROTOCOLS:

The following guidelines are our best attempt to secure your safety given what is known at this time. They are by no means comprehensive, and we cannot predict every circumstance. Therefore, we are counting on you to exercise your best judgment throughout the event. Please have an awareness and understanding of the following COVID-19 safety protocols:
  • NorCal MINIS asks that anyone who is at higher risk for severe illness, feeling unwell, or who has been in contact with anyone that is sick in the last two weeks to STAY HOME
  • ALL participants are required to wear cloth face coverings or masks when outside their car
  • NorCal MINIs will encourage everyone to wash hands regularly (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds), especially after using the restroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • NorCal Minis will NOT share Club Radios during this time; we suggest purchasing your own radios and can provide you with recommendations on compatible makes/models
  • Physical contact is discouraged. Please refrain from shaking hands, high-fives and hugs, except with family or those you have been quarantined with
  • Participants are required to bring their own personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, hand sanitizer and disinfectant. NorCal MINIs will NOT have any PPE items available
  • Participants will be required to Sign Waivers Electronically
  • Be cautious when sharing/posting event photos. Even photos of groups maintaining proper social distancing can be mistaken for an inappropriate gathering.
  • If necessary, remind each other gently and respectfully to observe these guidelines

Anyone who continually or willfully violates these guidelines will be asked to leave by a club officer or director.

POST-EVENT PROTOCOLS:

  • Any participant that falls ill within 2 weeks after the event MUST contact NorCal MINIs and share a description of their symptoms, related test results and movements during the event
  • NorCal MINIs will make every effort to alert affected participants privately of the situation

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to assess the risk to you and make a responsible decision on whether or not to participate. You assume all risks and agree the Club holds no liability if you or anyone in your party should develop any Covid-19 symptoms afterwards by attending a NorCal MINIs event. Participants are required to follow these guidelines; any participant may be asked to leave the event for non-compliance.


Join Today! Create your MotorSportReg Account to become a PAID Club Member, use the link below:
NorCal MINIs Membership

Instructions for joining MotorSportReg and joining NorCal MINIs can be found in the following document:  Instructions

Recap - Highway 1 Coastal Run To Big Sur - March 27, 2021


Your Hosts For The Event - Rick and Dolores Sanchez

What a beautiful day it was to start this 88-mile trek to Big Sur. Our day started at Peet’s Coffee in Morgan Hill off Cochrane Road. We had 30 cars attend this event. A few new faces joined us on this run. Jenna Dexter and Adam Shook were a few of the new member that joined us as well as some old members that had not been in a run for a while. Kerry Bonner with her Yellow Mini, and John and Caroline Mifsud. The Mifsud’s brought a newer Red Clubman for today’s run. It was good to see Jim and Kim Cunningham who were on the Mainland for today’s run. A big shout out to Alison Lee for her handmade face-masks that she offered to all of us at no charge. Thank you, Alison! 


Welcome to the club Jenna!!!

After the driver’s meeting we lined up to start our run. Pat and Michelle Lewis were mid car and Vickie Casacca, Mick Brown and their dog Dirk were caboose. So glad to have support from our fellow Directors on these events. It makes the event go so much smoother and gives our members confidence that we won’t abandon them when we get separated. Our run took us south on Highway 101 to San Juan Bautista. We continued onto Highway 129 West and proceeded to wind through the farmlands of River Oaks, Chittenden and Logan. We eventually reached the city limits of Watsonville. We separated in Watsonville as we had to go through 7 signal lights to get through town. To make it worse, the signal lights were not timed. After traveling through Watsonville, we merged onto Highway 1 South to the city of Moss Landing. It is here were we regrouped at the Power Plant Coffee. We just barely all fit in the back parking lot. 



It was fun to see all the Minis parked side by side like you would see at a car show. Our planned stop took longer than expected as a lot of Bio breaks were required by our members. We had a drawing at this stop and we had one of our new members pull the winning ticket. The winner was long time member, Gary Chin. He won a Big Sur T-Shirt and seemed surprised to have won. Congratulations Gary! 



After about 45 minutes, we left the Power Plant Coffee parking lot and merged back onto Highway 1 South toward Monterey. As I said earlier, the day was gorgeous and those that had a convertible definitely took advantage of the weather. We hit traffic in Monterey and Carmel due to signal lights. Once we passed Rio Road it was a 2-lane highway to Big Sur. As expected, there was much pedestrian traffic at Point Lobos Natural Reserve. 




Once we reached the Bixby Creek Bridge, we slowly crossed the bridge so photos could be taken by those who had navigators. We did not stop and park as we had too many cars to be able to park safely off Highway 1. The coastal view was wonderful. 


The hills were green, the ocean was very visible and the beaches looked very welcoming. In about ten miles south of the Bixby Creek Bridge we reached our final destination at the Big Sur River Inn. There was plenty of parking on both sides of Highway 1 for all to park. This was the official end of our run. Many members decided to stay and patronize the local Deli and River Inn Restaurant. There was outdoor seating for those that stayed. 

All in all, it was a good day for a run.

Rick and Dolores