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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...

We Must Save Them All! NorCal MINIS Supporting The Cause

                                                    


DONATIONS IN HONOR OF BETTY WHITE

As many of you may know Betty White was a huge supporter of animals and animal rescue organizations. And with her passing at almost 100 years old NorCal MINIS made two donations in honor of her. We donated $500 each to Valley Humane in Pleasanton and the Heading Home Animal Rescue in the South Bay. Both are amazing organizations that do amazing work. Our own Anne Sitter works with HHAR as a foster mommy. A very special person and thank you Anne for your very special commitment to save them all.

And thank you to our paid members, remember a portion of your registration fees are used for local charity donations throughout the year.

Donating to local organizations is what we do as a club as we are a 501c7 non-profit group.

MOTOR ON!

For more information and to donate even more:

Heading Home Animal Rescue

https://www.headinghomerescue.org/

And

Valley Humane Society

https://valleyhumane.org/

MOTOR ON!

Mike Toibin

Social Media Director
NorCal MINIS


Check out 2022 Run Calendar for complete list of events for this year.




Recap - Mount Umunhum/Uvas Meadow Run - Sunday January 16, 2022



Your Host For The Event: Eddie Vergara

Wow, what a run! Our first run of 2022 was not only a history-themed event, but also a history-making run! A total of 57 cars registered and attended by over 100 members! Our LARGEST IN CLUB HISTORY! Many new members attended for the first time which is great to see.

Hosting a run for the first time, it was very exciting to see so much interest!

The fun began even before we started driving. The parking lot quickly turned into an impromptu MINI car show once 57 MINIs showed up to the starting point. Cameras were out as folks got treated to MINIs from all generations and trims, including a healthy number of the rare GPs. As drivers mingled, you could sense that energy in the air that results when several people get together to share a common passion. It was clear that folks wanted to start their new year right by going on an awesome drive!

After a tiny sprinkle from an odd morning rain cloud, the sky cleared up and offered us a great South Bay weather for driving (some convertibles even had their top down!). Due to the number of participants, drivers were broken up into three groups of ~20 cars. Group 1 led by yours truly, Eddie Vergara, with the Lewis's leading group 2 and our president, Simon Tildesley, leading group 3. Following the drivers debrief, group 1 lined up and began the run.




Soon after the start, we were treated to the twisty roads of Shannon and Hicks Road. Bikers along the road didn't subtract from the fun of taking our MINIs through these fun turns. Drivers and passengers alike were treated to lush green foliage throughout the run, all thanks to the healthy downpour from the December rains.

After 40 minutes, the 1st group reached our first scheduled stop, the summit of Mt. Umunhum where the decommissioned "Cube" military radar stands. No more than 15 minutes passed before the 2nd group caught up with group 1 and began to cause a traffic jam at the summit's parking lot! However, instead of seeing frowning or disapproving faces from others at the summit, we were received by many smiling faces (including the park ranger!) wondering what were a bunch of cool-looking MINIs doing up there!






 
After making it clear that we were MINI owners, members of the *prestigious* NorCal MINIs club (known for making trouble for the establishment...), groups began to head out from the summit and onto an hour drive to our final stop at Uvas Reservoir. Drivers and passengers were presented with more beautiful sights, from the glittering waters of the Almaden Reservoir, to the lovely classic architecture of the homes and mansions in New Almaden, to the lush green woods and meadows in the Uvas Valley. We reached the end of our run at the Uvas Reservoir parking lot, where drivers posed for a final photoshoot by our talented members. It was a fantastic way to finish a run that took us through historical sites and made history for the club.






I was very glad to see so many smiling drivers at both the start and end of the run. I look forward to see everyone again for the Delta – California Auto Museum in Sacramento Run on February 19th, hosted by Mike Zampiceni.

Please drive safely and Motor ON!

Eddie Vergara

Check out the link below for other great pictures from the event:
Thanks to those who posted tons of pictures on our FB page. 


Check out 2022 Run Calendar for complete list of events for this year.
































Nevada City Run - June 11th & 12th 2022

                                    




Your Host For This Run:
Paige Lane

The full details of this overnight run are yet to be determined however, it is recommended to make your hotel reservations now if you're interested in going since Nevada City is very busy this early summer time of the year.

The following are some suggestions for accommodations:

Hotels In or Near Nevada City

Broad Street Inn
517 W Broad St, Nevada City, CA 95959•(530) 265-2239
https://broadstreetinn.com/

Outside Inn
575 E Broad St, Nevada City, CA 95959•(530) 265-2233
https://outsideinn.com/

The Madison House Bed and Breakfast
427 Broad St, Nevada City, CA 95959•(530) 470-6127
https://www.themadisonhouse.net/

And nearby in Grass Valley - Just fifteen minutes away

Holiday Inn Express Gold Miners Inn-Grass Valley
121 Bank St, Grass Valley, CA 95945•(530) 477-1700
https://www.ihg.com/destinations/us/en/explore

Gold Miners Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
121 Bank St, Grass Valley, CA 95945•(530) 477-1700
https://www.choicehotels.com/california/grass-valley/ascend-hotels/cae68?mc=llgoxxpx

Sierra Mountain Inn
816 W Main St, Grass Valley, CA 95945•(530) 273-8133
http://sierramountaininn.com/

Make sure your reservations are cancellable just in case you are unable to attend.

Stay tuned for complete details on this run at a later time.

MOTOR ON!!

Check out 2022 Run Calendar for complete list of events for this year.



Solvang Run - July 23rd & 24th 2022

 


Your Hosts For This Run:
Dave & Anne Sitter

The full details of this run are yet to be determined however, it is recommended to make your hotel reservations now if you're interested in going since Solvang is very busy this time of the year.

The following are some suggestions for accommodations:

Hotel Corque
400 Alisal Road
Solvang 93463
https://www.hotelcorque.com/

The M Solvang
293 Alisal Road
Solvang 93463

Svendsgaard's Danish Lodge
Americas Best Value Inn
1711 Mission Drive
Solvang 93463

The Kronborg
1440 Mission Drive
Solvang 93463

Vinland Hotel and Lodge
1455 Mission Drive
Solvang 93463


Make sure your reservations are cancellable just in case you're unable to attend.


Stay tuned for complete details on this run at a later time.
MOTOR ON!

Check out 2022 Run Calendar for complete list of events for this year.



Delta Highway 160 - Sacramento Auto Museum Run - Saturday February 19th






Your Host For The Event: Mike Zampiceni

We'll be starting on Highway 4 from Concord and will mostly be driving on scenic Highway 160 in the Delta along the Sacramento River for 36 miles after we leave Concord. We will stop at Ramos Park in Isleton for a bio break and photo opportunity. We'll then continue for another 36 miles on the River Road and merge with Highway 5 north just east of Freeport. 


We'll exit at Broadway just south of Old Town to avoid the maze at the convergence of highways 5 and 50 for a stress-free arrival at the museum.

We'll arrive at approximately 11:30, and there's plenty of parking either in the paved portion or the larger gravel lot adjacent. We may want another group picture before entering the museum. Depending on availability, a docent may guide us through the collection. Figure on about an hour at the museum. 

Cost to enter the museum: $10 for Adults - $9 for military and over 65 - $5 for youth 5-17

https://www.calautomuseum.org/



There's lots to do in the general area around Old Town for the balance of the day, including visiting the California State Railroad Museum.

https://www.californiarailroad.museum/

Several lunch options are available in Old Town, which less than a mile away. Note: You may wish to bring along a snack just in case. Lots to see at the museum so you may not finish till after 1. For those of you who want to drive there, there's a parking garage adjacent. If the weather holds, it's only 8/10ths of a mile on the walkway along the river, which is what I'm planning on doing to build up an appetite and walk it off afterwards.

Meet Up Location:

Ashley Home Store

2201 John Glenn Drive

Concord, CA 94520

Meet Up Time/Departure Time:

8:30am/9:30am 

Driver Meeting - 9:15 am

Route:  https://goo.gl/maps/fwkvKTucPEAQJJRF9

Addition notes for the event:

Fully charged radios required. The club will not be loaning any radios until restrictions are lifted. 

Drive with your lights on. We'll be driving on 2-lane narrow roads most of the way. NOTE:  The drive through the delta will be on levee roads raised probably at least 20 feet from either end of the roadway. Please give your full attention to driving and avoid distractions. We don't want anyone plummeting over the embankment!

Toll for the Antioch Bridge is $7, and if you don't have FasTrak, they'll send you an invoice in the mail. Museum admission is $10, $9 for 65+, and $5 for 5 - 17. 

Lastly, happiness is a full tank and empty bladder!

You Must Register via MotorSportReg:

https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/delta-hwy-160-sacramento-auto-museum-run-norcal-minis-652583

Finally:

If you should decide to make a weekend out of event there are several hotels in the downtown area if you'd like to extend your stay for the weekend. The closest one to Old Town is Embassy Suites.

Note: It is required to wear a mask inside of the museum! And it is suggested to also wear a mask outdoors as well.

Check out 2022 Run Calendar for complete list of events for this year.


Current 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
• In line with State guidelines – people who are fully vaccinated may attend without a face mask. If you are not fully vaccinated – we kindly request that you maintain a face covering.
• NorCal MINIs will encourage everyone to maintain personal hygiene in regards to washing hands
• Club loaner radios will be available at the run. These will be sanitized prior to be handed and out will be sanitized again upon return.
• Any PPE you wish to use must be supplied by yourself. This includes any face coverings or hand sanitizing products
• Participants will be required to Sign Waivers Electronically
• Please be courteous with people who wish to maintain PPE and social distancing. It is their choice to do this and we cannot question their vaccine status
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 -Christmas 2021 Holiday Event and Walt Disney Museum - Saturday December 11, 2021


Your Hosts: Gordon and Alison Lee

Thanks to MINI of Marin for opening their doors to help us celebrate our last event of the year. Thanks to all for coming in a Walt Disney themed outfit. We had about 28 minis and we all had a blast. The museum was closed for 2 years and finally we were able to host this event. We had some new members and they were overjoyed for their first NorCal Minis Run. At the start we had 9 minis. A few drivers lined up at Philz coffee food truck for a warm cup of joe. Met a few new members and a returning member. 



As we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, three minis: two GPs and one electric mini drove ahead on their own. Leaving 6 minis to regroup at the Safeway store in Mill Valley.





Minis are noted for taking “the long way home”. We drove through short and windy turns to MINI of Marin. Upon arrival we had 28 minis at MINI of Marin. A nice spread of assorted bagels from Noah’s and iced latte was a big hit. For the Disney costume contest, we had two winners: thanks to John and Carol for their Christmas costume and Mary for her Cinderella costume for 1st place.

On route to the Walt Disney museum, we had 12 minis in a row toward the Golden Gate Bridge. We proceeded to the Presidio’s backroads to view the San Francisco city skyline. When we arrived at the museum, everyone checked their timed reservation tickets before proceeding to the entrance.It was the perfect weather for our NorCal minis rally.



 
There were many returning members we have not seen in months. I'm happy that this was an event to help bring together our members. 

Thanks to Norcal Minis for making a donation to the San Francisco / Marin Food bank. Thanks to MINI of Marin for sponsoring our breakfast.

And check out the link below for more pictures!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!! And don't forget to check the 2022 Calendar of Events on our website.