April 2007
Does anyone
really read
this sidebar?
Issue #159
Letter from the President
Goose Bumps Ahead!
It was wonderful seeing many of our sister
clubs here in Fresno for the Poker Run and to
see all of our members together. A Big
Thanks to everyone for making the Poker Run
of 2007 a great event.
What is a
Miata
anyway?
For that
matter, what
is a
goosebump?
Miatas rule
and S2000s
drool!
Hey, you
can all call
and wish me
happy B-Day
on the 19th!
Remember…
the Hokey
Pokey is
what it is
really all
about!
members were outstanding so thank you all
for the help and the donations!
What a great time we had on Friday and Saturday at the 13th annual Poker Run for our
club. We started out with the hospitality room
on Friday night. Marci and Janet registered 27
cars that night and we had a great time visiting with all of you. There was plenty of food,
drinks and conversation for all to enjoy. William Yang from Lithia Mazda brought over a
Black 2007 Miata Hard Top and we all enjoyed watching the top go up and down - sitting in the driver’s seat and dreaming. Thanks
to all our members who brought in food,
drinks, etc, making Friday night a great event.
Something I would like to have you thinking
about, should we have dinner at 6:00pm and
begin our meeting at 7:00pm???? I would appreciate your comments in an email on this
matter. We have to spend money on food to
get a meeting place and this would give us
time to be served and enjoy some conversation before the meeting. Right now we seem
to be running behind in getting served and
eating before 6:30pm. This would allow us a
little more time to eat and visit. As a reminder
our understanding with Perko’s is the room is
free as long as we spent $35.00. Remember to
tip our server as this is not added into your bill
as they do at so many other restaurants when
serving groups.
Saturday at 9:00am we held our drivers meeting with Route Master Bob giving us all the Twisty Roads and Goose Bumps again means
information and events for the day. Marci and SJVMC is on the move again.
I stayed behind as all the cars left for the
morning run. We met up at Fermins Stake Tom Jarvis, President
House for lunch and enjoyed listening to the
wonderful comments on the morning run. Fermins outdid themselves on the food. After
lunch the cars headed back to Fresno and the
Ramada Inn for the final stop, We enjoyed
hearing comments on the afternoon’s run with
goose bumps felt by everyone. At 6:00pm we
headed to Toledo`s Restaurant for a great dinner and our Charity Raffle. Sassy Cindy did a
outstanding job selling tickets to raise money
for our charity, The Discovery Center, here in
Fresno. The donations from manufactures and
PAGE 2
General Meeting Minutes
General Meeting Minutes
March 15, 2007
Old Business
POKER RUN Tom J reported that 28 cars have preregistered thus far, with 47 for dinner.
Ralph gave an update on which sponsors are particiThe meeting was called to order by President Tom
pating again this year and which have not responded
Jarvis at 6:35.
to our request. There will be over 100 raffle prizes to
help us raise money for our charity.
Members Present:
Tom & Marci Jarvis, Ralph & Kathryn Weber, Lisa
The route is done and even fine tuned. Ample, seAsperger, Sharon Mack, Ron Branam, Tom &
cured, parking has been arranged for our lunch stop.
Linda Hayward, Greg & Ro Almeida, Bill Morris
and Patty East , Randy Ames, Fred & Janet Stivers,
Reminder: the hospitality room will be open from 5
Bob Raus, Ray & Cheryl Johnson
to 10 on Friday nite, please, everyone, bring snacks to
help feed our guests. The club will provide soft
Minutes: The February minutes were approved.
drinks.
Treasurer’s Report: Reviewed and approved.
Newsletter:
bers.
Randy asked for Bio’s from all mem-
VAROOM: Ron gave an entertaining report on the
VAROOM Madonna Run.
New Business
TECH DAY Greg Almeida will announce a date at
Website: It was requested that Cindy put a “Contact
the next meeting.
Us” line on the homepage that will automatically forward to the president.
Drawing: The winner of the ZOOM ZOOM Pen was
Future Events:
Lisa, the winner of the key chain was Kathryn.
1) May 5th Bob Raus will rerun part of the Coastal
Cruise with a few new surprise twisties.
Meeting adjourned 7:25
2) May 12th & 13th, a weekend combined run with
Respectively,
Solcalm and SJVMC, to Kernville. See Lisa for deSharon Mack, Secretary
tails.
3) May 12th Greg and Ro will be hosting a TECH
DAY at their home.
4) Socalm is planning a “Miata Summer Camp” at
Harris Ranch on June 9-10. It will be just a kick back
weekend at the pool, no runs, just relaxation. There
will be a “blind driver” event in the parking lot. Some
of us may wish to join them.
5) June 16th Sharon will lead a Sonora Run to be
coordinated with SAMOA, a day run, picnic lunch,
with a rappelling adventure into Moaning Caverns for
those who which to participate.
PAGE 3
Publication Information
Membership entitles you to
participate in all events,
including drives, assembles, meetings, parties,
gatherings, conventions,
technical sessions, etc.,
newsletters, and allows you
the opportunity to meet
some nifty people.
This newsletter is a
monthly publication of the
San Joaquin Valley Miata
Club (SJVMC). The information presented represents the opinions of the
individual contributors. No
representation is made
regarding the accuracy or
reliability of any information contained on any of
these pages. Neither the
Mazda Corporation, the
Miata Owners Club, the
San Joaquin Valley Miata
Club, the editor, or any of
the individual contributors
accept any liability for the
consequences of using the
information presented in
this newsletter.
USE THE INFORMATION IN
THIS NEWSLETTER AT
YOUR OWN RISK
MEMBERSHIP:
THIS IS YOUR LAST CHANCE
If you are reading this note then I need you to do a member profile and
send it to me in the month of April! If I receive one from every member of the club in April then I will have enough to go through the entire year… or longer. Please make my job easier! Send your article
as a word document to [email protected] with the subject line of
‘sjvmc profile’. Be sure to include a picture.
NEED TECHNICAL
ARTICLES TOO!
I also need technical article to fill the pages
in our newsletter. You may have done
something a long time ago but we have
new members who can benefit from your
previous improvements to your car.
Send $25 with your full
name and address, phone
number, year & color
Miata to: San Joaquin
Valley Miata Club
PO Box 27395
Fresno, Ca. 93729-7395
CLUB OFFICERS:
President:
Tom Jarvis
559-645-1816
[email protected]
Vice President:
Lisa Asperger
559-431-2208
[email protected]
Secretary:
Sharon Mack
559-281-0816
[email protected]
Treasurer:
Tom Hayward
559-297-96112
[email protected]
Newsletter Editor:
Randy Ames
559-431-0311
[email protected]
Internet Contact:
Cindy Ames
559-431-0311
[email protected]
PAGE 4
By Tom and Linda Hayward
What a gorgeous day to stay home from our boat on the Delta and take 2 Cute for a day run. The weather couldn’t
have been any nicer to have her top down. The advantage to having a convertible is being able to experience the
sweet orange blossoms and unencumbered view of the mountain lupine and California Poppy. Apparently the Corvette, motorcyclist and bicycle clubs thought so too.
Lunch at Fermins in Sanger was wonderful and very much worth another trip to try their supper menu.
The afternoon sun proved warm enough for Tom to zip off the lower portion of his convertible pants.
Our afternoon portion of the run lead us back to the hills and more winding roads. All roads were good except for
the areas where Tom got a little to close to the edge for my comfort. He said it just looked close but I beg to differ.
The Ennis road is what I call a La La road. I felt Tom took a few curves rather fast so I closed my eyes, covered
my ears, and start singing La La La till he stopped. I have always found this to be rather effective. Bob wasn’t kidding about the blind curves of Ruth Hill Road. Bob, we call those hair pin corners where we grew up. All in all I
wouldn’t have change the route a bit.
It was good to see Pete and Lydia Hadley again after such a long absence. Hope they will be able to attend future
events. As for attending more events, Tom and I decided we really need to do likewise. We have missed seeing
everyone near and far, so expect to see more of us.
Here we have Don
and Lisa discussing the finer
points of mountain driving with
one of our famous
members. Can
you guess who?
PAGE 5
Poker Run 2007
By Sharon Mack
What an absolutely perfect day for, in my opinion, the
perfect run. The weather couldn’t have been better, blue
skies, green hills, and flowers of every possible color in
the rainbow.
Thirty-five NA’s, NB’s, and NC’s glistened at the Ramada Inn parking lot. Of course the star of the show was
Marna’s PRHT. So many ooo’s and aah’s as she demonstrated how quickly
the top goes up and
down.
Now, down to
some serious business. I can’t remember registration ever having
gone smoother. The
route was fantastic
Bob. I loved the quick and easy “on” to the freeway.
This was due greatly in part to our headquarters this year.
Good job Tom. I liked all the “right” hand turns and I
really liked that the sun was to my back in the morning
portion of the run. I also liked the double set of mileage
numbers on the route sheet; being a solo navigator it
really helped me to stay on track on those moments when
I had no other Miata in sight. Between the private parking lot and the private restaurant lunch couldn’t have
been easier or more relaxing. It was the perfect break in
the middle of the run. I felt refreshed and anxious to see
what the rest of the day had in store for me, and I wasn’t
disappointed. The twisties were wonderful. Even the
pass thru “Hillbilly Heaven” was just the right “touch of
comedy” to the otherwise beautiful scenery of the rest of
the route. I especially liked the surprise question at the
check in, it added a bit of mystery to look forward to later
in the evening.
During dinner I was asking folks about interesting sights
and experiences they had found along the way. Don and
Lisa saw a roadrunner. Katherine spotted a Red Tailed
Hawk. Debbie and Ester from VROOM had pictures of a
rattlesnake on their camera…. But I think Fred and Janet
get the prize. The turkey that I personally saw on the
side of the road decided to take flight over their car! Fred
said he could have reached up and grabbed a drumstick..
Then there was a traffic accident at Frankwood and
Kings Canyon. Some of us passed by it, some of us got
turned around by the emergency personnel. For those
who “improvised” the detour, an added adventure to their
day. And finally, it seems it was also a beautiful day for a
motorcycle rally. I believe we were outnumbered.
Ralph, you did an outstanding job of gathering the raffle
prizes. There were so many it took an hour and a half to
find homes for all of them. Cindy did her usual outstanding job of selling tickets as only Cindy can do. And
the “Ron and Don” show is worth the price of admission.
I was most impressed with M&M flying Miata for their
generous donation of fifty $10 gift certificates. We must
also be thankful to McGuire’s for their support. I especially appreciated that it was seen to that no one went
home empty handed. We should support those who support us.
During dinner I had the pleasure of sitting next to Bob
Gold from MOOV. Bob is a very interesting man; he has
many stories to tell of his 76 adventurous years on earth.
Bob has a trailer hitch on his Miata, he uses it to take his
SeeDoo to Lake Havasu, now there’s a man who knows
how to enjoy his retirement years. Bob has graced us
with his attendance on many of our runs, and once again
he won the prize for having traveled the greatest distance
to be a part this year’s Poker Run. This one is going to be
hard to top.
I’ve been on many runs and this one ranks as high as I
can remember. This one is going to be hard to top. The
route was the perfect length and combination of twisties
with a straight, quick shot “home” at the end when I was
tiring. The food was good, the accommodations and ambiance were superb. The only variable would have been
the
weather,
and we
were
blessed
this year.
Thanks
to all of
you who
made it
happen.
PAGE 6
Ron and Shirley Branam
years I’ve managed to earn some season trophies; three for
3rd place, two for 2nd place and last year I got lucky, I got
1st place. (Hmm, 3 3rd, 2 2nd, & 1 1st; what could next year
bring, 0 zero?)
1998 was also the first time I participated in my
other favorite past-time: High Performance Track Events. I
attended the Miata Performance Driving School that was
put on by TeamMiata each year at Thunderhill. I was terrible! I was hooked! I started attending more schools then
progressed to true HPDEs. (There is a difference.) I guess
I’ve now come full circle; I sometime instruct at driving
schools. I’ve driven many times at Thunderhill, Laguna
Seca, Buttonwillow, and Willow springs – both the full
track at The Streets of Willow. Mariner (Smurf) blue now
has 193,000 miles and way too many mods to mention.
Let’s just say everything from the radiator all the way back
to the tip of the exhaust has been replaced.
If you think you would like to participate in autocross or a driving school, please contact me. I’m sure I can
help you out.
In March of our 19th year of marriage, we had another “addition” in the form of a brand new 2006 Winning
Blue Sport. This past year we have put 17,000 miles on
“New Blue” which includes a 5,000 mile road trip/
expedition last August and a 2,000 mile expedition this
March to the Oregon Coast to celebrate our 20th wedding
anniversary. So now I’ve got the best of both: “Old Blue”
for autocross and track and “New Blue” for daily driving
and road trips.
I’ll see you at our next driving event. If for some
reason I’m not at an event, you can bet Shirley and I are
“on expedition.”
In the 9th year of our marriage, we had an
“addition” to our family. Fortunately, though, it did not
require diapers – nor did it have four legs and require daily
feeding. It was a 1990 Mariner Blue with 85,000 miles on
it. I paid $7,500 for it. That was in April of 1996. I joined
SJVMC the following month.
At that time the membership was the same as now;
$25 per year. For that we got a monthly newsletter and, of
course, companionship with other Miata owners. We have
seen many members come and go over the years and many
changes in the club.
Shirley and I are now both retired; she from Fresno
State as a Facilities Planner and I from Gottschalk’s as a
Programmer. Being retired, we no longer go on vacations.
We go on expeditions; More on that later.
It didn’t take long for the “mod” bug to hit. My
first mod was a power operated antenna. I wanted that to
facilitate the second “mod” (for lack of a better term) – a
full car cover. I paid a good price for that cover and I still
have and use it almost daily. Not long after that I wanted
to replace the shocks so I placed a phone order from some
catalog. Bad idea. The salesman talked me into some Eibach Sport lowering springs.
In 1998 I went to my first autocross. When I arrived, a fellow was standing there admiring my car. He
said something about it looked to be lowered and I replied
that it has. Unfortunately, the president of the chapter was
standing nearby and he right away said “Oh, you’re in CSP
class.” Remember the bad idea mentioned above? CSP is
a very competitive class. Most cars in this class are special-built to the class specifications and are only driven at
EDITOR’S NOTE; I COULD NOT GET A PICautocrosses. If I had not installed the lowering springs I
could have run in stock class and been much more competi- TURE ON THIS PAGE SO LOOK ON PAGE 2
tive. Oh well, I had to live with it. I did a lot of slippin’ FOR A PICTURE OF RON AND SHIRLEY.
and slidin’ and many more mods over the years. Now, in
our local chapter, I’m somewhat competitive. Over the
PAGE 7
Join us for a day run to Moaning Caverns located
outside of Sonora. Denise Corriea will lead a Samoa group down and they will rendezvous with us.
Pack a picnic lunch to eat on tables provided under
a tree shaded canopy.
Moaning Cavern is so big it could hold the entire
Statue of Liberty!
Yes, I know it is yet another date
but this way we spread things out
to have one activity a month.
The Walk Tour
This popular 45-minute tour is suitable for the
whole family. Professionally guided, the tour descends through well-lighted marble passages into
the magnificent natural wonder. Descending down
234 stairs to a depth of 165 feet below the ground,
the tour ends on the spot were scientific excavations
revealed the bones of prehistoric people who had
fallen into the cavern thousands of years ago.
Guides explain the history and geology of the cavern, and discuss the explorations that have traced
the cavern to its current depth of 410 feet.
Here is the scoop. We will meet at the Starbucks on
the northeast corner of Herndon and Marks Avenues The Rappel
Descend by rope 165 feet into the huge main chamto begin a run to cover some of this years coastal
ber of Moaning Cavern! No experience is necessary,
cruise and also go to the Pinnacles State Park.
and gloves, hard-hat, and the highest quality rappelling equipment are provided. Adventurous people
from all walks of life are thrilled by this unique and
Time: 8:30am departure
exciting opportunity to try something new! Total
Bring: Picnic Lunch and something to share
trip time is approximately 45 minutes.
Cost: $5.00 to get into the park
We’ll meet at Perko’s at 41 & Bullard at 8:30 if
you need your coffee fix, drivers meeting then
start our fun day promptly at 9:00.
The goal is to be home by 4pm at the latest.
RSVP to Randy at [email protected] with the
subject line re-run.
RSVP to [email protected] if you plan on going
PAGE 8
May 12, 2007
Location: Greg & Ro Almeida’s
27118 Redhawk Lane
Clovis (Map available upon request)
Time: 10:000 AM till we’re done.
Do you have any long overdue maintenance to perform on your Miata?
Do you have any aftermarket goodies that need to be installed?
Do you want a pleasant, social, environment to perform that detailing that
you have promised your Miata?
If so, then this day is for you. On site, we have an ample supply of hand
tools, jacks, jack stands and compressed air. Bring up your project/s and
some refreshments to share and enjoy the beautiful May weather in the
Clovis foothills.
RSVP:
Greg or Ro at 322-1575
PAGE 9
Upcoming Events
WARNING:
Dates in Calendar are closer than they appear. Check the website for the most current information.
Ante Up!
Now is the time to pay dues for the year! Mail your check to the PO box or bring to the March meeting!
Join Us At An Upcoming Club Meeting
Meet at Perko’s Restaurant located at Bullard and Freeway 41 in Fresno. We are in a banquet room located in
the rear of the restaurant. The optional dinner is at 6:00 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.. You are welcome to
join us anytime! Meeting is on the third Thursday of each month. If you have read this far you will know it is my birthday on the 19th.
Re-Run to the Coast May 5th, 2007
See Page 7 for more information but this will be a day run to cover some of the roads that were wet on the
Coastal Cruise and some new. RSVP to [email protected] if you plan on going!.
SJVMC Tech Day May 12, 2007
See Flyer page 8 for a tech day at Greg and Ro’s! Start time is 10am. Let them know if you are coming.
Day Run To Moaning Caverns June 15, 2007
Sharon Mack and Denise Correria are putting this day run on. See flyer in newsletter for the 411. RSVP to
president@sjvmc if you want to attend.
What would you like to do?
Tired of waiting for somebody to organize an event you’d really like to do? It’s really not hard to put an event
together. The hardest part is just deciding to do it!! Then all you have to do is give the information to Tom
([email protected]) or Cindy ([email protected]) and it will be posted on the web site and e-mailed to all members with e-mail.
PAGE 10
San Joaquin Valley Miata Club
Meetings are held the 3rd
Thursday of each month
(Except July & December)
at Perko’s Cafe, 222 E Bullard Ave
(at Freeway 41) at 6:30 P.M.
NEXT MEETING
April 19
SEE YOU THERE
Newsletter Online
Effective with the January, 2007 issue, hard copies will only be mailed on a “by-request” basis and only
to paid members of our club. The on-line version will continue to be available.
If you would prefer to continue to receive hard copy, you must send an e-mail to [email protected] stating
your name and to please retain your name on the Fast Track mailing list. If you do not have e-mail, you can send a
note (a postcard will suffice) to the club’s PO box (see below), Attn: Editor. Either of these actions will be sufficient to continue receiving a hard copy in the mail.
VISIT THE SJVMC WEB PAGE AT
h t t p : / / ww w . s j v m c . n e t /
San Joaquin Valley Miata
Club
PO Box 27395
Fresno, Ca. 93729-7395
e
insid
...
Letter From the President
General Meeting Minutes
Notes from the Editor
Poker Run Article
Poker Run Article Two
Member Profile
Moaning Cavern Flyer
Tech Day Flyer Article
And Much More…
Get In. Be Moved.
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