[Nobbc] 10 years old!

Mon Aug 1 10:30:50 MDT 2011

Thanks, Greg.  I do enjoy driving Froggy, winding roads are okay, both the
hubby & MG are 63. Having the TC parked a long time just for oohs is not fun
for me.  Picnics are fine, stores in route to pick-up food is better.
Tables with nearby toilets are essential if I'm going to have a good time.
Variety of events is fine, I'll come when interested. 
Betty Miller

-----Original Message-----
From: nobbc-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:nobbc-bounces at autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of Greg Tatarian
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 8:43 AM
To: nobbc at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Nobbc] 10 years old!

  Folks,

I know Betty's sentiments have been stated by others in the past, and it's
true - our events are typically pretty much romping drives, often with
minimal focus on comfortable destinations or extended social events or
restaurant lunches.To be fair, that is not always the case, as we also do
make stops at cafes, wineries, and more casual restaurants. 
Being a very loose group, we are pretty spontaneous with our drives.

However, I have also seen greater attendance at our drives that are
pre-planned, on better roads, and with destinations where we can socialize a
bit more than at the start of the drive, and sit together for lunch. I think
that is much of what has made the WCC popular, particularly with some of the
drivers of cars that are either (use your own adjectives) - more
sedate/valuable/larger/less sporty, etc.

It's probably safe to say that an NOBBC drive will be less well organized,
more spontaneous, on somewhat rougher roads, at somewhat higher speeds, and
with more casual destinations (and at lower cost). 
That actually appeals to many members. But there are also the pre-planned
events such as Dawson's Valentine's Day drive, drives that have ended at
John and Julia Kenner's place where we have a wonderful BBQ, even one or two
of the drives Trish and I have led in the past, as well as destination
drives thanks to the efforts of other members.

It would be nicer if people like Betty didn't feel excluded from our group
due to drive experiences that are not to their liking, since NOBBC drives
really are quite diverse, and there will always be enjoyable events for
those looking for a bit more comfort at a bit less speed. So, I have a
proposal:

Whenever possible, perhaps it would be more helpful to communicate our ideas
for drive routes and destinations ahead of each drive, and do a better job
of characterizing the road surface/speed/windiness conditions ahead of time,
so people can decide whether that particular drive is for them. For example,
I agree with Ron that British cars were designed for British roads, but I've
spent time in England, and our roads tend to be less well maintained, and
have more elevational changes, particularly in Sonoma and Napa Counties. Ask
some of the big Jag owners how happy they are about their brakes at the end
of some of our steeper routes, for just one example.

Let me give it a shot with the route(s) that Ron has tentatively planned for
the anniversary drive:

The Fisk Mill Cove destination is a rugged, beautiful oceanside picnic
destination, with a high bluff (windy, cool) observation area where some
people can eat lunch, but with no centralized location for everyone to sit
and socialize together. It is a bit of a hillside scramble to the bluff, so
not appropriate for everyone, or those in nice shoes or clothes. It's
beautiful, but mostly appreciated by those who like outdoor activities.

Meeting at Warm Springs Dam means the drive will appeal most to those
members in Sonoma County, since it's a bit of a drive to get there, and a
longish drive to Fisk Mill Cove and back home.

Skaggs Springs Road has some great curves and scenery, but also potholes and
blind turns, and steep sections. There are some very fast sections, which is
why it appeals to the fast motorbikes and fast cars.

King Ridge Road is very narrow, slower, more scenic (if that can be
believed), steeper, and longer, but in my opinion, with a slightly better
road surface.

Neither route is anywhere near as long as the typical REME drives, which
last for hours and hours, but it seems most of us with 40-50 year old cars
don't want to subject ourselves or the cars to long, grueling drives that
new MINIs take in stride (including myself). Nevertheless, it is the
anniversary drive, so is intended to be longer, with more striking scenery
along the way. Be prepared with a full tank of gas, brakes in good
condition, a good spare tire, tools, warm clothes, and a picnic lunch. You
might even want to bring a light folding camp chair if there's no room at
tables.

If this more strenuous drive does not appeal to you, please voice your
opinion and ideas for other routes and destinations so the NOBBC can be more
inclusive, and not drive people away.

Best to you all,
Greg Tatarian

On 7/31/2011 7:31 PM, Betty Miller wrote:
> Ron,
> Truthfully, the last event that we attended was not our cup o'tea.  
> Sitting on hard rocks to picnic in the middle of nowhere is not my 
> idea of a fun time.  Perhaps I'm not cut out for your club.
> Betty
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