[Nobbc] 10 years old!

Mon Aug 1 14:14:29 MDT 2011

All NOBBC Members:  I am developing a plan for a drive up into the
hinterlands of Lake Berryessa coming up on September 18th that will
maybe suit Betty a little betta...it will be an alternative type of
drive with a specific destination in mind.  Currently we have folks
coming from many points of the compass: Sacramento, Fairfield, Santa
Rosa and points in between.  I am calling this a "Destination Tour".  We
even have some non-Brit (Porsche and Alpha Romeo aficionado's)
interested in participating too.  A "meet and mingle"?

Maybe you have seen the "Eye on the Bay" KPIX TV segment with Brian
Hackney's 1964 MGB cruising around and exploring Lake Berryessa.  I am
proposing a drive from what ever area you are coming from (I will post
some scenic and suggested routes in the near future) and meeting at the
Cucina Italiano Restaurant for a leisurely day of viewing cars in the
large parking lot, playing bocce ball and having a sumptuous lunch and
beverage of your choice at the Spanish Flat Village Center.  There is
also a historical display of the town of Monticello that was inundated
when Lake Berryessa was established behind the Monticello Dam. For those
so inclined, there is a small convenience store with the usual snacks
and such if you do not want a sit down luncheon.

Following the lunch at the Italian restaurant and car talk with sports
car enthusiasts from near and far, we can either go back home via
several routes or continue on to the Monticello Dam for a view stop
(constructed about the same time as many of our cars) then down the hill
to a fine "Bay Area Backroads" scenic route called Pleasants Valley
Road, ending in the outskirts of Fairfield and Highway 80 at Lagoon
Valley.

More details to follow.

Frank Morris

-----Original Message-----
From: nobbc-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:nobbc-bounces at autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of Betty Miller
Sent: Monday, August 01, 2011 9:31 AM
To: 'North Bay British Car Club'
Subject: Re: [Nobbc] 10 years old!

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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