The date has been set for the Annual MidCal MINIs Jamestown/Sonora Run. Saturday, April 13, 2013 is the date for the Annual run to Jamestown/Sonora. The meet up is the Starbuck’s on Highway 41 and Shaw (318 East Shaw Ave, Fresno CA). Arrive no later than 8:15 am and hit the road at 8:30 am SHARP! Heading up Highway 41, the group makes a quick stop in Oakhurst at the Raley’s Parking lot (40041 Highway 49, Oakhurst, CA) to meet up with mountain folks. The approximate arrival time is generally 9:15 am and departure is at 9:30 am. The enlarged group then heads out on Highway 49 to meet the next contingent at the Mariposa Fair Grounds. There 
is another short 10 or 15 minute stop for a quick restroom break and then it is off to the Peppery Restaurant for lunch (13494 Mono Way, Sonora, CA). The route will the same as the one taken last year. Sonora is approximately 127 miles from Fresno and the run takes about three hours one way.
Food selection must be made in advance and must be paid to Tina in cash the day of the event. The amount includes food, choice of water, tea, coffee or soda, sales tax and tip. If alcohol is ordered, the cost is extra. This establishment is cash only so don’t forget to bring cash. When making your RSVP, everyone in your group must be accounted for and all meal selections made. The last day to RSVP is Friday April 5th. Please note, if you RSVP and then do not cancel by April 5th, you will still owe $5.00 per person as there is a minimum of 25 for this reservation.
Meal Menu -
Oriental Chicken Salad – $14.50 Crisp Romaine, bean sprouts, red bells, sesame seeds, roasted peanuts and charbroiled chicken, tossed in sesame oil dressing
Peppery Burger – $14.75 Lettuce, tomato, red onion and mild green Chile pepper. Add cheese for $.75.
Peppery Cheese Steak – $15.75 Sliced tri-tip with grilled onions, red bell peppers, jalapenos and pepperjack cheese on a sourdough roll.
Peppery Chicken – $14.75 Served with sautéed red bells and onions with pepperjack cheese.
If none of the listed choices fit your needs, contact Tina to see if something can be worked out.
RSVP by calling Tina or sending an email to mcm@midcalminis.org.
The Venue -
Highway 49 is just the midpoint of the historic and picturesque Annual MidCal MINIs Jamestown Run. Named after the Gold Rush 49ers it was gold that brought tens of thousands stampeding into California from the four corners of the world. These ’49ers established hundreds of instant mining towns along the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Many of these historic and picturesque towns still exist, linked by California Highway 49, The Gold Rush Trail. The MINIs meet up first in Fresno and then join the Trail at its southern end, in Oakhurst. (Its norther end is in Vinton California about 326 road miles away).
Not only is CA-49 packed with history, it also delivers on scenery. Throughout its length, it twists and climbs past panoramic vistas. Rocky meadows, oaks, and piñon pines accent the hills, while tall firs and redwoods cover higher slopes. In spring and summer, delicate, multi-colored wildflowers dot the fields and hillsides with splashs of color. There are also dozens of lakes, rivers, and streams tossed in for good measure.
Along the route are many old mining towns that have retained their early architecture and charm and are living reminders of the rich history of the Mother Lode. Coulterville, Jamestown, Sonora, Angels Camp, Jackson, Nevada City, and Downieville all retain their 1850’s flavor and are worth visits when you have the time, especially if you like antique stores housed in vintage buildings. The California State Mining Museum in Mariposa offers an excellent collection of artifacts and explanations.
Railtown 1897 in Jamestown has been a fun stop for the MINIs on prior visits and is a living history museum which has been featured in over 200 movies and TV shows. It features
a museum (open daily) and weekend train rides powered by steam locomotives.
Almost all of CA-49 is a well-maintained, two-lane roadway with frequent passing lanes. Logging trucks and other large vehicles may slow traffic, so drive carefully and cautiously.
This is a great run for the MINIs, with a stop for lunch in Sonora, and shopping and sight-seeing. Spend the day with the MINIs cruising the Gold Rush Trail. What could be better in early spring, twists, scenery and shopping. This is exactly what makes the route wonderful, and makes it a great trip for everyone. Join us and discover California’s Mother Lode Country.
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