For those of you who have never had the pleasure, a MidCal tradition returns; A Day at the River.  Spend a wonderful afternoon on Saturday June 9th, relaxing and enjoying the the beauty of the Fresno River.  Start the day with a quick MINI Run followed by food and fun with MINI friends.

 The Fresno River is a river in Central California and a major tributary of the San Joaquin River. It runs approximately 68 miles (109 km) from the Sierra Nevada Range to the San Joaquin River.  The Fresno River is formed by the confluence of Nelder Creek and Lewis Fork near the locality of Yosemite Forks.  From this point, it flows south to Oakhurst west for several miles, then southwest to Hensley Lake. Below the lake, the river flows southwest to  Madera, then west to the  Eastside Bypass. The river exits the bypass then flows generally northwest to its confluence with the San Joaquin River, just north of  Highway 152.

This is a private event for MidCal MINI members and their guests.

When:    Saturday, June 9, 2012

What:     A MINI run followed by river volleyball, grotto exploring, and floating and cooling off in the River

Food:      Hot dogs, Subway sandwiches, lemonade and water will be provided.  Bring your favorite finger/nibble food, such as chips or veggies and dip, or if you prefer, dessert, watermelon, potato salad, etc., and bring your favorite beverage.

Bring or wear:  Swimsuits, water sandals/shoes and sunscreen.  Some camp and beach chairs are available but even more would be better, so bring your own.  You may also want to bring a towel, hat and camera.

Itinerary:  11:30 am – meet up at the house and drop off your “stuff”.  Take a quick run around the “block”.  Lunch and river fun will follow afterwards.

An RSVP is required.  Be sure to email mcm@midcalminis.org confirming your head count and what food you intend to bring.  Please RSVP no later than Saturday, June 2.

Yosemite Falls Cafe, at Granite Park  is back on for the location of the MidCal MINIs May 18th Club meeting.  Check the Calendar link for more information.  Besure to make your reservation by emailing Tina at mcm@midcalminis.org or clicking on the Club Calendar Tab above and opening the event on May 18th.  We need your RSVP, so don’t forget.  You don’t want to have to eat in your car!  See you on Friday.

As I was madly updating the website last night and looking for appropriate pictures, I ran across the name of a book that most certainly caught my attention; “Breakdancing on a Balance Beam: How to Find Balance as a Business Person and an Everything-Else-That-You-Are-Too Person”.  Boy do I need that one!   The book was described as a self-help book for anyone seeking assistance in juggling work, family, relationships, personal time and whatever else life throws at you.  I was intrigued but then it struck me;  do I really want to be sitting at home reading a book on how to relax on a great weekend in May, or do I want to be in my MINI, top down (MINImowse, not me) with the wind in my hair having a most-excellent MINI adventure.  While I  do think the book would be a good read, it is going to have to wait for a wet rainy day later in the year.  We have roads to drive, hills to climb and places to go! (I wonder if it comes on CD – drive and listen?)

If you are like me, your calendar is filled with graduations, weddings, family vacations, etc., but not to worry.   There are still lots of short MINI Adventures happening in May, June and July that you may want to participate in.  And while not all are official MidCal MINI Events, they are MINI events just the same.  Watch for posts on the Club Calendar as well as the right hand column on the webpage for events that members and others  may find interesting.  Oh and if you are lucky enough to get away, we expect 500 words or less on “What I did on my MINI Adventure”.  Just kidding, but pictures would be nice.

Speaking of pictures, I am trying to figure out just how to enable access for members to upload pictures directly to the Club Photos area of the website.  I have not quite figured that out yet and have engaged the services of my “In-House Geek”, better known as my sister Bitzie.  Be patient, we will get there; but you know how it goes with family, you are the last to be assisted when it’s free!  Shhh, don’t tell Bitzie I said that.

Update: I guess it pays to rag on your sister on the web as she has figured out how to enable the picture upload feature on our webpage!  Members interested in uploading pictures just need to log in and send a quick message to KIKImowse via our Messages function and you will be given upload rights.  We can set up a specific album for a particular event and we have created a Miscellaneous Album for general Club use.  Select the Album you want to post to and start uploading.  Once uploaded the Administrators are required to approve and post the pictures.  This is just the way WordPress works.

The weather could not have been nicer on Saturday April 28 when 17 MINIs participate in the Annual MidCal MINIs Jamestown/Sonora Run.  Twelve MINIs left the Starbuck’s on 41 and Shaw in Fresno at around 8:30 am.  It was smooth sailing to Raley’s in Oakhurst (Highway 41 and Highway 49) to meet up with our northern area members.  As the MINIs departed the Raley’s lot, they drew a small crowd of onlookers.  The MINIs lined up single file and then set out on the next leg of their trip.  As the MINI “fans” waved goodbye, with a quick flick of the official MINI wave, the group headed out Highway 49 to the Mariposa Fair Grounds.  The Fair Grounds area is a great spot for a meeting-up with plenty of room for the MINIs to stage their next departure, for drivers to stretch their legs and to take other necessary breaks.  Mariposadust led the group toward Sonora and made a side trip through the quaint little town of Hornitos.  (Population was 75 at the 2010 census.)

Not born from the gold rush of ’49, Hornitos was a strictly Mexican village built as if it had been transplanted from Mexico. “Hornitos” means “little ovens” in Spanish.  The town was never the same after it was invaded by the “undesirables” from neighboring mining camps. However, as the gold began to give out along the Mother Lode, the town started to return to its original form with the demand for law and order. The name of the infamous Mexican bandit, Joaquin Murieta, is still associated with Hornitos as he was almost captured there in the early 1850s, but escaped. Fortunately, much of the town can still be seen as it was during the days of the gold rush. It is located of off and west of highway 49 and west of Mariposa.

The town was founded by Mexicans who were run out of neighboring town of Quartzburg for the crime of being Mexicans. In its heyday Hornitos was a wide-open camp whose streets were lined with fandango halls, bars, and gambling dens. Today Hornitos lives on as one of the best preserved ghost towns in the Mother Lode with the ruins of the old Wells Fargo office, the stone Masonic Hall, the jailhouse, the store where the firm of D. Ghirardelli got its start in the 1850s and others.  

It was then a few more twisties before heading to lunch at “The Peppery” (13494 Mono Way, Sonora) which was exceptional once again this year.  Great food and our server did an outstanding job.  After lunch it was off to Jamestown and ice cream!  The group walked through the shops and just took time to enjoy the day and each others company.  At about 3:00 the MINIs formed smaller groups to make the trek back home again; some to Mariposa, some to Oakhurst and others back to Fresno and beyond.  Another great Run, with good friends and smashing little cars!  Be sure to check out the Club Photo Album of the Jamestown Run.

Saturday April 28 is our big day, the Annual MidCal MINIs Jamestown Run.  It’s popular, fantastic and truly thrilling all the way to Jamestown/Sonora!!!!!!!

We will meet at Starbuck’s on 41 and Shaw (318 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, Ca) around 8:15 am and will depart at 8:30 am SHARP! We will make a quick stop in Oakhurst at the Raley’s parking lot (40041 Highway 49, Oakhurst) to meet up with our northern area members (approx. arrival time will be 9:15 am with departure at 9:30 am). The group will then head out Highway 49 to the Mariposa Fair Grounds. (This will be another short 10-15 minute stop). Lunch will be at “The Peppery” (13494 Mono Way, Sonora). This year’s route will be the same route as last year. Sonora is approximately 127 miles from Fresno and the estimated time for this run is about 3 hours one way.

The money for your meal is payable to Tina beforehand and she will coordinate payment on behalf of the group. If anyone decides to drink alcohol you will need to bring separate funds for that. Remember your cash!!!

If you did not RSVP to Tina by April 20th, oh well…. see you next year.  If you did RSVP but then did to come and did not cancel by the 20^th you will still owe $5.00 per person for the non cancellation (as the group will still have to pay for you).  See you on Saturday!

Get out your calendar and mark the date; you simply do not want to miss out on one of MidCal’s most favorite runs!  It is time for the popular, fantastic and truly thrilling Jamestown/Sonora run!!!!!!!  The date has been set for Saturday, April 28th.  However an alternative is also available if the weekend of the 28th does not appeal to a large portion of the group.  We can move the date up a week to April 21st.   If you prefer the 21st over the 28th be sure to email Tina right away!

We will meet at Starbuck’s on 41 and Shaw (318 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, Ca) around 8:15 am and will depart at 8:30 am SHARP!   We will make a quick stop in Oakhurst at the Raley’s parking lot (40041 Highway 49, Oakhurst) to meet up with our northern area members (approx. arrival time will be 9:15 am with departure at 9:30 am). The group will then head out Highway 49 to the Mariposa Fair Grounds.   (This will be another short 10-15 minute stop).  Lunch will be at “The Peppery” (13494 Mono Way, Sonora).   This year’s route will be the same route as last year.   Sonora is approximately 127 miles from Fresno and the estimated time for this run is about 3 hours one way.

A change for this year is the Dinning Menu – you must choose from the choices below. The dollar amount stated includes food, choice of water, tea, coffee or soda, sales tax and tip. The money will be payable to Tina beforehand and she will coordinate payment on behalf of the group.  If anyone decides to drink alcohol you will need to bring funds for that. Remember your cash!!!  (If you need a different menu, contact Tina immediately.)

Please RSVP for everyone in your party including the meals selected.  We need to an accurate head count for lunch.   The last day to RSVP will be Friday April 20th.   Please note if you RSVP and do not cancel by the 20^th you will still owe $5.00 per person for the non cancellation (as we still have to pay for you). We have a minimum of 25 people for this reservation.

Oriental Chicken Salad $14.50

Crisp Romaine, bean sprouts, red bells, sesame seeds, roasted peanuts and char broiled chicken tossed in sesame oil dressing. 

Peppery Burger $14.75

Lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a 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.

This is a great run and we hope to see a large turnout.  Early RSVP is encouraged.

Great to see everyone on Friday, March 16th at the MidCal Monthly Meeting.  We had a great turnout and welcomed three new members and their MINIs to our little family.  We hope to see you at our future meetings and our upcoming events.

As noted, the turnout on Friday was great and just as a friendly reminder, please be sure to RSVP so that your seat with the group can be assured.  There are several ways to RSVP:  Email using the MidCal email address mcm@midcalminis.com; Text Message to Tina (MINIEOR) or confirm your attendance through the MidCal website http://www.midcalminis.org.  Upon logging in as a member, simply go to the Club Calendar tab at the top of the website and click on the event that you wish to attend.  An RSVP box appears and you simply need to fill it in with the number of individuals who will be attending the event.  If for some reason you must cancel your reservation, the Calendar tab allows for that as well.  Events will no longer be listed on Motoring Alliance so please be sure to register on the MidCal MINIs website so the upcoming events will be emailed to you.    Upon registering, be sure to configure your profile as to the notifications that you want to receive.

As for upcoming events, we have several exciting events coming up. Please note that the MINI Bowling date originally scheduled for Saturday March 24th has been rescheduled to Saturday March 31.  Rodeo Lanes had a large event scheduled for the 24th and the number of lanes available to our group would have been limited.  The time is the same – bowling beginning at 7:00 pm.  Check out the Club Calendar tab for more information, driving directions and to RSVP.  This is a great fun event and even if you don’t bowl, it is fun to watch others and share in good laughs and conversation.

The next MidCal Monthly Meeting is set for April 20th at Yosemite Falls Cafe starting at 6:30 pm.  Don’t forget to RSVP!

The first MidCal MINIs run of the season is one of our favorites – head for the gold country hills of Jamestown, near Sonora.  You must RSVP as soon as possible so as not to miss this great run.  This event is already listed on the Club Calendar tab on this website and Tina will be sending out an email with the lunch options for the Peppery.  When you RSVP make sure you make a meal selection.  There is room for comments when you RSVP using the Club Calendar.  You may also send an email to mcm@midcalminis.com to ensure that you are not overlooked.  RSVP’s must be received no later than one (1) week prior to the event.

Tina is also checking with VBAC to see if we can “co-mingle” our groups on several runs.  Stay tuned for more information.

Be sure to mark your calendar’s for Tron Chief’s “big day” as he retires from the U. S. Navy.  This is a private MidCal event and is listed on the Club Calendar for registered members.  The ceremony is the early afternoon of Friday, June 1st.

The expanded Morro Bay run which now includes a Winery Run, has been tentatively set for August 25th.  We are checking with the caterer before firming up the date.  We had such a great time at Rotta Winery last year that we are heading back again for a return engagement.  (Check out last year’s Jamestown write-up under Club Runs).

Tina also shared some sad news with the MidCal group on Friday; after three years as our Club President, Tina will be stepping down.  This is a true loss to our group as Tina has done such a fabulous job and has truly been the driving force in arranging such wonder events and keeping our rag-tag little group on track and organized.  Tina will be leaving very big shoes to be filled.

It’s EuroSunday again and this month’s main event is Sunday, March 18, 2012 at RaceRoom, River Park.  Meet up at 80 El Camino in Fresno, California at 8:00 am.  http://raceroom-fresno.com/

The MidCal MINIs family will be meeting up at Rodeo Lanes on Saturday, March 31st for another fun filled MINI Bowling adventure.  The event starts at 7:00 pm.  The cost per person is $5.20 and shoe rental is $4.25.  Rodeo Lanes is at 140 Shaw Avenue, Clovis.  Click on the Club Calendar for driving directions and to RSVP if you would like to attend.  http://www.amf.com/rodeolanes.  Please note that this is a change from the date that was originally posted.  We discovered that we would be competing for lanes with Big Brothers and Big Sisters on the 24th so the date had to be changed.

If you missed the MidCal meeting on Friday, February 17th, you missed a fun evening reconnecting with your MINI family.  During the traditional after dinner parking lot meeting, our littlest MidCal member  looked quite natural behind the wheel of the gorgeous blue MINI Cabrio.  (Look out CHP, in about 16 years, watch out for a new generation of MINI speed demons!  If you plan to catch her, you better get a MINI of your own.)  Topics at the meeting included upcoming MidCal events as well as a show of hands as to who would be going to AMVIV this year.  It would appear that given the change to June for this year’s AMVIV event, the caravan from the Central Valley will be sparse and perhaps even non-existent.  While no request for a show of hands was made with respect to who will be going to the MTTS event, there does seem to be interest.  MINIUSA has yet to announce the actual California destinations, but once they do, watch this site for details.

The group is looking for a substitute event in June for those not going to AMVIV.  Several items were tossed around with no final determination made.  A discussion Thread has been created in the Forum area of this site to take suggestions.  Also check out the Club Calendar tab for those events that have been set up.  The Club Calendar is also where you may RSVP for events that you are interested in.  You must be a registered member of this website in order to RSVP.  When you do make your reservation, make sure that the count that you enter is for each person that will be attending.  The count is by person, not by car or by couple.

The bowling event for Saturday, February 26th has been cancelled due to limited response.  This fun event will however be reschedule for Saturday, March 24th.  You don’t have to bowl well during this event you just have to enjoy laughing.  Watch the Club Calendar for the exact time and location.

Saturday, April 28th will be the first MidCal Run of the year.  One of the group’s favorite runs is to Jamestown up in gold country.  Check out the Club Runs tab for a discussion of last year’s run.  Lunch will be at the Peppery again this year – great food and super service.

Mark your calendars for our Monthly Club meeting on Friday, February 17th at Yosemite Falls Cafe - Granite Park at the northeast corner of Cedar and Shields.  Meeting starts at 6:30 pm and will be located in the large back room.  Click on the Club Calendar for more information and driving directions.  Be sure to RSVP.

And don’t forget EuroSunday on February 19th beginning at 8:00 am located at La Parisien Cafe & Bakery, 7775 North Palm Ave #101, Fresno CA.  While not an official MidCal event, this get together is fun just the same.  Meet up with other owners of European built vehicles.  Check the Upcoming events link to the right of the webpage.

This will be the last month that “Official” meeting notices and event notices will be posted to Motoring Alliance.  Beginning next month, all meeting notices will be posted to the MidCal website which can be found at http://www.midcalminis.org.  As a backup for the month of February we are also asking that you respond to the Motoring Alliance thread with your RSVP as well as by sending an email to the MidCal email address which is mcm@midcalminis.com.  One last favor, click on the Club Calendar on the MidCal website and use the RSVP function that is part of the Calendar.  We do apologize for the extra work but we want to make sure that no one is missed in the head count as we transition over to the MidCal website.  Thank you for your participation in the test of the RSVP system!  If we find that all systems are a go, beginning next month, you will only need to respond by using the calendar function which will hopefully streamline the process.  RSVP early so that we can ensure that it is working.