MidCal MINIs is introducing a new run this year, something short and sweet, not too far from home, but with just enough twisties and mountain scenery to make it a fun run.  The run will include a stop at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad and then lunch at The Forks Resort.

The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad (YMSPRR) is a historic 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge railway with two operating steam train locomotives located near Fish Camp, California, in the Sierra National Forest near the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park.  Rudy Stauffer organized the YMSPRR in 1961, utilizing historic railroad track, rolling stock and locomotives to construct a tourist line along the historic route of the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company.

The current railroad follows a portion of grade originally carved into the mountain by the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company in the early 20th Century. The company originated in 1874, when it was organized as the California Lumber Company to log the area surrounding Oakhurst, California. The Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company once had a large sawmill at Sugar Pine, California, just south of the current YMSPRR. The railroad had seven locomotives, over 100 log cars, and 140 miles (230 km) of track in the surrounding mountains. In addition to the railroad, the Company also transported lumber in a flume that stretched 54 miles (87 km) from Sugar Pine to Madera, California. This was the most efficient way to transport rough cut lumber out of the mountains for finishing and transport at the bottom of the mountain. The Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company practiced clearcutting, which removed almost every single tree within the stands of timber surrounding the YMSPRR track. The thick forest surrounding YMSPRR today belies this history, although large stumps from the original old growth timber dot the forest floor lining the tracks.

Due to the onset of the Great Depression and a lack of trees, the operation closed in 1931. But the graded right-of-way through the forest remained, enabling the Stauffer family to reconstruct a portion of the line in 1961. The current railroad utilizes locomotives, converted log disconnect cars, and other railroad equipment purchased from the West Side Lumber Company after it ceased railroad operations in 1961.

The Forks Resort

Located on Bass Lake, in the Sierra National Forest, 14 miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park and 8 miles from the southern end of the Golden Chain Highway through California’s Gold Country. The Forks Resort has built a reputation as a traditional family vacation spot. Family owned and operated for three generations, The Forks has provided quality and consistency year after year to their customers.

The Forks Restaurant, home of the famous “Forks Burger”, offers the finest in family dining. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring homemade soups, chili and dressings, served in the original “50’s Diner” setting.

The route:

http://binged.it/Z9RQbi

Leave Starbucks at 41 and Shaw at 9:00 a.m.

Stop in Oakhurst at the Raley’s parking lot and pick up any Oakhurst area attendees. (Should be in Oakhurst no later than 9:45 a.m.)

Arrive at Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad at approximately 10:45 a.m.

Purchase tickets for the train $19.00 or adults, $9.50 for children (tickets may also be purchased online at Tickets or at the location).

The group will board the train and ride from approximately 11:00 a.m. to noon.

Leave Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad at approximately 12:30 p.m. driving about 20 minutes to The Forks Resort.

The Forks Resort Restaurant  menu.

39150  Road 222 Bass Lake, CA 93604 Phone:(559)642-3737 – Please note that this location is a very busy location and it is a first come first serve. Also parking will be difficult but the food is awesome.  Have lunch in their outdoor eating area.

When ready, drive back to  145 via Crane Valley Road, Road 223 and O’Neal Road

Approximately a one hour drive back

RSVP to Tina at mcm@midcalminis.org so that an accurate head count may be obtained.  Please provide a complete head count by number of individuals attending.

While this MINI motorer was not able to participate in the Annual MidCal MINIs Jamestown/Sonora Run on Saturday, April 13, 2013, from the pictures found on Facebook, it looked to be a great event once again. The group met up at the Starbuck’s on Highway 41 and Shaw (318 East Shaw Ave, Fresno CA). Instructions were for arrival no later than 8:15 am and then hit the road at 8:30 am SHARP! Heading up Highway 41, the group made 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 close to 9:30 am. The enlarged group then headed 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 this year was the same as the one taken last year. Sonora is approximately 127 miles from Fresno and the run takes about three hours one way.

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.

MidCal MINI’s Monthly Meeting:

When: Friday, March 15 at 6:30 pm

Where:Yosemite Falls Cafe – 4020 North Cedar Avenue, Fresno, CA

Directions: 168 East to the Shields Ave exit. Make a left on Shields Ave. Then take the first right on to Cedar. Travel 0.7 miles and and enter Granite Park. Make a left from the main driveway, Yosemite Falls Cafe will be on your right.

Parking: After turning into the main driveway turn left to the parking lot area (Victory Grill will be on your left and Yosemite Falls on your right. We will park along the very back row (toward Ashlan – north) as this location gets very busy as the night goes on.

RSVP:   Please be sure to RSVP to Tina at mcm@midcalminis.org and try to do so by Thursday, March 14 so that she may have an accurate head count.  Reservations are by person, not by car or by couple.

According to legend, the leprechaun has a pot of gold hidden somewhere, and he must give up his treasure to the one who catches him. You’ll have to step lively and think quickly to capture a leprechaun’s gold though, because this sly little fellow will fool you into looking away an instant while he escapes into the forest.

MidCal MINIs – Bowling at Rodeo Lanes in Clovis – March 2, 2013

First time bowler, amature or pro, all bowlers are welcome to a MidCal MINIs bowling event; and the fun starts the second you walk in the door. You don’t even have to bowl to have fun. Being a member of the cheering section is just as much fun and always welcome. If you want to spend an evening of entertainment and good laughs, join us for this great event.

Directions: If coming from Highway 41, travel east on Shaw Ave., until you come to Minnewawa. Make a right onto Minnewawa and then make a left into the Rodeo Plaza Shopping Center. Rodeo Lanes is tucked in the back of the shopping center in the southeast corner. Parking is excellent.

Tina is setting up dinner beforehand at around 4:30 pm. at “Seven”, just across the street from Roedo Lanes. This leaves plenty of time for a bite to eat and then bowling. Email Tina at mcm@midcalminis.org if you are interested in dinner beforehand.

Tina has booked several lanes but if you RSVP early more lanes can be added as necessary. Tina will be paying up front so make sure you bring your cash to reimburse her. Upon a definitive head count and upon arrival at the Lanes, Tina will work out the best pricing. Several options are available.

Two hours of bowling per person is $16 each and includes shoe rental.

Or there is a package for six.

Love is in the air, so don’t forget your honey on Thursday, February 14th; and the very next day, Friday February 15th you can show your MINI some love too.  MidCal MINIs will be feeling the love by having a gathering of the MINIs. Bring your honey, in addition to your car, for the food, fun and friendship at the MidCal MINIs post Valentine’s meeting at YOSEMITE FALLS CAFE:

When: Friday, February 15th at 6:30 pm

Where: Yosemite Falls Cafe at Granite Park, 4020 North Cedar Avenue, Fresno, CA

Directions: 168 East to the Shields Ave exit. Make a left turn onto Shields Ave. heading West. Then take the first right at Cedar Avenue, heading north. Travel 0.7 miles and enter Granite Park from the main driveway on Cedar. Make a left turn on the round paved area. Yosemite Falls Cafe is on your right.

Parking: Just after passing Yosemite Falls Cafe on your right, head further north to the pack of the parking lot. We line up the MINIs in the back as the parking lot gets very busy as the night goes on.

RSVP: Don’t forget to let us know you are coming, we need an accurate head count to ensure you have a place to sit with the group. We generally encourage bringing folding chairs for the after dinner parking lot meeting, weather permitting.

Send your RSVP to Tina via email mcm@midcalminis.org and be sure to account for each individual that will be in attendance. Reservations are by person, not by car or by couple. See you at the meeting.

As they say “Babe it’s cold outside” but not the welcome from the MidCal MINIs.  This coming Friday, January 18th is the first club meeting of the new year and you don’t want to miss it.  It may be a chilly January but not the food, the fun or the friendship at MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting at YOSEMITE FALLS CAFE:

When: Friday, January 18th at 6:30 pm

Where: Yosemite Falls Cafe at Granite Park, 4020 North Cedar Avenue, Fresno, CA

Directions: 168 East to the Shields Ave exit. Make a left turn onto Shields Ave. heading West. Then take the first right at Cedar Avenue, heading north. Travel 0.7 miles and enter Granite Park from the main driveway on Cedar. Make a left turn on the round paved area. Yosemite Falls Cafe is on your right.

Parking: Just after passing Yosemite Falls Cafe on your right, head further north to the pack of the parking lot. We line up the MINIs in the back as the parking lot gets very busy as the night goes on.

RSVP: Don’t forget to let us know you are coming, we need an accurate head count to ensure you have a place to sit with the group. While we usually encourage bringing folding chairs for the after dinner parking lot meeting, unless you want frostbite, you are excused this month!

Send your RSVP to Tina via email mcm@midcalminis.org and be sure to account for each individual that will be in attendance. Reservations are by person, not by car or by couple. See you at the meeting.

Planning for 2013 is easy as we have created a handy MINI checklist with all of the MidCal MINIs activities planned for this upcoming year all written down in one place. All you have to do is click here on CHECKLIST and print out a nice handy-dandy list to post on your fridge or to carry in your wallet.

Do you have additional events that you would like to see in 2013?

What would you like to do? Email Tina at mcm@midcalminis.gov and let her know what you would like to see added to our calendar.  Please be sure to include all of the specifics related to the activity.  Volunteers are also welcome to help organize a run, coordinate an event, lead the group on a great adventure.

HAPPY NEW YEAR – 2013

January

January 18th – Saturday

MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting – Yosemite Falls Cafe at Granite Park*

No Club Event or Run scheduled at this time, what would you like to do?

February

February 15th – Friday - MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

February 16th or 23rd – Saturday - Bowling at Rodeo Lanes in Clovis**

February 17th - Stormin’ Norman’s MINI Thunder IV at Thunderhill Raceway?

March

March 15th – Friday - MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

March 23rd – Saturday - Bowling at Rodeo Lanes in Clovis** (Date Change)

April

April 19th – Friday - MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

April 20th – Saturday - Annual Jamestown Run

May

May 17th – Friday – MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

May 18th  – Saturday – Tentative – Sugar Pine Railroad Run

June

June 15th – Saturday - Open, event needed – what would you like to do?

June 21st – Friday- MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

July

July 13th – Saturday – Off Road Event – more information to come.

July 19th – Friday – MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

August

August 16th – Friday - MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

August 17th – Saturday - Morro Bay / Winery Run

September

September 20th - MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

September 28th and 29th - Valley British Car Show, Clovis Car Roundup

October

October 5th – Saturday – Tioga Pass Run

October 18th – Friday – MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

November

Nothing planned at this time, what would you like to do?

December

Nothing planned at this time

Notes:

*Unless otherwise noted, all MidCal Monthly Meetings are held at Yosemite Falls Cafe located at 4020 North Cedar Avenue in Granite Park and start at 6:30 pm.

Driving directions are: From 168 East to the Shields Ave exit. Make a left turn onto Shields Ave. and then take the first right on Cedar Ave heading north. Travel 0.7 miles to Granite Park (on your right just past Dakota). Upon entering the main entrance at Granite Park, take a left passing between Yosemite Falls Cafe and Me-N-Eds. Parking is along the very back row of the parking lot as the location can get very busy. RSVP’s are a must as an accurate head court is needed. Please RSVP to Tina at least three full days before the meeting and also let her know if something comes up and you must cancel or attendance as well.

**AMF Rodeo Lanes is located at 140 Shaw Ave. in Clovis California just past Minnewawa.

Can you believe that in less than two months Christmas will be upon us; and then we will be starting another New Year?  If you are already thinking ahead and planning your vacation or other equally exciting events for 2013, don’t forget to pencil in the MidCal MINIs Club events.  Below is the newly released list of Club events for 2013.  Several dates are tentative and will be finalized as we get closer to the month.  Several months are in need of events so if you would like to see a particular run or event added to the list,  send us an email by using this “suggestion box” link.

To make your planning for 2013 easy we have once again created a handy MINI checklist with all of the MidCal MINIs activities planned for this upcoming year all written down in one place. All you have to do is click here on CHECKLIST and print out a nice handy-dandy list to post on your fridge or to carry in your wallet.

But before leaving 2012 completely behind, we have two MINI months left in 2012 with fun things to do.

November 10th – Saturday

Two options are available for November 10th, a trek to Superior Dairy in Hanford for lunch and ice cream or Bowling at Rodeo Lanes in Clovis**.  Of course after the wonderful Superior Dairy ice cream, maybe we should bowl afterwards to work off the calories?  What would you like to do?  Email Tina at mcm@midcalminis.gov.

December 8th – Saturday

December 8th  - The date has been set for this great annual event hosted by Tom and Tina (MINIEOR) – the Annual MidCal MINIs Potluck Christmas Party. Tom will resume his duties as Master of the BBQ for this BYOB event.  Similar to prior years the party will have an early start time (approximately 3:00 PM) to enable enjoyment of the great scenery, wonderful weather and to expand quality chat time.  All are welcomed to stay as long as they want.   Those partaking of the Holiday libations (drinking) and those not wanting to drive home, are encouraged to bring a sleeping bag  and to stay the night.  Several bedrooms will be available, (first come – first serve) and of course the living room floor is open for business as well.  The party venue also has room for a trailer or motor home.  There are no hookups however but Tom and Tina certainly offer lots of options.  If you are interested, email Tina early to reserve your space.

As per tradition for those wishing to participate, there is the ever popular gift exchange.  The ONLY RULES: Don’t spend more than $20 to $25 and preferably something with a MINI theme (for a MINI, having to do with a MINI or something for the MINI driver).

Watch for an email from Tina for more information.

And then….

HAPPY NEW YEAR – 2013

January

January 18th – Saturday

MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting – Yosemite Falls Cafe at Granite Park*

No Club Event or Run scheduled at this time, what would you like to do?

February

February 15th – Friday - MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

February 16th or 23rd – Saturday - Bowling at Rodeo Lanes in Clovis**

February 17th - Stormin’ Norman’s MINI Thunder IV at Thunderhill Raceway?

March

March 15th – Friday - MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

March 30th – Saturday - Bowling at Rodeo Lanes in Clovis**

April

April 19th – Friday - MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

April 27th – Saturday - Annual Jamestown Run

May

May 17th – Friday – MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

May 18th or 25th – Saturday – Tentative – Sugar Pine Railroad Run

June

June 15th – Saturday - Open, event needed – what would you like to do?

June 21st – Friday- MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

July

July 13th – Saturday – Off Road Event – more information to come.

July 19th – Friday – MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

August

August 16th – Friday - MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

August 17th – Saturday - Morro Bay / Winery Run

September

September 20th - MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

September 28th and 29th - Valley British Car Show, Clovis Car Roundup

October

October 5th – Saturday – Tioga Pass Run

October 18th – Friday – MidCal MINIs Monthly Meeting*

November

Nothing planned at this time, what would you like to do?

December

Nothing planned at this time

Notes:

*Unless otherwise noted, all MidCal Monthly Meetings are held at Yosemite Falls Cafe located at 4020 North Cedar Avenue in Granite Park and start at 6:30 pm.

Driving directions are:  From 168 East to the Shields Ave exit.  Make a left turn onto Shields Ave. and then take the first right on Cedar Ave heading north.  Travel 0.7 miles to Granite Park (on your right just past Dakota).  Upon entering the main entrance at Granite Park, take a left passing between Yosemite Falls Cafe and Me-N-Eds.  Parking is along the very back row of the parking lot as the location can get very busy.  RSVP’s are a must as an accurate head court is needed.  Please RSVP to Tina at least three full days before the meeting and also let her know if something comes up and you must cancel or attendance as well.

**AMF Rodeo Lanes is located at 140 Shaw Ave. in Clovis California just past Minnewawa.