miatatudes - Sacramento Area Miata Owners Association

By Robin George
MIATATUDES
SACRAMENTO AREA MIATA OWNERS ASSOCIATION
July 2014
Happy Fourth of July everyone!!!! The
club had a very rewarding evening on
the 18th of June. We had the honor
displaying our vehicles to a very
rewarding group of senior citizens.
This was the fourth visit to the
Greenhaven Senior Citizen Complex.
Nine members with five cars traveled
the shortest route we have. After
fueling we lined up and after driving
the concourse (no one got lost) we
pulled into the parking lot of the
center. An area was coned off and
after lining up the cars to be displayed
I had each owner explain the nuances
of their Miata’s. The residents were
held captive by how the owners had
prepared their vehicles and amazed
how different each car was. Then
some of the residents walked around
and asked the owners questions. After
an hour the residents told us they
were really appreciative and thanked
us for visiting with them. We made a
point to make as much noise as we
could when we left the parking lot to
let them know, yes, they are sports
cars. Our destination was the Freeport
Inn. We had dinner and weren’t
disappointed because the Inn always
has excellent food.
ANNOUNCEMENT: In case you haven’t
heard Elk Grove Mazda is hosting our
General Meeting on September 11th.
They offered their facility and to
provide light foods and we will also
have beverages. I’m requesting that
everyone attend the General Meeting
to show our support to their
dealership. Shine up your Miata’s and
let’s show off. More information will
follow as the date gets closer.
As most of you well know or maybe
you don’t, the Board of Officers has
been running around the countryside
looking for an ideal spot to hold the
25th Anniversary in 2015. The 20th
Anniversary was held at Bear Valley
Lodge and everyone (I think) enjoyed
the venue and had a good time. The
(Continued on page 2)
Inside this issue:
Who’s New
2
NEXT MEETING
From Our Members
3-7
Thursday, July 10th
The Road Ahead
8-10
BLACK BEAR DINER
The Road Ahead Extended
11-12
2700 El Centro Rd, Sacramento
In the Rear View Mirror
13-14
(near I-80 and W El Camino Avenue)
Tech Talk
Treasure Trove
15-16
17
916-641-2327
Come early for dinner, 6pm
SAMOAN MENU
18
Meeting at 7pm
Who’s New by Mike DeLaurentis
Each month Miatatudes will include a welcome to the new members that have joined our club.
The following people have joined SAMOA
SAMOANS, be sure to say “hi” and make our new members feel welcome.
New Member
Miata
Lynne Sperry
2014 Meteor Gray “Dreyfus”
Ken Sutton
2003 Blue
Dennis & Jan Dunn
2000 Mahogany Mica
Michael Sim
2007 Green
Leo & Hilary Macias
2014 Silver
Harry & Susan Nestor
2015 Zeal Red
(Robin’s Nest continued from page 1)
club sold out the Lodge and the raffle raised a ton of money for charity. But for this upcoming party, I
need your help. Try providing the Board with any ideas or suggestions for the event along these similar
lines or bring up some of your own. Where would you like to have the 25th, and what kind of activities
would you like to do? Examples are: Would you prefer to stay overnight? Drive to a facility and go
home on the same day? On the same vein: Do you want a three day event, two day event or one day
event? One big drive, two short drives, one big catered dinner, many drives to interesting places, a big
room to gather and mingle, dancing, gambling, and whatever. We want to make this a celebration for
all our members and also invite all Miataphiles from all over. Please email me and let me know what
you want, after all it’s your club. The above are just a couple of suggestions. If you can think of some
other ways to celebrate besides setting Ron on fire, please let us know. Just Kidding about Ron.
September 11, 2014 monthly
meeting is being held at Elk
Grove Mazda!
M I A T A T U D E S
Page 2
From Our Members
THE MILLION-MILE MIATA
Adi Damania
If an over-enthusiastic salesman can do a
million miles in his SAAB 900 so can a Miata which is what the Road & Track (R&T)
magazine has set out to do. More than the
sum of its parts, the ubiquitous Japanese
roadster did not go about conquering the
motoring world - it became pals with everyone
in it by its clean cut lines, excellent road
holding, and an indestructible DOHC engine.
A R&T staffer found a blue 1990 Mazda Miata with close to 325,000 miles on Craig's List. This was the
highest mileage Miata he had seen. So he thought why do go for the ultimate challenge? And a MillionMile Miata project took shape. The car is of course registered in California. The transmission is manual.
R&T has even offered to loan the car to readers on week-ends or longer to chock up the mileage so
that the million miles come up in may be 5-7 years (while we are still around to witness the great day!).
Read all about the project on the R&T website as well as follow the car on Facebook:
Million-Mile Miata
A GREAT FIND: CLASSIC & ANTIQUE CARS PARKED IN THE SHADE
In a shady lane, lined with coconut, mango, and Poinciana regia trees, in the upscale Bandra suburb of
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) lives a 53-year old car enthusiast and collector whose interest in these rare
machines was sparkled by his dad’s love for the same.
This collection of more than a dozen cars include three 1928 Model A Fords, a 1914 Model T Ford, a 1923
Crossley, a 1927 Erskine 6 (a real winner in a period costume rally I am told), a 1952 Jaguar Mk 7 sedan,
a 1971 Beetle Cabriolet, a 1972 Porsche 914 (which as we know has a VW engine), a 1966 Mercedes
Benz 230 SL roadster, and a 1973 VW Camper Combi, a preferred mode of transport among the hippies
and flower children in the 1970s, and some other cars. All cars are totally original and except for the
FORDS, unrestored!
The collector’s wife, son and daughter are all into their dad’s hobby, which is good since it means that
the cars will be loved and looked after for decades to come and more than one car from the collection
can be entered in a vintage car rally. However, due to price of real estate in Mumbai, one of the most
expensive in the world, the cars are kept under canvass covers on the street. The cars also participate
regularly in the Bombay Vintage Car Rallye and even drive up to Poona about 120 miles away for events
there.
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M I A T A T U D E S
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The cars are all in running condition, but it is difficult to find good mechanics and spare parts, but
somehow the collector (who wants to remain anonymous) keeps the show going at great expense
and time. He also recalled to me many humorous incidents on the road. For want to space I shall not
go into them here. Being a self-employed person he does face the financial strains at times, but his
and his family’s enthusiasm keeps him going.
I asked the hobbyist if he faced many incidents of pilferage or vandalism since such precious cars
were just parked on the street day and night. He said that he did not face many acts of theft but
there were always attempt to sabotage his cars before a rally/event or a car show!!! This smacks of
the plot of the 1965 motion picture “The Great Car Race” (Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis & Natalie
Wood – noted for one scene which has gone down as the greatest pie fight ever!!!
FORD Model T (1914) with original brass radiator – car runs
like new
Mercedes Benz 230 SL (1966) – The decals are totally removable!
M I A T A T U D E S
Other FORDS Model T (Red and Yellow, 1928)
VW Beetle rare cabriolet (1971) – He gave me a ride in it!
Continued on page 5
Page 4
(Continued from page 4)
Member Participation
Ron Petrich
This article is as much a challenge to SAMOA members as it is an observation. I guess it could devolve
into criticism, but that is not my intent. We are a car club of individuals, and as such we all have
different reasons for maintaining our membership. However…
My recent observation, as webmaster and keeper of the RSVP statistics, is that very few SAMOANs
participate in club events. This despite the fact that, just two short years ago, you completed a
member survey indicating that, as a primary goal, more than one third joined the club in order to
participate in events. Our survey returned responses of about 50% of the membership. When asked the
question “why did you join SAMOA?” nearly 35% of all respondents indicated that it was to participate
in club events. With a membership of about 220 people, that equates to almost 40 members for each
event.
And yet, we are usually lucky to get half that number to come out. Why? Is it the type of event? Do
drives turn people off? Are we continuing to drive the same old roads and go to the same old places?
Are the drives too aggressive? Are they too sedate? Or has the membership turned over so much in just
22 months that we are addressing completely different people?
I don’t have the answers. It seems that multiple global emails are now required to foster any kind of
turnout. Don’t get me completely wrong though. Much of the joy of owning a Miata is the drive itself,
whether with 40 other owners or by one’s self. But it is certainly more fun in a crowd of MX-5s.
I (and others I am sure) would be interested in your thoughts and comments regarding this article.
Why not write a response or comment for next month’s newsletter. Or just send your observations to
the editor or to any BOO member. After all, this club is strictly a volunteer organization, and we need
your input, support and participation to make it a lasting success.
See you at our next event.
ZoomZoom
Greetings from Portlandia!
You all probably think I have abandoned SAMOA, but no- I'm just still up here inspecting steel for
projects home in California. Our Miata was up here last summer and Cat was kind enough to drive it up
for us to explore Oregon and Washington. Of course I can't seem to leave any vehicle totally stock, so
we now have Racing Beat sway bars and end links underneath. And new wheels, tires and fender flares
to personalize the look. I went with American made Minilite replicas because I like Mazda's concept of
the British Sports Car without the British reliability issues. The fender flares came from a 2009 SEMA
(Continued on page 6)
M I A T A T U D E S
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show car. They go on with automotive double stick
tape only, thus allowing the car to be returned to
original.
I have received many compliments on the look. In
fact, I went to the Rose Cup races at Portland
International Raceway a couple of weeks ago. They
had a car show too, so I entered…
Guess the car show attendees liked it too! Got 2nd
place for wheels/tires and 1st place for longest
distance traveled to get there! I hope Cat likes the
wine.
I may be living in Vancouver for another year and a
half or so, but we will be with SAMOA at the big
event at Laguna Seca. I have my track day on Sunday.
Hope to see you all at a SAMOA event near home one
of these days. Meanwhile I will spread SAMOA
hospitality around here.
Ken Johnson (and Cat Black, holding down the fort at
home)
FOURTH OF JULY TRIVIA Submitted by Ellen Frosh
Did you know that the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain actually occurred on
July 2, 1776?
John Adams wrote, in a letter to his wife:
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to
believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought
to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought
to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and
illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.
So why is Independence Day celebrated on July 4th? From the outset, Americans celebrated
independence on July 4th, because it was the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of
Independence rather than on July 2nd, which was the date the resolution of independence was
approved in a closed session of Congress.
Another bit of interesting trivia is the fact that most historians think that the Declaration was actually
(Continued on page 7)
M I A T A T U D E S
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(Continued from page 6)
signed on August 2nd, 1776, nearly a month after its adoption and not on July 4th, as is commonly
believed.
Which three presidents died on the Fourth of July?
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. Adams, the second president, and Jefferson, the
third president, both died on the same day in 1826.
What other presidents were near misses?
On July 4, 1850, President Zachary Taylor attended ceremonies for the Washington Memorial and
returned to the White House for a bowl of cherries and milk. He became sick to his stomach that night
and died five days later. On July 2, 1881, President James Garfield was shot. He died several months
later.
Which president was born on the 4th of July?
Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, in 1872.
How many people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th?
Two
When was the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence?
July 8, 1776. Actually, the Liberty Bell rang out from Independence Hall to summon the crowd.
On what date did most of the signers actually sign the doc?
August 2, 1776
Who was the oldest signatory?
Ben Franklin. He was 70.
Who was the youngest?
Edward Rutledge. 26 years old. He owned 50 slaves. Later became governor of South Carolina.
Which state had the most delegates sign?
Pennsylvania. There were nine.
Who was the last signatory of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas McKean, January, 1777. He was at one time the president of the continental congress, later
became a governor of Pa.
When did Abraham Lincoln give his 1863, July fourth address?
On July 7, 1863. On July 4, citizens in Washington were celebrating what appeared to be a victory at
Gettysburg and wanted Lincoln to give a speech but he would only issue a short proclamation. He was
(Continued on page 12)
M I A T A T U D E S
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The Road Ahead
The following is a list of upcoming events. If you have any ideas for a run, or you need help organizing
a run, please contact anyone on the BOO and we will be more than happy to help you.
Please use the RSVP form for each event you are planning to attend.
http://sacramentoareamiata.org/rsvpform.html
Events Coordinator-Mike Sipe
email: [email protected]
July, 11, 2014
Fountains at Roseville II
SAMOA members have again been invited by the management of Fountains at
Roseville to display their Miatas. This exclusive car show is for our members only.
The event will take place on Friday, July 11th between 4:30 pm and 10:00 pm. In
addition to the car show, there will be art and craft vendors, food booths, music
and plenty of shopping and restaurants. There is no charge to attend this event.
Exhibitors will need to bring their cars between 4:30-5:30 pm. and will be
positioned in the reserved parking section based on first come first parked. Once
all the vehicles are parked, the area will be closed off to pedestrian traffic only. The
event will run for the public between 6 pm-10 pm. Vehicles will not be allowed to
leave early for safety reasons.
We need a minimum of 30 Miatas and have a maximum of 36 spaces available.
Contact Robin George for information or questions at [email protected] or (916)
359-2627.
July 12, 2014
Kirkwood Pancake Run
We will be meeting at the McDonalds in Cameron Park for a little coffee and
socializing. We should arrive around 10:15 and there will a pitstop at either Ham's
Station or Cook's Station about an hour into the ride. We will take a new circuitous
route through the Sierras. After breakfast we will proceed down Mormon
Immigrant Trail and through Pleasant Valley. The Inn features a complete
breakfast menu but the pancakes are the feature. They do not take reservations
but we have never had to wait in all the years that I have done this run with
various clubs. For more information go here. Meeting Location: McDonald's, 3356
Coach Lane, Cameron Park (in the Safeway parking lot), Meeting Time: 8:00 AM
Departure Time: 8:30 AM Contact: Jack Parker [email protected] (916) 718-1545
July 19, 2014
USS Hornet Tour
This is a docent-guided tour of the USS Hornet, CVS-12, located at the USS Hornet
Museum site in Alameda, CA. The tour will last approximately 2 hours. The cost of
the tour is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 65 and older, and $6 for children under 18.
The $60 cost of the docent will be divided among the participants. When you RSVP
provide your ages in the comment field of the RSVP form. Payment will be made to
Ron on arrival. We will depart from the McDonald's Restaurant in Davis (4444
Chiles Road, Davis, CA 95618 530-753-5001) at 8:00AM sharp, in order to arrive in
Alameda in plenty of time for our scheduled tour, which will begin at 10:30AM.
Following our tour, we will drive to the Pier 29 Restaurant, also located in
Alameda, for a casual lunch. Contact: Ron Petrich (916) 454-1008
[email protected]
M I A T A T U D E S
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The Road Ahead Continued
August 15th,
16th and
17th, 2014
Monterey Historic
Monterey Week will once again be held this year during the third weekend of August.
As in past years, MazdaUSA will be hosting all Miata owners at the free Mazda Corral,
located on the inside of turn 5 at Laguna Seca. The Miata corral on Saturday will
include a tent, exclusive parking for Miatas only, free breakfast and lunch, and Mazda
giveaways.
If you plan to attend the Miata corral, please send us a courtesy RSVP. Check the
website for detailed information. Contact Ron Petrich (916) 454-1008
[email protected]
September 5
-7, 2014
Miatas At Mazda Raceway 25th Anniversary Event
Please save the date for this historic event. We want to see if we can have the largest
contingent of attendees from any Miata club in the world. And we certainly want to
give our best effort in helping to set a new Guinness world record for the largest
gathering of Miatas ever. As information becomes available I will pass it along on this
page, or you can also visit the Miatas at MRLS website for information. With the
support of Mazda, plus the anticipated upcoming introduction of the fourthgeneration Miata, this event, so close to home, promises to be one you will not want
to miss.
Samoa members and other Sacramento Miata enthusiasts... Once you officially register
for this event, please let us also know by completing the RSVP form found on the
following page that provides all the details of the event: http://
sacramentoareamiata.org/event_MRLS2014.html
September
14, 2014
Fall in the Vines
SAMOA's 24th birthday will be celebrated once again at Windwalker Winery, 7360
Perry Creek Road, Fair Play, California 95684. Join us for a spirited drive in the foothills,
catered BBQ lunch, lawn games, dunking, prizes, and of course splendid wine tasting.
Save the date of Sunday, September 14, 2014. More details will be provided as we get
closer to the picnic. Contact Jeanne George (916) 359-2627
September
27, 2014
Indian Grinding Rock
This is an event that has been run a few times in the past. We have heard how
enjoyable it is, but never had the chance to go on it ourselves. September 26th is
Native American Day and according to their website, the locals celebrate it on
Saturday, the 27th. We don't have all the info just yet, but we wanted to save the
date. The event pace is classed as I for interesting. Cost is under $10. Contact: Mike &
Marlaina Wilson (916) 331-3670
M I A T A T U D E S
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The Road Ahead Continued
October 10
13, 2014
24th Annual Fort Bragg Weekend
This annual event is a big favorite. We will make a run to Fort Bragg on Friday, for a
weekend stay. We have a block of rooms reserved at the Best Western. This is the
Columbus Day holiday weekend so our special rate will be available the nights of
October 10th to October 12th (checking out the 13th ). This event allows you to either
find your own fun in this beautiful coastal area, or participate in various events we will
organize such the 2014 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP ABALONE COOK-OFF & FESTIVAL 2014
on Saturday Oct. 11th,
The Friday run will leave from the McDonalds off of the Mace Blvd exit in Davis. We will
meet at 8:00 a.m. and leave promptly at 8:30 a.m. This will be a leisurely drive with
several rests stops. Telephone the motel directly at (707) 964-4776 to make your
reservations. Be sure to mention you are with our group. The proprietors of the Best
Western know us as THE Miata Club.
Detailed information is on the website.
Please either call or E mail us as you make your reservations for the trip so we will
know how many cars/people are coming. Contact Vince Weis & Kathi Bell (916) 4225094 (H) (916) 747-4627 (C) [email protected]
December 6,
2014
SAMOA Christmas Party
Jenn and Mike Sipe will coordinate the event. It will be held at Vince's Ristorante in Elk
Grove. We will once again be entertained by Jason Carmel. Please contact Jenn or Mike
Sipe at (916) 685-1966 or by email [email protected] for more information.
OK Guys,
Admit it, this applies to all of
us man, woman, girl or boy.
We go out to wash our car
and we think the hood could
use a little detailing and we
notice a scratch so we go get
the touch-up paint and we
see the new whatever we
bought that takes us under
the hood and it doesn’t end
there does it?
M I A T A T U D E S
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The Road Ahead Extended
The following are extended descriptions of some upcoming events. Please contact the coordinator of
the specific events for more information. Thank you. Events Coordinator-Mike Sipe
Fountains at Roseville II
WE STILL NEED SAMOA MIATAS
By Jeanne George
July 11th, Friday
4:30 pm to 10:00 pm
SAMOA members have again been invited by the
management of Fountains at Roseville to display their Miatas.
This exclusive car show is for our members only. The event
will take place on Friday, July 11th between 4:30 pm and 10:00 pm. In addition to the car show, there
will be art and craft vendors, food booths, music and plenty of shopping and restaurants. There is no
charge to attend this event.
Exhibitors will need to bring their cars between 4:30-5:30 pm. and will be positioned in the reserved
parking section based on first come first parked. Once all the vehicles are parked, the area will be
closed off for pedestrian traffic only. The event will run for the public between 6 pm-10 pm. Vehicles
will not be allowed to leave early for safety reasons.
We need a minimum of 30 Miatas and have a maximum of 35 spaces available. Contact Robin George
for information or questions at [email protected] or 916 359-2627. Please use RSVP form for this
event.
SAVE THE DATE
FALL IN THE VINES
Sunday, September 14th
By Jeanne George
On October 13, 1990 the first meeting of the
Sacramento Miata Club (its temporary name) was
held. Thirteen people arrived for this meeting and
signed on as charter members. Of the original 13
attendees, only 2 are still with the club today: Skip
Noyes and Dennis Swaney. At this first meeting,
Carmichael Park Miata gathering, October 13, 1990.
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M I A T A T U D E S
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the items discussed were dues, meeting days, meeting locations, determining officer positions,
and upcoming events. After a period of time, this group organized the SAMOA Club (Sacramento
Area Miata Owners Association). Read next month’s Miatatudes to find out why the name was
selected!
Jim and Alanna Taff, owners of the Windwalker Vineyard and Winery have
again graciously offered us the use of their facilities at no cost to our Club.
This will be our eighth year at their winery. This year their wines were
honored with several awards and some will be available for tasting at our
event.
Additional details will be provided in the near future.
(Continued from page 7)
waiting to get a complete report and for further news out west, where General Grant was laying
siege to Vicksburg. He later found out that Vicksburg had fallen on July 4th. Lincoln gave his
speech three days late.
What other countries celebrate the 4th of July?
Denmark, Norway, Sweden and England.
In what year did July 4 become a paid legal federal holiday?
It became an unpaid federal holiday in 1870. And a lot of trivia sites say that it became a paid
holiday in 1941 but it was actually passed by congress in 1938.
How did Nathan’s, Fourth of July, Hot Dog contest begin?
It started out as a dispute among four immigrants over who was the most patriotic. And so, that
explains why this country is overweight. We are patriotic!
What American President was famous for playing golf every Fourth of July?
Dwight D. Eisenhower.
What modern First Lady wore a bejeweled American Flag in her lapel on every Fourth of July? Pat
Nixon, Jackie Kennedy, Hillary Clinton or Betty Ford?
Jackie Kennedy.
What pitcher threw a no hitter on the fourth of July?
Dave Righetti of the NY Yankees in 1983. But perhaps the wildest game ever played happened on
July 4 between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets. It went 19 innings and ended close to 4
AM. Mets won 16-13.
M I A T A T U D E S
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In the Rear View Mirror
See what fun we had last month! Pictures of events are posted at the following link: http://www.sacramentoareamiata.org/photos.html
We Took A Ride And We Took A Hike—May 31, 2014
One could not ask for better weather. After a few scorching hot days in Sacramento, we received a
relative cool-off for Mike and Helen’s run. We met at our Northern meeting area, the McDonald’s off
of Sierra College. A total of 17 Miatas where there with 33 warm
and friendly bodies. After a few minutes of meeting people and
mingling, our prep-meeting was given where we all introduced
ourselves and our cars. Everyone there agreed that the Silver
2000 with black racing stripes was clearly the most beautiful
car there. Dina and I were honored to be recognized for that.
When Mike asked if we had any Miata Run Virgins on this trip,
my wife (Dina) did not realize the responsibility that would
come from raising her hand. She was selected to write the
article for the event. As much as she wanted to put pen to paper, our lives with two teenage high
school kids, obligation with the Church and her working as the primary ultrasound cardiotechnologist at the UC Davis Children’s Hospital, time is not always on her side. Since I had a few
more moments of free time in my life, I offered to do the writing from her notes. So here goes…
It was a great experience for us to meet new people and for me to see familiar faces. I almost felt
like I had never left. I took a moment to explain the basic differences of the A/B/C models to Dina.
She actually asked me to “quiz” her on what years certain body styles where. Once the morning
meeting was wrapped up, and the silver Miata with black racing stripes was identified the most
beautiful car there (sorry, for the repeat, but it does bear repeating), we set off on a beautiful drive
through the Auburn Foothills.
Although we have had our silver Miata since February of this year, Dina and I really had not had an
opportunity to drive the car the way it’s meant to. Top down,
through rolling foothills on a beautiful early-summer morning.
We were so thankful we were able to make this event and Dina
finally got an idea of what I was constantly bragging about.
The drive itself was relatively short for a Miata run because the
true gem in this event was the hike at Hidden Falls Regional Park.
This place was tucked away in roads one could only appreciate if
they were in a Miata (particularly a 2000 silver Miata with black
racing stripes). Once arriving,
drivers jockeyed for prime
pavement parking. The rest of us parked on dirt or behind the
horse trailers (lesson learned, parking there may result in a
parking ticket). Fortunately for me, one of our members warded
off the warden from issuing actual tickets to just “notices” to
not park there. That would not have been a good first trip for us
had we received a parking ticket.
(Rear View continued on page 14)
M I A T A T U D E S
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Continued from page 13)
(
The hike itself was left to each person. Many went in small groups to
different areas of the park. It was wonderful to see so many families with
little kids exploring the park. The area was
clean and though the water ran low, it was still
beautiful. We all returned to the parking lot at
various times and some left, some went to
lunch and some continued to hike. We had
other obligations so we had to depart. Our ride
home was just as much fun and Dina is
convinced that being a Miata-phile is not so
crazy.
Hugo and Dina Schmidt
2000 Silver Miata (with black racing stripes)
M I A T A T U D E S
Page 14
Tech Talk by Lee Galati
So, What is “Bad” Gas and Should I Avoid It?
In the days of carburetors and gas wars, gasoline quality
was always a hot coffee shop or bar topic. Everyone
seemed to have a story about how their car ran terrible
after getting gas at a “cheap” gas station or that a certain
brand of gas would develop sludge and ruin an engine. At
the turn of the century, carburetors were gone and
“cheap” gas stations became an endangered species.
However, when the price of gas went over $4 for the first
time, even the people who typically seek quality gas were
willing to take the risk of cheaper gas. The fear of hurting their engine returned, stoked by gasoline
advertisements suggesting discount fuel was the gasoline equivalent of the road to hell. The question
became, is the cheaper gas really “bad” gas and if so, will using it until the gas prices return to
“normal” hurt my engine?
First of all when I refer to “bad” or “cheap” gas I am not referring to the octane ratings of gas which
are categorized as premium (91 octane) and regular (87 octane). Octanes are a group of hydrocarbons
added to gas to slow down the fuel’s urge to self-ignite. They simply help engines run without pinging
or knocking. Car manufacturers recommend premium gasoline for some cars, but many don’t need it.
And, if your car is rated for a lower octane, buying premium offers no benefit. Octane ratings do not
signify any difference in the quality of gasoline. However, on a side note for those who are on a tight
budget when gas prices shoot up, the computers in cars are now sophisticated enough to sense the
octane rating and adjust the ignition timing and fuel mixture to allow the engine to run on a lower
octane without knocking or pinging. Performance and mileage may suffer a bit on a lower octane but
your household budget may run smoother.
Poor quality gas will leave deposits on your engine’s interior combustion chamber and leave sludge in
the valves and injectors. Even after the EPA required a minimum of additives (cleaning agents) to be
added to gas to reduce emissions, several automakers were still alarmed at the amount of clogged
injectors they were finding. GM, BMW, Honda, Toyota, Audi, and Volkswagen got together with several
of the large oil refineries to increase the cleaning agents in the gasoline – as much as 2 ½ to 5 times the
additives the EPA requires. They promoted this gas with increased additives as Top Tier. There is no
doubt that Top Tier gas has increased additives. The debate is whether one needs to use Top Tier gas to
protect their engine or is gasoline that meets EPA standards sufficient.
The vast majority of studies substantiate the benefits of using Top Tier gas. Unfortunately, the
automakers and oil companies that promote this gas are the ones who sponsor these studies.
According to spokesperson Charles Territo, the independent Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers,
who conducts a respected twice-yearly gasoline quality survey, “hasn’t identified any quality
differences based on geography or brand.” The only significant difference in fuels is the amount of
additives.
(Continued on page 16)
M I A T A T U D E S
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Continued from page 15)
(
Since the originating companies began to promote Top Tier gas in 2004,
nearly all the remaining fuel companies such as ARCO and BP have joined the
ranks – even Costco (I could not verify if this is true of Sam’s Club). So while
both sides of the debate have strong opinions, it seems we now have little
choice. Luckily it only costs about an additional cent per gallon to reach Top
Tier standards. In the final analysis, one can safely conclude that while Top
Tier gas may not increase the longevity or performance of your engine, it
certainly will not hurt it.
Modification Survey
Check out the Modification Survey. If you have made improvements but have not responded to the
survey, for whatever reason. Please help us help you and your fellow SAMOANs. Completing the survey
will only take a few minutes. Lee will incorporate your profile in the database, so that when other
members are considering similar upgrades they can contact you for first-hand reviews and advice.
If you have already submitted a survey form, and you make additional upgrades, you can submit a
second survey and we will make the changes. To complete the survey and/or view the database, simply
log on to the SAMOA member page, open the survey (Excel), save it and forward it to
[email protected].
Samoans Will Travel
Here is a newsletter opportunity to show us where you have been, contribute to the newsletter and let
your picture do the talking (writing). Just take one of the magnets or a copy of the newsletter or
something with the SAMOA logo with you when you travel and take a picture of the logo that includes
where you are. Send the picture to the newsletter editor at [email protected]. Easy as that!
Maureen and Randy at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and
Eternal Flame, Red Square, The Kremlin, Moscow, Russia
M I A T A T U D E S
One of only 3 Miatas we saw in Germany. We did not see any
in Russia. P.S. because the streets are so narrow, most people
park on the sidewalks.
Page 16
Treasure Trove News
By Jeanne George
We Welcome Our Newest Members
Leo and Hilary Macias
Michael Sim
Dennis and Jan Dunn
Ken Sutton
Lynne Sperry
Memberships renewed in June
Stiger, Don and Sharon
Williams, John and Barbara
Bacon, Bob and Terri
Swanberg, Norm and Virginia
Zander, Ron and Jyl Rubin
July Birthdays
Ron Petrich
Gary Bechthold – July 19th
Bob Carlson – July 11th
George Cohan – July 4th
Susie Cooper – July 22nd
Eric Eckerstrom – July 6th
Phil Frank – July 19th
Jeanne George – July 2nd
Carol Hanson – July 27th
Memberships Expiring July 1
Bauer, Ray and Carol
Chermak, Ray and Susan Willet
George, Robin and Jeanne
Hensley, Craig
Holt, Dillon
McClure, Jim and Jackie
Morris, Maureen and Randy
Nguyen, DT
Petrich, Ron and Mary Pat Pauly
Russo, Charles
Senger-Gibbons, Astrid
Sipe, Mike and Jenn
SAMOA stats:

131 Memberships

219 Members

143 Miatas
M I A T A T U D E S
Heather Huseboe – July 3rd
Rod Johnson – July 22nd
Diva Puccinelli – July 16th
Carol Rainbolt – July 23rd
Sherri Rowland – July 10th (1)
JoAnne Sharma – July 5th
Wayne Thomas – July 21st
July meeting attendance mandatory
People born in July are always fun to be around.
They are forgiving, caring, and loving. They like to
be alone, but are also very friendly. They truly
treat others as the would like to be treated and
incredibly sympathetic. They have a lot of wit and
are great people to talk to. Unfortunately, they
are quick to judge people by what they see. They
are sensitive and moody people and also tend to
be hurt fairly easily. Although they are quick to
forgive, they do not forget as quickly. They are
also quite secretive and therefore difficult to
understand.
Page 17
MEMBERSHIP BADGES
SACRAMENTO AREA MIATA
OWNERS ASSOCIATION
1864 Bridge Creek Drive
Sacramento CA 95833
Celebrating
the finest,
most affordable
sports car in the world!
Any member may purchase a personalized SAMOA
membership badge. An order form and complete
order instructions can be found on our website
PERSONAL WEBSPACE
Each SAMOA member is entitled to a personal page
on our web site. You can include up to a full page of
biographical or other personal information, and up to
three (3) color photos. Contact the webmaster to set
Black Bear Makes it Special For You
By Mike De Laurentis
SAMOANs. The Diner is preparing unique meals with Miata and/or SAMOA names and at a
special price. We are doing this in our ever ending quest to make the meetings informative,
entertaining and fresh.
We can still order off the regular menu.
M I A T A T U D E S
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