July 2014 Newsletter - Bluebonnet Miata Club

In The Breeze
Special Patriotic Edition
July 2014
Official Newsletter of the Bluebonnet MX-5 Miata Club
Still Free!
2014 marks the 25th birthday of the Mazda MX-5, and the automaker is celebrating by sending the Miata on a trip through the
Green Hell.
Yes, Mazda has handed over a production 2014 MX-5 to UK-based JOTA Sport to prepare it for the 24 Hours Nürburgring Endurance Race in Germany this weekend. The Nürburgring, dubbed the Green Hell by Formula One driver Jackie Stewart, is one
of the world’s toughest circuits. The Miata will compete in the V3 class, which is limited to soft-topped vehicles with 2.0-liter
naturally-aspirated engines.
British racecar builders JOTA will be handling the race modifications to the car, but there’s not much to do. V3 class car are
required to be kept nearly identical to their production variant, so JOTA will just be adding some racing-spec safety gear like a
roll-bar, and a few sponsor stickers. Go to a Mazda dealer, and the $23,000 MX-5 with its 167 hp four-cylinder engine and sixspeed manual gearbox won’t be much different from what you see on the track for this race.
Four drivers (Stefan Johansson, Wolfgang Kaufmann, Teruaki Kato, and journalist Owen Mildenhall) will take turns racing
around the Nordschleife and Grand Prix Circuit. The path for this race is just over 15 miles long.
The race plans come just following the Miata’s 25th anniversary and the conclusion of production for the third-generation model. Consider this
race to be the current MX-5’s ceremonious send-off as the next iteration arrives.
If you’re unfamiliar with the two-seat roadster civilian car that will become this racer, know that it gets dismissed as a “chick car,” but remains
one of the great automotive feats of recent history. The original (and its successors, generally) was light and graceful with enough engine to
make it a joy to take around corners, even within the speed limit.
JULY 2014
PAGE 2
2014 Club Officers
New Member
President and Newsletter Editor
Jim Merker
Harlingen, TX
2012 Crystal White Pearl
George Lucas
[email protected]
Vice President
Jim “Jimbo” Treat
[email protected]
Secretary
Stephanie Turner
[email protected]
Michael and Brenda Ratcliff
Cibolo, TX
2006 Galaxy Grey
E. Scott and Kerry Ray
San Antonio
2013 True Red
Treasurer
Joe Knight
[email protected]
Thanks to these contributing photographers!
Membership
Lisa Martin
David Hamilton
[email protected]
Ed Smith
Webmaster
Dianne Wido
Don Privett
Mark Hungerman
[email protected]
Don’t forget our Sponsors!
Inside this issue…
Officers, New Members………………………………….………………………………………………………….2
Velocity Read (President’s Message)…………………………………………………..……………………….3
Fred Still’s Arizona Musings………………………………………………….………………………..……...4, 5
Tumbleweed Trot Run...…………………………………………………..……………………………………….6
The Cancelled Run...Run………………………………………………………………………………………….7
Retiree’s Mid-week Run!.............................................................................................................................8
Surprise Run…….…………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
North Park’s Jeff Revlin…………………………………………………….………..…………………………..10
Tribute to our club’s service members………………………………………………………………………..11
Upcoming Events…………………………………………………………………………………….….Back page
JULY 2014
PAGE 3
Velocity Read…
Saturday marks the first day of summer. With summer, usually the obvious heat somewhat stifles
our run activities. Notice I said usually. Well, not this year. With new run leaders and more and
more active participants taking part, it looks like the summer of ‘14 is going to be non-stop fun!
Just make sure you use lots of sun screen, drink lots of water and take precautions against that
hot Texas sun!
Some of the highlights coming up this summer include a Dash and Splash run, our summer picnic,
the Bat Cave run and, of course, Head for the Mountains IV out in Alpine. Lots of things to do and
all very different. Needless to say, there will be something for everyone!
The Texas Challenge that president Bruce Gibson of the Lone Star Miata Club has issued has stirred up lots of interest in our club.
Part of their upcoming Texas State Round Up in Dallas later this year, it seems to have piqued the interest of many of our members. Those Arizona adventurists have a leg up on everyone as several of the challenge points of interest were included in their
trip west. Those of us that didn’t make that trip will be hard pressed to keep up the challenge, but I, for one, am going to answer
the challenge fully! I don’t believe prizes are gong to be awarded in Dallas, but I do know that the folks that complete the challenge will be acknowledged at the Saturday evening festivities.
I’m interested in getting together for a mini tech day if anyone else is interested. I’m not talking major modifications needing lifts,
etc, just some small things I want to do and I’d be happy to help other’s wanting help on their small projects. Included on my list
are: new horns, glove box light, floor board under-dash lights and possibly upgrading my rear view mirror to a newer one with
compass and auto dimmer. Anyone?
Have a great summer and I’ll see you on the roads!
Zoom Zoom!
George Lucas, President and Editor
We Want YOU Involved!
PAGE 4
2014 Arizona Musings by Fred Still
JU LY 201 4
A big thanks goes out to Fred Still for this scintillating story of his experience on the recent Amazing Arizona Adventure. Excellent job, Fred! -Ed
I have no idea where to start but a publishers contract does impart some urgency into this keyboard. I have pondered for hours
the events of late April 2014 on the great Arizona adventure. So, due to writers block let’s start with literature from Edgar
Allan Poe:
And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting, On the palid bust of Pallas, just above my chamber door;…………..
If we must count my calamities I will begin in Fort Stockton. And before the story get’s rolling I confess that I have no idea how
many words or beers that this will take. I told the story to George and it took 1 hour and that does not account for the first aid
that needed administered to self. That last part on medical …….. just joking. And I have a motive for a funny and clever article – I want to be the next Peter Egan. Surely the reader does read Peter Egan? Road and Track? Side Glances? Sports car
and automotive satire? Peter recently retired and now my R&T kind of incomplete now. How many darn 550 HP Corvettes
and “refined” BMW sedans can a mind adsorb before one cracks and starts herb gardening instead? In Fort Stockton I had the
cough from hell. Paul tried hard to cure me with Shiner Bock in the lobby. Joe tried lecturing me on my less than perfect
speed control on I-10 all day ………. Now this was no doubt a doctor’s mental diversion tactic. And a 5 AM at the hotel coffee
bar Linda tried to tell me she was not really a nurse at first and later “to sit in the sun and bake the affliction out of you”. So I
was like a lost puppy when I told the Miata contingent of friends to “go ahead, I need to find a doctor” and “I’ll catch up in Silver
City NM”. I did not cry but purring sound of those Miata engines pulling kindly misted me.
Fast forward to the west Texas medical clinic and a two hour wait. I have wanted to do a multi state Miata tour for maybe 9
years – back to my black 2000 base model. It was black inside and outside with reflective hues – kind of like a raven. The antibiotic shot on the left cheek and the steroid on the right was awesome, I am serious. Bring on the pain and the “meds in a bag”
– I wanted back in the game on this fun tour. I am not turning back east bound, I am going west I told myself. The super cool
attending doctor had a new 2015 Corvette and was learning to work a stick shift? Things were looking up – this was a good
automotive omen – I thought. But an ominous automotive cloud was brewing – like the raven it was sitting, waiting.
Let’s talk car naming philosophy for a bit. Or better yet our relationship with cars in general and our Miatas of present and
past. The car that I was driving was a 2001 Classic Red LS. I had had spent many hours sorting out some mechanical issues
knowing that the paint job was great and that the car had been pampered when it was EZ. I had changed all the belts, hoses,
rebuilt VAV stuff, did plug wires, plugs and changed the driveshaft (U joint). I put a high dollar Fat Cat Coil over suspension in
the car and I liked the ride. So this Miata and I were bonded by sweat equity and our future was bright. I was not daunted by
high miles on the car – I firmly believe that these cars maintained go 300K miles easily. This now nameless LS had hiccupped
(bad misses) into Alpine last fall. The darn Belgian Border Patrol dogs I think were snickering as I backfired and surged
though their check point south of Alpine – max speed 30 MPH downhill. But over this recent frigid winter I had changed the
Cam Sensor as all the Miata.net talking heads had advised. These internet dudes had never let me down yet. Many times I
had jumped on that website with grease all over hands many times to solve a technical roadblock. But due to weather this Cam
sensor fix had not been “Beta tested”. The choices were: take the LS with the presumed problem solved to Arizona or take the
96 “3 tone” named “Biter”. Why did I name my only named car Biter, I have no idea, it just is. Biter has had a differential
growl and LS had the unexplained need to stop running when hot, with the AC on. Beth did not love EZ but she kinds of hates
Biter, so I told Paul I was taking the LS. I would not be surprised if Paul had of opened up the informal wagers on “will he
make Camp Verde”? 5 to 1 odds said no way. Everyone else was driving a newish NC or low miles NB. What funs is driving
a car that you know will make the 3600 mile drive? So the former EZ and I were respectful of each other but frankly the NB
was on his trip also a means to an end – a long awaited road ramble.
And have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming, and the lamp-light o’er him steaming throws his shadow of the floor,
…………………………………..
So gliding down I10 West near Balmorrea I wondered what detour the vivid yellow Joe had taken the group on. The outside
temps were not hot and the pavement was smooth. The west Texas hills beckoned the little car onward. Near the I10 and I20
junction I decided to try the AC. I watched the Scangauge constantly as I knew the under hood temps where the LS had failed
to function near Big Bend. The car ran impeccably for 60 miles or so. Then on a long upward grade it did not sputter – No – it
died completely --- with big rigs just about on all sides of me. I was surprised. My lifetime accomplishment of “I am a mechanic” esteem had plummeted instantly. This was calamity 2 if you are counting and it was a big one. I was 100 miles east of
El Paso, on a hill, on the shoulder, in the desert, with a died former EZ. But………I had a lifeline………. one bar on my Iphone.
Could a Raven been in the rocks near that pulloff, near that fresh carcass of an NB species? Might he have been casting a
shadow upon the desperate scene? The lifeline was …… drum roll ……. tension….. suspense….. Beth!
I can see the lady
readers either smiling now ….. or speed dialing to cancel this In the Breeze paper!
JU LY 201 4
2014 Arizona Musings con’t
PAGE 5
Beth was working on prom: nails, big hair, makeup, whatever they’re peddling at the beauty salon. I am thinking that dress
cost me more than a junkyard engine for EZ but I was kept in the fiduciary dark. Beth was going to fly to Flagstaff in 2 days I
was to pick her up so the mechanical health of this Miata affected her plans many counties away.
After 30 minutes I started the car and headed west at 50 MPH behind a slow truck,
now using the open windows for cooling. Then a plan of decisive action was formulated as I putted westward. I legally texted Paul (truth serum please) and told him
I was headed to El Paso and did he see a Miata dealer? This Miata, which was
George’s beloved, was about to become a bartering point in a quest for an NC that
could make the whole trip. I fretted for 100 miles whether the LS could make another 3000 miles. I will never know the answer. I had to do this trip if it killed me
and or bankrupted me. But the guilt of trading EZ was pretty heavy. Many in the
group did not realize the heritage of the car – the Classic Red LS. When the truth
was told to them there were many guttural animal sounds and gasps. There were
words muttered like “oh shoot”and “fiddlesticks”.
In the interest in saving trees I hope to gloss over the car purchase. A nice car salesman in a White Club racer rescued me from
a Wally World parking lot and led me to Rudolph Mazda. Yeah, like the red nosed deer. About now my friends were likely red
nosed or red faced at the lobby bar in Silver City by now. I was very pale, however, shooting legal potions up my nose like Don
Johnson, trying to find a NC for less that $30K. My negotiating position was not good. I sought the boiled hot dogs for comfort
and nourishment? I bought the only used NC at two dealers – a 2010 Liquid Metal Silver Touring with PRHT. 39K miles.
Nice car with 6 speed. I was pretty spent as all worldly stuff was transferred from EZ to the NC in an active blinding dust
storm. I was sad for EZ but really too beat and relieved to be too emotional. I had to still drive a 100 miles to Silver City and
was 8 PM. I could not see any mountains due to sand blowing like the Sahara. As calamity 2 was going away I have to thank
Paul and friends for being so supportive as this was a long and stressful day. But it was going to get bad again – soon.
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the
floor Shall be lifted nevermore.
I am no literary expert but the last stanza from Poe’s the
Raven seemed to fit the story. As you read last month
newsletter we did experience two Raven’s up close in Bryce
Canyon. They were food beggars but they were beautiful
things. Nothing personal George but I joked that the Raven was George. Like the Raven’s staring presence George
seemed to be present while we all cleverly (we thought)
were hiding from him the fact that his EZ was who knows
where in El Paso, of all places. The beloved machine was
traded for new Mazda technology and a good vacation
time. Are we not blessed with these cars to have a good
time and good fellowship?
So calamity 3 was shorter but no less intense. I was &^%%*@ tired and sick and now poorer as I pulled into a Flyin J for gas.
And the sand was pelting me and the NC as I tried to fuel her. I swear it was Frank Herbert’s Dune. I never read that book but
there had to be a “manly” giant sand serpent just behind the 18 wheeler parking area. As I accelerated on I10 ramp I recalled
my 2006 (which I should have kept but Joe S likes her) – these NCs do drive different than the old NAs and NBs. The sand and
wind blows a construction barrel ride into a Tahoe beside me. Would have tore up my new car bad. And then I read this digital
sign that say “I10 west closed due to sand storm”. Are you serious? I envision Dave and Dorothy putting back Shiner Bock’s
and now I am lost in a sandstorm and its got to be 9 PM. I pulled in a convenience store in Las Cruces and a lady clerk with a
crewcut told me to load NMDot on my phone for sand advisory. This was impossible due to phone IOS or some nonsense. I
was looking for a place on the floor to get into the fetal position. But a kind couple in suburban took pity on me and told me of
the detour to bypass the closed I10. I have to drive 100 miles to go 20 miles west – had to head north past Hatch NM. The NC
was “rock solid” in 50 MPH crosswinds. Can a S2000 match that? Had those folks not helped I may have errantly taken the
high road over the peaks with my luck that day whose knows what fate awaited me. So those two angelic strangers in a 1990s
Suburban and the encouraging words on those texts from Bluebonnet folks saved me from a day that I’ll always remember.
As you read last month the trip was fantastic. I am out of gas, creatively. George and I are still friends and many laughs were
had over all of this. This was not a ploy to buy a new Miata, honest. Beth did land at Flagstaff at midnight. But here are two
more puzzling events in closing. I walked into the airport and “nobody was there”. No security and no people. I saw movement way down by the Hertz counter – I thought after yesterday that I was Charlton Heston in the opening of Planet of the
Apes. In a big modern building I was alone. And then, while peering over the runway from the observation deck, every single
taxiway and runway light went out. And I mean for over 10 minutes. Was this the Twilight Zone? But the runway lights did
come on, the plane did land safely, humans did appear, we embraced and kissed and the NC Liquid Metal did reliably take us
60 more miles back to the long since concluded Bluebonnet social hour. And two Ravens did await us.
PAGE 6
JU LY 201 4
Tumbleweed Trot Run
Led by Mark Hungerman
PAGE 7
JU LY 201 4
The Cancelled Run...Run.
Don't feel bad if you missed this one. All of us who didn't get the “Run Cancelled” memo met at Whataburger under ominous clouds sipping coffee and telling stories. As the clouds cleared we decided to go for
it anyway... And with the arrival of Jim Treat, we were off!
PAGE 8
JU LY 201 4
The “We’re Retired and We’re Going On A Run During The Week Because We Can” Run
to the Shiner Brewery
Note: Since these retirees have so much time on their hands, I got stories from two, Judy Faulkner and Mark Hungerman (He’s
not really retired, he just played hooky from work.)
From Judy:
Wednesday, Mid-week run, 6-18-14, “IMPROPTU –RISE AND SHINER(ER), OLD PHAARTS RUN” to the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner,
Texas. Conceptualized by Joe Knight and Mike Jackson. Seven cars made it to Gonzales and were joined by the Faulkners. Our tour guide,
Dotsy, gave us many fun facts that can be revisited at spoetzlbrewery.com. We enjoyed the gift shop and FREE beer tasting before and after
we ate at Werner’s. This is an enchanting, sleepy little town and one not to miss on your travels around. So glad we did this and have always
wanted to visit. We welcomed Mike Jackson and Alan Snyder into new- retirement in this special way. It was great fun enjoyed by all. Those
among us were: Marilyn McCullen, Mike Jackson, Mark Hungermann our photographer, Joe Knight, Alan and Sandy Snyder, John and Janice
Walker, Larry and Cecilia Taylor, Judy and Paul Faulkner.
From Mark:
We gathered at Bigs Valero in Bracken at 9:00. Who knew that it was gas up time for EVERY aggregate hauler and landscape outfit for 20
miles around? The group was able to transit through Schertz on 3009 only losing 5 of 7 cars at about 4 different lights. Heading out FM78 past
Marion, we then took 725 under I10 to US90A, and repeated our stoplight scattering in Seguin. On the other side of town, we reconnected, and
had a nice touring drive to Gonzales, where we stopped at a baby sized Buc-ee's for a pit stop, also picking up Paul and Judy Faulkner. The
huge truck in the one picture didn't QUITE crush Joe Knight's Miata, but he tried. The next leg on US90A took us the rest of the way into
Shiner, where we visited the Spoetzl brewery not once, but TWICE. Arriving at 11:15, we had missed the 11:00 tour. We shopped at the gift
shop for tchotchkes and sampled beer. Paul then led us on an interesting right turn only tour of Shiner, ending up at Werner's for lunch. We
had a leisurely, relaxed lunch and headed back to the Brewery for our 1:30 tour. Dotsy was our guide, and her favorite thing to say was "Don't
touch the copper, or you'll be polishing it!". We assured her that at least some of us were experts at polishing things. If you go on a tour in the
future, the brewery will look quite different. They're doing a major expansion by adding a new building for bottling, and moving the kegging
operation, which you can't see on the tour now, into the old bottling area. I look forward to seeing that next time we go. After the tour we
headed back on US90A, with a couple of cars splitting of in Gonzales to go run the Devil's backbone. The rest of us headed home after a fun day.
JU LY 201 4
PAGE 9
Eleven cars pulled into McDonald’s on I-10 and Ralph Fair Road to join Judy and Paul Faulkner for the pre-planned run. It was a surprise gimmick run to places somewhat familiar but seen in a different way. Grab your sheet and go. It was 1:00 p.m. It could have been
hot, but was overcast and nice. Judy Privett asked if Paul raided a hardware store. Actually that is just recycled from building of the
house, ha. The first to arrive at the Kendalia General Store did so at about 1:54 p.m. Most were there and gone by 2:05 p.m. Along the
way we smelled some smoky-sweet backyard BBQ going on. Yummm! A trail ride was about and they caught up with us at the end of
the run. Run ended at 3:05 or so and at the historic 115 year old Sisterdale Bar. It was good to wet your whistle and have time to share
stories. Those having this kind of fun were George Lucas, Marilyn Mcullen, The Knights, The Sandersons, The Begnoches, Dan Hicks,
Paul Wilson, Privetts, Ed Small, The Ed Smiths, The Taylors, and Linda Morrow and John Frank. Best from Judy and Paul Faulkner.
JU LY 201 4
PAGE 10
From North Park Mazda
Jeff Revlin, eCommerce Director
I would like to welcome Jason Meise, North Park Mazda’s new Service Director. He came to us
from Mazda’s Corporate offices where he was the factory representative for the last 4
years. Prior to that he had worked for several other dealerships that included manufacturers
such as Ford, Honda, Acura, Hummer and BMW adding up to over 15 years or retail experience. One of his favorite activities outside of his normal day to day duties at North Park Mazda
is road racing. Driving with Privateer and Factory backed teams in the SCCA (Sports Car Club
of America) and with IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) and NASA (National Auto
Sport Association). He has raced everything from a Honda CRX to a Porsche 911 GT3 and when
I asked him what his favorite race car is. He replied the “Mazda MX-5 Cup Car.” I asked him
why he said “It’s the most balanced and fun car I’ve ever driven. Fun isn’t all about going fast in
a straight line.” The most recent race Jason participated in what was the 25 Hours of Thunder
Hill. It’s a grueling 25 Hour long test of endurance on both man and machine. Jason drove with
the Factory Mazda Team in a 2014 Mazda 6 Diesel European Spec. The only modifications to the
car were the brakes, suspension, exhaust and safety equipment. While the race started off well
with the team had 2 issues. The first one was a wheel that came off during the race caused from
a defective impact gun. The other one was a front suspension strut failure causing about a 30
minute delay to replace it. All three Mazda 6 diesels finished the race and the only issues were
caused from aftermarket parts ironically used to improve the performance. All 3 cars finished
the race #70 car in 6th place, #56 in 5th and the #55 in 3rd grabbing the final podium spot. All in
all he will be excited to see these new Mazda 6 Diesels hit the US.
Tech Tip from Jason: Brake fluid is hygroscopic. This means it is adept at attracting moisture. Moisture causes components to corrode and fail. Replace fluid and bleed system once every 3 years regardless of mileage. Brake fluid is cheap by
comparison to Calipers, hoses, and sensors.
In what certainly has to be one of the greatest marriage proposals in international history, aerial photographer Colin Burgess proposed to his nowfiancée Caitlin using 44 Miatas spelled out to read
"Marry Me?" in a California parking lot. Naturally,
she said yes.
Our own George Briscoe saw that marriage proposal photo and responded with, “That’s cool! I
was glad to be part of the Miata World 1999 “I
Love Mom” photo at the Texas Motor Speedway.
JU LY 201 4
In The Breeze
...salutes the men and women in our club that served in our military. A huge THANKS!!!
Rohm Thompson
Paul Begnoche
David Hamilton
Wanda Velez-Begnoche
Mike Jackson
Leon Franklin
John Walker
Tim McCurdy
David Swartz
Jeff Holbrook
Alan Snyder
Brian Sedberry
Paul Bellew
Dan Hicks
Tom LeMasters
Don Privett
James Paukert
George Lucas
Alan Snyder
Gene Carlow
Craig Martin
Tom LeMasters
Mark Hungerman
Mike Jackson
Jon Frank
Ed Small
PAGE 11
In The Breeze
Bluebonnet Miata Club
San Antonio, Texas
http://www.bluebonnetmiata.org
Check your mailing label for your renewal date.
Please renew your membership promptly!
Remember When?
Upcoming Runs and Events

Saturday, June 28th, Adventure Run, led by Cheryl and Joe Knight. Meet at the Valero on Hwy 46, half
way between Smithson Valley High School and Hwy 281N. Meet at 9:00 a.m. and depart at 9:15 a.m. We
will start off with a fun run that will end at the Wimberley ZipLines for an 11:00 tour. Then, two hours later
after zipping down the 10 lines they have, we’ll proceed to The Leaning Pear restaurant in Wimberley for a
1:15 lunch reservation. More details are available on our website on the Calendar!

Friday, July 4th, hosted by Mark Hungerman, will be a special Sundaes on Monday...er...on Friday!
Mark is taking us up to Culver’s in Kerrville, first leading us on a fun run through the Texas Hill Country,
promising us a new road! Meet at 9:00 a.m. for a depart time of 9:30 a.m. at Bigs Valero, 18657 FM2252,
SATX 78266 (Look it up on your Maps feature of your smart phone, in case you don’t know where that is. I
didn’t. –Ed) We should arrive at Culver’s around 11:30 a.m. for sumptuous Butter Burgers and, of course, ice
cream!

Saturday, July 12th, Trash Pickup, organized by Jeff Holbrook. Meet at 8:00 a.m, at the Bigs Valero out
Nacogdoches Rd, 2 miles north of 1604. We’ll leave at 8:30 and pick up trash along FM1863. After about an
hour or so, we’ll convene to Grumpy’s for a delicious breakfast.

Saturday, July 19th, Annual Summer Picnic and Run, led by George no-we-won’t-be-going-fast Lucas.
This year’s picnic is tentatively scheduled for The Waring Store in, you guessed it, Waring! Details are not
solidified at press time, but arrangements for parking across the street are under negotiations. Stay tuned.
Meet time and place will be on our websites calendar as soon as these details have been worked out. Again,
stay tuned.

Tuesday, July 22nd, Monthly Meeting at Bigz Burger Joint, Located between Huebner Rd and Rogers
Ranch Rd, 2303 N. Loop 1604 West. SATX 78258. Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m., socializing and eating begins
around 6:30 p.m.