Post-Holiday NorCal Coupe Cruise Anyone?

[dang]

Yeah, replacement vehicle. An all aluminum E9 would be quite a sight!

I like blues and rock-n-roll, but the reason I would go is to drive, sorry. My son and I have gone on some Euro Sunday drive events and we each take our own cars. I'm hoping my wife will go also...

 

[blumax]

For Steve in Reno--Rain & Coupes

Trust me--the BLUMAX had years of all weather driving experiences--rain, snow, cold--first in Europe with his original owner and then with yours truly since February almost 37 years ago while driving all around North America surviving that and this then naive owner who put the hose over the top to wash it--before understading the consequences.

Following the last "freshening" 17 years ago I promiised BLUMAX that he would not have to go out in the rain again--and have kept that promise. It sure keepa him in nice condition in spit of his 410,000 miles.

 

[corsachili]

If you have not driven the stretch of road between Mt. Hamilton (Lick Observatory) and "the junction", called Mines Road, you've not driven one of the better sections of twisty in NorCal. It's amazing on two wheels, but should be acceptable on 4 as well.

 

[shanon]

Howdy All,

Been working on the route for our 'Monte' here and don't know the Mt. Hamilton area well. Ive heard great things and also that it takes quite a while to get to the Summit/Lick Observ.

TJ.- Where is Mines Road and the Junction? I can't find it on the map. Is it on the east side somewhere?

I am thinking the Mt. Hamilton section might be an option based on time, not sure currently....maybe we'll call that option the 'Nocturnal Enduro'.

Anyone familiar with the Hamilton/Lick Observatory drives, please chime in and comment on the time needed to make the summit and back. Is there a gate that will be locked? State park evening closure?

rally on-
-shanon

 

[corsachili]

If you take Mt. Hamilton North (in other words, head up it from the SJ side) and continue past the observatory, you'll descend the other side of the mountain and eventually end up on Mines Road. The Junction is a small cafe/bar about 20 miles past Mt. Hamilton. From there you can continue on the fun part of Mines all the way in to Livermore. Or you can head East from "The Junction" on a very fast road which will take you out past Carnegie OHV park and all the way out to I5.


-tj in los gatos

 

[pj]

So is it on Boys?????

 

[dang]

I'm in, except it would be nice to know more specifics if there are any. It will take a couple hours to drive to the "start", but I like the idea of going over the mountain and ending up in the central valley. Someone pick a route and let's go. I'd hope to see at least five or more coupes for the full day it'll be for me. Otherwise, there's LOTS of nice driving roads near my house!

Dan

 

[shanon]

Howdy Coupers!

Yep! Rallye Monte-Diablo 'is on'!
I just got back in town from the holiday. Pre-drove the VERY scenic and nicely paved route last week and I sure hope it will please. I sure was and I was in the SUV.....:twisted:

Weather looks good 'so-far', at least no storms forcasted...Mother Nature seems to have accepted my bribe. Watch your weatherman for Saturday.

I will have no web access for the next few days so look for an update Wed or thursday night here.

FYI: drive is @ 175 miles and 95% backroads/twisties. Plenty of ops for fuel and snacks. We will play lunch by 'ear/timing'. 'Fastest Windows in the West' will be held at the lunch stop. We have a transit stage in Walnut Creek from Diablo to Lafayette, no planned Freeways at all on route. Another easy transit is in the Castro Valley area.

Route will end in the Milpitas/HWY 680 area. Mt Hamilton run is not a part of this run this time, unless we are VERY ahead of schedule and/or VERY motivated. There will be a backtrack possibility or return variations back to the Dublin and Lafayette areas. Depending on your home destination for Sat nite, there will be numerous 'bail-out' options to fit your personal schedule/needs.

A detailed Route-book will be provided at drivers meeting 10am at Blackhawk. I ask that all sign a waiver in exchange for the routebook. I've heard some horror stories about some club/fun runs and there are too many ambulance-chasers out there and sorry, I just got paranoid. This is a tour - not a speed contest.

Vehicle numbers encouraged for classic aesthetic/humor & comraderie, but of course, by no means mandatory. Magnetics are great for this.

All participants chime in (again please) by Friday AM so I know how many route books to make up on Friday. Post chosen number when chimin' in to avoid duplication by another participant.

So, that's the story and I'm stickin to it.
Let's have fun & rally -on folks!
-shanon
(#64)

 

[pj]

Saturday huh, bummer I have the kids on saturday

 

[sfdon]

Ummm- my 3 year old likes the curves[she is one yelling go-daddy-go-vroom-vroom] Is this not a child friendly drive? :twisted:

 

[pj]

No . the cruise will be kid friendly, it's my coupe rear seat belts(Lap straps + kid seats) are not kid friendly

 

[sfdon]

I think I understand-thats why I bolted a Latch attachment to the seat back top...

 

[shanon]

All ages welcome!
If the kids like backroad cruising & exploring, by all means bring them!
Its a very scenic drive.

-shanon

 

[dang]

My week hasn't been as productive as I'd hoped so it looks like I won't make the drive. I was looking forward to meeting some folks...

Dan

 

[shanon]

OK gang, weather for this Saturday at KTVU says: AM fog............that's it!

So itsa go!

Calling all Coupes to the inaugural running of the Rallye Monte-Diablo!

See ya all Saturday at 10am, Blackhawk Museum parking lot, San Ramon.
(look for #64)

I'll look here tomorrow around 4pm for a rough number of route books to make up. (C'mon Dan, get yer 'stuff' done!)

8)
-shanon

 

[oldsole]

rally

new to this but since I live in Danville I'll take off the cover and go for a spin. Air flow valve stuck open so I wont make the whole run. looking forward to see the other cars!

 

[BarryG]

So my son and I are driving on the Bay Bridge headed to the south Bay to pick up a 265 tranny and i get a call ...Hey it's Shanon we meet up in front of BMW of SF. We have a nice little chat and we off.
Mike and I get to our destination meet the seller , tranny looks clean...i pick it up and set it into the trunk.Pay the man and we're going Home.

Three weeks later i can finally walk again.3 Bad disks.

So i will not be making the Drive tommorow..Hope you take alot of pic's

 

[shanon]

Oldsole- look fwd to meeting ya.
BarryG - sorry for the bad news get well!

Suggested take-along items:

-camera/video
-clip board for mapbook
-walkie-talkies if you have them (driving fun w/ 'vintage cell-phones')
-snacks
-6 bucks for the Mt Diablo gate fee
-sense of adventure & humor
- and whatever else ya need for a nice drive

Hope to see the rest of ya in the morning!

-shanon

 

[Arde]

I am still down in San Diego and will miss the drive. Look forward to the pictures. Have fun.

 

[pj]

Just got home , it was a blast, I baled 1/2 way through but we had some good twisty fun a very spirited run up mt Diablo. police escort some of the way in Walnut Creek, lost sfdon , hope you are ok brother. It was nice to have a group of guys who were not scared to hit the loud Pedal.
Hope all ended well, there will be pics.

Thanks to Shanon for putting it on