Victoria Minis Car Club
PRESIDENT’S OVERVIEW - Forthcoming Attractions etc. by Terry the Prez
August and September 2010 News from da Prez
Here it is middle of summer, and it has been a very busy couple of months heavily focused on co-hosting the exceptional Mini-Meet-West held in Penticton for which there are still tales that generate fits of laughter and contentment associated with a job well done.
I would like to welcome all the new members and each event draws more interest.
We attended many events and a fantastic BBQ (thanks to Merville and Doug for sharing their food and backyard). A Saturday evening at Francello’s fielding questions from North American car buffs. We just finished the Blethering Place Car Show. Sorry to the out-of-towners that could not make it; next year we will have another great weekend event for all.
As we look forward, there is the Queen Alexandra European and Classic Car Picnic. YAHOO ROAD TRIP! Portland, Oregon, 3 – 6 September 2010 - anyone interested in joining us click here for more information. It is a great event - how can you miss it – great cars, great racing, great Land Rover rides and Tax free shopping! Hurry as time is running out.
The English Car Affair in the Park held at Fort Rod Hill will take place on 12 September where we will be defending the honour of Club and attempt to hold onto the coveted Piston Cup. Check it out through our website and book ahead for great prizes.
The monthly Club meeting will be at Richard and Kathy’s home on Wednesday, 15 September 2010 (Look for details in the emails and on the website). We are looking for members to take up Executive positions as indicated in the 15 August 2010 Meeting Minutes. We are looking forward to having a few more drives and BBQs before the end of September. Check out the emails and website.
Don’t forget the Annual AGM in November when we elect the new Executive and make decisions regarding the future of the Club.
There is a lot of talk about VTEC in the club and it looks like an opportunity to see how you can modify Minis to fit a 16-valve VTEC. Stay tuned for more updates through the website and emails.
We have a great relationship with BMW MINI of Victoria thanks to the enthusiasm and support provided by Peter Trzewik, Claude Lavergne who has moved on, Martin Figel and Daniel St. Denis. Brent Lane has stepped into Claude’s position for now. They have provided some great things such as a full detailing for your MINI/Mini and various shirts and don’t forget to mention you are a member of the VMCC when you book your service or getting good stuff from the parts department. I am looking forward to the Countryman being debuted here in early 2011. They are starting to get info on it, so pop in and talk to them if you are interested and/or check it out online as well.
If you have ideas, drop your Executive an email, we love to hear from you.
If you have car issues; email Virginia, she will get it out to everyone and perhaps we can find a solution, remember you are not alone!
Need parts, check out the membership, someone may have what you are looking for or could direct you where to find it. Perhaps you need a special tool and one of the club members may be willing to lend it. Thought of a group drive - email Virginia and Alan and whoever wants to go can meet at a specified time and location.
Is your Mini/MINI off the road or waiting for one to be available? - bring out another vehicle or ask if you can ride with someone, always room in the car for one more.
Terry
(aka da Prez! and other names)
All British Field Meeet, Portland 3 - 6 September 2010.
Hello to all you Mini/MINI enthusiasts
Victoria Minis Car Club has a road trip coming up in September for the All British Field Meet (ABFM) held at the Portland International Raceway (PIR) in Portland, Oregon during the Labour Day long-weekend 3 - 6 September 2010. We will be catching the 6:10 AM sailing of the COHO ferry downtown Victoria on Friday, 3 September. I recommend you book early using the reservation system to ensure you are able to get on the ferry. The cost is in US dollars and it will be converted to Canadian dollars when they charge it to your credit card.
Most will be returning to Victoria on Monday 6 September and catching the 5:15 PM COHO out of Port Angeles, WA. You can reserve a booking for a return trip through the website below:
http://cohoferry.com/main/?fares
A Passport or enhanced drivers Licence is essential for entering the USA.
Mike Smith the Master of Route generation has a great travel itinerary laid out and will be sending it to all everyone who is planning to go to the ABFM.
You must register through the website link below:
http://www.abfm-pdx.com/2010/index.htm
To determine what class you are, check the Peoples Choice Classes located on the website. There are two main catagories: Classic Mini and NEO MINI (the BMW versions).
When you register if you are taking two cars like I am, the first car is $35.00 US and you can add additional vehicles for $10.00 each. If you want to order a shirt or sweater, as shown on the registration form, you must order by 15 August 2010. As you select items, they are automatically totalled and shown at the Grand Total line. You can pay by several means as indicated on the form. You can include a picture of your Mini/MINI if you so choose, check the registration form for details. I do not recommend the Bar-B-Q dinner and several of us get together after the presentations and go for dinner as a group.
Accomodations are in either the Days Inn (Hotel) or the Portlander Inn both are close to events and each other. Check the Days Inn for availability and price staring at $68.00 for 1 Queen Bed or $73.60 for two Queen Beds (this is a 20% discount for booking for 3 days and will not be refunded and must be paid for in advance). The meet has a special event price with the both the Days Inn Hotel and Portlander Inn and you can see the rates under accomodation. The Portlander Inn has a 24 hour restaurant for breakfast etc. The Convienience Store has snacks, sandwiches, wine, beer, water, pop etc. There is a small cinema as well. There is a bar with C&W music on the weekend. The Days Inn has a Deluxe Continental Breakfast included. I recommend both, but book early to avoid disappointment. Mike chose the Portlander Inn and I chose the Days Inn (free breakfast and less expensive as I don't plan to cancel out).
The Meet has excellent car racing, rally, cool rides in the Landrovers, lots of great English cars and bikes (some that you seldom get a opportunity to look at) and there is a show & shine for various car classes awards. There are bargains to be had at the vendors and car boot sale as well. Most of all it is a lot of fun and great road trip.
If you are already on the road and want to join up with us, just let Mike and myself know and he will send you our route so you can plan where to meet the rest of us. Let us know in advance so we can look for you as we travel along.
Feel free to contact Mike Smith ( smithmdcl@telus.net ) and Cc myself ( Terry_Hogan@shaw.ca ) so we know who to expect and so Mike can pass the travel itinerary and maps etc to you. Also, if you have questions, give me a call (250) 472-1550 or email me to answer your questions regarding the trip.
Hope to see you, you just gotta love the road trip.
Terry (aka da Prez! and other names)