On May 22, 2011 the United British Sports Car Club of Sacramento is hosting their annual meet at the Woodland, California Fairgrounds.

Mr and Mrs Nigel would like to host an overnight tour starting in Fresno on Saturday May 21st stopping overnight in the quaint town of Isleton, CA. and ending with entrance at the UBSCC event.

To accomplish this we must , perish the thought, plan in ADVANCE!

Isleton, “The Crawdad Capital of the World” is an old town on the Sacramento River about 20 miles west of Stockton. One could call it quaint; or one could call it one of several other adjectives such as “rustic” or perhaps “rusty”.

Accommodations in Isleton are on the limited side. We have carefully chosen the Delta Daze Inn for our stay on the night of Saturday, May 21st.  The Delta Daze Inn is a bed and breakfast run by Bill and Jill Cox.  The Nigel’s have had occasion to stay at said inn and found it to be and entertaining experience. The Inn has 10 rooms; each a theme room.  Most are in the $100 /night range.  To make sure you are assured of a room please book now!  Here is a link to the Delta Daze Inn website.  Pick your room option and call Bill or Jill at 916.777.7777.

Please advise me, Nigel at dandunham123@msn.com when you have booked your room.

Route:  We are planning a relaxed tour from Fresno to Isleton on Saturday morning. We should arrive around Noon, check in and then we can spend the afternoon on or own exploring the Delta. There are several opportunities to taste wine in the Clarksburg area. A drive along the Sacramento River is a rare pleasure. Lunch and dinner arrangements have yet to be finalized.

The UBSCC entry forms will be available from their car show page. LINK

The trip from Isleton to Woodland will take about  1.5 hours so we must be up and ready to go by  about 7:30 AM on Sunday. We should arrive at 9:00 AM.  The show lasts until about 2:00PM and then we can depart for Fresno via the most expeditious route.

We are gratified that there is interest in such an adventure. Please book your rooms early and let us know so that we can keep you informed of the planning progress.

In closing, just a reminder, don’t forget the Clovis British Car Show Roundup!

Nigel

Dateline: Clovis, California, February 6, 2011

The modestly-entitled Grand VBAC Superbowl Extravaganza was held at Chez Connolly this year, the football game and hoopla providing a minor distraction to the reveries pursued by the attendees. Although, due to a lack o’proper planning on the hosts’ part, (the notice given was, ahem, short), the turnout rate was pleasing. Present were Gene and Liz Lance, Steve and Terry Phillips, Loren Allen and, quelle surprise, Glenn-I’vegotaredTR3andyoudon’t – Salt along with son Mitch. In addition, a selection of non-VBAC friends and family members of the Connollys shared the festivities.

In addition to the wondrous pulled pork sandwiches and other epicurean delights provided by Gwen (The Navigatress), other guests also brought numerous delectable dishes (Terry – superb taquitos and guac., Gene and Liz, sumptuous brownies). Suffice to say, none departed less than sated. In addition to the food, some partook in the sampling of adult beverages, which seemed to enhance greatly the football and commercial watching experience.

Noted with interest by many present were the errors by the young lady chosen for National Anthem duty, and the seeming absence of talent by the space people chosen to “sing” at half-time. Regardless, the football on offer along with the usual parade of creative advertisements kept all suitably amused.

In summary, an enjoyable VBAC event, if lacking in the British car department (aside from the funny MINI Countryman ad). All appeared to leave happy. Next year, we vow to start a new trend, and provide adequate notification of the event!   Another event we can’t wait for is the  Clovis British Car Show Roundup!

Cheers, Martin and Gwen

CAMBRIA, CA – Valley British Auto Club member Richard Thornberry hit a milestone early this February, (i.e. he can now get his AARP card) Richard was granted a birthday wish, that wish was to meet our VBAC friends at the coast and do some driving with our British cars.  (Photos)

Richard selected Cambria as the center point for our festivities.  Richard and his wife Marta left Visalia Friday night in their MGB.  The Triumphs would meet them there on Saturday.  Betty and I packed the TR6 early Saturday morning and left for Lemore to meet up with Monica and Dennis in their TR7.  Russ and Tammy took their Triumph TR4 to Paso Robles where they overnighted at Bruce and Nancy’s house.  The TR6 and TR7 made Cambria at 10:30am, right on time.  We collected up the MG and made for Vineyard drive in Paso Robles.  We met up with Russ and Tammy’s TR4 and Bruce and Nancy’s TR250 at Adelaida Winery for a private wine tasting.  After enjoying some wine we took the tops down on our cars and drove north on Adelaida Drive with it’s moss covered trees and beautiful country roads to Starr Winery.

To be able to drive on the first week in February, top down in short sleeves was a real treat.  After Starry Winery we drove on the country roads west of Paso Robles stopping here and there until we drove back to Cambria for dinner.  Sunday was a free day.  Those that stayed in Cambria met for breakfast and a walk on the beach.  After breakfast we went our own ways.  Richard and Marta and the MG stayed in Cambria.  Monica and Dennis went to Morro Bay.  Betty and I went to San Simeon to see the elephant seals and then to Morro  Bay for some shopping.  All and all I hope Richard had a great birthday.  The weather was a “10″ . The cars loved the drive.  The TR7 tried to stay in Morro Bay, but I had a little talk with it, and it agreed to take Monica and Dennis home.  I am glad Richard and his MGB don’t mind driving around with a bunch of TR’s.   Thank you to VBAC club members Bruce and Nancy Pittman for planning Saturday’s driving festivities.