Wild Rose Miata Club

Meeting Reminder -- February 16

2012-02-10T15:52:00.001-07:00

The next club meeting is Thursday, February 16 at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

See you there!

2012 Membership Renewals

2012-02-10T11:18:00.002-07:00

For those of you whose 2011 memberships expired on Dec 31, it's time to delay no longer. Please endevour to renew either by mail this week or in-person at the February club meeting this coming Thursday, February 16.

Meeting reminder -- January 19

2012-01-18T06:33:00.001-07:00

The club's first meeting of 2012 is Thursday, January 19 at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

Great time/place to renew your membership...

It need not be said, but dress warmly!!!

Bucket List worthy!!!

2012-01-03T10:46:00.001-07:00

The 2012 Miatas @ Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca event has a date -- that being the weekend of March 31 & April 1.

Granted, that's a bit iffy in terms of weather between here and the coast, but when the WRMC sent three cars out in 2010 the date for the event was April 10-11, so it's still do-able enough.

Registration opens on January 9...click on the link via this post's title text.

Facebook

2011-12-31T11:40:00.001-07:00

The Wild Rose Miata Club now has a Facebook page. Link up if you're on FB.

Event Reminder -- 2012 Polar Bear Run

2011-12-31T11:38:00.002-07:00

1:00pm at Martin & Brandi S.'s house (address sent out via e-mail).

There will be a secure place to leave your hard-tops (if you arrive with it still on your car) -- that being their garage.

Approximately a 90min drive.

The weather's looking like cooperating (ie: it'll finally be cold!).

If you don't make it to the event, have a Happy and Healthy New Year for 2012.

Event reminder -- Polar Bear Run -- January 1

2011-12-26T11:14:00.001-07:00

A reminder that the Polar Bear Run is Sunday, January 1st.

Details to be emailed out to the club by Thursday, December 29 with start time / location.

Upcoming Event -- Candy Cane Lane Cruise -- December 17

2011-11-16T13:10:00.004-07:00

Apart from the one last remaining club meeting, there is still one event left for 2011, that being the Candy Cane Lane Cruise in support of the Edmonton Food Bank, on Saturday, December 17.

Martin will be e-mailing out details as the date approaches, but sufficed to say, we'll be meeting at the Second Cup on 149 Street a few blocks north of Whitemud Drive, and from there, take a drive up and down Candy Cane Lane. Attendance in a Miata is not required, nor is it required to be top-down if you do (it does generate a lot of response from the crowds of people on CCL though). The important part is to make a donation to the Edmonton Food Bank while enjoying the sights (and sounds) of CCL, and to wish your fellow club members a little bit of holiday cheer.

(The Polar Bear Run on New Year's Day will of course be our first event of 2012.)

Meeting Reminder -- November 17

2011-11-16T13:07:00.004-07:00

The last club meeting of 2011 is Thursday, November 17, at 7:00pm in the 2nd floor boardroom at Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

The next meeting won't be until Thursday, January 19, 2012.

Movie Night -- Monday, November 7

2011-11-04T11:27:00.002-06:00

The Senna movie is (still) playing at the Princess Theatre on Whyte Ave.

To quote:
"Ayrton Senna's remarkable story, charting his physical and spiritual achievements on the track and off, his quest for perfection, and the mythical status he has since attained, is the subject of SENNA, a documentary feature that spans the racing legend's years as an F1 driver, from his opening season in 1984 to his untimely death a decade later. Far more than a film for F1 fans, SENNA unfolds a remarkable story in a remarkable manner, eschewing many standard documentary techniques in favor of a more cinematic approach that makes full use of astounding footage, much of which is drawn from F1 archives and previously unseen. SENNA is made with the full co-operation of Ayrton Senna's family, who have given permission for this to be the first documentary feature film about his life; Formula One, who gave permission to use previously unseen footage; and the Ayrton Senna Institute, the charitable foundation established after his death, which provides educational opportunities to millions of deprived Brazilian children."

The trailer for the film can be seen here: http://www.sennamovie.com/

The show times are listed at http://rainbowcinemas.ca/A/?theatre=Princess, however, let's turn this into a WRMC event for Monday, November 7, at the 6:50pm show. It'll be the best $6 you've spent in a while.

Meeting Reminder -- October 20

2011-10-18T10:16:00.003-06:00

The club's October meeting is Thursday, October 20, at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

Hope to see you there...

Event Reminder -- Fall Colours Run -- October 1

2011-09-25T15:54:00.002-06:00

Saturday, October 1 is the Fall Colours Run using our tried and tested favourtie route.

We meet at Gateway Park for 12:30pm, and after the event waiver is signed by all participants and such, we'll get under way at 1:00pm, which should have us arriving in Seba Beach by about 2:30pm, where we'll stop to stretch our legs (facility break) for 30min. Back under way again by 3:00pm, we should be rolling into St. Albert by about 4:30pm.

Please ensure that your car has a full gas tank (you won't need it all, but as there's no opportunity for gas en-route, don't run out) and be prepared for whatever the weather is.

See you all then, for what is always our best-attended event of the year.

Event Reminder -- Jasper Jaunt -- September 17

2011-09-15T07:10:00.001-06:00

A reminder that Saturday, September 17 is the Jasper Jaunt. An e-mail was sent out asking for RSVPs (to which we currently only have two cars confirmed with another maybe).

If we don't have more interest, the event will be cancelled and run next year.

Meeting Reminder -- September 15

2011-09-15T07:05:00.002-06:00

A reminder that Thursday, September 15, is the club's monthly meeting...at the usual time and place (7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park).

To get the world back on track, the Fall 2011 newsletter issue will be available.

There are still two trophies from the club's Show 'n Shine (in late June) to be picked up...hopefully Don S. & Bob E. will attend. As well, there's still one Flyin' Miata "Patron" level support shirt to be picked up...hopefully Randall V. will attend.

Jasper Jaunt event -- September 17

2011-08-29T15:30:00.002-06:00

The rescheduled date for the Jasper Jaunt event is Saturday, September 17.

Same details apply...meeting at the Tim Hortons at 170 Street & 111 Avenue at 7am, for a departure soon thereafter.

Prepare for a full day (hopefully top-down), so dress appropriately for all types of weather (brisk morning, sunny afternoon, cool evening).

(As a result, the club's Fall Colours Run will be re-scheduled to Saturday, October 1 -- details to follow later in September.)

Jasper Jaunt POSTPONED until September

2011-08-18T13:58:00.003-06:00

Very little interest was shown in this event (only three cars), but much was heard in favour of rescheduling this event to a later date in September, so that's what we're going to do.

Date to follow by the weekend (after tonight's meeting).

Event Reminder -- Jasper Jaunt -- August 20

2011-08-10T16:00:00.003-06:00

Saturday, August 20 will be the Jasper Jaunt event. A meeting place on the westend of the city (near to Yellowhead Trail) hasn't been firmed up yet (suggestions for a location which provides coffee and possibly breakfast are welcome) but we'll meet for 7am, with a 7:30 departure.

We'll be enjoying the good roads that Jasper National Park has to offer, plus a stop in at the Bear's Paw Bakery and a nice picnic site I know of. Main intent is to enjoy the newly reconstructed road up to Mt. Edith Cavell.

This will be a full day's event, but you're entirely welcome to stay the night in Jasper and make it a weekend if you like.

More details forthcoming, via the googlegroup e-mail.

Meeting Reminder -- August 18

2011-08-10T15:57:00.002-06:00

A reminder that the club's August meeting is Thursday, Aug 18 at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

The Summer 2011 issue of the Miata Musings newsletter will be available for pick-up, along with the Best NA (Bob E.) and Best NB (Don S.) trophies from our show 'n shine event, and the Flyin' Miata Targa Newfoundland "Patron" level support t-shirts (for Denis G. & Judy K., Michel L., Bruce U., Gary V., Randall V., and Sam W.).

Event Reminder -- EZCC Autoslalom #4 -- Sunday, August 14

2011-08-10T15:54:00.001-06:00

Sunday, August 4 is the 4th autoslalom of the season for the Edmonton Z-Car Club at which WRMC members are guests. Assuming that you've either registered as a competitor (for Event #4 only), or are on the spectator list (only required once), you can gain access to the runways at C.F.B. Edmonton.

A reminder that there will be no bbq lunch available at this event, as due to a rain-out rescheduling, the EZCC is also hosting their show 'n shine event on the same date, and Doug K. will be there with his bbq. So, be prepared, by bringing your own drinks and food in addition to sun-screen.

Welcome to new members:

2011-08-10T15:51:00.001-06:00

Peter B. of Ft. McMurray -- looking for a good NB;
Bruce & Heather MacD. of Sherwood Park -- 2009 Stormy Blue Mica
Terry & Marie L. of Edmonton -- 2007 True Red

Meeting Reminder -- July 21

2011-07-21T11:17:00.001-06:00

Tonight's the July club meeting; 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda at 7pm.

Show 'n Shine -- the aftermath

2011-06-26T16:07:00.004-06:00

It's a shame that the club's show 'n shine was so poorly attended...especially after the hard work that Bob & Sue D. put into it.

The weather was not a factor (no moisture, even some sun), and only 15 cars showed up to enter the show.

Your winners were:
Steven S. won the People's Choice trophy with his 1993 Limited Edition Miata;
Bob E. won the Best NA with his 1991 Limited Edition Miata;
Don S. won the Best NB with his 2004 Mazdaspeed MX-5, and;
Richard D. won the Best NC with his 2007 PRHT MX-5.

We raised $75 for charity.

Thank you to the sponsors -- Weber Mazda for partial support on the four trophies, and Mazda Canada for supplying leather Roots Canada duffel bags for the overall and class winners.

Until next year's event... Plan to show up!

24 hrs of Le Mans winning Mazda 787B returns 20yrs after its historic win

2011-06-24T15:42:00.001-06:00

Click the link in the text for videos of the event.

Oh the sound!

No excuse -- the weather's looking good

2011-06-24T15:39:00.002-06:00

Two Miata club events this weekend...autoslalom #2 with the Edmonton Z-Car Club at C.F.B. Edmonton on Saturday and the club's 3rd annual Show 'n Shine at the Sherwood Park Mall on Sunday.

There will be no rain during either days per the forecasts...so there's no excuse not to be at the club's Show 'n Shine, nor (assuming that you are on the gate entry list) for the slalom.

Be there or be ridiculed.

Okay, we're never that harse...but come out anyway.

Miata Musings newsletter -- Summer 2011 issue -- Update on Canada Post

2011-06-20T11:24:00.003-06:00

I finished the Summer issue of the newsletter this past weekend, and I'll have it available for pickup to those club members who come out to the Show 'n Shine event this Sunday (June 26).

Assuming that Canada Post is back to work come the end of this week, it'll be in the mail next week for those not in attendance.

Googlegroup teething pains

2011-06-19T09:51:00.002-06:00

An important change was made to the club's Googlegroup this morning, such that a REPLY will only go to the original sender as opposed to defaulting to the club. If you wish to reply to the club at-large, you must use REPLY-ALL.

Hopefully this will address the complaints of mis-addressed e-mails and cut down on what some of you have noted as an excess of e-mails.

Hang in there people...this will be an improvement. If you did unsubscribe to the group during its first two months of operation, and you want back in, please contact Martin S. or myself directly. Without being on the Googlegroup, you will miss out on important event annoucements and updates...as the quarterly newsletter and even the website just can't compete on the timeliness of updates that an e-mail affords.

Regards,

Richard D. -- President
WRMC

Rain-date reschedule of Show 'n Shine -- Sunday, June 26

2011-06-18T15:04:00.001-06:00

Today's rain will see the Show 'n Shine event run on Sunday, June 26.

Same location (Sherwood Park Mall, NE corner), time (8:30-10 for registration, 10-approx 3 for the show) as before.

Canada Post strike

2011-06-15T08:24:00.002-06:00

As Canada Post has announced a halt to mail delivery, processing, etc...the Summer 2011 issue of the newsletter will be delayed until they resume work.

I find it amazing that two companies are in strike positions, Canada Post and Air Canada, yet both are remaining operational, and the Federal government states that it'll consider back to work legislation for Air Canada as it'll affect tourism, freight, and businesses, with no consideration to what losing the mail service is doing the country!!!

(How can you tell that I have car parts in the mail? Grrrr...)

Event Reminder -- Show 'n Shine -- June 18

2011-06-13T20:06:00.002-06:00

Saturday, June 18 is the club's annual Show 'n Shine, with proceeds going to charity.

Bob D. will be calling you this week to remind you about the show and to bend your rubber arms to come out and compete with your fellow club members for prizes and trophies.

The event is being held at the Sherwood Park Mall, so there are food (restaurant and Safeway) options nearby, along with other amenities...so you won't have to spend the entire day outside if you don't want to.

Gather on-site between 8:30 and 10am, the show going from 10am to 3pm. Further details will be forthcoming at the club's June meeting, and via one last club e-mail via our Googlegroup...plus Bob's phone call sometime this week.

See you there. Finger's crossed for no rain.

Meeting Reminder -- June 16

2011-06-13T20:04:00.002-06:00

The June club meeting is June 16. As always, it's at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

Come out and hear about event updates, pose your Miata-related questions, offer sage advice, and enjoy the company of like-minded Miata owners.

Final details on the club's June 18 Show 'n Shine event will also be discussed.

Event Reminder -- History Road @ RAM -- June 12

2011-05-30T10:24:00.005-06:00

For those WRMC members who officially registered to be a part of the History Road Exhibit at the Reynolds-Alberta Museum in Wetaskiwin on Sunday, June 12, let's plan to meet at Gateway Park on the QEII Highway (the oil derrick) for 9:15am so that we can leave at 9:30am.

It's about a 45min drive to Wetaskiwin via Highway 2A (Leduc to Wetaskiwin) and as all registrants are asked to be in-place no later than 11am, this gives us a bit of time for being stuck in the lineup of cars attempting to enter the grounds, and some cleaning up of the bugs.

I'd like us to park in chronilogical order (1990 to 2011), so it's important that we're all there together. I believe that there are 13 or 14 cars in the club in the display.

Of course for anybody else in the club who'd like to attend the event (parking merely in the parking lot), you can arrive anytime (and leave anytime -- those of us in the show are there until 4pm) so stop by the club display and say hello.

Fingers crossed for good weather!!!

Event Reminder -- Spring Drive -- May 21

2011-05-19T09:09:00.004-06:00

The club's Spring Drive is Saturday, May 21.

We meet at Gateway Park (the oil derrick on the QEII highway) for 12 Noon, with a firm departure time of 12:30pm.

We'll stop for 30min at Seba Beach around 2pm, and complete the drive around 4pm in St. Albert.

Please have a full tank of gas (you won't need it, but there's no time / opportunity to fill up en-route) and don't forget your hat, sunscreen, and camera.

Meeting Reminder -- May 19

2011-05-19T09:07:00.002-06:00

It's that time again...the May club meeting is Thursday, May 19 at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

An expanded events calendar will be discussed, in advance of the publication of the next newsletter issue due in June.

Welcome to new members:

2011-05-19T09:06:00.000-06:00

Patrick T. of Edmonton -- 1997 British Racing Green
Karen G. of Edmonton -- 1999 Classic Red

Spring "Burn Some Wood" Cookout - Cancelled

2011-04-22T10:08:00.002-06:00

No, it's not cancelled due to it not being spring yet (as it's actually arrived), but I, in my infinite wisdom, scheduled it smack in the middle of the Easter longweekend, which is not a great time to host it...so we've wisely cancelled it.

Postponing wasn't seen as a great option, due to other upcoming event conflicts...so save your wood up for the Fall event in October.

Welcome to new member:

2011-04-22T10:07:00.001-06:00

Wayne H. of Edmonton -- 1992 Sunburst Yellow Limited Edition

Welcome to new members:

2011-04-09T12:29:00.002-06:00

Richard & Barbara S. of Edmonton -- 2007 Highland Green Mica
Bill F. of Vegreville -- 2011 Newport Slate Mica Special Edition
George R. & Gail H. of Edmonton -- 2006 Galaxy Grey Mica

A few late renewals have also been received in March.

Mark Smith Memorial Show 'n Shine -- June 18

2011-04-02T10:29:00.002-06:00

Saturday, June 18 is the Mark Smith Memorial Show 'n Shine, to be held at the Sherwood Park Mall in Sherwood Park (obviously!).

In a remarkable coincidence, this year's event (our third annual, and first to commemorate our late member Mark Smith) will nearly be on the one year anniversary of Rae Smith's loss, as Mark passed away on June 19, 2010.

So plan ahead now to be in attendance...let's see if we can't get the entire club, and more, out for this one!

Bob Donald will have more information out soon via Martin Savill, as well as he'll soon start phoning you all in case we need to bend your rubber arms.

Meeting Reminder -- March 17

2011-03-13T11:47:00.001-06:00

This month's club meeting is Thursday, March 17 at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

The Spring 2011 Miata Musings newsletter will be available for pickup for those in attendance, in the mail the following weekend for those not there (inclusive of your 2011 membership cards, again, for those that haven't already picked them up at a meeting).

Hope to see you there / then...lots to discuss.

Weber Motors member discount increase

2011-03-13T11:45:00.002-06:00

Great news -- Weber Motors has increased the WRMC discount to 25% off parts and labour (up from 10%) effective immediately.

2011 membership cards will be available at the March 17 club meeting and will be in the mail thereafter with the Spring 2011 Miata Musings newsletter.

Meeting Reminder -- February 17

2011-02-17T08:06:00.002-07:00

Sorry for the lateness of this reminder...but the February club meeting is today...Thursday, Feb 17 at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom at Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

I will not be able to attend (due to a family emergency), however, Martin will be running the show. For those wishing their 2011 membership cards, I'll mail them out very soon (was intending to after the last meeting, however, my time's been taken up with the aforementioned emergency -- Martin may explain tonight).

Updates on the 2011 Topless Sun Run (hosted by the Okanagan Valley Miata Club) will be given (registration goes live on March 1), the Race Week Edmonton events, and the usual Miata-related stuff.

Cheers,

Richard

Targa fundraising efforts

2011-01-19T13:30:00.002-07:00

To quote the Flyin' Miata website:

Clubs
We have a special setup for clubs. If members of the club pledge a total of $500 or more, we'll put the club name on the car. Simply send us the name of the club and a list of the members who are taking part, then have the members pledge normally. The Wild Rose Miata Club of Edmonton has proclaimed they'll be the first to reach this point. Will they?

Well, the answer is yes!

We are the first Miata club to reach the $500 threshold, so congratulations people. We're actually at $600 already, and per the people that have e-mailed me but have not yet undertaken the transaction (which won't be billed until March, assuming that FM makes the required $10,000), we're at $875 and climbing.

Keep it up!

Targa Newfoundland 2008 video viewing

2011-01-17T06:16:00.002-07:00

As a bonus for the January meeting, we'll be showing the 2008 Targa Newfoundland race, in which Keith & Janel Tanner competed in with the "Targa Miata", winning their class.

This will both help to stave off "Cabin Fever" in light of the nine days of constant snowfall that we've received, and to perhaps rouse the membership to support Flyin' Miata's efforts to return to the Targa Newfoundland for 2011.

Meeting Reminder -- January 20

2011-01-16T19:25:00.001-07:00

The first club meeting of the year is Thursday, January 20th at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom at Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

Hope to see you there. A good opportunity for those that haven't yet renewed your membership for 2011 to do so in-person.

Wild Rose Miata Club support for Flyin' Miata's entry to the 2011 Targa Newfoundland race

2011-01-15T10:27:00.003-07:00

With great interest, Flyin' Miata has decided to return to the Targa Newfoundland race in 2011 (Sept 10-17), this time with a two-car team. Keith & Janel Tanner are planning for an outright win, re-tooling their 2008 class-winning NA "Targa Miata" with a V8, and Bill Cardell will be competing in the Grand Touring class with a journalist as a co-driver in either "Elvis", FM's V8-equipped NB Miata, or "Nancy", their supercharged NC Miata. You can read about it via the header text of this post.

Many of us have of course enjoyed Keith & Janel's efforts in the 2008 race via our own newsletters, and of course have benefited from the product development that went into the Targa Miata (AFCO suspension, butterfly brace, Keith's latest book, etc...), and spent many an hour riveted to Keith's build diary of the car from 2006-08.

But, to afford this two-car entry, FM can't do it alone, so the call has gone out the Miata community for support.

Upon an idea of mine, all individual support at the "Fan" (up to $50) or "Team Member" ($50 and above) will be pooled with the intent of the club's total support topping the "Patron" level (min $500), which would get the Wild Rose Miata Club's name on the car. (I secretly hope that we'll top $1,500 to the "Sponsor" level, which would have the WRMC listing in all press releases as a major contributor).
Given how much Flyin' Miata has supported the WRMC (donations of door prizes at various Anniversary Parties) as well as their endless tech support for the many of us who have their products on our Miatas (not just turbo-chargers), it's a way of paying them back with our support.

As a "Team Member", you'll receive a limited-edition t-shirt proclaiming your as one of the coolest Miata owners around.

The deadline for supporting this effort is March 11 (as that's the last day that they can withdraw from the race without financial penalty), so take advantage of the above-par dollar exchange now.

2011 membmership renewals

2011-01-04T09:53:00.003-07:00

A renewal notice and pre-addressed envelope were included with all Winter 2011 newsletters mailed out in early December...and many of you have responded already, however, those of you from whom the club hasn't heard back from received an e-mail over the weekend to remind you that your WRMC memberships have now expired.

Please take the time to either pop your renewal in the mail (or bring it to the January club meeting on Thursday the 20th) or send an e-mail in to the club's contact address stating that you won't be renewing.

Thanks,

WRMC Club Executive

Classified Ads link

2010-11-23T06:41:00.002-07:00

...is fixed. Don't know what suddenly changed on the Miata Club Canada forum site, but the link (to the right) directly into the Classified Ad section was broken. Jim fixed it last night and it's working again.

Don't forget that there's a whole bigger world on the MCC forum apart from the Classified Ads and WRMC sections...just a click away on the top-left "Miata Club Canada" text from either page will get back to the larger forum...or just click on the header of this post to be brought there directly.

Meeting Reminder - November 18

2010-11-14T21:08:00.001-07:00

The last club meeting for 2010 is Thursday, November 18 at 7pm in the second floor boardroom at Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

See you there!

Call for 2010 Event Pictures

2010-10-31T13:36:00.001-06:00

Click the title text of this post and you'll be taken to the WRMC photo diary page in our section on the Miata Club Canada forum.

Some new galleries have been added for 2010 events...but more photos were taken than just by Martin and I...so if you've got some lying around, post 'em online and e-mail either of us with the address, and we'll add them to the posting.

Show what a fantastic year we had despite the rainy summer.

Welcome to new members:

2010-10-22T15:50:00.003-06:00

Daryl B. of Edmonton - supercharged 1990 Classic Red;
Bob & Sue T. of Edmonton - 2006 Sunlight Silver Metallic;
Tim & Mary S. of Edmonton - 1990 Mariner Blue, and;
David & Brenda O. of Edmonton - 2006 Brilliant Black.

Furthermore, welcome back to former members:
Zack & Adrienne S. of Edmonton - 2004 Velocity Red Mica Mazdaspeed.

Event Reminder - Fall "Burn Some Wood" Cookout - October 23

2010-10-01T15:13:00.004-06:00

Our last event for the 2010 summer season is the cookout, on Saturday, October 23, at Hawrelak Park. This annual event always seems to bring out some surprises with members whom we haven’t seen in some time coming out…so we’ll see if this holds true again this year. So, c’mon out!

A rather relaxed affair, it’s meant simply as a way to unwind after a summer full of activities and as a last chance for many to bring their Miatas out to a club event until April. Enjoy a nice fall day, discuss events you’ve missed or your winter plans, and cook some food over an open fire.

Further details will be mailed out by Martin nearing the event.

The fire starts at 2pm.

Meeting Reminder -- October 21

2010-10-01T15:11:00.001-06:00

The next club meeting is Thursday, October 21, at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

The November issue of the Miata Musings will be available for pickup by those members in attendance. (Mailed thereafter to those not in attendance at the Fall "Burn Some Wood" Cookout two days later...see the post above.)

Event Reminder - Fall Colours Run - October 2

2010-09-30T13:26:00.003-06:00

The Fall Colours Run is Saturday, October 2.

We meet at Gateway Park (the oil derrick on the QE II Highway at the city's southern limits) for 10:30am with a departure for 11am. (Waiver must be signed...so don't show up at 11 expecting to leave right away...please come on time.)

The drive will be two legs of approximately 90min with a 30min stretch (bathroom) break at Seba Beach in the middle. We'll end on the outskirts of St. Albert and have no defined end point unless people desire an ice cream or something.

Please have a full tank of gas. You won't need it all, but there is no opportunity for gas on the route, so being low may cause you to have to leave to find it.

Bring your cameras & hats (wear sunscreen per the weather forecast) and come prepared for a fun drive on all the twisty and/or hilly roads surrounding Edmonton.

Autoslaloms -- September 25 & October 3

2010-09-11T08:47:00.003-06:00

The Edmonton Z-Car Club has a date of Saturday, September 25 for the fourth event of the year, and Sunday, October 3 for the fifth event of the year.

Information can be found by clicking on the title text of this message.

Registration is through Andrew S. (link on that website), and is only required if you have not previously registered as a competitor at either of the three previous events. Reminder that all people in your party, if you're bringing spectators, must be registered with Andrew, due to the security requirements at C.F.B. Edmonton.

Deadline for registration is Friday, September 17 by noon for the fourth event, and Friday, September 24 for the fifth event (this is only required if you haven't previously registered for base access purposes).

Meeting Reminder -- September 16

2010-09-06T12:30:00.002-06:00

The September club meeting is Thursday, September 16 at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

Martin S. will be chairing the meeting, and you will all have received your October issue of the Miata Musings in the mail prior to the meeting...but come out anyway.

Event Notification -- David Thompson Highway Cruise -- DATE MAY CHANGE!!!

2010-09-06T12:25:00.006-06:00

After working out event details with Martin S. -- our Events Director, and leader of this drive -- last week, and publishing said details in the early distribution October issue of the Miata Musings (hitting the mail tomorrow for hopefull delivery on Wednesday for Edmonton members) there may be a date change.

Listed for Saturday, September 18, the new date may be one week earlier, ie: this coming Saturday, September 11.

Stay tuned to your e-mail for an announcement by Martin and a call for confirmation of attendence (lest the event not proceed).

Despite being an all-day, 1,000km drive, the David Thompson Highway Cruise to Jasper 'n Back is well worth partaking in.

New Club Member Business Opening -- September 10/11

2010-09-03T08:36:00.006-06:00

Fellow Club Member, Ian Searle, is having the Grand Opening of his new store in Sherwood Park on September 10th and 11th from 11AM to 8PM.

Sublime Wines, located at #104, 160 Broadway Blvd (look for Fulton Market Burgers and it's in the same building, just to the east) in Sherwood Park is a boutique wine store that will present new and different wines, spirits and beers as well as offering a unique wine tasting room with a lounge and fireplace.

Ian would like to invite everyone to the store during those days for samples, opening specials and door prizes.

For more information, call 780-467-WINE (9463)

Welcome to new members:

2010-08-21T09:07:00.002-06:00

Maggie J. of Edmonton -- 1996 Brilliant Black
Alin & Maria M. of Edmonton -- 1995 British Racing Green
Jack & Meryl N. of Ft. Saskatchewan -- 1991 Mariner Blue
Glenn & Doris P. of Edmonton -- 2003 Pure White
and
Don S. & Sandy P. of Edmonton -- 2004 Velocity Red Mica Mazdaspeed

Meeting Reminder - August 19

2010-08-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, it's that time again...Thursday, August 19 at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom at Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

See you there/then.

The September issue of the Miata Musings newsletter will be available for pickup by those members in attendance (get it first!)...thereafter in the mail to the rest of the club.

Meeting Reminder - July 15

2010-07-10T06:54:00.002-06:00

The club's July meeting is this coming Thursday at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

The August issue of the Miata Musings newsletter will be available for pickup at the meeting (everybody else will get it in the mail by the following week).

Event Reminder - Show 'n Shine - July 11

2010-07-10T06:51:00.003-06:00

The club's 2nd annual Show 'n Shine is Sunday, July 11 at the Edmonton Aviation Museum (located on Kingsway Avenue). Start time, to get the cars all lined up, is around 8:30am...expect to be there until mid-afternoon.

This event is part of the larger Japanese Sports Car show, which is part of the Race Week Edmonton events as a run-up to the Edmonton Indy race.

If you have any questions, contact Bob Donald directly (his number's on the back of the newsletter).

In Memoriam

2010-06-25T08:57:00.002-06:00

Mark's obituary is posted in today's Edmonton Journal (click on this topic's title for redirection via the inbedded link).

A remembrance service will be held on Sunday, June 27 at noon at the Pleasantview Community League hall.

We mourn the loss of a club member

2010-06-21T18:41:00.003-06:00

Mark Smith sadly passed away on Saturday, June 19, of complications of pneumonia after a week in the hospital.

Having joined the club in June 2002, his enthusiasm will be missed by many.

More details will follow with respect to the funeral.

We wish Rae and their daughter Jacq all the strength possible in their time of loss.

Welcome new member:

2010-06-18T16:21:00.003-06:00

Leo G. of Spruce Grove -- 1999 Sapphire Blue Mica "10th Anniversary" Limited Edition

Meeting Reminder -- June 17

2010-06-16T21:26:00.002-06:00

The June club meeting is Thursday, June 17 at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

The July issue of the Miata Musings will be available for pickup for those in attendance...or they'll be in the mail over the weekend.

Welcome new members:

2010-06-16T21:24:00.002-06:00

Nigel B. & Ellyse B. of Edmonton -- 2004 Black Cherry Mica (US car), and;
Geremy Brodeur of Edmonton -- 1993 Custom BRG (turbo'd).

Miata Musings member-supplied content

2010-06-02T06:18:00.001-06:00

Please note my blurb in the latest newsletter re: a call for member-written / supplied content.

June issue of Miata Musings in the mail

2010-06-01T20:24:00.002-06:00

Sorry for the week-plus delay in mailing the newsletter after the May meeting...but they're all in the mail as of this morning's 10am pickup, so Edmonton and area should have them tomorrow, out of towners hopefully by the end of the week.

Welcome new members:

2010-05-27T13:15:00.002-06:00

Harry & Shirley G of St. Albert - 1990 Classic Red

Welcome new members:

2010-05-20T23:20:00.002-06:00

Phil de M & Audrey R of Edmonton - 2000 Highlight Silver Metallic;
Duncan W & Jacquelyne G of St. Albert - 2008 Copper Red Mica PRHT, and;
Wilf & Rosanne G of Spruce Grove - 1999 Sapphire Blue Mica "10th Anniversary" Limited Edition.

Additionally, welcome back to:

Pam B;
Tan P & Bori P;
Jim & Christine W, and;
Beate & Peter S.

Congratulations...

2010-05-20T09:36:00.003-06:00

...to Cam A. & Julie N., who finally got engaged this past weekend.

This wasn't in Cam's latest "Letters from Victoria" installment, which you will be able to read in the latest Miata Musings newsletter, but there's a thread on the forum (click on this entry's title for redirection) complete with a picture of the happy moment.

Event Reminder - Spring Drive - May 22

2010-05-15T06:08:00.002-06:00

Saturday, May 22 is the Spring Drive. As with last year’s Fall Colours Run, we’ll be running in the traditional (clockwise) direction, which is to say Gate-way Park to St. Albert, with a mid-point stop at Seba Beach for a restroom break and a stretch.

Meeting time is for 12:00pm at Gateway Park. We may do an impromptu group photo if people wish (ie: if the grass is green), otherwise, it’s likely that we’ll put out around 12:30pm, to stop about 90min later at Seba Beach; getting going no more than 30min later for the remaining 90min to St. Albert. The Dairy Queen on St. Albert Trail is always so busy, so if anybody can suggest a better place to end the drive, speak up now!

Meeting Reminder - May 20

2010-05-15T06:06:00.003-06:00

The club's May meeting is this coming Thursday at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

The next issue of the Miata Musings will be available for pickup for those in attendance.

Meeting Reminder - April 15

2010-04-14T07:33:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow night is the club's monthly meeting -- Park Mazda at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom.

Hopefully Alvin, Mark, and Richard will all be in attendance to recount their 10-day trip to Laguna Seca and back...they may even talk about what it's like to drive a Miata on the track! ;-)

WRMC's 15th Anniversary -- Sunday Brunch, April 25

2010-04-03T12:18:00.002-06:00

On Sunday, April 25 we'll finally be celebrating the Wild Rose Miata Club's 15th Anniversary. Originally hoped for October (when it actually occurs), and then hoped for our usual timeframe of January, both dates fell through. Now's the time!

We'll be partaking in the Sunday brunch at the Lily Lake Resort (formerly the Red Barn), which is about a 30min drive from St. Albert. We'll meet at 10:00am at St. Albert Centre (aka: the Mall) in the NW corner of the parking lot (at the base of the pedestrian overpass...where we have meet a few times for the Spring Drive and/or Fall Colours Run when going from N to S). From there, we'll drive the half hour or so to LLR. If you're unable to make the rendezvous but still want to go, you can meet us there around about 11:00am.

At present, it's anticipated that it will be the small buffet (no sea food), so cost is $15 per person. If we do manage to pull in a lot of people, they may offer us the large buffet (full compliment of food items...both breakfast and lunch) for $30 per person...but I won't know that until I have full attendance numbers and talk with the manager of LLR.

Come out and share in the celebratory experience of our club's 15th Anniversary (six months late).

Hopefully you all have your Miatas out by then...but if you're bringing more family members, the OTM (Miata-parlance for the "Other Than Miata" vehicle) is welcome just as well.

RSVPs are required to wild_rose_miata_club@hotmail.com and must be in by Friday, April 16. Please let me know the number of people in your party.

Tech Events -- two coming up mid-April

2010-04-03T12:15:00.003-06:00

Saturday, April 17

Come help Steven S. out with a clutch change (warranty issue) and suspension replacement (AFCO re-installation, also a warranty issue) at Doug McD.'s garage (complete with hoist).

Sunday, April 18

Come help Bob D. out with a complete shifter maintenance (replacement of both rubber isolator boots, turret oil change, etc), which is something that EVERY Miata owner in the club should know how to do (check bi-annually).

Both Tech Events have threads on the club's forum so you can contact the organizers and find out times, places, etc...

Miata or two desired for March 31

2010-03-29T13:12:00.003-06:00

Bob D. -- our main Show 'n Shine coordinator -- is looking for a Miata or two to be in attendance from 9am - 2pm at the Edmonton Aviation Museum in support of the big press conference for the weeklong Edmonton Indy lead-up events (one of which will be our club's Show 'n Shine).

Contact him via his telephone number listed on the back of your newsletter, or via the thread on the club's forum, which is linked via the TEXT HEADER of this post.

Google Groups Still Pending Approval...

2010-03-22T22:20:00.003-06:00

Sorry Folks, this Google Group setup is still on hold waiting for Google to review the application. I promise that as soon as I find out it is done I will send out an email.

This is becoming a tad frustrating, and I apologise for the delays, so until then we will have to reply on the "old fashioned" emails and forum posts.

Martin - Events Director

Welcome to new members:

2010-03-16T17:49:00.003-06:00

Bruno & Eva G. of Edmonton - 1993 Brilliant Black Special Edition (US-market car)
Jim L. of Edmonton - 1991 British Racing Green Limited Edition

Meeting Reminder - March 18

2010-03-14T21:16:00.003-06:00

Once again, it's meeting time!

Thursday, March 18 at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

The much-anticipated April Fools issue of the newsletter will be available for pick up by those present (all else will receive it in the mail thereafter).

Bring your Miata!

Google Group Taking Longer Than Planned

2010-03-05T20:31:00.002-07:00

I have created the group list for the WRMC Group, but due to Google's anti-spam policies they have to review the membership request that I submitted to make sure that it is not a spam or malicious account. I will send out an email to everyone once it has been reviewed and approved.

Hang in there everyone!

Martin

GoogleGroup testing in progress

2010-02-21T11:32:00.002-07:00

We're in the process of getting our GoogleGroup up and running. You can expect a few odd e-mails over the course of the next day or so as we (Martin and Richard) test a few things.

There will be two addresses, one for inter-member chatter and one purely for event annoucements.

If your e-mail system is filtering these out (into your SPAM box), please unblock the addresses, such that you receive these e-mails.

Hopefully this will allow a few more people to interact as compared to the sparse member usage on the Miata Club Canada forum.

3rd Annual "Car Movie Marathon" -- March 6

2010-02-19T10:46:00.003-07:00

Saturday, March 6th is our 3rd annual Car Movie Marathon event...to beat away the winter blahs / cabin fever and get us all ready for spring.

It's a BYOB (bring your own bottle(s) & mix / BYOSTS (bring your own snacks to share) / BYOMFP (bring your own money for pizza) affair, which will be held at Steven & Patty S's house in south Edmonton (same site for the previous two events).

Arrival for a good seat in the theatre room, per norm, is 9:30am, with drinks in-hand at 10am (that's noon EST, so it's okay). Arrive / leave when you like if you can't do all-day, but this is planeed for Season 14 of Top Gear (7 episodes), Truth in 24 (Audi movie about LeMans), and some other stuff...so it'll be all-day with stretch- and lunch-break.

March issue of Miata Musings

2010-02-19T10:43:00.002-07:00

For those that didn't pick up their newsletters at last night's club meeting (and for those that I knew wouldn't be there and out-of-town members, whose newsletters were dropped in the mail this past Tuesday), your newsletters will be posted this weekend.

Look for them no later than mid-week next week.

There are a number of Calendar of Event tweaks since the February issue sent out last month, all of which are high-lighted on page 2.

More on the Show 'n Shine(s) will be forthcoming soon, as things develop with the entre week of festivities leading up to the Edmonton Indy race in late July. Bob, Randy, and Will are working hard (Will's now on the organizing committee for the festival as well, so we have an in).

Targa Newfoundland - Keith & Janel Tanner's Miata Adventure

2010-02-18T04:54:00.004-07:00

Want a taste of what it's like to run the Targa Newfoundland?

Forever MX-5 magazine has just published an 8-page article written by Flyin' Miata's Keith Tanner about the experience at the 2008 event.

Click the title text to link to the .PDF file.

Meeting Reminder - February 18

2010-02-13T16:16:00.001-07:00

The club's February meeting is Thursday, February 18, at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom at Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

Hope to see you there.

The March issue of the Miata Musings newsletter will be available for pickup at the meeting (I just printed it)...so get it first!

Further Update on Landmark Mazda

2010-01-29T12:52:00.003-07:00

I dropped in today and spoke with Paul Pandur (longtime manager at Jarman Mazda). Jim Berg's gone. Landmark Mazda is not offering (at this time) discounts to WRMC members for parts or labour.

Welcome to new members:

2010-01-22T05:55:00.001-07:00

Darren & Melissa P. of Edmonton - 2001 Sunlight Silver Metallic, and
Yvonne A. of Edmonton - 2007 Sunlight Silver Metallic

Congrats to Brandi & Martin...

2010-01-20T13:33:00.002-07:00

on the birth of their daughter Grace Sylvia on January 18.

Our Events Director Martin will now have more to do than usual...so event updates and such may be a little sporadic for the next month or two.

Meeting Reminder - January 21

2010-01-20T13:30:00.002-07:00

The first club meeting for 2010 is Thursday, January 21 at 7pm in the second floor boardroom at Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

The February issue of the Miata Musings newsletter and your 2010 membership cards will be available for pickup (mailed thereafter if you're not in attendance).

Membership renewals for those of you who have yet to do so can be done in person.

Jarman Mazda no more...now Landmark Mazda

2010-01-20T13:26:00.002-07:00

From the Hicks on Six column in the January 20 Edmonton Sun.

VROOM, VROOM

Heading into the annual Edmonton Motor Show next week, Edmonton auto dealers have emerged from their 2009 industry turmoil remarkably unscathed. Sales overall in the Edmonton area were flat last year. But these days, "flat" is excellent. The General Motors re-structuring meant some 240 dealerships across Canada were closed, but we lost just five in this area -- Stedelbauer Chev-Olds, Saturn West, Grove Pontiac in Spruce Grove, and Murray Chevrolet in Leduc.

Stedelbauer principal Ron Gibson bought and moved Jarman Mazda into the Stedelbauer building on 97 Street, re-naming it Landmark Mazda. Grove Pontiac is now Grove Motor Products. Welcome Ford in Fort Saskatchewan just declared bankruptcy, but not because of the economy. Otherwise, the local auto biz has been all about consolidation and improved presentation.

The Ericksen Auto Group (Ericksen Nissan, Ericksen Infiniti, and recent acquisitions Weber Motors Mazda and Weber Motors Mercedes-Benz / Smart) was itself fully acquired by Mike Priestner's Go Auto group. Crosstown Motors, the flagship of brother Pat Priestner's AutoCanada group, left the downtown to be the Crosstown Auto Centre at the Yellowhead and 156 Street.

AutoCanada's Capital Chrysler Jeep Dodge moved to the Gateway Auto Mall on Ellerslie Road, just off Calgary Trail. It's now the Capital Auto Centre. Yellowhead Honda moved and reopened as Pointe West Honda, selling other Honda products as well as cars. Once its new premises is ready in Sherwood Park, Healy Ford will move out of the downtown. So things weren't that bad. It'll be upbeat at The Motor Show. It always is.

Hopefully the staff at Jarman / Landmark are still there...as most at Weber Motors have changed over the past year. More details in the March issue of the Miata Musings once I know.

Membership Renewals

2010-01-02T10:54:00.002-07:00

A reminder that it's now 2010, and all club members who received a membership renewal notice with your Volume 16, Issue 1 newsletters back in November, your memberships have now expired.

There are still about 50 some-odd members who have not sent in their renewals (an e-mail will go out this week).

Don't let the benefits of being a WRMC member pass you by.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T10:06:00.002-07:00

It's 2010...seems like only yesterday that it was clicking over to 2000...yet here we are, in the last year of the decade (it's amazing how much the media has this wrong).

The Miata's turned 21....and it's -21C outside, with a bitter wind, yet I hope to see a lot of you at today's Polar Bear Run at 2pm.

Cheers!

Event Reminder - Polar Bear Run - January 1

2009-12-20T11:38:00.003-07:00

The club's annual Polar Bear Run to kick off the New Year is on January 1. We meet at 2pm at Stephen & Fran M.'s house (address is listed in the Volume 16, Issue 1 Miata Musings newsletter).

From there, once those with removable hard-tops are stored in the yard or garage, we'll take a 60-90min drive through the city, before returning for apres-event nimblies and coffee/tea.

The weather's (currently) forecast for about -5C and sun...a nice change from the frigid temps from the last few years...so c'mon out. Even if you don't have a Miata on the street, there's likely a few empty passenger seats...so don't be shy. (Perhaps the wrangling of empty seats is best done via a thread on the club's forum...just so you don't show up only to find all seats taken.)

Welcome to new members:

2009-12-20T11:37:00.002-07:00

Eric & Nora S. of Dawson Creek, BC - 1994 British Racing Green

Event Reminder - Candy Cane Lane Cruise - Dec 18

2009-12-17T09:16:00.002-07:00

Don't forget that our Edmonton Food Bank donation is December 18 during the Candy Cane Lane Cruise.

We meet at the Second Cup located at 149 Street & 89 Avenue at 7pm and head out to CCL from there (a few blocks away), and likely do the Alberta Legislature grounds and perhaps a turn around Hawrelak Park for old-time's sake (no Bright Nights anymore).

Miatas will lead the group...but come out in whatever you like...it's for the Food Bank more than anything.

Wish your fellow club memebers some Christmas cheer too.

Dec/Jan "Miata Musings" newsletter in the mail

2009-11-22T21:32:00.002-07:00

The Dec/Jan issue of the Miata Musings will be in the mail to all members (who didn't pick it up at last week's meeting), inclusive of renewal notices for all members whose membership expires at the end of December (not all do, as new members who've joined recently extend to the end of December 2010).

You'll find the renewal notice stapled to the newsletter, and within the envelope, a pre-stamped / addressed return envelope for you to use. Don't misplace it!

Nov 19 - Meeting Reminder

2009-11-15T09:27:00.003-07:00

The club's last meeting for 2009 is Thursday, November 19, at 7pm in the 2nd floor boardroom of Park Mazda in Sherwood Park.

For those in attendance to pick up your Dec/Jan issue of the newsletter, it would be greatly appreciated if you could be prepared to handle your membership renewal in-person at the meeting, as this will save a lot of work on club administration. Annual dues remain $30.

Welcome to new members:

2009-11-15T09:26:00.002-07:00

Richard & Laurel F. of Spruce Grove -- 2009 Metropolitan Gray Mica PRHT

Oct 17 - Event Reminder

2009-10-16T15:38:00.003-06:00

Saturday, October 17 is the Fall "Burn Some Wood" Cookout at Hawrelak Park.

We'll try for a fire pit near to the river (click the above banner text for a link to Google Maps) and the fire will start at 2:30pm. Bring what you'd like to cook (and a means to do so...tin foil for the grate or a stick) and we'll see you there.

Our second-to-last Miata event for the year.

------

Well, we had 1 Miata, 3 MX-5s, 1 Jaaaaaag, 1 Land Rover, and 1 BMW...nine people for a very pleasant afternoon in the park, with sun no less! The last opportunity for newsletters to be delivered, so all others will be in the mail as of the 10am pickup on Monday, October 19.