Save the Date in So Cal-updated

[So Cal Mark]

copied from Xweb;

SoCal X 1/9 and Fiat Owners Fun Run

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We're currently starting to plan a fun run and time to hang out together after the drive for a weekend probably in late March/early April.

I already emailed those folks on Tony's list of SoCal X owners. If I missed anyone, you're not on Tony's list, or you might have an interest to join everyone, send me a PM with your email address.

I'll update you on the present plans and keep you posted on details as they further develop.

I'm going to try to pass by the Torrance Parks & Rec. Dept. tomorrow to reserve a picnic and BBQ area at a local park. I'm still on jury duty, but the city hall is near the county court house, so maybe during lunch recess. Once that's nailed down, I'll provide more details. At the moment, the tentative plan is Sunday, March 27th. to cruise around Palos Verdes for about a 1.5-2 hour drive, and then hang out at the park to have a some chow, something to wash it down with, and good company.

I should have more details in the next few days.

Mike


Mike

[So Cal Mark]

Save the date: Sunday, March 27th. Drive start time: 11:00 a.m. BBQ/Lunch time: 1:00 p.m.



Ok, things are starting to come together. If necessary, I’ll get some maps and additional directions together later. Just let me know if you need that additional information.



For those interested in the drive portion, let’s plan to meet 10:30-11:00 a.m. so we can head out at 11:00. I’ve attached a Google Earth photo of the meeting place. It’s at the intersection of Hawthorne Blvd. and Sepulveda Blvd. I think the NW corner of the parking lot in front of Citibank should be a good place to meet. For those needing to make a pit stop after the journey to get there, Rite Aid has public bathrooms inside. There’s also a 7-11 down the street for anyone needing coffee. For those coming south on the 405, exit Hawthorne Blvd., turn right at the bottom of the ramp, and proceed south to the meeting place (approx. 4 miles). You’ll know you’re very close when you see the Del Amo Fashion Center Mall on your left. For those coming on the 405 north from Orange County, take the Hawthorne Blvd. exit and proceed south. It’s not the shortest route, but it’s the simplest. If you’re coming on the 110 south, exit at Sepulveda Blvd., turn right at the bottom of the ramp, and proceed west to the intersection with Hawthorne Blvd.(approx. 4-6 miles).



The run around Palos Verdes) PV with some stops to take in the views could take 1.5-2 hours. The attached Google Earth photo of PV will give you a rough idea of some of the route and terrain. You head south on Hawthorne Blvd. and start to climb the “hill” as you pass Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a good climb to the top and on a clear day, you can see Catalina and some of the other Channel Islands. You then go down the “hill” with a couple of good turns until you reach the ocean and head east on PV Drive south. That has a pretty stretch of road, some of it winding and some nice views passing through the panoramic Portuguese Bend area. After passing the Donald Trump National Golf Course you turn left onto PV Drive East and go through a series of hairpin/180 degree curves that wind back and forth as you climb the “hill” again to reach a different location at the top of PV where the FAA radar domes are located and there’s a great view of Long Beach, San Pedro, the port of LA, and PV below. As you go back down, there are some places to stop to take in the views. Once you get to the bottom again, you head back west on PV drive. An interesting stop is the Wayfarer’s Chapel. As I recall, it’s non-denominational but it’s kind of interesting architecture… all glass with wood beams. There’s a public restroom for another pit stop, and nice grounds and views there. As you continue west, you pass Hawthorne Blvd. and keep going until you reach Paseo Lunado, where you turn left and head closer to the ocean again. That part is a nice area to cruise along slowly as there are good views of the ocean, cliffs, and the homes of folks at a higher pay grade than mine. After passing that area, you get back on to PV Drive heading into Redondo Beach. There’s one street to enter on that I can’t remember the name before you reach Redondo where you eventually come to a small traffic circle and end up on Esplanade and cruise up north along the beach in Redondo. You can stay on that for a couple more miles. I’ll get further info on that street name I can’t remember as well as directions to the park for lunch.

For lunch, I have some space reserved at El Nido Park, 18301 Kingsdale Ave., Torrance, CA. We should probably arrive there about 1:00 p.m. See the attached Google Earth photo of the park. The picnic area with BBQ grills is right by the parking lot so we can eat and be close to the cars also.

Since the hauling capacity of an X 1/9 is a bit limited, I plan to bring hamburgers & hot dogs, buns, charcoal, and some

[So Cal Mark]

Guys,



Just wanted to give you an update. So far, the following have indicated they will be participating in the fun run (two pending getting some repairs finished on time):



Scott-Palm Springs, Papa Tony, Rafael/bertone47, Jeff Johnson, Brian Mix, Ed & Barbara DeCarbo, Mark Allison, Ed Ramirez, Ricardo, Wil Hurd, Merkel Weiss, Rey Flores, and Tom Deutsch. George/Cozzoi may be there if he returns from Argentina in time. Unfortunately, Rudy Montero has decided that his sister’s wedding on the east coast is more important than hanging out with a bunch of crazy X heads. If anyone who hasn’t said yes yet, please get back to me so I can add your name to the list.



For those who might not have a road worthy Fiat in time, you can always come in your daily driver to the meeting place and ride with someone else, or show up for the BBQ/lunch.



Please remember if you want to bring something in addition to the burgers & hot dogs I’ll be providing, do a reply to all to avoid duplication.



I’ll probably check back for a “final” head count about a week ahead of time so I’ll have an idea of how much food to bring.



I’ll look forward to seeing as many as possible there.



Thanks.



Mike Busman

[TommyClocks]

I noticed that the last post was on March 2, is the run still going on as scheduled? If the clutch cable is delivered today I may be able to go, sure sounds like it would be a nice ride.

[jimincalif]

Yes, I received an email that the ride is still on. I won't be able to make it unfortunately.

PM me your email address and I'll get you added to the distribution list.

Jim

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Although it’s raining now and the forecast for rain continues through late tomorrow, Sunday is still showing partly cloudy/morning clouds & afternoon sun.

So unless something drastic happens that it’s raining Sunday morning, we’re still on for Sunday.


Anyone who didn’t get back to me with your final confirmation, please do so.

Thanks.

Mike

[ventura ace]

Unfortunately, I had an unscheduled trip out of town and won't make it. Cesare will pick up the 500 sport demo from Shaver Subaru / Fiat in Thousand Oaks, and have it on the drive, so there will be at least one new 500 on the drive! Sorry, I can't make it guys. Wish I could be there.

Alvon

[sjrutherford]

For anyone interested, there are a few Fiat 850 owners (from the Yahoo Fiat 850 group/list) planning to attend the Irvine "cars and coffee" meet on Saturday April 23rd. The more the merrier...

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/fiat850/
http://irvine.carsandcoffee.info/

Scott