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Leaf Peeper Run What a pretty day for a run! We had 4 Miatas show up with 3 OTMs. There was Mike in AERITH, Loth and Demi in HELLOKITTY, Josh and Nikki each in their NCs, Ethan and Trinity in a highly modified STi, Debbie and Bryan in a WRX, and Levi in his Nissan Pathfinder.
Seward Run
Wow! What a great run to Seward. We got a late start but four AKMC Miatas were there to include Josh and Nikki in the red NC, Trinity in MEDUSA, Ethan in HACKER, and Mike in AERITH. Ethan pulled us fast to Girdwood then nonstop to Seward. Had lunch at Subway and split up to sight see. I headed back since I hadn't slept yet. The drive back was great because the weather, no traffic, and the road.
Potluck Picnic The weather was cloudy when Mike and Dannielle arrived at Jewel Lake Park to set up. Mike's red NA and AERITH were parked closest to the gazeebo. The wind started to blow as Loth and Demi arrived in the blue Del Sol. Anthony, Jenny, and Reychil came with a white NB and the Maroon NC. Joshua's No Notice to Girdwood After the carshow on Delaney Park Strip Joshua called a No Notice to Girdwood at 6 pm. The sun had come out and the other half of the AKMC wanted to cruise. It was Josh in a white NC, Nikki in a red NC, Jenny in a Maroon NC, Anthony in a white NB, Vember and VJ in BURPLE, and Loth and Demi in a silver Celica at Brobell. I caught up with them in NOZOMI at the gas station in Girdwood as there was no traffic going south. We all chilled in the parking lot deciding where to go for dinner.
Jay Ofsthun Car Show Loth and I arrived early to grab our usual parking spot. We got bad news that our first come, first served spot was reserved for sponsors. So, I defaulted back to our old spot. We had five Miatas representing the AKMC, Mike's red NA, Trinity's MEDUSA, Ethan's HACKER, Dannielle's AERITH, and Loth's HELLO KITTY. Although all the Miatas got some love, all the girls fell in love with HELLO KITTY.
Cruising the Strip It was a great day with the sun dropping. I parked at Brobell before 9 pm and was immediately briefed by security. I moved 20 feet and was joined by Loth and Demi in a dark blue NC, Dannielle in AERITH, Trinity in MEDUSA, Ethan in HACKER, and new member Titan in his red NA. The 5 of us hardparked till 10 pm then headed to Northernlights Blvd. to start the 3 lap cruise on the strip. Over Hatcher Pass It was cloudy but with no rain forecasted until later that evening. This event was rescheduled because it was a great time last year and it is the only off road run offered by the AKMC. It is a dirt road so beware if you have a mint Miata as this run may not be for you. Trinity's No Notice to Talkeetna The weather forecast was high 70's for Sunday. No official event was scheduled so Trinity did what every AKMC member can do and called a No Notice. It would be a trip north to Talkeetna and was well received by the replies on the AKMC fb page. Mike showed up with Dannielle in AERITH and new member Ethan and his father Denver in a red supercharged NB. After introductions Joshua and Nikki showed up in two NC PRHTs, one red auto and the white manual. Shortly after, Vember arrived with VJ in two NBs, a silver MSM and BLURPLE. Lastly, came Trinity in MEDUSA which got us 7 Miatas. Celebrations of Life
It was a rainy Saturday as if someone knew there would be two Celebrations of Life today. The first one was a mass for David at the Trinity Church with a reception afterwards set up by Ginny, his daughter.
4th of July Parade
The weather was decent after the sun broke through the clouds. Gwyn was already there in GRAMMA BABYCAR waiting for us. We prepped up the Miatas with American flags and AKMC magnets. Bodey arrived with Kenai in AMANDA. This year AMANDA was towing a Seadoo. We got a chance to meet Wasilla's Mayor.
Hot Import Nights
I have waited a long time to go to a Hot Import Nights(HIN) event. So long, that it came to Anchorage, Alaska at the Sullivan Arena from the Lower48 similar to our Alaska State Fair concerts. I bought two early bird tickets for about $16 each to enjoy import cars with Electronic Dance Music(EDM) inside a controlled environment. I arrived a little after 5 pm to find a crowded parking lot with a lot of cool cars and a long line for entry. I should have went in as soon as possible since I had tickets but I had a chance to see Troy Feeney to quicky chat about his new daughter and married life. I saw Trinity and Joel in line ahead and met Dannielle who arrived a bit late. Eventually, the line started moving and we entered HIN. The first thing I noticed was there was no reentry. Hmm, kinda sus. The majority of cars were down at floor level with about 20 cars on the entry level hallways.
There were a total of 3 Mazdas present at HIN, a red supercharged NB Miata, a yellow FD RX-7, and a white Mazda B series pickup . They all had to pay to be at HIN. Pretty sure there was a car show as there were placards showing owner, make, and model. The floor level was dim and it was hard to see the cleanliness of the cars and trucks. There were booths to include the DJ booth, House of Hobbies with RC drifting, CCA for vinyl wraps and swag, Boscos for Gunpla, Billiard Palace had a pool table, even UAA for diesel mechanic classes, and more.
We took pictures of most of the cars. I noticed that there were also domestics cars, domestic trucks, and a few American classics. Of course, I didn't mind it except the name of the venue was not accurate. Also, I spoke to a father while in line whose son's Civic was turned , down because of overbooking vehicles. His son spent a lot of time detailing last night too.
After about an hour walking around with $4 drinks we were ready to have dinner. It seemed all the cars were local and could be seen on Alaska roads, at local car shows, or car meets. The DJs were also locals who regularly spin at local bar venues. I didn't see the HIN ladies from the Lower48. I did not know about the swag giveaway or contests. I think there was a barber shop too. On the way out of the Sullivan Arena the nice weather was making me wish we had a car meet outside at the parking lot with some food trucks. You would actually be able to see the cars and enjoy the fresh air. In the end, I finally got to experience HIN and got to see lots of cars that I will never own or drive. I also knew I was old because I could not get into EDM.
Midnight Sun Solo Run
I was not fully ready to drive to Fairbanks because I was still tired from my overnight schedule. AERITH was good to go and performed wonderfully. I got to Fairbanks safely and made good time because after Cantwell the hard rain kept me awake driving topdown with my Carhartt jacket. I arrived in Fairbanks wet and tired. So tired I napped on a chair downstairs in the common area for 3 hours after checking in. After that power nap I was good to go and it was dry and sunny out.
Father's Day Run
Boy, it was hot. Dannielle and I were early waiting at Brobell with AERITH and NOZOMI. Didn't take long for Loth to show up in HELLOKITTY. Josh and Nikki arrived in a white NC3 prht. New member Harrison arrived in his LRM and completed a generation showing. Dan texted he was on his way in his Dark Blue ND2 Club. Trinity and MEDUSA was gonna meet us at Three Bears in Palmer. We rolled out a bit late but the weather was so good you knew it was gonna be epic. Screamin' Deals
It all started with a for sale post by AKMC member Shelley. She stated that she couldn't believe she was posting to sell LEELOO, her classic red 97 turbocharged NA Miata. She was asking $13k which was more than fair for a Miata these days. Brian and family left for Seattle and took LEELOO with them. Shelley brought it back up with her when she returned but hadn't been able to drive it much as life happens. No Notice Wander to Whittier
It all started when my flight back to Alaska was canceled Saturday morning. No flights were available until Sunday. I was gonna miss the AKMC event Wander to Whittier. A run through the longest tunnel in the US. to a tourist trap for "Cruisers" who wanted to see Alaska via Cruise Ship. I canceled the official event which had less than 3 members RSVPed "going". RIP Cynder Gray
The month of May was doubly sad as I found out that Cynder Gray lost his battle against Cancer. Cynder is the owner of TINE, the Soul Red Supercharged ND1. He was a part of a core group of AKMC members with Chris, Nate, Vember, Kevin, Marilyn and others. He helped members, donated tools to the club, and represented Continental Mazda in the best light. Soft spoken Cyder was a good person and great to have as a friend. You were taken too soon and you will be missed!
Memorial Poker Run
Congratulations to Jamie for winning this year's Poker Run with a 2 pair. He has won back to back and got a free meal at Palmer Alehouse. But the real winners were all the members that showed up. It was great runs with the typical hold ups of slower vehicles. We had up to 10 Miatas at different points, met a new member, Vember switching cars, and losing some before the end. All in all a great event. The sun even showed up part of the time. Miata Movie Night: Furiosa
Miata Movie Nights are Saturday 7 pm XD showing at Century 16 Theater. It is the start of the Memorial Day Weekend events. This season's movie is Furiosa. A prequel Mad Max movie offshoot about the young Furiosa. It stars Chris Hemsworth as the main bad guy. Come join your car club for a night of car action and post apocalyptic story of survival. First 9 AKMC members who rsvp "going" will go free. No Notice Meet
Trinity called it, the first No Notice Meet of the season. It was the typical generic car meet for all to loiter. They chose the old Sears parking lot now the called Nordstrom Rack parking lot on the corner of Northern Lights and Old Seward. Mother's Day Run
It was sprinkling at Brobell but 3 cars were already there. AERITH with Dannielle, NOZOMI with Mike and his mom Jackie, and a Mitsubishi Evo 7 with Vember. A Street Fighter MR2 Spyder came by shortly with Loth and Demi. Then, a white NC with Joshua and Nikki. We introduced everyone and wished the moms a Happy Mother's Day. Took pictures and gave the safety brief. I decided to lead after no volunteers. On the way out CLOUD showed up with Jamie and Trinity. We were on our way.
RIP David Rein
David Rein was a great Alaska Miata Club member but he was also a friend. David joined the AKMC after quitting the Porsche Club of Alaska with his Porsche Boxster, THE DR. He quickly became a regular addition to the AKMC core group and would be at all events. David gave more to the club than he got. He enjoyed leading the group runs saying that a gaggle of Miatas was chasing him. He was one of our club photographers taking candid shots and beautiful photos of the group.
David also brought many different female NAVI to share our events. He offered and hosted an event at his home where he made pizzas from scratch. He was a great cook and a great host. He had lots of suggestions too whether we implemented them or not. Lastly, he would remind members that the AKMC accepted donations. lol David drove with us to the point we would start to see a decline. He crashed the THE DR one winter and we were able to get him ROSE, the rare black 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata. The years after it was the "shakes", having a hard time finding reverse, and trouble backing into parking spots. Eventually David's claim to fame was the only accident in AKMC's 20 year history when he rear ended NOZOMI. No harm, no foul but things were getting serious. After wrecking 2 more personal winter cars I spoke to him about when he would stop driving. He told me he didn't want to miss out driving with the club. That was what the last phone call was about. He called me and we caught up. He told me about his fainting spells but still asked when the next event was. After our call, I got a butt dial 20 minutes afterwards. David, thank you for your friendship and adding to our enjoyment of the Miata. You will be missed and remembered yearly at the Memorial Poker Run as long as I run this club. Your photos will be forever on the internet. Rest in peace. Thaw Out Run
It was a bright and crispy morning. Facebook showed that at least 3 were going. Mike showed up in NOZOMI alone as Dannielle was sick. Loth and Demi was already at McDonald's in HELLOKITTY. Trinity and Jamie showed up in MEDUSA and CLOUD. Levi showed up in his Porsche 944. The surprise was a white PRHT NC which was Joshua's new ride. That meant we had all generations. Nikki was his navi. I though we had lost him after selling his Dark Blue NC. A red Mark I MR2 and blue Subaru Sti also showed up to see what was going on. I invited them to join us but they decided not to go today. Jamie did a great job leading to Girdwood then to Portage Glacier. We were 6 deep enjoying the great view of the inlet. After taking pics we headed to Chair 5. Everything was going pretty good as I ordered too much food. Then they messed up Josh and Nikki's BBQ Chicken pizza and eventually forgot to remake it. We decided to leave after waiting/eating. Once again splitting the bill was another fiasco. We are gonna try another place next season. Miata Fool's Meet
Thanks to all who made it to Red Robins. We had old and new members share a meal together and caught up. Chris and Nate stopped by with good news about CONNIE. Trinity and Jamie sported MEDUSA and CLOUD. Mike and Dannielle came in NOZOMI. Loth and Demi with family came by minivan. Lastly, new member Levi brought his white Porsche 944. See you at the next event. Peace! Happy 2024! Season Schedule
The golden leaves were flying around while we were cruising.
Lots of semis were on the road kept us at a decent speed to enjoy the drive. We separated at Talkeetna as part of the group wanted to eat at another pizza place back in Wasilla. Thanks for everyone completing the Leaf Peeper to Talkeetna before heading back.
See you all next season! Peace.
Loth and Dannielle caught the left turn light and we never saw them until Point Woronzof. The youngins raced stoplight to stoplight with their loud Miatas. I just brought up the rear cruising. We did pull in Hondas and Subies who wanted to play. After the third lap we headed west towards Point Woronzof which was packed. So packed we parked up the hill. This is where you could see the planes take off.
The 3 Amigos met at Brobell so it was gonna happen. Mike led in AERITH, pulling Loth in HELLOKITTY and Vember in a silver MSM nonstop to Hatcher Pass. We arrived just in time to meet Gwyn and Code in BABYCAR. Just in time for a bathroom break. The weather turned beautiful as Code led us over the pass to Willow. Vember would not join us and headed back home but we would still be the 3 Amigos!
We drove to Big Lake and ate at Floaters. After that we made it home just before it started to rain.
Trinity led us nonstop to Talkeetna. The weather was fantastic and we had a trouble free ride. We parked at the baseball field and were able to sit together at the Mountain High Pizza Pie. While we were in line we met Brad and Jennifer in their ND. What a great day!
Cynder's Celebration of Life was a dinner at Spenard Roadhouse with friends set up by Jay. Rest in peace you two. You are missed and will be remembered.
Code came by to drop Gwyn's grandson, Rowan, who got his American flag and pinwheel. Soon, we were rolling 2 mph and once again in a parade.
It didn't take long as both sides of the street was lined up with children. Bodey would pop AMANDA's lights up and down, followed by a horn beep, or a rev of the engine. Kids would point and shout "Cars!" Gwyn was next with BABYCAR as part of the NA pop ups 1 - 2 punch. As the kids started to see AERITH, more pointing and cries of "Eyelashes!" is all you would hear. To add to it was Dannielle dressed as Aerith waving her American flag. All I could do was flash high beams, hazard lights, or beep the horn over and over.
I decided to go Hot Wheels hunting to three locations. I found cruising the empty city of Fairbanks very pleasurable. I was driving with my left arm on the door, averaging 40-50 mph while following Google Maps, in sunny t-shirt weather. I was getting looks in AERITH probably because of the eyelashes. Several locals showed me pictures that they took of me while cruising. At the clinic a few ladies stopped by to take a peek at AERITH. I scared one who was curious enough to touch the black plastic lashes by yelling, "Don't touch that!" lol
Traffic north wasn't bad and Josh got us through to Three Bears as one unit and on time. Justin and Laura was already there waiting in their Classic Red NC. Then a 2002 Blue NB came up with another new member, Joshua. Trinity came afterwards and Harrison was gonna lead. We were now 8 Miatas deep with 2 of each generation. Weird.
We parked with no problems but Josh and Nikki would head back. We were allowed to set up two tables to fit our group. Things went smooth, we toasted to Cynder and all Fathers. Miata topics came up and Dan suggested we get pics afterwards with the glacier before we said our goodbyes. See you at the next event.
I received a call from Loth who wanted me to go with him to take a look at it. I was confused because Loth buys and sells more cars than I ever will. As an AKMC representative I couldn't turn down a fellow member needing a second opinion on a Miata purchase. Loth told me that she accepted an $8k offer. What?! For $8k even I would pull the trigger blind if Loth didn't buy. After the test drive and seeing Mr. Hirai's signature in the trunk LEELOO was sold! Congratulations to both on the epic sale.
Not long after, Joshua posted that he was going anyway and called a No Notice for others to join him. Soon after that 3+ members and even new members were going to attend. This was great! My coworker, Roo, was interested in taking photos of Miatas with actual cameras.
The weather was a overcast and nippy. It did not stop Josh and Nikki in a white NC, Vember in a blue NA, Jamie in CLOUD, Trinity in MEDUSA, Anthony and Jenny in a magenta NC, and new member Cassie and Evan in a silver NB.
After the meal at Swiftwater and some Ice cream was a tour of the small isolated town of Whittier, Alaska. I am glad everybody had a good time. Next time, I will get Trinity or Dannielle to host the event instead of canceling. Until next event, peace.
It did not end. As I left two more LRMs came by. It was Loth and new guy Joel. Loth's FM II powered 1.8 and another red NA joined the group to Point Woronzof.
April 1 Miata Fool's Meet Dimond Red Robins
April 14 Thaw Out Run Brobell to Portage Glacier Run
May 12 Mother's Day Brobell to Hope
May 25 Miata Movie Night: Furiosa Century 16
May 26 Memorial Poker Run Brobell to Lake Eklutna, Knik Lodge, Hatcher Pass, and Palmer Brewhouse
June 4 Wander to Whittier Brobell to Whittier lunch at Swiftwater Cafe
June 16 Father's Day Brobell to Long Rifle Lodge
July 4 Wasilla Independence Parade
July 28 Off Road Over Hatcher Pass
August 3 Strip Cruise then Point Woronzof
August 4 Jay Osfthun Show and Shine Delaney Park Strip with run
August 18 Annual Potluck Picnic at Jewel Lake Park
September TBD
September 29 Leaf Peeper Run Brobell to Talkeetna