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The Alaska Miata Club website is owned by the AKMC.
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The Alaska Miata Club (AKMC) is a social car club established on May 25, 2003. Our mission is to enjoy the Mazda Miata together at official club events. The Anchorage Chapter is the most active but we have members from the entire state. We welcome anyone who is a fan of the Mazda Miata and you don't have to own one to join. We can help you find one if you decide to be an owner. We encourage our members to personalize, modify, and enjoy their Miata with others. The club hibernates during the winter season but more reason to enjoy our short summer with long top down days under the Midnight Sun.
The official AKMC driving season is from April to end of September and includes but are not limited to day tours, lodge runs, motor sports, picnics, parades, car shows, movie nights, and games. We use the Alaska Miata Club Facebook group page to socialize, record, and schedule official events.
The AKMC is modeled after our sister club in Japan, the Kanazawa Roadster Club (KRC). All members are more important than their cars and have an equal voice on club issues and event activities. We are here to expand your Roadster experience. In most cases, common sense, the logic of "better safe than sorry", and what is good for the club prevails. There are no monthly club dues or mandatory meetings but participation is key and donations are always accepted. We are always evolving and changing for the better. We encourage members to volunteer, give feedback, and suggest future events. All projects and events happen because of you, the member. So, what is the Alaska Miata Club about? Miata People!
AKMC Lifestyle
AKMC lifestyle is influenced by the Japanese culture, global car trends, and the US military traditions. We drive, park, and greet each other in our special way.
MIATATUDE and the WAVE
That is correct, the right
attitude. Miata people are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Don't
get road rage from a cage. Drop the top and forget all your troubles. For example, you will get people who cut the caravan on purpose or try to pass the entire caravan after a double yellow. Drive defensively and allow cars into the caravan. How many times have you been challenged to drag race at a stop light? People will be people, and Miata people will always be one of the friendliest. Remember, you are representing not just yourself but the AKMC too.
When driving the Miata, sign and sound language is very useful. Communication by flipping pop ups, flashing headlights, tapping horns, hazard lights, and hand signals are very common. Originally, popping the barn doors on NAs to oncoming Miatas was the way of saying hello called the "Miata wave". One flash of the hazard lights is thank you.
PEACE!
The official AKMC gesture is the peace sign which can be rewarding as the other driver returns it above the A pillar. Note: The peace or victory sign is palm out NOT palm in!
The FUNNY POSE
Ever since I was in Japan, the KRC would always take tons of pictures. One thing I noticed was that after a group photo they took a FUNNY one after it. It took me a couple of years before our current group does this. Well, not everyone does it just like not everyone NAMES their Miatas or gets VANITY plates. Lately, we have had some really good FUNNY poses. So bust a move, name your Miata, and get a personalized plate!
LINGO
AKMC = Alaska Miata Club
AKMC Special Price = Free or very discounted
A Package = NA trim package 90-94 the A package included power steering, alloy wheels, leather wrapped steering wheel, and a factory AM/FM cassette.
BBS = German rims Baumgartner Brand Schiltach
B Package = The B package added power windows, power antenna and cruise control
Brobell = The secret squirrel meeting spot between AIH and Taco Bell on Old Seward
C Package = NA trim package 93-94 with Leather interior, AC, Powered steering, windows, mirrors, antenna, cruise control
Club = A Mazda trim package with Bilstein's and LSD and special aero bits
FIATA = 2019 Fiat 124 Spider based on the ND chassis
FM = Flyin' Miata. An aftermarket company for Miatas located in Colorado. They do turbo, V8s, exocet, etc
GT = Grand Touring, fully loaded version or Gran Turismo
GTS = Grand Touring Sport. Fully loaded including the LSD
Hardcore Run = Far run for a turn and burn or an overnight stay
Itasha = translates to "painful car". It is when a car has stickers, vinyl, or wrap in theme of anime, manga, or video games
LE = Launch Edition or Limited Edition
LSD = Limited Slip Differential. There is clutch, viscous, and gear types. Both rear wheels spin but not locked welded or spooled
Lucky Miata = A Miata with a girl in a picture together
Miatafreak = A person or "Otaku" who lives, breathes, and dreams Miatas
M Edition = Another "limited" edition specialty package usually with special metallic paint and fully loaded
Navi = Navigator. A person in the passenger seat or your partner in life
NA = 1st gen Miata with pop up lights. Or Naturally aspirated, no turbo or power adders
NB = 2nd gen Miata that looks like a Jaguar or FD looking, NB2 has new front end more hp
NC = 3rd gen Miata the big one with over fenders, NC2 and NC3
ND = 4th gen Miata, the sexy one, ND2 has the newer motor 2019+
NMC = No Miata Content, used on the forums, posts could be deleted
No Notice = An unofficial invitation to members for an impromptu meeting or run via DM or text
OTM = Other Than Miata
PEP = Popular Equipment Package., another trim
PPF = Power Plant Frame, the metal piece that connects the motor to the rear end
PRHT = Power Retractable Hardtop (NC)
Rep = Replica or copy, not from original manufacturer
RF = Retractable Fastback (ND) a power retractable hardtop, targa when the top is down
STO = Special Touring Option, another trim
Tagging = Leaving an AKMC contact card under the windshield wiper of a non-member Miata
TE 37 = Touring Evolution from Volk Racing
VVT = Variable Valve Timing otherwise known as V Tech for Hondas
EVENTS
Most of our events are from April 1st to end of September. Events are scheduled a year prior to and were chosen for their success with the group and have stood the test of time. We can easily modify or make up a new event with majority vote.
The NO NOTICE
As an AKMC member you have a network of wonderful people. We hope you get to know them and perhaps make new friends. A NO NOTICE meet or cruise is intended for the same day for members to have some company and is NOT an official AKMC event. To date, the largest no notice event pulled in 7 Miatas and 5 OTMs and it was a great time! So, why isn't the NO NOTICE meet called SHORT NOTICE meets? Just ask the members who missed out because they didn't hear about it. LOL.
APRIL (still cold)
Miata Fool's Meet - Always on April 1st. It is intended to see how everyone is over the winter for 30 mins starting at 6 PM at Brobell. If there is a run it would be to Red Robins on Dimond Blvd for dinner.
Thaw Out Runs -First run to Portage Glacier to practice caravan safety then lunch at Chair 5 to discuss safety and hot topics for the upcoming season.
MAY (good)
Mother's Day is good for a Sunday run. This is usually a south run to Hope and lunch at the Creekbend Cafe.
Hope Runs Starring the 3 Hopefuls
Memorial Poker Run. This is usually on a Sunday on Memorial Day weekend. Each card is passed reciting an AKMC member who has passed. Get a card at Brobell, Twin Peaks Treats on Eklutna, Knik River Lodge, Hatcher Pass, and at a restaurant Win fabulous prizes and a free lunch at a restaurant.
Hatcher Pass
JUNE (beautiful)
Wander to Whittier. Lately, we have been going through the tunnel and eating at the Swiftwater Cafe in Whittier. It may be the tunnel, the available parking, the lunch, or the off road cruise up the mountain. Or maybe the great funny pictures we take?
Father's Day is a good run to Long Rifle Lodge. Take pics of the Matanuska Glacier right outside and enjoy the good meal and great company. The drive is spirited.
.
Midnight Sun Fun Run Hardcore run to Fairbanks is usually 3 days and 2 overnights. People can camp for cheap or get a room. Second day is Chena Hot Springs or the Solstice celebration downtown. Also, we get to meet the Fairbanks AKMC peeps. Last day is breakfast and an early start back home.
Our Solstice Strip Cruise is the current event for June 21st. We start out at Brobell at 9 pm and hard park until 10 pm. We then head north and cruise "The Strip" Northern Lights and Benson Blvds 3 times. Then head to Point Woronzof and BS till after 12 am. /font>
JULY (beautiful)
The 4th of July Parade in Anchorage or Wasilla. This has been getting traction over the years after COVID. Let us hope we get a great turnout.
Sheep Mountain Lodge Runs
Annual Potluck Picnics
AUG (good)
First Sunday of August is the Jay Osfthun Car Show at the Park Strip
Summit Lake Lodge
SEPT (rainy)
Leaf Peeper Runs
considered to be last run of season to watch color change of leaves. These days it is to Talkeetna with lunch at one of the many restaurants.
Social Dinners
are strictly for dinner, social banter, and or celebration.
AKMC Movie Nights are usually on Saturday nights at the Century 16 Theaters on 36th Ave. The first 9 people who RSVP on the event on Facebook will get a free ticket. you have to RSVP and each member is allowed up to 2 tickets. If you RSVP please attend as the ticket would be wasted. You can still watch with us if you don't get a free ticket just get rows F and G.
PARKING
We park like this when it is feasible. Yes, backed in like motorcycles.
The idea is from Japan where the parking spots are so small and not slanted that
they have to park backwards to be able to leave. The second parking of choice
is lined up behind the leader. If you are a leader please keep in mind that you are looking for parking for the entire caravan.
CARAVAN
The Miata caravan is standard event practice to show unity and pride. When we drive in a caravan we will have one chosen leader. Please follow, WITHOUT TAILGATING, the Miata in front of you. Do not pass the car in front of you or the leader unless you have communicated this prior to the run. Spirited drivers are recommended to be at the rear since you will have to speed up to catch up the caravan. The idea is to enjoy a SAFE drive together, limit lane changes as it may confuse people. Please be patient and enjoy the drive. If you are leaving the caravan please tap the horn and give a wave to signal that you are leaving so the Miata behind you will not follow you.
THE BANNER, CALENDAR, AND THE CLUB
CAR
Over the years we have been able to do things better and better every time we do them. We started out with a hand drawn banner and now the vinyl banner. I haven't gotten a professional one until we have a better logo and would justify paying hundreds of dollars for one.
We still use an electronic calendar but once in a while we get a paper product to make us laugh.
The AKMC has had 4 club cars which any member can borrow for a day. They are automatic Miatas so anyone who has never driven a Miata can do so on the spot. OZINGA was a Safety Orange NA, KERO was a Neon Green NA, and PENLOP was Neon Pink NA and AERITH is a silver NB. OZINGA was given away to a fellow member in Fairbanks. It only lasted 3 months before an xB hit it. Then it went to Kevin Hamilton who is doing a V8 conversion on it, there it sat.
KERO died from the crank wobble and a botched engine installation by SOMEONE, (lol) and then was eaten up by club members for free parts. From differentials, to soft tops, knick knacks, rear bumper, hood, and alloy rims KERO lives on in other AKMC member's Miatas.
PENLOP was given away to a fellow member who did not like the pink color.
AERITH will be Dannielle's Miata but is currently the club car. AERITH has KAZOOM's signed trunk with ducktail spoiler, a DIY ram cold air intake, and Final Fantasy Itasha.
AKMC CHALLENGE COINS
1. RULES:
a. The challenge is initiated by drawing your coin, holding it in the air by whatever means possible and state, scream, shout or otherwise verbally acknowledge that you are initiating a coin check. You can also tap your coin on the bar.
b. The response consists of all AKMC members being challenged drawing their AKMC coin in a like manner (other organizational coins are invalid).
c. If you are challenged and are unable to properly respond, you must buy a round of drinks for the group. Meaning, if 2 people don't have coins. A total of 2 rounds of drinks are bought.
d. If everyone being challenged responds in the correct manner, the challenger must buy a round of drinks.
e. Failure to buy a round is a despicable crime.
3. Coin checks are permitted any time during official events only where drinks are available. For example but not limited to restaurants like Red Robins, movie theaters like Century 16 Theatres, and ice cream parlors like Twin Peaks Treats in Eklutna.
4. There are no exceptions to the rules. They apply to those clothed or unclothed. At the time of the challenge you are permitted one step and an arms reach to locate your coin. If you still cannot reach it -- SORRY ABOUT THAT!
5. A Coin is a coin. Coins attached on belt buckles are considered "belt buckles." Coins on key chains are considered "key chains." Coins drilled for necklaces are necklaces. Coins placed in a "holder/clasp" and worn around the neck like a necklace are valid and are considered a coin. Put it in your pocket, wallet, purse or what have you.
NAMES and PERSONALIZED PLATES
You don't have to name your Miata, sometimes they name themselves. Trigger, Hidalgo, Shadowfax, or Silver, there are many famous steeds that have had names. Stop and think about it for a minute, it will happen if it hasn't already. Then you can use it on your personalized plate. Not a bad way to spend $30. Alaska only needs the rear plate on your Miata.
The ,
,
is !
Fun Facts
The top 10 fastest Miatas in the club for 1/4 mile are the following. At the time of this writing there are NO TIME slips to prove these runs. Almost all of these Miatas are boosted except RENEGADE.
1. QSHIPP is the fastest Miata in Alaska with a Flyin' Miata LS3 V8 swap with 525 hp
2. KAREN, CONNIE, Jay H's NB, TINE, Flyin' Miata 250 hp and up
3. MSMs around 170-200 hp
The highest mileage Miata is over 200,000 miles.
Official Motto: Top Down Fun, Under the Midnight Sun
Official Hand Sign:
Peace sign
Official Road: New
Eklutna Lake Road
Official Song: All Her Favorite Things
Most popular color: Red
Most Miatas in one event:
3rd Annual AKMC Potluck Picnic 14 Miatas with Mr. Hirai and KRC guests, 13 Rolling 10th Anniversary AKMC Meet with Road & Track, 13 rolling/14 standing with Auto Motor und Sport meet
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