Zoomin’ … Top Down … By Jeff Evans, President
This is it, my final note to you as President of the IMC. I’ve been thinking about this installment for a couple of weeks. What would I write? Should I recap the whole year? Carry on in what has become a somewhat repetitive series of paragraphs discussing recent events, new members, and recruiting rally masters and IMC board officers? Nah, let’s keep this one short and sweet. It has been my privilege to serve you as president this year. In case you haven’t noticed, at rallies I tend to stay in the background, observing and enjoying the moments when rally masters give their instructions, and just enjoying the ride, which is why Darlene and I joined the IMC in the first place. At board meetings I generally preferred to observe, listen and pose questions before making suggestions. Hopefully we were able to keep the wheels on while maybe getting one or two things done for the benefit of the club. I want to thank the 2012 IMC board; Ken Rabbers, Steve Crouse, Tom Lewis, Joan Rabbers, Sara McBride, and Sabrena Smith for their constant hard work and patience with me. One can’t ask for a better group to work with. To those who were rally masters in 2012, thank you. We had many great events this past year, and I look forward to a great 2013. Hopefully the first time rally masters will do it again and spread the word so we have even more rallies in 2013. To those who step up to help the club by becoming board members – Thank You! Your participation is what keeps the club strong. Just one more thing ... Happy Holidays!
The Official Newsletter of the Indy Miata Club
Volume 22
Issue 12 December 2012
What’s Inside
Page 2 Hidden Drives X
Page 3
Club Classifieds Invitation to St. Louis
Page 4 Marietta Madness 2013
Page 5 Upcoming Events
2014 MX-5
Page 6
Advertisers
Page 7 Advertisers
Indy Miata Club Officers
2012
President Jeff Evans
Vice-President Ken Rabbers
Treasurer Steve Crouse
Membership Director Tom Lewis
Secretary Joan Rabbers
Website Editor Sara J McBride
Newsletter Editor Sabrena Smith
The Open Road is published monthly for the members of the Indy Miata Club. The Indy Miata Club assumes no liability for any information contained herein, or injury or damage resulting from the use of this information. The ideas, opinions, maintenance or modification tips expressed are to be used at the reader’s discretion. Individual contributors and/or the editors express no approval, authentication, or endorsement.
Page 2 Open Road December 2012
Hidden Drives X by Sara McBride
It was a dark and stormy night… no, wait, that’s not right. It was a cold and damp morning as IMC members gathered for the 10th Hidden Drives rally. A week ago it had been sunny and warm, but eleven cars braved the elements to participate. It wasn’t snowing, so the rally was on! After a short driver’s meeting, each car was given their route instructions along with a short quiz and puzzle to complete. The participants jumped into their rides and headed into the wilds of Morgan, Monroe and Brown counties. The rain started as the cars wound their way into Morgan-Monroe State Forest (the secret back way!) and fell intermittently during the rally. The good news about that was there weren’t motorcycles and leaf peepers to deal with as the cars headed to the ending spot in Nashville. There were a couple flashes of lightning and thunder was heard at the “bio break” stop in Bean Blossom! All the cars made it to the Nashville Inn without incident, though the Crouse’s had a close encounter with a five or six point buck who made a mad dash across the road in front of them! Everyone settled in and ordered their meals while the Rally Master scored the question sheets. There was a three way tie, so the tie breaker question was used (How many miles did the Rally Master have on her three year old OTM?) and Kathy and Gary Collings had the closest answer. They drove away with a $25.00 fuel card for their effort. Thanks to everyone for showing up on a not-so perfect rally day, but remember… Every day is a good day to own a Miata, some are a little better than others! See you next year at Hidden Drives Eleven!
Page 3 Open Road December 2012
CLUB CLASSIFIEDS—Sell, trade, give it away!
St. Louis Miata Club Invites Indy Miata Club Back Steve Crouse
While in StL, at the Christmas party, last week, their (re)newly elected president suggested that they (the Gateway club) should invite the Indy Club back again for a weekend, in 2013. I immediately accepted the invitation! They mentioned that September would be the likely month again, so I requested that they pick a date ASAP so to get it on our calendar. We'll see how soon they get to us with that date. There was also mention of a "fireworks competition" in the StL area during the month (Sept.). I've suggested that they might want to see if we couldn't tie our visit with the fireworks! Good luck with that. More to come later.
For Sale—16 inch wheels- Good condition --could be used for extra set of winter wheels. These were replaced by RX7 8" wide wheels. Make me an offer I can't refuse! I will deliver. Bill Frisbie, Plainfield, 765 721-1500 IMC Clothing—Looking for something with our logo? The IMC stores can help you fill that need. See the website for more information. Clothes can be purchased through Printfection or Lands’ End.
For Sale - IMC Windshield Banner—Banner-style vinyl windshield stickers now available to order. See classified section of club web site for photo and more information. Cost is $11.00 each. Contact Gary Weidman 317-709 or at [email protected]
Page 4 Open Road December 2012
Marietta Madness 2013
June 14 - 16, 2013
Marietta, Ohio “Jinba Ittai” is the term that the Mazda Engineers have coined to describe the feeling of driving a Miata. Translated, it
means “Horse and Rider as One”. It’s that feeling of your conveyance, whether it’s a horse or a Miata, as an extension
of your body. The stimulation of all your senses… you feel the asphalt and every crack in the road in the steering and
the vibration of the engine in the shift knob. You hear the rise and fall of the engine’s RPMs as you shift through the
gears, enjoying the scenery that can only be offered from the seat of open top roadster. You smell the scents of the
season – those first whiffs of spring in the air, the smell of fresh cut grass as you motor down a twisty country road. And
in the fall, what brings back more memories than the smell of leaves burning in the cool, crisp autumn air. And Taste?
…well, it seems we can always count on our journeys to end with something good to put in your tummy, right?
It’s this Jinba Ittai that makes these cars so much fun to drive. How many times have you caught yourself taking the
long way home, just so you can run your Miata through those two fun corners? Or offered to run back and get that one
item you forgot to get at the grocery? So, it stands to reason that if these cars are so much fun to drive to the grocery, if
you put them in an environment that they were made for, i.e. – miles and miles smooth, twisty asphalt, you would be in
Miata Heaven, right? Well folks, pack your bags – we’re heading for the Pearly Gates!
Indy Miata will return to Southeast Ohio’s incredible assortment of roads for Marietta Madness 2013 the weekend of
June 14 - 16, 2013. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to visit one of the premier Miata Playgrounds east
of the Mississippi, rivaling many of the finest driver's roads, including the infamous Tail of the Dragon in North
Carolina. The advantage to these roads in Southeast Ohio is the total lack of traffic and smooth, wide asphalt roads,
many of which have been recently repaved. But Marietta isn’t just about the roads. The town of Marietta has many
fabulous attractions, and some very unique shopping and antiquing opportunities. For more information about Marietta
and southeast Ohio go to www.mariettaohio.org where you’ll find information regarding Lodging, Restaurants,
Shopping and Area Attractions.
To see how much fun we've had in Southeast Ohio over the past few years , go to the Club’s Web Gallery at
www.picasaweb.google.com/IndyMiataClub
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience some of the finest roads east of the
Mississippi. Watch for and check back often for details on the events page of
our web site, or contact me at [email protected] with any questions.
Mark your calendars now and join us the weekend of June 14, 15 and 16 for
about as much driving fun as you'll be able to stand!
Our Ohio Hosts
Jeff & Debbie Housholde
Page 5 Open Road December 2012
Indy Miata Club Upcoming Events
Check the Events page of the Indy Miata Club website for additional details and to sign up for all events. If you have the desire to organize an event or just have a good idea, please contact the Vice President at [email protected]
06/14-16/13 Marietta Madness
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to visit one of the premier Miata Playgrounds east of the Mississippi.
10/12/13 Celebration of Fall
Beautiful leaves, weiner roast, smore’s and a hayride all wrapped up in one to celebrate crisp cool days of fall!
Who doesn’t enjoy taking a drive in the fall to see all the colors of nature? Next fall we are planning a rally that will cover just about all the joys of fall. We’ll start out in the afternoon with a drive to see the leaves and end up in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest where we’ll finish off our day with a weiner roast and smore’s. We might even throw in some hot apple cider or hot chocolate or maybe both. We’ll end the
evening with a hayride through the forest. We’re still in the planning phase, so much can change between now and then. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for some fall fun!
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/9017CE48180FDCFFCA257AA900028F35
Next-gen 2014 Mazda MX-5 takes shape.
December 2012 Page 6 Open Road
Now celebrating 40 years!
Exclusive Discounts for Indy Miata Club Members
Tom Roush Mazda, Indiana’s first Mazda dealer established in 1972 has not only the most experienced sales and service staff in town, but also is the highest volume dealer in Indiana. We hope to serve you in our next 40 years as Indy’s premier Mazda dealer. In support of the Miata Club member’s we would like to offer the following benefits:
15% off regular door labor rate
15% off any accessory purchase
S-Plan pricing to eligible customer’s
Extended Saturday service hours 7:30—3:30
US 31 North @ 169th Street Westfield, IN 46074 800-891-3056
Page 7 Open Road December 2012
Hughes Insurance Group is an Independent Agency representing over 35 insurance companies.
Our ultra-competitive rates assure that you receive the most value at the best price for all of
your home, auto or business insurance needs.
For a limited time, I’m giving away a $20 gas card with an insurance review and quote for your
home, auto or business with no obligation! If I’m competitive, consider allowing Hughes
Insurance Group to write your business. If I can’t provide you with a better value, you’ll have
the peace of mind knowing you’re properly insured at a fair price.
Call or e-mail Indy Miata Club member Tom Lewis today!
317-984-9228 [email protected]
Have a few dollars invested in upgrades? Ask about Agreed Value Coverage for your Miata!
Tom Lewis
INSURANCE GROUP
and a
Happy New Year!