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November 2012 Official Newsletter of the Bluebonnet MX-5 Miata Club Still Free!

2012 Statewide Round Up Stories and Photos Inside!

Months ago, when the Houston Club announced they would be hosting the 2012 Statewide, many raised eyebrows and wondered what possible roads could we go on in or around Galveston that could possibly meet our high stan-dards of windy and twisty roads around San Antonio. I guess I’m still wide eyed about new experiences because I was thrilled to encounter a different ex-perience and we weren’t disappointed with the Houston club’s offerings. Some of those activities will be discussed in separate stories elsewhere in this months In The Breeze.

Let me digress and talk a little about the trip over to Galveston. With the help of Rohm Thompson, I laid out a route that I thought everyone would enjoy enough to where the trip didn’t seem like just another trip. Joined in and around Cuero were more club members that brought us to about 14 Miatas on this adventure.

Rohm suggested a really neat place to have lunch and we weren’t disappointed as the staff of the Blessing Hotel and Café had a buffet of coun-try delectable's that had all of us happy to dine there. Quaint and steeped with country charm, the Blessing Hotel and Café was ideal for a group of hungry travelers. It was a welcome place to refuel ourselves and we were rarin’ to go on to Galveston.

Soon we found ourselves on the scenic road down Galveston Island with the Gulf coast on our right side the remainder of the trip. It was pain-fully evident that that coastal area has been devastated by past hurricanes as new houses were being built about 40% higher than those they replaced. It was good to see that area bouncing back with such vitality, though!

We finally arrived in Galveston to the Hilton Hotel and were greeted by about 30 attendees already there. We checked in and everyone was on their own to dine at the many seawall restaurants. Many of us trekked across the street to the beach for a weenie roast hosted by the Houston Miata Club. By the time I finally decided to have a hot dog, they were all gone. Oh well. Gayle and I decided to try a seafood restaurant that was so bad I can’t even muster up details about it. But, after dinner, we did what we like to do best, frequent the local ice cream parlor!

Saturday, Dave Hamilton came up with a run that many of us felt fulfilled our desire to explore the area, so much so, we chose that adventure instead of the Houston club’s planned event runs. Starting with a cool ride on the Ferry over to the Bolivar peninsula, we were on our way. The Ferry ride was fun. I’ve been on ferry's before, but not one that allows 50 cars on board. The ride was long enough for many of us to photograph the many Gulf coast scenes, including lots of different sea birds and, a surprise to me, dolphins! While they weren’t jumping high ala Sea World, they gently rose about the blue gulf waters long enough to capture with our many cameras. It was tough to catch the dolphins above the water though, since they weren’t up for long!

Once we got on the peninsula, we drove all the way to the end to High Island. Purported to be the highest point around Galveston, it boasts of an elevation of 38 feet. I tell ya, I didn’t get nearly as dizzy from the altitude as I did at Pike’s Peak two years ago! High Island, with a popu-lation of almost 500 people, is also home to bird sanctuaries run by the Houston Audubon Society. I’d love to spend more time there on an-other trip some day as I love birding.

We returned to Galveston in time to have an early shopping trip in downtown Galveston on the Strand. Lots of shops, but shopping wasn’t on our list of things to do. So, we met up with Dave and Marilyn and Gene and Marcia and had a late lunch. Again, a disappointing experience as it seems the restaurants so too tailored to tourists, who obviously aren’t as discriminating about what they think is a good dining experience. I should point out here that I am a somewhat picky eater and most of the other folks enjoyed their meal choices.

Back to the hotel we napped and then did some parking lot chatter with many of the attendees. That part is always fun, exchanging stories, checking out everyone’s ride, etc.

Soon it was time to get ready for the banquet. We got somewhat dressed up and went down to the ballroom where we were treated to a really nice dinner. We listened to speakers and it was time to see who won awards for various categories. We also had door prize tickets and I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that the Bluebonnet Club cleaned up as many of our members won the best prizes, including the grand prize, won by our own Jerry Todd! How cool is that? No one went home empty handed as flashlights were handed out to everyone whose tickets weren’t drawn for the door prizes.

There are sure to be many things I left out, but I’m also sure each member probably has their own stories to tell. I really enjoyed the whole weekend and have this to say about a Galveston Round Up, “Vive le difference”

George Lucas

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NOVEMBER 2012

2012 Club Officers2012 Club Officers2012 Club Officers2012 Club Officers

President Betty Fields

president@bluebonnetmiata.org

Vice President Tony Munro

vicepresident@bluebonnetmiata.org

Secretary Stephanie Turner

secretary@bluebonnetmiata.org

Treasurer Marilyn McCullen

treasurer@bluebonnetmiata.org

Membership Barbara Thompson

membership@bluebonnetmiata.org

Webmaster Don Privett

webmaster@bluebonnetmiata.org

Newsletter Editor George Lucas

newsletter@bluebonnetmiata.org

New MembersNew MembersNew MembersNew Members

Ronnie and Jody Hodges Kerrville, TX

2006 True Red

John and Janice Walker

Kerrville, TX 1991 Mariner Blue

Ed and Helenan Polansky San Antonio, TX

2012 Liquid Silver PRHT

Welcome to the Club!Welcome to the Club!Welcome to the Club!Welcome to the Club!

Inside this issueInside this issueInside this issueInside this issue… 2012 State Wide Round Up….…...Front Page

Presidents Message…...………………………...3

Houston Club Round Up Recap……………...4

Run to High Island……………………………….5

Round Up Memories..…………………………6, 7

Round Up Banquet ………..……………………..8

Jimbo’s Round Up Adventure………………….9

Go Kart Maniacs………………………………….10

Last Month’s Meeting Minutes……………….11

Upcoming Runs and Events..……..Back Page

Sign seen by Stan and Betty Chambers while ddriv-

ing through the Smokey Mountains.

NOVEMBER 2012

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President’s Message President’s Message President’s Message President’s Message by Betty Fieldsby Betty Fieldsby Betty Fieldsby Betty Fields

In speaking with someone a few weeks ago about the Miata—they ask what seemed like a serious question to them but I had to giggle. They said what do you do to your car when you store it in the “winter”, or course they had just moved here and I said “Store it ?, Are you kidding? We have the most active Miata group in the country!” Our cars are always on the run. With that thought I Googled to read about winterizing your car and most articles were for people who lived up north and have to put their “special toy” in the garage for several months. I did find some Q/A that I thought was interesting and wanted to share.

Q = I'm too tall or too large to fit in the Miata, but I really want one! Is there anything I can do?

You can pick up a bit of extra room by removing some of the foam padding from the seat - either from the seating area or from the seat back depending on whether you need to gain space for the legs or for the torso. Additional headroom can be gained by removing the seat ad-juster rails and bolting the seat directly to the floor, but the sacrifice in adjustability may not be what you want. We received the following tip on picking up a bit of thigh room:

As a large Miata enthusiast I have been looking for ways to be more comfortable in my Miata. I have made a very simple modification that has made driving much more comfortable for me. I replaced the arm rest of my '90 Miata, which has the handle that parallels the steering wheel, with an arm rest from a junk Mazda 323 that does not have the handle. (I think that the B2000 truck also has an arm rest with out the handle) This gives me about 2" more clearance for my left thigh both for clutch operation and just seating position while cruising. I filled the hole in the door panel with a black plastic plug that I happened to have from tinkering with bicycles, and it looks great. This will take a little scrounging and some creativity but the change really added a great deal of comfort.

Q = What should I use on my soft top to keep it lookin g new?

We recommend nothing other than keeping it clean. Just a mild soap and water is sufficient. Be sure it is dry before putting it down, and if the car is new, take care to be sure the fabric folds correctly. Some people use Convertible top treatments, and some swear by Armor All. However the need for "top dressing" is not necessary as it was back in the '60s when convertible tops were made of canvas. Any mild cleaner or protectant should be safe to use. Test an inconspicuous spot to be sure!

Also, you should always use the boot for the top when folded down. This will help protect the underside of the fabric from harmful UV rays, dust and dirt, ad also keep it from rattling and bouncing during those bumpy road excursions.

Q = What about my plastic rear window?

ALWAYS, ALWAYS!! unzip it before lowering the top. Use a soft, clean towel on either side of the window to protect it from scratches when it is down. Use a good quality plas-tic cleaner and/or plastic polish to remove scratches and keep the window looking new. Meguiar's #17 Plastic Cleaner and #10 Plastic Polish are highly recommended. There are several aftermarket suppliers for cleaning supplies and 'rear window protectors'

Frequently, Miata plastic rear windows fog over, turn yellow, then turn brown, and become opaque. We don't know why it happens, but it happens. Some people have had success with the plastic cleaners on the market. More than likely, you'll have to replace the window. If the PVC window in your soft top is discolored and clouded with age, give it a clean and buff up with standard chrome cleaner (Solvol Autosol in the UK). Sounds drastic but it removes the yellowing and restores visibility.

Q = How do I stop leaks?

If water is leaking in from the driver's or passenger's window near the soft top weather-stripping, try closing the door after closing the window. This forces the window to contact the weather-strip a bit differently than when the window is closed while the door is closed. Another possible source of top leaks may be the seam on the edge of the roof. We know of at least one individual who was successful using a bottle of water repellent "shoe protector" available at most shoe stores. After spraying several coats on a dry area of the top seam, the leaking ceased.

There are two common places a Miata will leak water into the interior, where the top meets the windshield frame, around the windows where they contact the moldings. Leaks at the windshield frame are usually caused by dirty or damaged moldings or the latches not being tight enough. Usually you will notice the top will squeak and rattle if it isn't latched down tight.

A third leak area has been cropping up lately with older Miatas. People have reported wetness in the trunk which can be caused by one of several factors: Dried out weather-stripping around the trunk, a cracked rain rail on the convertible top, or dried out weather-stripping around the tail lights. The tail light weather-strip problem has been appearing more and more frequently on the older vehicles.

If your convertible top doesn't latch securely, or the latches seem to be difficult to close, they may be adjusted improperly. Open the latch and examine the inside. There is a small plastic 'cover' that keeps the latch adjustment screw from moving. Pop the cover off and adjust the screw as needed to get the latches to close smoothly, yet tight enough to keep the top from rattling or leaking. If the latches become difficult to open or close, a small amount of oil on the moving parts should help. Don't over tighten, as this will make the top difficult to close.

There are three moldings that fit around the window, and water can leak either between them and the window, or between them and the top. Each of these moldings is at-tached to a metal 'track' that is secured to the top frame with two screws. NOTE: The window molding that is closest to the windshield header is held on by two screws, the others have nothing holding them.

Q = How do I remove road tar from my Miata?

Try WD-40. It will remove tar and other petroleum based products from your car without damaging the paint. It also does a good job of removing wax, so remember to wash and wax the area after.

One reader contributes: When trying to remove any stubborn spot, try your normal car wash solution, using a pair of panty hose instead of a sponge before resorting to WD40. I think I saw this tip in Miata magazine as well, it has worked for me several times on bugs, etc, on the nose of our '90 model.

Q = There's water sloshing around - I can't find where its coming from!

Its a common problem to end up with water in your rocker panels. There are drain holes that sometimes get clogged which you need to check periodically and keep clear.

Check where the jack hooks to the frame rail. (You can find it in you owners manual if your not sure.) Each side of where the jack hits the frame rail is where the drain holes for the rocker panel are located. There is a front and rear location for the jack. Use an open paper clip and wiggle it around until the drain unclogs.

Q = I replaced my spark plugs and found oil in the we lls.

Your valve cover gasket is probably dried out and should be replaced. It's a fairly simple do-it-yourself project - just be cautious about the torque on the valve cover bolts. They're in the 7 ft-lb range.

PAGE 4 NOVEMBER 2012

Houston Miata Club, aka Miata Mania, Statewide Recap

There is a God and he absolutely loves Miatas and their owners! The weather was perfect (considering that this is Texas). The activities were plentiful (some cheap, some not-so-cheap, and

some free). The sponsors were generous and numerous. The scenery was breath-taking (other than the ocean and the beaches). I can truthfully say that there was something for eve-ryone at this 2012 Texas Miata Roundup.

My compliments to Paul Flores. He plotted the route to MSR Houston for the Karting event. It's add extension to the Bluewa-

ter Run made the touches that put the topping on a nice run. The participants to the Bluewater Run were so fired up from the fun run that when they arrived at MSRH, they also had to go

karting. The Ferry Runs were fun and the ferry run in the day-light hours had the added thrill of the porpoises (20) that fol-lowed and played along side.

The scenery…There was the beauty of the morning sun over the horizon, just kissing the Gulf waters as it rose and framed with our Galveston beach. There was the general view, from the balcony of the Hotel that enhanced the whole experience. Then...there was the view of the Texas Teen Pageant contestants (Friday) AND...the Miss Texas Pageant

contestants (Saturday) ALL STAYIN' AT THE HOTEL!!!! Beautiful women, the beautiful wives, the beautiful girlfriends and our beautiful friends surrounded. I wish that we had taken the names of the raffle prize winners but leave it said the Blue Bonnet Club has got to be the

luckiest, as one of their members was the winner of the Grand Prize Fat Cat Motorsport suspension. There were several Clubs that also went home with some nice winnings from Moss Motors, Flyin Miata, BEGI, Fast Forward Superchargers, Bob Thiery, Rspeed, Auto Xpressions, Louis Lester and Jackie Lambert. Some new members of the Houston Miata Club

parlayed their membership immediately into the Fast forward fuel rail (raffle) and the Moss short shifter kit (Karting event FTD). How lucky is that? To become a new member and walk away having at least tripling your money. Everyone may have thought it sadistic having to wait until all the raffle prizes were gone before picking the ticket for the

Grand Prize. The winners of the previous prizes did not know whether the applause was for the raffle prize they had just won or for the remaining “non-winners” that still were in the running for the Grand Prize. The tension was “classic”. You could see the disappointment on the remaing raffle ticket holders that had been deprived of any trinket of a re-

minder of this 2012 Texas Miata Roundup, as our younger group would say "epic". When the announcement was made that all remaining ticket holder come up and have their ticket redeemed for one of

the new LED flashlights, you should have seen the stampede! You had to have been there. It was great. Everybody won something!

I want to notify everyone! Next years Roundup will be hosted by the Blue Bonnet

Club of San Antonio. If...and this is just conjecture on my part, if they host, the likelyhood is that it will incorporate the "Three Twisted Sisters". I've said it many times before these are listed in the Motorcylce Roads of Texas as the best roads in

Texas for riding. GO!

Chuck Shem Vice President Houston Miata Club

PAGE 5 NOVEMBER 2012

Run to High IslandRun to High IslandRun to High IslandRun to High Island By Dave Hamilton

On Saturday morning at the Galveston Roundup, Dave & Marilyn Hamilton led a 12 car run to High Island on the Bolivar Peninsula. The group departed the Hilton Hotel and drove along the seawall to the ferry landing. The club members drove their Miatas aboard the ferry and enjoyed a great ride to the Bolivar Pen-insula. During the trip the group explored the ferry and got wonderful views of pelicans, seagulls and dol-phins. After departing the ferry, the first stop was the old Bolivar Lighthouse which was built in 1872. It tow-ers 117 feet above sea level and guided mariners for 61 years. It was officially retired in 1933 when it was replaced by a South Jetty light. It is still an impressive sight and is now privately owned. The Bolivar Peninsula was once the home ground for the famous pirate Jean Lafitte. It is rumored that he buried some of his pirate treasure on the Peninsula but, unfortunately, the Miata group was not able to find it. The Peninsula was devastated by the 110 mph winds and significant storm surge of Hurricane Ike in 2008. It is slowly recovering and new construction is apparent all over the area. Many of the new homes are built on extremely tall pilings to prevent damage from future storms. The group made a stop at Dannay’s Donuts in Crystal Beach for some needed nourishment. It is a local business run by a nice family. They make wonderful pastries and treats. After going over Rollover Pass, the group went thru Gilchrist which was 99.5% destroyed by Hurricane Ike. You may recall the famous photo of Gilchrist that was published after the hurricane. The picture showed only one beach home remaining in the community which originally had hundreds of houses. Next the group traveled to the end of Texas 87 near High Island. The road east is closed from that point due to the devastation of Hurricane Ike and other storms. The group turned left and made a quick trip into High Island. The name of the island comes from a large salt dome under the area. This dome raises the ele-vation to 38 feet giving High Island the highest elevation of any point on the Gulf Coast from Mobile, Ala-bama to the Yucatan Peninsula. High Island is a nationally famous destination for birdwatchers. The Hous-ton Audubon Society operates four bird sanctuaries in the area. On the return trip to the Ferry Landing, the group stopped to visit a beautiful, wide and isolated beach. Group members tested the water and numerous pictures were taken. Prior to boarding the ferry for the re-turn to Galveston, several cars stopped at a newly opened kite store. Several unique kites were purchased which will be flown at a later date. The run to High Island was truly an interesting, historic and memorable adventure.

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Banquet and Winners

PAGE 9 NOVEMBER 2012

Galveston Round Up By Jim and Freda Treat

Joining the other Miatas wanting to see some blue water and dolphins, Freda and I headed out Saturday morning for the first part of the loop from Galveston Island out to the ferry by way of Motorsport Ranch.

The karting competitors had left before us, so we got there in time to see the competition getting hot and heavy. Seeing a few spin-outs on the track prepared me for what was in store. After the hot shoes had a couple of practice sessions, our group got to go out for a 15 minute session. Of course, my first lap saw me doing a little agricultural work on the first sharp curve, but I did a complete 360 and got it back on the track without losing a position. After getting the tires a little warmer and learning the track a little better, I was able to pass a few people on the track. I tell you what though, for being so light weight, those things take some muscle to steer around the course, so by the time we were done our arms were pretty sore.

After the heat had come up some and after the workout on the track, most were ready to head back to the hotel to rest up for the night’s festivities. A ferry run was planned for the next day to go and see the dolphins.

Here’s how to see the videos I took, showing the karters and my session. Go to www.youtube.com and search for GOPRO Specta-tor view at MSR Houston or GOPRO at Motorsport Ranch POV. The camera angle is a little low because I couldn’t see the screen while on my helmet, but you get the idea. Hope you enjoy them.

Having grabbed a brochure from the hotel, we decided to follow the Chainsaw Tree Trail. Several artists were commissioned to sculpt trees that had been demolished by hurricanes, and these people have got Talent!

PAGE 10 NOVEMBER 2012

Go Kart ManiacsGo Kart Maniacs

PAGE 11 NOVEMBER 2012

Bluebonnet Miata Club Meeting Minutes September 25, 2012

Open Meeting

Introduction of new members: No new members Visitors: Brian Williams from North Park Mazda

Reports

Treasurer’s Report: Marilyn McCullen reported that our current checking account balance was $. The savings account balance is $. Membership: Barbara Thompson reported that we have 92 members. Directories now available. Webmaster: No new updates. Newsletter: No new updates

Old Business

Club Pins are free to new members. $2 for current/old members. See Barbara Thompson for more information. Club Stickers are 2 for $5.00. See Barbara Thompson for more information. The Bluebonnet Miata Club Business cards are available for members to pass out. Name Badges are available from Barbara Thompson upon request. They are $6.50 and due when ordering one. There is a minimum of 5 when ordering.

New Business

Check website and yahoo groups for impromptu runs. Brian Williams brought a new 2014 NC MX5 for us to see. Miata Round Up 2012 just around the corner! The Christmas party location was discussed. $20 per person. RSVP. Bring a dessert and a white elephant gift. The Nomination Committee for the 2012 board elections is Dan Hicks, Lisa Martin, and Mike Jackson. Nominations for board member elections are being accepted.

Past Runs and Activities

August 31st – Head for the Mountains II. Led by George Lucas. August 31st – Lunar Zoomers in Alpine, Tx Sept 8th – Let’s fly a kite. Led by Dave and Marilyn Hamilton. Sept 10th – Sundaes on Monday. Led by Dave and Marilyn Hamilton. Sept 22nd – Bubba’s Nascar Run. Led by Jim Treat. Sept 25th – Monthly Meeting. Big’z Burger

New Runs and Activities

October 1st – Lunar Zoomers & Sundae’s on Monday. Led by George Lucas. October 5th to 7th – Texas Miata Round Up October 13th – Crocodile Gap. Led by Gene Carlow. October 20th – Trash Pick Up. Led by Jeff Holbrook. October 20th – Classic Car & BBQ. Led by Mike Jackson. Gallop to Goliad October 23rd – Monthly Meeting October 27th – Corn Field Maize. Led by Craig and Lisa Martin.

New Miata Stuff

Holly Deaton – Chrome gas cap lid, got a Bluetooth for the car. George Briscoe – FINALLY got his car inspected and is now street legal.

Yearly tally of Miata Event Attendees: 1467 on September 25, 2012. . The Meeting was adjourned. People went to the parking lot for more Miata talk.

Check your mailing label for your renewal date.

Please renew your membership promptly!

Upcoming Runs and EventsUpcoming Runs and EventsUpcoming Runs and EventsUpcoming Runs and Events

• Saturday, October 27th, Twisted Sisters Hill Country Run, led by Paul and Yong Ballew. Meet at the McDonalds (Service Station) parking lot at 10:30 a.m. Depart at 11:00 a.m. Group dinner in Kerrville at a location yet to be determined.

• Wednesday, October 31st, Lunar Zoomer Halloween Dinner, hosted by George Lucas. A scary location will be announced soon! Watch your Yahoo Groups email!

• Saturday, November 3rd, Corn Field Maize Run, led by Craig and Lisa Martin. Details TBA

• Monday, November 5th, Sundae on Monday, hosted by Tom and Sandee LeMas-ters. Location TBA.

• Saturday, November 10th, Hobo Run, led by Ronnie and Betty Fields. Details TBA

• Saturday, November 17th, Catfish Run, led by Mike and Betty Jackson. Details TBA

• Tuesday, November 27th, Monthly Meeting, Big’z Hamburger Joint. Eat at 6:30 p.m., meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.

In The BreezeIn The BreezeIn The BreezeIn The BreezeIn The BreezeIn The BreezeIn The BreezeIn The Breeze

Bluebonnet Miata Club

San Antonio, Texas

http://www.bluebonnetmiata.org

To join club or renew dues, open the above web site and click on the membership tab