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Mazda finally gives Miata fans what they've been waiting for: a new color.
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In The BreezeIn The Breeze
July 2019 Official Newsletter of the Bluebonnet MX-5 Miata Club Still Free!
Mazda Is Bringing More Units of the MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition to the U.S.
UPDATE 5/14/19: Three months after the 500 cars allocated for the U.S. sold out in a manner of hours, Mazda has announced that an additional 143 units from the 30th Anniversary's 3000-car worldwide run will be brought to the States. Mazda says the 143 units will be made available to fans who were put on the waitlist after the initial 500 cars were spoken for.
The year 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the brilliant Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car, and Mazda is celebrating with the reveal of a zesty special edition at the Chicago auto show. In fact, the original Miata made its global debut at the 1989 Chicago show, making the launch of this new version at this year's show even more poignant. Mazda says the car represents "30 years of endless gratitude" to the enthusiastic fans of the Miata and "commemorates all the milestones and important people" from the car's "special journey." You could say that the special edition is for fans who feel like they have been friends with the Miata forever.
Aptly named the MX-5 Miata 30th Anniversary Edition, the car features one of the only things that Miata fans across the world have been clamoring for since the introduction of the current ND generation: more color. The new Racing Orange paint was developed specifi-cally for the 30th Anniversary Edition Miata, and Mazda says it "represents sunrise and anticipation" and "evokes the breaking dawn of an exciting new day." The brakes are painted in the same hue, and there are Racing Orange accents on the doors, the dashboard, the air vents, the shifter, and the piping and stitching of the seats.
In addition to the Vitamin C color scheme, the 30th Anniversary Edition gets a set of 17-inch Rays ZE40 forged aluminum wheels that were specially developed for the Miata and are based on the wheels found on the MX-5 Cup race car. New Alcantara trim is applied in place of leather to the door panels, the dashboard, and the Recaro seats. Also, each 30th Anniversary Edition Miata will get a badge, lo-cated on the driver's-side quarter-panel ahead of the rear wheel, that denotes the serial number of the car.
Mazda made no mechanical changes to the Miata for this special edition, and that's fine with us. The Miata already is one of our favorite cars on the market, and it was made even better for the 2019 model year with the addition of a new, higher-revving engine. The 30th Anni-versary Edition model is based on the sporty Club trim level (specifically, the Club with the BBS/Brembo/Recaro package), which adds per-formance features such as Bilstein dampers and a limited-slip diff. Curiously, the 30th Anniversary Edition also gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, something absent from standard 2019 Miatas.
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Inside this Issue…
30th Anniversary Edition is Coming!...………………………………….……...............................................................................................................Cover
Officers....………. ………………………..…………………….....………………………………………………………………………………………………………2
President’s Message..……….………………………....…………..………..…………………………………………………………………………………………..3
Velocity Read from the Editor..……….………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………...3
The Princess Diaries...………………………….……………...………………………………………………………………………………………………………..4
More from the Princess……………………...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....5
Bluebonnet Ladies Club Event………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...5
Picnic Pursuit at the Faulkner’s…...…………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...6
Painted Churches Photos……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
Medina Practice Round Up Run……….…………………………....………………………………………………………………………………………………....8
Bluebonnet Miata Club Ladies Bunco Fun…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..9
Peachy Keen Run…………………………....….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...10
The Martin’s Far Out Run and Party...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11
Remember When?................................................................................................................................................................................................Back Page
Upcoming Runs and Events...……………………………………...…..…………………….……………………...…………………………………..…Back Page
2018 Club Officers
President Cheryl Knight
Vice President Ed Smith
Secretary Stephanie Turner
Treasurer Joe Knight
Membership* Harry Maxwell
Newsletter Editor* George Lucas
Webmasters* Don and Judi Privett
*appointed positions
New Members
Club Graphic Designer Judi Privett
Ashley Thompson
Cibolo, Texas
2007 Stormy Blue Mica
Barbara & Shan Ahmad
San Antonio, Texas
2016 Soul Red GT
Dana & Billy Williams
Boerne, Texas
2016 Blue Reflex Mica
Welcome!
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Velocity Read Hot, hot, hot! After a seemingly short spring, summer is upon us with record setting temperatures! I don’t know about you, but I set my pride aside and drive mostly with the top up during the hottest summer days. Having driven convertibles since I was 20 years old, one knows to avoid the sun and the dam-age it can do. Cover up and keep hydrated, my friends.
After a little over 10 years as your editor of our newsletter, I think it’s time for new blood. And new blood it will be as youth will take over in Michelle House starting at the beginning of 2020. She’s already involved in editing publications and well versed in the program we’ve been using since I joined the club. I’d be dishonest if I did-n’t admit to giving it up will be sad, but I know Michelle will give our newsletter some new ideas and put more zip in it’s contents. More about this later.
I’m excited about heading off for Arkansas to help the Northwest Arkansas Miata Club celebrate their 20th Anniversary! This will be my first real vacation since I became full time at my “semi-retirement” job. If you haven’t driven Arkansas, you need to plan on going there soon as Arkansas has lots of, as they say over there, “crooked roads” that rival our own Twisted Sisters, just greener! I know several of our members are going to Arkansas, some are even there now! The bonus for me is that I’ll be able to visit my daughter who lives in Fayetteville.
Concerning our own big event, the Round Up come September (that’s not far off!), I’ll be charged with leading two of the Twisted Sisters runs. There will be three offerings of the famous Hwy’s 335, 336 and 337, all packed with twisties and exciting driving. As many of you will guess I’ll be leading the less aggressive category. But, know this, you will have some very challenging turns on these runs so please drive your limit. And, I can promise you, after you finish my run, you’ll feel exhilarated! And if you want to run it a bit more spirited, you can do so the next day on one of the other Twisted Sisters runs, led by Stan Chambers or Jimbo Treat. No matter which you choose, you’ll understand why we’re blessed to have the amazing roads the Texas Hill Country has to offer. The runs will be limited to a certain amount of cars, so as soon as sign ups are available don’t waste your time and sign up!
There will also be lots of things to do, places to eat and many surprises as our club knows all the “in” places for good food and other enjoyable things to see and do in Fredericksburg. Check out many of the details on our website, www.bluebonnetmiata.org and click on the MIATA ROUND UP at the top of the page.
See you on the road!\
George Lucas, Editor
Presidents Message
Greetings fellow Miata Enthusiasts! As I’m writing this, we’ve had one of the most Spring like weather weeks in the San Antonio area since last year. It’s been a delight and wonderful for driving topless. I hope you’ve enjoyed it like we have. As we approach July, your fellow club members are providing several activities to participate in; there are runs every weekend.
As a club, our biggest goal for the year is to provide an amazing Texas Miata Round Up in Sep-tember. See the Princess Dairies for an update on the excellent progress your committee members are making. In addition to that body of work, your Board of Directors continue to fo-cus on the 2019 goals: 1) Make a few things easier for club members, 2) Encourage participa-tion in Activities and Runs, and 3) Evaluate Club Communication. See the 2019 Club Goals Update for more details. At the end of June, many club members are heading up to Bentonville, Arkansas to join the NW Miata Club as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. The Ozarks are a fun place to drive and their club provides great hospitality. If you’re not getting a chance to go this time, I highly encourage participating in these types of regional events. It is a blast to drive new areas, meet other Miata enthusiasts, and have lots of fun in the eve-nings! Speaking of regional events, if you haven’t registered for ours, you might want to consider it. Check out the website: https://texasmiataroundup.com/ We’ve got less than 20 spots open!
Cheryl
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The Princess Diaries by Cheryl Knight (The Princess)
Update on Round Up
Plans for the September 19th – 22nd, 2019 Texas Miata Round Up are going great! Thank you to all our Club Members for your support and interest! Here is a brief update on progress.
There are less than 20 spots available for registration. Don’t delay! There are still a few tickets for the Friday Night Passport Wine Dinner event at Woodrose
Winery. The Apparel Store closes August 1st, so if you haven’t ordered those long sleeve T-Shirts or your
Jacket, you may want to get your order placed soon. While it may not be cool in September (who knows with these crazy weather patterns), the Jackets will be a great keepsake you can wear at many Miata events for years to come.
The Committee Leadership meets at the end of June to finalize timelines, volunteer needs, sort out the prizes and how they will be given away, and review the budget.
I’m happy to report that due to the large number of registrations, individual Club Member donations, and excellent spon-sorship we received, we are easily able to re-fund the Round Up Seed Account, in the amount of $2,400, for the 2023 Round Up (next time Bluebonnet hosts).
We are just about at that point where we will be asking you to choose the timeslots and volunteer roles you are interested in. Don’t worry about missing out on all the activities though. Most slots are only for a short time frame and will allow you to spend time on runs and other activities. We greatly appreciate your engagement and willingness to participate and en-sure this is great event for everyone, and we want you to have fun too! So, count on that!
Cheryl Knight
Chair, 2019 Texas Miata Round UP
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The Princess Diaries (More elucidation from the Princess)
2019 Club Goals Update
At the beginning of the year, the Board of Directors decided to use the Club Objectives (from the Bylaws) as our guiding principle for how we provide leadership.
“The Bluebonnet Miata Club is dedicated to the enjoyment of and the advancement of knowledge per-taining to the Mazda MX-5 Miata sports car and related MX-5 Miata events. The club encourages the exchange of information about the MX-5 Miata by providing a vehicle for communication among MX-5 Miata owners and aficionados.”
We choose the following as the Why, How and What we do to support the Club Objectives:
Why we do what we do for the club:
To provide a personally enriching experience for a diverse membership that shares a common bond: the Miata! How we do what we do for the club:
Welcome, engage and encourage participation of new and existing members. Treat each other and all members with dignity and respect.
What we do for the club:
Encourage a calendar full of a variety of runs and activities, utilizing more than Saturdays. Utilize multiple methods of communication for sharing information about the Miata and the Club Activities
and Events Educate and inform Members on how to participate in both local and national activities.
To accomplish this, we designated a few Goals. Below each goal is an update on our progress. GOAL: Make a few things easier for club members (buying pins, stickers and name badges)
Arranged the tables at the meeting allowing space to purchase or order items, pay dues or join the club. Updated forms for ordering badges, simplifying the record keeping, ordering and delivery of badges. Created an ordering form with instructions in a self-addressed envelope for badge order requests that occur on
runs or other times outside of regular meetings. GOAL: Encourage membership participation in Activities and Runs
Added responsibility to the Vice President’s role who now sends advance communication to Run leaders to en-courage run information be placed on the website a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the run and to use the Ya-hoo Groups Email to inform the membership.
Encouraging participation in our Runs, Events and Activities through regular communication in the Newslet-ter, the President’s Website Blog, and at the meetings.
GOAL: Evaluate Club communication methods
Completed a membership survey regarding our current communication approaches. Determined the Club Website is the official “go-to” place for all club related information. Provided clarification on our two email systems: Mail Chimp and Yahoo Groups. If you didn’t receive an email
explaining this, you can learn more on the website in the President’s blog. In the process of streamlining the New Member welcome packet and related information on the club website (to
be complete this Summer). While not identified as a goal, in a related matter the Newsletter will go through a transition as George Lucas
hands off the responsibilities to another Club Member over the next few months.
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Polansky’s Picnic Pursuit at the Faulkner’s Thanks to the Polansky’s for organizing the Picnic Pursuit Run, with new roads and a big thanks to Paul and Judy Faulkner for hosting our summer picnic! The Faulkner’s provided a wonderful shady setting for the picnic and sweets afterwards! Thanks again!
Afterwards a poorly attended Star Party was carried out. The Texas Telescope Parties folks provided stimulating banter regarding our celestial views of the stars and planets. Thanks to those dedicated club members that stayed for the second portion of the day’s activities!
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Jim Voss
Medina Run
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Peaches and Cream Run Dan and Betty Hicks led a peach run on June 22nd. Twenty-two Miata’s made their way to Fredericksburg with one stop at the Kendalia Store. We welcomed some Tejas Miata Club members who drove from Austin to join us. Both orchards we visited were busy and had an abundance of peaches. At Vogel’s, most members enjoyed peach ice cream while others purchased peaches along with other fresh fruits and vegetables. Then, we drove on up US 290 to Jenschke’s where some of our group picked peaches and strawberries. Our last stop was Alstadt Brewery for lunch. We were thankful for safety, pleasant weather, and beautiful scenery along our
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Run and Party sponsored by the Fab Faux. The FAB FAUX would like to invite you to WILL YOU STILL NEED ME, WILL YOU STILL FEED ME run and Craig’s 64th birthday party July 20! Now that he’s 64, come join us for this costume-themed run and celebration. The theme is of course The Beatles, so if you’d like, come costumed in the late 60s attire or any Beatles-themed attire from any year. Most of you were there in the 60s, so you know pretty much anything goes!
WE will meet at the new Valero at the corner of FM 1604 and Lower Seguin Road 5:30 pm for a 5:45 pm departure. The birthday party will commence at our house at the end of the run!
We will have queso and chips, meatballs, wings and desserts. We will also supply the sodas, tea, water and coffee. If you’d like to bring food, snacks or drinks, please bring them by the house at 5 pm. Address is 9741 Coppercreek, Con-verse, TX 78109. Please BYOB. If you would like to bring snacks by the house, please do so around 5 p.m.
WILL YOU STILL NEED ME, WILL YOU STILL FEED ME
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Check your mailing label for your renewal date.
Please renew your membership promptly!
In 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
Upcoming Runs and Events June 27-30, NW Arkansas 20th Anniversary Bash. Details of this event can be found on our
website!
Sunday, July 7th, Hamburger Holiday Run. Meet at the Big’s Valero, 17144 Hwy 46 in Spring Branch. Show time is 1:30 p.m., Go time is 2 p.m. Early dinner at the Front Porch Bar and Grill in Bulverde.
Friday, July 12th, Swim Party and Lunch, hosted by Marilyn Hamilton. Time and other details, check our website.
Saturday, July 13th. Run Cancelled, Open weekend!!!
Tuesday, July 16th, Lunar Zoomer Dinner, hosted by George Lucas. Location TBA soon!
Thursday, July 18th, Ladies Bunco, hosted by ???
Saturday, July 20th, Special Retro (60’s music and fun). Hosted by Craig and Lisa Martin. After the run we will meet at the Martin’s for some good food and games!
Tuesday, July 23rd, Monthly Meeting at Bigz Burger Joint. Located between Blanco and Huebner on IH1604. Meet and eat at 6:30, meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.
Remember When? Jimbo all decked out for a parade , 2013