The President's Message
by Bob Davis
One of the benefits of pulling together the Volunteer information for last month’s Reward was the opportunity to browse through ALL of the past issues of the Reward. I’m not sure I realized before how new the Reward was when we joined in late 1991. Although there were some sporadic issues during 1990, it was during 1991 when the newsletter became a monthly item. I enjoyed reminiscing as I browsed through 15 years of runs and events. I had almost forgotten the early enthusiasm, the spontaneity, and the pure number of runs and events. It reminded me that during 1993, Juli & I were involved in either a pre-run, an actual run (day or overnighter), or an event, etc., etc., etc. at some time during 45 weekends that year. Wow! That was Fun!
And, of course, I saw articles on a lot of runs that we don’t really do anymore because they were associated with certain people. When Socalm included the San Diego area, and, of course, Chris Burns, president for 4 years, was from Vista (near Escondido), numerous runs throughout the year were based in San Diego county. And when Steve (also a past president) & Sharon Murray were heavily involved, we drove many of the roads that Hal now drives as well and several others north and east of that area. Yes, it was frequently a long drive to the starting point, but there was more of the attitude: Well, it IS a driving club! Members were so anxious to participate in any run that they were willing to drive 100 miles, or sometimes more, to get to the starting point.
I felt this same enthusiasm this past weekend (6/3-4) when I realized there wasn’t any run or event scheduled. However, where there’s a Miata, there’s a road worth driving. So, up Rt 18 to Lake Arrowhead, merged with Rt 38 to Big Bear and on to Oak Glen, crossed I- 10 and caught Rt 243 to Idyllwild, and then Rt 74 into the north side of Rancho Mirage, where the 112 degree heat finally caught up with us. Spent the night there and came straight home on Sunday…… the heat was just too much to enjoy taking Rt 74 to Rt 79 to Ortega Hwy, as planned. But, once again, it was close to a 400 mile weekend.
Here’s hoping that you give in to the urge to just go driving and mix and match the best of the roads that Southern California has to offer!! |
