BMCU Newsletter - August 2002
Volume 15 Number 1

Gateway parade
This is short notice, but the BMCU has been contacted to parade our cars at the Gateway Center, Friday, August 2nd at noon. Bill Robinson asked for and got assurances of a $100 donation to the club coffers if we agreed to get a group of cars to the parade. So, let’s have a great turnout to give them their money’s worth!

Anyone interested and available please contact Bruce Schilling 801-486-0425 or send Bruce an email at partsmaster@sisna.com . The sooner we hear from you the better, so we get an idea of what kind of turnout to expect.

Heber City parade
Don’t forget the Heber City parade on Saturday, August 3rd. This is a great parade on a fairly level route. Like most parades, we need to gather up and be ready to get into the lineup as a group. So, we will meet up at the Smith's parking lot by 5:00 PM. This is the Smith’s store on the left just as you enter Heber on eastbound I-40.

If you have any questions please contact Doug Wimer at TC49@aol.com or call Doug at home at 435-654-2117.

Let’s have a great turnout for this parade—hope to see you there!

August Social
Bruce Schilling will host yet another social at his home at 4:00 pm on Saturday, August 10th at 917 East Mill Creek Way (917 E and about 3495 S) in Salt Lake City.

Bruce will provide the grill and the burgers, but asks that guests bring burger fixins’, salads, desserts, and other side dishes. Please call Bruce at the phone number listed below, or use email at partsmaster@sisna.com , to RSVP and to let him know what you are bringing.

Come join the fun and great conversation with the club! For more info, call Bruce at 486-0425.

The 15th Alpine Loop Run
For nearly 15 years, we have met as a group and taken this run over the beautiful Alpine Loop. This run started the club, and it’s still one of our favorites. We usually get such a group of cars that we practically stop traffic everywhere we go.

The plans are like previous years: we meet at the South Town Mall (southeast parking lot) on Saturday, August 17, at 9:00 AM for a 10:00 AM departure. BMCU'ers in Utah county can meet us at the Chevron station in Highland at about 10:30-10:45. The early meeting allows time to buy raffle tickets, chat, and still have a cool run to the top of the Loop.

The run begins at the South Town Mall, onto the I-15 frontage road, and onto Utah Highway 92. Utah 92 takes us east into American Fork Canyon and past Timpanogos Cave. The road climbs steeply from there. At the summit we drop down past Sundance Ski Resort and into Provo Canyon. We'll drive past Deer Creek Reservoir and into Heber City. Here we meet at the park behind the city hall (not the city park visible from I-40) for lunch and the raffle. We then leave Heber, climb past the Jordanelle Reservoir and through Francis, Kamas, Oakley, Peoa, Brown’s Canyon, and into Park City. Just for giggles we take a quick cruise down Main Street. We then leave Park City and after the final stop near the K-Mart at Kimball Junction, we break up and head onto I-80 for home.

Along with the run, we hold a raffle. The raffle is a major source of funds for the BMCU, so please buy tickets. If you or your business can donate something, we would love to have it. Bring the items to South Town Mall on the day of the event or contact Karen Bradakis at 364-3251 or KBRADAKIS@rmcoeh.utah.edu . You can purchase raffle tickets when we meet at the Mall and just before the raffle in Heber.

Everyone should bring some sunscreen and a picnic lunch (or buy lunch in Heber). You may also want a chair or a blanket to sit on in the park, as there’s just a few picnic tables. If you have questions, contact Karen at 364-3251.

Hot Club 90 night
The summer sun pounded the Salt Lake Valley on the 10th, reaching into the triple digit zone. But that wasn't enough to keep a few loyal BMCU members from pulling out the car and heading over to Club 90 in Sandy for the annual BMCU Club 90 night. We shared the venue with owners of many types of classic cars. Most were older American cars, but there were VW's, a Citroen, a Jag kit car and some street rods, as well as our contingent of MG's, Triumphs and Mark Noeltner's DeLorean. The crowd was huge. Cars were literally parked on top of each other and there still wasn't enough room for all of them. Sadly, our representation was smaller than in previous years. Just too hot for some folks, I guess.

The Club served up a $13 steak and lobster dinner of generous portions. Outside there was a DJ playing oldies and inside there was Karaoke.

Tried to get Bruce Schilling to render some tunes, but he wasn't going for it. I didn't turn around to look, but I heard Elvis in there somewhere.

The warm dry weather stayed that way and there was no rain as in previous years. Everyone had a good time. From the sign-up bar napkin, those present were Bill Robinson, event host, Bruce Schilling, Bill Walton, Brian Bristo, Todd & Connie Pixton, Larry Gobelman, Mark & Joyce Noeltner, Tim Furner, Simon Pipe and Stuart Nichols.

Thanks to all who made it and we look forward to many more good events throughout the summer.

Editor wanted!
After more than 10 years of involvement with the BMCU newsletter, first only helping with the layout and then the past few years gathering material, writing, and laying out the newsletter, I have decided that it is time to pass the opportunity along to some else. I simply don’t have the time to devote to the newsletter, even though it requires just a few hours each month. By handing off my responsibilities for the newsletter, and some other non-BMCU things I’m been involved with, I’m hoping that I can gain enough time to get other projects accomplished.

So, are there any seasoned or aspiring writers in the club who would like to take the role of newsletter editor? Might be an opportunity to strengthen some skills you’ve been wanting to polish up, and it would definitely help the club out.

Please call me at 801-486-2935, or email me at nlmassie@mmm.com . And thanks for all the help and encouragement over the years—I’ve enjoyed working on the newsletter and with everyone in the club. See ‘ya at the next event!

GoFing in Durango
By Bill Van Moorhem
GoF West is the gathering of the Faithful, MG owners and their cars, held annually in the western U.S. or Canada. The event was originally for pre-'56 cars (mainly T-series and MMM cars) but has expanded to frequently include "modern" MGs. This year the event was in Durango, Colorado, the closest location to Salt Lake since the BMCU held it in Park City in 1997. With only a 400+ mile trip, a large group turned out to attend the event. The convoy to Durango included Mike and Sharon Bailey, TC and TD; Steve and Cheryl Bender, TC; Jon and Susan Hermance, TD; Floyd and Kathy Inman, Y-type, J. and Kay Jennings, TC and TF; Gary and Sandy Lindstrom, TD; Dave and Muriel Machovec, TD and Magnette; David and Carol Marks, TC; Steve Nelson, TF; George Schmidt, driving the Jennings' TF; Bill and Linda Walton, MGB; Doug and Ilene Wimer, TC and the authors, Bill and Julie Van Moorhem, TD. Bob and Sandy Vargas were planning to go but their son was coming home on leave from the army and they chose to cancel.

The adventure began before we left the area when on Friday night the Hermances had a bearing fail in the newly rebuilt differential of their TF. This required a switch in plans and the TD, which had only been driven short distances since it was purchased, was called on to fill in for the TF. Departure was from Spanish Fork on Sunday morning with an easy run to Moab planned for the day. The Jennings' TF overheated on the climb out of Spanish Fork Canyon and Steve Nelson's TF had the pin in the fuel pump points come out about five miles out of Moab. Time cured the first problem and the fuel pump was replaced from the stock of spares the group was carrying. The pin was replaced in Moab and the problem did not repeat itself. Moab was HOT. The best discovery was a walk-in beer cooler down the street from the motel where we spent some time before making a choice. I also inquired if they would rent some space where I could bring a chair and sit for an hour.

The next morning the group got going fairly early and cruised down to LaSal Junction about 20 miles south of Moab. We had planned to stop here and make a route decision. The direct route is through Monticello and Cortez but this is hot and just cruising along straight roads. The alternative was though Ridgeway, Ouray and Silverton. This route takes you through an 11,000 foot pass and rolls up and down at about 10,000 feet for 50 miles or so before dropping down to Durango. The Hermances, Lindstroms and Julie and I decided to take the scenic route. We were emboldened by Susan driving a 4-Runner mothership and following Jon. Jon had an ulterior motive, since he knew of a TC for sale in Ridgeway and had made arrangements to stop and see it.

As soon as we left the main group and headed up over the southern end of the LaSal Mountains the temperature started dropping and the countryside became greener, with more vegetation. The route was wonderful, twisty roads with little or no traffic, great views and cooler air made for a great run over to Ridgeway. We found the owner of the TC and spent an hour or two examining the car from every direction. The conclusion: restorable, but it would likely require a lot of work and Jon was not enthused about the deal. Following lunch we headed south. After passing though Ouray the road suddenly climbed very steeply with a series of switchbacks. I suspect we all were watching the temperature gauge in our cars and the altitude signs along the road to see which reached the top first. This steep climb came to an end fairly quickly and we cruised along a much gentler grade in cool air with the temperature gauge falling or, at least, stable. We reached the 11,000 foot Red Mountain Pass and stopped for the obligatory photos with BMCU cars at what is likely the highest altitude that they have reached. After letting the cars cool, and the drivers and passengers stretch, we headed off over the rolling high altitude countryside, dropped down a long grade and reached Durango about three hours after the main group.

The GoF ran its usual course even with the forest burning to the north and northeast of the town. The host Rocky Mountain MGT Registry did an excellent job of carrying the event off in spite of the fire. The funkana had to be relocated, the rallye had to be rerouted, the train was not making the usual Silverton run, and flames could be seen, at times, on the hills about 10 miles to the north, but everything worked out.

The BMCU did well in the events: Floyd and Kathy Inman won first place in the Premiere Class (cars that had won a first place in class previously); Mike and Sharon Bailey won first place in the very competitive TC class; Muriel Machovec won the Sacajawea Award, for the woman who drove a T-series car the longest distance to the GoF; Bill and Linda Walton won first place for a "modern" MG in the Rallye; and Julie and myself received an honorable mention in the TD class. The BMCU was also third in the total number of miles driven by a club going to the GoF. We all cruised home with no problems (that we were aware of) with an overnight in Moab. The 2003 GoF West will be in Long Beach and I am sure the BMCU will be represented.

The Lucas Calendar
This calendar works about as well as its namesake, so use it with care. Club events have red dates. The others you may find interesting. All events are subject to change.

August 3 . Heber Valley Parade. See article in this newsletter. Doug and Ilene Wimer, 435-654-2117.

August 10 . August Social. See article in this newsletter. Bruce Schilling, 486-0425.

August 15-18. Abingdon Summer Party, Abingdon, IL. 630-858-8192

August 17 . Annual Alpine Loop Run. See article in this newsletter. Karen Bradakis (364-3251).

September 2 . Miner’s Day Parade in Park City. Floyd Inman.

September 14 . State Street Cruise Night. Bill Robinson, 947-9480.

September 28 . Mt. Nebo Fall Color Run. Gary Lindstrom, 532-1259.

October 19 . Fall Tinker Day. Mark Bradakis, 364-3251.

October 26 . End of the Season Dinner. Gregg Smith.

October 31-Nov 2. High Country Tour, Sedona, AZ. Racermoss@sedona.net

November . Tech Session. Date and time to be announced.

December . No event.

January 2003 . Utah Lotus Museum. Mark Bradakis, 364-3251.

Autojumble
Wanted: I am looking for some late model ( 78-80) warning lights for a MGB. They are the ones that sit between the speedo and tach. They do not have to be perfect, just in one piece. I am willing to pay you for them, depending upon asking prices. Email John "Barney" Bauernhuber at jbauern@xmission.com

Must Sell: 1977 MGB, Engine rebuilt, new top, alternator and battery. Original owner. Worth $2,200, will sell for $1,400. E-Mail Robin or Penny at: perk@networld.com or call us in Salt Lake at 486-8140.

For Sale 2 MGB's (1980 & 1979). Both need work, but both cars are complete. Pictures available for interested parties. I prefer to sell them as a pair for $1200.00. For pictures or more information call Wade at 393-4918 or email at bambinosslave@msn.com

For Sale: '64- TR4, runs well, needs paint and interior. For more information, call Robert Kelsch at 801-623-0733.

Board of Governors:
Bill Robinson, 947-9480, email: brobinson@redwoodmusic.com
Marty Van Nood, Chancellor of the Exchequer; 467-0525 (H)
Gary Lindstrom, 532-1259
Newsletter Editor: Nathan Massie, 486-2935 email: nlmassie@mmm.com
Membership director: Bruce Schilling, 486-0425 email: partsmaster@sisna.com

This Newsletter is published by the British Motor Club of Utah, Ltd., a non-profit corporation of British automobile owners. The group holds monthly events such as drives, picnics, technical sessions, and more. We welcome owners (or potential owners) of British cars, in any condition, to the group. Membership is free, but we ask for a donation at events to support the Newsletter and other activities. If you would like to join the group, send your name, address, and a list of British cars owned to
Bruce Schilling
917 East Mill Creek Way
Salt Lake City, Utah 84106
or to Bruce’s email address shown above.

Don’t forget!
The Miner’s Day Parade in Park City is on Labor Day, September 2. This fun parade is on a downhill route. This is your advance warning, since the event occurs early in the month of September and the next newsletter may not be ready before then. We normally meet up on Swede Alley about 9:00 or so in the morning, but watch your email for more info.

Exchequer report
Beginning Balance $2611.23
Expenses:
Newsletters and annual -271.48
mailing permit fee
Income:
Interest +1.21
New Balance $2340.96

A Chapter of the North American MGB Register
British Motor Club of Utah
1944 East 2700 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84106