Roadster Roundup
   by Mark Byer, photos by Mike Christensen
                            News & Events 2016 

Arrival at Tenaya Lodge, Fish Camp

This was a much awaited return Roadster Roundup to the Tenaya Lodge, in Fish Camp at the south entrance to the Yosemite National Park, by the Valley Roadsters who put on the same run a dozen years ago.

President Tom brought a record number of California Roadsters members to the 51th RR, who didn’t need an excuse to cruise back to the beautiful Yosemite National Park. Members included: Tom, Max, Mark, Phill, Keith, Jerry and Judy, Jeff and Judy, Jim and Ann, Greg and Helen, Steve and Danielle, Don and Patti, Chuck and Penny, Dick and Barbara, Gary and Lisa, Dennis and Janice, Duane and Suzanne and new members Chris and Marsha.

On Thursday morning, we did our standard two prong assault, with Tom leading the southern group leaving from Starbucks, Costa Mesa and the northern group leaving from Coco's, Brea. We decided to leave early than prior years (4:30 AM) to try and avoid the traffic jam on the South Bay curve, and it worked great, pulling into Bakersfield for breakfast at about 9AM, and pulling into a BBQ joint in Oakmont for lunch.

A smaller group of members had left a day earlier, led by Phill up scenic Highway 395, with a night's stay in June Lake. Included in this group, were Phill, Keith, Gary, Dennis, Dick, Jim, Jerry and Chuck. There were a few adventures along the way, but they joined us at The Tenaya Lodge, after taking the scenic route over the Tioga Pass.

After lunch, we had time to kill before checking into the lodge, so Tom planned a run to Bass Lake, with cocktails on a deck overlooking the Lake. 

Friday morning was an open day, so we broke into groups for tours into Yosemite National Park, taking in sights like Glacier Point, El Capitan, Half Dome, and ultimately lunch at the historic Majestic Hotel. That afternoon, back at the Tenaya Lodge, was an informal welcome cocktail party by Valley Roadsters, and on your own dinner at the Lodge.

The Saturday morning's run was around Bass Lake, with a buffet lunch at the Pine Lodge, overlooking the lake, with the afternoon open. The Valley Roadsters really put a lot of effort into planning and execution of a memorable RR, including a very nice, banquet dinner on Saturday night with a combo-band for dancing. Again, Joe Cordosa and another gentlemen, whose name I didn't get, but went to high school back in the dark ages with Joe, were honored as being the only two guys in attendance that have attended all 51 RR's.

We only had one mishap this year, with member Chuck Clayton hitting a deer leaving Mammouth Lakes, to join the larger group for dinner at Carson Peak Inn. Lucky for Chuck, he was traveling with Jerry Kugel, who carries a spare tire, and helped him get back on the road. Another minor repair job was completed at the Tenaya Lodge, by new member Chris Lawler, replacing a rear coil over shock, after Jerry Kugel had his shop overnight one to us.

Next year will be Los Angeles Roadster's turn to host the 53rd RR, back on the Central Coast, and they always do a bang up job. This is the one roadster event annually that we always try to attend as a club and show our appreciation to BAR for the invitation.

Tenaya Lodge
Friday night BBQ, Tenaya Lodge
Roadsters bedded down for the night
Tour inside Yosemite
Half Dome, Yosemite
Lunch at The Majestic Hotel (formerly Awanee)

Arrival for lunch, Bass Lake