The MADMEN ODOMETER-November 2012
The MADMEN continue to add on miles!
The weather may be cooling down but MADMEN activities have been heating up. 
November started with us recovering from our Haunted Tour that took us from Tucson to Steins, a railroad ghost town just over the New Mexico border, down to the Gadsden Hotel in Douglas and then to Tombstone for the Haunted Trolley Tour. We didn’t neglect our stomachs that day either as we had breakfast at Omar’s Hiway Chef Restaurant, lunch at the Gadsden Hotel and dinner in Benson.
On November 8th, My MINI Has the Munchies found us dining at Fronimo’s Greek Cafe. The staff was very accommodating, setting aside their special room for us, and the food was delicious. Our group also included some new members and a family who had been tagged and joined us to see what we were like.
November 9, 10, 11
AMWI- A MINI Weekend Incarceration (Yuma) was a great success. What can you say about a weekend where you go to prison, look for dates and go to a bookstore run by a nudist? After touring the Territorial Prison, the Quartermaster Depot and historic downtown we snuck over the California border by the back road and headed for the date palm trees, on the hunt for Medjool dates. We were back in Yuma for dinner, hungry for barbeque. The restaurant looked suspiciously quiet and empty for 5pm on a Saturday night and the janitor who opened the door informed us they close at 3pm on Sunday. We were fairly certain we had not crossed the International Date line and decided they were confused, not us. Sunday found us heading to Quartzsite where we toured the cemetery and the monument to Hi Jolly, camel driver for the Army in the 1850’s. And then came the high point, low point, most unusual stop we think we have made as a car club. We went to the local bookstore, Readers Oasis Bookstore, which is owned and run by a former male exotic dancer who is a nudist. He wears a hat, socks, sandals and a little something extra.
Since our stay in Tombstone had been too short we made a Return to Tombstone run on November 17th for a special someone’s birthday treat. Nine cars with a total of twenty-one MINI enthusiasts showed up for the day. We lunched at the OK Cafe as a group, then spread out all over town. Some of us enjoyed the wine tasting, some of us had old tyme photos taken and most of us supported the local economy. There were a few heads sporting new cowboy hats and I saw some new boots as well as a drover’s coat and other additions to wardrobes. A favorite stop was Bandit and Belle, which sells boots, hats and clothing- both Old West and modern. The owner remembered us from our previous visit, when he specifically stayed open late for us so we could shop after the trolley tour. We really are a memorable group. We also chatted with a Fiat owner from El Paso who will be e-mailing us some suggestions for restaurants and things to do for AMWELP (A MINI Weekend El Paso) next year and might even join us!
November 24th, our Last Saturday of the Month Breakfast was enjoyed at Rincon Market, a family owned store and restaurant, which was perfect for Shop Local Saturday. Being the friendly group that we are, when a non-member MINI drove up we greeted him with smiles, introductions and a card. He hadn’t seen our cars when he drove up but made a detour to the parking lot to check them all out before he left. Maybe we have another new member?
Upcoming MADMEN of Tucson events for December: The DMC Holiday Party will be in Tucson on December 8th. Remember your reservations must be prepaid made by November 28th, more information in our members only area of the message forum or on Facebook, email us if you are a member and can’t access the information. Our Last Saturday Breakfast will be December 29th, 8am at Beyond Bread, Ina and Oracle Road. December events will be a little slower to allow you to enjoy the holidays with your family. To be a part of the MADMEN family or more information, drop us an email: MADMENofTucson@gmail.com
November Tracks
Greetings fellow motorists,
October is usually a transition month for the DRP. This year was no different as the reins were passed to the newest co-chairs, Becky and Michael. The new season began with the annual run to Jerome. What a turnout! Videos were made, memories were had, and delicious pie was munched.
The past month also brought lots of nice weather, candy, and plenty of screaming children as you jumped from the bushes in your costume. Speaking of costumes, you have five more days to enter the MINI of Tempe costume contest. (Found here) Not many entries so you’ve got pretty good odds.
November Events:
Nov. 11th – Second Sunday Sweets – Sugar Bowl, Scottsdale, AZ:
Join our little family circus as we head over to one of Scottsdale’s best ice cream eateries. With three pages of desserts, you’re sure to find something you enjoy. If not, there’s always skee-ball in the adjacent Sugar Bowl Fiesta.
Nov. 17th – Third Saturday Car Show (Scottsdale Pavilions):
Join us at Arizona’s longest running weekly car show. We are usually parked in first and second rows as you enter the parking area. With the nice weather becoming standard, arrivals will begin earlier, around 3-4 pm.
Nov. 18th – Bartlett Lake Run and Picnic:
Bartlett Lake is located just northeast of Scottsdale, in the heart of the Tonto National Forest. It is often commented by lake visitors how much “less crazy” Bartlett Lake is over other popular valley lakes. Given that info, it should be a nice little stop for us.
Nov. 28th – DRP Go-Kart Night:
Ate too much turkey or gobbled five pumpkin pies all by yourself? Burn some of that off while coming out for some friendly competition on the track, even if you don’t want to race, come hang out and cheer on those who do! K1 features all electric karts for all the fun without the noise and smell of the gas karts. For more info about K1 Speed, visit their website.
As always, stay safe, check your oil, maintain tire pressure, and above all.. Motor on!