BMC’s first drive of 2019, the Annual Mud Run, was on Saturday, May 4th. It brightened from a grey morning to a beautiful sunny day as an impressive 25 Miatas met at a Kwik Trip in Middleton.
   Many familiar faces and cars, as well as new members Jim and Luann Schoen, Dennis and Lisa Davis, Vlad Berchanskiy were among our colorful parade.
   Definitely tops down. At about 10:45 we revved up to meander thru the driftless area toward our lunch stop in Spring Green. Led by Henry and Laura Netzinger, followed by a long line of Miatas, and with Jim and Marcy Hotz as sweepers, we headed for our lunch stop. With that many cars, relay radio help was required and very appreciated.
   Experiencing one of our nicer spring days to date, it was wonderful to observe all the lightly budded trees, including the flowering ones, other fresh greenery, and even dandelions along the roads. An advantage of a spring ride is the opportunity to take in wider vistas of the gently rolling hills, with farm fields of tall corn not obscuring the view. Among the hills were valleys, of course. Enchanted Valley was a pleasant drive, as well as driving through Irish Valley and Swiss Valley later on the route.
   Lunch spot choices in Spring Green were Culvers and the Rumbleseat drivein, where a bit of a wait pushed our leave time back a bit. Undaunted, we continued on to Sauk county where we saw a lamb/ sheep farm, lots of cows and calves and were alerted a few times by Laura of “messes in the road”, - the aromatic variety. One highlight of our drive was viewing two eagles swooping overhead. The lead car commented, also, on seeing an unusual sight, a deer and a turkey standing near each other on the same side of the road. Of course, they didn't stick around for many of the following cars to see.
  On leg three of the drive, from Sauk City to Rivers Edge in Wisconsin Dells for dinner, we did experience our traditional u turn, but by now we just took it in stride. Considering the large number of cars on this event, things went smoothly and we really stayed together quite well.
   Capping the beautiful day was having dinner at Rivers Edge Pub & Grill. They’ve hosted our club before, and they again set the tables with complimentary Miata placemats, which really added a special touch. The menu was varied and delicious, and nothing beats the chance to catch up with each other after the long winter and to make new friends. We are definitely looking forward to seeing everyone in future rides this summer, too.

Henry and Terry Rieck worked together to set up this drive, but Terry and wife, Kathy, were unable to join us. They were attending the Nationals Gymnastics in Reno to watch their grandson compete.

A new Members Only Facebook Page has been created for the Badgerland Miata Club. We are open to suggestions and recommendations, and will try to keep you up to date with rides and events. Feel free to post comments and photos. Please let other club members know about this page. We will be sending out invitations to club members in the near future. You must have a Facebook account to be able to join this site. If you have comments or questions, please contact Marcy Hotz at marcyh@wi.rr.com or 414-507-4110 (call or text).

Marcy Hotz

  Elizabeth "Betty" Lucas, of Waukesha, died Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at her home at the age of 80. She was born on May 20, 1939, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Frank and Helen (nee Krueger) Kuchler, Sr. On February 20, 1968 she married Terrence "Terry" Lucas. She was a longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and a 15 year member of the Badgerland Miata Club. Betty enjoyed traveling and will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

  Visitation will take place on Friday, May 31 from 10:30 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. memorial service at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave. in Waukesha. Memorials in Betty's name are appreciated to Al-Anon, 6737 W. Washington St. Suite 2125, West Allis, WI 53214

It has become necessary to cancel June 1st La Crosse ride. Terry will look at possibly rescheduling it at a later date.

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Photos: Pat Kobus Articles: Mary Lynn Cinealis, Pat Kobus, Don Gervais, Marcy Hotz, Henry Netzinger, Linda McCann

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