Run to the Sun 2009

[Dale McBain]

Whose up for another Run to Sun? I am considering three choices.

Choice #1-
A overnight run to Sun Mountain. Similar to last year.

Choice #2-
A two(2) night run to Sun Mountain. Which would allow for one day make a run with Sun Mountain as home base.

Choice #3-
Overnight run to Yakima. The route would start in Monroe, WA. Take Hwy 2 to Hwy 97, Hwy 97 to Hwy 821, Hwy 821 to Yakima. Spend the night at (to be determined). Next morning Hwy 12 to Hwy 410 and finally 410 to Enumclaw.

Comments? Please advise if you are interested and your preferred choice.

Regards,
Dale & Gloria McBain
SPF #469 - White w/ blue strip

[Steve Bisson]

Eileen and I vote for choice #2.

[Silverback51]

I'm with Steve, #2.

Not sure what is happening with the run to Santa Barbara. Have not seen a response there.

[Steve Bisson]

John,

I talked to Jake about the So.Cal. run and the details have yet to be worked out. They are waiting for Fred, who is due to be in the area in about a month.

[mroush]

We missed the trip last year, as our cobra was still in the paint shop. Heather and I would be interested in choice # 2.

Mike & Heather

[Mark Laine]

We are also up for plan 2. We have also been thinking of a 4-5 day trip to Wallowa Lake/Baker Oregon the end of June and before the 4th of July.

Wow, so may choices. We probably are not up to a full 10 day run as fun as that sounds, so we may be doing several mini trips closer to home.

So Ready for a road trip.

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by Mark Laine

We are also up for plan 2. We have also been thinking of a 4-5 day trip to Wallowa Lake/Baker Oregon the end of June and before the 4th of July.

Wow, so may choices. We probably are not up to a full 10 day run as fun as that sounds, so we may be doing several mini trips closer to home.

So Ready for a road trip.

June 12th is the Oregon Mountain Car Cruise in Joseph.
Two hundred cars on main street Joseph. Dance to 50-60's music at the community center at 9:00pm. Pre registration required. Date: June 12 & 13, 2009

We usually rent a house there from this place.

http://www.wallowalakevacationrentals.com/

[Stinson Pilot]

Hope to join all of you for some runs. I plan to have my car on the road by this summer in gel coat. Paint next winter.
Thanks for the invite Steve.

[Steve Bisson]

Doug,

Welcome to the group. We are a loose knit organization of Cobra owners who like to cruise and get together for good times and tall stories. As I have exchanged info with you on the Factory Five forum, I feel I must warn you about one member regarding tall stories. His name is Jim (race-it) not to be confused with Jim (jwd); who we refer to as the other Jim, who is a stand up guy. Race-it is prone to exaggeration in his communications. This is not to say he doesn't have his good points ( his car is gorgeous and recently fitted with a Weber induction system). He also will buy a round every now and then.

[Mark Laine]

Yes, it could work for us as well

[Silverback51]

Have you given any thought to dates yet Dale? I'm thinking of making this the start of a 3 week vacation, and my manager wants to be sure I have everything in place to support my absence.

[Jake]

Dale, I am working on my summer work schedule. Any thoughts on dates for your run? We would love to participate. The only really bad weekend for us is the last weekend of July (Goodguys car show)

[mroush]

That should work us.

Mike & Heather

[Silverback51]

If anyone is interested, they are also offering better rates for other rooms. We upgraded to a Mt. Robinson suite.

[Dale McBain]

Hi all,

Looks like everyone beat us as far as getting a room reserved.

We we're planning on meeting Friday morning at Jake's Cafe' in Snohomish again this year. Only this year it would be a late breakfast at say 10:00 AM so the south enders can miss the rush hour. Let me know what you all think!

Also, what does the group want to do for dinner plans for Friday and Saturday evenings.

Here is a suggested run from the "Lodge" for Saturday.

THE SUN MOUNTAIN-BONAPARTE LAKE-PALMER LAKE LOOP

Okanogan is the third largest county in the United States in terms of land area and yet the fourth smallest in Washington State in terms of both population density and per capita income. Once home to several highly diversified agricultural and extraction based industries (cattle ranching, orchards, logging, mining, etc.) the eastern portion of the county has suffered a dramatic economic decline over the last 25 years resulting in the loss of much of its rural population. As a result, many of the roads that once served the counties far-flung communities now provide scenic by-ways that are ideal for driving tours. Excellent services are available in the towns of Omak, Okanogan, Tonasket and Oroville and the Visitor Information Centers in each town provide useful information and clean restrooms. Gold Digger Cellars in Oroville also provides a nice stop to taste locally produced wines (try the Chardonnay).

1. From Sun Mountain drive to US Route 20 (the North Cascades Highway) and make a right turn heading east through Twisp. Two miles east of Twisp stay on Route 20 as it makes a left turn to climb over Loup-Loup pass. Descend through the “Seven Devils” into the Omak/Okanogan area where Route 20 makes a right turn and takes you out to US Route 97. Turn left and head north on Routes 97 & 20 to Tonasket.

2. In downtown Tonasket continue following Route 20 as it makes a right turn (east) and climb the narrow Bonaparte River valley until you eventually enter more open country where you will note the storied Aeneas River Valley on your right. Five miles before Wauconda make a left turn onto the well-marked Bonaparte Lake Road (NF 3240).

3. Drive north on shaded asphalt past Bonaparte Lake (there is a store at the resort that is sometimes open) and continue through heavily wooded terrain until making a long descent (watch for pot holes) to Beaver Lake and an intersection with the Torado-Chesaw Road (County Road 9480). Turn left and drive past Beth Lake to begin a long uphill climb to Pontiac Ridge.

4. Breaking out onto a beautiful plateau you will drive through open country to an intersection with the Chesaw-Oroville Road (#9480) and the tiny town of Chesaw. Stop at the store, buy candy bars, juice, chat, hang-out with the locals and when you’re ready, get back in your car to make the four mile climb to the crest of Havillah Road. An long, winding downhill ride on the Chesaw-Oroville road will bring you into the downtown on area via Central Avenue.

5. In Oroville make a left turn onto Main Street and then an immediate right turn onto the Loomis-Oroville Road. Climb a steep short hill past the golf course and then continue climbing along the Similkameen River through a beautiful, open valley until eventually reaching the crest just west of Nighthawk. Stay on the Loomis-Oroville Road, bearing south toward Palmer Lake and enjoy a mostly flat ride along the scenic east shore. More rolling country eventually brings you to a left turn at the small hamlet of Loomis.

6. Staying on the Loomis-Oroville Road (heading east) climb past Spectacle Lake and several smaller lakes through open ranching country until eventually reaching the crest and beginning a winding downhill to an intersection with Route 7 (Janis-Oroville Westside Road). Turn right here and head towards Tonasket, eventually passing the graveyard (on your left) and making a final left hand turn onto 4th Street and, after crossing the bridge, a right hand turn onto South Whitcombe Avenue.

7. Reverse the route described in #1 above in order to get back to Sun Mountain Lodge.


Dale's Comment- We might want to go back to the lodge via Hwy 97 and Hwy 153.

Dale & Gloria
SPF #469

PS more to follow.

[Steve Bisson]

That sounds like a great run to us. I'll have to bring the cameras

[Dale McBain]

Sounds to me like Steve is the official "Run to the Sun" photographer.

Thanks Steve!!!

Dale

[JWhite]

Diana and I are in. We are looking forward to the first run. Paint should almost be dry.

Jeff

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by Dale McBain

Hi all,

Looks like everyone beat us as far as getting a room reserved.

We we're planning on meeting Friday morning at Jake's Cafe' in Snohomish again this year. Only this year it would be a late breakfast at say 10:00 AM so the south enders can miss the rush hour. Let me know what you all think!

Also, what does the group want to do for dinner plans for Friday and Saturday evenings.

Here is a suggested run from the "Lodge" for Saturday.

THE SUN MOUNTAIN-BONAPARTE LAKE-PALMER LAKE LOOP

Okanogan is the third largest county in the United States in terms of land area and yet the fourth smallest in Washington State in terms of both population density and per capita income. Once home to several highly diversified agricultural and extraction based industries (cattle ranching, orchards, logging, mining, etc.) the eastern portion of the county has suffered a dramatic economic decline over the last 25 years resulting in the loss of much of its rural population. As a result, many of the roads that once served the counties far-flung communities now provide scenic by-ways that are ideal for driving tours. Excellent services are available in the towns of Omak, Okanogan, Tonasket and Oroville and the Visitor Information Centers in each town provide useful information and clean restrooms. Gold Digger Cellars in Oroville also provides a nice stop to taste locally produced wines (try the Chardonnay).

1. From Sun Mountain drive to US Route 20 (the North Cascades Highway) and make a right turn heading east through Twisp. Two miles east of Twisp stay on Route 20 as it makes a left turn to climb over Loup-Loup pass. Descend through the “Seven Devils” into the Omak/Okanogan area where Route 20 makes a right turn and takes you out to US Route 97. Turn left and head north on Routes 97 & 20 to Tonasket.

2. In downtown Tonasket continue following Route 20 as it makes a right turn (east) and climb the narrow Bonaparte River valley until you eventually enter more open country where you will note the storied Aeneas River Valley on your right. Five miles before Wauconda make a left turn onto the well-marked Bonaparte Lake Road (NF 3240).

3. Drive north on shaded asphalt past Bonaparte Lake (there is a store at the resort that is sometimes open) and continue through heavily wooded terrain until making a long descent (watch for pot holes) to Beaver Lake and an intersection with the Torado-Chesaw Road (County Road 9480). Turn left and drive past Beth Lake to begin a long uphill climb to Pontiac Ridge.

4. Breaking out onto a beautiful plateau you will drive through open country to an intersection with the Chesaw-Oroville Road (#9480) and the tiny town of Chesaw. Stop at the store, buy candy bars, juice, chat, hang-out with the locals and when you’re ready, get back in your car to make the four mile climb to the crest of Havillah Road. An long, winding downhill ride on the Chesaw-Oroville road will bring you into the downtown on area via Central Avenue.

5. In Oroville make a left turn onto Main Street and then an immediate right turn onto the Loomis-Oroville Road. Climb a steep short hill past the golf course and then continue climbing along the Similkameen River through a beautiful, open valley until eventually reaching the crest just west of Nighthawk. Stay on the Loomis-Oroville Road, bearing south toward Palmer Lake and enjoy a mostly flat ride along the scenic east shore. More rolling country eventually brings you to a left turn at the small hamlet of Loomis.

6. Staying on the Loomis-Oroville Road (heading east) climb past Spectacle Lake and several smaller lakes through open ranching country until eventually reaching the crest and beginning a winding downhill to an intersection with Route 7 (Janis-Oroville Westside Road). Turn right here and head towards Tonasket, eventually passing the graveyard (on your left) and making a final left hand turn onto 4th Street and, after crossing the bridge, a right hand turn onto South Whitcombe Avenue.

7. Reverse the route described in #1 above in order to get back to Sun Mountain Lodge.


Dale's Comment- We might want to go back to the lodge via Hwy 97 and Hwy 153.

Dale & Gloria
SPF #469

PS more to follow.

I just did a MapQuest search of this route. Hope the roads are well marked.

If I get the time, I may head over sometime in the June time frame and check it out, unless someone is familiar with the area.

[race-it]

Dale, The only thing you left out of your discription was our wheel chairs!!!! Come on Dale, Where is the part that we "let em fly".

What about white knuckles, flaming pipes, the smell of rubber!!!

What about our wives that wont talk to us at the end of the run!!!

Dale, Please re-write your add remember these are 400 to 600+ HP COBRAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Make Steve use his video camera not his still shot cameras!!!!!!!!!!

1. We left Sun Mountain shaded in a cloud of thick smoke as the aeromatic fragrance of melting rubber from Goodyear, Firestone, Michelin and YO-Yo Tires filled the air.( OK who is the guy with the YOYO Tires). Our rear view mirrors showed only charred and buckled asphalt as the thundering cobras nullified the tranquility of the quaint neighboring towns. Jake was the first to let her fly, "Make us proud Jake was the cry herd from the pack" As he let the hammer down........... The pack pounded down the mountain as the seven devils repented and fled for their lives....... With pipes a glowing and white knuckles showing we shut down our awesome beasts and, went for some ice cream ( I just had to put that in for Steve's sake, he loves Ice Cream)..................

Jim