Redwood Empire Mini Enthusiasts

08/14/2023

Is anyone out there interested in an REME Reunion in 2024? Although I can't plan anything in California, if there is any interest in visiting the airplane and space museums in McMinnville, Oregon, home of the Spruce Goose; visiting the northern Oregon Coast including Tillamook and Astoria; and possibly driving some twisties to Hood Mountain and thru the Columbia River Gorge? If so, reply here. We will stay out Portland.

With farming requirements, I am limited to the second week to end of August 2024. Alternatively, anyone in California wanting to plan an event?

Also, there is still some REME swag available if anyone is interested. I long ago donated all the shirts and sweatshirts to Goodwill, but still have some cloisonne badges.

01/16/2015

The 51st Annual Empire Sports Car Association April Fool Rallye, is scheduled for April 12, 2015. This is a very fun event which I encourage all to participate in. Proceeds will benefit Canine Companions for Independence.

Refer to http://www.sonic.net/~thebeard/index.html

The Annual April Fools Rallye is not a speed event. The rallye is a test of a team's ability to follow instructions along the route, while looking for signs and situations that fit the definitions of the rallye.

11/28/2014

After creating and running REME for 10 years it's time for me to retire. I want to thank all those who have helped me over the years. You all know who you are :-). We still have both 2003 MINIs and I will likely keep my 2003 MCS forever, but our lives have to go on. We are now emptynesters and don't know how long we will even remain in the North Bay Area or California.

The REME website has expired, insurance will expire in mid-December, but it remains a non-profit Corporation until they send me the yearly update form when it will be formally disbanded. I will retain the RedwoodEmpireMiniEnthusiasts domain name for about another year.

If someone wants to take over the reins, 90% of the hard and expensive work is done and can easily be reincarnated. If not, then the club will become a Facebook group for whomever is interested in continuing the organization as I originally envisioned it.

Good luck to all. I had a great time (especially in the early years) when we were the most active and fastest growing MINI Enthusiasts Club in California.I miss all the active members from 2004-2008, but most have not even owned MINIs since then.

I hope those of you who have recently purchased first generation MINIs are able to enjoy their unique performance, handling, and fun that those of us had in the first half of their lives.

Anyone who's interested in reaching me will always know how to find me. I am happy to help with any transistion that may occur in the future.

01/09/2014

happy new year!

every other oil change I take to a local shop here in Petaluma, ( close and trying to do business locally)

The mechanic asked me to put this on REME

The prob exists on a 2006 MCS w 136,000 miles.

Code is P2096 Post catalytic fuel trim system too lean, bank 1.

he changed both O2 sensors, code returned in 3 days.

dipstick good, no vacumn leak, no exhaust leak before converter.

warmed car for 2 minutes at 2500 RPM

shot converter w infra red, 610 degrees in and 410 degrees out.

next replacement would be cat converter but it is expensive and they don't want to do it unnecessarily. and just keep throwing parts at it.

does this ring any bells and if you remember the fix, great.

thanks

John Matyja

12/03/2013

Niello MINI Holiday Lights Tour. 15 December 4 to 6 PM. Meet at the dealership 2020 Fulton Ave. See the Niello Mini FaceBook page for details!

10/02/2013

RG Motorworks is having their grand opening of their new location in Auburn Ca. On Sunday Oct. 13th. Free eats, prizes and tours of the new shop. RG is a great place for all of your out of warranty Mini and BMW service and repairs.
Let's meet up in Auburn and help celebrate RG's new shop.
I'll be posting details as I get them.

08/16/2013

How about a fun photo shoot run through the Marin Headlands this coming Sunday the 18th.

I was thinking Sacramento area people could meet up at the West Sac Chevron and take 12 and 116 over to Petaluma.

There, the North Bay people can meet us and we could go out to the coast and drive and stop to take pictures.

There is a Petaluma Gateway Plaza on 116 (Lakeville Rd.) shopping center to meet at.

Find some coastal range twisties and end up back in Novato for beers and eats.

I figure we'd leave from West Sac about 9 and get to Petaluma about 1130 or so.

Invite everyone!

Any takers?

07/08/2013

2013 M&M Poker Run

05/06/2013

Our friends from New Jersey are coming out to California for a visit in Sept. or Oct. and they want to go on a Mini run/wine tasting tour. Are you all up for helping me host them?

04/22/2013

Have you heard the Paddy Hopkirk interview yet? http://miniology.com/2013/04/miniology-radio-special-edition-paddy-hopkirk/

Miniology Radio Special Edition: Paddy HopkirkPosted on April 18, 2013 by califzephMiniologist Jessica Nelson presents this intimate and personal interview with Mini rally legend Paddy Hopkirk. Paddy tells us about his life in Buckinghamshire UK, his first date, his favorite charity SKIDZ, among oth...

04/15/2013

Miniology Radio for April is now available for your listening pleasure! http://miniology.com/2013/04/miniology-radio-show-april-2013-with-pat-mckenna/

On this episode of Miniology Radio, we are joined by one of the BIG WHEELS at MiniUSA, Pat McKenna, who offers us a glimpse at the Mini road map for the future of Mini, a look at the introduction of the new MINI GP and some insight as to the state of the US car industry.
Also, we have a rundown of upcoming Mini events, including a visit with Lisa and Chris of Sin City Mini Club, a few minutes with the Old Hippie and our Picks Of The Month.
There’s a jillion laughs and some very interesting content. Enjoy!

Listen here, or subscribe to us in iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

This episode of Miniology Radio is dedicated to the lovely Annette Funicello. RIP.

Miniology Radio is sponsored by Expression Graphix, quality tee’s at bargain prices!