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FIRST SUNDAY DRIVES

ENTHUSIAST DRIVES FOR MERCEDES-BENZ AUTOMOBILES

First Sunday Drives are casual drives planned on the first Sunday of every month. The drives are open to anyone driving a Mercedes-Benz automobile. Unless otherwise noted on the route instructions we meet at our identified start location between 9 and 9:45AM and depart as close to 10AM as possible. Any last minute details and information is shared at a pre-drive meeting at ~9:45 so be sure to arrive early and grab some coffee and to meet up with old and new friends.

See pictures from our previous drives FSD Gallery!

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April 7, 2024

Marin County Backroads to Valley Ford

Starting Point: Peet's Coffee at 5800 Northgate Dr., San Rafael (We'll meet at the far side of the parking lot away from Peet's, close to Northgate Dr.)

Ending Point: Valley Ford

Meeting Time: 9:15 am

Departure Time: 10:00 am

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February 4, 2024

Almaden to Aptos
Cinnabar Hills and Southern Santa Cruz Mountains

 

DIRECTIONS TO THE STARTING POINT:


Almaden Shopping Center


Corner of Almaden Boulevard and Camden Avenue
From Highway 85: Take the Almaden Expressway Exit and drive south on
Almaden Expressway for 2.4 miles. We will meet in the parking lot on the
southwest corner of the intersection of Almaden and Camden. Look for the
balloons to find the sign-in sheet.


We depart promptly at 10AM so please be sure to arrive in plenty of time to sign
in, grab a cup of coffee and socialize with old and new friends. There are usually
a few cars at our start points by 9AM, so feel free to come early!

Click here for Route Map

 

January 7, 2024

Castro Valley to Crockett

Gathering place: Peet’s Coffee, 20439 Redwood Road, Castro Valley

Gathering time: 9:15AM

Departing at 10AM!

Our drive starts just north of Highway 580 in Castro Valley. From 580 take the

Redwood Road exit and go north. Peet’s is just north of Castro Valley Boulevard on

the left side of the road. We will be meeting in the parking lot to the NORTH side of

Peet’s – either drive around the building or turn left after you pass Peet’s!

The above map is a representation of the general route of the drive but may not be

accurate to the turn. Detailed instructions will be handed out at Peet’s. Drive carefully!

Dead Fish:  20050 San Pablo Ave, Crockett, CA 94525 (510) 787-3323

 

August 6,2023

Great Marin Cheese Tour

Meeting at 10:00 a.m. at Peets Coffee, 5800 Northgate Dr #146, San Rafael, CA 94903

Click here for complete details!

 

June 6, 2023

San Francisco Tour

The Oscar’s recently celebrated the 95th Academy Awards on March 12th, and we will tour San Francisco’s movie locations in June. San Francisco has a rich history of being used as a backdrop over the years. We’ll explore movies' locations from the Golden Age of Hollywood to the present as we traverse various San Francisco neighborhoods. You may have heard of all or some of these movies and even remember seeing some of them and others not. So, dress the part and slip behind the wheel of your Mercedes-Benz and you’ll be the Star exploring the different locations. You never know where the next movie is being filmed. And, who knows, there may be a red carpet and an Oscar waiting!

We all know that parking in San Francisco is scare at best, especially on the weekends. So, the meeting point will not be in the usual manner of a Starbucks or Peet’s parking lot. Instead, you’ll first need to pick up your coffee and breakfast snacks before we meet. There’s a Starbucks, a Peet’s Coffee and Noah’s Bagels on Chestnut St between Mallorca and Pierce Streets., in the Marina District, not far from our meeting point. Once you have your caffeine fix, we’ll meet at the Marina Greens parking lot off of Marina Blvd at 9:00–9:45 am, so we are ready to depart at 10:00 am. Once the drive begins, there won’t be any rest stops, as we will be driving mostly through residential areas. Also, we will do our best to caravan, however with stops signs, lights and city traffic, that may not always be possible, but we will meet at the ending point. Detailed movie locations and directions will be provided before the start of the drive.

At the conclusion of the tour in the Noe Valley neighborhood, feel free to find other members and explore local restaurants in that neighborhood or any other areas of San Francisco that intrigued you. Below are a few local restaurants:

Regent Thai Restaurant

1700 Church St. San Francisco, CA 94131

(415) 643-5893

Eric’s restaurant -Chinese

1500 Church St. San Francisco, CA 94131

(415) 282-0919

Novy Restaurant – Mediterranean influenced

4000 24th St. San Francisco, Ca 94114

415-289-8383

Neoteca Wine Bar – French inspired breakfast, lunch, dinner and wine bar

1551 Delores St. San Francisco, CA 94110

415-377-3487

 

May 7, 2023

Foster City to The Presidio

 

Precidio 440

Gathering Place: Starbucks

Address: 2292 Bridgepoint parkway, Foster City

Time: 9:30AM

Start the engines: 10:00AM

Our route to open the 2023 SFBA MB year will take us from Foster City

in San Mateo, over Highway 92 to Half Moon Bay, thence to Highway One North to Pillar Point (Princeton-by-the-Sea), then continue on to Devil's Slide and through the Tom Lantos Tunnels. We will pass through Pacifica, to the Great Highway in SF, then Land's End, and finally end in the Presidio for lunch at Colibri Cafe, one of the fine restaurants there.

Highlights, beside the beautiful coastal scenery: Stop to watch the

surfers at Mavericks; rest stop at the Pacifica Brewery (next to Sea Bowl) in Pacifica; optional visit to Beach Chalet in Golden Gate Park (WPA murals); after lunch, optional visits to the nearby Walt Disney Family Museum,

Presidio Visitors' Center, and (weather permitting) the newly opened

Presidio Tunnel Tops Park.

Organizer: Nadine and Barton Lane

 

CANCELLED

March 12, 2023 (second Sunday actually)

San Francisco Movie Tour

San Francisco Movie Tour FSD

What better way to celebrate the 95th Academy Awards on March 12th, but to tour San Francisco’s movie locations. San Francisco has a rich history of being used as a backdrop over the years.  We’ll explore movies locations from the golden age of Hollywood to the present as we traverse various San Francisco districts. You may have heard of all or some of these movies and even remember seeing some of them and others not.  So dress the part and slip behind the wheel of your Mercedes-Benz and you’ll be the Star exploring the different locations.  You never know where the next movie is being filmed. And, Who knows, there maybe a red carpet and an oscar waiting!

We all know that parking in San Francisco is scare at best, especially on the weekends. So, the meeting point will not be in the usual manner of a Starbucks or peet’s parking lot. Instead, you’ll first need to pickup your coffee and breakfast snacks before we meet.  There’s a Starbucks, a Peet’s Coffee and Noah’s Bagels on Chestnut St between Mallorca and Pierce sts. In the Marina District, not far from our meeting point. Once you have your caffeine fix, we’ll meet at the Marina Greens parking lot off Marina Blvd at 9:00 –9:45 Am, so we are ready to depart at 10:00 AM.  Once the drive begins, there won’t be any rest stops as we will be driving mostly through residential areas. Also, we will do our best to caravan, however with stops signs, lights and city traffic, that may not always be possible but we will meet at the ending point. Detailed movie locations and directions will be provided before the start of the drive.

At the conclusion of the tour in the Noe Valley Neighborhood, feel free to find other members and explore local restaurants in that neighborhood or any other areas of san Francisco that intrigued you.  Below are a few local restaurants:

Regent Thai Restaurant

1700 Church St. San Francisco, CA 94131

(415) 643-5893

Eric’s restaurant  -Chinese

1500 Church St. san Francisco, CA 94131

(415) 282-0919

Novy Restaurant – Mediterranean influenced

4000 24th St. san Francisco, ca 94114

415-289-8383

Neoteca Wine Bar – French inspired breakfast, lunch, dinner and wine bar

1551 delores st. San Francisco, CA 94110

415-377-3487

January 8, 2023

 

 

July 3, 2022

Menlo Park to Davenport

July 3rd, 2022

Gathering place: Coffeebar Address: 1149 Chestnut Street, Menlo Park, CA 04025

Gathering time: 9AM             Engines Start: 10:00AM

Destination: Davenport Roadhouse - 1 Davenport Avenue, Davenport, CA 95017

 

Enjoy no host lunch at Daveport Roadhouse

 

June 5, 2022

Castro Valley to Crockett

Castro Valley to Crockett

No Host Lunch at The Dead Fish Restaurant

Gathering place: Peet’s Coffee

20439 Redwood Road, Castro Valley

Gathering time: 9:00AM

Departing at 10AM!

Our drive starts just north of Highway 580 in Castro Valley. From 580 take the

Redwood Road exit and go north. Peet’s is just north of Castro Valley Boulevard on

the left side of the road. We will be meeting in the parking lot to the NORTH side of

Peet’s – either drive around the building or turn left after you pass Peet’s!

The above map is a representation of the general route of the drive but may not be

accurate to the turn. Remember – mileage is approximate! Drive carefully!

Route Directions:

DEPART and drive NORTH on Redwood Road. Drive 9.8 miles.

RIGHT onto Pinehurst Road. Drive 2.7 miles.

RIGHT onto Canyon Road. Drive 1.8 miles.

LEFT onto Moraga Way. Drive 4.5 miles.

• At the intersection of Moraga Way and Highway 24 there is a small

commercial center. This is an excellent place for a restroom break if you

need one, but the group will not stop.

STRAIGHT onto Camino Pablo. Drive 2.4 miles.

• As we pass under Highway 24 the road name changes to Camino Pablo

RIGHT onto Bear Creek Road. Drive 8.4 miles.

RIGHT onto Alhambra Valley Road. Drive 4.8 miles.

LEFT to stay on Alhambra Valley Road. Drive 1.3 miles.

LEFT onto Alhambra Avenue. Drive 0.4 miles.

LEFT onto Franklin Canyon Road. Drive 3.6 miles.

• This left turn is just before you drive under the railroad bridge and the

Highway 4 overpass.

RIGHT onto McEwen Road. Drive 2.4 miles.

LEFT onto Carquinez Scenic Drive. Drive 2.1 miles.

RIGHT to stay on Carquinez Scenic Drive/Pomona Ave. Drive 2 Mile

miles.

STRAIGHT onto San Pablo Ave. Drive 175 feet.

The Dead Fish Restaurant is on the Right.

Destination: The Dead Fish Restaurant (No host lunch, reservations recommended)

20050 San Pablo Ave, Crockett, CA 94525 (510) 787-3323

 

May 1, 2022

Santa Cruz Backroads

Gathering Place: Lexington Elementary School, 19700 Old Santa Cruz Highway, Los Gatos, CA

Time: 9:30AM

Start the engines: 10:00AM 

Coffee break: Summit Store, 24197 N. Summit Road, Los Gatos, CA

Destination: Gayle’s Bakery, 504 Bay Ave, Capitola, CA

Important directions to the gathering place–

Hwy 17, coming from San Jose, exit on Bear Creek Road

Hwy 17, coming from Santa Cruz, exit on Black Road/Montevina Road

Start at Lexington School Rd, SW of Lexington Reservoir off of Old Santa Cruz Highway. There is plenty of paved parking. Proceed south for about 20 minutes thru the Santa Cruz Mountain’s majestic redwoods to Summit Rd. Turn East (left) on Summit and proceed for a few minutes to The Summit Store for coffee. There is plenty of parking and restrooms are porta potties in the parking lot provided by the store. There is outside seating. Continuing, turn East (left) out of the Summit Store onto Summit Rd and make the next right onto San Jose Soquel Rd. Continue through the Santa Cruz back road and forest for about 25 minutes to Soquel. San Jose Soquel Rd turns into Porter St. Continue on Porter passing under Hwy 1 Porter turns into Bay Ave. Gayle’s Bakery is at the corner of Bay and Capitola Avenues, SE corner. Gayle’s has parking in the front, back and on the street. Gayle’s is a popular local eatery and parking can be challenging. It’s important to take a number when you arrive to be served. Gayle’s has covered outdoor seating. Now is the time for good food and camaraderie. Enjoy! Capitola beach and shopping is just a short drive due West if you’d like to enjoy further activities for the afternoon.

 

 

April 3, 2022

Lake Berryessa

April’s FSD will explore the bucolic splendor of Solano County back roads and Lake Berryessa. Starting at the Starbucks at 5121 Business Center Drive #108, Fairfield, we’ll meet for a pre-drive orientation at 9:45 and begin the drive at 10:00 sharp.

Starting east bound on Business Center Drive, we’ll go only a few blocks then turn left on to Suisun Valley Road (SVR). A beautiful drive on SVR will take us past wineries and the peaceful countryside for about 20 miles to a right on State Route 128. Note: the road gets a little steep here, so if you're driving your classic Mercedes, just be aware. This road will lead us on a winding scenic trip, with views of goats, geese, and cows, as we head towards Lake Berryessa, the seventh largest man-made lake in California. You ‘ll see some of the areas along the way that were burned in the wildfires a couple years ago that are slowly coming back to life. Water from the Lake Berryessa reservoir primarily supplies agriculture in the Sacramento Valley downstream. The dam is noted for its classic, uncontrolled morning-glory-type spillway. The diameter at the lip is 72 ft (22 m). Locally, the spillway is also known as the "Glory Hole,” which you will get a view of as we will stop here for a stretch and photo opportunity. Hopefully the water-level will be high enough for you to see the spillway at work! <fingers crossed>

From the “Glory Hole,” we hop back on Hwy 128 and over Putah Creek to where we turn right at Pleasant Valley Road towards Vacaville. A left at Vaca Valley Road, then a right on Gibson Canyon Road will take us towards Old Town Vacaville. A left on East Main and we'll be in the center of charming Historic Vacaville, a rejuvenated area with a plethora of international cuisine options, including Mexican, Asian, Italian, Mexican Fusion, Delicatessens, Italian Fusion, Cantinas, Pubs and Taverns, American Cafes and Sandwich shops. With these choices you're certain to find exactly what you crave for lunch. 

Turn by Turn (so easy!)

  • Starbucks to Business Center Drive
  • LEFT at Suisun Valley Road (20 miles)
  • RIGHT on State Route 128 (11 miles)
  • Quick Photo Op at the Glory Hole – Lake Berryessa
  • Back on State Route 128 to Pleasant Valley Road (6 miles)
  • RIGHT on Pleasant Valley Road to Vaca Valley Road (11 miles)
  • LEFT on Vaca Valley Road to Gibson Canyon Road (2 miles)
  • RIGHT on Gibson Canyon Road to Main Street, Vacaville
  • LEFT on Main Street
  • Now – find your favorite parking place and enjoy a no-host lunch at the restaurant of your choosing!

Approximately 55 miles – 1.5 hours (give or take)

 

Optional – No-Host Lunch at the Main Street of Vacaville

 

March 6, 2022

Historic Point Richmond

Arrive 9:00AM, Depart 10:00AM

This 1st Sunday drive will include some of the highlights of historic Point Richmond.

Gathering place: 9:00 AM Starbucks, 2187 Meeker Ave, Richmond, CA 94804

Start your engines: 10:00 AM

History: Originally known as East Yards, Point Richmond was Richmond's central downtown area from the late 19th century until the early 20th century. Point Richmond Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The neighborhood is dominated by the Chevron refinery, and a very active Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) freight yard, which gives the residents a love-hate relationship with its trains. The BNSF “wig wag signals” are one of only a handful still in existence nationwide.

The neighborhood is divided by a ridge, which separates a "Bay side" and a "Town side." There is a mix of historic Victorians and century-old buildings dating back to before the founding of the town.

Our drive will include Rosie the Riveter Museum (tickets not included), a Drive thru Point Richmond, The Red Oak Victory ship and No-Host lunch at Lara’s Restaurant (Reservation may be required).

The drive will start 10 AM at the Starbucks, 2187 Meeker Ave, Richmond, CA 94804

From San Rafael Bridge Take Exit 10A, follow signs for Marina Bay Parkway

Turn right onto Marina Bay Pkwy Quiznos on the corner

Turn right onto Meeker Ave.

2187 Meeker Ave, Richmond, CA 94804

 

From Eastbay I-80. At Exit 13B, bear right onto I-580 W toward Point Richmond / San Rafael / I-580

At Exit 10A, head right on the ramp for S 23rd Street toward Marina Bay Pkwy

Turn left onto 23rd St, then keep straight to stay on Marina Bay Pkwy

Turn right onto Meeker Ave

 

The last intersection before your destination is Marina Bay Pkwy.

 

Arrive 9:00am, Depart 9:45am

Marin City to Marin Headlands to Mt. Tamalpais and Pt. Reyes

Leaders: Nadine & Barton Lane 650-888-8952 510-335-5931

Note: Make sure you have a full tank of gas before leaving your place, make room for the cyclists when passing, and turn on the headlights for the duration of the drive!

This drive will showcase spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, as well as the entire Bay panorama, while driving through the lush and beautiful Marin County backroads.

Approximately 2 ½ hour drive, a little over 50 miles. This will be on some of the most twisty roads you will ever find; Dramamine will come in handy if you are prone to carsickness!

FIRST PORTION: MARIN CITY TO MARIN HEADLANDS: After our meetup at Starbucks in Marin City we will wend our way through picturesque (and touristy) Sausalito, up the hill to Marin Headlands Park. There we will have picture-postcard views of the GG Bridge and SF; though there are parking turnouts, they tend to be packed full so we may just drive slowly to enjoy the views. Retracing our steps back to Hwy 101 North, we get onto CA Hwy 1 through Mill Valley, and on to Mt. Tamalpais State Park.

SECOND PORTION: MARIN HEADLANDS TO MT. TAM: We will be on Shoreline Highway (CA 1) and continue on various winding roads until the Rock Springs Parking lot on the mountain. There are porta-potties there; and although the lot is large it tends to fill up early, so we suggest going on to E. Ridgecrest Drive which will take us to the East Peak Observation lot, only about 12 min. farther; there is a fee lot ($7 or 8 per car), but best panoramic views of the Bay, and real bathrooms.

THIRD PORTION: MT. TAM TO PT. REYES STATION: We backtrack to the Rock Springs Parking lot, and from there descend down the old Fairfax-Bolinas Road, through some incredibly untouched scenery. (The road is quite tortuous, down to one-lane in parts, and may be slow due to cars and cyclists.) When we hit CA 1 again, we follow it north a few miles through Olema to Pt. Reyes Station, our final destination. There we hope to all lunch at Cafe Reyes, which has plenty of seating outside and inside; however limited staffing may make for some delays. (But one can order drinks at the host window and sip while you wait.)

AND after lunch, for those that don't wish to go straightaway home, there are many opportunities to explore nearby attractions such as Point Reyes National Seashore, Drakes Beach, Bear Valley Earthquake Walk, etc.

 

January 9, 2022

Backroads of Contra Costa County

Monta Loma Plaza

580 N Rengstorff Ave. Mountain View, CA 94043

Mercedes-Benz and Coffee 9:00 – 10:00 AM

 

Start the engines at 10AM – Monta Loma Plaza

Pit Stop – Mission San Jose – 4330 Mission Blvd. Fremont, CA

Palomares Rd and Crow Canyon Rd

 

Destination – Blackhawk Plaza – 3540 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville, CA 94506

Click here to download map and driving details

 

November 1, 2021

Mt. Hamilton

Lick Observatory, Mt. Hamilton

As we are preparing for our Annual Holiday Banquet in early December, the November First Sunday Drive will be our last one for this year!  The destination for this drive will be the Lick Observatory on Mt. Hamilton. Our First Sunday Drives have been very successful and are well-known in the Bay Area. The gathering places have turned into good size of Mercedes-Benz exhibitions. The schedule for the November First Sunday Drive will be a bit different this time to accommodate the comfort of the drive; we will be gathering at 9 in the morning, having coffee, no-host wholesome breakfast, and the admiration on our fine automobiles parked in the parking lot before heading up to Mt. Hamilton.  

Gathering place: Village Grill

Address: 4075 Evergreen Village Square #120, San Jose, CA 95135

Schedules:

9:00 - 10:45 AM - Coffee, breakfast, and Mercedes-Benz

10:45 - 11:00 AM - Pre-Briefing

 

11:00 AM Start your engines

 

September 5, 2021

Camino Tassajara, Danvielle

Gathering place: Bagel Street Café

Address: 316 Sycamore Valley Road West, Danville, CA

Time:

9:00 – 10:00AM Mercedes and Coffee

10:00-10:15AM Route Brief 

10:15AM Start Your Engines

 

Destination: Main Street – 530 Main Street, Pleasanton, CA (Has a good size parking lot)

 

August 1, 2021

Marin Cheese Tour

 FSD Aug 2021 The Great Marin Cheese Tour IV

 

We will meet at Peets Coffee, between 0900-0945hrs for coffee at 276 Bon Air Center Greenbrae, CA 94904. This is just off of Sir Francis Drake Blvd minutes from 101, the Barry Way Ave (first stop light to the left) and is the best entrance to the shopping center.  Park on the south of the Woodlands Pet Foods store, Peets is across the street.    We will start the sign ins upon arrival and a prompt departure from the parking lot at 1000hrs then we are off to our FSD adventure (approx. 46 miles) … please be aware of bicyclist and cows along the way!  Please see driving details on pg. 2 for the turn by turn.

 

Marin has been famous for cheese since 1865. Today we're going to visit a few of the most famous cheese producers and drive some of the most beautiful roads in coastal California at the same time. Enjoy the summer scenery, drive through the magnificent redwood tree groves on Lucas Valley Road, then rolling hills as we turn (left) onto Nicasio Valley Road heading north toward our first stop, after our second stop, are more rolling hills and a spectacular view of Tomales Bay heading south on to Highway 1 to Pt. Reyes.

 

Nicasio Valley Cheese Company

http://www.nicasiocheese.com/

5300 Nicasio Valley Road

Nicasio, CA

(Just past the town of Nicasio on the right side of the road.)

The La Franchi family enjoyed the traditional cheeses of the Swiss homeland and dreamed of making their own. Their organic dairy was the perfect opportunity to enable them to pay homage to their heritage.

Continue north on Nicasio Valley Road to Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd., a right turn heading east, we will shortly arrive at our second stop.

Marin French Cheese Company

http://www.marinfrenchcheese.com/

7510 Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd
Petaluma, CA 94952

(Left side of road, about 10-15 min travel time from last stop)

The oldest continuously operating cheese factory in America! Marin French has specialized in hand made Brie and Camembert since 1865. In 2005 it was the first American producer to best France in international competitions.

Continuing (left turn) east on Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd (for 10 minutes) where we make a left onto Hicks Valley Road.  The first turn left will put you on the Marshall – Petaluma Rd.  this heads MBZr’s west towards Marshall and Highway #1.  A left turn onto Highway #1 heads us along Tomales Bay with wonderful water views and to our final destination, The Cowgirl Creamery at Point Reyes Station.

Cowgirl Creamery

http://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/

80 4th Street 

Point Reyes Station, CA

In 1997, Sue Conley and Peggy Smith built a small creamery in downtown Point Reyes Station and began making handcrafted cheese with local organic milk. They now produce three fresh and six aged cheeses, they have recently retired, the creamery goes on!

While this is the end of our tour, it will be time for a later lunch with several great restaurants and a deli to choose from or sit outside of the creamery and enjoy your selection of many cheeses that you have purchased!  Thank you for your participation.

Brief: (Distances, and times are approximate)

Start:   Meet at Peets Coffee 276 Bon Air Center Greenbrae, CA 94904, enter Barry Way.

Depart:  1000hrs, exit parking lot to the south and turn Left on to Barry Way.

                Turn Right on to Sir Francis Drake Blvd. staying in the left-hand lanes.

                Turn Left on Freeway 101 on ramp, sign indicates “North to Eureka.”

                5.6 mi, Take the Lucas Valley Rd. / Smith Ranch Rd. off ramp, turn Left onto Lucas Valley Rd.

                9.4 mi, Turn Left onto Nicasio Valley Road.

               1.5 mi., On the Right will be the Nicasio Cheese Company just past the town, 10:30ish arrival.

Depart: 1045hrs ish, Turn Right onto Nicasio Valley Road.

2.5 mi. Right onto Pt. Reyes - Petaluma Road

               4 mi. Down the road is the Marin French Cheese Company on the LEFT, turn Left into parking lot.

Depart:  1130hrs ish, after snacks, picnic tables by a pond, Turn Left onto Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Road.

5.2 mi. Turn Left on to Hicks Valley Road toward Walker Creek Ranch.

               3 mi.  Turn Left onto Marshall – Petaluma Road

5.8 mi. Turn Left onto Hwy #1, 9 mi to Pt. Reyes Station, with great water views of Tomales Bay.

Arrive: 1215hrs ish – Pt. Reyes Station, 80 4th street, home of the “Cowgirl Creamery.”

Finish: Cowgirl Creamery, Lunch Time!  Several great places to eat throughout the village.  Check out the Palace Market  Deli (main street) for great sandwiches, highly recommended.

Thank you for your participation and looking forward to seeing you on the next FSD and our annual Holiday Party!

SAVE the Date – December 4th, 2021

July 11, 2021

Palo Alto to Pescadero

 

Please join us for the July Sunday ride through the redwoods starting in Palo Alto and arriving for lunch at the renowned Duarte’s Tavern in the quaint coastal town of Pescadero.
 

Meet at 9:45 a.m. on the grass/ patio at the Starbucks near CVS in the Sharon Park shopping center on Sand Hill and Sharon Park Drive in Palo Alto.  Also in the center is a Safeway Market.  We aim to depart between 10 and 10:15 a.m.

From there we wind up and down hills through the villages of Woodside and La Honda past majestic old-world Redwoods, wave at the motorcycle riders parked at Alice's Restaurant and end the little over an hour, thirty mile drive at Duarte's Tavern situated on Pescadero Creek Road and Stage Road.  A dog friendly place, they open at noon for lunch serving tasty fare such as Artichoke Hearts, Garlic Fries, Chili, and homemade local pie. Of course, wine and beer is available to quench your thirst.

 Plenty of on-street parking is available as well as a public lot nearby.  At the time of this writing outdoor dining or take way is offered. The line forms early. Grab a picnic table and be prepared to enjoy lunch with friends!

The town has one main street, Stage Road, which also offers a coffee shop, a grocery/bakery store, and a couple of gift shops featuring high end, handmade crafts, and furniture.

Return home the way you came and stop at Harley's goat farm for wine tasting and cheese or take a break at Sam MacDonald Park.


Choose a different way and drive along HWY 1 on the coast either South or North. To reach Hwy 1 continue on Stage Road, a long and winding, meandering path or return to Pescadero Creek Road. Both roads end at Hwy 1.

An easy fun way to spend a Sunday.

 

June 6, 2021  

 

Lafayette to Niles

 

FIRST SUNDAY DRIVE

SUNDAY, June 6, 2021

LAFAYETTE TO NILES

Team Leaders: Nadine & Barton Lane 

 BL 650-888-8952                   NL 510-335-5931

Our East Bay FSD will be from Lafayette to the town of Niles. We will be traveling through beautiful east bay hills and regional parks with beautiful vistas over valleys and reservoirs.

 

Our meeting location for the start of this drive is Philz Coffee in Lafayette. The address is 3597 Mt. Diablo Blvd. There is a parking lot behind Philz with an entrance off of Dewing Ave. There is additional parking on Dewing and Mt. Diablo. We will meet between 9:00 and 9:45 and begin the drive promptly at 10:00. Last minute details, maps and information are shared at the pre-drive meeting in the parking lot at 9:45. So be sure to arrive early to grab some coffee and pastries and meet up with friends.

 

Directions to meeting place at Philz Coffee, Lafayette: Exit Highway 24 to Mt. Diablo Blvd. Philz Coffee is at the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Dewing Ave.

 

Our drive will end in the town of Niles with several options for a no-host lunch. No reservations have been made for lunch so just grab some friends and explore your options. We recommend Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace on Niles Blvd. This town also has some great antique stores for browsing and the Essanay Film Museum, as well as the historic Niles Train Depot.

Click Here for Driving Notes

 

 

 

 

March 7, 2021

Lake Berreyessa

 

March's FSD will explore the bucolic splendor of Solano County back roads and Lake Berryessa. Starting at Hiddenbrooke, a private community tucked off I-80, we will convene for coffee and staging at J & O’s Market and Delii at 8340 Bennington Ct, Vallejo.  

Click here for details and route map  

February 7, 2021

Back Roads of Contra Costa County

Face Masks and Social Distancing required!

Monta Loma Plaza (Come at 9, show-off your car, get a cup of coffee and chat with old/new friends)

580 N Rengstorff Ave. Mountain View, CA 94043

Click here for details and route map

 

 

April 5, 2020

Novato to Marshall  -CANCELLED-

 

Directions to the starting point:

Starbucks Coffee

127 San Marin Dr, Novato, CA 94945

Departing 10AM!

 

 

                This is one of the First Sunday Drives you do not want to miss!  Our route will take us through the rolling hills of West Marin with several stops along the way at scenic locations!  This drive can be transformed into a picnic/sit down at the end of our drive.

 

Our first stop is the Marin French Cheese Company.  A beautiful on-site lake and gift store provide ample entertainment for stretching our legs and filling up a future picnic basket.  Cheese galore, a selection of breads, picnic salads, and beverages, including wine are all offered for anyone interested.

 

Our second in-route stop before lunch will be The Tomales Bay Foods Company building in Point Reyes - this is the home to the Cowgirl Creamery and an excellent organic foods deli and fruit stand.  You can stock up with finger food or something more substantial.

 

Our final stop will be the Marshall Store, in Marshall, CA, where we can sit and have lunch.  Asides from oysters on the water front, the restaurant also has a smoker, so they serve up some excellent barbeque sandwiches.  Seating is limited and family style, so we might be faced with a pleasant dilemma!  Depending on turnout and if we can’t all be accommodated, we can put in to-go orders and drive down Route 1 to Stinson Beach for a nice picnic, with any other delicacies we have picked up along the way!

 

Please be prepared for either outcome with a basket, blanket, and a big smile!  This will be a drive to write home about!

Click Here for Map and Driving Notes

January 5, 2020

Castro Valley to Crockett

 

20439 Redwood Road, in the Castro Village Shopping Center, Castro Valley

Departing 10AM!

Hello Sunday Drivers, this month Board Members Nadine & Barton Lane (650-888-8952) will be leading the adventure.

We’ll all meet at Peet’s between 9:15 and 9:45 am. We leave together in caravan after sign-in and instructions, promptly at 10am. Our route will take us from Castro Valley to Crockett, passing along the way regional parks of Alameda and Contra Costa, before finishing at the Dead Fish restaurant in Crockett, for no-host lunch at approximately noon.

PS:      PB4UGO 

The luck of the draw for January weather will determine if we have sun, overcast, rain, or fog;  we will finish the drive as planned unless there are road closures along the way. (It has happened before!)

Click here for Map and Driving Notes

 

 

February 9, 2020

Third Annual Delta Drive

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February 9th - 2020 First* Sunday Drive – Third Annual “Delta Drive” to Brunch* at the Grand Island Mansion - *Actually the Second Sunday, as the GIM was closed on the 2nd of February … Ground Hog Day or something!

The starting line begins at Peet’s Coffee in Concord.

We’ll meet up at Peet’s Coffee in the “Clayton Valley Shopping Center” at the intersection of Clayton Valley and Ignacio Valley Roads in Concord at 9 to 9:45 a.m. for coffee and snacks. Peet’s is located behind the Bank of America on the corner at 5458 Clayton Valley Road, Concord.  Sign ins and map handouts completed by 10:00 a.m.; ladies and gentlemen… “start your engines” …  for a prompt departure and a right turn east onto Clayton Valley Road.

We then get on Marsh Creek Road passing by the historic city of Clayton and then into the wilds of the northeast side of Mt. Diablo.  Expect great views and possibly lush green grass covered hills as we wind down the road towards the Delta.  Note, there are warning signs posted regarding the possibility of “ICEY” road conditions.

There is a lot of early California packed into this area, as John Marsh was the first “Anglo” landowner in “Alta California” (2).  We are driving thru history!   About 11 miles down Marsh Creek Road, we’ll make a left turn on to Deer Valley Road headed towards Antioch and a right turn onto Hwy 4 (9 miles) then onto the gateway to “The Delta” Hwy 160, staying to the right.  Next is “The High Bridge”, which is a “toll bridge”, if you don’t have “Fastrak”, have dollars ready!  The plan is to go thru the “collection side” to keep our run together, a beep = $!

Just past Isleton, we follow Hwy 160 over the old bridge and a right turn following Hwy 160.  Next is a left turn on to Hwy 220 just past the Ryde Hotel in Walnut Grove. This is where the driving gets little more interesting as we drive across Grand Island with farm vistas!  Take a right turn on to “Grand Island Road” heading North East. (Note, “The Grand Island Road” is basically a “loop” around the perimeter of the Island can not get lost!)  A short distance on this levee road is our destination on the right … The Grand Island Mansion (“GIM”) 13415 Grand Island Road!

The Finish Line ends at “GIM” with a delicious brunch.           

* Brunch Reservations are required!  They sell out 2-3 weeks in advance, if you plan on having brunch please book yours with “GIM” as early as possible!  The run is about 1.5 – 2 hours, 12 o’clock or after should be safe.    Book on “Open Table” – Note “MBZ Club Group”, call GIM directly @ 916.775.1705.  Informational links:

Grand Island Mansion

History of Mount Diablo    

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Marsh_(pioneer)

October 6, 2019

Davenport

 

History of the town of Davenport.

A whaling captain named John Pope Davenport settled at El Jarro Point, about half a mile from today's town, in 1867. Davenport built a 400-foot wharf at the mouth of Agua Puerca Creek ("agua puerca" translates to "muddy water"). This wharf was built to load the lumber brought down from the hills for shipment to Santa Cruz. A small village grew up around the port and was known as Davenport Landing. The local post office began operations in 1874.

Today the little town of Davenport has three restaurants, two art galleries and the Bonny Doon wine tasting room.  A beautiful century old Catholic church, ST Vincent de Paul is around the corner and up the road from our destination, the Davenport Roadhouse (inn and restaurant).  Our journey should take between 2 and 2.5 hours. 

To get started let us:

Meet outside of the STARBUCKS, 80 Cabrillo Highway (Highway 1), Half Moon Bay, (next door to Subway)  in a little shopping center at the intersection of Hwy 92 and Hwy 1,  meet in time to depart at 10am, Sunday, October 6th, 2019 to drive along curving roads dappled with sunshine filtering through majestic Redwoods.

We will head out, EAST on HWY 92, for six miles, to SKYLINE BLVD (HWY 35), and then turn RIGHT, heading SOUTH on SKYLINE BLVD (HWY 35), for twenty miles to HWY 9.

At HWY 9, we will turn RIGHT, SOUTH toward SANTA CRUZ, for twenty miles passing through the little town of BOULDER CREEK, with a possible pit stop at COFFEE 9 café in the quaint village of BEN LOMOND.  The parking lot is unpaved but there is also parking along the street.

 Motoring on to FELTON, we will turn RIGHT at the Chevron Station on to FELTON EMPIRE ROAD (which will turn into ICE CREAM GRADE), for six miles, turning LEFT at the “T” intersection, PINE FLAT ROAD.  PINE FLAT ROAD becomes BONNY DOON ROAD.  Follow that to the coast, going straight across EMPIRE GRADE ROAD, approximately twelve miles to HWY 1. 

We will turn RIGHT onto HWY 1, for another mile or so to the town of DAVENPORT.  The DAVENPORT ROADHOUSE (www.davenportroadhouse.com) is on the right.  There is parking behind the roadhouse, as well as, next to it in the SLOW COAST lot.  Or along the residential streets.  A gift shop and saloon are on the premises.

Other dining options in town:

CEMITAS 1, 500 Cabrillo Hwy (Hwy 1) Mexican cuisine.  www.cemitas1.com

WHALE CITY BAKERY, 490 Cabrillo Hwy (Hwy 1) American Bistro.  www.whalecitybakery.com

If you are heading home northbound you can turn right onto Hwy 1 from the restaurant and stay on that all the way to SF.

POINTS OF INTEREST HEADED NORTH:

Ano Nuevo State Park – Elephant Seal Viewing – left side of Hwy 1, 11 miles north of Davenport.

Highway One Brewing Company – right side, bottom of a grade, 16 miles from Davenport, a dining option.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse – left side of Hwy 1, 17 miles from Davenport.

The funky little town of Pescadero –after 23 miles turn right and travel 2 miles east of Hwy 1

Arata’s fun and challenging Corn Maze– right side, 32 miles north of Davenport.

Bob’s Produce Road Stand, locally sourced and some organic produce - right side, 33 miles from Davenport.

And before you know it you are back in Half Moon Bay at our point of origin.

 

July 7, 2019

Delta Drive

 

Travel the Delta

Our July 2019 First Sunday Drive will start at:

Starbucks, 1536A Kirker Pass Road, Clayton CA (in the shopping center at the Northeast corner the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Road, Clayton Road and Kirker Pass Road).  We'll have a drivers meeting at 9:30 and leave promptly at 10am.

We'll drive through Clayton over rural Marsh Creek Road around the North side of Mt. Diablo to Deer Valley Road in Antioch, then through Antioch to the Antioch Bridge to Highway 160, the River Road, along the Sacramento River.

We'll cross the river at the Rio Vista Bridge, and then drive to the first of the two ferries we'll use to cross to Grand Mansion Island.  These small ferries are operated by the state, and are free.  Although we won't be on the water for long, some may have to wait a short while for another trip, as the ferries can only accommodate less than a dozen cars.

Once on land again, we'll wend our way to our lunch spot, Al The Wop's.

Al's is a fabled Delta dive at 13943 Main Street, Walnut Grove (actually located in the quaint town of Locke).  Locke was built by and for Chinese workers imported to help construct levies and other Delta infrastructure and farms.

Warning: do not wear a necktie, unless you're willing to have it cut off and tacked to the ceiling!

Our drive will last about two hours and cover about 55 miles of land and 300-400 yards of water...

For questions call:

Jack Weir

(925) 899-4298 cell

 

May 5, 2019

Carquinez Strait, Mare Island Tour

The Carquinez Strait/Mare Island Tour 

May’s First Sunday Drive will be a little different and a little shorter than most. It will highlight the underexplored beauty of resurgent Mare Island; the quaint hamlet and shops of Port Costa perched on the Carquinez Strait; appreciate the scrappy industrial reality of our coastal refineries as we cruise through Martinez, and culminate on the pier in the waterfront city of Benicia along the Straits eastern shores. 

Enjoy winding country roads, open fields and blue water vistas, historical Mansions and Navy heritage, and glimpse unique perspectives of the Carquinez Bridge and Strait (the first of the Bay Area’s bridges!) This combination back road drive interlaced with short bursts of Interstate lands the group at the Benicia Point Pier on the water’s edge in quaint, downtown Benicia! 

Gather at the Panama Bay Coffee Company  To get to our starting point, just take the Curtola Parkway exit off either East or West I-80 in Vallejo and follow it to the Panama Bay Coffee Company, in the same building as the Vallejo Ferry Terminal located at 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo (Note: Curtola Parkway turns into Mare Island Way). There is ample parking either right next to the building or directly across the street. Between 10:00 and 10:45 am, we will assemble in the coffeehouse, go over last minute information, and will then leave the picturesque shores of the Ferry building at 10:45 to start the Tour. 

Mare Island Loop  We’ll start the Tour with a serpentine loop through historic Mare Island. We’ll drive by the grand Colonial Officers Mansions, St. Peters Chapel, Alden Park with its various armaments on display, the Mare Island Museum, and even swing down close to the shipyard to take a peek at the ships under repair in the dry-docks! (The road’s a little bumpy here, but we’ll take our time.)  Then, it’s a nice drive along Vallejo’s scenic waterfront to I-80 and across the Carquinez Bridge (no toll heading east!) In Crockett, we’ll take the Carquinez Scenic Drive to Port Costa. 

Port Costa  We’ll travel down a winding canyon road to the tiny but charming old Victorian town of Port Costa for our first stop. There, you’ll be able to peruse and shop the various eclectic and unique merchants such as the Confused Peddler, the Theatre of Dreams, the Haberdashery, the Port Costa Mercantile, or even make a reservation for dinner at the Bull Valley Roadhouse, a very popular 5-Star restaurant. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the 12 ft tall polar bear at the Warehouse Café! There’s a lot to explore in Port Costa, so we’ll take a little longer than normal – around 30 to 45 minutes - at this stop. Parking can be very tricky, as it gets crowded for the Bull Valley Brunch, so we’ll take our time until everyone gets settled. Leaving Port Costa, we’ll amble through the Contra Costa County backroads on McEuen Road, under the Cummings Skyway, and turn left on to Franklin Canyon Road. 

Martinez and the Benicia Bridge As we follow along the winding Franklin Canyon Road, we’ll circle the Carquinez Straights at a leisurely pace until we come to historic Martinez. Turning left on to Alhambra Avenue, we’ll saunter through old-town Martinez with its turn of the century architecture; make a right at Escobar Street, swing past the gritty petroleum refineries and on to I-680 North across the Benicia Bridge. (Note that this is a toll crossing, so have your FasTrak ready!) Then, it’s over the bridge and down I-780 a few short miles to the beautiful city of Benicia.

Benicia Waterfront   We’ll exit I-780 and turn left at the Fifth Street exit, make a right on Military East, then turn left on First Street and the Tour will finish at the Benicia Point Pier which offers a one-of-a-kind view for photographing our cars near the water. Enjoy the scenery, or stop at one of Benicia’s many and varied restaurants within walking distance from the pier. For those of you still adventurous, Benicia offers plenty of antique stores, upscale shops, and other unique merchants for browsing and shopping. 

           Distance: Approximately 35 miles total                                     Duration: Approximately 1 hr 45min

 

April 7, 2019

Silicon Valley Backroads, Stevens Canyon

First Sunday Drive - April 7th, 2019

Exploring Stevens Canyon Road, the hidden back road of Silicon Valley

09:00 – 09:45 AM       Peet’s Coffee at 420 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA

Peet’s Coffee at this location will provide free samples of fresh brewed seasonal coffees for the FSD participants on that day, please come early, enjoy the treat and catch up with friends!

09:45 – 10:00 AM       FSD brief and sign waiver

10:00 – 11:00 AM       Grant Rd – Foothill Blvd – Stevens Canyon Rd – Mt. Eden Rd – Pierce Rd.

11:00 – 11:30 AM       Mountain Winery – Overlooking the breathtaking view of the Silicon Valley

11:30 – 12:00 PM       Pierce Rd – Saratoga Heights Dr – Toll Gate Rd – Big Basin Way (Hwy 9)

 

12:00 – 01:30 PM       (FSD ends) Enjoy a no host lunch in downtown Saratoga

Click here for map to starting location

Mt Diablo March 3, 2019

 

Our starting point for this drive is Peet’s Coffee in Castro Valley, located at 20439 Redwood Road.  From Hwy 580 west-bound, take the Castro Valley off ramp, and proceed about 1.5 miles on Castro Valley Blvd to Redwood Road; turn right into Peet’s. From Hwy 580 east-bound, take the Redwood Road off ramp; turn left and proceed across Castro Valley Blvd; turn left into Peet’s.

 

After gathering, we’ll travel through Castro Valley to San Ramon, and then out to Blackhawk, from there up the Southgate Road to the summit of Mt. Diablo State Park, down the Northgate Road to Walnut Creek, and on to Clayton, where the ride will end and we’ll have lunch at Ed’s Mudville Sports Bar and Grill.

 

Trip Planning

 

Bring cameras and binoculars, as the views are spectacular; more land area can be viewed from the summit than from any place in the continental US.  Mt. Diablo roads are very twisty, and we will drive the mountain slowly.  The summit can be cool and windy, so dress in layers.  State park day use fees will be collected at the starting place -

$10 per car, $9 for seniors.

 

Total trip time will be approximately 2.5 hours, with our first restroom break after the first hour.  Total distance is approximately 50 miles from start to lunch stop.

Click here for Map and Drive Details

 

Delta Drive 2019

We would like to thank our fellow MBZ'rs for participating in the "Second Annual" Delta Drive to the Grand Island Mansion for brunch.  The drive started in cold and windy Concord from Pete's Coffee after introductions and a short discussion about the run.  We were lucky with all the storms, winds and rain, to find Marsh Creek and Deer Valley Roads clear and without mudslides or washouts which are typical for that area.  The hills were green with highlights of sunshine breaking through the clouds, as 24 MBZ'rs (for one couple it was their first FSD) took in the back road vistas and the beauty of the Delta waters.  We revised the route taking Hwy 220 across Grand Island after some feedback from last year, some took the "Poverty Lane" way as we did last year ... it's an island, you can't get lost.

 Our drive up the Delta roads was clear sailing with light traffic getting us to our destination somewhat earlier than our expected 1230hrs arrival.  The folks at the Grand Island Mansion got into accommodation mode and seated us shortly, 26 MBZ'rs total for brunch.  A couple of friends joined us from Sacramento in their SLK convertible, not members yet, but I am working on them! This year the staff was better prepared for our event with a seating plan and ample servers and Champagne and/or Mimosas.  The food was great and plentiful, I doubt anyone went home hungry.  One thing we learned about the GIM, they serve no mixed drinks or hard alcohol, they did not even have Soda Water as our guest requested; for the Delta Levee roads their serving policy is probably a good thing.

 

 Looking forward to 2020 (no a pun intended), we are planning to start Third Annual Delta Drive in Danville and drive the backside of Mt. Diablo/Livermore area to Marsh Creek Road then onto Deer Valley from the East.  This will be somewhat longer in time and distance with an "Eco" stop in Antioch before getting on Hwy 4 and the "High Bridge".  As we found with the FSD "Cheese Run", a changeup is good and keeps things interesting.

February 3, 2019

Delta Drive, Concord to Grand Island Mansion

 

Second Annual “Delta Drive” to Brunch* at the Grand Island Mansion The starting line begins at Peet’s Coffee in Concord. 

 

We’ll meet up at Peet’s Coffee in the “Clayton Valley Shopping Center” at the intersection of Clayton Road and Ygnacio Valley Road in Concord at 9 to 9:45 a.m. for coffee and snacks. Peet’s is located behind the Bank of America on the corner at 5458 Clayton Valley Road, Concord.  Sign-in's and map handouts completed by 10:00 a.m.; ladies and gentlemen… “start your engines” …  for a prompt departure and a right turn east onto Clayton Road.  We then get on Marsh Creek Road passing by the historic city of Clayton and then into the wilds of the northeast side of Mt. Diablo.  Expect great views and possibly lush green grass covered hills as we wind down the road towards the Delta.  (Note, there are warning signs posted regarding the possibility of “ICEY” road conditions.)   Along the way, you may notice “Morgan Territory Road” on the right; that road traverses the “back-side” of Mt. Diablo (1) and ends up very close to the Los Vaqueros Watershed MBZ’rs visited on the October 2017 FSD! There is a lot of early California packed into this area, as John Marsh was the first “Anglo” landowner in “Alta California” (2).  We are driving thru history!   About 11 miles down Marsh Creek Road, we’ll make a left turn on to Deer Valley Road headed towards Antioch and a right turn onto Hwy 4 (9 miles) then onto the gateway to “The Delta” Hwy 160, staying to the right.  Next is “The High Bridge”, which is a “toll bridge”, if you don’t have “Fastrak”, have dollars ready!  The plan is to go thru the “collection side” to keep our run together, a beep = $! Just past Isleton, we follow Hwy 160 over the old bridge and a right turn following Hwy 160.  Next is a left turn on to Hwy 220 just past the Ryde Hotel in Walnut Grove. This is where the driving gets little more interesting as we drive across Grand Island with farm vistas!  Take a right turn on to “Grand Island Road” heading North East. (Note, “The Grand Island Road” is basically a “loop” around the perimeter of the Island can not get lost!)  A short distance on this levee road is our destination on the right … The Grand Island Mansion (“GIM”) 13415 Grand Island Road!

The Finish Line ends at “GIM” with a delicious brunch.           * Brunch Reservations are required!  They sell out 2-3 weeks in advance, if you plan on having brunch please book yours with “GIM” as early as possible!  The run is about 1.5 – 2 hours, 12 o’clock or after should be safe.    http://grandislandmansion.com/  or 916.775.1705. (1) http://www.mdia.org/site/park-information/history-of-mdia (2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Marsh_(pioneer

January 6, 2019

Lafayette to Niles

Lafayette to Niles FSD January 6, 2019

 SFBA Mercedes Benz Club

 “Lafayette we are here!” On a dark and stormy day, 9 intrepid souls set out on the First Sunday Drive of the year, from Lafayette to Niles. After fueling up with coffee at Philz, we set out punctually at 10AM for the hills and dales of the East Bay. The roads were wet but eminently drivable; almost no bicyclists and little traffic. A few downed tree branches were no impediment. After 2 stops at Inspiration Point and the Sibley Park comfort station, we arrived in beautiful downtown Niles at about 12:30, where we all enjoyed pizza and libations at Bronco Billy's Pizza Palace. Attending were Nadine & Bart, Kirby & Bill, Jojie & Mikey, Betty & Louis, and Gary, in 4 Mercedes and one Brand X. We all agreed that despite the weather it was a wonderful outing!

Submitted by Nadine & Barton

Our East Bay FSD will be from Lafayette to the town of Niles.  We will be traveling through beautiful east bay hills and regional parks with beautiful vistas over valleys and reservoirs. 

 

Our meeting location for the start of this drive is Philz Coffee in Lafayette.  The address is 3597 Mt. Diablo Blvd.  There is a parking lot behind Philz with an entrance off of Dewing Ave.  There is additional parking on Dewing and Mt. Diablo.  We will meet between 9:00 and 9:45 and begin the drive promptly at 10:00.  Last minute details, maps and information are shared at the pre-drive meeting in the parking lot at 9:45.  So be sure to arrive early to grab some coffee and pastries and meet up with friends.

 

Directions to meeting place at Philz Coffee, Lafayette:  Exit Highway 24 to Mt. Diablo Blvd.  Philz Coffee is at the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Dewing Ave. 

 

 

Our drive will end in the town of Niles with several options for a no-host lunch.  No reservations have been made for lunch so just grab some friends and explore your options.  We recommend Bronco Billy’s Pizza Palace on Niles Blvd.  This town also has some great antique stores for browsing and the Essanay Film Museum, as well as the historic Niles Train Depot. 

 

November 4, 2018

Mercedes and Muffins

November's First Sunday Drive will be a change of scenery, a switch from the usual.  The drive will be replaced with a casual meet-up at the Sea Bowl in Pacifica.  Bring your cars and a chatty mood, as we admire each other's cars, while taking a ride down Conversation Street!  The views to the Pacific are a stone's throw away and will serve as a perfect backdrop.

We'll start the gathering at 10 am, rather than the usual 9 am, since our pace will be leisurely and we won't be rushing to any destination.  Pastries and coffee are available on premise and will fuel our trip down memory lane or help us arrive at new and fresh ones!  Last time we stopped over at the Sea Bowl we ran into another "First Sunday Drive," one with exotics such as Ferraris, McLarens, Lamborghini's, and some American muscle.  Who knows?  We might get lucky again!

 

October 7, 2018

Skyline Boulevard

October's FSD will take us through California State Route 35, known as Skyline Boulevard. If you enjoy beautiful vistas, overlooking the horizon without end this is it!
Skyline Drive is a twisty, turny road, up in a hill range, where everyone can drop their windows and enjoy the fresh air and takes pictures of their beloved Mercedes.
We'll gather at Peet's Coffee, 420 Castro St. in Mountain View at 9 am for members to meet and catch up and get their morning Joe. We'll depart at 10 am sharp. 
We'll take the Foothill Express Way and take our first stop at the Stanford Memorial, a great place to take pictures with our cars. Our main attraction will be next, going north on Skyline Boulevard and either stopping at one of two locations (it will be a surprise) for our second stop.
Finally, if there is goodwill and interest, all are welcome for a no host lunch in downtown Mountain View. There are many great restaurants to pick from. 

September 2,2018

 

The Great Marin Cheese Tour III

We will meet at the Starbucks in the Terra Linda / Safeway shopping center - 260 Northgate Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903 between 0900-0945hrs for coffee and meet new and old friends.  We’ll start the sign ins at 0945hrs and a prompt departure from the parking lot at 1000hrs at north end of the center’s parking lot, after the stop light, it will be north (left turn) on to Las Gallinas Ave, then we are off to our FSD adventure … please be aware of bicyclist and cows along the way!

Marin has been famous for cheese since 1865. Today we're going to visit a few of the most famous cheese producers and drive some of the most beautiful roads in California at the same time. Enjoy the summer scenery, drive through the magnificent redwood trees on Lucas Valley Road, then rolling hills as we turn (left) onto Nicasio Valley Road heading north toward our first stop.

Nicasio Valley Cheese Company

http://www.nicasiocheese.com/

5300 Nicasio Valley Road

Nicasio, CA

(Just past the town of Nicasio on the right side of the road.)

The La Franchi family enjoyed their traditional cheeses of their Swiss homeland and dreamed of making their own. Their organic dairy was the perfect resource to enable them to pay homage to their heritage.

We then continue north on Nicasio Valley Road to Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd., a right turn heading east, we will shortly arrive at our second stop.

Marin French Cheese Company

http://www.marinfrenchcheese.com/

7510 Pt Reyes Petaluma Rd
Petaluma, CA 94952

(Left side of road, about 10-15 min travel time from last stop)

The oldest continuously operating cheese factory in America! Marin French has specialized in hand made Brie and Camembert since 1865. In 2005 it was the first American producer to best France in international competitions.

We then continue (left turn) east on Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Rd (for 10 minutes) where we make a left turn on to Hicks Valley Road.  Rolling hills, winding turns, great vistas lead us to the Marshall – Petaluma Rd.  A left turn heads MBZr’s west towards Marshall and Highway #1.  A left turn onto Highway #1 heads us south down the Tomales Bay water views and our final destination, The Cow Girl Creamery at Point Reyes Station.

Cowgirl Creamery

http://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/

80 4th Street 

Point Reyes Station, CA

In 1997, Sue Conley and Peggy Smith built a small creamery in downtown Point Reyes Station and began making handcrafted cheese with local organic milk. They now produce three fresh and six aged cheeses.

While this is the end of our tour, it will be time for a later lunch with many great restaurants to choose from, or find a picnic table outside of the creamery and enjoy your selection of many cheeses that you have purchased!  Thank you for your participation.

Questions:  510.912.1838 or 415.264.8773

 

Brief: 

Start:   Meet at Starbucks at 260 Northgate Dr, San Rafael, CA 94903  (San Rafael, Terra Linda - Safeway shopping center)

Depart:  1000hrs make way to Las Gallinas to left on to Lucas Valley Road.

       Lucas Valley Road left to Nicasio Valley Road.

       Nicasio Cheese Company (we stopped and advised owners of our arrival (1030hrs)

Depart: 1045hrs ish

       Right onto Nicasio Valley Road, right onto Pt. Reyes - Petaluma Highway

       10-15 mins, left into the Marin French Cheese Company parking lot.

Depart:  1130hrs ish

       Left onto Pt. Reyes – Petaluma Highway to left on to Hicks Valley Road (10 mins)

       From Hicks Valley Road, left turn onto Marshall – Petaluma Road to Hwy #1.

       From Marshall – Petaluma Road left onto Hwy #1 towards Pt. Reyes Station.

       Great water views heading south along of Tomales Bay.

Arrive: 1215hrs ish – Pt. Reyes Station home of The “Cow Girl Creamery.

Finish: Cow Girl Creamery, about lunch time … many great places to choose from to have lunch.

       Plus many creative ways to return home!

Click Here for Route Map

August  5, 2018

Freemont to Blackhawk

We’ll meet at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of the Los Arboles Shopping Center in Fremont near the Starbucks (5034 Mowry Avenue). That will give us all time to grab a coffee, chat, and show off our cars. The drive will start promptly at 10:00 a.m.

 Our first stop will be at Alden Lane Nursery. Situated within a grove of centuries-old oaks, Alden Lane has a nice gift shop with everything from home decor to food items to eclectic yard art.

A quick trip though Livermore will find us at Concannon Vineyards just as they open, so we'll beat the rush. Concannon was founded in 1883 and has a long history of firsts, including being the first to hire a professional, female wine maker and the first American winery to produce Petite Syrah. For those of you adventurous enough to drink wine before lunch, there will be time for tasting. The tasting room gift shop offers wine filled chocolates, Concannon branded marinades and salad dressings, and wine related items.

 We'll enjoy a scenic drive through the back roads, with the "official" drive ending at Blackhawk Plaza. There are numerous restaurants for lunch, including The Prickly Pear Cantina, Blackhawk Grille, Blue Gingko (sushi), and Beep’s Burgers. There’s also the Blackhawk Museum, a movie theater, and a variety of shops to explore.

 

July 1, 2018

Sonoma, Calistoga, Santa Rosa

This First Sunday Drive will be rather different compared to usual, as we will be driving through the area of last October’s North Bay Fires.  The purpose of the drive is to see first-hand the destruction caused by the wildfires, and understand how the communities and landscape were impacted.  We have received local law enforcement’s approval, so long as the convoy remains respectful.

We will begin our drive by meeting at 9:00 am at the Safeway parking lot near Café Scooteria (455 W Napa St, Sonoma, CA 95476)

After the typical meet and greet, we will leave at 10:00 am sharp, headed towards Glenn Ellen, proceeding to Kenwood and onto Highway 12 towards Santa Rosa.  We will drive to Calistoga via Calistoga Road and continue onto Healdsburg via Highway 128.  We will head back towards Santa Rosa on Chaulk Hill and Old Redwood Highway, stopping at the old Sweet Tees parking lot in the Fountain Grove area of Santa Rosa.  A lunch location will be decided by participants at the finish.

The total distance is about 75 miles and should take between 2 to 3 hours. Detailed directions will be handed at the meet and greet.

This drive will be of an educational nature.

Harry Charalampos

 

June 3

Marin City to Point Reyes

 

First Sunday Drive June 3 2018:   Marin City to Marin Headlands to Mount Tamalpais to Point Reyes 

                                  

Leader: Dr. Barton Lane            650-888-8952 Mobile 

The drive destinations will show two different perspectives of Golden Gate Bridge/San Francisco and entire Bay Area. Approx. 2 1/2 hours to drive and about 50 miles total.  (Passengers: bring Dramamine if you tend to motion sickness,

these are some of the most tortuous roads I could find!)

FIRST PORTION: MARIN CITY TO MARIN HEADLANDS

After our meet-up at Starbucks in Marin City, we will drive through picturesque Sausalito up to the Marin Headlands Park. We will stop at various viewpoints for spectacular views of the entire Golden Gate and SF Bay.

Retracing our steps back to Hwy.101, we head for Mount Tamalpais State Park.

 

  1. SECOND PORTION: MARIN HEADLANDS TO MOUNT TAMALPAIS

We pass through Mill Valley to the  Shoreline Highway, and thence up many twisties to Mt. Tam, gathering ourselves at the main parking lot (Rock Spring); there are several spectacular viewpoints here, I hope most of us will elect to take the road to East Peak Observatory, which is a fee lot but has real bathrooms and the greatest panoramic views. 

  1. THIRD PORTION: MOUNT TAMALPAIS TO POINT REYES CAFE
  2. After all meeting up back at the main Mt. Tam parking lot, we then descend via the old Fairfax-Bolinas Road, for some incredible untouched scenery and very winding one-lane portions; it ends at Highway One, on which we will then proceed leisurely to Point Reyes station, only a few miles up the road. Those so inclined (I hope all) can then finish with lunch at Cafe Reyes.

May 6

Berkeley to Walnut Creek

 

Berkeley to Walnut Creek

April 8

Cancelled

San Jose to Seascape via Calero and Uvas Reservoirs

  

 

March 4

San Francisco Movie Locations

For 90 years the Academy Awards has maintained it’s annual traditions with Celebrities walking on the Red Carpet, Pre and Post Parties and the ultimate achievement, winning an Oscar.

The San Francisco Bay Area Section had it’s own Oscar First Sunday Drive on March 4th. Attending members experienced a “Red Carpet” moment as their photos were taken on the Red Carpet with an Oscar in hand next to their Mercedes.  After all of the Red Carpet madness subsided, these “Stars” slipped behind the wheel of their Mercedes and began exploring various film locations from the Golden Age of Hollywood through the Present as they traversed various San Francisco neighborhoods. It appeared that by end of this drive, everyone was ready for his or her “close up.”  Mr. Demille, where are you?

 

February 4

Delta Drive, Concord to Grand Island Manor

 

“Delta Drive” to Brunch* at the Grand Island Mansion

The starting line begins at Peet’s Coffee in Concord.

We’ll meet up at Peet’s Coffee in the “Clayton Valley Shopping Center” at the intersection of Clayton Valley and Ygnacio Valley Roads in Concord at 9 to 9:45 a.m. for coffee and snacks. Peet’s is located behind the Bank of America on the corner at 5458 Clayton Valley Road, Concord.  Sign ins and map handouts completed by 10:00 a.m.; ladies and gentlemen… “start your engines” …  for a prompt departure and a right turn east onto Clayton Valley Road.

We then get on Marsh Creek Road passing by the historic city of Clayton and then into the wilds of the northeast side of Mt. Diablo.  Expect great views and possibly lush green grass covered hills as we wind down the road towards the Delta.  (Note, there are warning signs posted regarding the possibility of “ICEY” road conditions.)   Along the way, you may notice “Morgan Territory Road” on the right; that road traverses the “back-side” of Mt. Diablo (1) and ends up very close to the Los Vaqueros Watershed MBZ’rs visited on the October 2017 FSD!

There is a lot of early California packed into this area, as John Marsh was the first “Anglo” landowner in “Alta California” (2).  We are driving thru history!   About 11 miles down Marsh Creek Road, we’ll make a left turn on to Deer Valley Road headed towards Antioch and a right turn onto Hwy 4 (9 miles) then onto the gateway to “The Delta” Hwy 160, staying to the right.  Next is “The High Bridge”, which is a “toll bridge”, if you don’t have “Fastrak”, have dollars ready!  The plan is to go thru the “collection side” to keep our run together, a beep = $!

Just past Isleton, we follow Hwy 160 over the old bridge and a right turn following Hwy 160.  Next is a left turn in a few miles on to “Lamm Road”. This is where the driving gets little more interesting and challenging as we drive across Grand Island on some narrow, slightly bumpy roads!  Take a left onto “West Walker Landing Road” for a short sprint to “Walker Landing” and right turn on to the north side of “Grand Island Road”. (Note, “The Grand Island Road” is basically a “loop” around the perimeter of the Island.)  A short distance on this levee road is our destination on the right … The Grand Island Mansion (“GIM”) 13415 Grand Island Road!

The Finish Line ends at “GIM” with a delicious brunch.          

* Brunch Reservations are required!  They sell out 2-3 weeks in advance, if you plan on having brunch please book yours with “GIM” as early as possible!  The run is about 1.5 – 2 hours, 12 o’clock or after should be safe.    http://grandislandmansion.com/  or 916.775.1705.

(1)  http://www.mdia.org/site/park-information/history-of-mdia

(2)  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Marsh_(pioneer)

January 7

San Mateo to San Francisco Presidio

First Sunday Drive:  Foster City to San Francisco Presidio via Highway 1

 Led by Harry Andreades   (cell 703-474-4215)

M-B Club’s First Sunday Drives are among their most popular car events, as they are free, fun and casual non-RSVP; we convoy with nice people and nice automobiles over interesting routes.  The only fixed items are the date and the route, with an (optional) lunch at the end.  We usually drive our favorite M-B cars.

Our route this time will be from San Mateo to Half Moon Bay to Pillar Point on Highway 1, then north through the Devils Slide Tunnel to Pacifica, on to the Great Highway in SF, thence up past Land’s End in SF.  We will finish in the Presidio for lunch at the Arguello Café at approximately 12:30pm.

We start at the Bridgepoint San Mateo Starbucks off Highway 92.  At approximately 9:30 am we will gather for (overpriced) coffee & pastries, followed by introductions, handing out maps, and going over the route. We leave in a convoy at 10am sharp.

1.  Meeting Place: San Mateo:  Bridgepoint Starbucks, off Highway 92

            2292 Bridgepoint Parkway, Foster City  

(In the huge parking lot, look for the Starbucks next to Verizon, between World Market and Bed Bath & Beyond)                        

2.  Starbucks to Half Moon Bay Main Street via Hwy 92:     25 min.  -  15 Miles    

3. HMB Main Street to Pillar Point Harbor  via Hwy 1:      10 min.   -   5 Mi

(We have option for a brief stop on Highway 1 at Pillar Point Harbor to watch the surfers at Mavericks, depending on conditions.)

4. Pillar Point to Pacifica Sea Bowl (for restroom stop):   15 min.  -  9 Mi

5. Sea Bowl Pacifica to Beach Chalet, Golden Gate Park, 1000 Great Highway SF:        

                                    20min  -  13 Mi  

            (Depending on our time, we may stop here to view the famous WPA Murals).

6. Beach Chalet to Arguello Café, Presidio via Lands End Park    24min  -  11 Mi

Total 94 min driving time  -  49 Miles

October 1

San Mateo to Del Valle Lake

 

This Sunday drive will start at the Starbucks in the Bridgepointe Shopping Center located at 2292 Bridgepointe Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94404. Plan to be there around 9:30 to sign in, pick up directions and socialize with other members. We will depart at around 10:00.

This run will first go to the Los Vaqueros Watershed in Livermore (http://www.ccwater.com/152/The-Los-Vaqueros-Story). This route will take us through the San Mateo Bridge, and onto Hwy 580 through Pleasanton and Livermore.  This will be about a 1-hour drive from San Mateo. The Los Vaqueros Watershed consists of 18,500 acres of open space surrounding the 1,900 acre Los Vaqueros Reservoir. This will be a pit stop where everyone can enjoy the views, take photos and use the bathrooms. Light Non-Alcoholic Beverages will be served.

From here, we head South to Del Valle Regional Park (http://www.ebparks.org/parks/del_valle). This drive will take us through some Livermore Vineyards, Rolling Hills and Beautiful vistas of the Livermore Valley. This drive will take about 35 minutes. The centerpiece of the park is a lake five miles long with a variety of water-oriented recreation, from swimming to windsurfing and boating, surrounded by 4,395 acres of beautiful land for hiking, horseback riding, and nature study. Del Valle also is the eastern gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, 28 miles of scenic backcountry trail.   Del Valle has an entrance fee of $6.00, cash.  Please have this ready to simplify entrance.

Bring your picnic chairs and relax under the trees or along the beaches of Del Valle Lake. Or for the more adventurous ones, bring your hiking/walking shoes and hike the many available trails. Burgers, Hot Dogs and Non-Alcoholic Beverages will be served.

For those who prefer a more gourmet lunch with white linen and premium wines, we recommend “The Restaurant at Wente” (https://www.wentevineyards.com/restaurant), a beautiful 25 minute drive and a beautiful venue, where many weddings and concerts are held. Maps and Directions will be provided to those who choose to continue on to this destination.

Click here to download maps

 

August 6

Menlo Park to Half Moon Bay

 

August’s First Sunday Drive takes us from Menlo Park to Half Moon Bay. We'll start our drive in the parking lot of the Sharon Heights Shopping Center (325 Sharon Park Drive) in Menlo Park. There's a Starbucks for those of you looking for your morning coffee fix and a Safeway. Our drive starts at 10 a.m., so please be sure to arrive early enough to allow time to sign in and meet old and new friends. This drive includes rural areas, so watch out for weekend cyclists on the winding roads, plus little critters.

Our drive will take us West starting on Sand Hill Road and passing through the town of Woodside. We'll merge onto picturesque, tree-lined Highway 84 and pass by Alice’s restaurant, a favorite for both bicyclists and motorcyclists. Watch out for people crossing the roads at this busy intersection. Our first stop will be the San Gregorio General Store. On Sundays, there is often live music to entertain as you shop or grab a drink. We'll stop there for 20 to 30 minutes.

Next, we'll head South on Highway 1, ending up at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Built in 1871, it’s the tallest lighthouse on the West coast and a great picture taking opportunity.

For our final stop, we’ll head North to Half Moon Bay and meet up at the Half Moon Bay Wine and Cheese Company. Here people can taste or head off for lunch at one of the many restaurant spots, including It's Italia for Sunday Brunch, Pasta Moon, and the San Benito House deli. Please note that It's Italia is on Open Table so please reserve in advance if you are interested. We expect to arrive in HMB at 12:30 p.m.

 

July 2nd

Novato to Marshall

July 2017 FSD:

Those not interested in travelling away from the Bay Area for the 4th of July festivities found themselves gathering in Novato for one of the most scenic drives of the year!

A short but beautiful drive with a nice drop revealing an expansive vista, led the group to the first stop at the Marin French Cheese Company, where cheese tastings were on offer.
The drive continued through twisty back-roads and on to Point Reyes Station, for the second stop at the Tomales Bay Food Company and the adjacent Cowgirl Creamery. The final leg of the drive took CA-1 north up to Marshall, offering a great view of wetlands and coast along a mesmerizing driving road. The endpoint was the Marshall Store, where the group gathered for a great lunch of oysters on the half shell (Rockefeller, BBQ, raw, etc) and mouthwatering smoked sandwiches. Great stories, laughs, and trivia were exchanged among everyone present.

Several convertibles, coupes, a new E class, and an E class wagon left cyclers wondering what the motorcade was up to. All post-war Mercedes generations were represented.

As usual, perfect weather was arranged for by the drive lead.

             

June 2nd to 4th, 2017

ELY STAMPEDE

Ely Stampede - Trip Report

Nine stalwarts from the SF/Bay Area section gathered in Carson City for the start of an epic early summer overnight First Sunday Drive through the steppes of central Nevada.  After a pleasant meet-and-greet, with various lubricants and restoratives, we enjoyed a wonderful 5-star dinner at Adele's Restaurant, a short walk from our hotel.

Although they could not make the drive to Ely the next day, Howard and Portia Strause joined us for dinner.  Howard, our former long-time SFBA treasurer, demonstrated the world-famous "hang a teaspoon from your nose" party trick, pointing out that a Jewish heritage helps.  On a bet, our current treasurer, Mauna Wagner, not only successfully dangled a spoon from her dainty little (non-Jewish) nose, but walked gracefully and spoon-adorned clear around the dining room (fortunately a private one, so the dignity of the section remains intact).

In addition to our Mercedes-Benz machines, our fleet included a beautiful Corvette, owned by Jack and Mauna's neighbors Jon and Barbara Longworth.  At dinner there was lively discussion as to the possibility of blowing out some California carbon on US-50 the next day.  Our section vice-president Barton Lane suggested that his AMG SL might give the 'Vette a run.  Our Western Region Director Allen Wrenn muttered a stern "harrumph." (Allen's SL is not an AMG model…).

It was gratifying to this observer how the conversation turned to the many trips and cruises diners had all enjoyed in their retirement years, and about future plans for more.  Mercedes owners may be graying (or “Grey Goosing”) some, but all dwell in the House Of Fun.  This is, of course, the top priority of the Golden Gate Stars section.

After bidding the Strauses adieu at breakfast, our caravan headed for Fallon, and the rubber hit the pavement of US-50, the "Loneliest Road in the US.”  This wonderful highway is a series of climbs through the Diamond Mountains, and then arrow-straight traverses through the intervening high desert valleys.  The panoramic views of thousands of square miles of scenery are simply spectacular. Unlike our decrepit California roads, the US-50 pavement is impeccable, with nary a pothole to jar suspensions.

US-50 rest stops are spaced about an hour apart, and our first sojourn was in the funky little town of Austin (pop. 450), where we met for lunch at the International Hotel.  Its usual signage is almost completely covered by a collection of “Trump/Pence” campaign signs, and the decor is best described as “Western Eclectic.”  After some hearty fare and a group photo, we continued easterly through the town of Eureka (pop. 650), which is the complete opposite from “everything’s about to collapse” Austin.  As the county seat, Eureka boasts substantial brick buildings, and the whole town is neat as pins.

We arrived at our destination mid-afternoon, with ample time to check out Ely’s sights and features.  Ely (pop. 6500) began life as a mining town, and although the 1900’s mine is still operational - producing thousands of tons of copper and some gold - Ely’s primary economy is represented by dozens of casinos, all announcing their games with garish flashing neon signage.

Once again we soothed our road-weary psyches at a hospitality event, and then enjoyed an excellent dinner at the Cell Block restaurant, continuing to discuss past and future vacations and various upcoming club events.  Allen recruited several of us to register for a tour of Beale Air Force Base later this month.  There was also lively discussion about the impact of technology not only on the future of automotive affairs, such as autonomous cars, but on life in general.  Jon’s suggestion that paper books are now obsolete triggered heated defense of paper media by those who love their tomes, but all agreed that shedding unwanted books is a challenging experience.

As a 37-year club member, I have many fond memories of past drives, but the memories of the 1000-mile Ely Stampede will be truly unique.  Many thanks to Barton for volunteering to capture some photos to enhance the story, and to my fellow stampeders for the fellowship and fun.  Thanks, too, to Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz, and the Chevrolet brothers.  And, a very special thank you to Karl’s wife Bertha, the very first Sunday Driver.  Bertha would be happy know we no longer have to purchase our benzine fuel by the liter at the local drug store…

Jack Weir

 

April 2, 2017

Mill Valley to Petaluma 

The Mercedes Club of San Francisco gathered for April's First Sunday Drives, which took us through a couple of cheese factories in scenic Marin county, starting at Mill Valley and ending in Petaluma. As usual, the beautiful California weather was present.

February 5, 2017

 

 

Fresh weather was not an impediment for four all-capable Mercedes and six dedicated club members to enjoy the twist, turns, and endlessly beautiful scenery from Castro Valley to Crockett.

Driving through a few regional parks allowed the attendees to either re-familiarize themselves or be introduced to the tight bends, switchbacks, and altitude changes of Lake Chabot and Redwood regional parks. A light grey sky, lush green rolling valleys and hilltops, and sky high redwoods provided an eye-catching backdrop for the drive. Once at the end point, the members (Bill and Kirby, Chester and Jutta, Nadine, Harry) rewarded themselves with a princely lunch at the Nantucket. The view of the waterfront was the icing on the cake. The cars in attendance were a W113 280SL, R129 500SL, R171 SLK55, and a W212 E350.

Aside: On his first stint as an FSD leader, Harry managed a single U-turn. His reason given: to marvel at a local BP station. End of Aside.

 

January 8, 2017

 

Mercedes Benz Club SF Bay Area Section Joint Event with

Studebaker Drivers Club Sequoia Chapter;  Sunday, January 8, 2017

First Sunday Drive: 

Foster City to San Francisco Presidio via Highway 1

Led by Dr. Barton Lane   (cell 650-888-8952)

Well , the Great Studebaker-Mercedes Joint First Sunday Drive event, carefully planned months in advance, was a washout!!!   Who knew the first Great Storm of 2017 would hit us that very day!

 The stalwart (foolhardy?) Mercedes-Benz club members who braved the elements were myself & Elizabeth, Jack Weir, and Sebastian Jewell.  The Studebaker club members were much smarter, and wisely stayed home.   Kudos to Jack & Sebastian for sticking it out.

 

 The 3 Musketeers (er Mercedes) wended our way in driving rain & wind to Half Moon Bay, then up Highway One to Pacifica, which was anything but pacific!  (After stopping briefly in Pillar Point to watch the 8-foot waves crashing).

 

 But when we reached Daly City, our exit to Skyline was blocked by a huge fallen cypress, and even the Great Highway was closed, as well as 19th Avenue!  So the Presidio was out, we all had to turn back.

 

 Total encounters: one detour, 2 felled trees, one toppled power pole.

 

 But I am still of the opinion this drive would be a nice Summer or Fall event, so I will try to re-schedule it for a time when Studebakers & Benzes can enjoy fine weather!

 

 Barton Lane,  January 2017

 

       

RECAP, OCT 2016:  CLAYTON TO WALNUT GROVE VIA RIVER FERRY

A stalwart group of 16 Benzers (and one Datsun 240Zer) showed up for the Delta Ferry Run, notwithstanding the threat of showers.

From our start in Concord, we traveled over Marsh Creek Road around Mt. Diablo and on surface streets in Antioch to the River Road (Hwy 160) over the Antioch Bridge and on to the first of our momentous ferry crossings.

It took two trips by the "Real McCoy I" to accommodate our group across Cache Slough, and then two trips by the "J-Mack" across Steamboat Slough.

After a brief visit to the fabulous Grand Mansion (which Barton equated with luxurious mansions he has seen at Lake Como in Switzerland) we finally arrived at the venerable Ryde Hotel for Sunday Champaign brunch.  The predicted showers did appear, but only after we were inside, and they stopped by the time we left for home.  (BTW, we achieved a 100% no-freeways 55-mile drive!)

This was the next-to-last last FSD for 2016, as our annual Gala will take place the first Sunday in December.  

Join Ron and Kathy Franke for our November FSD, and please plan to attend our annual Planning Meeting October 30th.  At that meeting, we will plan most of the 2017 calendar monthly events, and will draw up the FSD schedule as well.  See the newsletter for details on both.

I will be resigning as FSD Coordinator after the November drive.  If you're interested in helping us continue this fine program, please let me know; I can assist in the transition.

Jack Weir, October 2016

(925) 899-4298 cell

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2018 Drive Schedule