Bob and Genny's NUMMI Tour Run
Or
Gee, Dad where are we?

by Dennis Self
photos by Bob & Genny Paauwe

Start

I had the pleasure of participating in a run to NUMMI with the club and my son Austin. We had a great time on this well-organized run with a challenging course. Austin was especially pleased to be missing school and having Dad to boss around all day. This is Heaven for a 9 year old.

Socializing The day had a gray overcast with threatening rain but not enough to deter the intrepid SAMOA crew. This run proves that Miatas are fun even with the top up. I have to say that we got a nice early start as Genny promised. Getting to West Sac before 8:00 was a challenge it itself and I learned that my driving is affected by the early hour and general caffeine deprivation. Upon arriving at the designated Chevron station, I started my day by doing a poorly executed Y-turn embarrassing close to our new Presidents posterior (sorry Margaret!) and in front of a car turning onto our street. Yikes!

Genny gives instructions True to her word Genny had us underway by 8:00. Off to the delta with only minor intrusion of the rain. We were led on a lovely ride through the delta on levy road to the Real McCoy ferry. Austin was very excited by the opportunity to cross the river on the ferry. It was his first time to do so. From there we chased the river down Hwy. 84 to Rio Vista.

On the Ferry Austin began to have some misgivings about the trip after that when we entered the borders to Morgan Territory. This consisted on a mud covered one-lane road that wound through several miles of backcountry. Austin asked if this was the right road and was reassured that under the circumstances there was no way we could get lost unless Bob was. He wasn't and we enjoyed a nice rest stop in the coastal range near Pleasanton.

Morgan Territory corralled Miatas The urban portion of our run led from Morgan Territory down to Pleasanton and Sunol and then to Fremont. We were running a bit behind and went for a quick lunch a McDonalds (where else?) and then on to NUMMI. I would recommend the tour of the plant to anyone interested in Quality Improvement or automobile manufacturing. It opens with a nice lecture about the plant, the numerous employee benefits and the QI process. The last 45 minutes is a tram ride through the plant with narration. The highlight of the tour is a huge Hamatsu press that can press an entire side of the car in one shot. Austin loved it.

I would recommend the drive alone but combined with the tour it made a wonderful day. Thanks, Bob and Genny for a really excellent run.

At the start Socializing Socializing Waiting for the ferry The Real McCoy After Morgon Territory Rd. After Morgon Territory Rd. After Morgon Territory Rd.