It is amazing how time flies and February rolled through and now we find ourselves approaching the middle of March.  On the 3rd of March, this month kicked off with a nice ride from Surprise to Prescott, via route 89 which had many turns and twisties on our way into Prescott downtown.  That was fun.  We enjoyed a few hours having lunch and checking out the downtown stores, saloons, and galleries. From there, we drove back through Prescott Valley to the I-17, and stopped at a Sunset Point to say our goodbyes. Time to put the pedal to the metal and boy did our Rides fly to destinations homeward bound. 

Here are some of the upcoming events for March, times are posted in the calendar  - 

March 14th - A little history about our upcoming Dining adventure in March ~ Nestled in the shadow of the Squaw Peak Mountain, Aunt Chilada’s is truly a historic landmark with a personality all its' own. Constructed in the 1890’s from desert stone and railroad ties, the original building served as a supply depot and general store for the mercury miners passing through the Dreamy Draw.  Come join us at Aunt Chiladas.

March 18th - East Enders - We are heading back to Paradise Bakery located just east of the 101 on Ray Road in Chandler.  It's in the same complex as Whole Foods and tucked into the corner nearest the road.  They have good coffee and LOTS of great breakfast stuff.  Join us from 9:00 AM to about 10:30 to visit and check out our cool cars.  This is a great initial event for those folks who have been lurking on the website but haven't come to any events yet.  

March 18th - Events Committee - For those who would like to stick around after coffee and participate in the Event Committee meeting, please do so.  We will going to Jon and Bonnie's located at 876 Ivanhoe St., Chandler to generate ideas for upcoming events, and get them posted on the calendar.  We will be preparing for the next 2 months.

March 26th - Kappa Koffee - This month we are headed back to the Central Valley, 7th St and 7th Ave have become the unofficial art & coffee districts of Phoenix. This month we are going to visit a newer family owned coffee house called Wy~Knot Café located at 2325 N. 7th St.  Dinner afterwards is planned right next door at a family owned Pizza Parlor.

March 31st - Pre-Cannonball Planning Party - The 3rd annual Phoenix Cannonball Spree is coming May 4-5, 2012, and the event has quickly become a favorite for the Sky-Sol club. If you have not participated in a previous Cannonball event and have questions about what it is, or if you just want to hang out with friends on a Saturday night, come on over. If you are planning on joining us at this years Cannonball, we will discuss a “unique costume plan” for all of the Sky-Sol participants. Check out the RSVP for details.

As March closes out, the month of April starts off with a bang.  The Route 66 Southwest  Regional event is upon us.  Many great activities are planned for the weekend of April 6th - 8th, get in your RSVP (if you haven't already) and be sure to check back often for all the latest and greatest information. 

We are into February already...how stuff creeps up on us sometimes.  That said, we have some interesting events left in the month for you to enjoy.

02/11 (Sat) - Sweetheart Ride: We'll be meeting in the parking lot of Bass Pro Shops at 9:30 AM.  The ride will head out the US60 towards Globe.  Lunch will be on the road somewhere.  The run continues up the 60 with a stop at the bridge.  We'll continue climbing east but will not get to Show Low (unless it's very warm and sunny).  The return trip will be back the way we came with a photo shoot or two.

02/15 (Wed) - Kappa Koffee: We are heading a little north for Kappa Koffee this month.  Meet between 6:00 and 6:30 at the Paradise Cafe located in the Shops at Gainey Village at 8777 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.  After our coffee fix, we will head over to the Village Tavern at 8787 N. Scottsdale Road for dinner.

02/18 (Sat) - Leather and Lace Mardi Gras Party:  Come hungry and prepared to party!  However, to be admitted in the door, you have to have at least one article of clothing displaying EITHER leather OR lace - and it has to be visible without getting down to the underwear.  And belts and shoes DON'T count!  While this is a pot luck, Lynn is making Red Beans and Rice, Shrimp Etouffee and maybe a little gumbo.  You bring an appetizer, salad, french bread, or dessert and your own beverages.  Laissez les bon temps roulez!

02/19 (Sun) - East Enders "It's Just Coffee": Why we are getting up after a night of Mardi Gras partying is a mystery but try to roll out of bed in time to join the group at The Coffee Rush in Gilbert at 1555 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert (SE Corner of Gilbert and Baseline).  There is plenty of room both inside and out for everyone for a little pick-me-up coffee.  This is a great event for folks who have the car but haven't attended an event yet.

March Alert

The first March event comes quickly with a favorite ride - sign up now.

03/03 (Sat) -  The Rides of March: The start of March will be a great time to put the top down and head northwest.  We'll meet at Starbucks on the southwest corner of N. Reems Rd/ Meeker and the US60 at 9:00AM.  Heading out the 60 we'll have a stop in Congress before heading up Yarnell hill for a photo shoot at the rest area.  We'll continue on 89 up through Wilhoit and the twisties into Prescott.  Lunch will be at a local restaraunt off the town square.  We will head back to the valley via I17 with a break at Sunsetpoint rest area.

It was dark, cold and clear at 6:00AM New Year's Eve Day.  The cars started rolling in to the pre-staging area early to take their places for the pre-parade run backwards through the streets of Phoenix.  There were some beautiful cars throughout the parking lot, and ours drew admiring looks from neighboring car enthusiasts.  Soon, the officials got us underway, and we slowly drove the parade route backwards, zigging and zagging along the way.  We waved to the crowd, cheerily calling Happy New Year, and listening to the revving engines of the Camaro's behind us.  People were lined up early saving places for friends yet to come and enjoying the cool car parade prior to the main event.  It was a beautiful day to drive top down on blocked off roads, and we had a great time showing off our cars.  Until the next time....Happy Trails...

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The new year is upon us and it is time to mellow out from the holidays with our Sky-Sol friends.  The first two events are coming up soon and we'd like for you to attend to them quickly so we can get a good count before the event date. 

January 1 (Sun): 2012 Hang Over Cure Ride and Brunch -It's going to be a nice warm sunny day for our fist drive of 2012.  We've decided to start with a brunch at Renegade Canteen , 9343 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260.  Brunch will be at 11:00AM for those wishing 8 hours sleep after the New Years Eve celebrations.  Renegade will have live music, champagne, great food, and their popular Bloody Mary Bar! [MAP ]

When brunch is over we will cruise out Shea Blvd to the Beeline highway and head north towards Payson. We'll exit the 87 at Rte 188 for a pit stop at Jakes Corner.  Past Punkin Center we have a photo op and we'll line up the cars for a shot with the lake and mountains.

Route 188 will take us down to Claypool, between Globe and Miami before we take the 60 back towards the valley.

January 8 (Sun): Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled for 11:00 AM at Chompies in Scottsdale.  They are located at 9301 E. Shea Blvd.  We will be having meat and cheese trays from which to make sandwiches along with dessert trays, so be sure to save room for dessert.  Lunch will be $12.00 per person.

Lunch will be followed by The Year in Review, Regular Business, and Induction of the New Members of the Board.  The Board members are looking forward to seeing you all at this event.If you are not yet (or still) a dues paying member and want to participate, it is not too late - even at the meeting.  Just RSVP and come with your checkbook...we would be happy to accommodate.  

January 15 (Sun):  East Enders "It's just coffee" will start the new year off at an old haunt...P. Croissant on the NW corner of Rural and Warner in Tempe.  Join the group from 9:00 to about 10:30 AM to partake of the establishments delicious pastries and coffee, visit with each other and admire our cars!  This is a perfect time for people who have been wondering what this club is all about to join us as East Enders is very laid back and casual. 

January 21 (Sat): Monthly Car Show. We are back to the Pavilions for the January Car Show.  Let's have a great turn out for our return.  Plan on being at the parking lot (just west of the 101 in Scottsdale on Indian Bend) by 4:00 PM.  There are no assigned places for clubs so you just have to look for the group.  If you RSVP, we will try to reserve enough spots for us to be together.  We will head out to dinner somewhere about 6:00 PM.  Don't forget to bring your chairs! 

January 24 (Tues): Dinner.  Want to try the latest in local pubs?  Join the group for dinner at Wally's American Pub 'n Grille in Arcadia on Tuesday, January 24th.  Our reservation is at 6:30 but their bar and happy hour can host those of us who can get there sooner.  Check out their reasonable priced and diverse menu.  Please RSVP by the 21st so that we can give them a good number - if there is a larger group, we will have a private dining room!  They will split checks by small groups so we won't have to fret over the bill at this cool place in the Biltmore area. 

Plan on Kappa Koffee showing up on the calendar soon.