The 2009 North American Solstice Sky Meet (NASSM) took place in Denver from June 18-21 and ten roadsters from the Phoenix club participated.  While taking different routes to get to Denver, everyone arrived by Thursday in time to register at the GM Roadster table as well as the official event table.  The evening held an opening "cowboy" dinner (which was more Mexican than cowboy) and an after-party party in John and Lynn's saloon (oops, suite). No photos will ever be published for this late night event.

The PPM pit crew - that's Phil, Philippe, and Martin - spent all of their time installing grills, lights, and tunes and had little time for the "cruises" through the beautiful mountains near Denver.  Some of the rides had their challenges but the Poker Run went off without a hitch and the dinner at the casino was great!  

While the weather played havoc with the vendors' tents during the evening hours, the days were sunny and the crews worked non-stop.  Hanging around the show parking lot was a bit expensive as most folks decided to have some custom work done after seeing the products on other cars.  Joe and Jon went all out and had extensive custom leather work done on their interiors; John had a new grill; Harry a tune; Steve leather visor covers, and so on.  

Club members walked away with two prestigious prizes during the banquet and awards ceremony on Saturday night.  Joe (but if the truth is told, Sara) took the "Best Wheels" award and Paul the "Best in Show" with his radically modified yellow  "Solstice".  Jon, with his all leather interior and Bonnie's Q-Tip detailing, was the runner-up for the top award. 

The Arizona women would have been the clear winners in the"Best Copilots" competition had there been such an award - perhaps next year in Ohio...

Want more photos? Check the gallery in a couple of days!

The theme for the month seems to be Oldies but Goodies events...

05/01-03 (Fri-Sun) -  While its too late to join the Kappa Kruise, the Historic Route 66 Fun Run starts May off with a nostalgic trip down some of the most memorable sections of THE HIGHWAY in Arizona.  The event is not a Sky-Sol official happening but some of our members always go along. Check out the schedule and see if you want to try it this year.

05/07 (Thur) - Flashback to the 50's at Sonic Drive In gives us an opportunity to get together for dinner, show off our cars, and not break the bank.  Come as you are or don your best 50's attire and join the fun at 6:30 at the Sonic at 6501 W. Glendale Avenue.  

05/16 (Sat) - We continue the retro theme with a first ever club event at the Roller Derby Championship Battle .  The finals take place this night in Phoenix and we are planning on being there.  If you've never been, its "fast and furious" in another form. Meet us at 7:00 p.m. at the Castle Sports Club, 11420 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix. Buy your tickets in advance and save $2.00.   

05/17 (Sun) - East Enders Coffee is moving a bit up north but still on the east side this month. It's just coffee but it has become an increasingly popular gathering for a Sunday morning event.  It will still be cool enough at 9:00 a.m. to come topless (the car!!) if you put on enough sunscreen. Breadcrafter’s Bakery & Café, http://www.breadcrafters.com, at 12635 North Tatum Boulevard, 

05/23-25 (Sat-Mon) - The Devil's Highway is the old name for the most winding road in Arizona because it was once labeled Route 666.  Since the road signs kept disappearing, the highway department renamed it Route 191, but we believe that the devil keeps us going back to this road to prove our driving skills.  Couple it with the Salt River Canyon highway and you have one of the most fun driving weekends possible in our state.   Make your hotel reservations early as we only have 10 rooms blocked for us in both Show Low and Safford.  

As I gazed out the window this morning, I realized how blessed we are to live in such a beautiful state.  We can go Top Down just about any time we want to.  Yesterday one of our members was headed to Denver to meet with our sister club in the Rocky Mountain Area, but had to turn back in Albuquerque when he discovered that Denver had 21 inches of snow, and he would never make it through the pass.  Here we are with the most perfect weather to head out just about any day. 

Cool morning air greeted us without a cloud in the sky.  We met in Anthem under the sign as planned.  Mark and Paula from Gilbert joined us for today's ride.  We also met a couple from Glendale who came up to meet us.  I hope you join us again so that we can become better acquainted...We left the parking lot on time and got on at the New River entrance.  Vicci was leading the  way.  As we crested the hill to descend into Verde Valley, Kathy and Gary from Prescott joined us and we headed for lunch in Cottonwood.  The Tavern Grille received us and quickly got us seated and squared away.  I didn't hear any complaints, so I think the food was good for everyone.  

 Soon we were on our way up into Jerome for a photo opportunity behind the Fire Station and to wander the streets of Jerome yet again...Always a delightful place to while away the hours.  We left Trent and Ava behind as they were having such a good time shopping.  Kathy and Gary scooted out ahead of us and we were down to 9 cars leaving Jerome to head over the pass through Mingus.  We had a, well, shall we say, New? motorcycle rider in front of us who seemed to either be afraid of what his bike would do or was just learning how to make it go around corners...  Got lost and missed the sign to go to 89 and had to turn around.  We all got turned around and made it to the round-a-bout at the Dells...4 cars stopped to enjoy the view and 5 cars headed on toward Prescott.  I hope they found Montezuma Way and got down the back side of Prescott Mountain and Yarnell Hill. 

Those left in my group stopped to get something cold to drink, said our good byes and drove through Prescott Valley out to the I-17 and South towards home.   The day was filled with delightful conversations and good fun.  I look forward to seeing you all soon.  Happy Trails.....

SKY-SOL APRIL 2009 EVENTS

April is well underway but you still have time to catch a slew of activities planned for the second half of the month. Now that Easter is over - take a deep breath and sign up for the following events!

04/15 (Wed) - April Dinner . While not calling for a celebration, tax day (April 15) is a good time to be with friends, share some spirit(s), and partake in a meal. "It's All Greek to Me" is the theme of April's evening out in honor of the U.S. Tax Code's impossible instructions.  Byblos Greek Restaurant just south of Southern on Mill is a family owned place with just what we need...parking, drinks, food, and - if we are lucky - belly dancing.  We'll gather about 6:00.

04/18 (Sat) - Pavilions Car Show ...one last visit before the summer brings our crushing heat.  Be there by 3:00 and plan on dinner afterward.  Camp chairs, food, and drink are welcome but are optional.  This is a great time to meet the group and swap car stories - and boy, do we have some good ones for this month.  

04/19 (Sun) - April's Top Down Run will start in Phoenix, head up to Cottonwood, on to Jerome and back to Phoenix via Wickenburg.  The group will meet at the Outlet Mall near Anthem and get an early start, so be under the big sign by 9:00 to hit the road by 9:30.  

04/25 (Sat) - Wrigley Mansion Lunch . Please see the adjustment to this event under the RSVP.  There is a truly unique opportunity on Saturday, April 25.  The restaurant within Wrigley Mansion believes that, in these hard times, folks will still see value in a good meal.  Come and eat lunch with club members and you will pay only what you think your lunch was worth.  A tour of the mansion can be arranged after lunch.   Reservations are also required for this event. 

05/01-05/03 (Fri-Sun) - The Route 66 Fun Run , while not sponsored by the Phoenix Sky-Sol Club, has proved be be a popular event with our group.  If your interested, check out the link to the event on the Sky-Sol website under RSVPs.   That same weekend is the Kappa Kruise to Mexico but the deadline to sign up for the group price has come and gone. 

It all began last September with an off chance meeting with the SCCA at Phoenix International Raceway.  A small group of Phonecians met members of the SCCA at the track south of Phoenix.  The SCCA graciously allowed the club members to ride around the track.  We spoke of a Phoenix Children's Hospital benefit and so.....the idea was born.  Prescott seemed the best place to base ourselves as it is cooler than Phoenix, and centrally located between Flagstaff and Phoenix. 

 The regional event entertained Sky-Sol enthusiasts from California, Nevada and Arizona.  Many people met in Prescott on Friday afternoon.  We enjoyed relaxing by the pool sized jacuzzi and spent time oooooohing and aaaaahing over the newest changes to the vehicles in the parking lot.   We eventually made our way to the Gurley Street Grill for dinner.  Our excellent servers took great care of us while the 39 dinner guests enjoyed the patio area of the grill.  We met Linda and Scott from Prescott at the restaurant, and were joined by Gary and Kathy (also from Prescott) at the Comfort Inn for the ride over to dinner.  What a delightful time we had making new friends and visiting with friends we had not seen for many months.  

A cold crisp evening turned into a bright and chilly morning.  A few clouds lingered nearby as we readied ourselves for the descent into Phoenix and the heat of the day.  Some cars from Phoenix drove up in the early morning to join us for our drive down the backside of Prescott and down Yarnell hill.  Our friends Tony and Theresa in the Bull Run Solstice arrived in the early morning hours as well.  We were delighted to have everyone with us for the beginning of our weekend.  Three of the cars left a little early to scout for bicyclists and joggers, and enjoyed their ride down through the twists and turns.  The majority of the group numbering 22 in all, headed out shortly thereafter and soon found themselves at the bottom of the hill.  We pushed on quickly as we had to be at the Raceway by 11:00AM.  

Last call for the "We love our cars" event at Saturn of Tempe.  RSVP now so we can give the dealership a heads up regarding the food and car displays.  

Sign up now for the National Comedy Theater or we will cancel and reschedule for a non-sweetheart evening.  

The Mardi Gras dinner site has been selected.  RSVP now and check the locationa and time.

Your events chair and her honey are off to the Land of Oz (aka Australia) for a month so this announcement is coming out - minus a bunch of details - now to alert you to club events planned in February, March and early April.  Just keep checking back as each event nears to find out the specifics - time, location, RSVP status.

The Super Bowl Watch Party was amazing.  The only bad part was that interception and 100 yard run back.  If it hadn't been for that, we would have had another World Championship (Go D'Backs). Tony's multiple TV screens and everyone's tailgate fixings helped ease the pain.  Some pretty incriminating photos may appear soon on the website. 

FEBRUARY

02/07 (Sat) - Picacho Peak Park Potluck Picnic. If you are planning on making the Picacho Peak run to meet up with the Tucson club this coming Saturday, February 7, you'd better sign up in a hurry.  A line of one car does not a caravan make.

02/08 (Sun) - East Enders Coffee. Next up on February 8th is a unique East Enders Sunday Coffee.  Instead of our usual laid back "Its just coffee" routine, Linda and Mike are really feeding us at their home in East Mesa.  Fill your gas tank and head for the foothills and great company.

02/14 (Sat 3PM ) - Valentine's Day BBQ. Valentine's Day brings a multi-focused event that begins at 3:00 pm at Saturn of Tempe.  The dealership is throwing a BBQ for the Sky-Sol Club and has invited all of their recent Sky purchasers to join us.  They will have their after market expert and their service guy on hand to answer questions and field suggestions from club members.  Shine up your car as we will be on display near the front of the dealership.  

02/14 (Sat 7PM) - National Comedy Theater Night. After the BBQ, we will head out for a quick drink before moving on to the National Comedy Theater for an evening of competitive improv - not US - the players at the theater.  We just have to watch and laugh.  If you've ever seen "Whose line is it?", this is much the same.  

02/18 (Wed) - Mardi Gras Dinner. "Laissez bon temp roulez" (Let the good times roll) could be the club motto but, in fact, it is the slogan for Mardi Gras. We are celebrating early in order to enjoy drinks and dinner without a 3 hour wait. Jerry and Joanne promise to find an appropriate spot with that N'Awlins flair.  

02/25 (Wed) - February 09 Kappa Koffee. The month ends with Kappa Koffee to be arranged by Chef Martin, now known as "The Green Hornet". Car talk, coffee and, for most of us, dinner are on the schedule starting at 6:00 pm.  

MARCH

03/01 (Sun) - East Enders March Coffee is in the capable hands of newly elected club prez, Jon, this month.  It's a good bet it will be somewhere close to the 101 and Ray Road, but check back later with the website to find out the specifics.  And, after February's feast, it will likely be "just coffee".   

03/07 (Sat) Scottsdale Pavilions March Car Show. We will be showing off our cars once again at the Scottsdale Pavilions Car Show.  March is a great month for this as we will neither freeze nor roast.  So polish up your car, pack up your camp chairs and join the group by 4:00.  Dinner usually follows when hunger drives us out of the car show.  Stay tuned for details. 

03/11 (Wed) March 09 Kappa Koffee is moving to the middle of the month in March so final details for the following week's regional meet can be ironed out.  Meet at a place yet to be determined at 6:00 pm for coffee and car talk.  Dinner will probably follow.  

03/14 (Sat) - Softball Game. For a change of pace for the competitive of spirit, Marion and Jerry are looking for softball players for March 14.  Join the conversation in the "Shout out" box on the website to step up to the plate with your glove and bat in hand.  

03/20 (Fri-Sun) Prescott Southwest Regionals. The big event for March is the Prescott Regional Meet with our sister (brother?) clubs from California, Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado.  The planned activities are too numerous to go into in the newsletter but the details are emerging on the website as things are finalized.  Drives, dinners, charity events, and PIR circuits are among the activities currently scheduled.  RSVP and keep up with the latest plans!

03/28 (Sat) - International Food Fest. March 28 finds us back out in the Mesa foothills at Mike and Linda's for an International Dinner Party.  We are an inclusive group and can express our diversity by bringing an ethnic dish reflecting our heritage.  The RSVP for this event is posted and final so you can register now. 

APRIL

04/05 (Sun) - East Enders April Coffee. April events are still in the planning stages but you can count on East Enders Coffee, under the watchful eye of Gary and June, happening on Sunday, April 5 from 9:00-10::30. 

04/15 (Wed) - Its All Greek to Me April Dinner. The US tax code might as well be Greek so we will celebrate or commiserate the end of tax season together on April 15 at Byblos, a family-owned Greek restaurant in Tempe.  This is one of your events chair's favorite haunts and we will be back in the US in  time to get you the final details by the end of March.  You can expect the usual happenings for the rest of the month - Kappa Koffee, a drive somewhere, maybe a cart race or two, etc.  Stay tuned and keep checking the website!  

MAY

05/01-04 (Fri-Mon) Kappa Kruise to Mexico - In the days leading up to Cinco de Mayo, Saturn SKY and Pontiac Solstice owners from the western states are gathering for a cruise to Mexico leaving from Los Angeles.