Mines Road to Cali Sparta Blossom Hill Road San Jose June 20, 2026
Our fifth drive of the season also known as “ Target to Tacos “ among the volunteers and fans. Wow, what a turnout ( 52 cars signed up, 49 actual ) for this popular venue. To recap, this drive is our most technical outings of the year, 365 turns, 15 hairpins, dips and partial single lane over the first 31 miles alone. Then another set of super twisties, climbs and dives over the next 19 miles to Mt. Hamilton Observatory.
After a successful Pre-Drive and “ bio-break “ facility confirmations, the Tour Planning team and I decided we could safely accomplish this outing with only ( 4 ) groups vs ( 5 ) this would usually require. This feat ( fun, safety, mechanical security, etc ) is accomplished only by strong volunteer cadre, number of returning experienced drivers making up Groups 1 thru 3. Group 4 this drive had 6 new attendees, some of which are very experienced yet due to no-low previous drives, per PCA National Safety guidelines are assigned Group 4. Also our good fortune this day was Group 4 guest Navigator Adrian Grimshaw from Porsche Club UK visiting relatives in SF.
In spite of some unusual on time arrival challenges ( Bay Bridge closure, wreck 580 Hayward ) which caused delays at the starting point ~ Target Livermore, we were able to have our Driver’s Safety meeting on time and all Groups rolled as planned. Todays Driver Safety meeting is especially important due the amount of single lane areas on Mines Road, the tough climb for Bicyclist east side of Mt Hamilton and overall number of cyclists on a day as nice as this was. Also, another safety challenge is always the Down Hill ( west Mt Hamilton ) grade and cyclist descending. We are actively vigilant of this situation passing only when clear and safe maneuver can be executed safely. The data from our past Drives ( 1500+ miles, 16 successful outings) indicate we meet or exceed the National PCA Minimum Driving Tour Standards. Again, safety first always.
After a short break on Mt Hamilton we are away on the downhill run. Good news/ bad news, our new radios ( thank you tech team, Bob Brennen, Krish K, Alan Yamauchi ) have such great range, even with 15 minute intervals, we picked some cross group communications descending Mt Hamilton into East San Jose. Nonetheless, great reception, good range and clear sounds. Radio range and quality have truly improved our outings, quality and safety. All groups arriving at destination Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen ( http://www.calispartanmexican.com ) by 12:30pm. This is our second year at this venue, and I can’t say enough about what a great job they do ~ staff, service, menu offering, yummy food and of course accommodating almost 50 cars and 60 people. Of course “ separate “ checks does not phase the team here at all. A big plus to make the drive an overall fun, entertaining and safe outing. I think we will probably be back next year.
A big thanks to all that make this happen month after month; Leads Kurt Kruger, Krish K, JB Ellis, Sweeps Kenneth Varner, Bob Brennan, Birgit Heinz, David Schwartz ( David’s maiden sweep outing with us ).
We were also very happy to have 3 GGR board members join us! Howard Yao (President) Steve Forshay (Autocross Director) and Wen Shen (Membership Director). It was great to have them along and hope to include more board members in the future!
Now onward to the July drive. Planning on a new termination point this year in Sonoma vs Yountville. The routing a bit more familiar and fun, great past reviews and of course some of the nicest scenery our area has to offer. Look forward to seeing you there.
Never Stop Driving,
Cheryl Spott,
PCA Golden Gate Region Motoring Director
