November 8-9 Sierra Gold Country Drive & Art Studio Visit
What a great tie! 33 cars, 41 fun people ( and 1 dog named Turbo ), perfect weather, interesting old CA gold country towns & villages, amazing vistas, good pavement and wonderful machines to enjoy all of this. What a fun collection of people and cars, from experienced to first time attendees in Group Three to the usual suspects in Groups One and Two. We accommodated new attendees in a Macan Turbo S ( Turbo’s parents Bruce & Jing-Ge Stadnyk ) and a Panamera Turbo. Both had no problems and maintained pace easily. Today a wonderful classic scenario of why the Never Stop Driving mantra is our ongoing theme for GGR Touring 2025.
Worth repeating, our well attended successful outings are not possible without our seasoned cadre of volunteers. This becomes even more important when we trek to venues outside our immediate home region. To begin, thanks to member Frank Vanson for curating a route we had taken from Bay Area to Plymouth in 2022. Additional help came from our Pre-Run volunteers, Kurt Kruger, Chris Aston Chen, Dean Zingmond & JB Ellis. The pre-run helps eliminate various routes that won’t work, confirm final routes that will, identify acceptable lodging plus options and learn the restaurant options we may have. Since we will have several new members on this outing, we feel it important to try ( not always easy ) to find a dining venue that can accommodate more than 15 people without a muss & fuss. The pre-run was a success and the outing could not have happened without it
In the beginning, it would not be a normal outing if we didn’t have a hiccup or two to contend with. Upon arrival at our historical start point, Clayton Community Church parking lot, we discovered the local coffee emporium ( Cup O’ Joe ) owner had decided to take sabbatical. On the Pre-run we were not able to convince him to open at bit earlier than norm ( 730 vs 800 am ) as least we counted on him to be open. This was not to be. Well, someone was looking out for us and the monthly mens club meeting at the Community Church came to rescue sharing their coffee and restrooms. A donation to their organization will be forthcoming.
After all cars were checked in and waivers confirmed, a brief Drivers Meeting, Safety review and Lead-Sweep protocol discussion, Group One was away led by myself and navigator Heather Kornberg with capable Sweep Kumaar Dasanur. Group Two leaving 15 mins later led by Kurt Kruger and sweep Subby Ghosh. Group Three new lead Chris Aston Chen with Navigator Dean Zingmond with JB Ellis as sweep & service car. The fun gets going early on today’s route south on Marsch Creek Springs Road then heading East on Deer Valley Road thru Antioch. Then it’s just a tour on major byways, taking in the Sacramento Delta, the historical vineyards of Lodi to our first and only bio break location. Thanks again to Mr Vanson, for identifying a safe, clean and accommodating facility called Appellation Lodi. Since our groups are staggered we don’t overlap much at our way points and put undo stress on any one locations facilities. We have successfully operated this year on the basics of Be Kind, Be Brief, be gone. Day one’s first leg met this to the letter.
After the late morning break, all groups were away again on schedule and pace. We would be traversing central valley villages of Victor, Clements, Wallace, Valley Springs. Eventually turning north again on a beautiful stretch of pavement called CA Hwy 26. A beautiful day, some lovely vistas and for the most part not too much traffic. Our destination will be Plymouth via Mokelumne Hill, Glencoe, Pioneer and Volcano. Our final Saturday way point in Plymouth ( Amador Brewery ) could not have been more accommodating, easy to find, lots of safe parking, beverage and food offering for most all. And the perfect fall weather was enjoyed by all. QuiteA difference from the rainy pre-drive. Amador Brewery makes all their fine beverages on premise, some in the German style the brewmaster was schooled in. At this point of the day One, the “ official “ part is complete and need only a short ride South to our destination ~ Hotel Kiota in Sutter Creek.
https://www.amadorbrewing.com/
Dinner arrangements had been made with the Sutter Creek Hotel a short walk -ride from the hotel. The hotel offered two excellent lounges with a legacy Bourbon & Scotch Library. Our food offering was buffet style and didn’t disappoint. Again, its just difficult finding a decent dining venue for a group our size. The hotel did a good job and having two lounges is proximity did not hurt their offer. Having a high quality night cap was perfect to share with our group discussing the days highlights and tomorrow’s routes.
https://www.hotelsutter.com/
Sunday would take us to world class Ironstone winery in Murphys. Our start time would be later in the morning ( 1000am ) allowing folks to sleep in a bit. This days routing would partially re-trace our Volcano, Pioneer, West Point, Wilseyville route with new sections Railroad Flat Road thru Mountain Ranch to San Andreas. From here we pickup historical CA Hwy 49 to Angels Camp, the taking the fun route to Murphys ( and Ironstone ) via Murphys Grade Road. A wonderful well paved and engaging section to end our official part of this outing. Ironstone gave us our own tasting bar for their offer ( French and Italian clones ). While their GGR member Rick Slovin introduced me to Ironstone founders John and Gail Kautz and their son Stephen ( current Winery CEO ). As a thank you, John & Gail signed their book “ The Kautz Family: A Legacy of Wine “ for us. A wonderful, engaging and hospitable couple sharing their stories. Stay tuned for an event at Ironstone featuring Porsche in 2026.
https://www.ironstonevineyards.com/
At this point in the afternoon, our official GGR Gold Country Tour was over. Albeit, from our pre drive we had visited the Studio of renowned Porsche artist and Raconteur Kelly Telfer. He had invited us ( anyone on the tour ) back. The route from Ironstone to Kelly’s took us thru Columbia via Parrots Ferry Road, a fitting and appropriate way to end our Tour. If you haven’t seen Kelly at the many Porsche events ( Werks, Rennsport, Rolex Reunion, etc ) you are missing out. Beyond his artistry, his encyclopedic automobilia Porsche knowledge of people, places and times are informative and beguiling. I’m amazed he hasn’t put this to a book form by now. A truly fun and entertaining time was enjoyed by 16 GGR members that took advantage of his offer. Per Kelly, GGR will always be welcome back. We will include Kelly’s studio in our Gold Country Fun Run in 2026.
Cheryl Spott
Motoring Director
