If you didn’t get to join us Saturday, May 19th on the Virginia City Drive you can still share our experience (then you may want to join us on our next drive!).
Click here to view media and here for the photo gallery.
About 9:15 am, members of the Sierra Chapter, BMWCCA, started to show up for the Virginia City Cruise and Tour. The location for assembling was the Starbucks on Mt Rose Hwy and Wedge Pkwy. John English, the Wagon master, assembled everyone for a briefing at about 9: 35 on the trip details. The nine BMWs soon departed west on Mt Rose Highway on time at 9:45 am. We proceeded up the twisty and windy highway and in about a half hour we were at the parking area where the fog and mist were so heavy that the lake could not be viewed. Besides the beauty of these surroundings, this was a time to meet and talk to the other participants. Some were old friends, and a few were new to the BMWCCA activities.
After about a 15 minute stop, we then proceed to Incline Village where turned left on Hwy 28. We proceeded a few miles down the road to Starbucks. We arrived there at about 10:30 am. This was a 15-20 minute stop for picking up more members and some refreshments. We departed Starbucks and stayed on Hwy 28 around Lake Tahoe; luckily the heavy traffic was in the other direction. At the intersection of US Hwy 50 we made a left turn toward Carson City. This was an uncontrolled intersection and it was a challenge to get all the cars onto highway. After a mile or so, John pulled over to regroup and make sure that all the cars made the turn. It was downhill from there to Carson City. Then it was to Hwy 395 north to the cut off to I-580 north. Then it was right onto Hwy 50 again to Virginia City. After several miles, we turned left on the old truck route to Virginia City. This route goes up the very curvy road up 6 mile canyon. By the way, if you missed the trip, this is a very pretty drive that you might want to take someday. Once in Virginia City, everyone drove around until they found a parking place.
With a chili cook-off being held this weekend, parking was a challenge. Some had to park on the lower and side streets while others were able to park in the public parking lot. We ended up at the Palace Hotel and Restaurant for lunch at about 12:30 pm. We were able to all set at the same table, unlike last year. After lunch everyone went their own way.
Some returned to Reno and some stayed in V.C to shop until they dropped. In all, if you missed this trip, prepare for the next event. Join the experience and some HAVE FUN.
~ John English
(Click here for the mapped Route)
