Santa Cruz Woodies A Chapter of the National Woodie Club
The 7th annual Woodies in the Valley was presented by the Central Valley Woodie Club over the first weekend in March. This is an eye pleasing run because of the blooming of all the trees in the orchards.
The meeting place to caravan together was Casa De Fruita outside of Gilroy. Meeting there were the Bakers, with Dorma’s parents, the Cosgraves, Bob Faust and myself. The route decided on was 152 East to HWY 99, then South, sometimes with white knuckles, to Visalia. Two bummers, one being the weather, although not a drop of rain fell the whole trip, and the other being Bob Faust’s woodie having a front bearing problem just three miles from the hotel. A call to host Wayne Yada had Bob on a flat bed and on his way to a shop in town.
On Friday, Woodies in the Valley kicks off with burgers and root beer floats at an A & W. And guess who’s there right on time, Bob Faust and his repaired 51. Also joining in on the fun are Club President Jim Alves, Queen Toni Wilkerson, Arleen Solice, the O’Connor’s the Sampson’s, the Christiason’s, Ed Savard, Mic Carolyn and newest member, Rich Workman. As you can see, the Santa Cruz Woodies was well represented.
The real show started Saturday morning when 55 woodies, a new record for this show, parked under the redwoods on Main Street. A special moment came when Wayne made an emotional presentation honoring Kenny Francis, Dave Wilkerson and Robyn Cooper, members of our woodie family, who we lost over the last year. At 2PM, 34 woodies lined up for a cruise through the rolling hills of the Central Valley. 62 miles later, it was every man for themselves to find a place for dinner.
Sunday morning the Crotty’s hosted a fantastic breakfast at their beautiful home. After tours of the house, it was long goodbyes and the ride home. Woodies in the Valley is a super event. If you have never attended this event, put it on your woodie calendar for next year. You won’t be disappointed.
