I would like to begin by thanking everyone at the Meyer Garage for hosting a truly fun time last Saturday, the 23rd. Over a dozen people showed up to skin their knuckles on Saabs, eat, drink, peruse, and trade tall tales of when Jesus drove a Saab. That is a perfect way of spending a Saturday. No wonder more and more people show up each time.

If you were brave enough, you ventured the drive out to Red Wing in order to throw your flames (light up the night with your headlights that is). Another successful Rally where a whopping (12) teams showed up to out wit, and out drive one another. Thanks to those who volunteered to work the course.

Speaking of rallies, (sigh) the infamous "Ides of March" WILL be run, rain or shine, on Saturday, March 16th, 2002. First car out is at 4:00 at the Cannonball in Cannon Falls so show up early at the intersection of highways 52 and 24. Our very own Dean Nelson will be the rally master. That means anyone who is interested should do anything possible to attend this rally in any fashion (drag queen if you want!). The Ides of March rally will take place on some of the best roads in all of Minnesota down in Goodhue county. At LEAST (4) two man crews will be required to run this event, so even if you don't know diddly but have an interest, come along!

Just a quick correction. On March 16th REGISTRATION opens at 4:00 in the vacant lot in the NE corner of County 24 & US Hwy 52 - the first car out is 5:01. See the attached flyer (PDF and DOC). Workers appreciated - runners more so. The roads were great - perfect SAAB stuff but if it's snowing or ? - winter tires or very good all season tires will make it more perfect. We'll finish at Brewster's in Downtown Cannon Falls about 9:30.

For this month's program, Dean will share with us the finer parts of rebuilding your used, but not used up, V4 brake calipers! This cultured demonstration will be accompanied by the sights and sounds of Saabs and race cars in the background. Cool! (Sorry, Erik Carlson wasn't available)

Bruce Gaarder wants everyone to know that MPR (Minnesota Public Radio) is giving away a new, laser red, 5- speed, 5-door, Saab 9-3!! You can enter up to one whole time until 6/30/2002. For more details on the 35th anniversary you can call 1-800-228-7123, or go to the link @ MPR.org

The 2002 (20th annual) SAAB Owner's convention in Cincinatti is coming up fast! Too soon you say? August first. That gives everyone four months to put the spit and shine on their two-stroke and drive it on down! There will be a contest between clubs (us included) to see how many people show up, and more points will be awarded the older your Saab is. The point system can be seen by visiting SCNA through the link on the club website. You can win a restored SPG too!

More events you say? Allright! The tentative date for the twicw a year adopt-a-highway cleanup is Saturday, April 20th. We will meet at our usual place and time. Little Oscar's restaurant, on hwy 52 in hampton, at 8:00 AM.

Also, everyone is invited to attend the first annual Mississippi Saab Tour. This family event will be held Saturday April 27th, and will consist of a casual drive with other Saab enthusiasts through beautiful, hilly, twisty, backcountry roads along the Minnesota River valley (that's us!). Bring your cameras and significant others to take in all of the bald eagles soaring above. Will be held across the river from Lacrosse at Pikes Peak State Park (not that one). There will be a barbeque lunch incorporated, and will terminate in Dubuque, Iowa at the Mississippi River Museum and Riverboat Casino at about 4 PM. This event is being sponsored by the Saab Club of North America. Prizes will be awarded for several different catagories including the drool bucket award, and the Saab that has traveled the farthest for the event! To participate, or for more details, send an e-mail to mailto:MRTour@mail.saabnet.com.