About
Our passion is simple: sharing the thrill of the open road. From leisurely cruises along the region’s winding country routes (and well beyond) to lively conversations at our monthly meetings and online discussion we share this enthusiasm.
UMN is built on connection, camaraderie, and a shared joy for driving. We roll up our sleeves at Tech Nights, where members get hands-on guidance from seasoned experts to keep our cars in top shape. And we’re always planning new adventures, events, and opportunities to bring members together.
Take a spin through our website to see who we are and what we do. Better yet, drop by one of our monthly meetings — you’ll find a warm welcome waiting. And if you’re ready to join the fun, become a member and take part in the full range of UMN activities.
Michel (Mike) Bernier
President, UMN
Who are we?
We are a club of Miata/MX-5 enthusiasts, who get together to share in the joys of owning and driving this fabulous sports car. Established by a handful of individuals over 30 years ago, the UMN now has an active membership of well over 300.
The little car we love.
The Miata/MX-5 has earned its place in history as the most popular roadster of all time. With over a million units sold, every one adheres to its core design principle of "Jinba ittai" or "Man horse as one". The best way to understand what that means is to drive a Miata/MX-5. Driver and car combine as extensions of the other. The union exceeds the sum exceed the parts.
What we are about?
The car brings us together. But we stay for the fun of being together.
Having fun together with our Miata/MX-5s is the main focus of our club.
We go on exciting drives, travel to interesting places, take part in local events, do garage work together, and participate in fun events with our cars.
Food is a common theme. There is always a bio-break at a coffee shop. Destinations or events feature interesting restaurants, sugar bushes, church suppers, picnics, and BBQs.
Weekly drives target the best ice cream shops in the small towns that dot our region. Giving back to the community is another theme. We support a number of local causes through our activities.
What's in a name?
The first club meeting was held on August 31, 1995. After long debate, no doubt over a few beers, it was decided to call the club: Underground Miata Network.
There is a lot of speculation about why this name was selected. Some suggest that it was because early club meetings took place "underground", in someone's basement. But back then, all clubs were sanctioned by the Miata Club of America (MCA). The founding members did not want to follow the rules of the bigger Miata club bodies, and in this sense, went 'underground' and formed a non-sanctioned "network". Remember, this was the free-spirited 90s.
Getting serious by 1999.
Although the UMN was set up to escape the trappings of "the establishment", by the cusp of the millennium, membership and activities had grown to a level that needed a more structured approach. On September 28th, 1999, the Underground Miata Network Association Inc. was incorporated as a non-profit organization. As a corporation, the UMN is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario as they relate to corporations and officers of corporations. Our Constitution, By-laws, Directives and Policies can be found on our website.
Volunteer based.
All UMN members have the opportunity to serve on the UMN Executive. Following our Club Constitution & By-Laws, the Nominations / Elections for Executive Office are held at the end / beginning of each calendar year at the Annual General Meeting. Any UMN Member in good standing can nominate any other member of the Club in good standing for a position on the Executive / Board of Directors.
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Activities
Driving Tours
Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec are crisscrossed with great roads and interesting destinations. Our day tours will bring you across the region, on “leisurely” or “spirited” drives, to visit hidden gems rich in culture and history. Overnight tours will explore the Eastern Townships, Muskoka, New York, Vermont and other great touring destinations. Check the Events Calendar for scheduled tours.
Ice Cream Runs
What can be better than driving on country roads on a summer evening? Ice cream of course. Every Wednesday night during the Miata/MX-5 season, UMN will organize a scenic drive to a quaint town where we can indulge in special treats at a gourmet ice cream parlor. Ice Cream Runs depart from various locations throughout the Ottawa area. Check the Events Calendar to pursue all things ice cream.
Tech & BBQ Nights
Want to work on your car but don’t have a hoist? Usually once each month during the driving season, we access a garage with hoists so you can change oil, rotate tires or undertake more adventurous projects. We also put on the best BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs during Tech Nights. In fact more members come for the grub than the garage! Check the Events Calendar for details.
Driving Schools
With perfect weight balance and rear wheel drive, the Miata/MX-5 is renowned for its nimble handling and road hugging traction. The Driving School, held every year, encourages drivers, especially new Miata/MX-5 owners, to explore the limits of vehicle handling. Under the guidance of expert instructors, participants hone driving skills on a slalom track, take tight turns on a skid pad, and improve reaction time for emergency braking. Check the Events Calendar for any upcoming driving schools.
Special Events
Aside from the regular weekly, monthly and annual events, UMN also organizes special events. These include Scavenger Hunts, Poker Runs, Funkhanas – parking lot games for sports cars, Cardle-wordle but in cars and many other fun events. Check the Events Calendar to see what special events are planned.
Monthly Meetings
UMN’s Monthly meetings are usually held in a local restaurant. We also hold an annual picnic and outing to a destination restaurant. Aside from updates on upcoming events, invited speakers occasionally present on topics of interest to Miata/MX-5 owners. While these events are called “meetings”, they are really social gatherings where members can spend a pleasant evening among friends. Check the Events Calendar for upcoming Monthly Meetings. Visitors are welcome to attend.
