5th Annual Wallop Tour
UMN
September 12, 2024
We set off on a cold Thursday morning with 10 cars. After getting organized we hit the road on time at 8:30am.
From our Manotick starting point, we drove down Roger Stevens Dr to Smiths Falls and our bio-break. After the break the fun roads came on fast when we turned onto Otter Lake Road. Then we hopped on the old Kingston Rd for more twisties and a drive that no one wanted it to end with super fun twisties had by all. Then we went driving on Hwy 15 on some new pavement taking us to CR 8 which brought us to Elgin with a quick hop to Portland. From here we continued onto Bush Rd to Sand Lake Rd. We soon found ourselves on Jones Falls Rd heading onto Battersea. While enjoying more twists and turns the time seemed so short as we rolled into Kingston for lunch at the RAXX. The morning drive was spectacular!
Lunch at the RAXX was delicious. But it took up all our time that we had planned for including the Spearhead Brewery. This might have been a blessing as the Spearhead was under construction and had no idea we were coming – in spite of emails and calls to confirm. It just shows that no matter how much you plan there can be challenges.
We left without a sip of beer and off to my favourite brewery the Arbru Solar Brewery in Mallorytown. On our route to our location we travelled on even more great roads getting us back on track arriving at our expected time. At the brewery we were greeted by the super friendly staff and owner who all made everyone feel so welcomed. We took the opportunity to have some yummy beers and ciders and many of us bought a few cans, as well. This is a very unique experience since this brewery is totally solar powered and off the grid.
After we departed the Arbru we headed off on some more fantastic roads. They just kept coming from tree canopies to lake views we found our last stop in Merrickville at a new brewery, The Gather. This location did not disappoint! Again yummy beers to taste and purchase. Our number dwindled at Merrickville as we ended the day. It was a day of great food, tasty beers, amazing roads enjoyed with our Miata friends – boy what a fantastic fun-filled day.
Thanks to all that joined us for the 5th annual Wallop Tour with Mike leading and me sweeping we experienced lots of great times. I can’t wait to plan next years Wallop Tour.
Barry Rowsome
Reposting event stories from our members.
Today we started in the Tuscany region and traveled cross-country on our way back to Rome. About an hour into the journey, we stopped for our first bio-break when a message came over the radio: “I think I left my phone at the hotel.” The voice, of course, belonged to the recently underwear-less Tom Montor. […]
View Post
Today was another beautiful day. It was 7 degrees when we get up but 29 degrees by Lunch time . We started early today to get ahead of the Labour Day weekend crowds – May 1st is a National Holiday in Italy. As per the norm – we switch cars each day. Today was our […]
View Post
Today was an early start so we could get ahead of the crowds and we headed to San Gimignano, a world heritage site that once was the “Manhattan of Italy”. It was a Center where taxes on goods were paid. Towers were the name of the game here! 72 Towers once stood on the site and […]
View Post
April 30, 2026
Driving Tours
We left the Collomedia resort and drove roads better than tail of the dragon! It is better because there is minimal to non-existent traffic. Early start! Today’s roads were unbelievable! Switchbacks and hairpin turns were the order of the day. Nausea was real as cars shifted back and forth with so many turns where the steering wheel […]
View Post
April 29, 2026
Driving Tours
Day 3 was a circle route visiting. Leaving the Collomedia resort travelling through Umbria region and the day was filled with amazing routes through spectacular scenery! The Afternoon was spent a local Karting track where the group held Kart racing competition. Ladie’s Cup was won by Bob Gauthier-later disqualified in gender testing 😉 . Suzie made a daring pass […]
View Post
April 28, 2026
Driving Tours
Our home for 3 nights is the Abbasia Collemedio Resort. A former Abbey in the Umbria region. Fantastic place with great views and excellent food. We started the day today on a round trip to Castelluccio di Norcia on Mont Vettore. We were gone all day travelling up to 2000 meters and almost up to the snow line. Fantastic, great roads! […]
View Post
April 27, 2026
Driving Tours
As excited children are unwrapping a gift, the UMN members were taken by limo from our spectacular Rome Hotel to the Miata Garage and found out what today’s car would be. The cars that we are driving range NA, NB , NC and ND along with a Fiata and a Mercedes convertible. Cars are changed […]
View Post
September 13, 2025
Driving Tours
By UMN
Our small group of 6 cars started in Manotick at The Clock Tower. Everyone was early and anxious to get going. So, after some banter we were off to the Boat House Cafe for a great breakfast. We arrived early so it was a perfect opportunity to chatter and take some pics. Then at 10am, […]
View Post
September 5, 2025
Driving Tours
Nine cars gathered in Manotick to voyage down and participate in the Watkins Glen Heritage Grand Prix festival. Travelling down secondary roads via Clayton NY to a waterside patio lunch, we dodged rain for a while, before tops up were required. The rain finally ended and one car put their top down before deluge rain […]
View Post