Our last scheduled tour of the 2026 season was a joint venture planned by Rick Vender of
Miatas of Muskoka (MOM), with Trillium and UMN participation. Even the weather cooperated.
UMN fielded the largest contingent with 16 cars. The UMN crew was treated to a great fall
driving experience following routes to and from Bancroft planned by Mike Bernier and Barry
Rowsome. From Bancroft, three groups led my Rick Vender, Mike Bernier and Gary Korenstein
(joint Trillium and UMN member) followed routes with lots of twists and fall colours planned by
Rick Vender. Lunch was at UMN favourite, Rio Tap and Grill and there were two group suppers
in Bancroft. There was lots of banter among the Clubs’ members at all get togethers.
Bancroft Tour with Miatas of Muskoka and Trillium
October 30, 2026
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Italy – The Last Tour Day
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. […]
Italy Day 6 – Tuscany
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 […]
Italy Day 5 – Tuscany
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 […]
Italy Day 4 – Umbria
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 […]
Italy Day 3 – Orvieto
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 […]
Italy Day 2 – Abbasia Collemedio Resort
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! […]
Italy 2026 – Day 1
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 […]
Breakfast Wine and Beer Tour
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, […]
Watkins Glen
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 […]
