This site has a motorcycle emphasis, but hey, a twisty road is a twisty road!

Visit the Web Site here.

Another thorough review of the 2021 Miata.

Nice review of the 2021 Miata

Good article that includes the Lincoln Highway and the Great River Road

Read the article here.

Informative article (from a Porsche web site) about what a sway bars are and how they work.

Read the Article here.

Great article from CarBuzz about the upcoming Miata - good visuals!

Read the article here.

Lotus 23B in the Race Car Group


Fun In-car Video of right-hand drive race car at Garnett

Fun video!

Article from 2014 about test-driving a NC Miata for 1,000 miles (from Autoweek).

Read the article here.

Fun review video from a goofy guy.

Fun video showing new others in 2016, when the new ND Miatas were launched!

A great article from Road and Track comparing 19 modified Miatas.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a32131/miatas-at-mazda-raceway-miatagasm-mega-test/

I can't get that flopping hand out of my head!

A Miata with 350,000 miles!

This may be a repeat. From Road and Track Magazine

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/g35308215/na-mazda-miata-photos/?slide=8

__

Sunset at Shawnee Mission Park!

It's a little above my current level of interest or skill level, but it's an interesting article nonetheless.

Read about it here

At least one person thinks so!

https://www.torquenews.com/1083/why-one-vehicle-tester-thinks-mazda-miata-best-dream-car-world?fbclid=IwAR3oixnsRXj6SVp0GlH0MICHBlsCfCQZy62f49JsjlokvEi1M8OWZbHQXJ4

A good article from a Miata owner on the critical aspects of a sports car (from Grassroots Motorsports)

Read about it here

In short, here are some things that make for a great sports car:

1. Road Course Skills
2. Charisma
3. Rear-wheel drive
4. Two Seats
5. A Stick Shift
6. Less Weight
7. Stunning Looks
8. A View of the Sky
9. Sufficient Power
10. Sufficient Torque

Read the article here

In summary:

1. The 1.5-liter engine was extensively modified for the ND Miata
2. It's shorter and lower than the NA
3. It has one of the shortest gear shift throws of any modern car
4. The taller deck negates the need for a spoiler
5. It's 1000 kg lighter than the old one thanks to clever weight savings
6. Te new electric power steering has been tweaked to offer increased feedback
7. It's almost half the price of the original MX-5 (in today's money)

From the clipsandfasteners.com web site

Also, this thread on miata.net forum

Three-wide finish…pretty darn exciting.
Read about it here

I love these animated engineering and how-to videos!

This is from Bose when they announced the sound system for the ND Miata:

Today, Bose announces a new sound system for Mazda’s fourth-generation MX-5 Miata roadster. Redesigned and updated with newly engineered speakers and proprietary technologies, the Bose® system in the 2016 MX-5 delivers improved audio performance — optimized for driving with the top down.

“Through the years of our close collaboration with Mazda, we’ve witnessed firsthand how the MX-5 has become an industry icon with a loyal legion of owners and enthusiasts around the globe,” said Marc Mansell, vice president, Bose Automotive Systems Division. “So, we wanted to make the sound system for the new MX-5 better than it’s ever been. We improved audio quality, and for open-air driving, the experience is thrilling. You’ll feel and hear the difference the first time you listen.”

Adjusting for Open-Air Driving

Cabin acoustics in the MX-5 differ significantly depending on roof position. When the top is down, reproducing lifelike sound with a conventional approach compromises clarity and musical detail — vocals and instruments can be lost when competing with ambient noise. But advanced Bose engineering solves that. Bose tuned the system with two separate equalization (EQ) settings — one for top-down driving and one for top-up. The EQ settings, combined with Bose AudioPilot® 2 noise compensation technology, adjust automatically depending on roof position, wind noise and road noise.

Bose also added new speakers to the driver and passenger seat headrests. Debuting in the 2016 Mazda MX-5, each pair of 2-inch (50mm) Bose® UltraNearfield™ speakers were developed specifically for headrest placement and performance — rather than simply placing conventional speakers in a headrest to add a feature. The new Bose UltraNearfield speakers work with proprietary Bose TrueSpace® digital signal processing technology — and it’s this combination that delivers on the promise of headrest speakers. TrueSpace technology creates a wide sound stage, even though the speakers are just inches away from the listener. The music envelops the driver and passenger, it’s spacious and natural, and remarkably, it doesn’t fade in the breeze.

A pair of 6.5-inch (165mm) speakers are placed in each door for full-range sound, and 1-inch (25mm) neodymium tweeters are located in each A-pillar for enhanced high-frequency clarity. Powerful bass is delivered by a 5.25-inch (130mm) woofer housed in a 6-liter custom enclosure designed to fit under the front passenger footwell without taking up valuable cabin space. Completing the system is a dedicated, 7-channel digital Bose amplifier mounted below the MX-5’s convertible-top storage space.

The 2016 MX-5 Miata continues a long history of collaboration and innovation between Bose and Mazda. The first Bose sound system for Mazda was introduced in 1993, and Bose audio has been offered in Miata models since 1998.

Ever wanted to sit and watch an hour or two of old-school car commercials from Japan? Apparently, you aren’t alone, as we came across this video that is just that: two full hours of Japanese car commercials from 1975-’85.

One guy's opinion

Nice video of the process to apply ceramic coatings.

I recently purchased this ceramic coating and applied it to Eileen's Nissan Murano. It went on easy and looks really good!

Read it here at the Wall Street Journal (May be behind a pay wall for some)

I'm don't embrace the Miata style wars, but I thought this was pretty funny!

Link to short article describing the safety features of the 2018 Miata, including the i-Activesense features and blind spot monitoring.
https://www.phmazda.com/blog/2018-mazda-mx-5-miata-safety-features/

Nice article about 30 years of Miata (in 2019):
https://www.phmazda.com/blog/the-mazda-mx-5-miata-celebrates-30-years/

Link to a good article about the Mazda Miata MX-5 100th Anniversary Edition
https://www.phmazda.com/blog/mazda-miata-mx-5-100th-anniversary-edition/

Ever wonder why the touch screen won't work when you are driving?
Mazda says its all about SAFETY!
Read more here: https://www.phmazda.com/blog/mazda-infotainment-center-not-touch-screen-on-purpose/

One of the cool things about Mazda is that they seem to be pretty flexible with regard to upgrades and updates. For example, you can update the navigation maps for free for several years (just a new download to an SD card). AND, I was happy to learn that an upgrade is available to the entertainment system to allow for Apple CarPlay functionality!!! This made me very happy.

The upgrade consists of a hardware component, basically a more powerful USB port, and a software update. There are several do-it-yourself video on YouTube, and I briefly contemplated going this route. But, after watching the videos, I learned that you need to remove nearly the entire dash in order to install the new USB port! No Thanks!

It's a $400 installation at the Mazda dealer, with parts costing about $150 and the remainder of the cost going toward labor to tear down the dash, install the part, and putting it all back together. I went the dealer route so that I could get some warranty back up just in case.

I'm looking forward to taking advantage up new CarPlay yumminess!

It shouldn't come as any surprise to you that Colorado has many scenic byways.

Here is the official guide to Colorado's scenic byways

Here is another idea. These are available at Northern Tools..

I look forward to participating in the activities of the Crossroads Miata Club of Greater Kansas City.

They have a full schedule of activities planned for 2021 and I hope that we can join in! We can't wait for 'top down' weather!

Zoom zoom!

BCO note: I bought this product after doing some research on the Interwebs.

BCO note - I bought these products after researching them a bit on the Interwebs.

Spoiler Alert! Not Much!

From the YouTube description:

Now in its fourth generation, the Mazda MX-5 has secured itself as the best selling roadster of all time. We take a look at the history of this popular convertible, starting with the first generation of 1989 and follow it through to the latest incarnation, the MX-5 RF.

From YouTube description:

Detailed how to guide on removing the sound tube on a Mazda MX-5 Miata ND2. I highly recommend this as the cabin is noticeably more quiet now that the rattily engine noise is gone. I never heard any real intake sound from it...I used a sound tube delete kit from Moss Miata: 910-894. Mazda parts bought separately are: PEFA-13-220 Hose and P51B-13-252 Grommet.

From the YouTube description:

The MX-5 Miata has been around for four generations. With the introduction of the ND MX-5/Miata, we gathered all four generations for a back to back drive. Along the way we discuss the history, changes, and most-enjoyable versions of this icon. In the end we find some surprises, and discover we still don't agree about this car

From the YouTube description:

We conclude the Miata Documentaries with the ND for 2020. After several reviews and drives of multiple generations of MX-5, we discuss the technical side with Mazda Designers and Engineers. The ND marks one of the few affordable RWD cars on the market that is a dedicated product. While there are many cars and trucks on we try and explain why the Miata has brought so many car enthusiasts together.

From the YouTube description:

In 2020 we have seen reviews and drives of several generations of MX-5, we continue the Miata Documentary Series on the NC, with help from Mazda Designers and Engineers. We let them explain the story of how it was created and why it is still relevant today. The NC Miata was a big change compared to the original cars. Sit back and discover the good and bad of the NA, NB, NC and ND cars and what it is like to drive them

.

From the YouTube description:

In 2019 the Mazda Miata has existed for 30 years, in part 3 of the documentary series we look at the NB Miata, originally on sale in 1998. We discuss and review the sequel with one of the primary designers, Ken Saward who also helped to design the Dodge Viper. The American studio took a lead in design as this was primarily an NA market product. Despite reviews and lust for modern affordable cars like the BRZ, Civic Type R, Suburu WRX, VW Golf, the Miata remains one of the few pure RWD sports cars for the common car lover.

From the YouTube Description:

After countless reviews and drives of several generations of MX-5, we launch a Documentary Series with help from Mazda Designers and Engineers. We let them explain the story of how it was created and why it is still relevant today. This Youtube Exclusive series will be 5 Episodes covering some the good and bad of the NA, NB, NC and ND cars and what it is like to drive them.

From the YouTube description:

The Mazda Miata MX-5 has existed for over 30 years, in part 2 of the documentary series we look at the NA Miata, originally on sale in 1989 whose production ran for 10 years. We discuss the creation, the design and why it existed. While the US market was the primary buyer Mazda Motors of Japan worked for hand and hand with the American design studio to transform. Despite reviews and lust for modern affordable cars like the BRZ, Civic Type R, WRX, Golf, the Miata remains one of the few pure RWD sports cars for the common car lover.

Here's a nice video comparing the various generations of Miatas

Another video of Miatas

I will tell the full story when the pain of the memory subsides, but for now, let's just say: The ESCAPE POD does not perform well on unpaved, ice-packed, isolated roads!

The Escape Pod received another easy mod the other day - replacement of the original interior and trunk bulbs with LEDs.

It was a simple mod and took only a few minutes. The old bulbs popped out easily and the new bulbs snapped right in. Much brighter!

Here is a pic of the original interior light:




I bought these bulbs off Amazon:

On a cloudy and cold winter Sunday, I took a solo trip on the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway in northeastern Kansas. It was a fun and educational drive.

The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway gets its name from the rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys carved by ancient glaciers that once covered the northeastern part of Kansas. The receding ice left a beautiful landscape of fertile farmland and rivers. This area was one of the earliest settled by farmers prior to statehood, and was visited by Abraham Lincoln on his pre-election campaign trip. Lewis and Clark also travelled through this area on they way to the northwest Pacific coast.

Description of the Byway

From the TravelKS site:
The Glacial Hills Scenic Byway gets its name from the rolling hills and rock-strewn valleys carved by ancient glaciers. The receding ice left behind a beautiful landscape and highly fertile farmland. On July 4, 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition celebrated the first Independence Day of their journey near what is now Atchison. Fifty years later, the Kansas-Nebraska Act opened the Kansas Territory and settlers were drawn to the area's rich soil and nearby rivers.

The Glacial Hills region also includes one of the most famous Pony Express routes as well as Fort Leavenworth, the oldest Army post in continuous existence west of the Missouri River. Abraham Lincoln delivered one of his most famous campaign speeches in the area in 1859, and years later people would watch Atchison resident Amelia Earhart grow up to be a renowned aviator.

Informative Links

Legends of America - Nice write up of the Byway and Places to Visit
Travel Kansas - Kansas Byways - 'official' byway site

Glacial Hills Video - by Visit Leavenworth Kansas

Leavenworth

I started my trip by talking Highway 5 north along the Missouri River from Kansas City to Leavenworth. Highway 5 is a pleasant drive, tree-lined and twisty, with vestiges of the old Military road that preceded the modern highway.

On the southern outskirts of the city, I visited the Leavenworth National Cemetery. The cemetery was originally part of a Delaware Indian Reservation. The first interment was made in 1886. The military burial ground became part of the national cemetery system in 1930, Over 31,000 military personnel are interred at the cemetery.

Entrance to the National Cemetery at Leavenworth


As I drove through the cemetery, my eye caught a gravestone that was slightly different than the surrounding tablets. It it honored John Gray, recipient of the Medal of Honor. John Gray was boorn in 1936 in Dundee, Scotland. He moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and served in the 5th Ohio Infantry during the Civil War. According to on-line records, Gray was presented the citation for "extraordinary heroism on June 9, 1962, while serving in Company B, in action at Port Republic, Virginia. Private Gray mounted an artillery horse of the enemy and captured a brass 6-pound piece in the face of enemy fire and brought it to the rear." Gray is one of six Medal of Honor recipients buried at the Leavenworth National Cemetery. Rest in Peace, Pvt. Gray!

Gravestone of John Gray - Medal of Honor Recipient (Civil War)


Monument to the Branches of the Armed Services


"Battle Cross" Memorial at the cemetery visitor's center

Troy, Kansas, Lincoln, and the Pony Express

Heading north, I passed through Acheson, Kansas. Acheson is a nice town, with several points of interest, including a rail museum. All were closed because of COVID. It had started snowing lightly by this time, so I pressed on north.

I stopped at a highway-side information kiosk at Troy, Kansas and read about Lincoln's visit to the city in 1959. In Lincoln's only visit to Kansas, he spoke in Troy on December 1, giving a speech that reportedly was a trial run of his famous 'Cooper Union" speech that propelled him to the Republican Nomination in 1860.

Text at the Kiosk in Troy


Evidently, Lincoln enjoyed the gingerbread at Troy



Troy was also the first Pony Express Station west of St. Joseph, Missouri. The Pony Express started on April 3, 1860 and ended on November 20, 1861. This site at Troy was not an original station. It was an added station and first used on July 1, 1861. By August 28, 1861 the Pony Express Mail was carried by Stagecoach from St. Joseph to Ft. Kearny and not by the Pony Express Horse. This route stopped being used on September 14, 1861 when the headquarters in St. Joseph was moved to Atchison.

Despite a heavy subsidy, the Pony Express was not a financial success and went bankrupt in 18 months, when faster telegraph service was established.[wikipedia]

The Pony Express operated near Troy for Its short duration


The drive from Troy to White Cloud was pleasant, and I admired the interesting landscapes as I travelled north. The area is gently rolling farmland, punctuated with rounded hills that mark the western alluvial edge of the ancestral Missouri River channel.






Information on Glaciers from a roadside kiosk


A lonely hillock, rounded by the passage of a receding glacier

White Cloud

My journey ended at White Cloud, and old and once proud city located on the banks of the Missouri River. I must admit that this town looked quite run-down, even though I read that many of the local buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A claim to fame for Whilte Cloud is that some scenes from the movie Paper Moon were filmed in the city in 1973.

There is an informational kiosk near the Missouri River at White Cloud, describing the activities of Lewis and Clark in this area.

The sign at the boat dock area indicated that dock improvements were sponsored in part by the White Cloud PBSS Flathead Club. Well, I needed to learn more, and a quick search on the google turned up a bit of information. It turns out that Flatheads are giant catfish. And when I say giant, I mean GIANT!!! The record for a Flathead caught in the Missouri River is over 100 lbs!



You can go to the PBSS Flathead Club web site by clicking here



Looking north toward Nebraska on the Missouri River, The state of Missouri is across the river


Looking south on the Missouri River. You can see an informational kiosk describing the Lewis and Clark expedition to the right





After spending some time at the dock in White Cloud looking for some flathead (I didn't see any), I drove back to Troy, then drove east across the river and to St. Joe. I then roared home on I-29, braving the truck traffic, music blaring all the way home!

The first mod I did to the Escape Pod was to get rid of that tall and gangly antenna.

I few clicks on Amazon, and a few COVID-delayed Prime delivery days, and VOILA! A more elegant (to me) antenna solution! It was a simple screw-off, screw-on modification, and the radio reception has not suffered.

Life is better with a stubby (That's what she said&hellip

I haven't had very many cars in my life.

Unlike my father, who traded cars every three years (at least), I tend to keep my cars until they fall apart. When it comes to cars, my motto is "there's no better feeling than a paid-off car".

But, ever since I started buying cars, I always make one addition or modification to every car I've owned: the addition of a driver's side convex blind spot mirror.

I find that this little mirror helps with that 'back over the left shoulder' blind spot that exists in most cars. When I got the Escape Pod, I dutifully made the pilgrimage to the nearby Auto Zone for the ritual mirror purchase and application.

Although this new Miata has blind side radar and conflict avoidance built-in, I will continue to use the blind spot mirror to help me keep safe in traffic. Plus I like the tradition!

You KNOW its going to be a great ride when you are cruising the Loess Hills Scenic Byway in Southwestern Iowa, and Tower of Power comes on the radio!

I grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa. We learned early on that the "bluffs" part of Council Bluffs were 'loess hills', and consisted of windblown soil. I have long known that there is a national scenic byway through the loess hills, starting just north of the Missouri-Iowa border and extending to the Iowa-South Dakota border.

In mid-January 2020, my brother, David, and I drove the northern portion of the byway in ESCAPE POD. Although the weather was cold and the trees held no leaves, we still had a great time and enjoyed the drive and time together,

The Loess Hills National Scenic Byway