Although a bit late, I hope you enjoy our recap of the 2009 Niello VW Ranch Run..

First of all I’d like to thank the fine staff at Niello VW for putting on another great event. Bravo Niello! We applaud all your hard work and effort. Your attention to detail and on going dedication to never settle for less than perfect made for a fun and entertaining event for all. It was smooth running from beginning to end and has become our favorite event. Everyone at the Ranch had a smile.

By Greg Urrutia (Bad Dog Racing)

Well it was quite a week. For us the Ranch Run started a week before the actual show. After wrapping up NASA Race 2, we began to focus on this exciting event. Gloria thought it would be fun to take the Tigger Drag Buggy on the cruise. After a bit of thought we figured….why not? We could mount up some street tires, change the fuel cell to a larger tank, and “Bootleg” a license plate and registration. We laughed it off at first but soon found ourselves making it happen. We had complete faith in the car itself. Working turn signals and the lack of a windshield were the main concerns. It’s cold at 5:30 in the morning. The driver would have to dress warm and wear a helmet. We could always tow the car to Niello and drive from there. Nope! If we were going to do it, we were going to roll the entire distance.

Even though it was a “Bootleg” operation, we thought “What could happen?” Heck, we had a CHP escort….it was almost like a free pass! We did pack a tow bar just in case. We figured with all the cops overseeing the event, if we didn’t get cited or cautioned at the starting point, we would probably be free and clear. I guess we would find out.

Since it seemed to workout last year, I sent a note to GoodDay Sacramento first thing Monday morning. We hoped that they would send a film crew out again. We had a lot of fun last year with field reporter Michelle Kane. We often watch the video that has been posted at NielloVW.com

Speaking of GoodDay Sacramento, Wednesday morning they were at Bugformance of Sacramento for their ongoing coverage of “Mom & Pop Shops”. It was great to see Mike Hole and the rest of the staff in 4 segments of the morning news coverage. They ultimately filmed and edited a commercial for the store. I was very impressed with the results. Very professional. They looked like they were having a good time putting it all together.

This year the Ranch Run has grown to a 3 day event. Friday night had a gathering at Sonic Burger in Roseville hosted by Sac Water. There was also another supporting event going on at The Boxing Donkey, a pub and grill in Roseville.

I made plans to get to the Sonic and hung out for a bit. It was a bit windy but a nice turnout nonetheless. I caught up with many of the local enthusiasts, grabbed a bite to eat and then hit the road about 8pm.

Saturday had a couple more supporting events. There was a nice display, store sale, and BBQ at Bugformance. We cruised up in the Shasta Bus and the Baja Bug. This was the first time Lynn ever rode in the Bus. Surprisingly, she found the race seats very comfortable. I was happy she found her first ride in the Bus to be adequate. Rick and Gloria rolled in the Baja.

It was another well attended event. Rick bought a few items and then we sat down for a very satisfying lunch. Roasted Hot Dogs, great homemade potato salad, beans, chips, sodas, and even some yummy cookies for dessert. It was really good! We applaud the great people and friends at Bugformance of Sacramento. Not only do they support out hobby, they go the distance to give back to their customers and community.

Later in the day Kombi Haus had an Open House and another BBQ. Great to see so many businesses getting involved to make the Ranch Run one of the fastest growing VW events.

Once we got back to the house we finished up with cleaning and loading up the cars. Our friends Beriah and Daniel were also going to join us. Beriah would ride with Lynn in the Nu Beetle, Daniel would ride with me in the Bus, Rick was driving the Baja, and Gloria would be in the Tigger Buggy.

As predicted, it was a frigid morning with temps in the mid 40′s. Add wind chill factor to that and you have near freezing conditions if you’re in an open air car with no windshield. Gloria “YoyaDog” looked like she was dressed for a Mt. Everest attempt when she climbed into the Drag Buggy. She was a trooper and made the first leg of the trip to Niello with nary a care.

The staging of participants was already in progress when we arrived at the dealership. We found our place in the starting lineup and then picked-up our credentials and goodie bags available in the main showroom. The gift bags were complete with t-shirts, dash plaques, a very nice event souvenir book, and many other trinkets. Registration was well thought out and went very smoothly.

After exchanging pleasantries with friends old and new and having a snack and coffee that was provided, we were soon on our way. It was another amazing and memorable cruise as we moved along the streets of Sacramento and Hwy 80 at a very comfortable pace. We took some video along the way and put together a short movie.

“2009 Niello VW Ranch Run Caravan” on You Tube

The fine folks at Niello VW also saw to it that video was made at a picturesque vantage point along the way.

“Niello Ranch Run Caravan” on You Tube

The caravan was over 5 miles long. Notes and lessons learned form last year had the participants down the route, in the gates of the Ranch, and into place with ease. Again, thanks to the pre-planning and organization by the staff of Niello.

We were directed to a nice shady location among the trees. We set up a display to help promote the NASA VW Drag Racing Series and it’s sponsors. There was a very good showing of NASA Racers in attendance. Including Doug Colley, Cody Rogers, Chris Brown, Ken Porter, John Rocha, Brian Sanders, Blake Brian, Sam Duncan, and Baaron Surrat just to name a few.

We were then off to an event that put this outing over the top for us. Lynn was determined that this would be the perfect opportunity for her to get her first tattoo. She was first to sign up, first in line, and first to feel the sting as the friendly artist went to work on a custom design that Lynn picked out. She had a very nice design of a paw print within a heart inked on to her shoulder blade. The tattoo is very meaningful and special as it represents memories of our many loyal pets.
Not to be outdone, “DesertDog” Rick also stepped up and added his name to the list of clients. He added to his collection of ink with a flaming VW Emblem.
The whole Tattoo deal really added to the whole Ranch Run experience for us.

Throughout the day many different activities kept the crowds entertained. There was a “Doodle Bug” where kids young and old were invited to color on. The free Hot Dog/Burger lunch was yummy and satisfying. A number of bands took to the stage and kept the venue filled with music. Kelly the “Kandy Striper” was kept busy with her unique and beautiful pin striping that she was doing on site. The raffle sessions were once again off the hook!

In my opinion the most magical moment of the day came when Dana Ross sang the national anthem. Words cannot describe the emotion that flows through ones body when she delivers the Star Spangled Banner. It was moving, inspiring, and many of us got a bit choked up in the moment.

This feel good event is just down right amazing. Even with the many gifts that Niello and it’s fine sponsors offer to the participants, the bottom line is that the Ranch Run is a fund raiser. We as VW enthusiasts are offered a fantastic opportunity to support an incredible organization. The children of the Ride To Walk Foundation are ultimately the big winners here. In a recent conversation I was told that the initial amount of dollars raised was $22,500.00, but it didn’t stop there. Local residents and professionals so impressed with this event were motivated to donate additional funds after the fact. Last told, I believe the collected funds are closer to $30,000.00
Wow! That has got to make an influence in a child’s life.

In closing I want to again thank the fine people at Niello VW for giving us such a wonderful event that has grown to fill a whole weekend. Although there are many names that make the Ranch Run possible, I would like to give props to Rob Pane who is the driving force behind the scenes. He saw a need and put forth the effort to make it happen.
We as representatives of the VW community owe a great deal of thanks to one man who had a vision….and made it a reality.

Greg Urrutia