About BAMD Driving Events

To participate in BAMD driving events, you first need to read and understand the the following BAMD run guidelines.

BAMD group drives are well planned and organized. Safety of the participants is our number one priority. Having fun is a close second. In an effort to accomplish this, we do two things. First, we ask every group drive participant to agree to the guidelines below. This isn't a waiver or release of liability, but it is intended to encourage everyone to understand what BAMD is all about. We don't want any arguments or discussions about how we handle runs. We've had enough of those to last a lifetime. We hope you'll agree with these guidelines and have fun driving with us.

The second thing we do is limit the publication of route locations and times. A few weeks prior to each drive, at least two emails are sent to everyone who opted for the email list and agreed to the guidelines when they registered with BAMD. If you reply to either email, you'll be sent the starting location and time of the drive, plus additional useful information, and we'll be very happy to have you along.

BAMD runs are for Miatas only. Runs are split into groups of no more than twelve cars. The speed of each group will vary, but all groups will drive at a spirited pace. The most spirited group will lead the run. Drivers who have not been on previous BAMD runs, or who have Miatas with stock suspensions or low-performance tires, will be discouraged from driving in the lead group.

Drivers may switch groups at rest stops. Drivers who are unable or unwilling to keep the Miata ahead of them in sight will be encouraged to drive in a slower group. Participants who want to drive slower than the least spirited group will be encouraged to find another Miata club, such as BAMA (Bay Area Miata Association).

Participants at BAMD events are discouraged from driving any faster than they feel comfortable. Definitions of spirited vary among drivers, so each participant must evaluate his or her driving skills and comfort in relation to other BAMD drivers. Drivers must maintain an adequate safety margin, taking into account road width, surface, obstacles, and visibility, as well as the condition and level of modifications of their Miatas. Participants who want to drive faster than the lead group will be encouraged to find another Miata club, such as BAMO (Bay Area Miata Outlaws).

Since BAMD is not a club, we assume no liability for drivers or their cars. We expect participants to act as adults. Participants are solely responsible for their own actions and must provide their own insurance.

Safety is our number one priority on runs. BAMD will never tell anyone how to drive his or her Miata, but participants exhibiting poor judgement or unsafe driving practices will not be allowed to participate in future BAMD events. Examples of poor judgement include passing with limited visibility, driving too fast near bicyclists, or excessive drifting. Examples of unsafe driving practices include spinning, tailgating, poor lines, or incorrect use of the brakes.

Participants on BAMD runs want to enjoy the drive without worrying about reckless drivers or drivers falling behind. BAMD does not negotiate, modify, or apologize for the speed of its runs. We want to create a unique and fun driving experience. If this appeals to you, we look forward to seeing you at an event soon!