Our 2025 BMW CCA New Mexico Chapter Holiday Lunch on December 20, 2025 returned to a familiar and welcoming spot, the Range Café in Bernalillo, where many of us gathered again as we did in 2024. The day began at Sandia BMW during the monthly Wheels and Coffee, followed by a relaxed drive north on back roads, staying on Historic Route 66 along its pre-1937 alignment as much as possible. With 2026 marking the Route 66 Centennial and many celebrations ahead, it felt especially fitting to travel together along this storied stretch of road and enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Once seated, we kicked things off with introductions and a quick rundown of the BMWs everyone has. From there, the luncheon turned festive with a BMW trivia contest covering the classic television show “Route 66“, and important BMW history including Renzo Rivolta, the Isetta, and the BMW 700. A selection of BMW CCA swag and memorabilia was available for correct answers, allowing winners to choose their prize, including a stainless steel travel mug bearing the BMW CCA New Mexico Chapter logo. One standout moment came when Paul Vanderwal correctly answered a challenging question about Renzo Rivolta, the Italian engineer whose Iso Isetta design became the BMW Isetta, which played a critical role in saving BMW during the mid-1950s. Another question proved to be a stumper for everyone, identifying the BMW 700 with an R67 motorcycle engine as the model that followed the Isetta and BMW’s last true economy car.
We were pleased to have members travel from across the state to join us, including one member who drove up from Las Cruces and a couple who made the trip from Los Alamos. During the gathering, I also encouraged attendees to join or renew their BMW CCA memberships, transfer their membership to the New Mexico Chapter if they were new to the state, and participate in the online vote on the updated chapter bylaws that was still underway. Donations were graciously accepted to help offset the cost of the event. The New Mexico Chapter sincerely thanks everyone who attended and contributed, with a special note of appreciation to the anonymous couple whose generosity went well above and beyond. Events like this remind us that the real highlight is not just the cars or the venue, but the people who make this club such a pleasure to be part of.
