OBX CruZers head for the shore in April

[Roundel]

Regional BMW CCA event raises money for Parkinson’s Research

North Carolina’s famous barrier islands, the Outer Banks, are OBX in Carolina-speak, so when Rich and Claire Broughton organized a BMW tour—primarily for Z3 drivers—nine years ago, they called it the OBX CruZ. But it quickly became a fund-raiser: the annual OBX Cruz for the Cure of Parkinson’s Disease, an affliction which Broughton has been battling for years. And while Z-cars are still welcome, the event is open to all cars.

The Bodie Lighthouse is just one attraction of the OBX CruZ.

Visiting some of North Carolina’s most scenic areas, the OBX CruZ is more than just a Club tour. “The 2010 event will take us back to River Dunes, now a major sponsor and member of our Team Fox group,” says Broughton. “This year we have associated with the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. All of our proceeds will benefit this fine organization.”

Beginning April 30 and running through May 2, the OBX CruZ starts in New Bern, North Carolina, with an old-fashioned “Downeast pig-pickin’” on the bank of the Neuse River on Friday night, courtesy of Wilbur King, who owns King’s BBQ of Kinston. “If you haven’t had barbecued pig from King’s, you must try it,” says Broughton. “It’s out-of-this-world delicious!” The pig-picking kicks off an evening of wine tasting and a silent auction to raise money for Parkinson’s research (in the last two years, Cruzers have raised over $22,000).

The Cape Hattaras lighthouse is a famous OBX destination.

When the cruise gets under way Saturday, drivers are treated to North Carolina’s most scenic attractions, including lighthouses, scenic vistas, custom boatyards—even the famed North Carolina Aquarium. “Actually,” says Broughton, “over the years, we have visited all three of North Carolina’s beautiful aquariums. One is in Manteo, on Roanoke Island; another is at Fort Fisher, near Carolina Beach; and our favorite is at Pine Knoll Shores, just outside Atlantic Beach.”

Sunday starts with all the cars and CruZers together for a photo shoot. Then drivers convoy to Hammock Beach State Park near Swansboro, where drivers and passengers board a walk-on ferry to Bear Island, where a picnic by the Atlantic Ocean concludes the weekend.

For further information, click here.

[RichBroughton]

For 9 years my wife Claire & I have organized the Annual OBX CruZ for the Cure of Parkinson's disease. This year I have written to each of the 338 BMW dealers in the US, challenging then to organize their own "CruZ for the Cure." The Michael J Fox Foundation (212 509 0995) in New York is ready to received calls and to provide help with local area CruZs. Join with the local Dealership and plan your own cruZ to raise money for the MJFF. We need your help. If you can't join us downeast, plan your own event. We need your help.

[RichBroughton]

I hope everyone got the info on the CruZ from my web page. Hope you all saw ad in this month's Roundel. If you are coming please make hotel reservations now. Rates will go up on the last of the month. (Comfort Suites 252 636 0022)

Event dates are Ap 30 to May 2, 2010

[Estoril Blue]

Is the hotel in New Bern the hotel for the entire weekend? The weekend itinerary is a little unclear.

Thanks