MARK YOUR CALENDARS! THE LARGEST ANNUAL TOYOTA MR2 AND CELICA ALLTRAC MEET IN THE US --
On a chilly fall Saturday twenty years ago, a handful of Toyota MR2 enthusiasts met for an impromptu game of 'follow-the-leader' over the twisty, windy roads of the lower Hudson Valley led by Joe Pearlstein and his wife. Unfortunately, a little more than a year later, Joe passed away from a terminal illness. Saddened by the loss of a beloved member of the Toyota MR2 community, our club decided to hold the Bear Mountain Meet annually and raise money at the event for a charitable donation in Joe's memory. Today, the one-day event event draws more than 350 people from the US and Canada for a ~100 mile scenic drive through the lower Hudson Valley, a car show featuring 20 trophy winners, a raffle, and plenty of opportunities to meet other MR2 enthusiasts.
More information about the 2019 event can be found at Northeast USA MR2 Owners Facebook group (northeastmr2.com) or the Facebook Event Page.
Although the event is primarily a social gathering and free to attend, we strongly encourage participants to make an optional donation by buying raffle tickets, t-shirts, or registering their car in the car show. All net proceeds raised at the event are donated to the American Cancer Society. In 2018, the event raised more than $9,500 in the memory of MR2 owners Joe Pearlstein and Dave Jenny. This was the highest ever.
NOTE: This event is open to Toyota MR2s and Celica Alltracs only. We simply cannot accommodate the sheer number of participants if more come.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What happens at the Joe Pearlstein Memorial Bear Mountain Meet?
The event consists of a ~100 mile scenic drive through the lower Hudson Valley, a Show & Shine competition with trophies awarded to winners in five categories, a raffle, and a t-shirt sale.
Who is invited?
Anyone who is in an MR2 or Celica AllTrac! All participants must be in an MR2 or Alltrac for the scenic drive portion of the event. Due to the anticipated turnout, we can not allow other platforms to join the groups. This will be STRICTLY enforced. With 100+ cars, it becomes very difficult to organize various platforms.
How much does it cost?
NOTHING! (Not including the purchase price of your MR2 or Celica Alltrac.) Any donations to buy raffle tickets are optional. You will also need money for breakfast and lunch or you may bring food from home.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a full tank of gas and a mechanically sound MR2 or AllTrac. We can't stop the scenic drive in the event of a breakdown so please make sure your vehicle is up to par. You may also want to bring an FRS/GMRS two-way radio to be in contact with the other participants.
Where should I stay?
Group Rates have been set up at two adjacent hotels. Info in next post
Please note that the Joe Pearlstein Memorial Bear Mountain Meet is conducted on public streets. All local traffic laws must be followed. We do not take any responsibility nor assume any liability for any and all motor-vehicle related incidents. This is a rally, not a race; please drive carefully.
This topic was modified 5 years ago 2 times by KaM
Topic starter
Posted : June 19, 2019 8:59 am
OPTION 1
The host hotel for the largest MR2 meet on the East Coast, and home of the “Beer Mountain 2019” after party is the Super 8 by Wyndham Mahwah.
Located at:
160 State Route 17 South, Mahwah, New Jersey 7430
+1-201-512-0800
The above number IS the one to call to get Jessica and her team directly for the group rate. It may also ring as a corporate fax. Give it a minute and call back. Or message Jessica with questions or issues.
As in the past, The Super 8 Mahwah allows us to host the after party in their back lot, and almost entirely take over their property. They do their best to block-off most, if not all, of their rooms on these dates to the NorthEast MR2 group. Last year, there were only a hand-full of rooms that we did not fill out. Hopefully we can reserve them all this year.
* Because they do this for us, we need to take care of the property during our stay and leave it the way it was when we arrived. *
*You are responsible for your selves during your stay at either property*
-All room rates at Super 8 Mahwah are for the dates of September 20th – September 22nd 2019 and require a 2-night minimum stay, and Wyndham Rewards Membership (Unless approved by management.) If not a member, Jessica and her team will sign you up! Let’s help them out to gain some new enrollments.
-This allows them to offer you a 24-hour cancellation policy vs. the best available and non-cancellable rate.
-All reservations must be secured with a credit or debit card (Unless approved by management.)
-Super 8 Breakfast is included
- Call the hotel directly at the number above to make reservations. Mention North East MR2 Club for rates. Reservations are not available online as they’ve been blocked off for us. Ask to speak with the manager Jessica with any questions.
Rates as follows:
Queen $90+tax/night
Double $100+tax/night
King $100+tax/night
Upgraded Double $105+tax/night
Upgraded King $105+tax/night
Queen Suites $120+tax/night
OPTION 2:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Mahwah
Located at:
180 Route 17 South, Mahwah, New Jersey, 07430
+1-201-529-5880
The DoubleTree Mahwah is located next door to the Super 8. Guests are still welcome to walk next door to join the celebrations.
*You are responsible for your selves during your stay at either property*
-All room rates for the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Mahwah are also for the dates of September 20th – September 22nd 2019 and require a 2-night minimum stay and enrollment in the Hilton Honors program (Unless approved by management.)
If you are not already a Hilton Honors member, you can join by clicking https://secure3.hilton.com/…/…/customer/join/joinHHonors.htm
-Hilton Honors membership allows for a 24-hour cancellation policy.
-All reservations must be secured with a credit or debit card (Unless approved by management.)
-Breakfast is NOT included at the Doubletree (But North East MR2 guests are welcome to share breakfast next door at the Super 😎
-- Call the hotel directly at their number above to make reservations. Group rates are established under the name North East MR2 Club. Ask to speak with Julie, Sales Manager, with any questions.
Both Double and King rooms at DoubleTree are $129+tax/night
This post was modified 5 years ago by KaM
Topic starter
Posted : June 19, 2019 9:03 am
Anyone coming in from out of town, there is a pre-cruise dinner the Friday night before... details can be found here.
Topic starter
Posted : June 19, 2019 9:04 am
about a month away... you can also prebook your weekend experience...
Topic starter
Posted : August 20, 2019 10:36 am
Debating going to this. Anyone going from the DC area?
Posted : August 20, 2019 1:39 pm
do it... it's a great drive and time... no financial obligation other than your accommodations and food if you want to stay the night... any donations go to charity... otherwise make a day trip out of it... we have people come in from all over...
i will be spyderless but will still be there!!! it's a MR2 family...
Topic starter
Posted : August 22, 2019 1:48 pm
I want to! I am more worried my car may not hold up given recent coolant issues. Also, not thrilled about driving to it. What's wrong with your car?
Posted : August 23, 2019 12:13 pm