By Mike Hazlip—
For Volkswagen owners gathered outside California Burger on Auburn Boulevard for a monthly meetup on Friday night, Volkswagen isn’t just a vehicle, it’s a way of life.
Enthusiasts brought new and old Volkswagens in all manner of condition. Some were modified, while other owners preferred a more traditional look. Volkswagen owners shared stories and reconnected after a year away from a cruise circuit that had been largely curtailed because of COVID-19.
“Railroad Earth. Good music,” said Kathy Marlow sitting in her “Vanagon” as music from the folksy bluegrass band played through her mobile device. Marlow said she and her husband Mike were eagerly awaiting news of their first grandchild.
The Folsom couple named their Vanagon, a 1986 Volkswagen model van, “Oola.” Marlow says the name is German for will power.
“We named her that because she has a lot of will power, but no horsepower,” Marlow said.
Organizers Shasta LaBonte and Brandon Knutson said they counted 54 vehicles at the March 26 event. Friday’s tally was about middle of the road for the cruise-in that Knutson said typically brings in between 30 to 70 vehicles.
“It just kind of brings the Volkswagen community together,” LaBonte said. “I know especially during COVID it’s really difficult to get everyone, but we’re out in the open.”
The event is geared toward a family friendly atmosphere and organizers said California Burger has been a good host. Knutson said the group doesn’t allow burnouts or any bad behavior.
“Everybody is really mellow. It’s a tight-knit Volkswagen community, everybody is really respectful of everyone else,” he said.
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LaBonte and Knutson manage a social media presence on Facebook and Instagram for VDUB_Invasion. The group posts photos and announcements for gatherings like the monthly cruise-in at California Burger, held on the fourth Friday of each month. The group also holds other events throughout the year, including a Trunk-or-Treat in October.
Knutson said the events bring a lot of business to California Burger with enthusiasts coming from throughout the area. He said people from Stockton, Galt, and Auburn were present at the event Friday.
Management at California Burger were not available for comment as kitchen staff rushed to keep up with orders.
Cody Winslow was attending the event with his family. He said he’s owned Volkswagens since he was young, and currently owns three.
“Just something about driving something old, different,” Winslow said. “It’s not the standard car you see every day. Everybody points and looks, it’s fun.”
Longtime Volkswagen owner Lee Stahlecker said his family has a lot of memories centered around their Volkswagen.
“It’s been a great experience,” Stahlecker said. I’ve had a lot of cool Volkswagens in the last 25 years, but that’s truthfully probably my favorite car I’ve ever owed. Just got the most out of it, family time, camping, road trips, travel, all that stuff. It’s been cool.”
For the Marlow’s, now in their 42nd year of marriage, their Volkswagen is a home away from home, and the cruise nights give the couple a chance to get out.
“If you’re a VW enthusiast, especially old classics, it’s kind of a cool event to come to,” said Mike Marlow. “It gets you out of the house once a month.”
