The BARCing Lot - Issue #1 (August 2025)
Welcome to The BARCing Lot — our brand-new monthly newsletter for the Bay Area Rivian Club. Inside, you’ll find recaps of recent events, a look ahead to upcoming adventures, and a few surprises from the community that makes this club special—both on and off the road.July was a packed month for BARC, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
We kicked off July with a behind-the-scenes visit to Lucid’s HQ in Newark, followed by a morning at Barsotti’s Body & Fender (where the coffee and pastries rivaled the shop tour). We also launched our new off-road leader training series with a full day at Hollister Hills, helping members sharpen their skills for future trail runs.
August brings our BARC Maintenance Day and a caffeine-fueled morning with Motovelo Coffee at Electrify Expo SF. Then in September, we’ll cruise wine country for our Russian River Scenic Drive + Brunch.
JULY RECAP
Lucid Open House – July 12
We kicked off the month with a fun open house hosted by Lucid Motors at their Newark HQ. Attendees enjoyed coffee, test drives of the Air and Gravity, and got a behind-the-scenes look at what Lucid is working on. Thanks to the Lucid team for welcoming us and to everyone who made the trip out!
Barsotti’s Body & Fender – July 19
Our second July event took us north to San Rafael, where the crew at Barsotti’s Body & Fender hosted us for coffee, breakfast bites, and a primer on Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) from Wine Country Dent Repair. A huge thank you to the Barsotti’s team for the warm welcome and informative session — we hope to do more like this in the future!
Off-Road Leadership Workshop – July 20
We gathered at Hollister Hills SVRA for a full-day hands-on training focused on off-road driving, recovery techniques, trail spotting, and Tread Lightly! principles. The goal? Equip more BARC members to lead or support future off-road adventures.
Big thanks to everyone who participated and shared their knowledge — especially those who brought extra radios, gear, and experience to the trail. Expect more off-road sessions in the future!
UPCOMING EVENTS
BARC Maintenance Day – August 16
After a successful Maintenance Day last December, we’re bringing it back! This time we’ll be hosted at a member’s home in Walnut Creek. If you’ve got a project you want to tackle — tire rotation, filters, rock sliders, etc. — RSVP to reserve a working spot. Space is limited, but curious observers are welcome too!
Electrify Expo: Rivians & Refreshments (feat. Motovelo Coffee) – August 23, 8–9AM
Before the Expo kicks off, we’re hosting a special R&R in the parking lot right outside the venue. Motovelo Coffee (owned by a fellow R1 owner!) will be serving fresh coffee and pastries.
Space is limited to the first 50 Rivians to arrive — all are welcome, but parking beyond that is on your own.
Russian RIVerIANs: Scenic Drive and Brunch – September 6
Join us for a scenic morning drive through wine country, followed by brunch at Russian River Brewing Company in Windsor. We’ll start at the Electrify America station in Napa, head up Silverado Trail, wind through Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, and end with great food and conversation at the Russian River Brewing Company in Windsor.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Motovelo Discount for BARC Members
Motovelo Coffee is now offering a 10% discount to all members with a Journey-level RCA membership or higher. Log into Heylo and check the Benefits section under the Group tab for details.
Have questions or ideas for a future event? Just reply to this post or drop us a line on Heylo.
Until next time —
Stay Adventurous!
— Your BARC Board: CJ, Zak, Chris H, Chris V, Michael, and Richard