Pace Yourself! Saturday, June 6th 10am

[MidnightDave]

I couldn't make it over the weekend, so took Tuesday off and ran it. Have two changes to the final segments, (I had the street names wrong!), and put in some mileage amounts that were missing. I have a new PDF and have also made printed copies.

WOOHOO! WE ARE FULL ON TO DO THIS AFTER CARS AND COFFEE TOMORROW MORNING!

We should likely all stay together, especially as we might encounter some interesting weather related obstacles, in addition of course to the cattle, tractors, turkey vultures, a beaver, (yes, Tue a Beaver was crossing in front of me, guess he dammed himself out of access).

Rescheduled for June 6th to sychronize with C&C in Charlotte.

What: spirited and diverse route/terrain run, where you can go at your own and varying pace by passing in legal passing zones on straightaways, and taking alternate routes along the way. We'll reconvene at intermediate points, (GPS coordinates provided). Nobody will be left behind.

When: Saturday 6/6 gather at I-77 exit 54 9:30am. Wheels up at 10am. Will take till 4pm +/- 1hr

Where: NW of I-77/I-40 proximity, start and end at I-77 exit 54

How: Send me a PM with your screen/real name, car color, and cell phone number. I'll send back my cell number and a PDF of the directions--maps are too unreliable in this unchartered territory.

Who: Anybody who likes spirited driving, no racers, daredevils, slackers or whiners. ;-) This is NOT an ice cream run, nor is it a race. Anybody with competent driving skills and common sense will have a blast. Those without may experience bodily harm. Like the Dragon, this is real life, not a video game, and these are real roads, not a closed course.

**Update**

Sent the instructions in PDF format, and will pass out fairly unreliable paper maps on Sat.

The map is not reliable b/c the cartography is off, we're really in unchartered territory for parts of this.

Just rely on the directions, your instincts and the MINI in front of you...

Attendees: (pls confirm?)

Name Car screen

Anthony 2006 – Astro Black – Cooper S Coopacobra
Barney 2004 - Pepper White - Cooper S Minibugs
Ben 2006 - Hyper Blue - Cooper S Bthayer23
Bryan 2006 - Hot Orange - Cooper N2MINI
Chuck 2007 - Sparkling Silver - Cooper S carbucks
Don 2009 - Laser Blue - Clubman S Lil Blue Coop
Greg 2009 - Chili Red - Cooper S JCW X5JR
Jason 2006 - Pure Silver - Cooper S jdavidson
Jeff 2008 - Chili Red - Cooper S Jcauseyfd
John 2006 - Hyper Blue - Cooper Wildcrazy442000
Ken Laser Blue Clubman S Bluemini07
Scott 2004 - Chili Red - Cooper S scott111184
Susan 2005 – Cooper Pepper White MINIFIED

[BlimeyCabrio]

In.

[minimark]

I'm there!:ms_thumbsup:

Going rice......:bad:

[wildcrazy442000]

oh yeah

[minibugs]

Will I been :ms_ponder:.....:yes4:......:fie:.......Lets GOOOOOOOOOOO.....:ms_thumbsup:

[carbucks]

Put me down for this one . . . (Salem Gym, you need to join us. I had a blast just riding with you on the Sparta run!) Watching the snow outside my office window right now and thinking of Spring!!! :coffee:

[BThayer23]

Sounds like a heck of a birthday present, Dave. Count me in for some performance driving.

[MidnightDave]

I did a poorly formed Google Map and sent it to Paul for review. The roads are inaccurate an my cartography skills are lacking so we'll rely more on the directions and intuition. ;-0

[wildcrazy442000]

I did a poorly formed Google Map and sent it to Paul for review. The roads are inaccurate an my cartography skills are lacking so we'll rely more on the directions and intuition. ;-0

Don't worry between the Professor and Mary Ann we'll be okay. After all it's just a three hour tour.

[N2MINI]

I'm in if I don't have to work. 370Z is a great looking car. You'll love it!! My wife just bought a leftover 08' 350Z

[wildcrazy442000]

Dave just make the MINI a track car.

[minimark]

Was driving by the Nissan place a few days ago and almost turned in to check out the new Z and thought better of it. What I've read in the Mags the new 370 looks to be an awesome little car and it might make me not as happy with my Mini.......:nono: So Dave if ya going to get away from Mini I think ya going in a very good direction as Nissan has with the new 370Z!!:ms_thumbsup:

[MidnightDave]

The map is done and distributed. Thanks to Paul for the suggestion about GPS coordinates for the Mash ups.

I hope I didn't scare too many away, it won't be that bad! Ask one of these guys now that they've seen the map. Where's Rudy for instance? Dan, come out and play if you can...who else?

[jcauseyfd]

Dave,

Send 'em my way and entice me! I'm trying to decide which of the events for the next five weekends I can make. This one might require some juggling of previous commitments, but I'm willing to do that if it looks like it is worth it. And it is sounding like it is worth it.

Thanks!

[Sgt Pepper]

Dave, I'm definitely in for this one!!

[jdavidson]

Gonna try and make it!..even though Courtney admits she probably isn't the best navigator :P

[MidnightDave]

Thanks for the interest everybody. Sorry I'm such a doofus with Google Maps. Enlisting Ben and Paul to help get KML to those with Navigation.

I'll have paper copies of the map with routes marked, although Google and Delorme both have wrong and conflicting results for this part of the state--good news I came up with routes that are "straight as possible" ala TSDs or pretty obvious where the turns are.

Half the fun will be the thought process involved, rather like a TSD, it's not just about pedal to the metal. You'll see other MINIs ahead, behind and not at all at times, and that's the whole point. Maybe we should have called it the Gumball Rally? ;-)

If you haven't sent me your cell phone number, and you plan to participate, please get that to me?

[X5JR]

A used Nissan GT-R would be nice, probably have to wait 2 years to get one reasonably priced.

[N2MINI]

A used Nissan GT-R would be nice, probably have to wait 2 years to get one reasonably priced.

Atleast!! Depending on what you idea of a good price is.
The one on the showroom floor at Modern has a sticker price of
$86,000

[X5JR]

Is that the MSRP or has dealer added $16K over list, some speculator may find that a bargain as a collector. I will wait. 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, has got to be an incredible rush!

[N2MINI]

The sticker claimed that it was ONLY $2500 over MSRP.. They said they had sold one the week before for $6000 over MSRP. That's $90,000 plus!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a sweeeeeet car but man you need ALOT more duckies then I have to play that game..

[MidnightDave]

A GTR is WAY too much car for me. ;-) Same reason I won't ride a bike. I'd kill myself like a 16 year old punk. There was one up at VIR and two at the Coffee meet here in Charlotte, it's a helluva car if you have the coin--and it's way bigger in person than you'd think.

As for this silly drive I've got myself into--Bryan pointed out the directions I sent said I-85, it is, of course I-77! Bear with me guys, work is beyond nutz, (Wachovia/Wells Fargo) trying to integrate all our systems, save jobs, including my own, etc. so flying to AZ a lot, working a ton of hours, etc.

Greg also made a good point. How long do we all wait at a Mash up for a straggler or two? What about this. I'll go drive every segment again and time it, (and get mileage this time), and we'll assign a start time (and maybe a 5 minute wait?) to the Mash Ups. The idea is this: If you arrive on time and nobody's there, wait, if you arrive late and nobody's there, proceed, by the short route, (no detour trips) to the next Mash up and wait. That won't penalize anybody too bad, all roads are fun.

As you all know, this is a whole new concept than our follow the leader approach. Let's work together to work out the kinks? If you want to throw in the towel and just pick a set of detours, we can just do that, too and play follow the leader and change order as required in passing zones?

This is supposed to be fun, not frustrating! ;-) Thanks for your patience and suggestions.

[BThayer23]

I'm still with ya, Dave. I like this idea; it's bold. Plus, I don't plan on being late. =)

[BlimeyCabrio]

I never see any other MINIs once I start, anyway. So no different for me.
:no:

[tjwoodson1]

I'm in. PM sent.

[minimark]

Yep and between cell phones and radios if anyone gets lost we'll find them..Be sorta like a easter egg hunt.:laugh:

PS: While the GTR has great performance, to me it's just plain FUGLY in person and at near 90 grand your approaching the new ZR1 range or a very nice Porche...

[BlimeyCabrio]

Me, my next car is likely to be either a JCW Clubman, or an Evo.... not in the same league as the GT-R and ZR1 etc. for sure... but Evo's rock... and have 4 doors... don't worry... I'll ALWAYS have my MINI.

[minibugs]

HI guys , now how brown cow or how many minis can u buy furrrr 90 ,ooo :wacko:..:ms_ponder:..:help:

[wildcrazy442000]

Barney, cows are like cars it's how much do you want to spend. Some cows are pretty durn expensive.

[X5JR]

I bought my Audi for half of MSRP, 3 years old. A guy can hope.

[minimark]

Heck for under 90 you could have a new M3, rather have one of those hands down!! Van, Bryan and Steve can atest to what one of those will do on a track....:yes4:

[wildcrazy442000]

My hours got slashed at work anyone want a tag along for this ride?

[MidnightDave]

John, I'll get you hooked up one way or the other. Let's talk when we put my wheels on your car tomorrow...

[minimark]

Worked out Dave! John's going to be my "unfair advantage" and be my navigator!:ms_thumbsup:

[Lil Blue Coop]

Add me to the list. Thanks

[WINICooper]

I have got to be able to switch my schedule! Of all the events on the horizon, this is the ONE I want to attend. Will advise, stand by.

[RudyT]

The map is done and distributed. Thanks to Paul for the suggestion about GPS coordinates for the Mash ups.

I hope I didn't scare too many away, it won't be that bad! Ask one of these guys now that they've seen the map. Where's Rudy for instance? Dan, come out and play if you can...who else?


Anyone here who knows me well, knows that I am up to the task... However... I also have life stuff that gets in the way... so for now, its a maybe...

[wildcrazy442000]

Worked out Dave! John's going to be my "unfair advantage" and be my navigator!:ms_thumbsup:

Well Mark, it was my Uncle that was the Air Force Navigator, unfortunately I take after my Mom:sad:

[minimark]

Well Mark, it was my Uncle that was the Air Force Navigator, unfortunately I take after my Mom:sad:
That's not what I wanted to hear from you John....:fie: Well at least I won't have to worry about you behind me....:lol:

[Scott111184]

I know the route is a "secret" but can someone post what town everyone will meet at or a near by location so I can see if one of us can attend? Hopefully it isn't to far. I have been going on about the Beer Run and the mrs. wants to go on one but I'm kinda scared for her since Dave is leading this one! LOL

[X5JR]

Scott,

The secret is out. Dave published the route about 2 weeks ago. I think a navigator that reads directions well would be an advantage. Start point is just north of Statesville, NC at I-77. I have read over the directions diligently and would very much like to have a navigator; but, alas my wife will not ride with me driving even on something as tame as the BRP. Richlands to Statesville is a pretty good cruise, but I think Dave has mapped out a fun event. You have to send Dave a personal message giving him your detail and he will send you the mystery route.

[MINIFIED]

Is anyone from out of the CLT area thinking about spending Friday night there before this event?

I haven't even committed to the drive for 2 reasons .. one, I think I'd be over my head, and 2, I know I'm not going to be too motivated to hit the road at 7AM just to get to the starting point .. if there is a Friday night contingent, that might be the deciding factor ..

3. Dave scares me .. oops, sorry, that shouldn't have been on there :girl_wink:

(oh and the Rally in Raleigh on the 21st where I can test the whole navigational aspect since I tend to be directionally challenged -- hence I follow -- might influence my plans, too ... :girl_wink:)

[Scott111184]

Thanks X5JR


Is anyone from out of the CLT area thinking about spending Friday night there before this event?

I haven't even committed to the drive for 2 reasons .. one, I think I'd be over my head, and 2, I know I'm not going to be too motivated to hit the road at 7AM just to get to the starting point .. if there is a Friday night contingent, that might be the deciding factor ..

3. Dave scares me .. oops, sorry, that shouldn't have been on there :girl_wink:

(oh and the Rally in Raleigh on the 21st where I can test the whole navigational aspect since I tend to be directionally challenged -- hence I follow -- might influence my plans, too ... :girl_wink:)

It's not 100% sure yet but this wouldn't be a good run for Jessica to start off on so hopefully I will be able to make it. If I can I will be getting a hotel in the area for Friday night because it is a 4 1/2 hour drive for me which means I will have to be on the road at 4:30 A.M. that really isn't a big deal for me cause I'm usually up at that time with the kids anyway but it will make things so much easier. Still have to find a navigator though. :blink:

[BlimeyCabrio]

I'm planning to drive up on Saturday AM at this point... if anyone wants to convoy from the Raleigh area... I'd plan to leave from the Starbucks near REI at Southpoint at 7:30AM.

[MidnightDave]

Hey guys, I've simplified it a little, so you don't HAVE to have a navigator, you do still need cahones. This is not a beginner run. Took out the alternates, except for Price Rd, (aha a hint about where we'll be), which is wicked fun if you're me or similar and has a three point turn, with a nearby get out or get shot sign, (kidding, sort of), where it turns to gravel. You can do it before/after lunch or not at all.

Also, going to add 5 minutes to a "reasonable" arrival time at each Mash Up and that's when we'll leave. Not fair to punish the fast cars. If you arrive late and we're gone, get scootin' at a safe and reasonable and law abiding speed! ;-)

I'm going to take vacation this afternoon and go drive it to get mileage/time and publish new directions. Because maps are unreliable in this area, we'll rely more on directions / car ahead, gut instinct, chicken bones, crystal balls, navigation systems, etc. ;-)

Sorry it's so early for those distant, tried to triangulate W/S and Charlotte and make for an all day drive with lunch.

Details to follow in PMs to participants. This should be wicked fun!

[BThayer23]

I'm planning to drive up on Saturday AM at this point... if anyone wants to convoy from the Raleigh area... I'd plan to leave from the Starbucks near REI at Southpoint at 7:30AM.

Sounds good. I'll meet you there. I can get there on the back roads, so I won't technically be backtracking.

[MidnightDave]

Hey guys, had some meetings cancelled so snuck out and drove part of it today. Man, you are going to L-O-V-E this drive!

I started at the first time we're on Hwy 115 and went to the lunch stop, averaged about 60 mph for that 50 miles, (not counting the Blimeyesque part, skipped it 'cause I didn't have time and I'm skeered of it J/K ).

Then did most of the route home, again about 60mph, for that 25 miles, cut down 115 to 40 to 77 to work. Don't expect we'll make that kind of time as a pack, left out some parts, and I didn't stop for any of the mash ups, ;-) so we should be right on schedule.

Realize, I encountered a guy with a cane in the middle of the street, a semi perpendicular, stray dogs, a tractor, this is as much an obstacle course as a scenic drive, and that will effect our time, too.

I'll finish it out sometime in the next week or so, (well duh), and send the final directions. I'll also have copies and maps at the run.

[minimark]

Sounds great Dave! So the route has changed from the original google maps, correct?

[X5JR]

Someone is just having too much fun, all by himself. How about everyone pitching in for a "kitty". Those who get the best gas mileage for the mystery tour and those who drive the miles closest to your standard for the mystery tour.

[jcauseyfd]

hehe, public street gymkhana??? Looking more and more like I'll be missing some soccer games.

[minimark]

Best MPG award for this one???:lol:

[wildcrazy442000]

I am thinking anything above 20 mpg, would have a chance at winning that one.

[BThayer23]

I have a tire tread depth gauge that reads mm and 1/32". How about an award for most tread wear? =)

[Sgt Pepper]

Maybe we could have an award for the lowest MPG?:haha:

[X5JR]

All are good; just something to make it interesting for every one, hot rods, slow pokes, drifters, you name it.

[ZOOOOOM!]

:sarcastic:Anything for losties???? Just kidding !!!!!:no:

[minimark]

:sarcastic:Anything for losties???? Just kidding !!!!!:no:

Rotten Banana....and ya got to eat it.:bad::laugh:


I mean this is the "Banana Dave Road Rally"....

[Scott111184]

All are good; just something to make it interesting for every one, hot rods, slow pokes, drifters, you name it.

Very nice ideas so far everyone. I don't know if I'm ready to buy a new set of tires after this run though. :no:

We could always reset the "Average Speed" before the run and see who has the highest at the end. :D

[MidnightDave]

Yes, route has changed a little and I'm not maintaining the GoogleMap, or my paper map, using the directions. Will do a paper map for those of us who are visual.

I don't have a 'puter, just going off Ipod stopwatch and ODO, actual mileage may vary.

Great idea, I'll see what I have in the goodie chest for some awards at the last Mash up.

[BlimeyCabrio]

Maybe we could have an award for the lowest MPG?:haha:

I already win that one. Hands down. Rest of you goobers can fuggetaboutit.

[wildcrazy442000]

Paul, You forget Dave Never shifts out of second gear:blink:

[BlimeyCabrio]

Yeah, but my car is heavier and less aerodynamic. And my cam is bigger than his cam. And my header sucks gas....

[MidnightDave]

You had to go there, with the mine's bigger than his stuff again, didn't you? ;-)

Guys, I have my new boss in town all week, so I'll finish this off Thu afternoon or Friday morning (Fri afternoon taking my team to W/S to a rec center for an appreciation party).

So...I may not post final updates, but I'll have maps/directions with time/mileage on Sat.

[MidnightDave]

She was stuck on her plane so I snuck out and finished the mileage this afternoon and the directions/map tonight!

Will send the instructions now and pass out paper maps on Sat.

The map is not reliable b/c the cartography is off, we're really in unchartered territory for parts of this.

Just rely on the directions, your instincts and the MINI in front of you...

[Sgt Pepper]

Just rely on the directions, your instincts and the MINI in front of you...

That usually works pretty well, but not necessarily in that order. :laugh:

[Scott111184]

70% chance of rain and thunderstorms on Saturday in Statesville! :bad:

[minibugs]

:coffee:...:ms_ponder:...RAIN..:fie:...:help:

[minimark]

:sad: Calling for rain all the way through Sunday here, but one thing about weather it do change so everybody start doing your best NO RAIN DANCE!:dance::dance::dance::dance:


PS: OK who wants to do a group buy on "Barney Decoders"?.....LOL

[Scott111184]

I was so looking forward to this to, was gonna book the hotel tonight! :shout:

[maacodale]

Being out here in SE VA, I really envy y'all and the roads you have available. All of ours are relatively flat, pot holed and full of traffic. And we ain't even in the city! Hope y'all have fun, I'll be there for the Bullfrog run!

[BThayer23]

:sad: Calling for rain all the way through Sunday here, but one thing about weather it do change so everybody start doing your best NO RAIN DANCE!:dance::dance::dance::dance:


PS: OK who wants to do a group buy on "Barney Decoders"?.....LOL

I think I figured out the Barney speak. It's like charades - you have to guess what each smiley face means, and then when you string 'em together you get the message. That one meant,

"So I was sitting down for my morning coffee, reading the newspaper, when I noticed something. Hmm..., I thought. It looks like rain... Rain! Not rain! Oh noooooo! What are we going to do?"

But when he wrote it, it only took four letters, four smileys, and a bunch of ellipses. =)

[TWISTER]

Ben,
You have been elected to the THMMC newest officer position!
MINIBugs Decoder

I'll have Paul edit the By-laws ASAP

[BlimeyCabrio]

Done. :jester:

[ZOOOOOM!]

:ms_yeah::yu:Barneys posts is sorta like figuring out license plates, I love doing both!!! Barney could enter the Guiness Book of the THMMC for saying the most in the shortest space of anybody I know. Keep them coming BARNEY.!!!:ms_yeah:

Don't :stop: Ever

[minimark]

Ben,
You have been elected to the THMMC newest officer position!
MINIBugs Decoder

I'll have Paul edit the By-laws ASAP

A thorough translation after each post will be required with your new post Ben.............. :ms_ponder:...:yu:...:wub:...:ms_thumbsup:

[MINIFIED]

I think I figured out the Barney speak. It's like charades - you have to guess what each smiley face means, and then when you string 'em together you get the message. That one meant,

"So I was sitting down for my morning coffee, reading the newspaper, when I noticed something. Hmm..., I thought. It looks like rain... Rain! Not rain! Oh noooooo! What are we going to do?"

But when he wrote it, it only took four letters, four smileys, and a bunch of ellipses. =)

There's only one way to explain Ben's magical decoding abilities:

Ben -- AKA -- short-division guy .. :girl_wacko:

[MidnightDave]

Well, as Barney would say: Buggin' me! :bad:

As Mr. Verbosity here puts it: We must cancel because there is NO way we can do this drive on wet pavement and it's not fair to those booking hotel rooms to cancel at the last minute.

Options

1) Do we want to try Sunday? I have a commitment I can miss.

2a) Schedule for another weekend?

2b) It'll have to be May 9th, (right after MOTD) or May 16th, or later. Those are the first weekends I'm available and there's not a club run already.

3) Do we just distribute the directions and maps to peeps and everybody does it on their own at their own discretion? I can have the wifey make PDFs for me. It really is a great route, and I'll be doing it a few more times this year, I'll post when if anybody wants to join me.

Between the job and the weather, I am one very unhappy camper this week!

Post if you have suggestions, please and we'll go with group concensus.

[BThayer23]

Sing along, but substitute "rain" for "road."

BAZgG9FMvg

"Why Don't We Do It In the Road" by The Beatles, off the White Album.

[Scott111184]

I guess depending on "how bad" the roads will be is the deciding factor for me. May just be my tires but driving in the rain for me is like driving on skis. Sunday is out because Jessica works nights. So whatever everyone else decides I'll go from there.

[jcauseyfd]

Looking at the hour-by-hour on weather.com, looks like the chance of rain in the area on Friday is pretty slim, temp in the 60's, so it should be a reasonable chance of the roads achieving some pretty good drying by Saturday AM. Still can't see past 6 am on Saturday, but my understanding is the chance of rain should roll in toward later in the day. So the window of opportunity doesn't look too bad for Saturday imho.

I wouldn't be able to make it this Sunday.:cry: If you reschedule for some other date, I'd just have to see how it fits into my schedule.

My tires have grooves, so I'm good to go on wet pavement.:happy-smiley: You know, a rainy day in my Mini is better than any day not in my Mini!!!

[minimark]

Sunday could work for me, but it's whatever everybody else thinks will work best...:happy-smiley:

PS: I wouldn't be up for driving the back roads Saturday just after or during a big rain that's washed who nows what all over the roads, mud, gravel, etc....

[wildcrazy442000]

I am with Mark, riding shotgun, navigator, and radio operator. So I tend to agree with him on this one.

[MidnightDave]

As disappointed as I am, we'd put more in jeopardy than the cleanliness or our cars and that's just not cool. This isn't a controlled track like VIR, and Ben said they were creating some bodywork issues up there in the rain recently.

Let's try again in May...

[MINIFIED]

Silly rain has now interfered with the St Pat's Day parade and the St Dave's Day "Pace" .. ok, so we know he's not really a saint, in any stretch of the word .. :girl_wacko:

Just keep us posted on the new date .. I'll likely be headed to CLT tomorrow anyway so I can cheer on my Wildcats .. the rest of my bracket is busted, so I gotta hope they go all the way :ms_yeah:

[MINIFIED]

PS Not sure if this would be of interest to anyone else, but when I first read the May suggested dates I thought, how cool if this event could be piggybacked with the Cars and Coffee in CLT.
I then realized one of the suggested dates is actually the week after the May C&C, but what about the first Saturday in June? Then we could do both .. just a thought ..

[BThayer23]

I saw a very nice Toyota Supra get a foot shorter at my rainy track weekend in early March, and a recent Porsche Club of America event in the rain at VIR lost 9 cars.

As much fun as I have driving in the rain, it's very easy to lose control and make a bad decision, so I have to support Dave's decision here.

[ZOOOOOM!]

:sad:Looking forward to the new date .. hope I can make it!!! :ms_yeah:

[minibugs]

Hi Zooooom, Did U say new DATE,:ms_ponder:.....:nono:.....:sarcastic:...C U Later...:ms_bye:

[BThayer23]

translation....

.....

..... =(

Barney, you stumped me with the finger wagging smiley. I admit defeat!

[minibugs]

Hi Ben, Donna (zoooom) has not been on a ride with us , she will bee OK in the back of the PACK & let the ...:wacko: go 1st. she can ride with us in the back and watch all the :unsure: & :fie: go . And the next ...Date is April 5th Bulldog .....:yes4:.....C U later ...:ms_bye:

[ZOOOOOM!]

:victory::yes2:Barney, that was a good one I'll have to say!!!Thanks for telling Ben I will be ok on a ride with yall , and I will hang in there where ever you think I need to be placed.. Where ever you put me I will end up first!!! MOVEOVER....:warning2::warning2:

[minibugs]

Hi Donna, how :wacko: of me I'm sorry I was not thinking ,U know LADYS go 1ST. :fie:...:yes4:...take care & I C U Later :ms_bye:

[jcauseyfd]

For those not paying real close attention, I noted that Dave has changed the thread title to indicate a freshly scheduled make-up date for this event on May 9, 2009. So update those calendars!

[ZOOOOOM!]

:yu:Thanks , I will!! :thank_you2:

[ZOOOOOM!]

Barney, thanks for the message, SWEEEEET!!!BUT I meant If I started in the back where I probably should, I would finish first!!!! Don't hurt to look on the BRIGHT side! :victory::victory:

[minibugs]

Hi Donna, As Minivine would say U GO GIRL....I will FOLLOW....:yes4:.....C U Later....:ms_bye:

[MidnightDave]

Guys, slammed at work, playing hookie now to get some posts here and there.

Will make and distribute suitable PDFs of directions and maps for all who signed up.

Thinking May 9th, however, Susan may be on to something with CC prior to this, so...do you want June 6th instead?

[BThayer23]

Either way works for me. June's kind far away - Dave, are you still going to have your MINI in June?

[Sgt Pepper]

Yes, Dave will still have his MINI in June. :angry:










(I'm doin' my best Jedi mind trick here, hope it works!) :sad:

[BThayer23]

Yes, Dave will still have his MINI in June. :angry:


hahahahahahahahahaha

[wildcrazy442000]

Well Dave was at Dan's today still having work done, so maybe he'll keep it a little longer.

[ZOOOOOM!]

DAVE without his MINI???:nono::nono::nono:

[MINIFIED]

I would venture to say maybe we should keep pushing back the date -- Dave can't sell the MINI til he's taken us on the adventure of his design .. the rain on the original date mighta just been a ploy to ensure he keeps it, what-do-ya-think?

Either date is fine -- June seems a long way off but there are quite a few drives between now and then; Dragon and Moonshine Rally are the weekend before the proposed May date ...

See ya!

[Scott111184]

Any update yet on when the rescheduled run will be?

[orangecrush]

I'm sorry you guys got rained out but I'm glad cause I found this thread.

I wanna go. Who do I have to give my info to (Dave?) get a copy of the "secret" course?

Thanks,

Mark

[MidnightDave]

Okay, okay...June 6th it is (for Susan) and I'll still have MINICHI.

She's acting up right now, MINICHI, not Susan ;-) lighting up the dash like a Xmas tree under spirited driving = all the time with me. Going in the shop Monday to see what's up.

Mark/Orange Crush, I'm trying to get the wifey to make a PDF of the instructions and map for me and I'll send you a copy once she does. In the interim, I'll shoot you a note about this, so you can get a general idea...

[MINIFIED]

Oh dear -- was MINICHI born under the sign of Pisces, too? Maybe that's why our acting up is in sync .. :girl_wacko:

I'm sure there's a fix for MINICHI, not sure the mechanic can say the same for me ..

And I'm already to blame for *pink* club hats, so thanks for blaming me for the later scheduled date .. geesh .. guess that puts the pressure on that I need to go! Actually I'm really looking forward to the Cars & Coffee; we should all then be pretty caffeinated for the drive. Except you, MN Dave, I don't think you need any more caffeine ..

Last, but not least .. the date on the calendar (bottom of the forum home page) needs an update and while the thread title has been changed, the line "When" still has the old date ...

May your MINICHI repair bill be less than your Uncle Sam bill of today's date .. :ms_thumbdown:


Okay, okay...June 6th it is (for Susan) and I'll still have MINICHI.

She's acting up right now, MINICHI, not Susan ;-) lighting up the dash like a Xmas tree under spirited driving = all the time with me. Going in the shop Monday to see what's up.

Mark/Orange Crush, I'm trying to get the wifey to make a PDF of the instructions and map for me and I'll send you a copy once she does. In the interim, I'll shoot you a note about this, so you can get a general idea...

[1QukMINI]

I am in for this one, but was wondering, I was trying to schedule a Charlotte Meet and Meal, and this is the date I was looking at. Could be all meet somewhere around like Concord Mills to eat dinner later that night, and people from around here could just come even if they didn't do the run? I haven't seen the map, so I am a little not in the loop, yet.

[orangecrush]

Mark/Orange Crush, I'm trying to get the wifey to make a PDF of the instructions and map for me and I'll send you a copy once she does. In the interim, I'll shoot you a note about this, so you can get a general idea...

Dave,

Do you remember which pigeon you attached the instruction's to??

I hadn't seen any so I was thinking maybe the pigeon got lost???

:lol:

[MidnightDave]

Mark, Oooops. Ran into some tough times and ate the bird. ;-) Let me get on the wifey right now and see if she'll do it for me. Work has been a--well, they put a gag order on us, but the antithesis of a MINI run.

Jason, that would work. We'll be going up and down I-77, so you may want to think about a restaurant in that mall area.

[orangecrush]

Let me get on the wifey right now and see if she'll do it for me.


I'm not even gonna say anything.... :lol:



Thanks Dave, much appreciated.


Mark

[orangecrush]

Let me get on the wifey right now and see if she'll do it for me.


Ahhhhh, hell, who am I kidding? I can't resist.... I know when I get on my wife, she'll do it for me....:man_in_love:


Mark

[WINICooper]

I need to get my work schedule, if I am off I am in.

[wildcrazy442000]

Jason there is a Max and Erma at exit 25 on I-77, or that Irish pub we had the 1st Charlotte meet and eat at, same exit.

[1QukMINI]

Cool, Hey Dave, can I get me one of those handy-dandy route maps? Pretty please so I can plan my the MINIs and Meal?

[orangecrush]

Cool, Hey Dave, can I get me one of those handy-dandy route maps? Pretty please so I can plan my the MINIs and Meal?


Just whatever you do, don't ask him to tie it to a pigeon.... you'll never get one.

:laugh:

[1QukMINI]

That Irish pub, Galway Hooker off Exit 28 would be great! Dave, could I get a route map?

[MINIFIED]

I think Dave is off in Idaho, or Iowa, or somesuchplace attending a graduation so hopefully he'll be checking in with us on this shortly ..

And when *you* do, Dave, is this all still a plan on the June 6th date?

BTW, I'm going to head to CLT on Friday, June 5 to avoid an early alarm on Saturday for the Cars&Coffee .. have a suite hotel with 2 rooms booked for Friday night I'll be glad to split if there is anyone else coming from out of the area who would rather arrive Friday night .. just send a PM and I'll send the specifics .. (I'll post again when we get a MN Dave confirmation this is all still a-go!)

Looking forward to it!

[MidnightDave]

Hey guys, so sorry, life cooked my goose and my pidgeon lately--best friend of 30 yrs passed away, had to go to his memorial service in IA, and graduation, have displaced over half my team, have my fifth new boss in 120 days, just nuts and not a happy camper.

Yes, we're on for the 6th, (if it doesn't rain).

The wifey did just do the PDF! I'll attempt to send it to you now, and update my attendance list and publish it in the first post.

Thanks to all for your patience.

[orangecrush]

Hey guys, so sorry, life cooked my goose and my pidgeon lately--best friend of 30 yrs passed away, had to go to his memorial service in IA, and graduation, have displaced over half my team, have my fifth new boss in 120 days, just nuts and not a happy camper.

Yes, we're on for the 6th, (if it doesn't rain).

The wifey did just do the PDF! I'll attempt to send it to you now, and update my attendance list and publish it in the first post.

Thanks to all for your patience.

Dave,

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. You have my sincerest condolences.

I hope you know I was just bustin' your chops about not getting the map. All is cool... when you get time, you get time.

Hope things get better in your life soon.

If you need anything, let me know.

Mark

[MidnightDave]

I'm thinking I'm going to drive it this weekend b/c the weather should be good and we need to make sure no roads are closed and driving the twisties always lifts my spirits...

It'll be a blast, guys, really!

[BThayer23]

I can't wait!

[BlimeyCabrio]

Have fun and be safe... I gotta get my car ready for next weekend...

[X5JR]

I'm thinking I'm going to drive it this weekend b/c the weather should be good and we need to make sure no roads are closed and driving the twisties always lifts my spirits...

It'll be a blast, guys, really!

Do you want some company?

[minimark]

Dang it Dave, with the BRPT right around the corner I better not take off another Saturday.... Have fun and be safe!!!:yes2:

[orangecrush]

Do you want some company?


That's what I was thinking.... I'm up for an extra run....

Dave? Whatcha thinkin?

Mark

[MidnightDave]

Saturday, that's as far I've thought this through. ;-) Would enjoy the company! We'll work it out tomorrow and anybody who wants to join, can do so.

Sorry about encroaching on the BRP run guys, this was to satisfy some requests around the Charlotte coffee event and then worked out for my wacky personal life and Jason's dinner. There are lots of good runs and the BRP will be a blast...

[MidnightDave]

Okay, Greg and Mark and anybody else who's interested, let's meet there at the gas station on exit 54 at 8am. Sorry for the early start, the wifey's on me about spending all day doing this on the first day it's stopped raining in a month. ;-) We should be back by early afternoon this way.

Call me cell if you want, otherwise I'll look for you there and leave at 10 after...

[BlimeyCabrio]

Wish I could come out and play... I've already used my kitchen pass for this week.

[orangecrush]

Tis okay Paul, I didn't make it either. I hadn't heard from Dave and I finally got an appt. with Dan at Grassroots.

I had Dan install a rear swaybar and a set of SS brake lines. I took the long way home and I ended up in the country pretty lost....lol.

I came across a REALLY twisty road in Cabaruss county and one that was so bad, it had the steepest bank I've ever seen on a public road. I almost made a U-turn so I could go hit it again but decided against it.

As the road became more and more twisty, I stayed in 4th gear and played. As I became aware of my ever increasing speed, I slowed down pretty hard and sure enough, here comes a county cop... followed by a statie and then another county further down the road.

Anyway, at least the swaybar feels good.

Mark

[MINIFIED]

So how did the dry run go?? You certainly had perfect weather this weekend .. hope we have the same for next .. !

Anybody else from a distance headed down on Friday night? (and with any luck I'm going by way of Grassroots Garage to retrieve a vehicle!)

[MINIFIED]

Ok .. so I looked at the weather forecast for Charlotte and this is depressing .. what's the prevaling thought?

I was actually planning to head down tomorrow and spend the night but am a little concerned about the forecast for Saturday .. :girl_cry:

[BlimeyCabrio]

Weather.com looks good for the Statesville area...

[MINIFIED]

Wow, OK .. that's a better one than WRAL (changed city to CLT) which has 30% chance of rain and afternoon T-storms ..

and of course knowing that can all change in 24 hours, too ..

[Sgt Pepper]

Unfortunately, rain or shine, it's looking like I'm not going to make this run after all. Everyone have fun and be careful!!

[jcauseyfd]

30% change of rain/t-storms? That's just normal weather around here. I don't plan on it being a rainy day until the weather forecast gets up into the 80% range.

[orangecrush]

Can't make it either... gonna go to Exhaust Depot in Orlando to get a downpipe and full exhaust.

Mark

[BThayer23]

Mark, your car's already wicked fast! What do you need a new exhaust for?? =)

[orangecrush]

Mark, your car's already wicked fast! What do you need a new exhaust for?? =)

Downpipe and exhaust are MAJOR heat, my Forge intercooler came into and next weekend I get my RMW tune.

I'm reaaaady.


Mark

[MidnightDave]

Mark, sweet mods and you'll LOOOOVVVEE the Jan tune, best mod I've made.

I couldn't make it over the weekend, so took Tuesday off and ran it. Have two changes to the final segments, (I had the street names wrong!), and put in some mileage amounts that were missing. I have a new PDF and have also made printed copies.

WOOHOO! WE ARE FULL ON TO DO THIS AFTER CARS AND COFFEE TOMORROW MORNING!

We should likely all stay together, especially as we might encounter some interesting weather related obstacles, in addition of course to the cattle, tractors, turkey vultures, a beaver, (yes, Tue a Beaver was crossing in front of me, guess he dammed himself out of access).

[X5JR]

Brushy Mountain Road is the best part of all of the run, as far as I can tell from Google Earth views. But, if it is covered with debris from washouts, it is up to you. You are the leader.

[BThayer23]

Dave, I'll drive anything at a pace somewhere between "as fast as I can" and "as fast as the guy/girl in front of me." Whether it's an elaborate TSD rally or just a club run, I'm cool either way. If there's a little bit of moisture or silt, I'm still cool, just a little bit slower. I say as long as it clears the front splitter, we drive it.

I don't have a shovel, but I'm willing to use one, too. =)

[jdavidson]

It doesn't look like I'll be able to make it tomorrow, hope you guys have fun and keep your eyes peeled!

[MidnightDave]

Okay, just talked to Susan on her way here, and we're full on for this drive and Cars and Coffee in the morning for those in CLT early enough...

[orangecrush]

Sorry I can't make it but hope ya'll have a great time. Hopefully the next run.

Have fun.

Mark

[BThayer23]

Anybody caravaning from the Triangle? Pm or e-mail me before 7:30am tomorrow.

[minimark]

WOOOOT!!! Looks like you guys are in for some good weather tommorrow, be safe and have a great run!!:yes4:

[BlimeyCabrio]

You guys have a blast - I have some family activities I must tend to tomorrow - looking forward to the after action reports!

[MidnightDave]

Not sure I'll be able to take any pics, it's kind of a "both hands on the wheel" drive, however, we'll rely on co-pilots for that, and watching for the flood waters! ;-)

If anybody's interested, I can send the updated PDF if you'd like to try part or all of it yourself sometime, just let me know. It does provide some good twisties not too far from Charlotte...

[wildcrazy442000]

Made it home, had a great time. Thanks

[X5JR]

Thank you Dave! It shows how much planning and time you put into today's run. It was a blast, Brushy Mountain Road and Price Road are worthy of future drives. I propose we drive Hwy 63, Asheville to Hot Springs sometime; it's worthy.

[MidnightDave]

Thanks to all who participated for making this such a blast! I'm really glad we all made it safely through, given attacks by prehistoric fowl and whatnot!

[1QukMINI]

It was a blast! Thanks to Dave for putting it together! I really hope this wasn't your last run you organize. Nice wildlife, too! Pterodactyls, beavers, foxes, you name it! And lots if great motoring!

[minimark]

Thanks to all who participated for making this such a blast! I'm really glad we all made it safely through, given attacks by prehistoric fowl and whatnot!

Was there another archaeological find Dave?:lol:

[BlimeyCabrio]

Wish I coulda been there... sounds like my kinda run!

[MidnightDave]

Mark, I kept my head out of the rocks and the sand this time! ;-) Of course I almost had a turkey buzzard toupe when one tried to fly in my car and fix my bald spot!

Paul, It was definitely your kind of run, especially the roads Greg called out--Drew even managed to get his S2K sideways on one of them...loose gravel, increasing apexes and keeping up with Ben will do that. (I bailed and let those two go in front of me, b/c they were FAST on the technical twisties and that's just not my thing.)

[BlimeyCabrio]

GrumbleGrumbleGrumble

[BlimeyCabrio]

May have to incorporate some of this into the next Tour of Terror.

[BThayer23]

Awesome twisties, Dave. Thanks for planning a great run.

One of my favorite parts about the run was all the "mash-ups," where we stopped to regroup, let the cars cool off, and chat a little bit. We should definitely incorporate those short breaks into future runs. It was easy on the brake pads and it made the event seem more social. I think some of the co-pilots appreciated the breaks, too, to catch their breath.

I'm still not sure how I stayed ahead of Drew in the S2000. He and his car were fast all day long. I couldn't shake him till we got to the really twisty stuff, and even then I was barely keeping the car pointed in the right direction.

As for the turkey buzzard, if you've ever seen "Jeepers Creepers," it was exactly like that. I thought Dave was going to be pulled out of his car and dragged into the woods.

Good times yesterday, thanks to everyone who came, and especially to Dave for organizing everything. I'd also like to give a shout out to the two guys who showed up at Subway with mohawks. Awesome.

[1QukMINI]

Ben, that's hilarious. I had to make April promise that if that was really the new "it" hairstyle, I would not partake. And I agree with everything you said. Loved the breaks, loved the orchards that weren't open, and loved the Tar Heel comraderie, as always.

[coopacobra]

Thanks Dave, Athena and I had a blast in spite of the near "outer-body expirence!" That was a great trial by fire initiation. Next time you plan a run, count us in!
Anthony

[MINIFIED]

Such a good time!!

From the Cars&Coffee visit in the morning to shake that early alarm, to the kamikaze turkey buzzard who either wanted to devour MNDave or be his co-pilot -- and then decided against that idea (hmmm, Dave, your driving reputation making it's way through the aviarian world? .. ok, so that's not really a word, you know what I mean!) to everyone joshing Drew about the rogue MINI and all the while making sure he felt welcome; to the fun and friendships of the existing THMMC'ers as well as the new ones (MINI-FRIENDS album updated!) ..

Many THANKS to MNDave for all his work in organizing and driving, re-driving, re-tracing, re-PDFing, re-running (the tough part of organizing it, right, having to play hooky from work to re-run it sooo many times :girl_wink:) , to April, my we-girls-know-what-we-are-talkin'-about comrade, to my non-S buddy John so I didn't have to be non-S'ing alone ..

I propose this needs to be an annual event .. so guess what that means, Dave? MINICHI keeps her garage quarters .. :yes4:

[X5JR]

Ditto, on the Mash up Socials, made it the best run.

[BlimeyCabrio]

I'm gonna start calling my brewery tour a "mash up" just so folks will like it better.

:laugh:

[Scott111184]

Sorry I wasn't able to attend, was really looking forward to this run. Life has been keeping us extremely busy lately though. Hopefully next time I can make it. :)

[MINIFIED]

I'm gonna start calling my brewery tour a "mash up" just so folks will like it better.

:laugh:

Perfect, a mash-up at the mash-ery! :girl_wacko:

I find it humorous how many times that colloquialism has snuck into my vocabulary ever since MNDave introduced it ..

You know there's never a lack of participation or interest when it comes to free beer!! You could schedule a mash-up once a month and there'd be plenty o' THMMC'ers there!

[BlimeyCabrio]

Perfect, a mash-up at the mash-ery! :girl_wacko:

You know there's never a lack of participation or interest when it comes to free beer!! You could schedule a mash-up once a month and there'd be plenty o' THMMC'ers there!

Too hot in the summer (ask someone who came to the one last summer).... but we'll definitely do another one in the fall... and I could probably be convinced to do the "monthly" thing fall through spring...

Also - we have a couple of new breweries in the area now... which also do tours and beer drinking... might mix it up a bit...

Is it fall yet?

[MINIFIED]

Too hot in the summer (ask someone who came to the one last summer).... but we'll definitely do another one in the fall... and I could probably be convinced to do the "monthly" thing fall through spring...

Also - we have a couple of new breweries in the area now... which also do tours and beer drinking... might mix it up a bit...

Is it fall yet?

I was there last summer -- how well I remember! Ok, so skip the months of June - Sept and just double up the other months! :girl_wacko:

Fall yet? If so I've missed my big summer trip -- I'm not rushing for fall to be here, sorry!