The GREAT Ice Cream Run

[Jerseygirl]

The "Blue MINI Crew" from Northeast MINIs (NEMINI (http://www.nemini.org)) invites you to join us for... The GREAT Ice Cream Run (http://www.millpondminis.com/TGICR.wmv)

The dates: 6/9/07 - 6/15/07
The place: Sanford, FL to Bar Harbor, ME

Join us for The GREAT Ice Cream Run, a MINI event dedicated to owners who just can't get enough... you guessed it... ice cream!

We'll travel from Sanford, FL to Bar Harbor, ME over the course of 7 days. Along the way we'll hit as many ice cream shops as your stomach can handle, plus a few other interesting stops to be announced later. And as if that wasn't enough, how about capping off the trip with MINIs on Top! We'll arrive in Bar Harbor the day before MOT 2007 so there will be plenty of time to make the drive over to NH for Friday/Saturday's MOT festivities.

The run will be similar to MTTS. For each leg, registered participants will receive route sheets for a quick and easy interstate highway route, as well as a more back road (and hopefully more scenic) "alternate" route. Choose the route you prefer and travel at your own pace. Go in a group or go alone. The choice is entirely yours.

And what could be better than a 7 day trek to stuff yourself full of ice cream? How about raising money for the Make a Wish Foundation too? Get your friends/family/co-workers to sponsor you on a per mile basis (or just with a flat donation amount). After the run, all the money will tallied, and divided up among the Make a Wish chapters in each of the states represented by the participants. Participation in this portion is entirely optional of course, but we hope you'll consider helping out. :)

Due to the size and complexity of this event, official registration will be required. A nominal fee will be charged to cover the cost of ID badges, mailing out registration packets, etc. Event T-shirts, decals, etc. will be available for ordering at the time of registration as well. Registration is expected to begin before the end of this year. Registration for MINIs on Top is entirely separate and it is your responsibility to make sure you are registered for both events.

To stay up to date with all the latest info about ice cream shops, hotels, campgrounds, the route, the charity drive, etc., be sure to check out the event website: http://thegreaticecreamrun.com

Your "Blue MINI Crew" Cruise Directors for this trip are:

Robyn (Jerseygirl) - route planning/website admin/Amtrak contact
Allison (Bootsi) - hotel/campground coordinator/special event coordinator
Heather (Htrout13) - charity coordinator/door prize coordinator/local dealership contact

[MidnightDave]

Thanks for the invite!

I do like my Rocky Road ice cream...and hanging with other Mini owners...So...I'll join you, at least for a while!

[Jerseygirl]

Great! Keep your eyes peeled for all the latest info on the website (www.thegreaticecreamrun.com (http://thegreaticecreamrun.com))

[Mr. Magoo]

I'm there!!

[Jerseygirl]

If any of you know any good ice cream shops (no chain stores, please) within about 20 miles of either I-26 or I-77 please either post them here or shoot me a PM. If you have an address or website address for them, that's even better.

So far we have NO ice cream shops listed for our second day of the run from Savannah to Statesville. It's actually the only day that still has nothing listed. :(

Call me crazy, but I'm guessing there must be a few ice cream shops somewhere in the Carolinas. ;)

The current list of ice cream shops can be found on the ice cream page of the website: http://thegreaticecreamrun.com/icecream.html

[Nascar Mini]

Well, if you're comming up I-77n, there is a Cold Stone Creamery in Mooresville just off exit 36 (Racecity USA).

[Jerseygirl]

Day 1 route info has now been posted to the event website.

On each day's page, we'll also list any special events for the day as well as interesting sights to see along the way.

[Jerseygirl]

Lots of stuff going on! We've now got route info for Day 2 posted, I've updated the list of ice cream shops, and we've got door prize donations coming in! :cool:

[Jerseygirl]

Just added a mailing list sign-up to the website. Submit your email address to stay in the loop when important announcements are made.

Anyone who registers for all or part of the run will be automatically added to the mailing list so we can keep in touch with participants up to the last minute.

Your email address will be used for no other purpose than to keep you updated about The GREAT Ice Cream Run!

[Nascar Mini]

:) How about ''Brusters Ice Cream'' in Mooresville,right off I-77 @exit 36.With large parking lot for lots of Mini's.They have great ice cream too!

Bill aka Nascar Mini:)

[Jerseygirl]

Bruster's is a chain. Our goal was to hit local Mom & Pop type shops, but if all we can find for the Carolina's is chain stores, we'll have to add them to the list for that day...

Edit: Geez, just looked at our list of ice cream shops and it's a Bruster's that is listed for Statesville. That's currently the only shop listed for Day 2 of the run (Savannah to Statesville). Definitely don't want to have a second Bruster's listed in Mooresville since it's relatively close by.

[HPUdrew]

Although I can't think of any mom n pop shops like you are talking about, I KNOW there are some on my drive to the beach, and would really think there would be some elsewhere in the state too. If I think of any I'll let you know!

Drew

[Jerseygirl]

Thanks!

If we can't find anything else along the route, it's looking like our trip through the Carolinas could end up as a big "Bruster's Fest". We'll hit every Bruster's along the way and nothing else! :p

I hope Bruster's ice cream is good... ;)

[MidnightDave]

Hmmm...are we going to have to have a drive to Statesville to find an ice cream parlor run!?

http://www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=442

I've got nothing!

[simplygriff]

Could swing through Greensboro and hit Yum-Yum's if you really want mom and pop ice cream. I have no idea how far off your route that is though.
-G

[Jerseygirl]

The first official email newsletter, "The Scoop", has gone out to those subscribed to The GREAT Ice Cream Run mailing list. To stay in the loop and not miss any new developments, just submit your email address on the home page of The GREAT Ice Cream Run website!

http://thegreaticecreamrun.com

If you plan on doing any portion of the run, PLEASE sign up for the mailing list. Just as with MINIs on Top, it's the best way to stay on top of major developments or last minute info before the run. :)

[Mr. Magoo]

I'm with Griff, Yum-Yum is definately a Mom & Pop and is located right in the middle of University of North Carolina - Greensboro. Detour up I-85 and go back to 81 via US-220 or US-421.

Alternatively, I think there are a couple of ice cream shops in Mt. Airy. CF Jones Ole Type Ice Cream on N. Andy Griffith Parkway. (We can do the Mayberry thing.) Also there is the Trolley Car Diner.

[Jerseygirl]

I will get out the map and see just how far these places are off the route. Thanks for the suggestions.

Also, after some major technical difficulties with the previous mailing list service :mad:, I have switched to another more reliable mailing list service.

So... if you tried to sign up for the event mailing list previously, but could never get through:

1. Go to the ice cream run website (http://thegreaticecreamrun.com).
2. Enter your email address.
3. Complete the short registration form that will pop up.
4. Check your inbox for a welcome email from the list. Once you receive that you'll know your registration went through OK!

All those who had confirmed registrations on the old site have been automatically signed up for the new site.

Sorry about all this confusion everyone.

[Jerseygirl]

Back from the maps... Unfortunately, Greensboro is a major detour off the route, but Mt. Airy is definitely do-able :). Any chance of getting me a street address for the Trolley Car Diner? I can't seem to come up with anything on Google.

[minianni]

You could also try the Dairy-O in King or Winston. Both just off US 52. The one in King is the original and type of "mecca" in the area. People come down from Mt. Airy to go there.

Steve

[Mr. Magoo]

Back from the maps... Unfortunately, Greensboro is a major detour off the route, but Mt. Airy is definitely do-able :). Any chance of getting me a street address for the Trolley Car Diner? I can't seem to come up with anything on Google.

Trolley Car Diner is out. (It seems that the hit that I got entering Mt. Airy, put me in Philadelphia. If Greensboro is too far, definately Philadelphia is.) However, look at the post by MINIani (Steve). He knows the area better and has suggested Dairy-O in either Winston-Salem or Mt. Airy.

[Jerseygirl]

Registration is now officially open!!! (A little later than hoped, but open!)

Due to the complex nature of this run (and some of the surprises we have planned), official registration is required. All registration forms must be received by March 30, 2007. Forms received after that will be returned. This is necessary so we can get all the registration packets pulled together and mailed out to everyone in time for the run.

Click on the link below to begin registration:
http://thegreaticecreamrun.com/Registration.html

[Minime]

For those folks exiting off 77 N to Statesville, if they want to go the scenic route back to 77 in VA, then I'd recommend taking Rt 115 to Wilkesboro. Stop at the Brushy Mountain Creamery in North Wilkesboro for good barbeque and homemade ice cream made on the premises. It even has a genuine still on display formerly owned by NASCAR racer Junior Johnson.
They can continue onto Rt 18N which will hook them up with the Parkway 20 miles later. Its winding, hilly backrounds perfect for the Mini! The parkway parallels 81N and is a much more pleasant and scenic ride. The NC part of the Parkway has the best scenery and its free. in my opinon it beats battling semi's on 81.
Roanake,VA is a 3-4 hour ride from Wilkesboro along the parkway.

[Vango]

We would love to get up with you in Columbia SC and hang out untill VA.
Jennifers mother is in Columbia we will see about an Ice cream joint there.
One of our favorite things to do is to go for a ride to get ice cream...this will be our longest ride yet!!! Can't wait!!

[Jerseygirl]

For those folks exiting off 77 N to Statesville, if they want to go the scenic route back to 77 in VA, then I'd recommend taking Rt 115 to Wilkesboro. Stop at the Brushy Mountain Creamery in North Wilkesboro for good barbeque and homemade ice cream made on the premises. It even has a genuine still on display formerly owned by NASCAR racer Junior Johnson.
They can continue onto Rt 18N which will hook them up with the Parkway 20 miles later. Its winding, hilly backrounds perfect for the Mini! The parkway parallels 81N and is a much more pleasant and scenic ride. The NC part of the Parkway has the best scenery and its free. in my opinon it beats battling semi's on 81.
Roanake,VA is a 3-4 hour ride from Wilkesboro along the parkway.

Thanks for the route and ice cream suggestion. I'll look into modifying our current route to include this!

Vannifer, we'd love to have you join us for a day or two of the run. Please just remember, that we still ask that you officially register. Registration will get you detailed route info, including the full list of ice cream shops, ID badge(s), and a few other surprises that we're reserving for registered participants. :) Registration forms are available at the event website: http://thegreaticecreamrun.com

[Vango]

I have the registration printed will get it out this week

[MidnightDave]

Registration sent, just for the run into Statesville, and a T-shirt...come on everybody, let's go get some ice cream! ;-)

[Jerseygirl]

Woohoo!! Two more cars and another state represented! :D

[Jerseygirl]

I just discovered this morning that most of the emails that have been sent to the "Questions", and "Route" email addresses for this run, have been getting dumped into the junk mail folder automatically. I just spent 45 minutes cleaning out the junk mail and responding to all the emails that got bumped in there. I think I've fixed the problem now.

If you've emailed me with questions or suggestions over the last few months, and didn't receive an email from me this morning, it means that your email must have been deleted entirely. I apologize to anyone who didn't get a response from me (or got a response 4 months after they sent their email). :o

I've updated the setting for these email accounts so this problem should not be repeated in the future.

On a happy note, we'll be announcing the t-shirt design shortly. I've had the graphic for a while. Just haven't had the time to post it...

[Jerseygirl]

Just a reminder... The deadline for registration is approaching in 17 days, so if you're someone who likes to wait until the last minute, that minute is coming.

We welcome unregistered people to join us at the spur of the moment as we pass through their area, BUT they will not be eligible to receive any of the things reserved for registered participants.

These include:
1. Route sheets with ice cream shops and places of interest called out.
2. Event T-shirts and window clings (We might have some extras, but there's no guarantee).
3. ID badges.
4. Special offers from participating ice cream shops along the route.
5. Door prizes.
6. The other little surprises that we've got in store for registered participants. ;)

This policy is not intended to exclude anyone or force people to register, but we do not have MINIUSA's financial ability to purchase a lot of extra stuff to give out to people who show up out of the blue.

Keep those forms coming and we'll see you in June!

[Jerseygirl]

Registration closes this Saturday! Slight change... All registrations postmarked by 3/31 will be accepted.

After that, I'll start finalizing shirt and cling totals so we can get that ball rolling. :)

[Silver_Phoenix]

Thinking about either doing the run from Savannah to Statesville or Statesville to Staughton (spelling) Va. Dont know that I can make the run from Savannah to Maine.... (you know, work and all.....)


If I do go, I will probably make the Savannah to Statesville Run by myself and then pick Nathan up to make the run from Statesville to Staughton the next day. He is working on Day 2.

Who else is making the run?

[MidnightDave]

I'm in for the run up to Statesville, already registered, and Anna from M2C2 with a new '07 CR/B with reverse stripes is coming too...

[Vango]

Im doing I hope from Savannah, GA to Statesville I may have to start in Columbia SC well see how it goes...

[Jerseygirl]

The registrations have really been coming in the last few days. Here are some interesting bits of trivia...

1. We have 10 intrepid MINI owners (so far) who will be doing the entire run from FL to ME.
2. We have 12 people who will be continuing over to MOT after the run.
3. Florida currently holds the lead for the most cars registered (8) and also the most people doing the entire run (4).
4. 12 states are currently represented.


We also have a revised logo for the shirts...
http://thegreaticecreamrun.com/images/GICR004.jpg

Shirt design:
http://thegreaticecreamrun.com/images/GICR008.jpg

[Silver_Phoenix]

I just got my packet today and am excited about the run. Not exactly sure (now) if Im going to be able to make the run from Savannah to Statesville. May just make one leg of the run from Mt Airy to Virginia for day 3.

[MidnightDave]

Rec'd my packet, everything is high quality and there was a bonus, feathered patriot included!

I'm thinking of skipping the drive to go to VIR and then leaving VIR "early" to meet them at their hotel to go eat ice cream and give them some money for their charity...

[Jerseygirl]

For those looking to meet up with us during the run (or at least those people silly enough to follow me)...

A local NEMINI club member up here hooked me up with all kinds of doo-dads that will allow people to track our progress through the entire course of the run.

If you're just curious to see where we are, or are trying to figure out when to head out to meet us somewhere, you'll want to bookmark the page below and peek in from time to time, beginning this coming Saturday morning (6/9).

http://live.alk.com/login.aspx?InviteCode=55517796035202&Language=en-US&Email=route@thegreaticecreamrun.com

[Jerseygirl]

Now that the run is over and I'm sort of unpacked, I just wanted to thank those MINI folks who helped make the run happen (in no particular order)...

Allison - from NEMINI, for contacting all the hotels and ice cream shops
Murray - from CoastalMINIs and murmini.com, for setting up the extravaganza that was our stop in Savannah. From getting a permit for us to parade through the city, to closing the street in front of Leopold's, to working with Leopold's to come up with the special MINI flavors for the night. Thanks Murray! It was a pleasure meeting you after all the months of email.
Ian - from NEMINI, for picking up the Make-A-Wish portion of the run
Heather - from NEMINI, for making the cool ID badges
Kathy - for working with Wright's Dairy Rite in Savannah. I think pretty much everyone had a Wright's Wheelie that night!
Bud - for putting together a great info sheet for people spending time in Rockland and Bar Harbor. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned and we arrived up in Rockland too late for Bud to hang around.
Sharon - from NEMINI, for working with Heisler's to arrange our stop there, even though we never made it. For offering up a free car wash location, even though it rained all day (the ONLY rainy day of the entire run). And for letting Dougal sleep over for a few days until we got back up into the area to pick him up.
Jason - from M2C2 in North Carolina, who along with some other club members, rescued us from our unexpected ghetto ice cream stop and led us up to Carolina Cones.
James - from Sunshine MINIs, who organized the send-off for us down in Sanford and who put together the great goodie bags that everyone received.
Bill - from NEMINI/PhillyMINI, for getting our window clings made, along with the window decals and mini buttons (one of which QQ Jack is now proudly wearing on his scarf)
Alan - from PhillyMINI, for putting together the 2-disc soundtrack that participants who registered for the whole run received
Craig - "Cooperation" from NAM, for coming up with our great event logo based solely on three sentences I sent him describing what we were looking for. And also for producing our event t-shirts.
Rob - from NEMINI, for loaning me everything needed to make the live tracking possible, as well as the use of the Sprint card which let me post updates, even while we were on the road.
Jarlath - for truly embracing the spirit of the run. I don't think he left a single ice cream stop without having at least 2 cones.
Eugene, Grisel, Paul, Becca, Jarlath, David, Erica, and Brandy - for being crazy enough to do the entire run with us!

If I've left anyone out, forgive me!

I hope everyone enjoyed the run whether it was the full 7 days, or just a day or two.