November 11th in Raleigh, Durham, Cary etc.

[TWISTER]

How about a meet and greet in the RDU area of the state? See post #7 for location and links to meeting place.

I'll have club shirts available and decals!

Please post here if you can attend or have a better date and time.

[oznogonzo]

Sounds fun... count me in :D

Scott

[CooperSKart]

I'll be there - thats right in my neck o the woods!

[Mr. Magoo]

I think I can make that. No weddings, and no sailing.

[onefastmini]

I marked my calendar and I'll try to make it. I suppose those leaving Winston should meet at Flow? Mark, let us know what time!
--Dan

[TWISTER]

Will do as soon as I know where and what time

[Hets]

would propose a different location..... XIOS restaurant in APEX... owner is MINI enthusiast, food is great and there is a open parking slot in front of the restaurant.

There is also some great twisty roads close by that we can do a short ride to enjoy the scenery of jordan lake... (could meet at Highway 55 / Highhouse Road Intersection before we head out for a 30-45 minute ride and then get to the restaurant....)... for those coming from Winston is a short ride off I40. .... could organize the ride/book the restaurant if interested... appreaciate any thouhgts and feedback...

http://www.xioscafe.com/sections/about_main.html

From Chapel Hill

There are two convenient ways to get to Xios Authentic Greek Cuisine from Chapel Hill:

1) Take Chapel Hill Road, or alternately I-40, east to Highway 55. Turn right and follow Highway 55 until you cross over Highway 64. Once you pass Beaver Creek Commons on your right, Xios Authentic Greek Cuisine is approximately a 1/2 mile on your left in Peakway Market Square.

2) This is the scenic route - at least during daylight hours. Head south of Chapel Hill on Farrington Road. Cross over Jordan Lake and proceed to the intersection of Highway 64 and Farrington. Turn left and drive about eight miles, or thereabout, on Highway 64 until you reach the exit for Highway 55. Turn right at the top of the ramp and proceed past Beaver Creek Commons on your right. Xios Authentic Greek Cuisine is approximately a 1/2 mile on your left in Peakway Market Square.

[TWISTER]

I think thats a great idea! Please contact him and let him know a few of us will be there at lunch. Last time we had 18 cars show up and I don't want to overwhelm him.

[HPUdrew]

This sounds like a fun event, count me in. :)

Drew

[TWISTER]

Lets shoot for a 1pm gathering out front

[Hets]

Will do so and will reserve a table for up to 15 people..... don't think that his Saturday lunch is normally so busy... 13:00 on Saturday, November 11th

PS: As the scienic ride toward jordan lake concerns, please let me know who is interested so this can be coordinated as well..... could be done either before or after Lunch

[doodlez]

I'm interested! Is 13:00 on 11 Nov firm?

[scooter]

We'll probably be there but will need directions to restaurant. Might try to catch some cars going from Winston area and run down together if we can set time and place to hook up

Keith

[MINI Rog]

MINI Rog will be there. My kids live just down the road on 55.

[Hets]

Let me herewith confirm exact Date and Time for the Raleigh/Cary meet and Greet:

Date: Saturday November 11th
Time: 13:00 in front of Parking lot of XIOS Restaurant in APEX (Table booked)
Location: XIOS Restaurant in APEX (just off Intersection of Highway 55 and 64.... leave Lowes/Target behind you on the left... Xios Restaurant is approx. 1/2 Mile after the Intersection.

For those interested I will organize a short Scienic drive via some nice backroads towards Jordan Lake after Lunch that will take us to the lake and then back to Southpoint/I-40.

http://www.xioscafe.com/sections/about_main.html

From Chapel Hill

There are two convenient ways to get to Xios Authentic Greek Cuisine from Chapel Hill:

1) Take Chapel Hill Road, or alternately I-40, east to Highway 55. Turn right and follow Highway 55 until you cross over Highway 64. Once you pass Beaver Creek Commons on your right, Xios Authentic Greek Cuisine is approximately a 1/2 mile on your left in Peakway Market Square.

2) This is the scenic route - at least during daylight hours. Head south of Chapel Hill on Farrington Road. Cross over Jordan Lake and proceed to the intersection of Highway 64 and Farrington. Turn left and drive about eight miles, or thereabout, on Highway 64 until you reach the exit for Highway 55. Turn right at the top of the ramp and proceed past Beaver Creek Commons on your right. Xios Authentic Greek Cuisine is approximately a 1/2 mile on your left in Peakway Market Square.

-----------------
Helmut (Hets)
Royal Grey MCS / Lotus Elise

[TWISTER]

I can't wait! I hope there is a great turnout.

[simplygriff]

I'm pretty sure we'll be there. What can we get together as far as driving down together?
-G

[MINI Rog]

MINI Rog will be departing Burlington at about 11:30am. It is a 1 hour drive from Burlington via I 40 to the restaurant depending if UNC is having a home game that day or not. If there is a home game that travel time could be longer.

[TWISTER]

lets meet MINI Rog at the closest exit for him

[simplygriff]

Works for me. Wanna meet in GSO like we did for that last Burlington meet Twister? Not necessarily at the strip club but near the mall. :D
-G

[simplygriff]

One other thing to consider is there is another Import car club(www.importsnc.com) having a statewide meet in Raleigh the same day. Could cause some additional traffic issues. I can't remember where they're meeting though in relation to where we're going.
-G

[TWISTER]

Lets meet at the Nations Bank in front of JCP

[oznogonzo]

One other thing to consider is there is another Import car club(www.importsnc.com) having a statewide meet in Raleigh the same day. Could cause some additional traffic issues. I can't remember where they're meeting though in relation to where we're going.
-G

Looks like they are going to Frankies fun park which is about 10 miles north of where we will be in Apex. You should have no problem other than possibly swatting at the cans of bumble bees from those tuners while on I-40 :p

[MINI Rog]

That would be Exit 143 on I-40. We can meet in the Home Depot parking lot.

[Mr. Magoo]

Works for me. Wanna meet in GSO like we did for that last Burlington meet Twister? Not necessarily at the strip club but near the mall. :D
-G

I'm planning to go also. Where can we meet in GSO? Griff, I can meet at your workplace and go from there.

[simplygriff]

I found out yesterday that I have some family coming into town for that weekend. I'm a little unsure if I'll be able to make it at this point. I'll let you guys know more when I know more.

If I go,
Magoo that works for me and Twister that would work too. Magoo and I can meet you there.
-G

[HPUdrew]

I'm in for this and I'll be joining the group from the triad, wherever it is we decide to meet.

Drew

[agh19]

The spouse and I will be there. The restaurant is pretty close and the food quite good. I'll pass on the invitation to my new neighbor with the bright yellow '72 RHD, if I'm allowed.

Alan
05 BRG S Cabrio

[Mr. Magoo]

The spouse and I will be there. The restaurant is pretty close and the food quite good. I'll pass on the invitation to my new neighbor with the bright yellow '72 RHD, if I'm allowed.

Alan
05 BRG S Cabrio

Absolutely, we always enjoy seeing the "beginning" of the MINI. The more the merrier, regardless of size.

[imapepper]

Count me in - I can actually walk there - but I'll drive around the block a few times on my way there. Ah - a home town event - Triad events are going to be good.

[HotRodPilot]

I'll be there as long as nothing pops up at work

[Mr. Magoo]

Ground all planes!!!!

[MINI Rog]

Looks like this is going to be a huge turnout judging by the attendees from Burlington West. I hope the greeks are ready for us.

[simplygriff]

Alright we'll be there. Can't do the drive after lunch but that menu made my mouth water.

Magoo, wanna meet at my office at 10:30 then head to the mall to meet Mark?
-G

[HPUdrew]

I'm looking forward to this, looks like it will be a lot of fun! I'll try to bring a friend along again. All of my friends want to see what this whole MINI revolution is all about, haha. :)

Drew

[scooter]

Mary and I are definately planning on making the trip.
looks like a good sized group forming
Keith

[Lou777]

This sounds like it's going to be a blast, but I think Rick and I are out for this one. Lots of stuff going on up here and there's the threat of company that weekend.

Have fun and post lots of pictures!

[minianni]

We will try to make it. Have to see how "chippy" I feel after business trip to Ga. It's shaping up to be a real "fun" one.:( Let you know if anf when I get back.

mr. minianni

[Chuffed2Bits]

Okaaaaayyyyy Mark, do you like have a radar or something for when my MS Society events are scheduled?! LOL There happens to be one that day too! But I have decided that I am going to join y'all that day instead! I've stayed away too damn long and this is in my neck of the woods, so count me in! I'm not sure if I'll be along for the drive but I will at least meet up with everyone for lunch!

~Lyn

[MINI Rog]

Traffic alert!!! They are repaving I40 East & West from the 15-501 exit at Chapel Hill to the Durham Freeway. That is the section they just widened a few years ago but are now having to repave due to defective concrete. This evening it took my daughter 2+ hours to go from Burlington to the Jordan Lake exit (normally a 25 minute drive). I would suggest that we plan to depart Burlington at 11:00am next Saturday rather than the 11:30 proposed departure time. What say y'all?

[simplygriff]

That works for me if it works for everyone else.
-G

[HPUdrew]

How about some side roads to completely avoid the traffic and construction? I'll check out Google Maps to see if there are any alternate routes...

Drew

[TWISTER]

How about some side roads to completely avoid the traffic and construction? I'll check out Google Maps to see if there are any alternate routes...

Drew

I'm for that!

[HPUdrew]

Ok, so how about meeting in Burlington as planned and taking 87 South to 64 East? Seems simple and actually passes us over the lake too.

How 'bout them MSpaint skills? :p
http://www.tarheelminis.org/gallery/data/500/medium/new_route.JPG

Drew

[TWISTER]

Thats my vote!

[Mr. Magoo]

Beats the interstate. Just let me know where if GSO and when.

[HPUdrew]

I'm thinking both 87 and 64 are still somewhat high traffic roads, though nothing like 40/85. We should probably plan to leave 30 minutes earlier than originally planned, both from Greensboro and Burlington, but that should leave us plenty of time. There are probably slow sections and stop lights at points on this drive that would slow us down.

Drew

[TWISTER]

I really want Niki to come with us and if this turns out to be a 6+ hour day she'll bail on us.

I've been that route and it's mostly divided 4 lane highway with little to no lights or stops.

I'm a follower on this route, not a leader. I say stick with the original plan and we get there, when we get there.

[HPUdrew]

Sounds good to me.

Drew

[simplygriff]

I'm down for whatever. Just let me know what time we're meeting now.
-G

[TWISTER]

leaving @ 11 at four seasons no later

[simplygriff]

Ok. Magoo, do you want to meet to drive to the mall or just meet there?
-G

[MINI Rog]

Which original plan? 87 - 64 or I-40 with construction. I've been the 87 - 64 route and the 87 part is 2 lane but 64 is divided and not too bad. Will certainly be faster than I-40 plus I also heard that the exit at Hwy 55 was closed this past weekend, don't know if that's related to the I-40 repaving or not.

[HPUdrew]

I think the new plan is for those of us coming from G-boro and west of there to meet at 4 Seasons mall and leave BY 11am, meeting the Burlington people shortly after, and then taking 87/64 to the restaurant.

Right? :-P

Drew

[TWISTER]

u r correct

[Mr. Magoo]

I really want Niki to come with us and if this turns out to be a 6+ hour day she'll bail on us.

I've been that route and it's mostly divided 4 lane highway with little to no lights or stops.

I'm a follower on this route, not a leader. I say stick with the original plan and we get there, when we get there.

Trick. Set her watch back a couple of hours. You would be surprised how that fools them. Trust me, it works.

[TWISTER]

To make the RDU event a bit more special, I think it would be a good idea to make the event a Food Drive to benefit The Second Harvest Food Bank.

Please bring some canned food items with you this weekend for collection, and I'll deliver them all to the Food Bank personally next week. Remember, there are people less fortunate than we are out there, so let's help to make the upcoming holidays a little brighter for some of them, and have fun at the same time.

We'll be doing another Meet & Greet in Greensboro in December and will have a food drive then. That event will be our Annual Holiday Party/Food Drive. Stay tuned to the Events Forum for more information on this.

[Hets]

Mark,

great suggestion, would like to add another one... will donate the 1st 2007 MINI Cooper (R56) of North Carolina (as far as I am aware) for auction...a must for the true MINI enthusiast...

Details: Brand new Chili Red 2007 MINI Cooper (R56), Black/Red interior, 0 miles, Scale 1:24... (see picture)

All proceeds will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank.

42

Hets
Royal Grey MCS / LOTUS Elise

[Mr. Magoo]

Ok. Magoo, do you want to meet to drive to the mall or just meet there?
-G

I'll just meet you at the Mall.

[simplygriff]

Cool. I think that'll just be easier. :)
-G

[HPUdrew]

My friend that was going to come with me had to cancel, but I am still coming and looking forward to hopefully seeing a bunch of new MINIs out there. Looks like we have perfect weather coming our way too, I think God must drive a MINI. :)

Drew

[MidnightDave]

You bet she does! ;-)

[MINI Rog]

Just found out that the I-40 closure doesn't start until 8:00pm Saturday night so we should be just fine motoring on the interstate Saturday.

[HPUdrew]

Now the question is... do we want to motor on the interstate? Hmmm.....

Drew

[simplygriff]

We're just along for the ride, I'll let you guys make that determination. I vote for which ever will keep our cars cleaner. :D
-G

[Mr. Magoo]

I'm not the "bus driver". Heck I did not even buy a ticket. "Wherever the bus goes, I goes there too." I'm with Griff, clean is best.

[TWISTER]

I have 5 CLUB badges for sale and I'll have them with me on Saturday

[simplygriff]

You still got the Mini Motoring Hearts from the Tanglewood thing?
-G

[TWISTER]

I do have one for you

[simplygriff]

Sweet, thanks.
-G

[MidnightDave]

Guys, the Zaino clinic was cancelled, and it's going to beautiful weather, so I'm up for a road trip, just not sure if it's 2 hrs South to the DDM mod day to see the 62 car, or 2.5 hrs North to join you guys?

I think Dan is heading South?

Let's put it this way, don't count on me, but do post what channel you'll have your FRS set to, and listen for MidnightDave chattering away just in case! :p

Enjoy!

[HPUdrew]

Hey Dave, you've got a radio waiting on you if you come with us. ;-) Haha, looking forward to seeing everyone today, looks to be a beautiful day!

For those of us convoying from Burlington, lets just figure out which direction to take when we get to Burlington. I am fine with either way but would rather stick to 87/64 personally.

Drew

[MINI Rog]

Thanks to Helmut for suggesting the location for yesterday's meet. It was great food and a great turnout. Donna says she is sorry for the out of the way trek but it did turn out to be scenic and we were only a little late. Also, thanks to Mark for my new navy blue bonnet racing stripes, my MINI goes so much faster now. Looking forward to the next event. By the way Mark, how much food did we collect?

Roger

[Mr. Magoo]

Thanks to everyone that came out to the meeting and especially thanks to Helmut for the drive afterwards. Great drive and glad to know you don't have to go to the mountains to find "twisties".

Also enjoyed meeting Andrew and glad to see another cooper with the aero kit. Yours looks great.

BTW, what was the railroad "museum" that we passed. Is that a working rail line or what?

[TWISTER]

Photos uploaded today in gallery!

Thanks to everyone who came! A lot of food and cash was donated to the 2nd Harvest Food Bank.

[Hets]

Thank's again for everyone coming to the Saturday event. Was a great day and lot's of fun..!! Good to hear that also the food drive turned out to be successful...

PS: the railroad we are crossing is a "museum".....never done a ride on it but must be good fun... http://www.nhvry.org/

PS1: there is more great road's out there around the lake... (...drive to be continued...Go&Motor)

[HPUdrew]

Maybe once that Elise is broken in we can get back out there and see if anyone stands a chance catching up to that little exotic. I meant to ask you Hets, how do you think the MINI compares in handling and acceleration to the Elise? Obviously it will be behind in both areas, but what's your take on it?

I had a great time at the meet and the drive was a bunch of fun too. I'd be willing to head out to Raleigh occasionally for some of these get togethers. Heck, what am I talking about, I love motoring... we could have weekly meetings at the beach and I would probably join them all. :)

Drew

[simplygriff]

Had a great time with you guys Saturday. Food was good, scenery was great and the company was excellent.

And I'm with Drew, I down for whatever you guys can get going down in that area. Monthly or weekly or whathaveyou. Just post it up. :D
-G

[Hets]

Maybe once that Elise is broken in we can get back out there and see if anyone stands a chance catching up to that little exotic. I meant to ask you Hets, how do you think the MINI compares in handling and acceleration to the Elise? Obviously it will be behind in both areas, but what's your take on it?

I had a great time at the meet and the drive was a bunch of fun too. I'd be willing to head out to Raleigh occasionally for some of these get togethers. Heck, what am I talking about, I love motoring... we could have weekly meetings at the beach and I would probably join them all. :)

Drew

Drew,

look at the article below... http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/17/mf-review-lotus-elise-vs-mini-cooper-s/

can only confirm what is written in the article.... the Lotus is much more intense and direct than the MINI (compare the MINI to any other car and you come to that conclusion....)... so to some aspect to me the LOTUS is very similar to the MINI, just taking thing's a bit further into the extreme...

PS: I am sure we find a day when we can do a nice side by side compare (e.g. at VIR...)...

Hets

[HPUdrew]

I'm up for testing that out at the track one of these days. Looks like I have a lot of work to do now. ;-)

Drew

[Hets]

Don't worry, at the end it comes down to driving skills and courage.... :-) .... both car's can go faster than we can probably handle...

[simplygriff]

Couple pics from the day...

http://www.tarheelminis.org/gallery/data/500/medium/DSCN1933.jpg

http://www.tarheelminis.org/gallery/data/500/medium/DSCN1953.jpg

And from my little detour...

http://www.simplygriff.com/Images/MINI_Images/Magnus-Happy-Motoring.jpg

http://www.simplygriff.com/Images/MINI_Images/Magnus-Happy-Motoring-2.jpg
-G

[BlimeyCabrio]

I stopped by for a few minutes with my kids but unfortunately had to head home and couldn't motor out with the group - could anyone share the super secret route you took with me? Always looking for great roads - sounds like Helmut led you on some good ones...

Thanks!

[Hets]

go following route..... (there are more nice road's out in that area, so would not be worried if you get lost.....)

from XIOS go Highway 55 south till S. Salem street (2 stoplights), turn left,
go left on S.Salem street (less than 1/4 mile) to Tingen Road, follow Tingen Road till it merges into Old Holly Springs-Apex Road go "straigt" till Holly Spring-Apex road merges into Wood Creek Road follow Wood Creek Road and turn left on Friendship road, follow Friendship road, turn right on New Hill Holemann road, turn left on Old US Highway one, turn right onto Daisey Street (olf Train museum), follow Beaver Creek road till you reach Highway 64, cross 64 onto Farrington road.... from there you can go up to chappel hilll (nice ride or go some of the side streets aroung the lake... couple of nice backroads....

PS: think will go out and motor sunday afternoon (planning lunch at Xios) and then do a short ride....

[BlimeyCabrio]

Maybe a right on South Salem instead? Otherwise, GOT IT. Cool - Tingen and Beaver Creek were new to me - never knew where they went - have driven the others before. Very cool.

[Hets]

Yes you are right... should have been right on South Salem Street...

PS: try also Old US 1, turn right at Christian Chapel Road and then back to Fuquay via 42... great twisties... (lots of motorcycles though on weekends...)

[BlimeyCabrio]

Hets - drove a variation of these routes today - excellent loop!

I did Tingen/Friendship/Holloman-NewHill/ShearonHarris/US1/Christian Chapel/42 - really nice drive and some excellent twisties (finally figured out what it takes to make my DSC kick in :cool:).

I was going to take Buckhorn/Duncan road off 42 back to cass holt and rex road and Avent Ferry back to Holly Springs - but missed the turn and ended up driving back through FV. ended up being a nice 45 mile / 55 minute loop.
Next time I'll try to add the cut Rex road cut through as that's a cool road also...

THANKS again for the directions!

[oznogonzo]

I think we should start a new thread listing nice routes to drive here in the triangle. I have a few that are in northern Wake County headed north out of Raleigh... I will find out the names of the roads soon. We could also make up detailed maps of the routes, which shouldn't be too hard with Google maps or some such.

Scott

[TWISTER]

New Forum started

[BlimeyCabrio]

Mark - u da man!

Scott - excellent idea!

[Hets]

Hets - drove a variation of these routes today - excellent loop!

I did Tingen/Friendship/Holloman-NewHill/ShearonHarris/US1/Christian Chapel/42 - really nice drive and some excellent twisties (finally figured out what it takes to make my DSC kick in :cool:).

I was going to take Buckhorn/Duncan road off 42 back to cass holt and rex road and Avent Ferry back to Holly Springs - but missed the turn and ended up driving back through FV. ended up being a nice 45 mile / 55 minute loop.
Next time I'll try to add the cut Rex road cut through as that's a cool road also...

THANKS again for the directions!


Good to hear that you had a fun and save drive..... Great Idea to have a new section on the forum on "great rides"....!!