Pre-Dragon Run on 66 - March 18th

[TWISTER]

Lets run up 66 for a few twisties to prepare for the Dragon!

We'll meet at Lowes Home Improvement on University parkway in Winston at 3pm and after the run we'll head over to Big Shots Tavern in Clemmons for dinner and socializing.

GOOGLE LINK TO LOWES (http://www.google.com/maps?q=5901+University+Pky,+Winston-Salem,+NC+27105&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title)

[Vango]

Im in.....

[N2MINI]

Sounds like fun... I'll try to make it..

[MidnightDave]

I'm ** NOT ;-( ** there! Wifey just reminded me we're in ATL that weekend...have fun!

[HotRodPilot]

Would really like to go, but I'll have family in town

[TWISTER]

Would really like to go, but I'll have family in town

Anytime you want to go I'm sure we can get a few to take you on a run

[HPUdrew]

I may not be able to make this one... we'll see though. Might be in Murphy helping to deal on a Honda Fit for the little lady.

Drew

[simplygriff]

I'm going to attempt to make it. Assuming it really is at 3 and not 2. :p
-G

[TWISTER]

Changed to 3pm

[simplygriff]

Cool! Thanks, I'll see what I can do.
-G

[minianni]

what the heck, they're my tires

Steve

[Silver_Phoenix]

Alas, another short notice event.... (poo)

I have to be at work at 2pm in High Point this coming Saturday which means I have to leave from Pinnacle at 1.

66 is a good run, I run it on my way (through Quaker Gap, etc) to Germanton to the Post Office. One thing I suggest though is to run 66 from Rural Hall (where it connects at Old 52 at the Rural Hall bowling alley) and run it all the way up to 268. Also heard that the road to the Stokes Co Landfill has a bunch of curves in it, I cant think of the name of the road right off.... The road runs you right through Quaker Gap.

Also, side track over to Taylor Road. The road is on the right just past that little township- on the other side of the "Oh my GOD you have to be kidding me curves!" (which I know that really narrows it down alot) Taylor Rd loops around back onto 66, and also Rock House Rd has got a few curves in it as well. Rock House Rd connects off of Taylor Rd and takes you up to 268 just west (by about 2-3 miles) of where 66 connects with 268. Taylor Rd has a complete 180 turn on it. (great big <but tight> U-turn), also with some beautiful views.

Also, if you go up 66 past 268 up close to Nancy Reynolds School, there are some more of those "Oh my GOD you have got to be kidding me!" turns. Trust me, riding in a great big firetruck through those turns definately increases the pucker factor!!!!!!!! Just watch your shoulder because some of them have a HUGE drop... if there is even a shoulder!

*I live not far from where 268 connects with 66 across the street from Double Creek FD on 268*

Let me know (at least 2 weeks ahead of time) when the next event is happening. Would love to join you guys on a road trip/get together!

Becky S.

[Bullfrog]

I'd do the 17th with you. I kind of know that neck of the woods. I think 66 North of 268 is great, and then 89 over to the river, and back on Dan George to Quaker gap. Good stuff.

[simplygriff]

Would 1 or 2 PM work on the 17th for both of you?

It'll depend on if I have to work or not. If I do, I'd need to do 3-ish. If I don't then whatever time works for you guys is good for me. I should know what's up this coming Monday when we do March's weekend scheduling.
-G

[HotRodPilot]

ok, let's do 3pm:cool:

Sorry to highjack the thread Mark

[Vango]

I can do eather this sat. or the 17th. would prefer to do the one with the most mini's

Van

[TWISTER]

Changed the date to the 18TH for everyone.

[Silver_Phoenix]

Cool, thanks! I'll deffinately ask off for it!

Its times like these when working 2nd shift REALLY sucks -you know what-!!!!!

[Vango]

Cool sounds like we will have a good turnout.

[HotRodPilot]

Cool sounds like we will have a good turnout.


Yeah, I'm looking forward to it:cool:

[simplygriff]

Awesome!
-G

[TWISTER]

We can do this anytime before the Dragon, even multiple times! I don't want anyone left out.

[N2MINI]

Could do the 18th, but ya'll do which day will get the most people for the trip..Not sure, but might be less traffic on sunday..

[HotRodPilot]

The 18th would work for me. Is the 18th bad for anyone?

[simplygriff]

18th's good for me too. And we did the scheduling early so I'm off the 17th so that's good for me too.
-G

[TWISTER]

You guys set the date and I'll make the arangements at Big Shots

[Vango]

I can do 18th. eather day is ok for me....

[HPUdrew]

I can do the drive either day. The 17th is St. Patricks day though, so I'm out for dinner that day. I'm up for just about anything else though, and hopefully Kati will be in town too. :-)

Drew

[CooperSKart]

I'm thinking about this too - I'll see if I can make it. I especially recall that route since when I was in school at UNCG we used to go to Hanging Rock SP & I would have a blast in my '83 Honda Civic (I used to think of the little hatchback Civic (it only weighed like 1700# & I had a performance cam & Weber carb on it) like it was sort of a rough modern rendition of the old original Mini before BMW brought out the new MINIs). Plus I'm finally ditching the runflats since one of them got destroyed by a nail and getting some good (BFG G-Force Sport) tires & it would be good to put them through the paces a little bit.

[MidnightDave]

I blew out a run flat tonight, so I'm shopping S03s or GY F1s from Alex at Tire Rack. Once on the car, will have to come out and play!

Just bought the S03s from Alex 4 bills and here by Tue!

[FTGT101]

I'll make the 17th

[HotRodPilot]

I'll make the 17th


Can you make it on the 18th?

[Silver_Phoenix]

Ok, so Im confused now. Someone clarify which day its going to be... either the 17th or the 18th.

Also if we do it on the 17th, I know a really good restaurant in Winston off of Stratford Rd with LOTS of beer!!!

Anyone ever been to the Celtic Cafe?

Let me know about the dates so I can ask off at work.


Becky

The 18th I would have to work from 6pm-10pm, and I can probably switch out days, pending on which day everyone is going....

[TWISTER]

I think the majority want the 18th. I had planned on everyone going to this new great place in Clemmons called Big Shotz Tavern. Great place and good beers

[Silver_Phoenix]

Ok, no big deal... I'll ask off for the 18th. Reason why I was suggesting Celtic Cafe was because of St Patty's Day, and the restaurant is... well... Celtic :rolleyes:

Keep us posted on the date and I'll tell them I need the 18th off tommorow.

Becky

[FTGT101]

I am up in the air on the 18th, I'll keep you informed.

[CooperSKart]

The 18th actually works better for me.

[TWISTER]

I changed it to the 18th
3pm at Lowes
5pm at Big Shots Tavern for those who want to just meet us there.

[minianni]

Now I gotta get a new eraser for the my calender.

[Silver_Phoenix]

Its official.... count me in for the 18th. I just got my schedule for that week and I have that sunday off!

Cant wait!!

~becky~

[TWISTER]

Reservations for 5pm at Big Shotz Tavern have been made. Please let me know if you plan on going. You can just meet us there if you don't plan on doing the drive.

[FTGT101]

I can make the 18th

[HotRodPilot]

I'll be going to the Big Shotz Tavern too, thanks for the reservation

[N2MINI]

Me and a passenger will be there for both..

[HPUdrew]

I'll be there for the drive and almost positive I'm going to dinner too.

Drew

[Silver_Phoenix]

I'll be there for the drive and dinner as well. I assume we are all caravaning together from the drive over to dinner.... right? *dont know much about Clemmons*

Im excited, cant wait!

Becky

[minianni]

You have to ask? Silly boy.

the miniannis

[Vango]

Jennifer and I will be there for both the ride and dinner

Van

[MidnightDave]

At least me for both, *maybe* I can talk the wifey into it?

[simplygriff]

We'll have 2 for the drive and at dinner.
-G

[DSRH]

Wow love to come but the first Formula One race of the year is 3/18...party at my house!! WOOHOO!!:) :)

http://www.formula1.com/race/

[minimark]

Wife will be outa town the 18th, but I'll be there for the drive..:cool:

[minianni]

It is on the 18th in Australia. On tv Speed Channel 10:30 pm the 17th. So it looks like the best of both worlds.

[DSRH]

yep thats right...hmmm...I might make it yet. Guess it will be a red bull weekend....:)

[MINI Rog]

Donna & I will plan on making the drive and dinner. Am looking forward to the twisties and the beer selection.

[minianni]

the martini's are veeeery good ...(hic)

[simplygriff]

http://images.yelp.com/bphoto/isV9cXlxoqeWAy5RTulGCg/l
-G

[SALEMGYM]

Will be 2 for the drive and dinner.

[TWISTER]

Bullfrog is not leading us... he'll leave us in the dust. If he promises to keep us in his rear view, then maybe.

[MidnightDave]

In 15 minutes behind him at the track, he taught me: a) to use the whole track, b) to maintain momentum c) it's not about HP, it's about skill... JustaCoopers rule!

[Bullfrog]

You guys are too kind.

I would dearly love to make this one, but my daughter is moving back to NC from Sacramento and is staying with us until her new house is ready. I'm playing grandfather this weekend, and unless I can talk my son-in-law into taking a ride, I'll probably be at the house.

[Minime]

So its 3pm at lowe's on university parkway and 5pm at the resturant in clemmens?

I'll try to make it for the drive, if not then at the resturant.

[TWISTER]

yes Jim 3 and somewhere near 5

[TWISTER]

Bring your walkie talkies!

[MINI Rog]

What channel are we going to be on?

[MidnightDave]

I think 7 sub 21 is the "norm".

[TWISTER]

That is correct but tomorrow we might use a freq that goes a lil further

[HotRodPilot]

The HotRod's all washed and ready to go:cool:

[CooperSKart]

I can't make this unfortunately - I've managed to pick up a nice little case of bronchitis (got a 4 YO in daycare, i.e. germ factory). Ya'll have fun!

[Vango]

Great time today thanks to everyone that planned the trip. Who knew you could have that much fun with your clothes on...

Thanks again
Van

[N2MINI]

FUN TIME!!! Sure did get the heart rate raising!! Next time girlfriend wants to meet up with any of the other ladies, and meet us afterwards...Guess I didn't really fill her in on what it was going to be like..

[Silver_Phoenix]

Yeah, thanks guys!! I had a blast today..... It was good to finally meet all of you (who attended) so now I can put a face with a name ;)

Hopefully I can make it to a monday night meeting here soon....

Take care and see you at the next one!

Becky

[minianni]

We had a great time at dinner. I had a great time on the drive. The next time cocktails for the ladies will be at the Darcy's.

So Roger... How long was it before Donna started to get NAKED on the way back to Burlington? :-) Greensboro?

Hey, there really is a Katie.

The minianni's

[minianni]

Hey Griff. Sorry to hear about your tire. Hope you made it back safe. Missed you guys at dinner.

mr.minianni

[simplygriff]

Had a great time while it lasted... Thanks much to Mark for sticking around and helping me at least figure out how to get home. The slime and air re-fill just made it to the house. I'm gonna have to pump the tire back up in the morning to get up around the corner to the tire shop. It's all good though. The drive today was so great! Woulda been even better with some decent tire pressure and the DSC not coming on so dang much. hahaha :D Huge thanks to Bullfrog for leading! And can't wait to see MidnightDave's pics cause we kinda forgot to take any. Hope you guys had a good meal and hope to see a lot of you tomorrow night @ Ruby's!
-G

[HPUdrew]

Hey all, I had a great time today. Kati really enjoyed it too, and was really happy to meet everyone. Griff I hate you had tire problems, but at least you made it home safely.

Dave, lets see those pics! Well, maybe not the ones with ME in them, but the rest are fine. ;)

Drew

[MINI Rog]

Okay, where to start? What a wonderful drive, Donna even promised to ride with me again on the twisties (easy to say now that it's over). We had a great time as always and enjoyed getting to meet some new folks. Dinner was G R E A T. Steve, Donna made it home fully clothed. Need to do some wine tasting sooon.

[FTGT101]

Griff sorry you had the tire issue! I had a really great time. We need to do that again soon and I will try to be there for the kickoff next time.

[MidnightDave]

Had a great time, as did the wifey. I'm glad she finally came with me, thanks for making her feel welcome.

Have one of each of the cars that stayed for dinner, but don't plan to post them all here for band width. Let me know if you want your car pic posted.

BTW, no pics from the road, my hands were a little busy steering and shifting!

P.S. to Rob, did you meet Daniel, who joined us late? He's the one who set us up with Tony and the Cobra club, (they work together).

Till next time...

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/5121/img2388ok2.jpg
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9129/img2390uk1.jpg
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/8198/img2391ja1.jpg
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/9803/img2392at6.jpg

[MidnightDave]

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/5272/img2396ti6.jpg
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/1439/img2393ip1.jpg
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/6662/img2404bi9.jpg
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/5764/img2387jl1.jpg

[MidnightDave]

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/835/img2402de5.jpg
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/7544/img2401jd2.jpg

She's not a figment of his imagination! ;-)
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/1917/img2418tu8.jpg

Finally...the end.
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/3551/img2405fc8.jpg

[simplygriff]

Wow! You guys look so good all lined up! See... I wouldn't have fit. :p
-G

[MidnightDave]

Griff, you just reminded me, we traded a car or two! Look at the photo with Mark's car in the middle, then this one...

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/1148/img2398xb4.jpg

I'll throw in this directional arrow, in case the driver gets confused?

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/8986/img2417is8.jpg

I also can't get over how cool Mark's wheels look, with the painted calipers!

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/3220/img2386gs5.jpg

[HPUdrew]

Haha, don't worry Dave, the direction isn't to remind me which way to drive. It's just another car sites logo. :)

Man those are some goofy pics of me! Kati will like the one of us though. I'll try to get her to post up the pics she took today in the parking lot.

Drew

[minimark]

Wow what a great time! Thanks Mark for the use of the radio. Thanks to everyone for a good time. Hate I couldn't stay for dinner but the wife was just getting back in town.... Soooo, when we going again!:D

[Silver_Phoenix]

Oh, did anybody mention the new recruit we picked up in the parking lot after pretty much everyone left????? Yeah.... There were (maybe) 4 of us left at the restaurant in the parking lot, and here comes this dark silver MC pulling in.... Drew went and gave them a THMMC card.... I think they'll join:rolleyes:

[TWISTER]

Thank you everyone for making this another fine event with laughs and good times.

G, glad you made it home. I really didn't do anything folks, just hung around to see him get on his way.

[Bullfrog]

It turns out that at some point during the run, I blew my right engine mount. Oil gooshing out all over, very ugly. Flow will replace. I hear 05's tend to do that.

[HotRodPilot]

You have the TSW engine damper, don't you? It seems like that would keep the vibration and stress off of the stock damper. Let us know if FLOW has any theories on why it happened:(

[Bullfrog]

Yep, I have the TSW damper. Since it's a mod, Steve said if I took it off they'd pretend it was never there. From what I read on NAM, it's fairly common. I think they must have had a bad run of them mid 2005, but I don't know for sure.

[HPUdrew]

I did some research on that too and it seems it's a pretty common problem on all 02-06 MINIs. Mine actually seemed to be doing some extra moving after the run too... I might be in the same boat as you Rob.

Drew

[simplygriff]

Yeah, it is common. Speaking of which, I need to go double check mine and my damper just to make sure everything's good. I picked up a little rattle in the front part of the dash actually on that run. http://www.simplygriff.com/Images/Emoticons/shrug03.gif
-G

[HPUdrew]

Mine is in for service now and they will be checking out my motor mount, and my boot not closing right, and a rough idle, and a dash rattle, and the steering wheel sitting off center... man... It's a good thing I love this little car!

Drew

[MidnightDave]

Hey Griff, I picked up a dash rattle, somewhere on the passenger side, too. I had read on NAM about this happening, at idle with the engine damper, but had not experienced it till now. Actually, it started after the track day. Maybe spirited driving loosens something that is then vibrated by the damper?

Anyway, it's nothing the new Invidia exhaust and louder volume on the radio won't fix. ;-)

Rob, Drew, sorry to hear about your situations!

[HotRodPilot]

and the steering wheel sitting off center...

Drew

I've had the same problem since about 20,000 miles (43,000 now). They did an alignment and charged me for it, and it still didn't fix it ( I don't think the tech drove it after, as the steering hadn't changed after it)

I got my money back for it, and at the next service I had them look at it again. The tech just mounted the steering wheel more to the right (it was about 10* to the left) so now it's about 2-3* to the right. There are mounting notches in the back of the wheel that keep from infinite adjustments. The wheel doesn't pull at all one direction or the other, so it seems like it's just the way the wheel is mounted or something. I doubt that the dealership will be able to get to the bottom of it, since both times they didn't seem to have a clue on my car.

If they make headway on yours please pass it along:cool:

[simplygriff]

Hey Griff, I picked up a dash rattle, somewhere on the passenger side, too. I had read on NAM about this happening, at idle with the engine damper, but had not experienced it till now. Actually, it started after the track day. Maybe spirited driving loosens something that is then vibrated by the damper?

Anyway, it's nothing the new Invidia exhaust and louder volume on the radio won't fix. ;-)

Rob, Drew, sorry to hear about your situations!

Interesting. Mine's on the driver side. I haven't driven very much since Sunday, just to and from work everyday so I haven't really heard it again. I'm keeping my ears open though. And yes a louder radio will definitely take care of it. :P
-G

[Bullfrog]

Flow put in a new motor mount today, feel's much better. Now I just have to clean up the rest of the glop that leaked out.

[simplygriff]

Get that up soon Rob. From what I understand if you let that sit it's gonna get super nasty.
-G

[MINI Rog]

We I guess I'm in the club now too. Had to have my right side engine mount replaced today. Goop started leaking on my garage floor a couple of days ago and I thought it was motor oil but much blacker. Stuff is really hard to get up.