Helenblitz 2011!!

[laardilla21]

Howdy Everyone!

I just wanted to put out there that I have spoken to Carol, who is running the event. From what I have heard, it is going to be quite an event. More info can be found at the link below:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/tar-heel-mini-motoring-club/199219-helenblitz-2011-helen-ga.html

I am curious if any other folks are planning on attending this event? I am going to book my hotel and whatnot soon, and was thinking about making plans to meet others on the way out to the event.

Thanks All!
- Johnny

[SNEEEZY - Erika]

I just booked my room for Helenblitz!

The website for the hotel shows one room remaining at the $54 rate, so anyone who is on the fence....well, you know what to do!

[laardilla21]

I just booked my room for Helenblitz!

Awesome! I assume you are going down Friday. I have not decided if I wanna come down Friday and spend two nights or Saturday and spend one. I wish I knew if other folks were coming because I would love to make a list. If you would like, we could possible meet up and head out together??

[SNEEEZY - Erika]

We're both headed to Helenblitz, but from opposite directions. I'm heading down from Hampton Roads, VA. I think there are a few others from the HRMINI group who are already booked or on the fence. Perhaps you can catch a caravan from one of the Florida groups?

I'm going to post an update on the HRMINI Helenblitz thread in a moment...

[laardilla21]

I just booked my room for Helenblitz! No more standard rooms, so I had to get one of the riverfront rooms, but I am not gonna complain! :)

Now to get my parts here and installed before the event. Then I can test them out on the twisties!

[laardilla21]

More or less bringing this back to everybody's attention....

Also, I am in charge of one of the two runs on Saturday the 26th!! It will be my first time being the leader, so it should be interesting....

I cannot wait til the 25th!

[colejd]

More or less bringing this back to everybody's attention....

Also, I am in charge of one of the two runs on Saturday the 26th!! It will be my first time being the leader, so it should be interesting....

I cannot wait til the 25th!

What roads will you be driving. Here's my favorite route.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Helen,+GA&daddr=State+Route+180+to:GA-75+Alt+N+to:State+Route+180%2FWolf+Pen+Gap+Rd+to:GA-9+N%2FUS-19+N+to:Helen,+GA&geocode=FayAEQIdkFsC-ymhKjoL1DdfiDGoI2XZ_jfVjg%3BFZImEwIdoooA-w%3BFe2xEAId4VsB-w%3BFSzqEQIdFJn--g%3BFaawEAId7Kr_-g%3BFayAEQIdkFsC-ymhKjoL1DdfiDGoI2XZ_jfVjg&hl=en&mra=ls&sll=34.649308,-83.853836&sspn=0.231595,0.444603&ie=UTF8&ll=34.740202,-83.876495&spn=0.231341,0.444603&z=12 Great roads. :pleasantry:I might be coming if work will let me.

[laardilla21]

Supposedly, the person who is organizing it all has some route laid out already and is going to email me the maps. I assume those roads will be included. I think the runs are meant to be about an hour and half each. I am really looking forward to it.

[colejd]

How are the mods working?

[laardilla21]

The DDM Street Intake is awesome. It makes some pretty awesome noises. The only issue I have with it is how close it comes to that black tube that run over the turbo inlet pipe. I think I may shorten the 90 degree tubing to make a better fit soon. The NM springs and sway bar are great, as well. It completely changes the character on the car. It is definitely better money spent, than buying an exhaust...

[colejd]

I concur about the money well spend statement. I am thinking of getting the NM discharge pipe but probably no in time your Helenblitz.

[MINIFIED]

Just as an FYI, since I don't see a more appropriate thread on this forum for Helenblitz co-ordination .. Josh (FiletOFish) is heading out of Raleigh on Thursday AM with a stopover in Greer at the BMW plant.
Friday AM there will be at least two MINIs headed to Helen from the Triangle .. any others welcome to join us. Expect to leave Raleigh between 9-10am, several stops enroute planned. If you want to join us PM before 9am on Friday or call the cell 9I9 - 6O6 - 65I5

Fridays trek may encounter some rain, but Helen's weather is predicted to be GREAT for the weekend!

[laardilla21]

I am heading out of Charleston tomorrow around like 10AM. I am super happy that Saturday is supposed to be amazing. The rain would have killed it. I cannot wait to see everyone who comes!

[MINIFIED]

Quick note .. headed out of Raleigh in about 30 mins .. just as FYI we are going to take 40 to Asheville rather than 40/85 in case anyone from western NC is coming through and wants to *try* and co-ordinate. Yea, driving in the rain today, but it's a fair trade for a beautiful weekend .. not too late for a last minute plan if you aren't already going, ya know!!

[Medevack1]

Have fun i went last year for SOWO and had a BALL make sure you guys post alot of PICS .......

[colejd]

All THMMC members made it to Helenblitz safely even while getting stuck in traffic occasionally, having every semi truck in the nation on I-40, I-77, and I-85 at the same time, and all cars (but Minis of course) acting like pace cars in the the fast lane of a two lane interstate. Looking forward to great weather and fine twisties. I'll try and post some pictures tonight but honestly, I'd rather drive!

[laardilla21]

Well Jeff, today we drive!

There also happens to be a Countryman among us here from Hendrick MINI in Charlotte. Hmmm. The runs are today, so there will be more pictures to come! I will have a copilot this time, so we should be able to get some great shots!

[slimjimtell]

Quit with this...your making me jealous!!!!!!

[laardilla21]

Today has been awesome!!

I think the total number of MINIs was 56. This is the biggest number of MINIs for Helenblitz ever!

Here are some pics from the photo shoot and the run I led today:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5479902140_622344dc20_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jahorsley/5479902140/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5479306483_c5bbea8a6c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jahorsley/5479306483/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5017/5479298153_107703885d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jahorsley/5479298153/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5479893686_7a047bdbcb_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jahorsley/5479893686/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5016/5479284421_f7a9a0265d_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jahorsley/5479284421/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5479882368_d333d90123.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jahorsley/5479882368/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5479918278_2deb156ef4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jahorsley/5479918278/)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5479909960_16e327223c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jahorsley/5479909960/)

[slimjimtell]

JUST enough fun to piss a man off!! Man I wish I was there!

Looks awesome.

Johnny, How did those mods help you. Was anyone able to keep up with you?

[Medevack1]

nice keep them coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[colejd]

Here are some of my shots of the group picture setup and driver's meeting.

http://www.tarheelminis.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6726&d=1298777857

http://www.tarheelminis.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6730&d=1298808314

http://www.tarheelminis.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6732&d=1298808321

http://www.tarheelminis.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6731&d=1298808317

http://www.tarheelminis.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6729&d=1298808304

http://www.tarheelminis.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6728&d=1298808299

http://www.tarheelminis.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6727&d=1298808294

[laardilla21]

Hey Jeff,

Can you email me the full size pictures of the group shots?? I am making a collage of sorts and would love them. I think my gmail can handle 10MB of data, so if it needs two emails or more, go for it.

jahorsle@gmail.com

Thanks!
- Johnny

[laardilla21]

JUST enough fun to piss a man off!! Man I wish I was there!

Looks awesome.

Johnny, How did those mods help you. Was anyone able to keep up with you?

Sorry, Jim. Haha.

It was great! The mods worked well. The new suspension setup allowed me to feel much more confident in my cornering abilities. The intake make the best noises during the run I led. The only issue I had was with my tires. They are in need of replacement, and could not them on in time for the rally and breaking them in well enough. I have a set of Conti ExtremeContact DSWs ready to go on it on Tuesday. :)