HRMINI

 MOTD 2008 (http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1512750#post1512750)

MOTD 2008 will be April 30th, thru May4th.  It starts one day sooner, see NAM thread for details.  Reserve your room now!!

Already made them a couple weeks ago!!  Wouldn't miss it for anything!!

And Yaahhh!!!  We get an extra day of Dragon!!!  I can't wait!!  I may just go for the whole week. :wink:

We're booked and counting down.   :D

Microtel here we come.  Hope Crystal gets that cookout/porch approved :P

Sean still owes her and Sue a Steak dinner.
 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

Already reserved a room, too!

Can't wait!

Ok I'm in. Just made Reservations at the Fontana Village. They said they only had 11 Dogwoods left, and thats all they had left.  :D

Marty and I reserved a cabin (with A/C) for next year. We've got it Tuesday thru Saturday nights. Can't wait!!

We were also thinking about maybe taking a trot up there "off [Dragon] season" with the club just to spend some time seeing the sites and maybe do some rafting/hiking. Whaddy'all think?

Jenn

Scott and I were just talking about that very thing - - - We were thinking a long weekend or so - just pop down, drive around, chill, relax, see the waterfalls, see the twisty turney roads - you know, laid back, no pressure except tire pressure.


The only hiccup in the giddy up would be finding weekends when the place isn't already booked all to heck - this is getting into the "season" now.


Peace,
Riqui

I was thinking maybe November, when the leaves are in full "bloom".

Jenn

The Atlanta Club hosts a Fall of the Dragon weekend...

Fuzzy and I have our reservations for next year.

I would totally be up for that! :smt026   I just need to know when so I can request the time off.

 :wink:

Do they bring the vendors out also or is it just mini's and the owners.  I assume this one is much smaller scale

Only because I like to copy and paste.  Any one up for a quick trip on May 18th?  or maybe June 16th   :D

On a seperate note, I'm going back out in late October.  The weather last year was perfect, sunny and cool.  A lot like what we just had, just no rain.

MAY 2007  
May 3-6 Fifth Annual Mini's on the Dragon - AKA the Mini Cooper Invasion, a most colorful time at Deals Gap CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 4-6 Audi Club / OhioVW / fatDUBS! Dragon Run 2007 CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS or HERE FOR DETAILS or HERE FOR DETAILS
May 11-14 Sportbikes.net at Deals Gap CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 12 Bicycles - Triple Chainring Challenge CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 12-17 FloridaSportbikers.com Annual Pilgimmage to the Gap CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 12-20 Homeland Sportbikes and Friends Attack the Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 14-20 Christian Sportbike Association Returns to the Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 15-20 8th Annual Eastern 2 Stroke Motorcycle Meet at the Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 16-20 Yamaha FJ Spring Rally Headquartered in Boone, but many will be passing through the Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 17-20 SuperMotoJunkie.com Slays the Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 17-20 Eastern V-Strom Riders 5th Annual Get-together at the Iron Horse Campground. Everyone welcomed
May 17-21 Honda V4 Spring Get Together at the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Camp. CLICK HERE EMAIL BILL
May 18 Ferrari Cup Challenge Comes to the Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 18-20 ZDayZ at the Dragon - Headquarters at Fontana Village CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 18-26 The Florida Moores 3rd Annual Assault on the Dragon
May 18-23 The UpNorthImport.com from Toronto Canada CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 25-28 Chimera Car Club of NJ/NY 2nd Annual "Dragon Nut Run 2007" named for the Hot Boiled Peanuts sold in the area. Attending will be a mix of cars. CLICK HERE FOR INFO CLICK HERE EMAIL
May 26 Patriot Guard Riders Tame the Dragon  2nd annual meeting at the Dragon.
May 30-June 2 DetroitSportBikes.com VS. the Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
May 31-June 3 Spring Out of the Closet to the Dragon - CBR, GSXR, GSXR-T, RC-51 and VFR Adventurer's from Raleigh/Durham, NC
May 31-June 3 ZRX Owner's Association - Will be at the Dragon. Annual YTRAP Memorial Rally at Suches, Georgia. All riders welcome.
 
JUNE 2007  
June 2-9 Massachusetts Dragon Riders 3rd Annual Assault on the Dragon - Headquarted at The TreeTops.
June 4-10 TW Group Rally At the Tapoco Lodge
June 5, 6, 7 Total Control Riding Clinic - CLICK HERE FOR ENROLLMENT INFO
June 7-10 Second Annual Motorcycle-Journal.com CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 7-10 StreetStangs.net will be at the Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 7-10 Suzuki GS - GSResources.com - 4th Annual Southeastern Rally CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS or HERE FOR DETAILS
June 8-10  2007 Deal's Gap FZ1 Rally CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 8-10 4th Annual National SV Rally at the Gap CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 8-10 Suburu Alcyone Dragon Meet - Suburu's forgotten sports car.
June 11-17 R1-forum.com and R6-forum.com Deals Gap Convention CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS or HERE FOR DETAILS
June 13-17 ZX6E.net Forum Gathering at the Dragon - CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 16 Bicycles - Cherohala Challenge (route includes the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway) CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 15-16 Moped Riders Association Ride the Dragon and Other Area Roads CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 16-21 All Aero Ride: Tennessee (AAR:TN) - Honda Aero riders based in Townsend, TN with daily group rides in the area. CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 18-24 Sixth annual The Spirit World Dragon Run CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 20-23  Honda Hoot 2006 - Join the crowds of riders at Chillhowee Park Knoxville, Tennessee. CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 22-24  XL Forum at the Dragon and other Area Roads CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 22-24 YZF600R's Return to the Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 27-July 1 Intruder Alert Forum Some 100 motorcycles already signed-up for the trip CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 28-July 1 Pre-97 Yamaha YZFs at the Dragon Others welcome too. BBQ, campfires, lots of riding, Cornering Clinic
by Bill Prudhel CLICK HERE FOR INFO
June 29 - July 1 SUZUKI GS RALLY Any Suzuki GS is welcome, but specifically the Suzuki GS500, GS500E, and GS500F models.More info can be found at www.gstwin.com , www.gstwins.com/gsboard , and specific gathering info can be found / posted at http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=33614.0
 
 
JULY 2007  
July 6-8 USA 7s at the Dragon - Lotus 7s - 50th Anniversary Meet CLICK HERE FOR INFO
July 6-8 Triangle Area Porsche Club of America at the Tail of the Dragon
July 13-15 Mixed-up Cruisers, Sportbikes and Supermotos Second Run at the Dragon
July 13-15 IPCRC Internet Pacific Coast Riders Club Honda PC800 at the Tail
July 14-21 KatRiders.com Annual Deals Gap Rally CLICK HERE FOR INFO
July 21-22 Official ClubHONDA.com Deals Gap Meet CLICK HERE FOR INFO
July 28-29 Miatas at the Gap CLICK HERE FOR INFO
July 28-29  Mustangs Assault the Dragon CLICK HERE EMAIL
 
AUGUST 2007  
August 3-5 Team-Integra.net at the Dragon with some 70 cars CLICK HERE FOR INFO
August 3-5 Saturn Tuners Club (STC) Rides the Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
August 10-12 2007 Solstice/Sky at the Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
August 24-26 2nd Annual Women's Sportbike Rally at Fontana Village CLICK HERE FOR INFO
 
SEPTEMBER 2007
September 5-9 RX-8 Brotherhood of the Dragon headquarters at Fontana Village CLICK HERE FOR INFO
September 6-9  8thCivic.com Conquers the Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
September 8-9 2nd Annual Wildhorses Mustang Club Cruising The Dragon CLICK HERE FOR INFO
September 13-16 Chooch Motorcycle Club Rides the Dragon East Coast Club of European Motorcycle Enthusiasts. CLICK HERE EMAIL
September 21-23 DragonBall Fall Run S2000s annual event CLICK HERE FOR INFO CLICK HERE EMAIL
September 22 HSOA, Heritage Springers Owners Association Ride the Dragon At least 40 motorcycles ride through. CLICK HERE EMAIL
 
OCTOBER 2007  
October 4-7 Smoky Mountain Bike Week at Fontana Village CLICK HERE FOR INFO
October 20-21 CarolinaHondas.com 2nd Annual Leaf Tour CLICK HERE FOR INFO

You are a nut. :P

The Taz is hooked and ready to go!!!
r/Marty

Anyone interested in MME? It's in TN, last weekend in June.

What is MME?

Mini Meet East 2007

MME (http://www.mme2007.com/)

It's more for classics than new MINIs but the organizers welcome all MINIs. :)

Sounds like a lot of fun...again!  Problem is we about shot our vacation allowance and days on the Dragon.  Also my kids are coming out the end of this month for my 50thBDay and I'm taking them to see thier Grams in Tennessee.  On top of that I've got two business trips to SandyEggo in June.....Hmmm...might still squeeze in a  drive that way though...have to talk with the CMO.
r/Marty :twisted:

WOW 50th,  :smt113: never would have guessed.  Any who.  sounds like a reason to have a Mini Party.  Now where's our Social Director and Site Admin to plan one????

I thought Pungo was throwing him a BIG celebration at the end of the month :wink:

Is Ben planning on putting together a dinner for May?  Ah, Ben?

If not, I can plan something.  :wink:

Sorry guys...  it has just been a wicked busy month, and I haven't had the time to step up and devote some time into a dinner outing. I'm so pleased you guys find them so popular!  

Regarding all this other chatter in the thread... it sounds like everyone has the road trip bug big time!  So regarding a Fall Dragon run thing... is there something existing already in place that we should look into?  I'm happy to try and help coordinate something like that in lieu of a Virginia/West Virginia Fall run.  I know we have had some discussion about a June Chincoteauge thing, but I just don't have it in me to handle right now.

I can however handle a June dinner outing... it's proving difficult to top myself these days. lol...  I'm sure I can think of something.  

As far as the Dragon next year... well, someday I'll get there I hope, but with it falling at the first week of the month, it's just about impossible for me to get away.  If I had left Debbie alone while you guys were gone, I'd have found my crap on the doorstep on my return.  Besides, it's just not the same taking a trip without her.

Hey  Ben, Long time no hear.

We really did miss you and Deb at the Dragon. You and Deb have a whole year to work out some details!!!

I don't know about everyone else but I hate to wait until June for dinner. Can't we just do one of the places that we have already been to?

They have all been a real hit. What do you guys think?

I can get ahold of Hell's Kitchen on the Bay and set something up there.  Seems though we ended up at the one in Norfolk last time.

I'll post a poll under the HR Events

Ahhhh   memories.....

(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w40/MPETUOS/dgMapL.jpg)

201 Days 8 Hours 15 Minutes left to wait. :icon_biggrin:

I'm dying here!!!  Hurry up already & be April 30th!!!! :026:  What a great birthday present!!! :113:

I'll be there a week from Friday.    :038:

You big stinker!!! :icon_mrgreen:

I read this on the Michigan boards....... time to start planning!   :023:

Well, I guest we'll have to look it up next year. :038: I have to move our reservation up a day for the start of MOTD 8'. :023:

Cool, HRMOTS 09!!!  Let's do it!!! :077:

(HR MINI's on the Snake!)

I'm in. Just made reservations at the Microtel.   :045:

Put me on the list for the Snake & the Dragon.

135 days 7 hours 41 minutes

The offical clock watcher, we love it :038: Already have our vacation reserve and counting down. :039:

Midnight on the Dragon Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJCdnkrAIF0&feature=related)

I'm game for a midnight run.  :038:


If I can stay up that late.  :015:

I heard that!  We got our shirts and everything then burned up all our energy at Monto Carlo Night, LOL!!  Table 1, Table 1, Table 1!!! :026:

Boy did I need that FIX :038:

What's  the countdown too! :shock:

112 days 17 hours 21 minutes

Big Red, I'd trade being able to drive Italian mountain roads on a whim any day of the week for the once-a-year event at the Dragon! You got nuthin' to complain about...  :003:

Jenn

BTW, does anyone know when registration starts?

Jenn

And Big Red you also have those unlimited speeds that you can enjoy. :018:

I know ya'll will more than enjoy your time over there.  :052:

I know I miss it. :039:

90 DAYS!!!!

'til I get on the plane. 

Boss, the plane.

OH BOY!!! :026: :026: :026: :026: :026: :026: :026: :026: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038:

Can't wait to see you.  :icon_razz:

93 days 7 hours 24 minutes  :045:

Yep, that's about how I'm feeling.  :D :D

And miles to go..........
We may have to detour through MN to pick up my Valentines present.  :055:
Mellow Yellow Cooper Clubman, now where did I put that Orange paint? It won't be painted by Dragon time, and might not make it stateside by then. I think Sherry ordered from Motorwerks just so she could go shopping at Mall of America.

Base Cooper, no turbo. MY/MY, cold weather package, automatic, fogs, armrest, sports seats, MFSW, MY color line dash. Actually, it is to heal my broken heart from losing Big Ugly.  :078:

Looking forward to seeing lots of you at the Dragon.  :038:

Woo Hoo Fuzzy :038: :038:


Now Steve isn't the only expectant father waiting for arrival.  Just wish you guys were here so the "kids" could play together. :icon_razz:

 :038: :038: MY/MY how cool is that. Can't wait to see it! So will this one be DragonFly instead of FireFly since it will be bigger?

Congrats!

 :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038: :038:

Great stuff Fuzz Man!  Can't wait to see it!!   :066:

Woohooo!!! Can't wait to see your new baby, and you and Sherry of course!

Dragonfly - I like that!  :001:

Jenn

Dragonfly  :080: I love it!  :080:

Thanks Lelane!  :109:

Dragonfly. Very good!  :045: Now I will go crazy trying to figure out how to fit that on the plate. :017:

This one will be Mellow Yellow with a Swamp Holly Orange roof, mirror caps, and orange centers in the Daisy wheels.  :003:

Not Available
DRGNFLY




Available
DRIGNFY
YLFNGRD
R129FLY
FIRFLY2
DRYGNFY
4 TOTD
XCMINI
DRYGON

Or my Favorite....
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w40/MPETUOS/fuzzie.gif)

Thanks Sean!

I like the backwards Dragonfly one best.  :icon_mrgreen:

Wow! And I am just on my second cup of coffee.  :015:

Fuzzy isn't it nice how we all stepped in and took care of this for you? And while you were sleeping no less.

I agree with you Sherri, the backwards Dragonfly looks the best. Everyone will be able to read it in the rearview mirror as it comes flying by.
 (http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q298/larneson/0c61d1ce.jpg)

That is very nice of you guys! :052:

We just got back from the real DMV here, only about three hours today. I have to go play with the NV plate site a little bit myself. We really are cutting down on the number of vehicles. A MINI is a must though.  :icon_cool:

Sherry is all Chuffed today. She emailed MTTS contacts at MINI USA last night, and they agreed to be one of the sponsers for AMVIV. They are funding a lunch at the race track for us. We are getting into the scene here a little. AMVIV is almost the only thing that happens here, as Vegas is almost a no MINI town.

The local dealer sells at a serious bump, because CA buyers come here to buy because Desert MINI is cheaper than the CA dealers. $1,000 to spec a car, on top of their other bumps. Hey, works both ways. Motorwerks in MN is cheaper yet, and very happy to sell to the west coast.  :077:

Lelane, that is a lovely picture!

WOW

 :026: :026: :026: :026: :026: :026: :026: :023: :023: :023: :023:

Here's an idea for the plate:

MY MY MY

You guys are making this tough.  :101:

If I veto all of these great suggestions, I had better come up with the ultimate plate.  :107:

You guys are the best. However,

When the CEO of MINI USA can identify you by your license plate, there is only one custom plate that can be used.

APRLWHN

I am totally used to being Mr. AprilWhine, and there is no reason to throw away that much Blue Sky. However, I do get to chose the paint for the roof of the Clubman. And I have a full quart of Swamp Holly Orange. At $140.00 a quart, the decision may be already made. So Jim, your plate would read,

MY SHO    Which is available, but no one would get it. I really liked all of the suggestions, Sweety let me pick the car, but APRLWHN has to be the plate.  :058:

"In 1929, A.J. Harrell enlisted the help of the E.I. Dupont Company to improve highway safety by determining the vehicle color that would be the most visible on the nation's highways. After the review was completed, it was determined that the color of the swamp holly berry would be most visible from the greatest distance. Swamp Holly Orange became the color used on all company tractors."

No reason to be more circumspect in Vegas than in Virginia.

Fuzzy,

I don't see anything wrong with being Mr. AprilWhine. Can't wait to see pictures.

Very good Jim, I like the MY MY MY!

LUV It!!
All I can hear in my head when I read it is the smarmy character of Squeezy from the Stephanie Miller Show.  :icon_mrgreen: :icon_mrgreen:

I've reserved channel 16 sub 10 for the club again this year.  :023:

84 days 21 hours 10 minutes  :110:

I've got the radios set and tuned. :038:

Keep that count down going.......... :023:

Hey everybody. I am hoping to make it. Anyone camping this year, with a little extra space for a tent? Doubt I can get a room within 200 miles. but anywhosit, yall have a good one.

I purchased a pair of radios over the weekend.

Steve

Um, yeah, I may not be able to make some of the Dragon, Wifes birthday is the 30th of April. Still gonna try to show up.

65 days - 8 hours - 19 minutes  :icon_cool:

That's my birthday too!!  And I couldn't ask for a better b-day present!!  The Dragon rocks!! :026: :026: :026:

[/quote]

That's my birthday too!!  And I couldn't ask for a better b-day present!!  The Dragon rocks!! :026: :026: :026:
[/quote]

Well Happy Birthday, early, because I have a habbit of forgetting things. :))

Anyone need a room at the Fontana Village Lodge?  :icon_cool:

Fuzzy and I may be spending the summer in the Sequoia National Park as seasonal workers. The pay sux but you can't beat the scenery. First we have to pass a pee test, so we are going to study all night.  :044:

Drink lots of BEER, makes the pee test go faster. :039:

The Dragon is in spring, not summer... or maybe it's a very long season at Sequoia National Park? You and Fuzzy will definitely be missed if you miss the Dragon!

Jenn

For seasonal work in National parks, "summer" is from April to October.  :wink:

We're in a dither over which location to pick. We've had multiple fabulous offers, the best reject was for jobs at a very posh resort on Friday Harbor WA, in the San Juan Islands.  :080: Right now, we're trying to decide between Sequoia NP and Mt Rushmore. Both good (hobby) jobs, both good locations, we just have to choose.

So no FuzzyClubmanSherrysunglasses?

Actually, it's noSeanrealbeefforrealpeople  :022:

But we haven't made a decision yet, if we take the Mt Rushmore jobs, that season starts in mid May.  :icon_cool: I had to add a capital S on my reply, otherwise it started nosean...  :116:

Come on, take the Mt. Rushmore job....the dragon is our only chance to see you guys anymore!  :icon_frown: 

Well it's official, my boss booked his trip to Spain, so I can't go to the dragon  :088: :088: :088:

I'm really bummed.  I look forward to that, plus Table 1 rocks and Angie won't have as much fun without me.

Anyway, I have a room at fontana that is available.  I don't have the specifics of it with me at work, but I remember it being better than the dogwoods.  If anyone is interested, let me know and I will get the info for you.  If not, I am sure someone on NAM would be interested.

ok,  going to cry again...no steaks either.  :088: :088: :088:

HOLY CRAP!!!! You gotta be kidding me?!?!?!  :022:  What am I gonna do? :102:  What is Table 1 gonna do? :107:   :icon_cry: :086: :009:

 :088: :088: :088: NO Jim and Sherry and NO Jeff!  :088: :088: :088:

Lelane- My expectations are you will win the grand prize at closing dinner
Angie - you will take it to the house at blackjack.

I want to register, just so i get the grab bag crap...

If you do, let me know and I'll pick you bag o' crap up for ya.  Just let Mark know that's what's going on.   :023:

Registration for MOTD is finally up & running...woohoo!

Robert will be attending with me this year...he's already stocking up on the Bonine!   Sarah upchucked on the way back from the first run last year and I don't want to experience that again!   :058:

Awww... it kind of makes me sad that when you think Dragon, you think vomit.  :078:   Maybe this year some motion sickness bands or dramamine will be in order.  Good luck Erica!

Well, I had wanted Robert to go last year, but after he heard people at NGNN talking about the Dragon, he decided that his stomach probably couldn't handle it.  I think he'll be fine...he's going to take his Bonine & I'm going to try to find some air-sickness bags at a surplus store or on eBay just to be on the safe side!

Registration is open!!

Colleen and I are now registered.

Steve

I just finished registering. Now the waiting begins!

Steve

I registered this morning.  :026:

We were pulling into to CF this morning to get some parts for Frank and I logged on to NAM to check if registration was open and it was!! :026:  The internet runs pretty weird on Neal's Trio so I jumped out of the truck and ran into the service lounge to do the registration on their guest computer.  Guess what, the computer is no longer in service because some customer was searching porn on it! :061: :079:  So I ran over to the BMW show room and asked one of the salesman if I could use his computer to do our registration!   :044:  I need help, really!! :045:  So long story short & $385.00 later.....we're all signed up and registered for all the dinners & Monte Carlo Night.  :026: :038: :026: :038: :026: :038:

If they have a weak stomach don't let them ride with me. I have a history of making people car sick on track.

No wait, I have an idea. Maybe I sould start making fighter plane kill stickers for each person I can get to hurl.

51 days 8 hours 22 minutes

Marty, Jim and I are signed up. Welcome Dinner, Farewell Dinner and Monte Carlo night are the events we got. That leaves Friday night as the only open night for other stuff...(cookout?)

Jenn

Ok everyone,  I will more than likely not be able to make the Dragon this year.  I've been mulling this over for quite some time now, but due to a large vacation planned for July-Aug....2  and half weeks in Ireland, England & Germany.... family reunion in Ireland, some Guiness Drinking with a mutual bald friend of ours and some tire thrashing at the Ring which will all take a great deal of savings.  Things are just too tight and something has to give.    Compound that with the mortgage biz being in the pooper right now.... money is as rare as a red tailed snipe on a full moon evening when camping on the Eastern Shore!

Now, there is a very slight chance I may make it to the Dragon, but it's not a strong enough chance that I would want people to make plans for it, and then miss an event already scheduled at the Dragon.

~Sean

But...but.....but... :icon_frown: Who will cook our yummy steaks?  :022:   :088:

Hey Sean,

sounds like you're going to have a blast! You'll be missed at the Dragon, but we'll find other, lesser sustenance I'm sure! Go have fun and bring back lots of good pictures and even better tales for the telling!

Jenn

Sorry you might not make it to the dragon. I was hoping to follow you and other experienced people into the Dragons lair.

Just remember the Ring is like a big dog. Pet it, be nice to it all the while keeping an eye on it and everything is happy. But the Ring has teeth and it will bite the minute you let your guard down.  :106:

I'm just jealous I'm not going.

Man, missing your dinner last year. We we're so looking toward this year. But I would give up the Dragon for the Ring too.  :023:

Sean, I am so sad that you and Heather will not be making it to the Dragon. I am sure that was really hard to pick.  :090:

We will all miss you both. I hope you have the time of your life over there. Take lots of pictures and bring back some videos of the ring!

Wow Sean, you are one lucky man!  To drive the Ring should be every Mini/MINI owners dream.  In my pre-Mini days on one of our trips to Germany we were within 5 miles of the Ring and saw alot of nice vehicles heading that way.  I envy you my friend!

Shawn

As Jenn has noted, I'm registered!    :023: :023:

Sean, I was looking forward to the cookout, too.  However, were I in your shoes, I'd make the same choice.  :icon_mrgreen: The Irish are a blast to hang with.   Get yourself over to http:://miniclub.ie (http://http:://miniclub.ie).  It's the Mini Club of Ireland.  You'll be hard pressed to find a more friendly & fun loving bunch outside of Virginia.  If you're near Oxford, do not pass up the chance to visit the factory.   And the 'Ring????   I'll pay the baggage overcharge if you'll let me fold myself into one of your suit cases.   :026: :026:    One thing to be aware of--if you're flying RyanAir, be ready to pay some steep excess baggage charges.  It's more like a commuter airline with some strict baggage weight limits---IIRC your carry on is free, and you're limited to one checked bag of 25 lbs.  Anything more & you're paying through the nose--one way from Shannon to Cork cost me circa $100 is baggage alone.

Meanwhile, have fun.

Further meanwhile, I can't wait to fly in.   :080: :080:

Sean,

Lucky guy, you!!  :038:

I was also looking forward to the cookout...but if I had to make a choice, I'd choose the 'Ring, too!  :026:

Have a great time & definitely take lots of pics & vids!

Don & Steph...are you guys planning on leading the annual caravan?

Any details in place yet?

We plan to leave Wednesday morning. We can meet at the same Hardee's that we usually meet at. I plan to leave the Hardees parking lot at 6:30 in the morning. It is an eight hour drive to the dragon. If anyone else wants to join the drive just show up at the Hardees. I will post more later as it get closer so everyone knows the correct location.

Don

We will meet ya'll there at 6:00 for breakfast. :038:

Hey Don, are you planning on heading up a drive on Friday?

Some local folks talked about doing a drive. I could head something up. I haven't looked at what is scheduled yet. I have a map with a lot of routes already laid out. Would like to see the waterfalls again. It was raining last year.

Don

It would be awesome if you could head up a waterfall drive on Friday!  We're signed up for early am drive through the smokies on saturday and we're going to hang out at Fontana on Friday and drive the dragon & visit vendors.  We can talk about it more tomorrow..... :101:

See you & Steph soon! :038:

Okay we will not be making the Dragon this year. If anyone needs a room at the Microtel in Robbinsville let us know.  Terry will probably be canceling the reservation later on this week. :023:

That is so sad Wendy.  :icon_sad:

We're not sure if we're coming or not, but if we do it will be in the Tardis. Anyone needing a room at Fontana Lodge, just let me know.

Wendy...   whaaaaaaah.

See you for ice cream ???

Marty and I were considering doing this drive on our own:
Highlands Drive (http://www.minisonthedragon.info/highlandtrip.html)
It looks like a great drive and a fun destination!

Jenn

I'm seriously thinking of attending this year's dragon.  Does anyone know if there are still rooms available reasonably close by at this late in the game?

I've got a room in Robbinsville, as does obehave, that i can send your way.  Just let me know!   :039:

If I don't get to give you a hug while your here in Va I'm going to cry.  So yes ice cream, dinner, coffee,...the choice is yours. :icon_razz:

Do you mean that you have an extra room?  I don't want to commit yet because I don't know if I will be able to take the time off from work.  I'm going to check into that tomorrow.  I'm going to call it a sanity break rather than a vacation.  :096:

Angela what sort of radios are needed to use that and is there a way of registering them and that sort of thing?

Let me know when you confirm your trip plans,  you'll really dig the Dragon.   :023:

FRS radio, model needs to have a main channel &  a changeable privacy code.  Don't get a GMRS as the FCC requires you to get a user's license for it.

I've reserved 16/10 for the club and the Dragon traffic uses 7/21.  You don't need to register them or anything.  Last year I brought both of mine (the are sold in pairs) and labeled one with 7/21 & the other with 16/10 so I would know which one I was grabbing and talking on and this way I didn't have to change the channel back & forth.

Go to Motorola.com and look at model FV700R NiMH Rechargeable Two-Way Radio (Black/Blue) as an example. 

Hope this helps!  :023:

I've confirmed that I can take the time off!  Um...  What do I do now? hehee I saw Angela's post about the radio so I'm good on that.  What else do I need to do?  Register on NAM for the event itself AND the sub-events or what?  I'm so excited about this!

** Edit**

  I should mention that part of my time out there will be be spent doing non-Mini related things.  There is a friend near Knoxville that I want to try to find and I want to see Mount Airy NC too but I could do either one on the way there or back. :)  Are there any events that are absolute must-see/attend?

 That's a big help Angela, thanks! :)  One question though, can those be charged via the car's cigarette lighter socket? The Motorola website doesn't say.  I'm going to hunt around for them online.  One other question... hehee  What should I expect to pay for a pair of them?

I don't know about the cigarette lighter charging other than using a power converter and the regular charging base.  Mine have a rechargeable battery and a charging base but can be run on 3 AA batteries as well.  I would just suggest charging them nightly in your room and carrying extra batteries in your car just in case (if you get the ones that can take both).  I wouldn't pay anymore than $80 for the set but don't buy the cheapest ones either or you'll regret it....experience speaking.

As for "must see/ attend" events....personal opinion......
-Monte Carlo Night was a freakin' blast!
-Dragon Parade (not on event planner yet but is being organized for Friday morning)
-Welcome Dinner
-Farwell Dinner
-Panoramic Photo is really cool.  Last years turned out beautiful!
-Midnight on the Dragon

Those are my suggestions.  :023:

Thanks again Angela. :)  I just ordered the Motorola FV700R like you suggested from Amazon.com for $44.95 shipped to my door.  It did say that it includes battery packs and I'll get some AA's for backup.  Do I need to sign up for the events on NAM or just kinda show up?

You need to sign up for the events on NAM!  Hurry, registration ends April 7th.  Don't forget to register your MINI too!

I just finished registering on NAM and I made an appointment with Atlantic Shoreline to get Tug tinted this weekend. Now I just need for CF to call me back about my oil change and I should be good to go!   :icon_mrgreen:  Well...  until the next expense jumps up and bites me in the wallet that is.   :118:  :016:  :shock:

Now you are truly addicted.  :icon_mrgreen:

Welcome to the Dragons Lair. We all have a bast down there. :038:

PM from Mark on NAM.....

MINIs on the Dragon 2008
As you are probably aware this year's MINIs on the Dragon is April 30 through May 4, 2008. The good news is that there are more than 20 different activities during the event...from an autocross to MINI Monte Carlo Night and more. The bad news is that registration is WAY down compared to previous years and the major events were designed to handle large numbers of people. Since we are quickly approaching deadlines for rentals and financial commitments needed to support the event we need to see an immediate increase in registrations for the event. Unfortunately because of the cost involved in putting on many of the events if registrations don't increase will will have to scale back the events in some way.

With the above in mind I would ask that if you are already planning to attend MOTD but have not yet registered please do so now. If you have already registered THANK YOU! Please encourage your motoring friends to register as well!

Decisions have to be made next week so your registration for the event, dinners, first ever car show, MINI Monte Carlo Night, Brew Swap, and other activities will help shape this year's event. Given all the work that the coordinators have put in to make this the best MOTD to date I would hate to see it scaled back based on lack of attendee support.

To learn more about MINIs on the Dragon and registration please visit the following URL:

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/motd-home

----------------------------
If you plan on attending and can afford the $45 for a drivers package or just the $10 for a passenger package (you don't need to do a driver's package you can do only a passenger's package..all depends on what goodies you want) please go onto NAM and register yourself & your mini (free).  Mark needs our support!

Yes, you are! If you get any mods done at the Dragon, or even just buy parts, you'll have reached the point of no return down the slippery slope of MINI-obsession!

I prefer to think of it as a hobby..   :044:  I don't know of any mods that I really want other than possibly a less restrictive exhaust system but I don't really want to spend that kind of money right now.  The window tint is a must-have though. The older I get, the more light sensitive my eyes get. :(  Any news on available rooms?  I'm going, that's for certain but I don't know where I'm going to sleep yet!  :icon_eek:

We will not be making the Dragon this year. If anyone needs a room at the Microtel in Robbinsville let us know.  Terry will probably be canceling the reservation later on this week.

http://www.microtelrobbinsville.com/info.html

The drive to the Dragon is wonderful.  :icon_razz: This is where we love to stay.  In fact we didn't even sign up for any extra events and just enjoyed the scenery and hung out in the village instead and always had a blast. Not big on itineraries while on vacation  :023:

Thanks to Sherry I now have a room at Fontana Village!  I am sooooooooooooooo stoked!  Thank you Sherry!!!  :044:  :icon_mrgreen:  :icon_biggrin:  :003:

Sherry is the bomb.   :038:

I also still have a room if anyone is interested.  If not i will put it on NAM next week. 
Jeff

Oooh, yeah, yeah, yeah.  Please can I come? 

Warped, having worked for an outpatient treatment facility many, many moons ago, I can tell you that one of the earliest signs of addiction is denial. 

 :044: :044:

Of course you can come! I was planning on driving Peanut, but I could be convinced to
share the driving...  :066: :PopcornEmoticon:

I may just take a nap in the passenger seat.  :icon_razz:

You are welcome Jeff, I'm glad it won't be going to waste.  :wink:

Hope you all have a BLAST!!!!!

Fuzzy and I are up to our eyeballs working at AMVIV right now, it's hectic but fun!

I'll be there in about 14 - 16 hours,  Sherry.

Should I bring my laptop?

I thought that denial was a river in  Africa?  :017:

Yes I will be there now. Change of plans, start a day late, wife is happy I will be here for her birthday, I will be happy, it all works out I guess.

9 days 8 hours 53 minutes

...but less than that to meet Jim.  :icon_razz:

Provided Southwest Airlines cooperates...    :wink:

We are finally into single digits---is everybody packed & ready to head for Tennessee? :023:

Not even close to it. But everyone here already knows that I am late for everything.  :icon_mrgreen:

If I remember correctly - you left long after us and had no problem catching us. :038:

Yep your right I did.  :080:

Taz, Pnut, Diabla, Tribble, Marty, Jenn and Jim are all jumping up and down with excitement!!  Well, ok, all but Tribble cause he gets car sick.
Pnut just got new Power Flex lower control arm bushings as did Taz.  Taz also got a new set of shoes...G-Force KDW (4th set), new ATC clutch and light weight flywheel.
Just need to shoehorn all the junk we're taking and were off!!
Marty :077:

Just make sure Angie doesn't hit that cone again, like last year

OK so i am really bummed i am not going.  I usually look forward to this cause there are no wife and kids and it's nice to have that once a year. 

On a good note, I booked for next year already  :026:  Dragon 2009 here i come....


Hope you guys have a blast. 

See all of you there. Oh crap, I was supposed to pack? Oops.

1 Day 8 hours 6 minutes.

Everyone excited?  Gonna miss you all.  Hope you have a safe and wonderful journey   :026:  :icon_razz:

12 hours and packing. :026: :026: :026: :026:

Hope Elaine doesn't over pack LiL Stinker. :039:

We are looking into the possibility of renting a MINI...or at the very least, going up in the Ford Escape.

If we take the Escape, we'll have room for extra stuff that anyone needs to bring to/from MOTD.  Is there anyone going whose MINI is already overpacked?

Here's the reason for Schultze's extended hospital stay:

Instead of checking the MECHANICAL/SAFETY systems early on, the collision center waited until AFTER all the cosmetic work was done...unfortunately, Schultze is throwing safety codes left & right so he has to undergo a complete diagnostic session and the "explosive battery cable" might need to be replaced which is a 1/2 day job alone!  However, I'm confused because the Parts Dept told me that the explosive battery cable only needs to be replaced if it...um...EXPLODED!  How does one know if it exploded or not?  Well....if it exploded, there'd be absolutely NO POWER to the car.  No lights, no radio, no engine turnover.  Funny thing, though...the lights, the radio AND the engine work!!!

I'm SO DISAPPOINTED!

If the decision is made tonight NOT to attend MOTD, I need to ask someone to pickup the goodie bags.  There will also be dinner tickets & such available.

Erika

It's 9:15 PM and we are eating dinner in the Huddle House in Robbinsville. Great drive today, looking forward to tomorrow.

Steve

Please keep us homebodies posted with info and pics!!

There are two MINI's with Florida plates, two with Ohio plates and one from Maryland at the Microtel. I haven't talked to any of the owners yet, but I am sure they will be down stairs at breakfast.

There are also 20 Harleys in the parking lot, so I won't need my alarm clock tomorrow.


Steve

I must be on Dragon clock because I woke up at 5:30 excited about the day then remembered I'm at home and have to get ready for work.   :icon_sad:  :icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol:

Everyone have fun and keep us folks here updated.  :023:

A cool start for today, but the projected high is 78 and sunny. The forecast is 80 and sunny tomorrow, but rain on Saturday.

Getting ready to head to Fontana so we can get our registration package.


Steve

It's been a tough week at the Dragon. On Monday a motorcyclist was killed on the Dragon. The cops are in high gear, and are looking for speeders.

On Tuesday, Big Daddy from Ontario Canada flipped his MINI when his right rear tire slipped off the pavement and he lost control. The car is on display at Fontana Lodge as a warning to other MINI drivers.

Steve 

That is a sad week  :icon_frown:

Everyone stay safe.  The dragon does bite.

No fu*$ing way............  Big Daddy has one of my favorite MINI's on the planet!!  Is he ok?


(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2087/2453757620_2f177e7e6b_o.jpg)



This is from the Michigan board, Don & Rich are ok and his MINI started right up, although it blowing alot of oil.  I'm really glad they're ok.   

It might have started and blows oil, but it needs some major roof, front end, door, suspension and glass work.

It's totaled.

That's a shame! Other than that, it was a great trip.

Steve

Notes from Big Daddy......and an addition to the Tree of Shame  :icon_cry:

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/2465412431_d756ed494e.jpg)

Hey guys and gals, figured I would let you all know I made it back safely. Left at 8am, picked the wife up in Easley, SC and made it back here about 1915ish last night. Hope everyone made it back safe without making any donations to the LEOs.

Our little caravan made it home safely too.

Don MINI LIMO
Steph MINI HEMI
Jim driving L1L PNUT
Marty & Jenn LYTL DVL

Jenn

Back from the Dragon.  What a fun time.  Thanks to everyone for making my week (end) special.  Jenn & Marty have been extraordinary hosts.  I had a great time in Fontana, with Jeff, Lelane, Rudy, Phillip, Elaine, Steve, Don, Steph, et al.  Apologies to Erica for the tummy fiddling ride. 

The Dragon was awesome.  I talked about the similarity between the roads around home and the Dragon--Jenn & Marty had a good point about the fact that while SD has lots of good roads, nowhere do we have 11+ miles in one stretch.  Let alone having such fun approach roads.   

I have not begun to check my photos--that'll wait until I get home.

Thanks to everyone!!!

I made it home last night at around 11pm. I didn't actually leave Fontana until around 10:30 or 11:00 am because I had to wash Tug.  I also visited the Fontana Dam.   I stopped in Mount Airy (Mayberry) and then went up I-77 to I-81 then back around to I-64.  It was a beautiful drive!  No contributions to LEOs that I'm aware of unless they have speed cameras on any of the aforementioned interstate highways and if they do, I need a 2nd, 3rd and 4th mortgage FAST!  :118:

 I had a blast getting to know everyone better and hanging out too.  I will be posting pictures sometime this week.  If any of you are interested in pictures of your car ON the dragon, I suggest going to http://www.killboy.com and looking at the date(s) that you were on the dragon during the day.  I found 7 or 8 pictures of Tug on there and went ahead and bought them.  Jim, I saw pix of you there in Pnut on 5/1 too.  :icon_mrgreen:  Just search by date.

  I would like to send a special thanks to Sherry for her help with transferring her reservation to me.  I really really really had a ball and that wouldn't have been possible without that reservation.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!  :058:  As promised I have a LOT of pictures for you.  :icon_mrgreen:

Colleen and I had breakfast at Phillips in Robbinsville and left about 9:15. We stopped and checked out a great looking B&B about 8 miles from Fontana. Even though we have already reserved a cabin for next year, we might stay at this B&B instead (great views, nice people).We stopped in Winston Salem for a late lunch and I still made it home in time to cut the grass before it got dark.

Looking forward to next year.

Steve

Well our little group (Neil, Angela, Adam, Lelane, Roy, Elaine and me) made it back around 7pm last night. Picked up some other MINI's  for short runs with us. We made it clean, even with our spirited driving. Can't wait till next year, counting down as I write this. Will have lots of pictures, hopefully by the each day we all were there. :039:

Thanks to everyone for letting Casey and me tag along on the Highlands run. We had a great time at our first Dragon and are fervently looking forward to next year!

I tried to put some pics of us under Bridal Veil Falls on the MOTD pics area in the photo gallery, i don't think i did it right. if anyone has any tips, please let me know and i will post more!

For those of you who have a myspace page, i have a ton of pics and one small clip up :  myspace.com/littleonetasha

send me a friend request! :D

And, sorry i couldn't join you on the return trip, we left our tent open during the midnight run and i guess someone told the rain gods...we slept on wet, soggy camp stuff and broke camp very early to head home. However, we did go to a great cheese/pottery place between our campsite and Fontana Village (you may have seen the sign off 28), and we had the best breakfast ever at The Green Sage in Asheville.
sighhhhhhh....is it next year yet?  :101:

 

Glad everyone made it home safe.  We had a blast!!!  But I'm still pouting...I can't believe it's over and I have to wait a whole year for MOTD7.  :icon_frown:

The event seemed a little more "grassroots" this year.  Not sure if it was due to the lowered attendance or what but I liked it.  Things seemed to be on a slower pace.  Very relaxing with still lots of fun stuff to do.

Hey Angie....
Did Table 1 rock this year???

No!  :icon_frown:  But there was mention of the Table 1 from last year! :044:  Hey, I got a pathtag for you!

That's cause table 1 rocked last year, thanks for the tag. also you should have grabbed the travel bug that's suppose to find me.  heee heee heee.  how funny was that

Yup, yup...what everyone else said...
  It was a great trip and great weather.  Had a few hickups though.  About halfway up Jim hit something in PNUT and not only blew a sidewall out but bent the rim.  4 new tires and a way over priced MINI not-so-lite later ($160 for used dinged up rim) we were back on the road.  Jenn and I will be getting new rims for PNUT.  Also to add to the expense ledger was a Welcome to North Carolina Certificate.  Read here $150.  I was even behaving at the time (68 in a wide open and traffic free 55).  The state trooper said he had made up his mind that he was writing me up before he even got out of the car.  He was a young wet behind the ears pped off, bad mood, rookie I think.  A tree falling on a power line started several fires which added to the excitiment.  I did finally, after more than 2 years, got my stripes back on.  Super time up there.  Never once thought about work...maybe that was the Pink Tulips....hmmmm....burrp...hic.  Nope, didn't drive after adult beverage intake.  Oh yeah, I did score on Casino night.  Won a flip digital camcorder and a $50 Mini Mania gift certificate so I can't complain to much (thanks Jeff for eating up the bad cards before they got to me).  Jenn and I had a blast and it was nice to see West Coast MINI represented by JimSkater, JJ and Blair.
r/Marty :077:

Awww, how sweet! I'm glad the reservations didn't go to waste.

What a great time again this year! The weather was beautiful except for picture day where we all stood in the rain to have a snapshot of fond memories. But after a little nap the skys cleared up and off to the dragon we went.

The waterfall run was good this year since the skies were sunny. The dry falls were closed for construction, but the brides vail was opened for driving so everyone squeezed under the falls for a group picture. ( I know I will post them soon).

Casino night was a blast! I learned how to play craps after Roy and I walked away from the blackjack tables and could  not get back in. But it all paid off, we won the custom Waylen Shift knob and a nice blue fleece.

The fairwell dinner was late which opened the door for one last dragon run that me, Roy, Jim and Erica decided to take. It was really a good time except for Erica not feeling too well when we got to the bottom. Jim smoked Jenn's brakes on the way down so I can only imagine how bad Erica felt. On the way back up I guess I pushed my MINI too hard and the power stearing went out for a minute. I was really bummed since Jim decided to take it easy on the way back up and I had finally caught him.

Oh and the fire sale lane was really exciting and scary too. The fire was going up the mountian and ended about 100 feet or so from our cabin. Phew that was close. Then we spent the night with no power and part of the next day.

What a blast it was seeing everyone and the the Pink Tulips were awsome. We will be going back again next year I have already put a deposit down on the cabin again.

Jim if you want to come back again you are welcome to stay with us.

Motor Trend:

http://www.motortrend.com/auto_shows/events/112_0805_6th_annual_mini_on_the_dragon/index.html