HRMINI

Date Announcement!!! April 17, 2010

Get ready for 4+ hours of fun roads and great scenery! More information will follow, but here's what we have so far!!!

What: a reason to motor in the spring
When: Saturday, April 17th, 2010. Wheels up 9:00 AM
Where: Starting in Waynesboro, VA and heading down the Blue Ridge Parkway to Buena Vista for lunch then more twisties.
            Making several stops along the way for pics and snacks. Probably a dinner stop somewhere neat, then homeward bound.

I think a Saturday will work better for this run, so we'll try that.

Schedule for Spring Fling 2010
Meet at the parking lot just before the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Exit 99 off I-64. Go under the interstate and make a right into the parking lot

Wheels up 10 AM sharp
Arrive in Buena Vista before noon
Visit Rockbridge SPCA
Drive up to Staunton, VA for a wheelie at Wright's around 2PM

Lunch at Franks for the memories (http://www.franks4thememories.com/)
Ice Cream and snacks at Wright's Dairy rite
 (http://www.dairy-rite.com/)


Another intent for the Parkway, is to gain attendance for Tar Heel's Blue Ridge Parkway Tour from Waynesboro to Cherokee NC. It's a three day event and a TON of fun! This will be enough to whet your appetite for adventure.

##############Update 03-22-10 Hotel info!!!##########################

Hotel: Best Western Waynesboro
Phone: 1-540-942-1100
Rate: $99.99 per night (I told them under a hundred bucks!)
Website: CLICK HERE (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g58295-d653041-Reviews-Best_Western_Waynesboro_Inn_Suites_Conference_Center-Waynesboro_Virginia.html) AND HERE (http://www.bwwaynesboro.com)
Mention "MINI COOPER EVENT" for room rate.

This hotel is less than 3 years old, pet friendly and non smoking. Several of the MINI folks stayed there after the Blue Ridge Parkway Tour last year before the Great Ice Cream Run and gave it great reviews! But there is always the Afton Inn (NOT!)
 
HERE (http://www.dcmetrominis.org/forums/showthread.php?t=840) is a link to DC METRO MINI's Spring Fling run a handful of us are doing as a follow up to our event. Two days of motoring with two different clubs! How fun is that?!

That sounds like a plan.  As long as we don't stay at the old Afton Inn right where the parkway crosses 64.  That place was nasty in 2006 when we did the fall colors run there.  LOL

Aw Kurt, we had the Presidential suite already reserved for you. I think that's the one with the smaller spiders and less mold than the others. I've heard some real horror stories about that place. So don't worry, that's one joint we will NOT be visiting!

Did it come with complementary cockroaches in the tub?  That just makes a room for me.

LOL

If memory serves, that place caught fire last year.   :074:

Or it was just closed.  Maybe memory's not serving today.   :017:

*If* the timing on this happens to randomly happen to work out to maybe perhaps be the weekend of March 12/13/14 2010 here's one NC MINI who will be able to make the trip and join you .. hint|hint|hint .. (well no one was throwing out a date, soooo ... )

(and I do realize that's not quite Spring, a week early, but it also doesn't get too close to Easter weekend)

And my other $.02 (did you ask?) recommended Waynesboro hotel would be the Best Western Waynesboro .. newer, very nice, some of the Ice Cream Run participants stayed there last year at the commencement of that drive. I heard no reports of bug infestation ..  :icon_lol:

[109 Apple Tree Ln, Waynesboro, VA‎ - (540) 942-1100‎]

(I hope this means I'm automatically subscribed now for updates to this plan! And when the details are complete, be sure and cross post to THMMC)

-susan
MINIFIED

Sounds good, Anytime in Mid-March would be fine for me. Even if it's not quite spring-like yet...I'm still game. You say a Saturday Run, There's a couple of nice B&B's in Charlottesville I've stayed in. I never need much of a reason to book a B7B night.. :039:

I'm up for this one.  Wish I could get my new rims and tires by then.  But I'm not going to hold my breath.  Apparently I picked the rarest or most highly desired design on the market.

Most of March looks good on our calendar for a weekend romp  :038:  Count us in. We'll just have to figure out what we will be able to do with the couch potato hound dog  :017:

Okay, good news and bad news.

Good news, I have a route mapped out and it looks F-U-N! If you like the roads on the Fall Colors run, I think we're as good as those. The scenery should be just as nice too! We'll start in Waynesboro, VA and pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway and follow that south. That's all ya get for now. We'll stop several times along the way for pics and regrouping. I've scouted out a few possible lunch stops that I'll have to personally check out before I commit. Though their websites look good.  (But so did Afton Inn's!)

We'll head into the west side of Richmond to wrap up. Still searching a eatery along that area as of now.

Now the bad news. If you've went outside and looked up anytime in the last two weeks, you've seen this white stuff falling. I first thought it was acid rain, but I find out it's snow. I don't remember getting three good snows withing 14 days ever before. But this has get me backed up in doing preliminary test runs. Hopefully withing the next few weeks I'll get time to do that. I just know some of these roads will not be on VDOT's plowing schedule!

So this means moving the Spring Fling to April. Anyone have a date? As of now, both DC METRO and Tar Heel have open weekends all of April. So shoot me some dates and we'll get things rolling!

Hmm... maybe we need an excuse to do a dry run.  Will have to get with you on the planned route.

As for eats, I would like to get a BBQ place in there somewhere.  Famous Dave's in Richmond is good.  There's one on Midlothian Turnpike (Rt. 60) just west of state Rt. 76.  The other one (which I have been to) is on Broad Street (Rt. 250) just north of I-64 at Exit 183.

As soon as the roads are good, I'm ready, weather it be March or April. Let's motor.... :039:

Well, let's see .. being as the weather man has decided not to co-operate with March, we'll have to see about April options .. the post referenced "all" open weekends for April for THMMC, and since some of us are hoping to join you on this trip, I would merely comment as follows for your scheduling consideration ..

The first weekend in April is Easter. (It's also a VIR driving school date that a dozen of us have committed to .. perhaps some HRMINIs would like to join the fun??
THMMC link: http://www.tarheelminis.org/showthread.php?3705-April-3-4-THSCC-at-VIR-North-Course)

The "last" weekend in April is sort of the Spring Dragon (starts on April 28) since it's still April dates (and there may be a conflict for those attending the Dragon leaving on Wed or Thurs to *also* be gone the prior weekend if that's any consideration)

So .. that's my $.02 worth, and am still hoping this is going to work for me!

PS - I've had the same password to this website for about a year now -- my "standard" one and for some reason it absolutely refused to work today ... so I had to follow the Reset My Password link. I'm afraid to say I don't frequent this forum enough to know if there was a Warning that perhaps all passwords needed to be reset, but just thought I'd mention it ..

See you soon! :038:

First post updated.

Date announcement April 17th!!!!!

Count us in. We will both be on leave at that time. So it's a for sure!  :044:

Plans coming together nicely. Mark your calendars! Should be a good day of motoring!

Hotel plans should be made by mid week.

This is too cool! Our Spring Fling is Saturday April 17th starting in Waynesboro and running down to Buena Vista, over to Lexington and up to Staunton.

Our friends up at DC Metro MINI's have their Spring Fling on Sunday the 18th. Wouldn't t be cool to do two MINI events in the same weekend with two different clubs?! I'll try to work out the details and let y'all know!

   VERY COOL !  Am ready to Motor and am looking forward to this trip ! Our calendar is clear for this weekend !
Dale, just be sure to make your room reservations before posting any hotel possibilities information for this weekend event.
You know how I am by now. I'll beat  you to the prime hotel room if possible. Sorry but that's just me....... :045:

Would love to do the run but we have our second autocross the 18th. :102:

Dale,
Was looking up hotel reservations for the weekend of the 17th/18th. There is a Virginia Fly-fishing Tournament:
April 17 - 18 in Waynesboro so reservations should be made early.

I am thinking about coming down for your Spring Fling and then heading back to Northern Virginia. I was curious when and where the run would be ending. I also think it would be cool  :080: to make a full Fling weekend.  :023:

I'm ready, Spring just can't get here soon enough, I'll probably end up staying in Charlottesville, to avoid all of the dumb basses,....the bass tournament, :044: :044: :044:... :039:

As I said, we have 10 rooms reserved for us at the Best Western Waynesboro .Some of the guys stayed there after the Blue Ridge Pkwy Tour last year and gave it great reviews.

Also, it looks like we can make this a charity run to help out the Lexington SPCA. WE rocked the Highland County SPCA for the Fall Colors run last year. I think we can make a small donation at least for the Lexington SPCA. Not to mention Lexington is a gorgeous, historic city!

Details will follow

Reservations made. Kathy, Dave, and Maggie the Wonder Dog, will be there  :038:

Do you mean that silly doggie in the window?   :wink:

That's the one !  Maggie will be along for this run, and the Dragon event as well, if there is any Dragon events to attend....

FYI for anyone that has made reservations at the Best Western, Waynesboro, for the Spring Fling.
I called the hotel directly last week and made a reservation. Something just didn't feel right, so I went online today to check the reservation referencing the confirmation number that I was given at the time. The web site showed NO reservation had been made  :093: I then called the Hotel directly again and spoke to a nice lady named Erin.
Seems my room reservation was made for some "Unemployment Group" and not the HRMINI group. My reservation was then cancelled and a new room reservation was made. VERY STRANGE !  Bottom line is that I do have a room reserved,
(I think),  and Kath and I will be there to stay the night on 4/16. along with Maggie the "Wonder Dog". I highly reccomend that everyone that has booked rooms for this event at the Best Western, Waynesboro, contact Erin at 1-540-942-1100
asap to make sure that your reservations are in order, and confirmed. OR NOT....... My first reserved room, listed as being with the unemployment group was booked at $93.99 for a 2 Queen, non smoking room, plus an additional $10.00 for pet fee. Now that I have corrected the reservation and will be on the same floor with all the rest of the Mini group the rate is
$109.99  :017: :017: :017:  Check those reservations people !  as I wonder how many errors the hotel may have in their data base !!

Just a quick update, I called the Hotel and found that we need to request our reservations to be made under the Dale Blankenship Group of 10 rooms. Not under any other name. My reservation has been confermed and made.Mike :039:

Am trying to straighten that out now. Actually, tried last night but I missed my contact person. I'll call and get that ironed out Monday. Ill be sure to let y'all know. But until then, like Mike said, just use my name. Just make sure they know I ain't paying for your rooms! :018:

Kevin, if my count is right, we should have 4 rooms left. My contact doesn't get in until 3 and I plan on getting everything straight then....hopefully!

Well, I'm all set up.  Dale, it's my impression we are paying for each room, so no worries that you are footing the whole bill.   :icon_cool:

Wait, is it Christmas already????   :111:

If anyone needs a reservation you can call the Waynesboro Best Western at 540-942-1100. Speak to Aron for reservations. They're under Dale Blankenship, just get them changed to your name. Their website is www.bwwaynesboro.com

If all goes as planned. Me and Steph will just drive there in the morning for this run.  And depending on how soon I get my tax return. Might be able to have a new M7 AGS-R CAI installed by then...  :026:

Which reminds me....About how much would one cost to get painted Chili Red dale?
-http://www.m7tuning.com/parts/images/AGS-R.jpg (http://www.m7tuning.com/parts/images/AGS-R.jpg)
-http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t00ePr1bMFk/S0VY9aRaY1I/AAAAAAAAAEk/SRAOH4uUTi0/IMG_0797.JPG (http://lh5.ggpht.com/_t00ePr1bMFk/S0VY9aRaY1I/AAAAAAAAAEk/SRAOH4uUTi0/IMG_0797.JPG)
Might just go with Gloss black though....cause I still want to get red Samco hoses...and that would be too much red ya think?

Is there such a thing as "too much Red" ???   :017:

Dale,
Thanks for blocking the rooms, got 99$ rate and a Confirmation at the BW in Waynesboro. After the run is over just going to jaunt up to Sterling and stay at the Hyatt Place hotel pretty close to the start point for the DCMM SF run on Sunday. Then back to VA Beach that night. Looking forward to lots of top down motoring.


Kevin

Not a problem Kevin! That's pretty much my plans as well.

Kevin do you happen to have the phone number or a link to the Hyatt Place Hotel?    In for a penny, In for a pound.  :109:

Agreed, Hey Kev, how about posting the hotel info for NoVA!

Also, 1st post updated with a link to DC METRO's run the following day.

Two days of motoring with two different clubs! Gonna be a great weekend!

Did a pre run today. Didn't really plan on doing that today, it just kinda worked out. Here's the deal; This run is gonna be awesome!

Blue Ridge Parkway was great
Road up to to Buena Vista was great
Buena Vista is a neat little town
Franks For the Memories isn't open on Easter (Dangit!)
  their WEBSITE (http://www.franks4thememories.com/)
Easy ride over to Rockbridge County SPCA in Lexington
Great road up from Lexington to Staunton
  Great scenery and roads
Wright's Dairy rite in Staunton isn't open on Easter either! (Double Dangit!)
   their WEBSITE (http://www.dairy-rite.com/)

The run is about 150 miles long and should run us about 4 hours. That's an hour for lunch about 30 minutes at the SPCA and then whatever time we want at Wright's.

Here's some teasing:

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/misc%20stuff/8D8AB95A.jpg)

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/misc%20stuff/8FAF4593-1.jpg)

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/misc%20stuff/44F72819.jpg)

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/misc%20stuff/4661DC6C.jpg)

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/misc%20stuff/5C808DF2.jpg)

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/misc%20stuff/5E23DA8F.jpg)

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/misc%20stuff/779AD5C7.jpg)

And for those of y'all that don't wanna spend the night at the Best Western, (which I also checked out and it's great) I left the Peninsula at 7:30. Made a stop in Richmond,  made the run, and a few side trips that didn't plan out as thought and was back in Poquoson by 5PM. So the Spring Fling is doable as a day run.

But then you'll miss the DC Metro MINI's run on Sunday!

http://dullesairportnorth.place.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/place/index.jsp

The Hyatt Place Sterling/Dulles Airport-North Hotel
21481 Ridgetop Circle
Sterling, Virginia 20166

Tel 1 703 444 3909

Rate Total: 86.00 after taxes

The hotel is about 8 minutes from the meetup spot at WEGMANS for the DCMETROMINI run on Sunday.

(http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac344/cchrnkvn/DirectionsfromHoteltoDCMMmeetup.jpg)

Yep, that was probably 5 miles down the BRP. There was a male standing in the middle of the road all furled out, He was HUGE! There was also a couple of hens there too. The male was just standing in front of the Dodge truck and he had to go around him on the shoulder. I should have gotten a pic of the male turkey. I haven't been turkey hunting in probably 25 years, but I've never seen one as big as he was! Heck, even the girls were good size.

 Dang it! Can someone point me in the direction of a guide that'll tell me how to post a map from google maps to the forum? I've tried everything I can find on their site.  :088:

Something like what Kevin did.

Dale,
I couldn't do it from Google Maps either, Here was my work around:
 
Copied (Ctrl Print screen)
Pasted into Microsoft Powerpoint and Edited (Cropped), You could also use Microsoft Paint
Saved edited object as a Jpeg
Uploaded Jpeg to Photobucket
Copied Photobucket address into reply

Kevin

You're not doing something right.  Here is a link from my home to Bottom's up Pizza in Richmond:  Google Maps - Home to Bottoms Up Pizza (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=231+bailiff+court,+newport+news,+va&daddr=bottoms+up+pizza,+richmond,+va&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&vps=1&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=52.902929,78.837891&ie=UTF8).

I can post a link okay, I was trying to post an actual pic of the map/route. Tar Heel does it all the time. Kevin had a good suggestion, I just haven't had time to try it.

I figured it out.  Above the top right corner of the map, click the "Link" option and cut-and-paste the embed HTML code option.  I'm working on getting it to work...

...

The embedded map uses an IFrame for HTML code.  I'm guessing this forum does not support them. 

Update... we have to get a Google Maps API key.  Read more here:  http://code.google.com/apis/maps/signup.html (http://code.google.com/apis/maps/signup.html)

Updated the first page with departure time and schedule-but it's pretty flexible!

Here's a list of things the SPCA is in constant need of. Anything y'all can bring would be great. I plan on bringing a fairly good amount of things with me. Also, here's a link to the Rockbridge SPCA (http://www.rockbridgespca.net/index.php) website.

    
Dogs:
- Purina dog chow or Purina One or Pedigree dry food
- Purina puppy chow or
- Pedigree puppy food
- Canned food any but ole roy or cost cutter brands
- Rawhide chewies
- Milkbones
- Crates (airline type) any size
- Blankets
- Toys
- Dog collar or leashes, please no harnesses


Cats:
- Clay kitty litter
- Scoopable kitty litter
- Purina cat or kitten chow
- Toys
- Cat collars
- Canned cat food any but cost cutter
- Towels
- Kitten replacement milk (can buy at Walmart)


Supplies:
- Clorox bleach
- Dawn dish washing detergent
- Bounty paper towels


Monetary Donations for:
- Rescue fund
- Critical care fund
- Spay/neuter fund

Nicely done Dale !  :023:  Kath and I will be along for this Spring Fling Run, as will be Maggie, "The Wonder Dog".
We will be sure to bring along some supplies that you have listed as needed items for the local SPCA, and will be happy to do it !  I REALLY like doing things such as this,  along with our Clubs fun run's.  We can make a huge impact on some of these local SPCA's by way of our donations,  and a do a lot of good for a very little investment per member.








 !

  :026:  :026: See you all on the 17th. Nothing like a full weekend of Spring Flings  :109:

Since IFrames are not supported in this forum, the only alternative I could find is Mapquest provides a map saving option.  Go to Mapquest (http://www.mapquest.com), type in your directions, let the map generate, then right-click on it and click the option that says "Save Picture As..." (using IE).  You can then either upload the picture in a post reply, or upload it to a separate web server and provide a direct image link (which should display it in it's full size).

Anyone plan on doing breakfast in Waynesboro ? See everyone on the 17th  :039:

Crap Brian! I meant to reply to your post over on DC! There is a Cracker Barrel right next to the hotel we're staying at. I'm pretty sure that'll be the breakfast gathering spot. I know it will be for me anyway! Just gotta remember to not eat so much, I do love me some breakfast! It's just north of the interstate at exit 94. I rode up to the hotel Sunday too, and ya gotta go around your elbow to get to your butt with that place. It's like ya can see it, but can't figure out how to get there! The GPS wouldda helped!

 
Any idea what time breakfast will be? It has been a while since I have had a nice breakfast and it might be worth heading that way a little earlier for the Cracker Barrel.  :080:

I'd say probably around 8ish. The exit for the BRP is 99 and were at exit 94 for the hotel and CB. So figure maybe 10 minutes to get there. I'd need to be there a bit early, maybe 930ish. So yea, 8 might work if it ain't too far. I'm sure there will be a few stragglers.

Counting down now.  Sorting through my packing, buying SPCA items, whispering in Maggie's ear of the exciting trip to come, washing the car, hitting the ATM, putting all the places in my GPS, confirming hotel reservations.  And getting my appitite ready for a Wheelie.  :026: :026: :026: :026: :026: :026: :026:

Looks like I will have duty on friday night, so may join up with ya all if I can get out of work early enough on sat morning.

Actually, making a day trip of it probably won't be all that bad. I can get to exit 99 for the BRP in 2.5 hours from my house on the peninsula. Ii think adding a half a nhour from the southside that early on a Saturday morning might work. If we leave at 10 AM and ya leave sometime before 7AM ya might be all right. Of course earlier the better!

should be good if wheels up is at 10 AM.  I'll bring the radio tuned to 7-21.  Otherwise will swing around to Buena Vista for lunch

OK, anyone up for a meeting place for the trip out tomorrow?  I get off work around 5 p.m.  We can meet up and head out around 6 p.m., or it can be a bit later if you wish.  It's a pretty straight shot up I-64.  Maybe at the BP by Super-K at Exit 258B like we did last week?

I'm also open to any thoughts on a place to eat on the way out there.   :023:

It might be a little late getting out there, but there is a Cracker Barrel next to the Best Western.

The Cracker Barrel sounds good.  I forgot you mentioned it previously.  However, if we go in the morning for breakfast, that will make two trips there. 

I'm off early and will have the car all packed up.  Just need to get in touch with Dave to work out a time.  Adam, you sound like your timing might be close to the time we will be ready as well. 

I am going to try my best to get away from work early tomorrow. I normally don't get home until between 6 and 6:30 pm.
If I can get away early, maybe some of us can convoy together. Adam, stay tuned, and I'll try to post something as soon as I know what time I can get away from work tomorrow afternoon.

Radios charging, clothes pretty much packed, gotta grab stuff for the SPCA tomorrow. Gotta get a reservation for Saturday up in Sterling. Probably won't be westbound until 7ish tomorrow. Would like to get to the Best Western intime to hang out tomorrow night. We'll see what transpires tomorrow.

Try the Best Western Dulles Airport Inn for a Sat. night room. The rate was around $68.00 for us, but the extra fee for having a dog along was excessive.  I sucked it up anyway, and we will be staying there on Sat.night  It's VERY close to the meetup for the Sunday run. Posted as being 6 min. away.
45440 Holiday Dr. Sterling, Va. 20166. PH # is 703-471-8300

Either way is fine for me.  If some of you decide to head out before 5 p.m, I can head up with Dale.  I'll make sure to check throughout the day.

Doubt we will be heading out before 5pm. but hoping to. I never know what time I can get away from work  :120:
Am hoping that we can run up together and also time things out with Dale and all run up together.

Any word?  There is an accident on I-64 EB right here at Ft. Eustis Blvd.  Will make it pointless to navigate back up to the BP at Victory Blvd. 

Shoot... I forgot my radios.  Now I have to go back by the house.   :093:

Per guidance of the Fort Eustis Military Police, there has been a serious collision accident on Ft. Eustis Blvd, all traffic is being diverted onto Route 60.  Please use Gate 2 to exit the installation.

Very Respectfully,


Fort Eustis IOC

Man! This has been a pain in the arse day at the shop! Busy as I've ever been without some natural disaster like a hurricane or hail storm. Just WOW! :103:

Anyway, I'll be A) darn glad to get away from the shop today! and B) probably won't be on the road before 7 if then!

I'll call everyone I have numbers for and worse case, just meet everyone up at the Best Western.

What a fabulous day it was  :038: Thanks to Dale and the whole HR Mini crew for setting the Spring Fling up  :080: See you all tomorrow morning  :026: :023: :026:

Yes, we had a grand of a Saturday.  Started with breakfast at the hotel or Cracker Barrel next door (we were split one that one).  Met up at the old Afton Inn and had wheels up at 10 a.m.  No sooner we get on the Blue Ridge Parkway I had an engine code.  Thankfully, I had my trusty Peake code scanner with me.  We stopped along the way at an old railroad track used for mining many decades ago.  I checked the computer and determine it was just a lean code.  Cleared it out OK.

While we were there, we took some photos of the waterfall running below the track.  Left there and headed down to Rt. 130, then on U.S. Rt. 501.  We headed into Buena Vista for lunch at "Frank's for the Memories."  The owner came across the street when we parked and introduced himself personally.  Was very cool.  I had the BBQ sandwich (all menu items came with fancy names; don't recall what mine was at this time).  It was doused in their house sauce and was very tasty.  Came with seasoned waffle fries and a dill pickle strip.

Left there and headed up U.S. Rt. 60, then turned on Rt. 39.  That let to Rt. 252.  We stayed on that until going to Wright's Dairy in Staunton for ice cream.  That was the end of the planned route, but not the end of the driving!  We stopped at Sheetz for a quick fill up, then headed up I-81 for a few miles before jumping on Rt. 256 east over to U.S. 340.  What a nice drive!  Smack between two mountain ranges.  Such a great view (I highly recommend this route in the future for anyone that wants to drive out in the mountains).  We jumped back on the Blue Ridge Parkway until it ended.  From there, we went up U.S. 211, then U.S. 522, before finally getting to I-66 and ending up at the Best Western.

And we still have tomorrow's run with the D.C. group.   :023:

Wonderful write up Adam  :icon_razz:
Glad everyone is having fun  :039:

It was gr8 meeting those of u who came up 2day 4 the DCMM Spring Fling!!!  I hope u all enjoyed yourselves as much as I!  Kathy, Apollo is da boooomb!  I absolutely love your graphics!  Adam, it was truly lovely meeting u and talking MINI (as w/every1 else I chat with--MINIs are such 1derful conversation pieces, aren't they?), as well  :055: I hope u both had a safe trip home!

Dale? Brian?--did I miss u guys???  :icon_question: Dale:  I thought I spoke w/u and your lovely wife, but didn't make the connection ... my badd!   :icon_redface:  If there's any1 else I missed, PLEASE 4give me ... I'm ol' and there were just 2 many MINIs/owners 2 keep up with!   :001:  I'm looking 4ward 2 the next 1!!!   :023:

Any idea how many miles we did this weekend?  I know we really covered alot of ground. 

The weather was perfect for driving, though a few cabrio drivers might have had some chilly moments.  We saw  roadside glistening rock waterfalls, old railroad tracks whispering of their history of log trains, deer leaping across the road in front of us (not dangerously though), all farm animals, rolling hills of goldenrod, misty mountains with sun shining through, deep cool forests.  We drove high enough to see no leaves on trees, than watched everything come back into bloom on the way down.  All the food venues were exceptionally good.  All the conversation fun and stimulating.  All the MINIs covered in bugs (at least the first day).  Our arrival at the DC group drew *envious* breaths of "Wow I wish we had joined you on your drive too".  We also got tagged by a DC member in the parking lot for dinner (we tagged him first).

Dale, fabulous drive design and play.  Hats off to you.  :icon_exclaim:

I ended up putting just over 525 miles of spirited driving with my Mini !  :077:   Dale posted on my Facebook that he ran about 688 miles in his Clubman. Oh what an incredible run we had on Saturday and Sunday.  :026: Hope to see all of you soon.  :wink:

Glad you had fun on Sat. Brian. We did too  :045: Happy to see you again, and we really had fun today running with the DC group. Today's run was the largest number of Mini's that I have ever been on a run with. It was fun, the Brunch was terrific and VERY well organized  :023.  See ya at MOTD  :026:

Nice to meet Ya  :039: Kathy and I had a great time today, and our Sat. run was a blast !! Looks like we put in just a bit short of 700 miles of Mini motoring this past weekend, and it was all fun !  Maggie met some nice new people too  :023:

Agreed  :080:  It was a VERY fun weekend. Thanks for all you did Dale  :038: Very nicely done again !  The lunch stop on Sat. at "Franks for the Memories" was a big hit, and today's brunch stop was very good too. We had a blast  :045: :045:

Yep, another great HR MINI run is in the books! Between HR MINI and DC Metro's Spring Flings, we put well over 600 miles on Gizmo, Tho he didn't complain!

Saturday's route couldn't have gone better. Great roads, fun twisties and awesome scenery. Franks for the memories has great food! Hot dog stand, my butt! Boars head meats and a fantastic menu rocked! The folks at the SPCA were great and I'm amazed no one left with another four legged friend. They were so cute. I never did get a count on a total weight of supplies dropped off. I last counted right at 100 pounds. We had several monetary donations including one from a DC member.  The ride up Rte 252 to Staunton was wonderful and the Wheelie's were delicious.

Thanks to everyone that came out! We just needed more!

On to the next!

Our stop off on Sat. at the SPCA was a real highlight of the weekend !  VERY nice of them to give us such a warm welcome and the "Welcome Mini Coopers" sign on their front door was a very nice touch, and much appreciated ! "Franks for the Memories" was terrific, and I can't wait to get back there again !

Nice to meet those that made the trip up to run with DCMM  :039: Hopefully my wife and I can join you on a few of your runs. We have friends in Portsmouth, so it's definitely possible.

Also - thanks for the laugh on Saturday :icon_mrgreen: Coming out of the Macaroni Grill to see we've been tagged was a riot. We talked about that for the entire drive home.  :045:

-Jim

Well, the gang got up and left me at the hotel.  Thanks... I was just trying to get some breakfast.   :017:  Hehe, it's OK.  Kathy left me a voicemail and guided me to the meeting place for the DC Metro group (I left my GPS at home   :icon_rolleyes:  ).  It was just five minutes up the road at Wedmans.

Man, what a group!  If you were not able to find someone to converse with, then you're not a Mini owner.  I ran into members that I've seen at the Dragon previously, which made the start all the more cool.  I finally got to meet Audrey (VioletDC).  She's really cool and very enthusiastic, a real sweetheart.  I was able to tell her there was a member of the Tar Heel group (I think her name is Lisa) that also has a Purple Haze Mini (which I believe is also an S).  

There must have been about 40 Minis in the parking lot by the time Edge gave his speech and grouped everyone.  Group A was newbies; Group B was veterans; Group C was the super-spirited group.  Interestingly, we started in that order.  I personally think it should have been backwards.

It's amazing how quickly you end up in the mountains west of D.C.!  It took about ten miles to get to some decent two-lane roads.  From there, we started hitting some twisties.  There was lots of greenery, some cabin-style houses, and some that looked like estates sitting atop tall hills.  There were lots of farms.  I have a habit of "Moo'ing" when we pass cows, but I chose not to do so with the DC Metro group.   :icon_mrgreen:

By the middle of the second leg, I got into a chatty habit of calling out oncoming traffic or bikers (hey, would you expect anything less from me?).  In my defense, I was keeping it to just roads with no lines.  I was kindly reminded it was too much.  I later learned that was for the newbies, which was Group A.  I was in Group C.  My bad.   :icon_redface:  Lesson learned.  ?Helen? (My S; '02 Dark Silver S with four huge Hella lights on it) said she just cuts her radio off.  She hates the chatter.   :094:  I guess so with me adding fuel to the fire.   :044:

Lunch was at the Griffin Tavern.  Parking definitely took some organization.  Some were on the street, but most were in the restaurant parking lot.  Using the store lot across the street was strictly "Verboten."  Even though many pre-ordered, our waitress appeared lost at first and got our table's order in last.  I got the ultimate nachos, which were pretty good.  Many seemed to order some brunch (omelette, etc.).  I cannot recall our waitress' name (young black girl), but she was very entertaining and made good conversation.  We had lots of laughs.  She showed enthusiasm for Minis and mentioned some roads near home that are cool to drive but have been accident-prone lately from road construction.

Well, at this point, Kathy and Dave, Mike, and Dale and Regina headed home.  But not me!  I wanted to finish out the run.  The third leg stopped at the Philomont Volunteer Fire Department and the general store next door.  I picked the "BBQ Bible" by Steven Raichlen, with 500 recipes ready to be made.   :023:  Mom and I have watched him before on PBS, and his creations always look really good.

The last leg eventually went back to the route we took out of town.  I did learn there is a place called the "British Pantry" that some of the DC Metro members like to stop at.  They have English meats, scones, and lots of teas (and why wouldn't they?).

Alas, after some conversation back at Wedmans, I headed out around 5:30 p.m.  I took Rt. 28 to I-66 East, then the I-495 beltway to I-95.  I could not wait to get off the interstate.  I took Rt. 3 to U.S. 301, then to U.S. 17 home.  The sun was still shining for awhile, and that was making that last trek relaxing as well.  I got home around 10 p.m. but just had to make a quick stop at the touchless car wash up the street.  Yes, lots of dust and bugs.  But well worth it.

And I added about 800 miles to my odometer.

...

Points to note:

The SPCA visit was really nice.  Yeah, I liked the sign they had up welcoming us.  I did not bring food but made a $$$ donation.  There was a guinea pig in the cage up front in the foyer.  But he was too shy to come out.  The doggies were so adorable.   :055:  Very friendly.  And so were the cats.  Very loving.  Some even stuck their paw out the cage to get your attention, claws and all.  One was super-friendly to Regina, grabbing at her pony tail.  :079:  A lady was there to adopt a white cat.  I swear she took off enough hair with a brush to cover it completely, and it still had a full coat!  Alas, we have no room back home for pets.   :009:

I know there were some photogenic members between our group and theirs.  Unfortunately, I only had my cell phone camera (which is not too bad, but nothing compared to my regular digital camera).  I did manage to get a few photos on our run, plus the meeting place for the DC Metro group, as well as at the Philomont stop.

Some computer geek info.  One of the first buildings we passed on the DC Metro run was a large Verizon complex on the right.  One of the roads leading to it said "UUNET Place."  UUNET was the primary Internet backbone operator in 1987 after the federal government released Internet operations to private companies.  UUNET was eventually bought by MCI Worldcom.  Maybe they sold the building off?  Anyway, I was very excited when I saw the sign.  OK, enough of that.

Some of the neighbors were out in their yards and waved while we went by.  I returned waves every time.  The kid doing the weed wacking was all smiles when we rode by.  I saw three Minis during the legs going by, including a Red S parked on the road just before the Philomont fire department.  She came out the door and waved as we went by.

Celia, the young girl of the DC Metro group, is a very good Mini driver for having a JustaCooper.  Some of you may recall her at the Dragon, as she had the Mini with the long sentences wrapped around it.  She was behind me on the third and fourth legs, and, aside from my straight fast accelerations, kept up really well through the twisties.

Chaquitta, who has the '09 Horizon Blue S, holds her age really well.  She's been in the Navy for about ten years and is currently doing IT work at the White House.  Lucky her; that really sounds cool.  Unfortunately, if Chaquitta re-enlists, she will only be able to get maybe another year in there.  I asked her, "Where do you go from there when you transfer?  You're already at the top."

I saw about three trains between Saturday and Sunday.  All Norfolk Southern.  Plus an old tressle that still said "Norfolk and Western" near Buena Vista.

I had an absolute blast.  This was one of the most memorable trips I've taken in some time.  Thanks to all HR Mini and DC Metro Mini members who made it a ton of fun.   :039:

What can I say that ain't already been said. Maybe a big ol' THANK YOU to everyone that came out! WE did have a blast. From Aaron/Erin to the Blue Ridge Pkwy (BRP) to the food at Franks to the roads and scenery. The only thing better was the company we had. What we lacked in quantity we more than made up for in quality. The wheelies at Wrights were as good as always.

The DC run went well too. 39 cars and a ton of great people. Like Dave said, we tagged a member, it was actually Carman63 who was at the Cooper Vineyard last year. He thought it was a riot until he saw our cars and tagged all of them. We all had a great laugh! There are some rally nice roads just outside of DC. Middleburg, though snobbish in appearance, was a great little town.  Here are some pics of the combined events.

Look familiar?
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling008.jpg)

Recent improvements!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling011-1.jpg)

At the Meet up spot just off I64 at exit 99.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling012.jpg)

Lots of this
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling015.jpg)

First stop, Kurt caught us here!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling024.jpg)

HR MINI representin'!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling039.jpg)

Coming into Buena Vista
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling041.jpg)

Franks Rocked, awesome food and Charlie came over and welcomed us personally, too cool!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling048.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling043.jpg)

More than a hot dog stand!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling049.jpg)

we took over Buena Vista's downtown!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling052.jpg)

Welcome mat from the SPCA
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling056.jpg)

Take me home!!!!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling055.jpg)

Local realtor that helps out the SPCA. She is now an HR MINI members! Welcome!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling061.jpg)

Homes along the way to Staunton. These must be civil war era houses. They were awesome! Most were in Brownsville.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling063.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling071.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling073.jpg)

 I didn't get a pic at Wright's. Something about eating too much. Anyone wanna go just to get a pic? I swear I won't get a wheelie. Nah, I lied, I would!

The trip north to DC land. Up skyline drive and over. Nice roads Kathy laid out. She's got a knack for this stuff too!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling075.jpg)

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling081.jpg)

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling084.jpg)

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling087.jpg)

DC's Spring Fling:

The Meet Up
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling091.jpg)

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling095.jpg)

New Camden edition. Very nice!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling088.jpg)

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling089.jpg)

Stop in Middleburg, nice but snobby looking. Really historic though.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling101.jpg)

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling103.jpg)

On the road again
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling108.jpg)

and again
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling115.jpg)

Lunch is served, eventually! We did swamp the place
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling117.jpg)

Gizmo, Pammy and Marty from the Fall Colors Run were there in Rita. Us 4 had to park past the Griffin, there was no more room!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling116.jpg)

Still more across the street
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling118.jpg)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g119/maacodale/Spring%20Fling%202010/Springfling119.jpg)

Here's a bit of advice, don't miss the next run. We have a great time. This is the stuff you're missing!

Great photo's  :038: Thanks for posting them Dale. We took a lot of pic's too and will try to get them posted soon. Love the "speed" shot on that really twisty downhill section  :023:

Here is the link to our 2010 Spring Fling slide show

http://s521.photobucket.com/albums/w336/kathy4051/2010%20Spring%20Fling/?action=view&current=00c69525.pbw