HRMINI

Okay guys, it's officially official! I got an email from Jacque today saying that July 17 was fine with them.

HR MINI will again host a scenic/spirited drive over to the vineyard. Starting location and actual route is yet to be determined.
I'd suggest starting the Vineyard Drive no later than 9:30. I think we got to the vineyard a bit late last year.


I'll get exact time as soon as I can, but last years event ran from 11 AM to 5 PM.

I also had several people ask me about supporting the animal rescue group at the vineyard. If you remember, they usually have an animal rescue group on site. They usually bring a selection of dogs and cats. Though as expected, the dogs seem to get more out of the event. Jacque is all for us supporting which ever group is attending and I think we should. So, when you're making you plans for the run up to Richmond, grab an extra bag or three of food, or litter, a bundle or two of newspapers or anything else that could be used by the shelter. That would also include monetary donations.

This is easily the biggest MINI event in Virginia, if not the Mid Atlantic. Last year they had 160 MINI's, slightly down from '08's 200. But with the economy and the lack of sponsors to help advertise, I think we did good. I think we should ALL feel honored that they've asked HR MINI to help make the event a success.

Let's get some discussions going as to A) what other issues we need to address and B) How to make this event absolutely fantastic!!!!!

Two things that come to mind is making sure we have enough chairs and having enough shade.  Also, make sure you have some insect repellent if you decide to sit next to the woodline.  Last year, my lower legs and feet were eaten up with chiggers.  It actually took a few weeks for the flaring/itching to subside completely.

Chiggers love fresh lilly white meat. :044: :044: :044:

Just wondering.......Would it be possible to create a flier that we could post on this site that members could download and print out on their home computers to advertise this event ? If we could do that, members could carry some copies in their cars and tag any and all Mini's that they see in their daily travels, like I have been doing with the cards that Dale had made up. I'll do it !!! Cheap advertising to be sure and it could possibily reach quite a few new Mini owners that don't know that we exist, and have never heard of Cooper Vineyards. By the way, I just checked out the Cooper Vineyards web site, and they have posted this event on their calendar  :038:

Dave that's a great idea. I'll see if Jacque has a flier made yet. Though I doubt she's that far along yet. We really need an arts kinda person on the site that could do that for us. But ya know, I've had Craig from Evergreen graphics do fliers for us before. He's the same guy that does our shirts. He's COOPERation on the sites and RAWK on our site. I'll see if he can do a simple flier. Maybe somethng that we can fit 4 on a regular page.

If we could get even a simple flier with all the pertinent event information on it, that is printable, posted on our web site, and our members are willing to tag Mini's with these fliers, we can probably reach a pretty large number of people between now and the event date. We have plenty of time to get the word out this way, and I WILL do it. I'm just not computer literate enough to create a flier myself and post it to this site, DUH ! 

Hey my Miniacs, just noticed that the tickets are on sale now  :026: Here is the linky http://coopervineyards.com/store/page6.html (http://coopervineyards.com/store/page6.html) I missed last year and am really looking forward to going this year  :023:

Woo-hoo!  Just ordered my ticket!   :038:

Tickets ordered  :038: :038: :038:  Also, Jacque from Cooper Vineyards has asked that if any clubs/groups have any planned caravan or group drives planned for coming to this event, that they contact her as soon as the plans are finalized with the information regarding meeting places and departing times. If it's possible to get this information to her soon enough, she would like to post this information on their web site.

Whoho, You can deffinitly count me in for the Cooper Vineyards Run this year. So, where are we going to caravan from. ? :039:

Mike

  :026: Steve and I are in! I just bought our tickets. Woo Hoo!  :038:

Don't forget the driver over to the winery. We'll still meet up at Brusters Ice Cream and follow the previous years route. Simple but fun!

Details will follow!

DOH! That reminds me, I gotta shoot Jacque an email about the drive over!

Suggestion...

We could plan a couple meeting places  then bring all those groups to Bruster's for the drive.  We should let Jaques of Cooper Vineyards know of the places since he can publicize them.

I will volunteer to drive to Crown MINI in Richmond to pick up a group and bring them to Bruster's.  I will have to work out the wheels up time. 

Suggestions - 1.  Group leaving from Cracker Barrel in Hampton
                    2.  Perhaps Violet, Brian or another active DC Member lead a group from the North?

Then perhaps some flyers with the start-up places and times to start passing out.  I can do some simple ones.  I am sure Crown would help pass some out if we give them a bunch. 

Bought my ticket!   :038:

Wish I could plan that far in advance!  I love going to Cooper Vineyards.  Cross your fingers for me.  LOL

Looking forward to seeing you there  ! Bring friends !  This is one Va. Mini event that should not be missed !

I ordered my ticket this morning  :023: and am looking forward to hanging at Cooper Vineyards since I missed last year  :026:

Good to hear Brian.  We'll see you there, if not sooner.   :icon_cool:

I can help out on the Richmond side with bringing a group to Bruster's, if necessary.  We live only a few miles away from Bruster's.  I was the original creator of the route from Bruster's to CV back in 2004 or 2005  :003:.  Perhaps I should run the route again to make sure the roads are in good condition  :023:.  I did the Greenwood Church part a week or two ago and that was fine, but I haven't been down the other roads for a while.

Jacque is super nice and the event is great!  We didn't make it last year, but were there the year before I believe.

I will be their for sure! had a great time last year, but the wife spent a bunch on wine!

Bought my tickets!!!!!

We brought home 2 cases last year   :107:

Elaine ordered our tickets. This will be my first time so I'll bring BEER. :044:

We'll keep our fingers crossed for ya Kurt.

Also, here's the WEBSITE LINK (http://coopervineyards.com/store/page6.html) to buy your tickets!

My husband and I will be attending this one! Love wine!!! Keep us posted on the Southside "hookup".
Christina

Might make this one as I do not work that weekend. But need to make sure my ship is not pulling out during that time.  :091:

Just bought our tickets. I think the hookup will be dependent on how many from here are going. so far looks like just me and you in this area.

I know in the past there has been two or three meeting places.  One at brewsters in Richmond, one in Newport News, and occationally one on the southside to get up to Newport News.  Of course as usual I won't know if I get to make it until last min.  lol

I know that many bring their own food/snacks, but would anyone like to hit Bottom's Up Pizza on the way back from the vineyard?  If it's late enough in the afternoon, we can sit up top outside and enjoy the breeze.   :icon_cool:

I think a fair amount of us are planning on a westward trek out to Wright's Dairy for a wheelie!

Pammy and I will be there!  I guess we will find out how many cases we can get in a Cabrio! :023:

Since I do not drink wine, there is plenty of room in my MINI  :023:  :080:  :023:

I personally know 3 cases fit very well. Lots of room left over.

This will be our first HR Mini Outing, and my husband and I truly looked forward to meeting everyone. We have already purchased our tickets, could someone please let me know where and what time we will meet on July 17th? Thank you!

Robbyn :023:

How do I get a ticket, and where is the vineyard, and where do we leave from. 

You can purchase tickets online at the Vineyards website here: http://www.coopervineyards.com/

They'll have you listed at the vineyard and just check you off. They will email you a receipt. I'd print that and bring it just in case.

The Vineyard is in Loiusa, VA 13372 Shannon Hill Road. It's just a bit west of Richmond. Their phone is (540) 894-5253

As for getting there, you have several options. First you can drive straight there. Efficient, but where's the fun in that? OR, you can meet us along the way for the drive over to the vineyard. The drive is about 60 miles and covers some real nice scenery and some fairly fun roads. We'll be leaving from Bruster's ice cream at 9101 W. Staple Mills rd. in Richmond at 9:30 sharp. The peninsula group will be leaving from the Cracker Barrel on Mercury at 7:30 and there is a southside contingent that will caravan over to the Cracker Barrel and join up there. Here is the thread for the routes to Bruster's. http://www.hrmini.com/forums/index.php?topic=3779.0

And if you don't have a set, pick up some FRS walkie talkies. Make sure they have the sub channels. That'll keep you in the loop for route and traffic conditions, as well as the usual banter back and forth. We use channel 7 sub channel 21 for our communications.

Tickets bought :112: Is there anyone else going from Va Beach? I understand through the thread there will be a Sears meet up again? Who is leading? What time?
Christina

I will be leading. I'm thinking for us wheels up no later then 615 to make sure we get at the Cracker Barrel for Daves 700 time. I also have an extra radio if anyone needs one. Who from the southside will be meeting us so I know not to leave anyone behind?

I be leaving from the Southside, as in Smithfield, Va. Is there a group from there? I'll be flying solo, if anyone would like to ride with an old guy! LOL

Randy, we live in Smithfield as well. We'll be meeting at the Cracker Barrel Or you could fallow us over.

Hey that sounds great. Where and when in Smithfield. I know Crackerbarrel in Hampton. Company is always nice.

I would like to meet up with the southside group. I take it we will meet at the Sears parking lot on Witchduck RD at 0615?

Awesome! We look forward to meeting you there. And yes that sears lot. I believe its some sort of service center.

How about at Smithfield Station parking lot and the time would depend on what time we're suppose to meet at the Cracker barrel, say about  30 minute before.

I saw the time somewhere on one of the blogs. But I don't remember what it was. I'll see if I can find it later.

All, wheels up from the Cracker Barrel in Hampton at 7:30 am. Location is at the corner of Mercury Blvd. and Power Plant Parkway.

DC metro has nearly 50 members coming. If they all show up at our drive,  I better have more directions! I'll see everyone up there.

WOW !!!!   :038: :026: :023: :038:

And if all the "Maybes" decide to attend, it looks like DCMM could have over 70 people attending  :shock:  :080:  :shock:

That would be more Mini's in one place than I have ever seen. 

I just checked and the MINI count for DCMM should be about 40!  :023:

Looking forward to seeing all my fellow MINIacs  :026:   :026:  :026:

Just wait until you get to the Vineyard. Last year Jacque (which is pronounced Jackie) told me by her count there was 157 MINI's there.

I might be able to go!!! :038:

Alright Kev!!!!! - - the more the merrier----

You'll have a good time Kev! :038:

Crown MINI has 2 free tickets to the event 1st come first served contact Paul Balwin @ Crown MINI. :023:

I made up a quick flyer for Cooper Vineyards. 

I don't know how to post a MSWord file to this link so if you want a copy e-mailed to you, e-mail me with the subject line I WANT ONE and I will reply with the file. 

You can print out or customize and pass them around.   

 kathy4051@cox.net

The route has been pre run and checked!

No changes, some new asphalt and less than a week to go we're ready!

Weather forecast as of now:

Temp: 94

Islolated T storms.

I'll keep a tally on the weather as we go.

I've just consulted my genie, it's a go for 93 degrees and partly cloudy.  If he's wrong, back in the bottle and corked!!!

I like your genie more than the weather channel. Which at one time we called " The wetter channel". Boy would I like some of that rain now!

I'm hoping to make this one if I get my brake rotors replaced in time.  Where are people from Hampton meeting up?

Thanks!!

Cracker Barrel. Corner of Mercury Blvd. and Power Plant Parkway. 7am.

5 days out forecast, temps up, precipitation down.

Temp: 96
Precip. Scattered T storms.

Thanks for the info :icon_biggrin:

Latest Developments!!!!!!!

Animal Connections will be at the Vineyard with some rescue animals. It would be great for some of them to find new homes with some great MINI owners. But if you're unable to take a new companion home, they're also asking for donations both monetarily and in supplies. If you can, whether you're going on our drive or just going straight to the Vineyard, please brings a can of dog food or two. More if you can. They've added our event to their webpage, so lets show them how much we love our four legged friends! Let's load them up with food and supplies! I'll post a list of their exact needs tomorrow. Here's their website:http://www.animalconnections.org/

Lets show them how much the MINI community loves our 4 legged friends!!!!!!

By the way, I'm posting this to all the Cooper Vineyard threads both here and at all the other boards!

Are the Va Beach MINI's still on for 06:15 am at the Sears Service Center? I think we need a count so we know we are not leaving anyone behind.

Yup, still on for 615. A head count will make things easier.

 :026:   :026:  YAY!  I should be able to make it this year.  Looks like I don't have duty until Sunday!  I  just have to get around to buying those tickets. 

Herb, I should be meeting up with you all at Sears.  Its about even whether I go that way or go up 664, so why not go with MINI's. 

See ya all Saturday, and maybe even Wednesday night!  Weather looks good for Dale, but we may all have to be inside.   :icon_cry:

I live in Norfolk so I'm just gonna head over to the Cracker Barrel.

I'll be @ Sears @ 615!

I have decided I will be joining HRMini on the run over to Coopers Vineyards  :026: I figure if I leave NoVA no later that 7am I should be able to get to Bruster's ice cream in Richmond by about 9 or so.  :023: See ya all Saturday morning  :080:

PS You might want to bring a folding chair since there are only a few chairs/tables at the vineyard

Great, Brian!  :038:  You'll enjoy some twistie running on our way there.  Yes, bring chairs, umbrellas, etc.  There won't really be any shade until the afternoon around the tree line behind the house.  And make sure to bring some insect repellant.  I was eaten up with chiggers last year.

I know its a little late now but, were we supposed to receive tickets in the mail? Bought ours like a month ago and haven't received anything.

They will have your name on a list at the check-in table  :023:

I printed out my receipt and will take it with me just incase I am not on that list  :104:

See ya on Saturday, Brian

I will be at sears at 0615 and I am bringing a canapy so we should have some shade. Last year it got pretty hot!

I'll be there....so cracker barrel in Hampton at 7am right? and can we buy tickets at the door?

Correct. Cracker Barrel @ 7am. Wheels up from there NLT 7:30am. Yes, tickets can be purchased at the event. 

Animal Connection supply request

Okay gang, I got an email from Karin from Animal Connections today. Here's her message:
 
Thanks so much for offering to help our doggies. I was delighted to get your message and look forward to meeting you on Saturday. I got a call this morning from our rescue/transport person that one of the cuties coming on Friday just had seven unexpected puppies. That means we can certainly use good quality puppy food (dry and some cans) for mom and later for the puppies.You can see Sadie (the mom) at www.animalconnections.petfinder.com
Also, we're running short on small dog collars and harnesses (for 10-20 lbs. dogs). Really, we are grateful for anything that people would like to contribute to our dogs.
 
You can reach me anytime on my cell at 434-242-9925. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for good weather and wish you a great ride to Cooper Vineyards.
 
Best wishes,
Karin

Lets see how much we can get them! Bring what you can and remember, anything will help. Worse case, there is a grocery store at Bruster's where you can grab something quick. But please remember to bring at least a can or two of food!
 

As of Wednesday evening July 14 Looking better.

Temps: 90

Precip: Isolated T storms.

I will be joining the Sears group on Witchduck at 6:15...looking forward to my first Vineyard trip :038:

less than 24 hours away new weather update:

Temp: 89

Precip: Isolated T Storms.

Might be a decent day after all if the cloud cover holds up and the rain stays away. I was reading an email Jacque sent me in Feburary saying how they had to cancel their Mardi Gras event due to un melted snow! We should be so lucky!

Good to hear, Dale.   :038:   My mind's stuck on here for temps, and they said 95 degrees.  Last two years were a bakeout.  This is a welcomed change.   :icon_cool:

Don't count them chickens before they hatch! I'd plan for high temps AND rain. That way, anything else is a win!

Hi all, I regret to say that I'm not going to the vineyard this year. Too many other obligations. and a busy work week, last and coming up. I see you at the pub next time. Later, Randy :icon_sad:

Since I won't be going to the vineyard. Can I give my ticket to someone to enjoy. No charge! Just enjoy.

Ok Gang, My lil backseat navigator and the four legged mini emblem polisher will be meeting ya'll at the cracker barrel in hampton too. I'll have to get my tickets at the door, so it your offer still stands, randy, I'll go ahead and put it to good use. Mike :039:

    :icon_cry: Sorry to hear. You'll be missed !

Both cars all cleaned up and packed except for the Magster and a cooler. WOO HOO ! Road trip tomorrow  :038:
Will see all of you local folks tomorrow morning at the Cracker Barrel  :023:

YAA !  :026:

I'm really gonna miss driving up with y'all, but I wanna get there and be all set up when everyone arrives. Drive safe and we'll see y'all there!

I'm gonna meet ya'll on the way up.  It's easier for me that way.  Kathy or Dave... I'll text message you, or you can call me.  I'll be waiting at the 7-Eleven at the corner of Yorktown Rd. and Jefferson Ave.  I will make sure to be there no later than 7:45 a.m.  Will be a hop-skip-and-jump for me to get on the interstate.

headed out of the RDU in about 30 mins; going to be tight to get to Bruesters by 9 but shortly after depending. See you soon!

I'd like to claim one of Randy's tix if still available .. I'll make a financial equiv to cost to the animal funds (since no time to shop for contributions) .. thnks!

Had a good time catching up with the HR MINI'ers .. and a few of the "club members in common" .. had not dined at Famous Dave's before, good selection ..

Thanks, Randy for the ticket and thanks to the "community effort" to be able to secure Randy's number to work that out .. see, friends workin' together for a common cause  :icon_razz: ... the animal shelter got a little bonus contribution that way! (even if JoJo did not find a home with an HR MINI'er ..  :icon_sad:)

See y'all again soon!

We had a real great time at the vineyard. And I agree with Susan, it was great seeing everybody. I wish more Tar Heel MINIers would have made the trek this year. The food was good, the wine was good, the band was good and the temps, well, not so good. But I think everybody had a good time. We collected a bunch of food for Animal Connections as well as a supply of leashes and collars as well as a few bucks. I know of one puppy that was adopted and Joe Joe almost became an HR MINI pup, but he'll no doubt find a home very soon! He was so cute.

After talking to Jacque, she offered to make a date change for us next year. She is well aware of the temps and what we had to go through. I really appreciate that. I'm thinking of an earlier event next year. The fall always seems so busy.

We had right at 40 MINI/Min's make the annual drive to the vineyard and that was an impressive number. It was great seeing that many MINI/Min's in my mirror. Especially the classics!  And the total MINI/Mini's count was 93 at last count. Mini's were still coming in when we were leaving!

Once I get the date, we'll start planning Cooper Vineyard 2011!

Glad you guys had a great time. My MINI was at home parked and covered while I was with the family at Busch Gardens. I will try to get to an event sooner or later