Hampton Roads Club Mini

I had spoken up a month or so ago about some ideas I had for upcoming events. With stepping away from Legends this year and phasing out of setting up NASA events at Langley I "hope" to have more time next year. For those of you that don't know, I was ODR Solo II chairman for probably 12 years or so back in the 80's & 90's. Also set up probably 10 or 15 gimmick rallies over the years. So setting up events is a lot of fun to me. So here's the idea for my first event of 2009.
 
  2009 Tour of the BAY

 
Here's my intent, so how it fits y'alls ideas

1. Leave Gloucester/Yorktown Saturday 9 AM (ish)
2. First stop, Short Lane for Ice Cream (early I know, but I also know y'all)
3. Wind our way up Route 17 and several back roads. Planning on some picturesque/interesting roads
4. Find lunch somewhere either before or after crossing the Potomac
5. Cross the Potomac River on the Rte. 301 bridge (toll)
6. Drive through southern Maryland and through Annapolis. Stopping maybe.
7. Hop on Rte. 50 and cross the Bay Bridge and continue onto Kent Island.
8. Spend the night on Kent Island
9. Dinner together at a restaurant
10. Night club on the Island for drinks/hang out at Hotel for general BS'ing.
11. Breakfast on the Island
12. Head back down the eastern shore.
13. Lunch somewhere
14. Ice Cream somewhere (again, I know y'all)
15. Cross the CBBT.
16. Maybe stop at the overlook on the CBBT for a group pic.

Where ever we stop and eat will be:
A) Family friendly, including pricing.
B) Independent/NOT chain related eatery
C) Must be Seafood related, it is about the BAY after all! I will make sure other options are available

Hotel will be as affordable as possible. Kent Island is nice, but it can be pricey. We'll have to avoid their bu$y $ea$on! It seems everything on Kent Island maritime related. Not to mention some really NICE boats! We'll have to make a rule no one can trade their MINI/Mini for a boat while on the tour.

I think I'll also have the event open to owners that don't want to follow our directions either going up or coming back. While the journey should be as much fun as the destination, I know how family things can make that difficult. Taking the Interstate would definitely be faster, but where's the fun in that?

I'd also invite some of the DC and maybe other MINI groups to join in. If for nothing else, just to hang out at the hotel

Some of the Hotels on the Island have indoor pools, anyone interested in that? If anyone has any other info feel free to shoot me an email/PM or post here.

I'll post a tentative date after a few phone calls.




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Ditto what Ben said    Can't wait until 09 

This is what MINI'ing is all about. Can't wait till then. 

But time is going to fast now, Wendy.

Not good! Been there, had that! Good luck on getting better Jeff!

That sounds great!  I don't recall a toll on Rt. 301 across the Potomac, but I have only been across once last year when we went to the Snap On shootout at Budd's Creek.  That's a good, scenic route.   

Quick update:

The route up is about 270+/- miles to Kent Island. Back down the eastern shore is about 225 +/-. Looks like the route will take us about 5-6 hours for the Saturday leg. Is that too long? Should we look for a more direct route?

Ice Cream stop at Short Lane Ice Cream stop will be fairly early. Is that a problem with y'all? We can always find another Ice Cream stop.

Lunch. Probably looking at a semi late lunch. Maybe around 1(ish). Something seafood related, hence the Tour of the Bay. Will try to find something fairly inexpensive. I'm thinking in the $8-15 dollar range. Sandwiches and so forth. Location and ambiance is a must in my opinion. Just not too high falutin' as Jed Clampet would say.

As for Hotels, I have a couple to choose from. Indoor pools are an option, but would come at a higher price I'm afraid. It appears hotel rates would be in the $80-100 range. How's that?

Looking for input if y'all got any. I'll run up that way next weekend if I get a chance and check things out.

You all know that 2009 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Mini. I don't know if there are any plans for a celebration Stateside, I'm certain there will be a big blow-out party in the UK. Is there any chance one of these ideas of Mr. Blankenships could be used for this special anniversary event?

Or is there something already in the works that I may not yet heard of?

BTW, congratulations Dale, I saw your write up in the new issue of Hammer and Dolley. Now that's what I call relaxation.

Sorry, I don't know how to post it for everyone else to appeciate....

In fact...... I'm gonna see Steve later today with some interesting news about some new materials he has.......... which might just be perfect for what for this run!    I'll post more later!