Hampton Roads Club Mini

Thanks for all the efforts that went into planning this event. The Saturday Run was Very enjoyable for both wife and I.  We didn't have enough time for the sunday run, so had to leave early. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next event. Heidi & Mike

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WOW! What a blast!  Where to start?

First and foremost, thanks to everyone that came out to Monterey and participated in the Fall Colors Run '09. (Anybody know what anniversary this is? 4th annual, 5th annual???) I'm not one to brag a bunch, but DANG this event went pretty well. Well, except having a dead radio battery for the big Saturday run (Thanks Dave and Kathy for the radio, tho this left you without one.) and the rain Saturday AM that threatened to make a washout, or at least a good dampening of the Main run. That's after is DID wash out the Friday night Darkness Run. Also, the 1 hour delay on on Rte 33 heading back to Harrisonburg from Seneca Rocks. Dang tractor trailer tried doing a U turn on a bridge on a two lane road. 46' long trailer, 44' wide bridge. And NO, it didn't work. Dave has pics. Just wait.

Now, for the things that went right and things I need to acknowledge. First. Highland Inn, the staff were super helpful. What a wonderful old place. It is so stately I can't explain. The 100+ year old building just has a personality and Lisa and Debbie and their staff are great. To the town of Monterey, you have a great little town. Gang, you wouldn't believe a town in the year 2009 can be so quiet. Talk about a retirement place! The folks at Cass railroad and the Last Run Restaurant did a great job at getting us lunch. Even if we did have exploding ketchup. Again, back at the Highland Inn, the staff fed us dinner on our schedule. An hour behind their normal seating time! And I saw A LOT of empty plates! YUM! Oh by the way, Saturday's weather cleared up to give us a great day! Sunday was beautiful, too. As crappy as Saturday dawned, Sunday made up for it! Cool, but sunny and NO clouds! The run up to Seneca Rocks was beautiful. Even though I drew up directions on a route I didn't plan to take (y'all couldn't tell could ya!!) it was spectacular. Maybe I need to screw up like that again. Sorry for Brian and the flat tire he suffered on the boulder in the road. I caught part of it, Marty Bongers behind me missed it and Brian didn't. He then made the call on the radio he had damage. We all pulled over, grabbed tools, Jeff grabbed his spare and we were on our way in less than 15 minutes. I was impressed! We had a great time at Seneca. I had planned a few pics and then hit the road. That stop went absolutely fantastic. I could do it again tomorrow!

Now for my last thanks, a big one to My buddies Steve &  Elaine Shell. They had Lil Stinker bringing up the rear most of the runs. It made life so much easier knowing we had a tailgunner that would look after everyone. Thanks to everyone that went to Wright's Dairy Rite. Was that great food or what. And if you didn't go, you don't know how good a wheelie is! And you're missing something great! And my biggest thanks to everybody for coming in the first place. I hope we have twice as many or more next year. If that happens, we'll seriously outgrow the Highland, but we should absolutely try to keep them in the loop somehow. They really were great to work with. And last, but certainly not least, thanks to all the donations you brought to the Highland County SPCA. We collected nearly 300 pounds of food and litter and at least $105 in cash. Great job Gang!

As I sit here totally worn out, I had one of the best times of my life with some of the greatest damn people I could possibly be so lucky to know. Regina helped out a lot with planning also. And no matter how much planning I could ever do, without such great people as y'all, this event would have never been the success it was. I humbly thank each and everyone of you that came out and played.

Now for next year.........

Thanks to Dale and Regina for organizing a excellent weekend.   I'm sure there was much more time put into this than we can guess and it sure paid off. From the high quality and designed shirts/hoodies, very nice Highland Inn stay and dinners, to the interesting and fun well planned routes we all traveled together.  This was one of the best organized events I've attended.   Thank you to all who had their hand in making this weekend a very rememberable MINI experience.  

I'm sharing most of my photos for those who didn't have a camera.  Enjoy and copy what you'd like...

The password to view these photos is FallRun2009

http://s212.photobucket.com/albums/cc74/doniaduck/Mini%20Fall%20Run%202009/?start=20


I have many miles of video to sort through.    Bill was having trouble with it last night so I'll give it a shot and post later.

I just thought of another Thanks I need to throw out. J.P. Alonzo, who is from the WV area attended the event. He had a wealth of knowledge and was extremely helpful. AND...the lucky bum gets to drive those roads ALL THE TIME!!!!! I'm sure I'll have more thanks to throw out as they come back to me. Dang gettin' old is tough!

Looks like you guys had a blast, sorry I couldn't be there. I would have loved to have joined you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Great pictures. 

Sure wish we could have made this one 

Speaking of empty plates...  I was just sitting here thinking about the pecan chicken that I had for dinner at the Highland Inn on Saturday night and I think that I need to go find that recipe.  That was really good!  Chef Lisa really put out some great food!