MOTD 2019 Most liked posts in thread: Dragon prep continues!

I had the same preparation plans as Goldsmithy this weekend... I bought something new to me... Jamieson's Irish aged in stout beer barrels. I also found out Barry's favorite adult beverage and picked up a bottle for him. After all of the great memories I've gotten and the annual crap he collects from people who don't realize what a PITA it is to pull an event of this size off (not to mention all of the steps he does every year), I figure he's earned a bottle!

 

FYI: There are two sunrise runs. Mine is the Thursday morning run, though to be honest, there are usually several people who bail at the last minute (perhaps they drank a bit too much the night before)... there's usually plenty of space. You are all welcome to show up unannounced, but be sure to come up and say hi and introduce yourself... I enjoy meeting the folks from MA in the real world. If you know anyone else who wants to join in w/o registering (for my drive... you must be a MOTD registered person to come along), please let 'em know just to show up. No MINIs left behind!

I started this route way back in 2006 when there were almost NO runs. I was amazed, so I offered my services to the guy who ran MOTD back then (I think he ran NAM for several years). It was so oversubscribed that we split it into 3 groups of 20-30 cars each. I planned the entire run from Dallas, TX, having never been to MOTD before, so I got up really early one morning to pre-drive the route. It was such a spectacular experience that I decided to make it an early morning run every year since then (whenever I could go... other folks have picked up the leadership in my off-years). Whenever I need to go to my 'happy place' in my head, I think back to Little River Road on the north side of the park... seat heaters on high, heat blasting, windows down, sunroof open and 40-50 degrees outside. Dense forest on one side, babbling river on the other and a great twisty road with nobody else on it!

I picked up the Donut run last year as Barry was having a hard time finding drive leaders. He needed a Donut Run leader and a drive-n-hike leader and, well, if you have seen my figure, you will understand why I chose the Donut run. We run out over the Dragon, up the foothills parkway and then into Maryville for donuts. Most folks head back to Fontana. I lead the group on to Knoxville to visit OutMotoring corporate HQ and MINI of Knoxville, if you need. Last year all but 2 other cars headed back to Fontana directly from here. The 3 of us continued on, hopping on the highway for a bit to get to the far side of the Cherohala Skyway, taking that back to Robbinsville. With only 3 of us, all with heavy right feet, we let the speedo go a bit wild and had a lot of fun. If you go the whole way with me, I think we get back to Fontana around 2pm or so (including a stop for lunch).

Maps and details are on the MOTD schedule page for these drives. I'm a bit of a compulsive planner and there are turn-by-turn instruction in there along with a great summary page (set your odometer to 0 at the start and it's easy to recreate these drives on your own).

My local shop posted this pic to their Facebook feed today... Rufus is in the middle of getting his new clutch, LSD and PS pump.

 

We have a very wild group at our cabin and we drink and party hard at our cabin. All are welcome just don’t show up empty beverage handed. Anything can happen and has happed on any given night.

We have only one rule: Friends (new or old) don’t let drunk friends drive even if only in Fontana.

We have a few non-drinkers (DD’s) in our group that will take you back to your cabin safely. So you can walk back and get you car in the morning. Better to party and have a blast and not worry about anybody crashing a car.

We drive all day and come back and wash our cars and start drinking. The cars sit across the street until the next morning.

 

I got the word that Rufus was finally up on the lift at the shop... they are a wee bit backed up, apparently. Good news! Can't wait to see how the new clutch and LSD do! I've been babying the car a bit since I got it as I could feel the clutch going. It will be nice to finally see it in top shape.

I bought my old VHF radio setup back from the second owner of my first R53, Jango... I need to get that into the car as it really makes leading those 30+ car caravans easy. It's not 100% legal, but an external antenna makes all the difference when trying to reach the sweeper with your radio.

Last I saw, there is still room in my Thursday AM Sunrise drive and the Friday morning Donut Run (that can be just a quick donut run, an extended run to Outmotoring.com HQ (plus a MINI dealership, if needed) and then an even more extended loop that comes back to Robbinsville via the Cherohala Skyway.

If any of you decide at the last minute that you want to join either of these 2 runs, just show up and tag along... MA friends don't need to worry about registration!

 

Uh oh... got a call from the shop doing my clutch and LSD. Axles are bad (I had noticed an odd clunking at certain steering angles... doing OEM replacements)... also doing some oil cooler gaskets and a couple of other items in there while the front subframe and transmission are out.

 

The new wheels work...

 

I just got home. The alignment was great. I haven't even looked at the receipt but they only charged me for an alignment and a couple of shop hours. OK-they're safe...

 

2018 thread...bring beer

2019 thread...bring beer

2020....yup, bring beer.

Oh and make sure your car is prepped for a week of fun driving.

 

Prepped, HELL..I just want mine to be running! The more something gets fixed, the more something else
needs fixing this year. It's kinda disheartening, since I try to keep ALL my MINIs in good running order. I guess that this year will be an exception, but, we won't be worrying about that anymore.

 

I'm sitting here wondering if my car will be ready on time. Still, lots to do.

 

Rufus goes off for a new clutch, LSD and PS pump next week! An oil change when he comes back and that should be done!

 

ACTUALLY, I'M WONDERING HOW THAT WILL ALL MIX WITH HIS DOUGHNUTS AND STRONG COFFEE

 

Just booked my room at Fontana last minute no problem (I should buy a lotto ticket!) See yall up there that Wednesday! (evening)