Hill Country Run Saturday 11-19!! Sign up.

[azuul]

Okay MINIacs its time for another run. Lets run the Hill country on Saturday 11/19. We can meet at the Exxon at 1604 and Bandera Rd so we can gas up before we begin the run.

We will run the great twistees in the Hill Country like 337 and 183, and I'll try to schedule a stop at Lost Maples State Park to view the changing leaves.

I need suggestions and help for 2 things:
(A) What time do you want to start? I am thinking that we should meet at 9am. Any discussion?
(B) I need someone to lead the run who has a radar detector. I still don't have one. I will provide the maps and of course we will have the walkie-talkies. Any volunteers?

Okay, so start the sign up here --
(1) Steve and Kathy

[scuderia]

I will be working on Saturday, so will not be participating.

[Will]

I believe we have a wedding later that day to go too in New Braunfels so the earlier the better for the start time and I can lead the pack, I have V1 :)

[azuul]

Great Will, is 9am too late or does it work for you?

[azuul]

Okay, so start the sign up here --
(1) Steve and Kathy
(2) Brian and Jen Latimer
(3) Will

[azuul]

LOST MAPLES STATE NATURAL AREA
2005 FOLIAGE COLOR CHANGE REPORT
This report will be updated weekly through November.
11/02/05 Report: Last week's cool nights and mild days left the leaves showing more color. We are seeing yellow, orange, and red colors along the canyon walls, on the drive into the Park, and up on the trails. Currently, the Maple Trail is a good bet for color, as is the mile hike on the East Trail to Primitive Area 'A'. The color change should continue this week, but please note that the color and trail conditions can change quickly due to the weather. Expect very heavy crowds each weekend through Thanksgiving

[Jakedog]

I'll be there Steve. Suzi has something already scheduled so I'm looking for another copilot. This will be a good baptism by fire into the MINI experience for one of my lucky friends. Looking forward to it.


Okay, so start the sign up here --
(1) Steve and Kathy
(2) Brian and Jen Latimer
(3) Will
(4) Robert and ?

9 am is fine with me. I don't have a detector either. I usually drive by intuition (try to think like a cop). Just 1 ticket in the last 20+ years. (Lots of lucky breaks!) I am eyeing the V1 though.

[azuul]

Okay, so start the sign up here --
(1) Steve and Kathy
(2) Brian and Jen Latimer
(3) Will
(4) Robert and ?
(5) Mark and Gladys
(6) Doc & Family (I mean it this time)!!

[weezer2282]

Can't go...I'll be at a wedding in Michigan. Unless someone has a teleportation device. :thumbsup

[Will]

9am sounds great. I'll have to check with the wife to see if I am flying solo or with a copilot.

[SooprmanX]

How long you think it will be? From 9:00 am till when? Mind if we (StrictlyEA) tag along?

[azuul]

How long you think it will be? From 9:00 am till when?In the past when Ash led the runs, we would stop in Vanderpool at around 1000am to 1030am or so (need to drive with care until we get past Bandera, at least). We'll probably also stop in Leakey at the Harley/motorcycle stop. And then run up to Lost Maples for a look at the leaves. We can do a picnic there if people are interested. So, depending on the Lost Maples time, you should be back anywhere from 1pm to 3pm.

Mind if we (StrictlyEA) tag along?Sure no worries, can you keep up with the MINIs??;) ;)Just add your name to the list (and might as well list your car so we can recognize it at the Exxon).

[azuul]

Hey all, I just realized that we need to list the arrival time and the "first car out" time. Lets meet at 845am, gas up and first car out at 900am sharp.

[SooprmanX]

I will be there.....

Ruben Pina Jr. - 1997 VW GTI Driver's Edition (Bright yellow GTI)

I will let you all know who else is going to show.

[azuul]

Okay, so start the sign up here --
(1) Steve and Kathy
(2) Brian and Jen Latimer
(3) Will
(4) Robert and ?
(5) Mark and Gladys
(6) Doc & Family (I mean it this time)!!
(7) Ruben Pina Jr. - 1997 VW GTI Driver's Edition (Bright yellow GTI)

[SooprmanX]

8. Anthony - 1999 GTI VR6 Black
9. 2002 Mercedes Silver E55
10. 1997 BMW M3 Blue

[weezer2282]

Ah man! I have to miss a run that sounds like it is going to be one of the funnest yet. :( MINIs plus M3s, GTIs, and Benzes...can they keep up with the MINIs though? :D

[SooprmanX]

11. 2004 Audi TT DSG Black

Can we keep up with the Mini's? You should go on one of our cruises :-p

[azuul]

The List Continues .....
(1) Steve and Kathy
(2) Brian and Jen Latimer
(3) Will
(4) Robert and ?
(5) Mark and Gladys
(6) Doc & Family (I mean it this time)!!
(7) Ruben Pina Jr. - 1997 VW GTI Driver's Edition (Bright yellow GTI)
(8) Anthony - 1999 GTI VR6 Black
(9) 2002 Mercedes Silver E55 (incognito E55) :D
(10) 1997 BMW M3 Blue (this M3 have a driver?) :D
(11) 2004 Audi TT DSG Black (again incognito) :D

Come on all, there are now 6 MINIs and 5 NonMINIs!! We need to step up and be counted!

[weezer2282]

If the run were this weekend or the first weekend of December I would totally be there. Steve, you can count me as a ghost MINI so we can keep our numbers up. :rolleyes: :thumbsup

The List Continues .....
(1) Steve and Kathy
(2) Brian and Jen Latimer
(3) Will
(4) Robert and ?
(5) Mark and Gladys
(6) Doc & Family (I mean it this time)!!
(7) Ruben Pina Jr. - 1997 VW GTI Driver's Edition (Bright yellow GTI)
(8) Anthony - 1999 GTI VR6 Black
(9) 2002 Mercedes Silver E55 (incognito E55) :D
(10) 1997 BMW M3 Blue (this M3 have a driver?) :D
(11) 2004 Audi TT DSG Black (again incognito)

Come on all, there are now 6 MINIs and 5 NonMINIs!! We need to step up and be counted!

[weezer2282]

11. 2004 Audi TT DSG Black

Can we keep up with the Mini's? You should go on one of our cruises :-p

I might like to sometime. Post the info over here and maybe some of us MINIs will join the EA guys on your runs. I don't frequent your forum often since I have too many MINI ones to read, so if you post here like you have been then that would be great. :thumbsup

Ah, but can you keep up with us on the go-kart track? :p

[SooprmanX]

Haha I was reading that thread. You guys are so lucky! That would be hella fun. I wish we could get something like that going on

[SooprmanX]

12. 1999 Mercedes C280 Sport Silver

[Will]

sweet!! Wish I still had my 2001 APR Stage 3 Audi S4. YOu guys would have loved that car. 12.0's through the 1/4 in a four door car :)

[SooprmanX]

MMM.....Yes I would have loved that....

Add number 13. 2001 Volkswagen TDI - White

[azuul]

The List Continues .....
(1) Steve and Kathy
(2) Brian and Jen Latimer
(3) Will
(4) Robert and ?
(5) Mark and Gladys
(6) Doc & Family (I mean it this time)!!
(7) Ruben Pina Jr. - 1997 VW GTI Driver's Edition (Bright yellow GTI)
(8) Anthony - 1999 GTI VR6 Black
(9) 2002 Mercedes Silver E55 (incognito E55)
(10) 1997 BMW M3 Blue (this M3 have a driver?)
(11) 2004 Audi TT DSG Black (again incognito)
(12) 1999 Mercedes C280 Sport Silver
(13) 2001 Volkswagen TDI - White

Come on MINIacs!!!

On another note, I will post some details about the route, potential rest stops, etc. Remember, we are headed to Lost Maples, so bring a cooler for a picnic (weather permitting).

[SooprmanX]

Good deal man. I think we got a 2000 BMW 528i coming as well. I have to make sure though. It is a black car. :thumbsup:

[scuderia]

do these cars drive by themselves, it is kinda odd, Ruben ;)

I wish I was off on Saturday, dunno, if everything works fine during the week, I might join, long shot though..... And on the other side, i think sunday runs are safer and participation would be more, I talked to couple of people, they said they would not be available on Saturday due to work, family...etc.

Sunday runs are the best

[azuul]

Sunday runs are the bestExcept for those of us with church commitments, like me. If its a Sunday run you want, I won't be able to organize or lead. :o We are usually tied up on Sunday mornings until at least 1pm.

[SooprmanX]

Yeah I got church commitments on Sunday too. And Sunday's suck for cruises because that's when everyone gets their huge boats out and take up the whole road out on the place we are going....

I might get a few more cars before all is said and done. We roll deep! :-D

[azuul]

I might get a few more cars before all is said and done. We roll deep! :-DCan you put some names next to the cars so we can say hi when they arrive? :)

[SooprmanX]

Number 9 - Rob
Number 10 - Harold
Number 11 - Siegfreid
Number 12 - Chris
Number 13 - Kelly

Sorry about that! :D

[scuderia]

I go to church as well, so point is taken. Anyways, have fun guys...

Except for those of us with church commitments, like me. If its a Sunday run you want, I won't be able to organize or lead. :o We are usually tied up on Sunday mornings until at least 1pm.

[Will]

Steve,

I'm not sure what I was thinking but I am taking a Sat class 9-12, I guess I got my weekends mixed up because its next weekend I dont have class. Sorry but I will not be able to go :(

[azuul]

Steve,

I'm not sure what I was thinking but I am taking a Sat class 9-12, I guess I got my weekends mixed up because its next weekend I dont have class. Sorry but I will not be able to go :(So, since Will was the designated run leader (I'm doing the maps and the arranging, but I don't have a radar detector), we need another volunteer to lead the run. Anyone??

[SooprmanX]

There is a guy in our club who usually does the leading. He knows all those routes like the back of his hand and he has a radar detector. Harold, the guy with the M3 is the one I am talking about. If you all dont find no one else then he will be able to do it.

[azuul]

There is a guy in our club who usually does the leading. He knows all those routes like the back of his hand and he has a radar detector. Harold, the guy with the M3 is the one I am talking about. If you all dont find no one else then he will be able to do it.Thanks. I just emailed with Glenn and Tere of the STMC and Glenn might be able to do it. I guess we can decide when we get there on Saturday morning.

[SooprmanX]

Good deal.

[azuul]

Alright, MINIacs (and, I guess, Strictly Europeans), here we go. Remember the run is this Saturday 11/19, starting at the Exxon station at 1604 and Bandera. Arrive between 8:30am and 8:45am, in time to gas up and have a short drivers' meeting. First car out at 9am.

Some notes for the ride:
1. I will provide some maps for the route. Basically we are taking 16 to Medina, then 337 past Vanderpool to Leakey, back to Vanderpool and up 187 to Lost Maples for a picnic and leave change viewing. Then after lunch, if anyone is interested, we will run up 187 to 39 to Hunt.
2. If you are going into Lost Maples State Park, remember there is a $6 per person entry fee.
3. Picnic is "bring your own food, share if you like". And dress appropriately for the weather. I checked the Vanderpool weather forecast and the high is supposed to be in the upper 60s.
4. Bring your 5 mile multichannel walkie-talkies. Half the fun of the event is the chatter during the run.

Have fun and see you Saturday.

[azuul]

Hey MINIacs, we're up to maybe 15 cars!! Its gonna be a great run. With 15, the walkie-talkies get even more important. We're up to 8 MINIs and 7 Strictly Europeans.

11/16/05 Leaf Report: For the past two weeks, visitors to the Park have enjoyed some of the best leaf color seen in several years but strong winds from the recent cold front have now caused most of the leaves to drop. A few trees still have a little color in the sheltered canyons of the hiking trails. Look for the Texas Oaks to begin changing these last weeks of November. We still expect heavy crowds on weekends so please plan a weekday visit if possible.

[SooprmanX]

Ok I think I got three more guys, maybe four. We wil see when we get there. :-p

[SooprmanX]

Man guys I had tons of fun! Was the best cruise I have had so far. I definatelty under estimated you guys. I got the pics up at the link below but Azuul let me have your email address so I can send you the hi res pics. I didn't take too many though.

http://www.strictlyea.com/gallery/11192005.html

[azuul]

Man guys I had tons of fun! Was the best cruise I have had so far. I definatelty under estimated you guys. I got the pics up at the link below but Azuul let me have your email address so I can send you the hi res pics. I didn't take too many though.

http://www.strictlyea.com/gallery/11192005.htmlGreat pics!! We, too, had a great time. Its been so long since we did some "spirited motoring", way too long.

Summary: 14 cars, 7 MINIs and 7 StrictlyEAs (3 BMW M3s, 2 Audi TTs, 1 Mercedes E280, 1 VW GTI). We motored up 16 to Medina (stop in Bandera), then 337 to Vanderpool (stop in Vanderpool), continue on 337 to Leakey (stop at the Motorcycle place in Leakey). 3 StrictlyEAs went off on their own way, while the 11 remaining went back 337 to Vanderpool, 3 split off to head back to San Antonio, and 8 of us went to Lost Maples State Park for our picnic. The weather was absolutely perfect! We said our goodbyes and 4 MINIs headed south to Utopia for some pie at Lost Maples Cafe. The remaining MINIs motored back to San Antonio via 470 and then 16.

Thanks to Tere for being a great motoring leader after I volunteered her. :thumbsup

Next, we'll try to setup another run in January sometime.

My email address is: stevefeinstein@swbell.net.

[Will]

:thumbsup Glad you guys had a great time. I was so bummed I missed it. After class Sat we had to take my step-daughter up to Dallas to spend next week with her Dad :( I didnt even get to go to the wedding we were suppose to attend. Oh well, hopefully next time I can we can go.

[Jakedog]

Steve,

Thank you so much for organizing this great run. We really lucked out with the weather and relatively little traffic. I think that guy in the truck on 337 will hate MINI's from now on, but I get the feeling he was no fan in the first place. I was very privileged to be right behind Tere. That girl knows how to drive! It was a great drive on a great day with great people. I can't wait until the next one.

[azuul]

Hey, does anyone have any pics from this run, with MINIs going through the twistees in the hill country, maybe on 337? They might publish a short article and show some pics, if we can find some "action" shots of MINIs going through twistees.

[weezer2282]

Hey, does anyone have any pics from this run, with MINIs going through the twistees in the hill country, maybe on 337? They might publish a short article and show some pics, if we can find some "action" shots of MINIs going through twistees.

We could always do it again for some photo ops! :D

[SBJester]

Hey guys! I'm interested in doing this run sometime, it sounds like it was a ton of fun last time. I'm dying to take the MINI out onto some twistees and away from all the obstacars.

[Will]

Welcome SBJester.. Hopefully now that the holidays are over and our households return to normal, we'll do more runs. The weather has definately been great!!

[weezer2282]

Welcome SBJester.. Hopefully now that the holidays are over and our households return to normal, we'll do more runs. The weather has definately been great!!

How about the end of January Will? :dancing :) ;) :D