Multi-State MINI Caravan
Thread Starter
|
Coordinator :: Pitt Stop MINI
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,919
Likes: 1
From: Steelers Country
Multi-State MINI Caravan
I understand that there was a pretty big caravan last year collecting MINIs from PA, OH, MI, IL, IN, KY, TN, MO, VA etc. on the way to Deals Gap. There was something like 60 MINIs arriving together!
I haven't seen a thread started to gather and publicize the rest of the details for this caravan, but figured that it might be a good idea to go ahead and start one. It would be cool to see 100 MINIs or more caravan together this year!
So, is there someone who was actually in this caravan last year that might be able to put up more information about the route driven and the meeting places/times where smaller groups can plan on hooking up with the main group?
As I understand it, one of the meeting places was between Columbus and Cinci at exit 65 on I-71 at 9AM Thursday morning.
I haven't seen a thread started to gather and publicize the rest of the details for this caravan, but figured that it might be a good idea to go ahead and start one. It would be cool to see 100 MINIs or more caravan together this year!
So, is there someone who was actually in this caravan last year that might be able to put up more information about the route driven and the meeting places/times where smaller groups can plan on hooking up with the main group?
As I understand it, one of the meeting places was between Columbus and Cinci at exit 65 on I-71 at 9AM Thursday morning.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 2
cross-link posts
I justed wanted to point out this thread https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=60376
Maybe the convoy/caravan related threads should be joined or cross-linked somehow.
Maybe the convoy/caravan related threads should be joined or cross-linked somehow.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati
There were several caravans that formed coming down 75, 74, and 71 I believe, and most of them converged at the rest area in Northern KY, just south of Cincy and then some more people were added as we went down 75 to TN
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Bayonne, NJ
I think it may be a good idea to start multiple caravan threads depending on point of origin. (for example, south-west (TX), south-east (FL), north-east (DC), and north-west (IL)). Just throwin' it out.
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 364
Likes: 1
From: Enjoying Motoring in Southern MD
Point of Origin to MOTD threads
That sounds like a great idea. I have no idea how one would break up the thread into different origins. I had an answer from someone southeast of DC that was starting out Wednesday, like me, but planned to stay in TN overnight on Wednesday whereas I had planned to go a more southern route and stay overnight in western VA or northwestern NC. I don't like Interstates, but I don't want to spend much extra time getting to the Dragon. There are enough twisties there to satisfy me more a whlie without driving back roads all the way from home.
There will probably be a large contingent from DC, Philly, and your area going like there was last year. They all headed towards DC, out I66 to I81, and then south to Ashville. That is the same route I went, but I left a day early and didn't run into them.
BTW - have you ever been to the Dragon before? Awesome!!
Winston03/Fly738
There will probably be a large contingent from DC, Philly, and your area going like there was last year. They all headed towards DC, out I66 to I81, and then south to Ashville. That is the same route I went, but I left a day early and didn't run into them.
BTW - have you ever been to the Dragon before? Awesome!!
Winston03/Fly738
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 2
My point of origin will be the DC metro area. Not sure yet whether I'll depart on Wednesday night or Thursday morning. That might depend on the the convoys.
"Cause we gotta little ol' convoy, rockin' through the night
Yeah we gotta little ol' convoy, ain't she a beautiful sight?
Come on an' join our convoy, ain't nothin' gonna git in our way
We're gonna roll this MINI convoy, cross the USA
Convoy... Convoy..."
"Cause we gotta little ol' convoy, rockin' through the night
Yeah we gotta little ol' convoy, ain't she a beautiful sight?
Come on an' join our convoy, ain't nothin' gonna git in our way
We're gonna roll this MINI convoy, cross the USA
Convoy... Convoy..."
Trending Topics
6th Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,395
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, Virginia
on the one hand it is kinda cool to travel in a MINI caravan... but the downside is that it really slows your travel time. Last year 2 of us from Virginia Beach hooked up with 1 from DC and then maybe 9 from NC and then another 10 to 11... but the last bit of travel seemed to take a l-o-n-g time... I'll probably jet straight thru this year and get some Dragon Time in
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Bayonne, NJ
Originally Posted by BartMack
on the one hand it is kinda cool to travel in a MINI caravan... but the downside is that it really slows your travel time. Last year 2 of us from Virginia Beach hooked up with 1 from DC and then maybe 9 from NC and then another 10 to 11... but the last bit of travel seemed to take a l-o-n-g time... I'll probably jet straight thru this year and get some Dragon Time in
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Bayonne, NJ
Originally Posted by studtke
That sounds like a great idea. I have no idea how one would break up the thread into different origins. I had an answer from someone southeast of DC that was starting out Wednesday, like me, but planned to stay in TN overnight on Wednesday whereas I had planned to go a more southern route and stay overnight in western VA or northwestern NC. I don't like Interstates, but I don't want to spend much extra time getting to the Dragon. There are enough twisties there to satisfy me more a whlie without driving back roads all the way from home.
There will probably be a large contingent from DC, Philly, and your area going like there was last year. They all headed towards DC, out I66 to I81, and then south to Ashville. That is the same route I went, but I left a day early and didn't run into them.
BTW - have you ever been to the Dragon before? Awesome!!
Winston03/Fly738
There will probably be a large contingent from DC, Philly, and your area going like there was last year. They all headed towards DC, out I66 to I81, and then south to Ashville. That is the same route I went, but I left a day early and didn't run into them.
BTW - have you ever been to the Dragon before? Awesome!!
Winston03/Fly738
I have no idea how the caravan-thing will play out. I figure regional threads can provide a starting point for those parties interested in a group ride to the Dragon. Further planning -- route, stops, lodging, communications -- can be ironed out from that point on between interested groups.
There is a good chance I'll be in the DC metro area (Fairfax County, VA more specifically) just before the Dragon so most likely I'll start my drive from there. I wouldn't mind jumping in with the DC Metro convoy if there is one.
7th Gear Gal
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 36,087
Likes: 3
From: Weeblegabber West (aka WLA)
Having motored with all sorts and sizes of MINI groups since 2002, I would like to just mention that when you motor with more than FIVE MINIs, it will slow you down. Just a little (mini) reality check, friends: If you don't mind making numerous pitstops, then go for it. It IS lovely to stop and have lunch together along the road to The Dragon.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Bayonne, NJ
Originally Posted by MINIclo
Having motored with all sorts and sizes of MINI groups since 2002, I would like to just mention that when you motor with more than FIVE MINIs, it will slow you down. Just a little (mini) reality check, friends: If you don't mind making numerous pitstops, then go for it. It IS lovely to stop and have lunch together along the road to The Dragon.
I am not sure what to expect in terms of caravans... and I can see large groups moving considerably slower than a group of 3-5 MINIs.
Folks, whoever wants to caravan, please keep the above in mind. It may also be good to point out that designated rest-stops, means of communication (cell-phone or two-way radios), and food/gas breaks be established first. Also, directions should be provided to everyone in the caravan so that should one MINI fall behind for whatever reason, they can still find their way to the next designated stop (or the Dragon). This can help offset the slower pace.
Thoughts, suggestions? Bueller? Bueller???
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,715
Likes: 1
From: Irwin, PA
Originally Posted by Mini2Go
I understand that there was a pretty big caravan last year collecting MINIs from PA, OH, MI, IL, IN, KY, TN, MO, VA etc. on the way to Deals Gap. There was something like 60 MINIs arriving together!
I haven't seen a thread started to gather and publicize the rest of the details for this caravan, but figured that it might be a good idea to go ahead and start one. It would be cool to see 100 MINIs or more caravan together this year!
So, is there someone who was actually in this caravan last year that might be able to put up more information about the route driven and the meeting places/times where smaller groups can plan on hooking up with the main group?
As I understand it, one of the meeting places was between Columbus and Cinci at exit 65 on I-71 at 9AM Thursday morning.
I haven't seen a thread started to gather and publicize the rest of the details for this caravan, but figured that it might be a good idea to go ahead and start one. It would be cool to see 100 MINIs or more caravan together this year!
So, is there someone who was actually in this caravan last year that might be able to put up more information about the route driven and the meeting places/times where smaller groups can plan on hooking up with the main group?
As I understand it, one of the meeting places was between Columbus and Cinci at exit 65 on I-71 at 9AM Thursday morning.
Last year we met the NE Ohio Caravan at exit 65 on I-71 between Columbus and Cincinnati. It's approx 200 miles from Washington, PA. We met at 9am.
Then we me the larger group at the first reststop in KY (Detroit and Cincinnati Caravan).
This route is about 60-65 miles longer than running down I-79 through WV, however, along the way we pick up people OH, MI, IL, KY, TN, MO, VA etc. about 60 cars total. It makes for a better time.
Steve
Thread Starter
|
Coordinator :: Pitt Stop MINI
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,919
Likes: 1
From: Steelers Country
Originally Posted by yomamali
designated rest-stops, means of communication (cell-phone or two-way radios), and food/gas breaks be established first
mielnicki - I saw your post (you'll notice, I virtually quoted it
), but thought it worthwhile to get a little more exposure of the convoy to the masses, and I wanted to see if the route/stops/etc could be mapped the rest of the way down. 
...Not sure the easiest way to set up threads for convoys from different regions. I can change the name of this thread to a better description if it would help.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,715
Likes: 1
From: Irwin, PA
The Caravan Through the OH valley actually started in Detroit by Michigan MINIs and Detroit Tuned.
Everyone else fell in line at the appropriat times.
I have PM'd Jeremy (Sarcux) to see what the NE Ohio club plans are.
I have also PM'd Chad (agocart) to see what The Michigan Caravan's plans are.
A few points about the caravan.
While it is true that it takes longer to get there with all the MINIs, it is a lot of fun with 50-60 MINIs in the group. As for stops, they are coordinated, however, you can skip them if you want. Some people did not stop for luch last year.
Here is the route that was taken last year, ignore the times.
Steve
Everyone else fell in line at the appropriat times.
I have PM'd Jeremy (Sarcux) to see what the NE Ohio club plans are.
I have also PM'd Chad (agocart) to see what The Michigan Caravan's plans are.
A few points about the caravan.
While it is true that it takes longer to get there with all the MINIs, it is a lot of fun with 50-60 MINIs in the group. As for stops, they are coordinated, however, you can skip them if you want. Some people did not stop for luch last year.
Here is the route that was taken last year, ignore the times.
Steve
Originally Posted by Sarcux
From there we will motor all the way to the rest area in I-75/71 in Kentucky between exits 178 and 175. It comes up on the right very fast, so stick to the right lane, even though there will be slow semis. (We will
stop for gas about halway between Columbus and Cincinatti).
By then it should be about 11:30 am, which is our meeting time.
From there we will motor with the Caravan to the Man o'War exit 109 (I-75) for lunch and gas. After that its a straight shot to the Dragon!
I will post the directions below:
Time Mile Instruction For Toward
Summary: 468.1 miles (7 hours, 45 minutes)
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart I-71 Exit 151 [Food, Gas, Diesel, Lodging, Store, Open 24 Hrs, Medical Services, Play Area, Truck Scales, Truck Parking, Truck Services, RV Parking] on I-71 (South-West) 43.7 mi
9:43 AM 43.7 Continue (West) on I-70 [I-71] 1.2 mi
9:45 AM 44.9 Continue (West) on I-71 88.8 mi I-71 / Cincinnati / Dublin Rd
11:08 AM 133.7 Turn off onto Ramp 0.7 mi I-275 / I-75
11:09 AM 134.3 Merge onto I-275 (North-West) 5.1 mi
11:13 AM 139.4 At I-275 Exit 43A, turn off onto Ramp 0.6 mi I-75 / Cincinnati
11:14 AM 140.0 Merge onto I-75 (South) 16.0 mi
11:29 AM 156.1 Continue (South) on I-71 [I-75] 19.2 mi
11:29 AM 156.4 Entering Kentucky
11:47 AM 175.3 At I-71 Exit I-71 South Ramp, continue (South) on I-75 55.1 mi
12:39 PM 230.4 At I-75 Exit 118, turn off onto Ramp 1.0 mi
12:40 PM 231.4 Merge onto I-64 [I-75] (East) 5.5 mi
12:47 PM 237.0 At I-75 Exit 111, continue (South-East) on I-75 165.6 mi
2:30 PM 348.7 Entering Tennessee
3:21 PM 402.5 Continue (East) on I-275 2.8 mi
3:23 PM 405.3 At I-275 I-40 Exit, turn off onto Ramp 0.2 mi
3:24 PM 405.6 Merge onto I-40 (West) 0.7 mi
3:25 PM 406.3 At I-40 Exit 386, turn off onto Ramp 0.3 mi
3:25 PM 406.6 Turn LEFT (South) onto US-129 [SR-115] 52.5 mi
4:28 PM 458.4 Entering North Carolina
4:29 PM 459.1 Turn LEFT (East) onto SR-28 8.9 mi
4:45 PM 468.0 Turn RIGHT (South-West) onto Woods Rd 174 yds
4:45 PM 468.1 Turn RIGHT (West) onto Local road(s) 32 yds
4:45 PM 468.1 Arrive Fontana Village
stop for gas about halway between Columbus and Cincinatti).
By then it should be about 11:30 am, which is our meeting time.
From there we will motor with the Caravan to the Man o'War exit 109 (I-75) for lunch and gas. After that its a straight shot to the Dragon!
I will post the directions below:
Time Mile Instruction For Toward
Summary: 468.1 miles (7 hours, 45 minutes)
9:00 AM 0.0 Depart I-71 Exit 151 [Food, Gas, Diesel, Lodging, Store, Open 24 Hrs, Medical Services, Play Area, Truck Scales, Truck Parking, Truck Services, RV Parking] on I-71 (South-West) 43.7 mi
9:43 AM 43.7 Continue (West) on I-70 [I-71] 1.2 mi
9:45 AM 44.9 Continue (West) on I-71 88.8 mi I-71 / Cincinnati / Dublin Rd
11:08 AM 133.7 Turn off onto Ramp 0.7 mi I-275 / I-75
11:09 AM 134.3 Merge onto I-275 (North-West) 5.1 mi
11:13 AM 139.4 At I-275 Exit 43A, turn off onto Ramp 0.6 mi I-75 / Cincinnati
11:14 AM 140.0 Merge onto I-75 (South) 16.0 mi
11:29 AM 156.1 Continue (South) on I-71 [I-75] 19.2 mi
11:29 AM 156.4 Entering Kentucky
11:47 AM 175.3 At I-71 Exit I-71 South Ramp, continue (South) on I-75 55.1 mi
12:39 PM 230.4 At I-75 Exit 118, turn off onto Ramp 1.0 mi
12:40 PM 231.4 Merge onto I-64 [I-75] (East) 5.5 mi
12:47 PM 237.0 At I-75 Exit 111, continue (South-East) on I-75 165.6 mi
2:30 PM 348.7 Entering Tennessee
3:21 PM 402.5 Continue (East) on I-275 2.8 mi
3:23 PM 405.3 At I-275 I-40 Exit, turn off onto Ramp 0.2 mi
3:24 PM 405.6 Merge onto I-40 (West) 0.7 mi
3:25 PM 406.3 At I-40 Exit 386, turn off onto Ramp 0.3 mi
3:25 PM 406.6 Turn LEFT (South) onto US-129 [SR-115] 52.5 mi
4:28 PM 458.4 Entering North Carolina
4:29 PM 459.1 Turn LEFT (East) onto SR-28 8.9 mi
4:45 PM 468.0 Turn RIGHT (South-West) onto Woods Rd 174 yds
4:45 PM 468.1 Turn RIGHT (West) onto Local road(s) 32 yds
4:45 PM 468.1 Arrive Fontana Village
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,715
Likes: 1
From: Irwin, PA
Originally Posted by Sarcux
I don't think Chad is coming this year, try PMing Ryephile.
Steve
I volunteered to "organize" the Michigan MINI caravan. Basically we'll just go down I-75 from Michigan to Knoxville, then exit onto hwy-129 all the way into the Dragon.
Approximate times are:
*Leave Northville, MI Meijer's at 6:30am
*Meet with Sarcux and all the MININEO group about 11:30 at the 1st Rest Stop south of Cincinnati in Kentucky.
*Have lunch in Lexington, picking up a few more MINIacs
*Arrive at Fontana Village about 6-ish, just in time for the Welcome Dinner!
Cheers,
Ryan
Approximate times are:
*Leave Northville, MI Meijer's at 6:30am
*Meet with Sarcux and all the MININEO group about 11:30 at the 1st Rest Stop south of Cincinnati in Kentucky.
*Have lunch in Lexington, picking up a few more MINIacs
*Arrive at Fontana Village about 6-ish, just in time for the Welcome Dinner!
Cheers,
Ryan
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere west
I have to pay close attention to this. Looks like the MI group will be driving right past my front door in Columbus, so it looks like i will meet up with you all somewhere between there and here.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,715
Likes: 1
From: Irwin, PA
Originally Posted by Mini2Go
Now that's what I'm talking about Steve! I'm so excited I've got goose-bumps!
PittStop MINIs tentative schedule:
4:30am-Meet in Washington, PA (Full Tank of Gas)
5:00am-Leave Washington, PA head to Columbus
9:30am-Meet Sarcux and MININEO I-71 Exit 65 Gas Station (Get Gas)
11:30am-Meet Ryephile and Michigan MINIs 1st Rest stop on I-75 in KY
Then Lunch
Get Gas (Cheaper than at Fontana, and most will need it)
Then Fontana before the welcome dinner.
Steve
