At Fontana, MINI5280 is now on channel 5-21. We are cabin 506 on Welch Rd. right by the lower lot.

Phones don't work here.

Jonathan

 

This is a great thread! It is of special interest to me since I'm heading East in a week or so for my oldest son's college graduation. I'll believe I'll head from Santa Fe to GSMNP and then take the Blue Ridge Parkway towards Philadelphia. I can't drive 55 . . . but I've never really given 45 a shot . . . so why not!

As for the Valentine . . . I've done considerable cruising and have succeeded in beating that "on/off" pattern used by most state police not by getting off the gas but by getting on the brake. This has worked several times for the $100 bill. Unfortunately, since I've installed XM Radio, I occassionally slam on the brakes for good jazz.

 

is now the Dragon to Denver Caravan III....headed out shortly westward.

This morning's group includes:

Jonathan
Rick
Mike and Brian
Tim GP1292
Doug and Donna
Dan and Becky
Lois and Mark
Jim Zyamfier

Whitlow and Eleanor are going touring in Asheville for a while....

On the way to StL tonite, then most everyone home on Monday. Some of us home late Tuesday or Wednesday...

See you soon.

JPS

 

Fellow 5280,

I trust you got the message I went lost wingman on you. I left the Dragon at 0630 this morning and landed in KC at the Hilton Garden Inn about an hour ago! Great ride to here, my V1 paid off several times. I hit lots of hard rain in MO and into KC. I will take off early tomorrow morning for the final approach into Denver.

What a GREAT time I had for my first MOTD!!! Fabulous people, fun twisties and I hit the jackpot on door prizes!! Woohoo!!!

L8tR.

 

The journey was long the friends were many. I have managed to make it home to MIN-i-DEN and found that the "Dragon Wagon" likes beer too. While unloading I found a broken bottle in the back of the trailer. So, looks like I will be doing a full clean up on the inside. But otherwise all is good. See you all in the Mountains in August for sure.
Jim

 

Glad to read everyone made it back ok. Sorry I dropped off the back on the Dragon on the way out... I wanted to make sure Blake made it ok.

Jonathan, Jim, Rick, (and everyone else in the 5280 cabin), thanks for the hospitality and letting me bum around with you guys before and after the rest of the CMMC/MF crew arrived.

Maybe I can catch your caravan next year till then, keep in touch!

 

Thanks to our host for the Dragon. You deserve a break. Have a beer and a pork tenderloin samich.

 

It was fun to be a part of this Dragon trip, meeting folks from all over, especially our St Louis area friends. Jim -- Sorry to hear about the Dragon Wagon's thirst for beer. Maybe you should offer it a beer (on the outside) now and then. It was a definite attention-getter at every stop.

The stats:
Denver to Dragon 1966 miles (via Omaha, KC, St Louis, Indianapolis, Bowling Green, Marysville), 8 states in 4 days. While there, 542 miles. Drive back directly, 1408 miles. Grand total 3916 miles. My MINI turned 30,000 miles DURING my first drive through the Dragon. It's now -300 (overdue) for next service, so it'll spend a day at Schomp this week. Lots of things to catch up on, including posting photos, video, etc.


Rick

 

Hi All, Good to hear everyone made it back home without incident. We had a super MINI time with our new and old friends. A special thanks to Jonathan's parents for the hospitality at their lovely home. MITM is one the calender. Motor On, Dan and Becky

 

Just made it home a bit ago after a sidebar to Wichita. Lots and Lots and Lots of rain yesterday in southwestern MO and NE OK.....and the until noon today in Wichita. Then, more bugs.

Tried to go thru Greensburg, KS but the Guard had the road closed still. Drove the back roads to Denver, not one single mile of Interstate from Wichita and came in within 30 mins of my alltime best on the highway.

Which leads me to note that there now need to be two NEW categories for our RoadKill Bingo game: Turtles and Armadillo. Passed dozens of dead latter and drove over dozens of the former, just crossing the road slowly. I will post the game for feedback.

Thanks to you all and to Jim for the great pic below. My wife appreciates that one.

JPS