I will probably have a different viewpoint here than many others, but here goes. Many people come to MOTD for the social aspects and I agree it is great to spend time with others of similar interests, and see people from years past. But I come to MOTD for the roads- mostly because I live in a land of boringly flat and straight roads (grand total of 3 curves on my 12 mile one way commute, so dull that I've mostly quit driving and now bike to work).

In short, I'd like to see more group drives. I didn't register until late and most drives were full (though I crashed the sunrise drive party anyhow. . . ) So I went out on my own a lot during this my third MOTD, and discovered some great new roads (US276 west of Highlands, into SC), Cades Cove loop and re-visited some familiar ones- the Dragon obviously, NC28 south to Franklin, US64 to Highlands, NC215. There is no shortage of outstanding driving roads in the area.

Driving and group drives at MOTD to me are not about the destination but about the journey. I want to cram as much as humanly possibly into my "annual adrenaline booster shot" of a weekend. But those drives are much more fun with a small group of few fellow MINI's than on my own. Yes I could ask around and try to arrange something, but that doesn't seem to work out.

And yes, if I return to MOTD next year, I'm glad to be a part of the "solution" and lead a drive. . .

I like the idea of "getaway day" drives on Sunday- group departures headed in major directions, peeling away toward our respective destinations.

+1 on the speed coded drives or at least faster/slower groups within a drive.

To keep it in perspective, these ideas being posted just make a great event even better. I add my thanks to all the volunteers who help make it possible!

 

Now that is a good idea. I would have sprung for that.

Jim

 

Hey Jay...Jim wants to pay to have your MINI washed!!!

 

Yes -- I used the coupons at Deal Gap !! it work fine !

 

I agree completely with COLEJD !! Rate the Drives !! ;-)

 

Perhaps I did not word that exactly right. Not that Just Jay is not deserving of a free wash, I meant having my car done.

Jim

 

Here are some comments I have recieved vial email:

Sport event on Field (Softball, kickball or volleyball)
Beerolympics
Movie night
MINI marathon on some sorts with silly games and prizes
Autocross

 

I'll vote for Volleyball, Movie Night, and Autocross. I also noticed they had a lighted miniture-golf course. That could be cool to have a team competition on.

Kevin

 

Bring back the Off Topic Band. That is were anyone that wants to play in the band shows up and plays. We just jam!!! We did it one year. When we tried to repeat it I was the only one that showed up. But of course I didn't make it this year so maybe someone did have the off topic band again..

 

I think that in past MOTDs, the autocross was held at the Maryville High School parking lot. For obvious reasons, it couldn't happen this year....

 

We used to have a group of musicians at our Cigar Salon event...would that be the "Off Topic Band" to which you refer? Our group of musicians just showed up and melded...no one practiced beforehand, but it made for a very relaxing evening. Any interested musicians are more than welcome to join us on the Welcome Center Porch after the Welcome Dinner, in 2011, when we have our next Cigar Salon.

 

I've added the "Off Topic Band" to the list, that is something that we'll need a volunteer for. Someone to post up about the event and try to get folks to join. I'll be more than happy to make a page for it and put it on the schedule if it gets off the ground. Let me know if someone wants to run with this.

 

Barry -- everyone is talking about "detailing" -- I think these guys are down in your neck of the woods and their products are FANATASTIC !!

http://www.wolfgangcarcare.com/index.html

Perhaps we could attempt to get them to come up to MOTD ?

 

Tom suggested a poker tournament. Is there any interest in something like that?

 

One step ahead of ya, we're working with Outmotoring and Griots Garage to handle the detailing clinic and products for the 2011 Dragon.

 

the better question is: Is there someone willing to host it...hint...hint..wink...wink

 

My hope is that after hearing my rave review of MOTD that I can persuade a few others locally to come and the perhaps our local group can host it.

However if there is interest and some other established group of MOTD veterans wants to host, then that might be the safer bet. I would be willing to help in whatever way I could (I have a couple of cases of chips).

 

Here is a personal item I'm hoping to add for 2011. Sunrise Kayak on Lake Fontana. There is a place in Bryson City that will bring over the kayaks. Probably keep it short, like under two hours as not to interfer with the other drives.

 

I'm talking with the tent company about possibly getting a 20' x 20' tent with some chairs set up by the general store. It would be there so we could hold clinic throughout the event. Detailing, electrical, lighting, etc.

Is there anyone out there that might be interested in holding/leading such a clinic? I think we have a company lined up the the detailing ones so far, but I'd like to see if there is enough interest to justify this.